What a Difference a Day Makes

Hello and Welcome. I found this beautiful old Fuji "Gran Tourer S.E."on Craigs list Sat evening. I had recently been admiring one like it on oldtenspeedgallery.com So when I ran across this one for sale in Milford, I had to go check it out. At first glance it looked a little dingy. But I noticed all the decals were intact. And that even though it was filthy, I did not see many scratches. The original owner Joe told me that He had up-graded the 27 x 1 1/4 inch wheels. And that He had also invested in some better side pull caliper brakes. And He was not finished yet. He has changed the shifters from stem mounted shifters to the down tube mounted shifters. "I really like the way this guy thinks" So I took it for a short spin. It felt tight and the front wheel was "dead on". And even though it was filthy from laying around for 15 years, it shifted fairly smoothly. I`m really starting to think this bike has great potential. I must have it! lol..I loaded the bike onto the rack and shook Joe`s hand and told him thanks. Then he reminded me that I had not paid him for the bike yet. Opps! I did apologize a couple times (feeling like a total jerk) and paid the man. Then off I went. Fast forward about 8 or 9 hours . Now I have had some time to clean the Fuji up a bit. And I am absolutely amazed what a nice bike this is! The tires while "not new" by any stretch are still soft and have some decent tread left. And while they are not the same brand, the tread is a near perfect match. And the color of the gum-walls is a good match too. I can tell someone really put some effort into the selection. I`m guessing Joe had a blow-out and was not able to find the exact tire. Well the ARAYA Alloy 27X1&1/4 wheels cleaned up great. And the Dia Compe side-pull caliper brakes (and levers) cleaned-up nicely as well. Will this be my new main ride? Will it dethrone my new MotoBecane Mirage Sport? I doubt it. But I am gonna finish the restoration and ride this one a few times before I decide. I wonder how much I could get for a very low mileage new MotoBecane? Ride Safe and remember to RESCUE-RESTORE & RECYCLE

The Bike-Trail To Nowhere

Hello and Welcome,
Sometimes a good idea just goes bad. The Duck Lake Pines Community Park Trail seems to one of those ideas.




Last year I rode the trail many times as a small part of my Sunday morning ride. I did notice that on several rides around the paved trail, that the back part of the trail was wet. And many times you had to ride through some water. But this year has been unbelievable. The back part of the trail has been literally swamped. To be honest I`m not sure what the trail was officially built for. But I`m pretty sure that is is supposed to be above water all the way around. I don`t know who checks the "lay of the land" or checks to see if an area is flood prone. One would think this would be done before spending the tax-payers money on a new paved trail. And maybe something else was done after the trail was built to create the problem. I don`t know who is to blame, or if anyone is to blame for that matter. But none the less there is a problem. And times being what they are, I doubt very much that it is a priority. It is really not much of a trail, when it comes to distance. I just enjoy getting out of traffic for a while when out riding. And there just are not that many places in "East Highland"(as it was once called) where you can do that. But over-all the Park seems to be Really Nice. There were a couple of baseball games going on when I rode through this morning.(5-30-09) And two boys were playing tennis over on one of the tennis courts. There were some kids playing on the playground near the start of the trail. People were walking their dogs. One little guy was playing on the roller hockey rink. So the park was definitely a good idea. And many people seem to be enjoying it. And I include myself in that number. I just hope that the people in charge of such things can figure out a way to keep the trail above water. Hopefully someone is already working on the problem. I sure hope so. I did hear that a new paved bike trail is opening in Milford this weekend. And that it starts at Hubble Pond Park near Peters Street and Commerce Road to the Ford Dam. It runs along General Motors Road to Martindale Road, ending near the entrance to the park off South Milford Road . I think I will load up my bike and camera, and go check it out! Ride Safe, Wear a Helmet & Remember RESCUE-RESTORE & RECYCLE Cheers, Hugh
P.S. Since this post was published the trail has been redone. Not saying this post had anything to do with it.

Riding the Kensington Metro Park Bike Trail

Today I finally made it over to Kensington Metro-Park in Milford Mi. Having never ridden there before, I asked for a trail map at the toll booth on my way into the park. I had not been in the park for quite a few years. My Dad and I would go fishing there (and sailing once) when I was a boy. My Dad passed away last December so today brought back some memories. When I saw the area where the rental boats were docked. (see pic) I was surprised to see how small it now looks. The trail is really nice with the exception of one part that runs parallel with the expressway. There are many beautiful views of the lake and the woods. And if your a people watcher there are lots of people to watch. As you can see on the map there are many places to stop along the way. I encountered a group of cyclists having a picnic on the beach. Actually I saw them twice. That`s when I realized that I was on my second lap around the lake. oops! So I ended up riding about 4 miles farther than I planed, No big deal. If I had not missed my exit, I would not have stopped and chatted with the cyclists. Who by my second pass were packing up their picnic supplies. It was mid day when I was there and it was warm in the sun. But the trail is in and out of the woods so it never got too warm. There is a large herd of deer in the park. But being mid-day I did not see any. If you have ever seen the original Christmas card with the deer eating the snowman`s carrot nose. That photograph was taken in Kensington. Wow! I`m just a fountain of useless information today! Over all, I think Kensington is a great place for a ride. Especially if you have a group because there is lots to see and do. And there is food as well. And beaches for swimming. and places to fish. I also saw a kayak`er, I gotta try that some day. The Eskimo-roll is on my life "must do" list. Someone told me (and I can`t remember who) that the bike trail in Kensington has lots of hills. It does, but it`s nothing to demanding. I think Indian Springs is less crowded and the woods are a little more natural. But Kensington has the Lake and lots of things to do. But both are great in their own way. So I am looking forward to riding the Kensington Bike trail again. But tomorrow morn I think I might ride over to the park at M59 and DuckLake and see if the back of the trail is still under water. Maybe while I am there I will find out the name of the park. Ending on a good note, I received an e-mail from my supplier today. It said that my order was shipped today! That only took 13 days! But hey, most of the time they are very fast so I will forgive them. Ride Safe and Remember to Always.... RESCUE-RESTORE & RECYCLE.... Cheers, Hugh

Waiting For Parts

Nothing new to report about the Schwinn "World" restoration. I am
still waiting for parts. Good thing I ordered them way ahead of time.
Meanwhile my dear friend Sue from segerstudio.com sent me these cool photographs from Hobe Sound in Fla. Thanks Sue! Visit her site sometime and check-out the photographs. Sue has the distinction of taking the only photograph of me (actually 2) that I like. I absolutely cringe when I see a camera.
I went for my ride today it rained most of the time. However it is warm
and very humid today.So it did not feel bad at all. In traffic, it would have sucked though. But the paved bike path was not very busy today. I had on yellow glasses which really brighten up a gloomy day. And wow the woods really come to life! Still no deer sightings. I did see some wild Turkeys (one up close). I was hoping for something more exciting than a really fresh Butter-Ball. On the way out of the park I did spot a red-tail hawk in a tree off to the side of the road. Since the park ranger was right on my back bumper, I decided not to pull over and try to photograph it. I think He was investigating a "bear-Pick-nic basket" incident. Just kidding no bears this far south. Maybe someday.
UPDATE: A Bear was recently spotted south of here in Washtenaw County Mi.It appears someday has arrived!
Also if you haven`t already, visit the oldtenspeedgallery.com You can submit pics of your classic (or not so classic) ten-speed. And vote for the "Ten-Speed of The Month." An honor that has eluded me so far. Tell them Hugh sent you. Well that's about all I got today. Ride Safe and remember to RESCUE-RESTORE & RECYCLE
Cheers,Hugh

Future Project and a Good Find!

Hello and Welcome
Above: I found this little Raleigh yesterday. This will be an easy one. It will get new gum-wall tires. (to help it go fast) And also some new brake shoes. (to help it stop fast) And I gotta scrap that handlebar foam. Even though it is in perfect condition. I really hate handlebar foam! The cables look perfect. So I will disconnect them just long enough to lubricate the covers. About 2 drops (oil) for the shorter ones and 3 for the longer covers. Then some very minor surface rust removal & a good washing. And adjust the derailleurs (if needed). The head-set and crank are smooth as silk, I might just leave them alone.


Today I am feeling a little under the weather. So I took the day off and finished the "quick flip" on the above mountain bike. So tonight I will watch the Detroit Red-Wings finish-off the Chicago Black-Hawks. Then off to the finals against the Penguins. That should be interesting. I`m wondering if the Penguins will look as good against the Wings. Actually I`m not really wondering at all. I know the Penguins will not look so good against the DRW best in the NHL! Go Wings!!!. I know this has nothing to do with bicycles! But hockey IS listed on my profile. And This Is The Play-Offs! Until Next Time Please Ride Safe and Remember to Always....... "RESCUE, RESTORE & RECYCLE"
Cheers ,Hugh

Me and my shadow

Nothing happening with the Schwinn "World" restoration today. I had to do some masonry work this morn. On the way home from the site I did a little bike-hunting. I found a Girls Mountain Bike (24 inch wheels). The back wheel was mangled pretty bad. But the rest of the bike looked real good. It was tagged 25.00, but it was 1/2 off day at the Thrift Store! I got to thinking, my neighbor gave me a 24 in wheel mountain bike the other day. And while the bike was a little rough, the 24 inch wheels looked pretty good. I think this could work out. Well it worked out great. It even had the correct free-wheel,(6 gears) Sweet! I also found a very sweet women`s "Raleigh Capri" at a resale shop. It was 79.95 but before I could walk away the fellow told me it is 1/2 off today. Well looking the bike over I could not find anything wrong with it. The tires are original and dried-out. And I`m sure the brake shoes are too. But everything else looks great. The paint and decals are like new. The bicycle saddle is perfect. And there is not even a hint of rust on the cables. So I went ahead and bought it. I normally would not pay that much for an older Capri. the Capri is basically an entry level Women's bicycle. But I usually have to put much more work (and cash) into the bikes than this one will require. When I arrived at home I removed the wheels from the bike with the bent back wheel. Then I cleaned up the wheels my neighbor had given me. I removed the tires and tubes off the damaged wheel set. Then I mounted those tires on the straight (and actually much nicer) wheels. Then put those on the newer mountain bike. I had to re adjust the brakes to fit the new rims. while I had the wheels off I also degreased the derailleurs and crankset. So now I just have to dig through all my collection of salvaged saddles and find a nice one. And this little bike should be "good to go". Actually, I think I will replace the front derailleur shift cable as well. But that is no big deal. And I will need to adjust the Shimano rear derailleur, which should be simple enough. I think when finished it will make some young lady a nice looking and solid little bike. And it should bring in a few bucks for parts for the next project. Well that`s all I have for tonight. Please Ride Safe and Remember to Always... RESCUE, RESTORE & RECYCLE
Cheers,Hugh

Schwinn World Restoration 5-25-09

Hello and Welcome, I think the photographs pretty much say it all. But just in case they do not, today went really well. I was able to true the wheels using my wheel truing stand and spoke wrenches. Then polish the wheels with Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish. The threaded headset is rebuilt,the stem and handlebars are polished and re-mounted. The seat-post has been polished (along with the nut and bolt) and re-mounted. I Polished the crank and chain-rings. Also cleaned up the front and rear derailleurs and re-mounted them. I cleaned up the chain, but ended up replacing it anyway. The side-pull caliper brakes have been polished and mounted. Also cleaned up the free-wheel . Oh yes, and I polished the stem mount shifters and re-mounted them. Also I was able clean up the fork. I am too tired to go into detail right now. The only thing that I am not happy with is the chain. It is new, but looks like a piece of crap. I was having trouble re-connecting the old chain. So I took the easy out and just installed a new one I had laying around. I will fix that latter. The original cable housings are clear. They look cool, but I might replace them with new black ones. I`ll give the original ones a closer look before I decide. Ok, I`m really tired so I will say Goodnight and Please RIDE SAFE and Remember to Always....RESCUE, RESTORE & RECYCLE
Cheers,Hugh