cycleyogini

Wolfville is home to Acadia University and was my initial introduction to the Canadian Congress of Leisure Research–the Canadian academic conference for leisure scholars–when I began my career as a professor at the University of Manitoba. Susan, a retired colleague, and her husband, John, invited me to stay. In addition, they introduced me to the bicycle mechanics at The Stove and Cycle Shop.

Wolfville is a small, university town with a great local farmer’s market, theatre, music hub, and various types of B&Bs. The harbour–the world’s smallest registered harbour in the world–is deeply affected by the Fundy tides. The day I walked down to the harbour, there were only mud flats, and I could not see where the land met the water. When the tide comes in, the harbour will once again be navigable even though not used much any more.

I was relieved and vindicated to know that I had adjusted the hydraulic brakes correctly, but the trailer that rides on the quick release was pulling the disc out of alignment. Unfortunately, even the creative solutions were not possible given lack of lock washers. We were able to sort-of zip tie the quick release in place, but if I have a flat the zip tie must be cut, and I face the same situation. The constant pull on the quick release going uphills and the thumps on the downhill given misalignment all risk major damage to the bike, Zander or me!

In addition, the misalignment of the knees to accommodate Zander’s seat is beginning to cause pain and discomfort especially after four days of riding every day. Larger hills are simply not possible. Although I don’t mind walking, it slows us down making it difficult to ensure being at a campground or dog-friendly motel/B&B.

So, Wolfville marks a major decision point. I will do a side trip to Blomidon Provincial Park leaving as much gear as possible with John and Sue. Since there is an Enterprise car rental office in New Minas, I am going to rent a car for a weekend and car-camp with Zander through parts of Cape Breton. A friend in Halifax will come and pick up gear, Zander and his seat so I can cycle with knees in alignment and get the bicycle back to Halifax.