MTB for a soldier

[Trek420]

Does he need power bars, jerseys, GU? I bet we could get something going here.

Trek-hates this &*^% war but loooooooooves our troops-420

[KnottedYet]

My brother is in the military. He has a bike over there with him. I think the bike keeps him sane, even though he can't ride much.

What else does your friend need? Lets fill the bike-box with goodies! (hey, they'll help protect the bike during shipping, right?)

[SouthernBelle]

Probably spare tubes, a good lube (sand you know), any other maintenance type stuff.

[SouthernBelle]

It looks like we've found a bike. It will be heading out of North Carolina. When I have more info I will let you know. I think I will end up being the collection point for a separate package of stuff.

[Trek420]

I think I can put together a few things and get them to you in the mail this week. My people will pm your people for an address.

JK, I don't have people.

Thank you for doing this. And thank our soldier for serving.

[onimity]

I am in touch with a solider in Iraq who posted to a MTB forum about his bike commute there. He helps the other soldiers with bikes maintain them, but they have a shortage of tools and (especially) tubes:

We can always use tubes! 26X1.75-2.35 or equivalent will fit
everything >we have, and we prefer presta valves. Some wax-based chain
lube or some >grease would also come in handy, although I can get
generic grease from >work and I still have some chain lube left. What we
really need are >some bike-specific tools (BB tool, chain whip,
shimano-type cog >lockring tool, ect.), just general bike shop stuff. I
have a multi-tool >with about every hex wrench I need, and any other
wrenches/sockets I >can get from work. But I can't get into bottom
brackets or freehubs to >service them without those special tools.
Cabling would also come in >handy, both brake and derailleur. A floor
pump that does presta and >schrader valves would help, as we're
currently using my hand pump. And >if you're really feeling generous, we
could use a good bike work stand, >but I understand they are pretty pricey.
>
>Thanks a lot for your support. It's nice to know people are thinking
>about us over here. And it's great that cycling has this kind of
>community; it makes the sport so much more enjoyable!

If anyone has anything to send, I'm sure they'd be willing recipients as well. Please PM me if so. I am planning to get a work stand. (anyone have a recommendation for what to buy?)

I am trying to collect things from a local group but the bureaucratic process is driving me bonkers. People want to discuss whether it is a pro-war or anti-war stance, and I just don't think it matters. We are all cyclists.

Anne

[KnottedYet]

SB - the more efficient thing for me to do might be to send you a little money so you can buy stuff you know he needs and fill the gaps. Do you have an LBS that might give you a discount if you go in with a shopping list for him?

[Trek420]

I am trying to collect things from a local group but the bureaucratic process is driving me bonkers. People want to discuss whether it is a pro-war or anti-war stance, and I just don't think it matters. We are all cyclists.

Anne

We're cyclists and I think we all love our troops.

This just fries me to no end and sorry for the thread hijack and what may come off as a rant.

My lefty resume takes second fiddle to very few, likely not the people on your local group (how's that for mixing analogies?).

My first memory at about 3 years old in a little red wagon behind my parents in an anti war march, or it might have been civil rights because I'm 51 so that might have been early for Vietnam.

Sonoma County then might as well have been in the South or Midwest, not the Blue state wine country it is today. That was not easy for them to take a stand. The risk was intense. I do not know if I would have the courage.

And I still feel wars won't solve world problems and this one most of all.

So, if you would be so kind as to tell those kids (and they are probably are compared to me so ...) you say you want to be anti war?

Sure, I'm right there with ya'. Do a vigil each Friday night in the town square as my 85 year old Mom and her peace group do, or an informational picket or brochure, or here's a really good idea.....vote!

I take the week off before elections and primaries to volunteer for the candidate of my choice. I've done that since oh...McGovern?

So I'll see you walking or biking the precinct, right?

Meanwhile denying a request for the simple pleasure of a bike ride, even a card, the knowledge that people here care does not bring anyone home any faster.

Fact is it may extend the war if people see progressives as anti-soldier. That could not be further from the truth.

I think we all support our troops.

I've gathered up a few things, will be sending them off including a large poster of world champion racer Dede Barry

www.dedebarry.com/pages/photos_full/19.htm

It's a bit more intense than this shot, feels like she's about to run you over. Should inspire the guy ;-)