April 10, 2015

            Still not finished. There have been a lot of small projects and adjustments that Campbell and I have had to make that we did not account for when we first came up with the idea. To solve our battery problem, I decided it may be wise to secure a box to the rack in the back, put the battery in the box, and then secure the box with bungees and/or screws so there is no slack. We would then have another mini project involving charging the battery. Campbell and I had to strip wires and solder them together so we could charge all the batteries together, a project that was much more difficult than it sound. We also had to make adjustments to the control mount on the bike. Anyway, we assumed that we assumed the bike would be completed much early than it will be.

            The longest mini project was attaching the box to the bike carrier. We fit the box to the rack and began drilling holes in the bottom so we could secure the box to the bike with screws. The box cracked of course. Luckily I brought two. Campbell and I made what we thought would be a very quick run to Home Depot for some screws, washers, foam, and zip ties. Home Depot can expect a strong, well worded, review about how the helper in the screw aisle needs to get his stuff together. However, we were still able to run back to the garage to finish the project.

            Campbell and I then found our selves struggling to pull off the rubber off the copper wire comparable to Excalibur. I sweat a lot that day. Campbell and I then finished off the day by zip tying the electrical wires to the bike. It was all very hard work. I feel like a real man. We picked up tools and sparks began flying everywhere. Tightening bolts, inhaling the fumes of burnt plastic, and forming rough calluses on my hands, I can truly say that I have now experienced life as a true American man as well as shorten my life span. As frustrating as the work can be sometime it feels amazing when we are able to figure something out. All we have left is to pop on the pedal sensor and the bike will be moving. To be honest, I can’t wait to finish the bike just to be done with the work. However, that does not reduce any excitement for building the gas-powered motor. We will have to create a new plan for next week, but will most likely just play things by ear. Can’t wait to move on to the next one.