Updates

Moped Update:
IT LIVES!!! So this moped I bought has ended up teaching me a great deal about how to fix a small gasoline engine. First I had to install new spark plugs. Then I had to remove, disassemble and then clean the carburetor. Finally I had to partially disassemble and clean the clutch. Fortunately for me, these all happen to be very simple components on this model of moped, so the operations were successful. My moped can now carry me along flat ground at nearly 25 miles per hour. It still can't go up hills much faster than 5 mph, and sometimes it dies and I have to push it, but what vast improvement! Prior to this, I had no real idea what a carburetor or a clutch did, nor how they worked, so regardless of how far this thing actually carries me (i.e. Aspen?), I feel like I'm getting my money's worth in engine lessons.

Road Rash Update:
Things are healing very well. So far no signs of infection. I've gone bandage free on my right side (except for my ankle) for nearly 24 hours. The more recent scrape on my left hip is down to a single large adhesive bandage, and no longer oozes onto my underwear (if that was too much information, you shouldn't be reading my blog).

Sickness Update:
Apparently my body was ready for some serious rest. Monday was excruciating. I haven't been so hammered physically since I was on the Magic School Bus, which is saying a lot. (For those who don't remember, I went cruising for a gastrointestinal bruising while in Mexcio. And sure enough, I found one.) Yesterday I still felt totally wiped out, but today I finally had some energy. I walked to breakfast, and ate like I was hungry. I still have awful symptoms (lots of hacking, plenty of snot, etc -- the only good side being the slightly deeper voice), but at least I feel good. Tomorrow? Better still I hope.

Still Want to Go to Aspen?

Alright, here it is, I present to you my new moped, Boris: 

Boris is a Kinetic TFR moped. He still needs some work, but I'm proud to say that as of today, Boris does indeed run. He still can't really idle without stalling, nor can he produce enough power to move me forward, but this is a vast improvement over yesterday. I replaced Boris' spark plug, and Boris likes that. I had a moment of supreme embarrassment while attempting to purchase said spark plug at the auto parts store. I was at the check out counter, talking to someone who looked like he should have his own show on SpeedVision, when I realized I know absolutely nothing about gasoline engines. "I need a spark plug for my moped," I said. "Ok, what kind of spark plug," the automotive expert behind the counter asked dryly. Unsure what the guy meant, I tried again, this time slightly louder: "um.....one moped spark plug please." The clerk lifted his eyes from his computer screen, and now visibly annoyed said, "Dude, I need a part number for your spark plug. We stock over 100 different types of spark plug." I gulped, suddenly recognizing how out of my league I was. "Oh. I see. I guess I'll be right back then," I said, and inched towards the door. I returned a few minutes later, this time with the old spark plug in hand. I bought a new spark plug, as well as the wrench and socket needed to install it. 

I think Boris might need a new clutch (or at least a rebuild of his current clutch). Provided that the thing next to the engine that spins is indeed the clutch, I'm about 25% sure of this. Not great odds, but that is my best idea thus far. I can't wait for the days when Boris and I cross the country together in search of adventure.

Welcome to the family Boris.

p.s. If anyone out there in blogland is good at repairing mopeds (or moped clutches), and is interested in helping Boris and me achieve our dreams, let me know. Any help would be appreciated.