Conference noted::bicycle

>Another point I have a question about: Can I call the roads or whatever 
>dept in the town (Westboro) and request that they remidy this dangerous 
>section of road??? Has anyone done this before??

By all means, complain. Some cities are very receptive to the idea of 
replacing grates that could cost them a lot of $$ in lawsuits. Many 
cities have replaced them in the past 10 years with ones perpendicular 
to the line of travel, or with cross-hatched grates, etc.

                                 ken

    I'd be tempted to go farther than a simple complaint and file a 
    damage claim for the wheel.  I think you have a case, as the damage
    was caused by a road hazard for which the town is responsible. 
    It may take months to get satisfaction, but bringing the situation
    to the town's attention is worth the trouble.
    
    Mac.

    	I agree, report the problem and include a reciept for the new
    wheel. My mother hit a pothole in town, which blew the hubcap off
    and put a hole in the oil pan. The town ended up paying for part
    of the cost. The town has insurance to cover liablities so they
    hand the bill to the insurance company.   
    
    good luck....Tom

I talked to my friend and got more details on the demo:

TIME:	7:00 pm. this Thursday night.

PLACE:	REI in Reading MA. Exit 40 off of rt 128, take 129 west about
	a 1/4 mi. and its on your left.

TOPIC:	Basic bike building and maintaining your bike. It includes how to
	true your wheels but NOT how to build wheels. 


I don't know if the speaker is a pro or how much he knows. He said that if
enough people stuff the suggestion box with requests for a wheel building
session then they will set one up. I may stuff a few 'just for my friends'.


as a reply to my side note: Who or what orginization should I send my
complaint to about the road condition. I don't care too much about the
cost of the wheel since it was an old one but do care to prevent someone
from getting seriuosly injured.

thanx
mano

    	The Bicycle Exchange in Cambridge usually has wheel-building
    classes once or twice a year.  It might be time for a spring class
    now.  Their telephone number is (617) 864-1300.  The only real problem
    with the class is that they let you use those nice Park truing stands.
    It spoils you for life.  Now, I notice things about my Minoura like:
    		It isn't square
    		the guide screw-things move on their own
    		it doesn't automatically dish
    		etc...
    I can't justify the extra $100, though.  End of digression.
    
    	If REI doesn't offer the class you want, try the BiEx.
    
    					John

    Re .4 -- wheel trashed by storm drain grate:
    
    Send a letter to the town's Department of Public Works (most towns
    have 'em), which maintains the roads, and copy the chairman of the
    board of selectmen.  A polite letter usually wins more friends than
    a nasty one, but don't discount the seriousness of the situation
    and mention the danger to the town's children.  They can't very
    comfortably ignore that.
    
    Mac.

    re .0	Nah, just use 'em fer practice.  That's what skinney
    tyres are FOR, you're supposed to ride on the metal ribs of the
    grid, not the gaps.
    
    	Reg
    

    	Re. -.1    Yeah,  ya otta see Reg ride the steel grate bridge
    on 62 near Barre Dam in the rain.  Neat trick!   - Chris

    Re. -8  Hey, clue me in.  How DO you ride that sucker??
    

    re .9	see .7	  on the ribs
    
    
    
    
    	Start on the bridge's, land on your's.

   
    	Reg