It is time to start putting some of the pieces together. I have been brainstorming with my husband about the best way to connect a generator to the bicycle. At first I thought it would be more efficient and simpler to maintain if I connected the generator directly to the pedal mechanism (fewer parts = fewer places to lose energy and fewer places for problems to occur) However, now that I know I need to spin the generator as quickly as possible in order to generate enough power, I am leaning towards using the chain and sprocket system on the bike. I am planning to reattach the rear wheel or replace it with a larger diameter rim that I happen to have in my basement. The combination of the gears on the bicycle and the large diameter wheel will increase the rpm's of the generator shaft.
Here is a picture of the bicycle frame with the large diameter wheel leaned up against it. I was planning to anchor the entire device, when I get to Haiti, by driving a stake into the ground and then sliding the middle post of the bicycle frame over the stake. This may or may not work if I use the larger wheel because I will have to build a small stand to raise the bicycle up off the ground so the wheel will move freely and not touch the ground. perhaps I will have to mount the whole device on a piece of wood.