I don't think my chain was too loose. With the bike standing still (as in a trackstand or whatever), there was almost no discernible play in the chain when applying pressure to the cranks. The chainline is also perfectly straight.
I just looked at the chainring - no defects. In light of what ianjk said, it's obviously better to install the chain the proper way but I was two miles from home without tools. I disagree, Scrodzilla.. It may not be good for it, but it's possible. Only the top of the chain is in tension when you peddle forward. The lower portion of the chain just hangs loose until you peddle it all the way around.
It seems pretty obvious that the loose chainring did it. I'll be keeping a closer eye on it.
thanks everyone.
Originally Posted by
Negative Force
I really want to see pictures of this finely tuned machine now though
There ya go. Attached is a picture of the drivetrain right I peddled the chain back on. thanks for the help man