that's what I was thinking. I was hoping to find someone who could cut that bridge, widen the stays, and weld a new bridge in there. I don't care what it looks like—it just needs to be functional and allow a tire that does not beat the snot out of me on the dirt. most likely, that won't be cost-effective. buying something new is not an option either, so I guess I'll ride this until it breaks (or I do). I'll probably go first because this thing is a tank.