If you’re new to the blog you’ll want to acquaint yourself with the reason we’re at CG Bikes in the beautiful town of Belfast Maine. This post explains everything. For remaining three of yuz…
Belfast wasn’t on our original route but we’re so glad we ended up there; it’s a quaint red-bricked downtown and very well maintained and its history appears to be in ship building.
Upon arrival Chuck goes into the shop to talk to Chris. Here’s the welcome he receives:
“when I get touring cyclists in need they get priority”
Wow
The bike shop doubles as a cafe with great coffee (Leona) and scones. I have a good feeling we’re going to be well taken care of here.
Charles leaves his bike and most of his gear and we head to our motel to get cleaned up. The plan is to return to the downtown for the music festival, the micro brewery and dinner.
Belfast day two
The coffee at GC did not let me down. Chris is working on the bike and we’re having scones and feeling supported. At one point I am talking to Chris and he’s just about wrapping things up when I hear “uh oh!” It turns out the rim is cracked at one of the spoke nipples. Luck is on our side again; Chris has a comparable wheel and Charles agrees that this is the best way forward
Chris has done an incredible job:
- New wheel and hub
- new brake disc
- bottom bracket
- derailleur (of course)
- cable
- cleaning
- tune-up
In celebration of a successful repair we headed to Marshall Wharf Brewing Company for their amazing selection of IPAs. We settled for our second choice for dinner as we missed the last seating at a nice Italian place. The issue with the bike was stressful, but discovering Belfast more than made up for it.
Nice to see you’re back on you way and no worse for wear. Wish I was with you.
You would have enjoyed Belfast for sure Bill
Really enjoying the blog. Makes Saran and me want to do a bike trip!
Great to hear from you Peter. You and Sarah would so enjoy this mode of travel. The only way to truly soak up the culture and scenery
Awesome!!! You guys are troopers! Enjoy it all 👏
P.S I’m from the other Belfast with ship building history. Hi to Chuck from Mickey & Blue
Mickey is my Irish Canadian friend who is also from Belfast. Does being from Belfast make you a Belfastian or Befastite? Mickey is a gifted musician who happens to be my, very patient, guitar teacher.