I know I’m a few days behind but I had to post this before i forget all the details.
Leaving this fine hotel bright and early and all is going well.
We immediately drop to the river and start a steep climb.
CRASH
I look back and Charles is on the ground. I get back to him and he appears okay but he’s pissed off.
I look at his derailieur and it’s caught in his spokes and twisted up like a pretzel. One’s mind goes crazy at this point: there’s no way we can continue, the trips over, etc, etc.
Once we’d both calmed down we took the derailieur off and it was a mess! Charles suggests I take it to the Shell station and see if they can help.
I’m skeptical.
I’m fortunate enough to find a father and son garage and they’re happy to let me use their vice and a few tools. I really thought the detailer was beyond repair and would break completely if I tried undo the damage.
I took my time and about a half-hour later I have something that looks lined up and operates but will it work on the bike?
Here’s where our relationship will be tried. We get the bike back together and start tuning the gears. I want to prevent a recurrence, as does Charles, but we have different ways of getting there.
No blood was shed, we calmed down and eventually we had his bike up and running with about 80% is his gears available. We are so lucky!
I’m so glad Chuck is ok. I’m also glad that 15% grade on the sign is pointing down.
I shared this with Tracy, Carlyn and Iyad too and they said the same thing! They typically post grade warnings for descents. We had to come up it too! Sheesh
Also, Charles is in the photo 😗
I think we need a Guest Post from Charles’ perspective. But yes good to know he was not injured.
I’m trying to get Charles to comment but he’s shy. Tomorrow. He promised
Hello Carlyn,
Thanks so much for thinking of me. You too Billy. No harm done to body but severely bruised ego. I couldn’t clip out fast enough so before hitting the pavement I yelled man down and sorta braced for the inevitable. I think Paul was holding off a laugh but empathy prevailed and he gave me hug. The derailleur was completely twisted into the spokes and I remember thinking it was game over. Paul did indeed straighten the derailleur to near perfect working order. I was astounded by how well he did.
Paul typically leaves me in the dust on hills which is more noticeable now with limited gear range but we hug frequently after difficult climbs. I’m humbled how kind and helpful people have been along our route. On another note, the scenery here is spectacular. Looking forward to today’s ride.
Phew. Yes the townships are trying. Lots of hills and dirt roads. You got this Chuckie!
From Sherbrooke on was a killer but the scenery is so spectacular. Had it not been such a cold rain the ride would have been much more agreeable. Grateful for Paul’s sense of humour. The ride through Maine has been much easier and just as beautiful. Thanks for the words of encouragement D. Looking forward to your posts on your Camino walk! Hopefully getting the bike in better working order today in Belfast
No blood was shed…. yet 😂
There’s lots of time
Happy to hear Charles is alright… Good thing Paul Mechanic was there to the rescue!!! Onward and upwards boyz!!! (easy on the upwards, Charles) Take care….
You know what was cool Leona, while I’m working on the fix, the father mechanic starts talking to me about his work and how difficult it is to find young competent mechanics and we were having a great to and fro like I was one of the boys!
We’ve met so many kind souls on this trip.
I was sorry to hear about Chuck’s mishap but I am glad everyone is back on route! Tell him I am sharing the trip details with some of his Fort Myers pals. Everyone is wishing you guys a good trip.
Wow Paul perhaps you can fix my derailleur when you arrive in Shediac. What goes up must come down spinning wheels going round and round ….15 % gradient !!! At least one more of these to be seen on the Fundy Parkway Trail. Ride safe at looking forward to your visit in Shediac.
That’s why we’re taking a couple days of before tackling the trail..