What was a 20% chance of rain in the afternoon turned into a 45 minute rainstorm around 8:30 this morning. Fortunately I had packed up and had coffee, but not yet left. I chatted with Steffen at the streetcar for an hour and was off at 9:30 when the rain stopped. The rest of the day was summer, the first I’ve really felt that here.
For the next 6 or so hours the riding was pretty much perfect. A fair amount of riverside riding, passing through many small towns, castles and cathedrals here and there and ideal weather. It was as good as riding gets as far as I’m concerned.
I stopped in Naumburg for supplies and ended up going to 5 different stores and buying so much food my bag wouldn’t close. Nice little town.
Last 2 or so hours of riding was mediocre. Not sure if I missed the good part or if Halle isn’t my place. Got a little lost trying to find the campground in town and just when I figured out where it was my pedals started freely spinning. I figured the chain fell off. I was wrong.
According to YouTube I had a loose or busted part that locks the rear cassette in place so the chain can rotate the wheel. The video listed the tools required for the fix (assuming a new part wasn’t needed) and I don’t have those tools. Even if I did, I don’t have the skills to do a repair this significant, not even close. And pedaling does not move my bike. This ain’t good.
It’s 6:30 on a Friday night. Google tells me most nearby bike shops are closed and won’t reopen until Monday. Damn Europeans and their respect for personal time.
I find one shop open til 7, and it’s a 28 minute walk. I use my bike like a scooter, right foot on left pedal and the other foot pushing me along. I make it 5 minutes before close. Roderigo considers my dilemma and the fact that he’s closing and decides to help me out. 30 minutes later I ride away. Whew! Close call. I got reeeeaaaallllyyyyy lucky.
On top of that, his shop is near the best pizza in town.
Today was a much longer ride than expected. And a pretty glorious one.
Love the photos. Thank you so much! As I did yesterday, I tried following you. Looked to me like you were lost, then your bike was going all over the place. Happy you were able to get the bike fixed and very happy it was a good day of riding. Sleep well.
This campground is practically hidden. I rode in circles for a good 20 minutes.
So cool. I don’t think it’s luck- the result of good living.
“Ein groses lob” to Roderigo! And the pizza looks yummy.
Your mechanical issue reminded me of when I broke a spoke (on the rear drive side of course) near Swastika Ontario, and the next real bike shop was in Noranda, Quebec. Made it to the shop with five minutes to spare, like you, and they fixed me up. (I carry a “cracker” now so I can remove the cassette on the road.)
Toronto weather was sticky. We got about three raindrops on the OOTC run today.
I took a park tool weekend boot camp on bike repair. I think I failed
Swastika, Ontario? I had to look that up. Interesting. The nazis really perverted that symbol didn’t they? Happy riding in TO Brian.
Yes, they’ve been resisting a name change since the 1930s. The old “they had it first argument.” It’s on Hwy 66 between the main Trans Canada and Kirkland Lake.
Incredible cycling up there, especially on the Quebec side.
I tree planted around Swastika, ON!
Yay Rodrigo! The hero of yesterday’s story. Looks pretty magical all those castles and cathedrals. I’m always gobsmacked by how well preserved the buildings are after hundreds and hundreds of years. And to think of all those who lived their lives, and rode their bikes, before us (speaking of which, I looked up when the bicycle was invented and this is what I got: A German baron named Karl von Drais made the first major development when he created a steerable, two-wheeled contraption in 1817). Lastly, thank goodness you’re not a picky eater. Smooth riding today!
I think of the laborers who had to haul all the stones up hills and then stack them tall.
I just read a book called two wheels good which included the history of bikes and the velocipede (I think) that you are taking about. It was all the rage at the time. Still is for some of us
Hurray for getting your bike fixed and finding delicious looking fuel for your trip. Nice pics of your route.
Chad, the wings are on your wheels! That mechanic is a keeper!!!! You were overdue for a big break (big brake?). So awesome to hear it came in such classic fashion!
That pizza does look good. I’d go for a vegan version….
Happy Sails!
I’m cheering for Roderigo and hoping a statue is in the town square in his honour!
Loving the blog. Just started reading it today and I’m already 11 days in.
May your days be full of hagelslag and currywurst.
Appreciate the well wishes and welcome to my ride. Roderigo indeed a saint.