As suspected, the bike only needed a minor tweak and is now changing gears seamlessly once again. Slightly embarrassing, but preferable to a bigger problem, especially as getting a replacement freewheel or derailleur would have almost certainly meant ordering them - I'm beginning to think I should have done this on a more traditional bike, like a rickshaw. In any case, certainly not half as embarrassing as the mechanic's 10 or something year-old son competently working on a bike in the background, only looking up occasionally with a gaze of what hopefully was pity, but more likely contempt, at my incompetence. The mechanic himself seemed more understanding and carefully explained what was wrong before sending me on my way without even charging me for his time.
So, short of any more gear problems magically occurring overnight, I should be off on my first leg in the morning: 35 odd kilometers to Frutillar , which borders the Llanquihue lake. The upshot of yesterday's little technical glitch is that I am now raring to go (it was teeming down this morning anyway, so it all turned out to be quite serendipitous) and to be honest the extra day proved a godsend - I've now planned my route for the next 10 days or so, whereas the previous days involved much staring blankly at maps and dithering about where to go. I've also decided to leave a couple of things behind to lighten the load, mostly non-essential except for perhaps the cycling shoes. It wasn't the easiest of decisions, but two pairs of shoes seemed like two much of a luxury for the load. Plus I'm not that experienced using them and I had visions of falling into the path of oncoming traffic after failing to take the shoe off the clip; I don't particularly want meet my end in a scene that wouldn't be out of place in Road Runner cartoon. Only time will tell whether it was the right decision I guess...
Anyway, will hopefully let you know tomorrow how I get on, saddle sores n'all.
Before I forget, those of you who have Skype add me (roddy.cordeiro), it will be nice to hear familiar voices along the way.
So, short of any more gear problems magically occurring overnight, I should be off on my first leg in the morning: 35 odd kilometers to Frutillar , which borders the Llanquihue lake. The upshot of yesterday's little technical glitch is that I am now raring to go (it was teeming down this morning anyway, so it all turned out to be quite serendipitous) and to be honest the extra day proved a godsend - I've now planned my route for the next 10 days or so, whereas the previous days involved much staring blankly at maps and dithering about where to go. I've also decided to leave a couple of things behind to lighten the load, mostly non-essential except for perhaps the cycling shoes. It wasn't the easiest of decisions, but two pairs of shoes seemed like two much of a luxury for the load. Plus I'm not that experienced using them and I had visions of falling into the path of oncoming traffic after failing to take the shoe off the clip; I don't particularly want meet my end in a scene that wouldn't be out of place in Road Runner cartoon. Only time will tell whether it was the right decision I guess...
Anyway, will hopefully let you know tomorrow how I get on, saddle sores n'all.
Before I forget, those of you who have Skype add me (roddy.cordeiro), it will be nice to hear familiar voices along the way.
A quite promising start (seriously). I was quite concerned about the news, as you might come back much earlier than expected!!!
ReplyDelete