Under Repair

Apart from nursing ourselves through the tour it has been so important to look after the bikes and the equipment.     Thomas very kindly arranged for his friend, Marek, to check over our bicycles and bring them back up to full operational condition.   Marek used to be the drummer in the band that Thomas also played in, Nostrovia.     A few years ago they spent a summer holiday in St. Bonnet, France,  recording an album.   Marek has set up a bike company Aurelius manufacturing high end cycles for the more decerning athlete.       www.aureliuscycles.co.uk  Well he was dealing with a couple of old timers on bikes here who had abused their equipment over 700 miles or so.   It is difficult to appreciate the stresses the bikes must come under carrying the equipment, two relatively large riders and the running over such variable terrain. After a busy admin morning we met up with Thomas who guided us to the new unit that Marek is converting.     Marek took one look and just shook his head and said he would do his best.    We left to do some shopping in town and visit Hotel Chocolat where Tom works.    After killing time for awhile we returned and Marek was still working on the task of servicing Richard's Giant bike. For a relatively new bike it required some serious tightening up; new cables etc etc. The much older Norco was next and that was in need of much tweaking.    Marek recommended, at some time in the future, a complete rebuild for the Norco from frame upwards with all new components.  Poor old bike.  It has been a great machine for both my brother Michael who brought it over from Canada to complete his family and friends ride from Bilbao to the house in the Auvergne.    On permanent loan to me since that time it has clocked up a few good miles in training and on adventures various.    We were running very late for dinner back at Joe and Louise's house some six miles away with a serious hill climb between us and them! To make matters even worse I had the salmon and prawns in my back pack having purchased them earlier in the day.   Should have said having caught it earlier in the day! Thomas showed us the way home and he can ride his bike at a fair old lick through the city leaving his poor old Dad  for dust. He has no respect for the elderly.  We eventually got back shortly before eight and enjoyed a lovely supper together.  Richard played a beautiful Paraguayan piece for us before we ate. Not a concert day but a positive one; we met up with the family and got the bikes well and truly sorted.  Without them we were finished, that is families and bikes! Watched a bit of TV  and fell asleep in front of it. My usual trick.