Niherne, France
Why am I riding so low? I think my feet are pointing up more. What's happening here? Not good thoughts to have when Google Maps has again taken me down a remote farm road. I like being away from traffic, especially late in the day when I'm looking for a place to camp for the night. But not when I examine my trike to see what's the matter and see a gaping crack in the frame at the point that takes all the stress. Half of the frame has pulled away. SHIT! This is not good. I'm miles from any town. No cars go by here. I'm in a bit of a pickle.
DELETED PHOTO OF BREAK
First, do not get back on that bike. Not until it's fixed. You need it to carry your 60 lbs of stuff. If it breaks completely, you are totally SOL.
Next, find a place to camp for the night. I needed to give myself time to think about what to do.
Then, add reinforcement to the crack to prevent it from opening further. I have lots of Velcro. Wrap it well...that stuff is strong!
Now get some sleep. Like Scarlett, I'll think about this tomorrow:).
But of course I did work it all night. Oh and I emailed my bike shop to ask about repairing it with a weld. He said no, but forwarded my email on to the manufacturer, Inspired Cycle Engineers.
Ok, if I can't weld it, then I need to get to Lyon, 300 kms away, to get to an ICE dealer to get this fixed. Guess I'll need some help with getting there...or getting to a town with public transportation.
When I feel a bit overwhelmed by a situation, like this, I look at just the next step I have to take...and take that. Then figure out the next one. So I knew in the morning I need to push Blaze to a nearby village and get help. First step.
Funny thing this morning, a van went by the tent before I was dressed and I didn't react. Then he went by again, going back, while I was making coffee and again I did nothing. Don't know why I didn't rush out to him. I was focused on walking to town. And I was not packed up. Guess that was why.
So I packed her up and started pushing. Walking a trike is not easy. Steering and brakes are low and up front. Ya gotta push from the rear. It's complicated. Especially on the road on a downhill. How to brake? Used my umbrella with the handle loop around the handle and brake lever. Twist it to tighten the lever and break. Push and pull it to steer. Worked it out.
After about 5 miles we entered a small town and right away I spotted some people outside with trucks and machinery. I am shy. No one believes me. I have to push myself to approach. I wait in the middle of the drive but only one man sees me. He's not responding but you can see he's wondering what's up. Finally I say Bonjour. And walk over. In my very broken French I explain that I have a problem with my bike. The Madame is very gracious and speaks slowly with me. The guys check out the problem. There's much talking that I don't understand. They think it can be repaired OR they can get me to a bus station but they don't think my trike will fit. Worry about that later.
So it's decided that Martin will take me and we'll see if we can get it fixed. Otherwise maybe his wife, who's going to Chateauroux (train town), can take the bike in her small car. It folds! I say. In the next village, after Martin talks to several different men we end up at a job plant where one gets stuff made. They are busy says the receptionist. But the main man looks at it and says "bring it back here" in French. They clear a couple of saw horses and tip Blaze upside down on them. A serious operation!
DELETED PHOTOS OF REPAIR
Twenty minutes later, hotter than heck, she's ready to go. And so are the skies...a storm is approaching. 20€ to the receptionist and we're off to the center of town. I find an overhang for Martin to deposit me, my bike, and my stuff. All before the heavens open. Two cheek kisses thank you, my agreement to write, a quick blurry photo,
and I'm ready to ride!
After all is said and done, I find an email from ICE, the manufacturer that it can't be welded (too late) and they will send a replacement wherever I wish. So I'm headed to Lyon (200 miles) on my "unrepairable" trike where Blaze gets a butt replacement.
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
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