I arrived yesterday all stressed out because of my numb feet and the worn out chain. I didn’t know that there was internet but was lucky and relieved that I could go online and start investigating options for my bike and me.
The host couple, Annice and John gave me a friendly welcome and when Annice asked me the second time if I was alright (I guess I didn’t quite seem alright) I told her that I had a problem and urgently needed a new chain. She went off to get John and he started to investigate options for me and promised to make phone calls in the morning. I can’t put words on how relieved I felt to get help with this, especially since I was already worried about my stupid numb feet and tired after the day and on top off all not speaking any French.
This gave me the possibility to get a good night’s sleep which I so much needed, I consume a lot off energy when worrying, more than biscuits can replace. At breakfast it was clear that the nearest town could order a chain and sprocket for the next day. No place kept them in stock. I had plans to go to Reims, about 450 km north, but there they couldn’t help me until next week. After some further work on the chain where we pulled the bike up to give it a proper look while trying, without success, to tighten it it was clear that it needed replacement. The chain still kept slacking while still having a very tight spot. Therefore, I decided to stay here another night and if it all goes according to the new plan, the garage will have the kit tomorrow and can put it on at 2 o’clock they said.
So then I spent some time cancelling my remaining 3 stays on “Going North” and e-mailing Stena Line to see if I can reschedule the ferry for Monday instead. I haven’t got a reply from the ferry company yet, but the others worked out fine. Have to wait and see if I get charged though.
The rest of the day I have spent on the internet surfing around and chatting, and I have been out walking taking pictures of the area and the animals. I was invited to join the hosts and their friends from Holland for a superb lunch. I had forgotten that food could be that tasty, and I had a good time talking about this and that and life seemed a lot brighter.
If you’re interested in this place check their website: La Grande Chaume
I couldn’t have come to a better place with my problems and I certainly feel very fortunate despite everything that has happened.
My greatest thanks today:
The Swedish Ducati Club for always providing useful and witty answers to my questions put on the forum.
My host couple Annice and John for being ever so helpful.
Christopher for listening to my brainstorming and giving me feedback on my ideas for the rest of Going North.
The lesson I learnt:
I must always ask and confirm with the garage about what has been done and not only assume that things have been done according to the book.
