Bristolian
Über Member
- Location
- Bristol, UK
I had to cut my ride short today and then had an embarrassing moment.
About 7 miles into my ride I was climbing a hill which would bring me out next to the house I grew up in. Near the top of the climb it kicks up a bit so I changed down a gear, or I would have changed down but there was a snapping sound and the gear changer went all limp (ooh err missus). I stopped at the top of the hill and confirmed my instant diagnosis … broken gear cable … but that's okay I have a spare in my saddle bag 👍
Note to self: make sure your spare gear cable is a longer one for the rear, not the short one for the front - d'oh!
A quick Google shows that there is a bike shop about 300m away, but I know that the address is a private house. Never mind let's pop along there and see if the man's at home. There's a couple of cars on the drive so maybe I'll be in luck; ring the doorbell and a woman (his wife as it transpires) answers the door. HI, says me, I'm looking for Neil Routley, is he in? She smiles politely and then explains that he hasn't been home since June when he was knocked off his bike and killed 😢 Oh! Sorry, didn't know, apologies for disturbing you and deepest condolences followed by a hasty retreat with tail between legs 🫢
So, I had to ride home in 9th gear (I couldn't get the derailleur to stay in any of the lower gears) with only the front chainrings to help/hinder my progress. Still, on the plus side, I now have a reason to clean and service the bike tomorrow 😂👍
About 7 miles into my ride I was climbing a hill which would bring me out next to the house I grew up in. Near the top of the climb it kicks up a bit so I changed down a gear, or I would have changed down but there was a snapping sound and the gear changer went all limp (ooh err missus). I stopped at the top of the hill and confirmed my instant diagnosis … broken gear cable … but that's okay I have a spare in my saddle bag 👍
Note to self: make sure your spare gear cable is a longer one for the rear, not the short one for the front - d'oh!
A quick Google shows that there is a bike shop about 300m away, but I know that the address is a private house. Never mind let's pop along there and see if the man's at home. There's a couple of cars on the drive so maybe I'll be in luck; ring the doorbell and a woman (his wife as it transpires) answers the door. HI, says me, I'm looking for Neil Routley, is he in? She smiles politely and then explains that he hasn't been home since June when he was knocked off his bike and killed 😢 Oh! Sorry, didn't know, apologies for disturbing you and deepest condolences followed by a hasty retreat with tail between legs 🫢
So, I had to ride home in 9th gear (I couldn't get the derailleur to stay in any of the lower gears) with only the front chainrings to help/hinder my progress. Still, on the plus side, I now have a reason to clean and service the bike tomorrow 😂👍
