Monthly Archives: April 2014

The best laid plans…bicycle problems on Korcula

Saturday April 26, 2014

April 26, 2014
We were up early to work on my bike on another rainy day. The last few days when I rear brake there has been a vibration and thumping. The pads were worn almost all the way down so I contributed the problem to this. I changed out the pads but the problem still continued so I cleaned the rim and checked for depressions. Nothing was apparent so I contribute this to another out of balance rim.

Also Jocelyn has been talking about a vibration on her bike so I checked her spokes and found two very loose. I was unable to tighten so I removed the rear wheel and the chain knotted. I have never seen this before and researched that this is called a “Gordian knot”. We tried and tried for a few hours to undo this chain knot that I have encountered on chain saw chains. In the meantime we decided to remove this chain and install the spare. Then I could not find our chain removal tool. The hotel receptionist had been so very kind with extending our checkout time and trying to find someone to help us as there are no bicycle shops on the island. Soon a mechanic friend of hers appeared with all the tools required to remove the chain and install the replacement. I finally found the chain removal tool in another pannier (after two months we are still looking for stuff) as our new friend was installing the chain. In the meantime I cleaned both our bikes of grease and dirt crud as the rain continued. Jocelyn’s bike was soon ready for a test drive. We did tighten the two loose spokes and semi balanced the wheel while on the bike. Finally at 4 pm we were repacked and ready to go. Olive oil and salt does an amazing job of cleaning bicycle grease from hands. But the rain was a real turnoff so we decided to stay another night in Vela Luka.

We will try to leave again in the morning and will cycle 30 miles to the other end of Korcula, take a 20 minute ferry ride to the island of Peljesac, then to the mainland and Bosnia. Fun times, indeed!

After spending the day working on our bikes it is time for a break.
After spending the day working on our bikes it is time for a break.
Scenes from around Vela Luka, Korcula Island, Croatia.
Scenes from around Vela Luka, Korcula Island, Croatia.
Nice docks.
Nice docks.

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We have eaten pizza from Morocco to Croatia. Our favorite pizza is made in Croatia. And one of our favorite beers is from Croatia - Karlovacko.
We have eaten pizza from Morocco to Croatia. Our favorite pizza is made in Croatia. And one of our favorite beers is from Croatia – Karlovacko.
From our hotel - the only one in town open. The town is pretty much deserted until the tourist season starts next week.
From our hotel – the only one in town open. The town is pretty much deserted until the tourist season starts next week.
Looking forward to cycling this island.
Looking forward to cycling this island.

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