Jining

So the bad news.

A bent and almost cracked rear pannier rack for Kate, again. The new larger bolt hole that we got tapped in NZ was not holding. It has been the bane of our existence.

Options:

1. New rack welded to frame as we no longer trust bolt hole.
Complications: compromised rack integrity, welding alloy, finding and conveying what we want to a welder.
2. New bike and new rack if cannot find solution above.
Complications: finding correct bike size so can interchange gear from current bike and expensive.
3. Go to Beijing and source new bike and/or new rack if no solutions above. Complications: figuring out buses/trains and as above.
4. Fly to NZ get new touring bike and rack and fly back to China/Mongolia. Complications: Outrageous.

The result.

After a sleepless night and being a little bit unsure of what the day of riding ahead would bring, we arrived in Jining. Stuffed some food into our bellies then headed off to hopefully find an existing bike shop. BINGO. Giant store. Two mechanics going all-out to solve our predicament,  three other helpers including the boss and two gobsmacked foreigners. The result: a new and stronger rack (proven in pictures below), new bottom bracket (old one clunking), gears adjusted, rear mud guard, more zip ties given to us, two great new bells and all fixed on the spot right then and there at 5:30pm. All for $63 NZD – after insisting they charge us something. Oh, and then they shouted us dinner, a massive dinner, $50NZD worth all for us. Wow. That is generosity!!! That made us happy today.

Topeak rack: 0
China: 1 ... nah they deserve 5!

Two mechanics and the boss

Proving the rack can handle the weight of Kate's bags

Free dinner ordered by the boss