Note: This was written while we were still at the Marina in Brunswick, GA. We are now living away from the dock for nearly a month-and loving it!
This was the first time we needed parts and didn’t have a car. I, Steve am installing the AIS (Automatic Identification System – which is an automatic tracking system used on ships for identifying and locating vessels electronically, exchanging data with other nearby ships, AIS base stations and satellites).
I needed RG8 antenna wire and some couplers. This would have been a quick 10 min drive across town in a car but since we don’t have one we went to plan B. The marina has loaner bikes that are free to slip renters. They come complete with baskets and locks. Liana choose the girly pink one and I chose the rusty blue one. Mine seemed to make a clanking sound every time the pedals made a full rotation, annoying but we got used to it. It turns out the chain guard had a bolt rust thru. So it would collide with the sprocket occasionally. Liana’s had a chain fall off part way thru our ride, so we had to stop and reinstall this important piece of machinery.
To tell you the truth we had not ridden a bike in 20 years and the saying is true: you never forget how to ride a bike. However, it was easier to balance my 100 lb self versus my 230 lb self. Liana’s bike had a seat that spent too many days out in the rain.
By the time we got where we were going it had given her a triangular wet spot, you know where. We stopped at the Dollar store hoping to find a shower cap for the seat but they were out.
Our ride thru town was very refreshing. Along the way we came across a tree full of fruit that neither of us had seen before. The next door neighbor said it was a Chinese Plum and we should eat the orange ones because they were the ripest. They were good; a little tangy and a little sweet at the same time. While we were sampling, the cutest little puppy showed up. His tail wagging his whole body. We got on our bikes again and he started to follow us. He was running as fast as his little legs could go. It must have been a sight – two middle aged bikers trying to out run a puppy! We finally bested him and he gave up. Good thing too because there was a busy street at the end of the block and we did not want him getting into traffic.
Next, we were on to the parts store. Along the way, we saw a Motorola store and thought they might have what we needed. We stopped and Liana watched the bikes while I went in. In less than two minutes they had every piece we needed but it took 45 min to figure out how much it would cost. Apparently, one guy does everything there and without him every one walks around doing nothing. That dude needs a raise! It wound up costing all of $5.75.
Back at the marina, on the way to returning the bikes we were chatting with another boater and when Liana said her seat was wet he pulled a small trash bag out of his pocket and said he always carries these. I guess we will be better prepared next time. So we are felling pretty good! No regrets about no car yet…..
Another Note: We enjoyed riding bikes so much, we have since bought ourselves a couple folding bikes to keep onboard 🙂