European Russia
As shown on the map, the road going to St Petersburg was
dead straight. There were neither cafes nor garages along the
way. I eventually found a repair shop on the outskirts of a
town called Tosno after having cycled about 90 kilometres.
Trying to convey my distress to the bearded mechanic, I
pointed out that it was ‘ploho (cracked, rattling)! ploho!!’
“I can see that. Take off the rack and bring it in.”
Enamel welding followed by surface finish sanding and
hey presto, job done. He also welded the bolt mounting area.
“Money? Forget it.”
(from "Against the Wind" - Poolbeg Press)
