2000km... und ein kleines Problem

This one isn't going to be a happy entry. After a mere 160kms our super-dupa new wheel failed in the most unusual way possible. It seems our combined power up a steep incline in pouring rain, two minutes from the campsite at Grein, caused the hub to part company with the gears, shredding the thread on both. Bikeshop in Grein was unhelpful, unfriendly and unreliable; we felt strongly that the replacement wheel (rear wheel number 3) foisted upon us wasn't up to it, but had no other means of continuing.

We did another 110kms over two days (pouring rain, cold, windy, miserable Austrians, Mrs Day's not always sunny disposition...) and on the dot of the 2000km mark the wheel developed a major buckle. We limped another 30km to the next campsite en route to Vienna, but we both know it's not going to get further and we're seriously reluctant to throw more money at the problem.

This dissappointing turn of events finds us in Tulln, a short ride from Vienna. We have a number of choices but it looks like we may send the tandem home in favour of our bikes. We thank our friends in Norwich who are being so helpful in making this option a real possibility. We don't want to come home and we certainly don't want to give up on the adventure. Luke also feels that it might be Sophie's turn to go in front, so that he can look at her bottom for a change. Needless to say, it may be some time before the next on the road update, we shall take the opportunity for some well earned R&R.

As a post script, we have been unlucky in many respects, but it would be wrong of us not to note that the last few days have seen us pass the amazing scenery of the Austrian Danube: the Wachau valley, Melk (where weather forced us into a guesthouse and the owner gave us the whole garage to dry out a very wet tent and kit) and countless impressive castles. Our spirits have also been lifted by the local firewater: Himbeer Schnäpps, as well as a day resting on the campsite and doing crosswords.