Several Of Them, In Fact

[Totherun]

Apart from the usual collection in Mike Smith's workshop, four Dutch riders rolled in, having phoned asking for help with a GL500 that was building water pressure. That meant there were two extra CX/GL bikes there. Naturally, Mike had the thing apart in no time and replaced two complete heads. Meanwhile, Annette fed and watered them and found beds for them. Next morning, the bike was all done and put back together and, after breakfast, off they went on their journey to Santiago de Compostela. I know that the Dutch are generally happy chaps but these four were over the moon. This is the sort of thing that does the club and its members proud.

[CHRIS_ EURO]

well done mike

[Tel]

Sounds about a normal day in the Smith household , nicely done Mike and Annette . what are you doing there Phil ? Another holiday

[Totherun]

Sort of Tel. We combined a long weekend at Mike's with a trip to a Breton notaire this afternoon to sign a "compromis de vente". We're now in the Ibis Hotel, St Malo waiting for the 8am boat tomorrow.

[DUSZ]

I thought disciples went to Lourdes but it seems that there is another type of disciple those belonging to the CX religion whose Mecca is Mike and Annette's.
Well done the pair of you.

[FRAN C]

Congrats to both of you for your willingness to help in some poor blokes hour of need.
I have met both Mike & Annette & enjoyed the chats we have had.
When we want to offload Eric for a while to give us a break they help out there too.

[ericry]

Oih !!

[yoda]

Well done Mike and Anette, great stuff

[dave turbo g]

Great result
Well done Mike & Annette
Saved a wasted holiday for not just one rider but for all Four.
Must be a GOLD PLATED TURBO waiting for you in heaven Mike
Keep it up Mike, or it might turn out to be a 500

Well done

Dave G

[Mike in France]

there is quite a story behind this

one has the guys has a disorder ( from memory it is a variation of aspergers syndrome) he decided a few years back to try to confront this and started riding bikes, chose a cx. 3 years ago he gave himself a challenge to ride from Holland to Santiago de compostello in Spain to the furthest point west in Europe.

He tried this 3 years ago got to northern France and had bike problems and it became too much. He attempted it again last year got further but reached north of Limoges before it became too much and family and friends had to come and and collect him and get him back home. He had contacted me each time and I had offered each time to help if required.

This year he let me know he was having a third and final attempt with 3 other guys frm the cx club, 1 on a wing, him on a 500cx and the other guys opted for more modern bikes.
They got north of Limoges and hit problems. Hans was trying to keep it together but was apparently stressed.
I talked them in, did an over the phone diagnosis and offered if need be to go and fetch them in the van;
following my advise of loosening the rad cap and keep the speed down they nursed the bike to here. arriving in the evening.
Clearly stressed Hans wasn't sure if he could proceed.Part of his condition is needing to have everything in strict order and control.

I stripped the heads , stuffed head gaskets and badly seated valves. Forunately I had turbo head gaskets......a bit over the top for a wing I know, and had spare heads which I proceed to replace. We made sure a good evening was had by all.

I have to admit I owe a big thanks to Annette as it was our 24th wedding anniversary and instead of being taken out , she put together a feast for these guys and turned what could have been a bad experience into a really fun night. they then had proper beds and a good rest and felt able to continue

by the time they got up the next morning , I had been up a few hours and finished the bike and they were back on the planned schedule ( highly important for Hans). They carried on and they have tonight arrived at the last night stop before their destination. Hans is close to achieving his ambition, not an easy task for him, so hats off to him , we are both pleased to have played a small part in helping him achieve this.

There was no way that either of us could stand by and see all his efforts come to nought for the sake of some help and support.

[Michael Gapper]

What can one say but ,well done Mike and Annette and well done you Mike.
Mike
West wales branch.

[ericry]

Well done to both of you !!

Eric.

[dave turbo g]

Thanks for sharing that story with us Mike

Pass our regards to Hans on his 3rd & hopefully safe & successful journey
And of course all his friends who helped him achieve his goal

CHEERS HANS

Annette, your a star

Dave G

[FRAN C]

A great story that just got even better.
Hats off to you both.

[victor]

You guys really promote the whole ethos of our club.

Thankyou.

victor