Update from Brno
Brno
So, any news on the stolen bike? No, I'm afraid not and I think it really has been taken by some criminals who knew what they were doing. Went for a run this morning and looked around if I could see it anywhere that could indicate that the taking of the bike was a student prank. No such thing, although the area is infested with students, I must assume I am a victim of criminal activity.
What I've been doing after the theft? Next day to the police station to report the theft. Had great help and assistance from Petra from DHL office, who was drummed up for interpretation. That afternoon, shopping at a LBS (Local Bike Shop) for the most necessary items; shoes, helmet, multi-tool, inner spare tires, repair kit, pedals, pump and some other knick-knacks. Spend almost €400,-. Who said crime doesn't pay?
Yesterday to a shopping mall to get a bike mount for the Garmin. Went there today as well to get some left over Croatian Kuna's and Bulgarian Lev's changed into Czeck monopoly currency.
And, got a great haircut for under €6,-! Well actually, it was even less, but I gave the lady a tip. Finding a hairdresser proved to be as though as finding cheap accommodations. Well, we all know how that turned out...
Tomorrow, a small trip to the DHL Hub were the bike is due to arrive. Hopefully I can put on some miles on it right away, to break it in.
Many thanks to the DHL crew and staff in the Netherlands who managed to respond so swiftly and put a replacement bike that quick on transport. Great job!
Also, a great thank you to my friends in Leiden, Jorgen and Remko (LBS Leiden) who put their efforts together for getting me the tires I want, and need to finish this trip without flats!
It's really great to have such a great support and that everyone pulls together to make this happen. Also the responses of family and friends on this blog didn't leave me unmoved. It mend a lot, and it inspires me once more to push on!
Many thanks, and cheers, Paul.
Ik hoop voor je dat je vandaag wel op de bakfiets zit. In ieder geval wens ik je een prettige voortzetting van de reis zonder narigheid.
Goede moed.
pa.
We wensen je nog een plezierige reis verder.