Dammit’s adventures in mountain biking

When are you coming back again?
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/switzerland-added-uk-quarantine-list-a4532651.html

Just before that comes into force I would think. Any ideas when it would be - another 4am on Saturday job?

Our Eurotunnel booking is for the 31st, so we could leave here on the 28th, to be in Germany for the 29th and then take a couple of days to get up to Aachen.

This weekend according to the Times so I guess so.

If it’s what they did before then they’ll announce late on Thursday for a 4am Saturday cut-off, so if we plan to be in Germany for Friday night that should be ok.

Suggestions for a couple of interesting places to visit in Germany whilst heading North anyone?

Cheers dude.

EDIT: Nevermind, I see new posts.

I have quite a wiggle in my tyres- I thought the wheels needed trueing, but it’s the Maxxis, and it’s on each end. Is this common?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEY8O9PFEGT/?igshid=1xxe22p64cpzf

Yep, bad rep for it lately...
https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/wonky-maxxis/

Both of mine are out, which I guess makes sense as they’re likely from the same batch. I’ve enjoyed riding them in Morgins, certainly confidence inspiring and make a great noise as you compress up a ramp.

Got to the hotel in Aachen and the thru-axle feels like it has corroded into place (!) after 48 hours - applying enough torque to break it free feels like it will snap the axle.

So! I have had to take the bike off the roof on its rack to get the car into the garage:

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Have you got a photo of that Talbot? Looks really nice

@Crumbs will do.

Could the axle holder part of the rack have bound onto the axle?

Is it one of the aftermarket boost spacing ones? They're very roughly machined if mine is anything to go by so could be an interference fit scenario going on.

It is. You reckon a bit of brute force?

I’d prefer to avoid drilling out a thru-axle.

What's the worst that could happen?

In Aachen with a bike that can’t go on the roof rack and doesn’t fit in the car, with the Eurotunnel 350km away through a country that I can’t have any contact with a human being within.

Nothing that generous quantities of gaffer tape couldn't fix.

I neglected to bring any.

But the bike's already on the roofrack? just put the rack back on tomorrow, drive home then investigate at your leisure?

That is my conclusion also.

Can you not put it in the back of the car if the worst comes to the worst?

With great difficulty as the car is full of bags. I think it would be doable, but might involve significant re-packing. See also: do I need a van discussion.

If you can find any, graphite penetrating spray would be ideal for getting something deep in between the surfaces. Not really something that'll make your evening any easier though, you'd already have thought of it if you had any.

@Dammit is the bike now permanently on the roof or did you resolve the issue...?