Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
I visited the local pharmacy and chatted with the chemist, Philip. Unbeknownst to
me, he contacted Shimano Corporation to tell them about my tour. I received a telephone
call from Shimano at the McArdle's home and was asked if there was anything that I
needed for the bike. I didn't want to give the appearance of a greedy pig, so I humbly men-
tioned a few things: a new chain, a rear derailleur, and brake pads and then gave them my
address.
The next morning I woke up at 7:15 a.m. and Jenny drove me to Harmony High
SchoolwhereIspokefor30minutes.Itfeltsonaturalbeingupinfrontofallthesestudents
and my theme of the talk had slightly expanded: just get involved and be thankful. One
teacher asked me if I could speak to his church youth group that evening which I gladly
accepted.
I rushed to my next school, Lakeview Primary School where the excited children
werefullofquestionsandforthesecondtimeinmylife,Iwasaskedformyautograph(the
first time was the Nigerian border guard several months previous.)
I went to the prayer youth group that evening and shared my experiences and mes-
sage. When I returned to the house, Samantha presented me with a package from Shimano
Corporation. I was stunned at what they gave me. Aside from the components I asked for,
Shimano also gave me a complete cycling wardrobe (a jersey, a pair of shorts, and socks),
badges and lubricants for the chain. In total it must have been over a 1000 Rand worth.
I took the next day off to mount all my shiny new components. With Owen's help,
everythingwasreplacedbutIwashavingissueswithremovingthefree-wheel. Jennytook
me to Harmony Bike Shop to see if they had a tool that I could borrow to remove it. The
owner, Joao Louis Barrados was very kind and within 10 seconds the free-wheel was re-
moved.Healsoinsistedonputtingthispuncture-sealantintomytubesandgivingmeafree
chain. It was quite coincidental that the sermon at the next day's mass was about Christian
sharing…how appropriate. I took the message to heart so when Samantha was taken to the
hospital for a foot operation that afternoon, I gave my most treasured and well-travelled
cycling jacket to her as a get-well-soon gift.
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