Yesterday late afternoon we were flooded out. Thankfully we had a bit of notice as the water rushed up the road (about an hour or so until it was three feet deep). As the water came we realised we needed to get things upstairs - my first thoughts were for the contents of the shed! Impressively my wife did not question my priorities (I only moved the car when the water was lapping at the wheels) and I managed to get the bikes upstairs and to relative safety. I hate to think what in excess of 24 hours immersed in water would do to hubs, frames, forks, b/bs etc. I've still not been able to get back to the house to check on damage although my neighbour kayaked back in (that's how we left yesterday) and has said that thinks look ok (for now).
I must admit I was surprised that my thoughts were almost solely bike oriented (if only they had been so when I left Pakistan) and, although it's an area that has been covered before, wondered which bike I'd save if there was to be only one? Interestingly it's not the Yo's, XLM, Vit T or Colnago but a bike that I've only had just over a year, could be easily replaced new but has 'history' - the first Crosscheck! So, a vague point emerging here via a lot of context, I value bikes more for the experiences I've had with them than just simple pride of ownership (although my bikes are not nearly as sweet and tatefully put together as the majority I've seen on here and live).
Disclaimer: I realise that many people are seriously affected by the flooding (and indeed I may be so more in the days to come) and this is not meant to be an offensively flippant post but my thoughts did turn straight to my bikes and I expect many on here would do the same.
I must admit I was surprised that my thoughts were almost solely bike oriented (if only they had been so when I left Pakistan) and, although it's an area that has been covered before, wondered which bike I'd save if there was to be only one? Interestingly it's not the Yo's, XLM, Vit T or Colnago but a bike that I've only had just over a year, could be easily replaced new but has 'history' - the first Crosscheck! So, a vague point emerging here via a lot of context, I value bikes more for the experiences I've had with them than just simple pride of ownership (although my bikes are not nearly as sweet and tatefully put together as the majority I've seen on here and live).
Disclaimer: I realise that many people are seriously affected by the flooding (and indeed I may be so more in the days to come) and this is not meant to be an offensively flippant post but my thoughts did turn straight to my bikes and I expect many on here would do the same.