Second attempt Day 17

Just before leaving the UK for my latest trip to Spain in January, I had a new garden gate fitted. I found a young, local chap setting up in business, who seemed really nice. He came around to measure up and quoted me for the job. I was a bit concerned about him being so young, but it was just a garden gate what could go wrong? 

He had already let me down back in the summer, cancelling at the last moment, but he sent me a really nice email in December apologising and saying Covid had caused problems with his business and would I like to proceed now? I felt sorry for him, and against my better judgement gave him a second chance to fit the new gate. 

Our home backs out, almost straight away, on to the countryside cycle trails that lead - a long way up - to the peak district. I can tantalisingly see the hills from my home and they often seem to call out to me - a strong reminder to get off my backside and get up there. I didn't want to carry keys on my bike rides so I asked him to fit a pin lock to the gate so I could ride out without any fuss in future. I asked if he had the skills to do that? He looked at me as if I was stupid - 'of course, you don't need to worry about that'  he replied!

He did the job and although he seemed to be struggling somewhat, he eventually fitted my pin lock - I tested it once and all seemed well. I paid him and I was so happy that I even gave him several bottles of craft ale that had been sent to me from a Staffordshire brewery just before Christmas - after all I had no use for them now and wanted them out of temptation's reach.  The very next day the pin lock fell off the gate in my hands. It was clear from the mess underneath the lock that he had taken many shortcuts to get it to literally hang off the gate by a thread - enough to pass the payment test. It was a complete and utter botched job.  

He had always been very responsive to my emails, but I have now sent seven emails over the last three weeks and he has ignored every one of them . It is clear now he has been paid, he has no interest in coming back to put right his poor workmanship. He had been so charming and nice to me. It's not the gate itself that disappoints me, it's the disappointment that somebody can be so insincere after presenting themselves so well  - looking back probably too well.  I spent a large portion of yesterday putting right his mess. I've put the whole thing down to experience.

It's now day three back in the UK. Nothing but rain so far. As well as fixing my gate issues, I've spent a lot of time on the indoor bike trainer, and in the sauna. That's where I make my best decisions as I meditate in the dry heat and steam after a long training ride. Yesterday whilst lying there I planned my next cycle tour. When I finally managed to drag myself out of the warmth, I was so excited, I checked Rach was happy, then consulted the route planner and booked all my accommodation straight away. 

This one is a biggie, not so much in terms of distance but in terms of elevation. Sierra Nevada translates to Snowy Mountains for a reason, because it's bloody high up.  We often go up there for a few days skiing in winter, but I've never attempted to get up there on a bike. The ski town where we stay, Pradollano sits at well over 2000 meters high. The ski area itself much higher. 

So I have just over two weeks to get ready for the Marbella to Sierra Nevada bike ride. Rach and the family will already be whizzing up and down the slopes by the time I get up there, but it will be a great achievement if I manage to cycle it.  I'm praying the weather stays clear for me to do so.  

Apres ski will be a little different this time around for me though. I can't see myself dancing on the tables and belting out Sweet Caroline this year, but nevertheless it will be another serious test of resolve. I am feeling much stronger mentally and physically these days. I've not even considered an alcoholic drink. It's almost as if I've subconciously gained the experience to carry on life without it, almost like losing a loved one. 

I've certainly gained a great deal of other experience this week too. I'm now an expert in mechanical pin locks and I've learnt to vet my workmen better next time. It just shows we are never too old to receive a good lesson.  

I now have a very exciting bike challenge to savour and look forward to in a couple of weeks time, and a functioning gate.  Experience counts for everything, without it I wouldn't be able to set off on such bike tours at the drop of a hat. People often react as though I am mad when I talk about my bike tours, as if it is something that is so barmy and impossibly hard. But it all boils down to one thing - experience.        

My man Brad let me down badly with the garden gate, I told him I had several other jobs that I'm planning in the spring that might need his help, but he still decided to take the money and run. He's young and unwise though. I sent one last email to him yesterday, accepting he will never return, and saying that he needs to reflect on his treatment of customers - not as a bitter reprisal, but to hopefully help him in building up his business in the future.  

I really hope he makes it - all he needs is a bit of experience.