Helped another biker, sh**ted in return?

Well, not literally.

Last Sunday, I was riding home from IAM to see a bike clearly broken down on a fast A road dual carriageway (the rider was a bit far from either end to safely walk, nor was there much hard shoulder). I pull over, check she is alright. Her bike just locked up and there is no power whatsoever. She has no AA/Green Flag cover and knows no one with a bike trailer. As it's a bank holiday sunday, no chance of getting a local garage out. I suggest her only real option is leaving the bike there till the Tuesday then getting a garage to collect it. She agrees, I get out my duct tape and tape over the reflectors, number plate, fold the mirrors in etc. (to make it as inconspicuous to scum as possible). I push the bike a further down the dual carriageway (so it will be partly obscured by foliage) then push it up onto the mud and rest it on my sidestand puck and chain it (with my chain) to the barrier. I then give her the key to the chain, give her my address and phone number (landline) to arrange dropping it back. I make quite clear that I go past where she lives (cardiff) regularly for work, so if it's easier, I'll pick it up from her. I then give her a lift to work and am on my way. I didn't even think to ask for her number as the thought of her not returning it never crossed my mind.

I go by the spot on Tuesday, the bike has gone. A week passes, no sign of the chain and no phone call from her. Now admittedly, I was away a few nights last week and I don't have an answer phone, but I've been in all weekend and not heard anything. If I was in her position, I'd of rung daily and/or put the chain back through the letterbox within a couple of days. Today I go past the spot and pull over and check. No sign of ripped off tape, cut chain, or the sidestand puck, so it doesn't look like it was nicked. I can't really wait any longer, as that is the chain I carry under my seat and use to lock my bike up with when I'm away for work, so will have to buy a new one, even if she does return it at some point in the future.

I take it that it's not unreasonable of me to go to her place of work next week and ask for some sort of explanation? Anyone care to offer some excuse for her behaviour?

I'm not looking for praise for doing "the right thing" (I'd do it again for anyone else in spite of this experience), I just wanted to gripe about it.

personally mate i think you did a very helpful thing and im glad to hear there is still people like you about, i dont think it unreasonable at all to go round to her work and ask for your chain back, i'm also glad to hear that this has not put you off helping as you never know who may need help next, maybe me

Good man for helping a stranded biker out. Give it another couple of days - it was a short week and she may have been more focussed on getting the bike sorted out. You have no idea what her circumstances are and she may have had other things to deal with as well.

But, if it does tun out bad, what goes around comes around!

[dirtydog]

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

I take it that it's not unreasonable of me to go to her place of work next week and ask for some sort of explanation? Anyone care to offer some excuse for her behaviour?

I'd pop by her workplace and ask for it back

or buy a new chain go to her work place and chain her bike up with the new chain and leave your number again see how long it takes her to call then!

Oh and pat on the back for stopping and helping

Originally Posted by dirtydog

or buy a new chain go to her work place and chain her bike up with the new chain and leave your number again see how long it takes her to call then!

Priceless !!

Remind me not to upset you DD...

.

So let me get this right, not only have you potentially lost the chain, but you have left your bike unlocked since lending it out ...

And you didn't get your end away??? You idiot!!

Would you have done the same if it were a dude? ...

It is always possible she simply lost your number. If you know where she works, then drop by and ask for your chain back. If she has simply lost the number, there is still a chance you might get your end away too!!

[Stingo]

Definetly go by where she works...'spect the bike will be locked up with your...er...lock?!

man thats pretty kind of you! nice one

haha dirty dog's idea is also quite a classic

Originally Posted by Blue_SV650S

So let me get this right, not only have you potentially lost the chain, but you have left your bike unlocked since lending it out ...

And you didn't get your end away??? You idiot!!

Would you have done the same if it were a dude? ...

It is always possible she simply lost your number. If you know where she works, then drop buy and ask for your chain back. If she has simply lost the number, there is still a chance you might get your end away too!!

The one time I have needed it since I lent the chain out, I had to use my other lock. Luckily it was in a secure car park at a hotel. The other chain is less strong and more bulky (and hence a pain to carry), so I suppose I was mildly inconveninenced. Crucially, it doesn't fit under my seat, so I can't carry it round with me (for just that sort of emergency) when I go out without a tank bag.

I would have definately done the same if it had been a chap. My mates have already given me a ribbing over this. Trust me, she was no oil painting and I wasn't looking to get my end away. Ironically, I gave her my house number, rather than my mobile precisely because I knew my girlfriend would be a bit jealous.

Good point re: the lost number. She definately knew where I lived though- she knew the road when I mentioned it. Re-reading my post, I didn't make it clear re: her work. I think she was going there for a meeting (it was a Lidls store), rather than her normal place of work. I only got her first name, but I suppose I could ask the staff there...

Coolgirl: Yeah, the hectic nature of getting her bike back on the road may well have delayed it a bit.

[Balky001]

Ceri - that's women for you, they all do that! (no, only joking before I get jumped on!). Hope you are around if ever I break down, nice one mate and don't let a bad experience put you off. Drop by her work, if she works at Lidl that may be punishment enough!