Days 15-17: Bike problems plague Andy and Eric
By By Chris Whitaker / staff writer
June 18, 2002
Andy and Eric Armstrong spent Monday afternoon in Kelheim, Germany, repairing mechanical problems with their bikes.
Andy's bike bearings gave way, and Eric's bike needed adjustments to the gears. The two had just arrived in the town of Regensburg, Germany, when they noticed the problems.
A man they met at a store in Regensburg drove them back to Kelheim for the work; Andy and Eric then biked back to Regensburg after the repairs were completed.
The bike repairs came on the 17th day of Andy and Eric's European bike trip. Andy, 58, and his grandson Eric, 15, began the trip in Paris on May 31 and plan to end in Venice, Italy, later this month.
Andy and Eric passed cathedrals while biking through Regensburg. Andy said gargoyles like those in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" looked like they were ready to pounce on them.
Also on Monday, Andy and Eric met a youth group from San Antonio, Texas. Andy said the group was in Germany to perform, but didn't know any specifics.
Sunday was emotional for Andy because it was his first Father's Day without his father. He said he realized it when Eric called his dad to wish him a "Happy Father's Day."
Andy and Eric traveled that day along the Danube River, heading from Heilbonn, Germany, to Kelheim. At one point, a herd of 300-500 sheep were crossing their path.
Andy and Eric often have become lost on their bike trip. That happened once again on Saturday because Andy said signs apparently had been removed from along the streets.
Andy and Eric, who were heading from Rothenburg, Germany, to Heilbonn, were supposed to bike 32 kilometers. But when they got lost, they ended up biking 85 kilometers.
When Andy returns home, he plans to jump in a pool and stay underwater as long as he can. Andy had a chance to do just that on Saturday when a German man invited him and Eric in for a drink of water.
Andy and Eric then noticed the man's pool.
On Friday night in Rothenburg, Andy and Eric met a man from Puerto Rico and two girls from Paris, Tenn. The girls knew Andy's aunt and uncle who live in Paris.
