It was raining the morning I left Sault Ste. Marie, but it was already 22 degrees celcius at 8:00 am. I opted for a tank top and shorts under my riding gear. Within 10 minutes I was already sweating due to the intense humidity. I stopped at Dan’s Custom Repair to get my chain tightened and have them install the new bulb for my headlight.

I walked in and spoke to the fella in the front and he said he’d get Dan out to talk to me. I was full of apprehension about this stop. Would they take care of my bike right away? As I rolled in I saw someone hop on a bike and pull it around back. I heard it going on a lift when I walked in the door. I knew this meant they were just getting into another bike. This apprehension built into not a small amount of stress because I was already telling myself a story about how I may need to spend another night in The Soo.

Dan came out from the shop and he said, “Hey, how you doing?” I followed him out the door and responded with, “Great! I’m losing 2 pounds in this heat every time I stop!” or something to that affect. Dan has a great big smile and a big booming laugh and I immediately felt better. I told him what I was looking for and he said no problem, grab yourself a coffee inside and they’d help me out right away.

While I waited, the first fella came back to chat. He told me that he was impressed that I’m doing this trip and said, “You’re one brave lady!”. I sure didn’t feel brave! I felt stressed, tired, and nervous about the day. Talking to him, however, helped settle my nerves. I sipped my coffee, ate my banana, and waited. Before long Dan came out and let me know it was all done. He advised I’d need new sprockets and a chain soon, but to keep an eye on it and tighten again if I needed to. Holy Pie Batman! I was planning to replace my tires before heading for home, but hadn’t really factored in any repairs. Stress. Anxiety.

I told him how much I appreciated his time and how his greeting had made me feel a lot better about the lonliness. He too remarked how brave I must be to do a cross-Canada trip alone on a bike. I asked if he’d be ok if I took a selfie with him for my stories and he happily obliged.

Thank you heaps and heaps, Dan! You helped out Jules and lightened my load enough to carry on feeling a little more hopeful about the day!