Help On the Way

Bicyclist zipped by on Central outside of Lola's. She was shouting and looked awfully angry. It's a dangerous scenario, riding bikes in Phoenix, and she's illegal riding on the sidewalk.

"Asshole cars!" was all I could make out from her spouting. She was livid. Must have had an encounter - I've been near killed riding on these streets. She went by in half an instant.

After a while, stepped nearer the curb and looked south. After the next intersection, on the next block, saw her working on her bike, turned over on it's handlebars and saddle; she was working the chain drive. Thought that maybe she'd taken a tumble, so I walked over to see how she was otherwise.

"You OK?"
"Yeah, I'm fine - threw the chain."
"I don't have my tools with me."
"Thanks, I'll get it. Worst thing is getting dirty."

She was sort of futzing and having trouble engaging.

The chain needed more play toward securing the gear's teeth.

"If you had a screwdriver you could guide the chain on."

She said nothing, then disengaged the chain from the smaller rear wheel gear so's to make the slack to work it more easily onto the large pedal gear. I could see she'd have it done presently. Had I my essential tool box in the truck, I'd've helped her.

"There you go. You'll get it now."

Don't hover. She'll be fine.

Walked away; she was still pretty pissed.

Looked over after a few minutes:

back on the sidewalk, on her way she was.

Whoa! Riding on sidewalk is legal here.
I must be thinking of other juristictions.