The next morning after breakfast I packed my things, and got ready to continue my journey. But when I started the engine I noticed a strange clicking sound just like the sound that you hear on a bicycle with different gears idling when the pedals are not moved. So I stopped at the next parking lot to look for the source of the troubling sound.

The front sprocket cover was filled with chain oil residue. A sign for bad lubricant being used (applied by the dealer).

I tried to clean it as best as I could but nothing would stop that strange rattling sound. (A plastic bag is a pretty decent substitution for a working glove to keep your hands clean so you don’t get your biking gloves all oily on the inside if you don’t have the chance to wash your hands right after the work.)

After two hours of fiddling around with the chain it became more clear that the sound had to be coming from the chain or the sprockets and not from inside the engine. That was a big relief. Still I wanted to find a mechanic shop to get an expert opinion to know whether it would be safe to continue the journey or not. Google said there was a shop half an hour from my location but when I got there I discovered that it was closed which was not a big surprise because it was Sunday. From there I decided it was best to end the trip here and try to get back home without adding to the damage on the bike.

This was disappointing but I am actually glad this happened because I learned a few valuable lessens:

I need to carry more tools with me. I should have the possibility to take off the chain and sprockets, to inspect inspect them, clean them or swap them. I should have the tools to adjust the chain tension and I should lubricate the chain regularly and carry the lubricant with me on bigger trips. Also I will add disposable plastic gloves to my tool kit.