The Broken Chain

Yesterday afternoon while Mark was fixing his old mountain bike in the garage, he noticed the chain had snapped. He had already repaired it twice this year, but this time the damage looked worse. His friend Lisa arrived just as he was searching for a spare link in the toolbox. "If you cannot mend it today, we will miss the group ride tomorrow," she said. Mark had promised everyone he would join the twenty-kilometre trail ride. While they were talking, Lisa picked up the broken pieces and examined them carefully. She suddenly remembered that her uncle ran a small bicycle shop in town and and had fitted a new chain for her last month. Mark wiped his hands on an old rag and looked at her hopefully. They decided to drive to the shop before it closed.

As they were leaving the garage, Mark's phone rang. It was his sister asking if he had finished repairing her flat tyre yet. He explained he was still working on his own bike but would help her after the group ride.

At the shop, the owner found a stronger chain that fitted perfectly. While Mark was paying, Lisa noticed some bright red brake pads on the shelf and suggested he should replace those too.

By the time they returned home, the sun had already set. Mark worked under the garage light and finished fitting the new parts. He tested the bike and smiled because it now shifted smoothly. If the weather stays dry tomorrow, they will enjoy a perfect ride through the hills.