The Puncture

Last Tuesday, and only our second day back on Adventures, we had an extra challenge to fix.

Whilst one Walker was driving to her afternoon walk we had a pretty severe puncture which needed to be dealt with immediately.

This was no sort of “let’s just pump up the tyre and drive to the local garage to get it fixed” type of puncture. This was a non-mover.

Therefore we needed to get the spare and get this tyre changed in the middle of the woods, in the freezing cold, whilst running out of daylight.

Luckily the Walker in question was able to park up the van safely at one of our Adventuring spots and take the dogs for a long walk as I fixed the logistics.

Now, you may think it is just a question of changing a punctured tyre, no biggie. However the spare was on summer tread. And the only Winter tyre I could use there and then were not on any rims.

You may be starting to understand the logistical mission I was about to undertake.

Firstly I rang up my local garage and had a chat with the boss. He explained that I would be able to drive with three spiked tyres and one summer tyre, if we took it super easy and we did not head deep into the woods in the coming days until the replacement spiked tyre arrived.

I went silent for about 10 seconds as I contemplated whether our groups of dogs would need to go on less adventurous walks for the next two days. It was the easy option, and the option which most people would probably take.

10 seconds later I informed the boss that this wasn’t an option and I needed to swap a rim onto one of my Winter tyres so that true Adventures could continue. I wasn’t willing to compromise on the quality of our walks for one hour’s less hard work stress and effort.

He told me that he understood and that his Team would be waiting by for me to come and that they could do it immediately for me. He also ordered the replacement spiked tyre, there and then.

Arriving at the Garage they set to work immediately as I chatted to the boss. 5 to 10 minutes later and I was on my way back up to the woods with carjack, wrench and new spare Winter tyre, mounted on a rim.

The garage refused to charge me for their work and said I could get it for free as I would be buying a new tyre off them.

Two days later and they had mounted the new spiked tyre as promised, which I went to pick up and pay for.

Surprised at how cheap it was the boss informed me that after our chat he had decided to give me a 20% discount.

The van in question was still out adventuring with dogs, and therefore I did not get the chance to swap over the tyres before Saturday lunchtime.

Saturday was cold and I had just spent the morning downhill skiing with a friend. I decided that I would head to the same garage to get the tyre changed as my hands were already pretty chilly post skiing.

Arriving at the garage they managed to change my tyre within 15 minutes after waiting for a few cars who were before me.

I headed into the Office to pay for the tyre change. Once again the boss refused payment from me, despite me insisting.

I took out a 200 Kroner note and handed it to him, thanking him for all of his help and exceptional service.

He smiled and reluctantly took the cash but informed me that he would buy something for his team and that they were very grateful for my gesture.

I truly feel that when you receive exceptional service it is only right to call it out and praise it.

In this case I have not included the name of the garage as I would not want people to go there expecting to get a discount. However if anyone needs a new tyre(s) or help with a puncture then please let me know and I will pass on the details privately in a message.

Doggies: Sid, Noomi, Smula, Wilma, Zimba, Nansen and Eyolf