Henry Saves the Day - The Day the Kitten Shone.

On opening Ian's bike bag I found that the lug that held the rear derailleur had snapped in transit. I had been warned by John from Tenby Cycles that this was one of the weak points that could be trouble when traveling abroad.

On closer examination I discovered that it bit of the frame had snapped aswell - total and utter disaster. Ian was informed and did not take the news too well. he immediately phoned his insurance company, Lloyds of London and his Platinum account stated that his bike was not covered. Controlling his temper Henry suggested to Ian that a phonecall to the Press officer of Virgin Atlantic would be a better option. After speaking to the baggage handling department of Virgin, who were very concerned about the colour of the £50 bike bag which was grey and not the £1500 bike inside it. On the other phone Henry in his best Meltwater voice was conversing with the Virgin Press Officer who realised that a PR disaster was on the horizon especially as the BBC are traveling with us and she authorised an immediate allowance of $2000 to cover the cost of a new bike! henry's thinking outside the box and his phone manor and charm. Whether Ian will thank him by the end of the trip will be another story! Ian will thank him tonight by sleeping in the bathroom so that Henry and Tomos will not suffer the snore torture!