Gear shifter is DESTROYED, my body under attack - nothing is going to plan 🇸🇦 | S8, EP45

Summary

In this episode of *Itchy Boots*, the journey through the desolate roads of Saudi Arabia becomes a series of unexpected challenges. The rider faces mechanical issues, including a broken gear shifter and a loose mirror, as well as an unsettling encounter with a plague of giant grasshoppers. Despite the setbacks, the stunning desert scenery remains a constant companion. After an exhausting detour and traffic struggles in Madinah, the rider finally finds a place to stay after much effort. A long day comes to a close with a weary but satisfied sense of accomplishment, despite the mishaps along the way.

Takeaways

• 😀 The rider is in the middle of nowhere in Saudi Arabia, dealing with a broken gear shifter and loose mirror.
• 😀 The gear shifter is nearly broken, and the rider needs to replace it with a spare one to continue riding.
• 😀 The rider faces difficulties with the mirror being loose and not properly adjusted.
• 😀 The rider encounters a major road condition, requiring a detour that adds more distance to the journey.
• 😀 Grasshoppers swarm the road, causing distractions and some physical pain when hitting them, making the ride more challenging.
• 😀 The rider deals with low fuel levels and hopes to find a petrol station along the way.
• 😀 Despite the difficulties, the rider admires the beautiful scenery while trying to make progress.
• 😀 The rider is trying to reach Madinah but is unsure of the best route and experiences some confusion along the way.
• 😀 The rider successfully fixes the mirror but is still uncertain if they'll reach their destination before nightfall.
• 😀 Upon reaching Madinah, the rider struggles to find accommodation as many places are fully booked due to pilgrims.
• 😀 The rider finally secures a room after much searching and reflects on the challenges of the day, including the detour and broken equipment.

Q & A

What mechanical issue is the traveler dealing with during the video?

The traveler is facing a problem with their gear shifter, which is on the verge of breaking, and they also struggle with a loose mirror.

What solution does the traveler find for the broken gear shifter?

The traveler finds a spare gear shifter and lever, which they plan to install after some adjustments, such as bending the new one to fit the existing setup.

What is the traveler’s immediate plan after encountering mechanical issues?

After the gear shifter and mirror issues, the traveler decides to get away from the rough road first and then figure out the next step, uncertain about their exact direction.

How does the traveler describe the road condition they are on?

The traveler describes the road as terrible, and mentions needing to come up with a 'Plan B' after facing obstacles on the current route.

What challenge does the traveler face with the grasshoppers?

The traveler is overwhelmed by a large number of enormous grasshoppers on the road, which hit them and create difficulty while riding, causing discomfort and distraction.

What environmental or scenic details does the traveler highlight?

Despite the mishaps, the traveler admires the beautiful afternoon light and the spectacular scenery, mentioning the vast presence of grasshoppers and their impact on the journey.

What logistical issue does the traveler encounter while trying to reach Madinah?

The traveler faces the challenge of getting to Madinah before dark, as they are running out of daylight and still have 40 km to go, which will depend on traffic conditions.

How does the traveler describe the traffic in Madinah?

The traveler is not fond of Madinah's traffic, mentioning detours and the confusion of following a path that seems to lead further away from the desired destination.

What difficulty does the traveler experience when searching for accommodation?

The traveler struggles to find a place to stay in Madinah, as most hotels are fully booked due to the influx of pilgrims, causing a delay in finding suitable accommodation.

How does the traveler feel after finally securing a place to stay?

The traveler is relieved to find a room after much effort, expressing gratitude despite the delay and exhaustion from a long day of riding and dealing with mechanical issues.