This was the route for day 9. It turned out to be the longest route so far time wise. It started wet and got real messy when we went off road for long sections. Road bikes have 23mm tyres for a reason and it is not to glide over gravel and mud!!At the Caledonian canal tow path section Rob got the first puncture of the whole trip. Shortly after that there was a failure of a component on Si's bike to remain connected to the bike and the rear mech fell off. This was a terminal failure. We could have shortened the chain to run a fixed gear but that would not have carried Si up the hills. So, the first SOS call of the trip was made to Helen to bring the spare bike. She was only about half an hour away and came with blue lights flashing and sirens awailing, almost.
The ride continued and at 42miles in we met the 'big momma' of hills. An 8 mile 1250 feet monster. It was put to shame by Si and I's mountain goat climbing ability and we froze at the top waiting for 'Speedy Gonzales'.
My seat post continues to twirl around every opportunity and when going through towns I have become aware of kids pointing!
The spare bike is in use and therefore I have to resort to using all my 32 years of engineering experience to make a fix, with the ubiquitous duct tape!!
The overnight stop was at a doss house called the Station Hotel organised by Rob. No ensuite and the other rooms all appear to have Polish immigrants living in them! It is not a place for a lady to stay!!.... and that is all I will say about that.....
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