We got up at the crack of dawn after a night of rain, then clear skies with a real chill in the air to a valley filled thick with fog. The tent has been soaking wet continuously since we started and would be packed away wet again.
On the road at 8:00, and only 3 miles in and guess what - yep another spoke pinged. I'm really getting frustrated about this. Something is seriously wrong. I attempt a fix at the side of the road, but alloy nipples really do not like being reused and i didn't have a new one. Our route is taking us through Blackburn, so we find the first bike shop to see about another repair.
I decide to buy a new wheel, but they have nothing suitable in store. Luckily, they have a wheel building expert in store named Jeff - a former 'best all round' cycle champion. He very kindly agrees to do a full strip down and rebuild completely with all new stainless steel spokes.
After sorting it out, I quizzed him about why the wheel kept breaking. He explained that it was a number of factors. Poor quality original spokes, not enough spokes, my disc brakes add extra strain, we are carrying a lot of kit, and the main point was "well you are a big chap aren't you"
So there you have it, another shout that I could do with losing weight. The brutal honesty of a man from Blackburn!!! In all honesty though - if you are ever in need of great service from a cycle shop in Blackburn, head to EWOOD Bikes - they do know what they're talking about - thanks guys.
After that, we pushed on, and are now in north Yorkshire , just by settle, and camping for free again as we are charity riders !!!!
Pushing on up to Carlise tomorrow-up over some high ground, so another early start.
Wise people from blackburn ... Fingers crossed for the wheel
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