So, I got here OK.. more or less…
It seemed to take me ages to get going this morning, far too much faffing and everything felt uncomfortable… I left about an hour later than I wanted to, but nevertheless… I left.
As I’ve managed to get here OK, I guess I have to count today as successful but there were a couple of issues along the way.
I had some problems with the route on Garmin, I think it was just too long, so I had to chop it up into two halves. This was far more complicated to do then it should have been, and judging by today there might have been a bit of rerouting in the process.
So I spent a good part of today on bridle paths and gravel tracks, at some points completely unrideable. Pleasant enough scenically, but kinda frustrating.
I had my first mechanical problem during one of the worst bits of gravel track, on a surface that looked like chopped up bits of old road. Unfortunately one of the bits that attaches the front lowrider (and so panniers) to the front forks had broken. The only real fix is new front forks, which obviously is not going to happen…
Glad I brought some cable ties… Seems to be holding OK so far.. if it doesn’t I’m in trouble!
The other issue is that I’m getting quite a lot of pain in my right leg, knee area. Feels like ITB. I think my right cleat is not set right. Things seemed to subside a bit when I took my foot out of the clips. I guess I’ve got the angle wrong. I’ve taken some ibuprofen, so I’ll just have to see how I feel tomorrow morning, hopefully I’ve not done too much damage. Again, if I have, I’m in trouble…
On the plus side the other leg, which had to work twice as hard, seemed fine.
Took ages to find somewhere for lunch, basically there was nowhere until Cirencester. Cirencester, it turns out, is a really lovely city. If you haven’t been there, it’s well worth as visit I’d think.
This was lunch
And very nice it was too. Nice chat with a couple on holiday from Swansea with their kids.
The late lunch was followed by a nice coffee from a nice bloke in a nice van. He even provided me with a pint of milk for my evening coffee and breakfast too.
Turns out the packed up bike is a great icebreaker, everyone has been very chatty and encouraging… although the general consensus is that I may not be entirely sane.
I haven’t made up my mind yet… Is this really a good idea?
Now at Field Barn Park. Very nice quiet campsite. Loads of room. Very friendly. All the mod cons, I even have power to charge things 😁
Dinner was Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta. It was surprising good. I bought a small pot of ice cream for pudding.
Apparently I used 2100 calories today, so best keep eating.
Check out my ride on Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/1805578543/shareable_images/map_based?hl=en-US&v=1535566443