C2C - A fast ride to Bedale

The clothing has failed to dry so I start the day in wet cycling undershorts, poo, wet over shorts, yuck, wet socks, ugh, and wet tee shirt, ooh err… not really a problem.  At least it’s a fresh wetness and anyway it’ll all be wet with sweat within half an hour so stop complaining fattie…


An easy start today cos it’s just 33 miles to Bedale so of course that meant I forgot to put my brain in gear.  I was half way along the mile long rough track from the farm / campsite before I looked down and let out a small oh feck cos I’d left my water bottles on the step outside the toilets.  Fecking idiot I mumble to mysen.  Turned around and there in a pawl of dust was one of the farm hands racing the rough track in his old Land Rover trying to catch up.  Oh did we laugh!  As I’ve said before I was born an idiot and things have only got worse.  


Bad news though with the bike. No front brake any more.  Steep down hills towards Stokesley were a bit hair raising which is some going for a bald bloke.  One sixth of a ton of bike and flesh and panniers and bits meant that the rear brake was hard on most of the time with the front bald metal pad scraping on the disk doing bugger all to ease the free fall, screaming all the way down.


I knew of a bike shop in town - Westbrook cycles. Chris had 3 bikes on the go and another gent in front of me demanding his bike back at the weekend.  


Without hesitation he takes my bike in. Changes the brake pads front and rear ‘cos they were all in fact shot, fettled my loose head bearing - no not mine, the bikes - chatted loads about green lane’ing in the area and of motorbikes and some 30 to 45 minutes later I’m back on the bike fully fettled with him wishing me a safe journey only having to pay for parts, not labour!  So I gave him some beer money!  Smashing guy!  


Contrary to what some folk think, which often prevents them from undertaking an adventure… if you are ever in trouble I’ve only ever found folk out there who are willing and happy to help. Never ever to the contrary.  I’ve been in more than a few fine pickles in the past.


Anyway I make Bedale and the campsite by 3pm.  A significantly easier day today. But remembering yesterday too and of the wind which did its absolute best with a gentle hand in my back to help me on my way. 


Tomorrow is Leyburn.   I hope to not have a problem with my camping stove…


Ciao for now..

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