T minus 12 Days

I loaded up the bike today with the panniers Ant used for his ride across the states and my first impression was there is not a lot of room in them. After trying to put all the things I'll need in there I'm very certain that there is not a lot of room in there. Still, by taking along a small rucksack there is just about enough carrying capacity for everything.

The bike feels very different with all the weight on it and it's much more difficult to climb hills whilst standing, you need to sit down and just spin away in a high gear. Despite the weight I did 40 miles around Plymouth up all of the unpleasant hills I could think of. I climbed Jennycliffe, Bovisand, Wembry hills and Normandy hill from the river up to the bridge. The rack was twisting a bit and rubbing against the rear wheel but a visit to The Bike Cellar in Plymstock yielded some inner tube to pad out the clamp which has sorted that. They have been kind to me and have donated a few bits and pieces to the bike, as well as providing a box to pack it into which I shall pick up tomorrow.

Speaking of bike shops I went to Halfords at Marsh Mills today and spoke to Ian, their customer service manager. I'd spoken to him last month about the JoGLE ride and he told me to come back nearer the time and they would have something to help me on the journey. Ian remembered me and introduced me to their Cycle department manager Des who was very busy but still found the time to sort me out with a free customer care service plan and a very shiny new front Gecko light. Thank you very, very much to you two and Halfords indeed.