I don't know why I do it, but every time I think the worst has past something comes along and gives me a swift kick in the whatsits.
Yesterday, leaving Sheffield was a bit of a drag, nothing too major just constant and before I'd properly warmed up. Once going strong I started to make good time towards Leek until I hit a disgusting hill. I'd actually taken a different road, but seeing the view stopped off and took a picture...I then checked my route and saw I had to go up it. Arthur's Way in Castleton, an evil 20% incline with my panniers dragging me backwards. I'm confident without the additional weight I'd have dragged my way to the top, but this was the first road to defeat me as I climbed off and pushed the second half.
From there, aside from a couple of difficult but manageable hills the ride to Buxton then Leek was fairly simple and I arrived at Anna Watkins post box just as the Good Friday service was finishing in the middle of town. The box itself was easy to find so here's the picture...
From there it was a small matter of riding 45ish miles to Chester/Wrexham which, thanks to being out of the hills meant I could ride along at a good pace so reached my goal around 5.
My mum's cousin Alan collected me and just when I thought the day was over a real disaster struck. My pannier rack broke. Evidently the challenge of carrying my bags and bouncing through the potholes I couldn't avoid took it's strain and the actual frame snapped. These problems can be solved so a quick trip to Halfords (other companies are available) to buy a replacement and all is looking good...and the checkout girl was gorgeous, but that's beside the point.
Today's ride hopefully won't be too difficult, Flint, North Wales for Jade Jones then back to Wrexham/Wrecsam to collect Tom James's before another long slog to Stafford.
I say this cautiously, but I think the big hills are behind me for a little while which should help, the traffic will hopefully be lessened over the Easter weekend and by the end of the day I'll have finished half of the ride!
As ever @Pedal_Medal and www.justgiving.com/samlevey so please donate and share the link!
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