Pouring rain this morning which lasted until midday. Used the cover of the woodshed at the Black Bull to strip down the poor bent Dawes of all it's accessories --threw the front pannier rack and the squashed basket into the bin. Fetched the new steed from Halfords-- it seems quite smooth to ride. Took all the silly bits off it and repositioned the rack,speedo,bell and my favourite saddle. Sold the Dawes to a second hand dealer--he was going to fit new forks. The...

Raining hard all morning but a tail wind. Was accompanied by a chatty Scotsman for part of the way to Thirsk. Stopped there for a coffee in a rather smart cafe and was provided with a towel to sit on! Could not find the 65 route to Northallerton so cycled along the main road, which was pretty busy. Found the post office and posted off more excess equipment. I then called in at a bike shop. The owner took one look at the bike and said that it should be condemned a...