Day 4 - From Wags to Wigan and beyond

OK, today was a long, hot day, which got progressively more windy as the day went on. I was very glad to finish and have possibly the best shower of the trip to date. Note to logistics types: the old technique of washing kit in the shower works, especially if you have a very good sports wash to hand. Very fluffy towels are a godsend for the rolling up and wringing out technique. 

In terms of kit, the bike is misbehaving very slightly; there are various clicking noises which I am finding very disturbing, and no, it is not the sound of my knees. I did strip the bottom bracket this morning and that has not helped, so tomorrow it is wheels out and bearings oiled. Many thanks to the very nice RAC man who lent me his oil can at the side of the A49 "our members’ needs are our priority, sir"; he would be crushed to know that the noise didn't stop. Another minor problem was the fact that one of the bottle cages worked loose thanks to the very rough road surfaces of the route and I stopped in the nick of time to re-attach and prevent the loss of both cage and bottle.   

How was the route? If I am honest, today was very dull. The A49 is not the most charismatic of roads and I spent around 70 miles exploring its delights before tasting the joys of the A6 to Preston and beyond. If you are thinking of doing this route, do yourself a big favour and get off the A49 to go through the towns it skirts. Well worth the extra ten or twenty minutes to get off the main road and also much better supplied with shops to resupply as necessary.

Highlight of the day was probably chatting to a couple of builders in a van whilst waiting for lights at some roadworks. They seemed astonished that anyone would to do this and as a solo rider to boot. They asked if I was doing it for charity and thoroughly approved of my choice; good feedback, which kept me going for the next few miles.

At the end of the evening, what impressions do I take from the day? Firstly, the A49 is dull, but is immeasurably improved by sunshine. Secondly, every day is a good day if concluded by a good meal with your wife. Thirdly, Garstang is a long way from Land’s End and even further from John O’Groats.

Mileage: 95.7

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/548036369

https://www.justgiving.com/Sean-Bonnington/