Day Off in Bristol

Ok a day to catch up with repairs, washing and do some touristy things. We find out there is a cycle shop round the corner. They have everything, it seems..... But not front panniers and rack! What? They have a huge selection of rear ones. They are very helpful and phone a couple of shops. 2nd time success.  Julian buys a new pair of shorts and an inner tube. 

I get to Bike UK, with my bike, and Brian helps me out. They kindly let me fit the front rack in the shop- there are some bike stands in the shop for customer use! Great idea. I did ask if they could fit it but no , they are too busy. There are 3 mechanics in the workshop and another assembling a bike from a box. 

It takes an hour and half for me to mount the rack. Had to get longer bolts and some extra washers, but at least the kit came with nylock nuts. 

Front rack on!

I texted Julian. Hopefully he has enough power in his phone to get my message and meet back at the hostel. 

Next, food. We head off in search of food and a charger for julians phone. Success on both counts. I then return to get a hat (its raining ) and on to the Great Britain. We arrange to meet later. 

The ship is huge. Much bigger than i expected.  Brunel's design was at the cutting edge of technology. An efficient 2 blade propellor, but also one that could be raised inboard to reduce the drag when under sail. The remains of the original rudder are in the museum adjacent, but with a modern prop to show how it works. 

I do the tour and I think they have done a great job restoring her. It is in dry dock with a false 'sea', water on glass, which mskes it look as though it is floating. Very clever. 

Julian has kindly hung up our laundry to dry and also my tent which was still wet. 

Everything is dry by 8pm and i get my packing done for tomorrow. 

We have 3 games of cribbage and England are now leading by 3. I'll not mention Julians errors ( twice ) in adding the scores. 

Some more pics of the ship.