There are a few hills in the first 25 miles today but few in the second half. Heading north there are dark clouds ahead so not an immediate threat. We gain height and soon get a view over the Vale of York.
We have an option to go over Over-Silton Moor but reckon the section through the forest will be muddy. Julians bike clogs up easily wifh mud between the tyre and mudguard so we go for the road. Its a bit longer, bit flatter and a more down than up. The downhill bits are first and we go easy as the narrow road curves with blind corners. The brakes are on all the way down, however I dont see a large metal duct cover which has been polished over the years by traffic and before I know it the front wheel locks up and is off to the left. I am down on the road on my right, bruised and shocked.
Fortunately my panniers make a bridge for my leg, the rear now has a small tear at the top and my helmet saves the head. My jacket sleeve has an oily design but surprisingly is not ripped, just a small hole. My right hip has a lovely bruise and graze, one to match the other side when I fell in my local park just 6 weeks ago.
Julian helps get my first aid kig out and i get cleaned up. We limp in to the cafe at Osmotherly and recharge with hot drinks and cream scones.
Next stop then is Julians bike shop in Stockton, Skinnergate Cycles for new gloves , some isotonic tablets for my drink bottles and I need a compact multi-tool. Julian gets a couple of things too.
Its a fairly good cyclepath to Castle Eden from here and we check in to the Penton indoor campsite at 5pm. Its been a good day, mostly, and mostly dry although my left foot has been wet all day from the wet grass at Easingwold campsite. If only someone could invent cycle- wellies!
The gear is unloaded and Julians house becomes a drying zone for a time. The washing machine id also put to good use.
I hear Meryl has been cooking a large meal for us and it is great. Carrot soup, chilli con carne and my favourite pud, rhubarb crumble ice cream and cream. Excellent. Thank you Meryl and daughter Eleanor.
After dinner Meryl hands me a little red box. It is a collection of donations from neighbours, family and friends for our charity MS Research. I am touched by everyones kindness and interest in our journey. So again Thank You to Kirstie, Margaret, Leanne, Pam and Keil, Trish and Gordon, Chris, Mary and Christine !
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