The road to nowhere

Was it George Washington who said. ' I cannot tell a lie,' I could say that I have travelled 100 miles today. which is true but not all of it has been on my bike! After persuading the landlady to have breakfast at 7am I was ready to go at 7.45am. checking my bike I decided to pump up the rear type a little but before I could get any air in the tyre the valve came off in my hand! I took all the luggage off and turned the bike over on the pavement. On removing the wheel I discovered that 2 spokes had broken. Fortunately there was a bike shop at the end of the street but it did not open until 9.30am I tried to attach them again but it was useless. The one tube I had carried with me to Scotland was too big but the other fitted. i would have to wait for the shop to open. I knocked on the door.of the hotel to let me in to wash my hands. They got me another cup of coffee and sympathised with me but I wondered if they thought I could have had breakfast later. The shop opened and they were very helpful. Replacing several spokes,he advised I took some more with me. I eventually hit the road at 10.20am. I phoned Colin and Ann and Steve and Ann and we arranged that I would be picked up at dark wherever that was. The weather was good and A light tail breeze. I passed though Exeter and on to Honiton. There I turned off down the road to Dorchester. This road is like the big dipper! After the first prolonged climb I stopped at the Windmill garage for lunch of Coke and sandwiches. A very good looking lady was very interested in my ride and we chatted as I ate. She then donated some money to MS which really lifted my spirits. I continued up and down steep hills all afternoon. Steve then rang me and said he was on his way to meet up. When we met I had just complete 60 miles. Therefore I need to miss out a few miles to stay on track with the schedule. We enjoyed a good evening meal and I prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.