46 miles ridden – 497m climbed – Temperature 24C

Today was a day of two halves. The good half was that I arrived here just 30 minutes before the heavens opened. The bad half was repeated problems with my rear derailleur which meant I was continually skipping gears and my chain was slipping. I tried to sort it three times on the roadside – once outside Sandringham – but without lasting success.

I had had my fill of sandy tracks today as well so using my trusty Ordinance Survey app I worked a decent on-road alternative which cheered me up no end – it also meant I wasn’t cycling when the rain hit. I am annoyed about the amount of off-road sections on this ride. The guidebook states that it is suitable for a touring bike with 28mm tyres but it isn’t and I’m annoyed with myself for not buying a decent mountain bike for this trip. Maybe a 65th birthday present Sue?!?!

I met two other Rebellion Way riders today who were both on mountain bikes and one of them came off on the sand so my walking did make some sense even if I was frustrated.

The route passed two castles today. The first was in a village called Castle Acre which Sue and I had been two a couple of times with our walking friends during our Peddars Way journey. Castle Acre is very pretty.

And although the castle in Castle Rising is tucked away behind an entry fee there was a very nice tea shop for coffee and cake.

I was quite surprised at how quiet the back roads are up here especially given the heavy traffic on the A148 and A149. I must have cycled 10 miles along a lane sandwiched between the two and only seen 2 or 3 cars and the odd tractor.

Back to my bike. I had been a bit concerned (I still am a little) that there was something quite serious wrong requiring at best a full strip down and clean or at worst a replacement derailleur neither of which can be easily sorted up here. Arriving at my hotel in Burnham Market I took time out to have a drink and assess the situation with the aid of videos on You Tube and assorted tools from the landlord at the pub/hotel as a result of which I am hopeful that the issue will repeat itself tomorrow.

Famous last words…….