Waking up to the sound of rain pretty much set the tone for the day this morning. Long story short – I got wet, I had a headwind and the prospect of camping in this weather was pretty much making me as miserable as possible.
Mentally it was one of the hardest mornings I’ve had and honestly this was the first time that I’ve wanted nothing more than for the trip to be over.
After stopping for some food at Marathon, the rain got worse but thankfully the wind got better so it pretty much stayed the same in terms of how I was feeling. It’s also probably worth mentioning that today was far from flat, and unlike yesterday, I did not enjoy heading uphill.
My knee also started hurting again. Same knee but in a different place so I don’t know why that is.
I’m feeling a bit better now so I may have played down the days ride but I hit a real low point today. And to add insult to injury, a spoke broke with 2 kilometres to go. I had actually been expecting it all day. It’s been 6 days since it last happened, and based on current form, I was due another. To be fair, it’s actually a good thing it broke so late, as I was able to ‘limp’ the final few minutes and sort it out once I’d finished
Thankfully where I am now has remained fairly dry so I didn’t have to put up a tent in the rain which is something I was dreading. Although I have actually set up camp on a decking outside the ‘tourist office’ which is covered anyway.
I owe a big thanks to Alex who I’ve spent a fair bit of the evening with. It’s been good to have a normal conversation with someone, rather than just spending the evening in a state of self-pity.
I’ve also found a dryer which means I don’t have to put on wet clothes in the morning, so I’m feeling slightly better about life… Although my shoes will probably still be wet.
Where I’m staying now (White River) has a lot of references towards Winnie the Pooh… Can somebody please tell me the significance as I am currently having to restrict the amount of internet I use on my phone.
Only other thing to mention – as I’m writing this, a mosquito has landed on my nose and I’ve just gone and hit myself straight in the face.
Distance: 112.6miles / 181.2km
Riding Time: 8:24:12
Av. Speed: 13.4mph / 21.6kph
Tom Davies RTW 
Sounds like a really naff day, means tomorrow will be an improvement. I guess you just have to dig deep into your reserves to motivate through. No matter how bad a situation may become, be that an isolated incident or combination of things, try and find the funny side, it will make you feel better. Though it’s 4.30 in the morning and I am not best pleased as I am wide awake, having read your blog, no chance of me getting back to sleep, so off out along the coast.
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The inspiration for the Winnie the Pooh books came from the bear (Winnie) at London Zoo, which was brought from White River in 1914.
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Ah Tom. Today was what we call in OZ ‘a bad day at black rock’! But your blog ended on a funny note with you slapping yourself in the face so I know you haven’t lost your spirit and ability to laugh. Day by day mate. Go well. We are all willing you along. X
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That sounds like a really tough day Thomas – very glad you got through it. Here’s hoping tomorrow will be better….Meanwhile, I’ll have to put up with your Dad for a few days at the end of the week for Stage 14 of Le Tour.
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