One day’s cycling then four nights and three days stationary in Palatka with a broken rear wheel. At 44 miles in 8 days I estimate, at this rate, we will reach San Diego in January 2020. Now that really would be an epic trip.
Thankfully, the rear wheel, commonly known as the ‘bloody rear wheel’ is bloody well fixed.
We travelled by 7am Greyhound bus from Palatka to Gainesville (40 miles) to drop the wheel off one day and did the same journey the following day to pick it up. Unfortunately, the only return bus to Palatka each day was 4pm and so we had two whole day wandering Gainesville. Sorry friendly people of Gainesville but it was two days too much.
Do you know in 2007 Gainesville was ranked as the number 1 place to live in North America. Yes it has a good university but I’m sorry there has to be more to it than that! I’m sure there is and it’s just that we didn’t see it because we spent too much time in Starbucks hanging out with the students, hiding from the heat and drinking our fruit coolers. Oh I know we can be so so trendy at times!
Anyway, a lovely chap called Michael at Gator Cycles rebuilt our wheel, staying late last night and coming in early this morning. He said it was the toughest wheel build he has had in 10 years. His assistance was outstanding and much appreciated.
So now we are all set to go.
Unfortunately, I have just put the rear wheel on the bike which is currently in our motel bedroom. In doing so we now have a puncture. Oh the joys.
So tomorrow hopefully we set off on day 2 of our cycle route. Where does day 2 take us? Back to Gainesville of course!
Once, twice, three times Gainesville, I really don’t love you.
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