GNT - Day 4 - Haltwhistle to Hawick - 15/08/21

We always knew that our plan had risks. The distances we had to cover on unforgiving terrain with so much kit would put us and the bikes under some stress. Sure enough, on day 4, we hit some bad luck.

About 13 miles from the start, just into the flinty forest tracks of Kielder, Kate punctured her sidewall and the usual darts couldn't stop the leak. Off with the tyre to put a tube and boot in, but the wrong length valves for the flash deep rim carbon wheels. Back to tubeless and a patch to the sidewall. Just about holding and I was shaking the wheel to try to get the tubeless fluid to do it's stuff. Never shake a wheel, I now know. You can smash it up and down rock-strewn tracks all day, but shake it and it falls apart, cassette falling off and freehub body disintegrating. Facetiming Winnie confirmed we needed a bikeshop. 

The nearest one was 20 miles away in Kielder. No taxis, buses or trains so it was assisted balance bike, walk or seek help. So we sought help. A man, busy working at his campsite was cajoled into driving Kate to Kielder whilst Emma and I took the scenic route. 

OK, full disclosure. The internet gave me a bike shop in Bellingham, closer than Kielder. I rang them and they confirmed they were open. They had moved, to Kielder, so a needless detour. The 'scenic' bit, that was me opting for the route less travelled versus the main road. 12 easy miles became 20 tough ones, plus the 10 mile detour. Did I mention the rain? If did stop before Kielder but most of the morning was in steady, cold drizzle. 

So, Emma quietly cursing me while Kate was struggling to remain positive as the boys in Kielder bike shop tried to repair her wheel with parts from a different wheel. They had just finished when Emma and I arrived and, reunited we tucked into some cheesy chips and pulled pork at the castle cafe. Fascinating TV showing 'nestcam' with the local Osprey family. 

Other than that, my memories of Kielder this time were not the best. Mainly the midge bites, more of that later. Plans re-made, our original campsite destination at Glentress was abandoned and a route set to Hawick. Scotland here we come. 

An uneventful, if slightly lumpy route, with Kate's bodged wheel holding. Bless her. She did all the work on the front. We arrived in Hawick without a plan, but Emma quickly said what we were all thinking. Hotel? That's how we ended up in the Mansfield House hotel, a somewhat luxurious stopover. Kitchens closed, but the local Chinese takeaway provided a feast and the hotel bar did the rest.

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