NCN routes suck

Day 4
Distance : 26, Cumulative : 124
Location : Umberleigh, http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=50.99852,-3.99208

Today was, after some serious problems, a good day. Moral was boosted last night after phoning parents & girlfriend from B&B.

We got up at 7, breakfast at 8 (starting a day on a good breakfast definately helps my moral) and taxi booked by our B&B landlady at 8.45.

Chris, the taxi driver took us into Tiverton to hunt down a new back wheel. We could'nt just replace spokes as the broken spokes had caused the wheel to warp.

First we tried a local bike store but a local hanging around said it was shut as the chap who runs it was "in 'ospital 'aving 'is leg orf'.

Then we tried a store that seemed to specialise in bmx's but the grandson was eyeing the store as his granddad was away today & could only say ''thats a big wheel I don't think I can help you".

Last hope was the Halfords might have a bike department. Turns out they had wheels & a workshop to move the gearing from the old wheel to the new. Apparently that Halfords store only opened a month ago so we were very fortunate.

Phoned Chris for a cab ride back to Bampton, fixed the bike, bought supplies and left by 11.30.

Stayed on the B3227 all day & ignored the NCN route & it was a much nicer ride. Fairly straight road in good condition & not too hilly. No poky little tractor highways.

Made good time & stopped for a proper lunch at Quince Honey Farm in South Molton. Then pushed on down the B3227 to a campsite at Umberleigh.

Although Umberleigh is tiny campers don't go hungry. A little burger van pulled up & started selling real fish & chips from its portable frier.

Steve had fun looking round the tiny train station. Just had lasagne dinner at local pub & now time for bed.

Back on the B3227 tomorrow towards Bridgerule.