Went over to Delamere Forest, on a lieu day. It was really pleasant, cycling through the forest, on a quiet weekday... the sun was out (and hot), birds were tweeting, rabbits were nearly being run over... all in all, very nice. I was following the white cycle trail - ish - from the visitor centre, although I diverted a bit about 4m in since I figured I was actually completing the journey too quickly! My average on the tracks and undulations was a reasonable 10.8mph so that was good - and I hit a new personal best-top-speed of 30.9 down one of the steepish hills! I might even have been able to go faster except there was a cyclist coming up the other way and I didn't want to hit them or fall. So I didn't go quite as hard as I could otherwise have done...
So, all was going swimmingly; I was doing well with the ride, enjoying myself, and... to cut a short story even shorter, my bike chain broke. Not knowing anything about them (and even now that I know a little more about it) there was nothing I could do about it there and then, so I had to walk a mile or few back to the car; not a major issue, just a faff and not quite what the plan was. Still, it was a nice walk I suppose.
I now have a non-functioning bike. I'm not sure what to do now, though I do have a Haynes Bike Book so I suppose I ought to look it up. First step though is cleaning up the chain, which is horrid and gunky. Any tips for cleaning it? What's best? Fairy liquid? Email me with any suggestions! (In fact, email me if you're reading this. I'm not sure anyone actually does... is anyone out there?!)
I nearly took the train over but in the end decided it was far too much faff (involving three trains and uncertainty on whether my bike would be accepted on the train). So I drove. (This is almost as bad as the Dull wiblog!)