Before setting off I was horrified to
find one of the top metal arms on my front right pannier frame had
snapped. A section lower down had snapped about a year ago but I
managed to repair it with a metal brace, epoxy resin and tight nylon
chord lashing. It held well and was still secure. As it wasn't
taking much strain I wasn't too concerned. This latest fracture was
more serious because being one of two top sections it took a lot of
strain. I tried the same repair method then set off for a short test
ride to Withnell Fold. While riding home I decided the safest course
of action was to try and replace it. I phoned Merlin Cycles on
Buckshaw but they didn't stock front panniers. Then I contacted Paul
Hewitt Cycles in Leyland who did have some.
A new
Tubus pannier rack
There wasn't time to drive there and
back and fit them so I packed the bike and called on my way to
Preston railway station. They had some similar to my old ones but
the best were a set of Tubus front racks. The full price was £90 but
as they'd been fitted on a bike already Gethin said he'd do them at
half price. It took quite a bit of work to fit them as wide spacers
were needed at the bottom to allow the front wheel to fit. It was
after 5pm when they were finished so I paid £52 which included
fitting and set off for Preston Railway Station.
On the
Virgin train
I was there in less than half an
hour. My plan is to escape to Ireland for a few days. I'd previously
bought a rail & sail ticket which included the train from Preston
and the ferry crossing from Holyhead with my bike. The return price
for me was £70, the bike £20 and a £4 booking fee. Making £94 which
is much cheaper than booking ferry and train separately. I had a
bike reservation on the Virgin train leaving Preston at 18:17. I
took it as far as Crewe where I changed trains to Holyhead. The
railway station is integral with the ferry terminal so I only had to
wheel my bike down the ramp and through the doors to the Stena desk.