Thursday June 12
Chester YMCA

Spokes again! Got two fixed yesterday then just as I was leaving Preston, another broke! I immediately went back to the bike shop & got it fixed free but then after I had gone about 10 miles, another went. Despite a wobbly wheel, I continued through rather ugly continuous city (Manchester-Liverpool) & then found as I was crossing the Mersey that the tire was scraping & wearing through. I rode top gear just pedalling from there to Chester & made it alright but didn't bother with scenery. Youth hostel was full but found YMCA, B&B for £1.65. I also found a bike store where I can get spoke fixed tomorrow & will also have to get new tire. Guy in Preston said I'd probably have to get all the spokes before I'm done. If I can get off in time tomorrow I'm heading to Shrewsbury. The youth hostel there is closed, but I'm going that way anyway.

Next morning
Chester

I took the bike in at 9 o'clock this morning & they said it should be ready by 10 or 10:30. I walked right around the city wall last night, saw some Roman remains & walked all through the inner city. I thought the old, two layer shops were lovely. Unfortunately, (or fortunately because I couldn't be tempted to spend) they all shut at 6 except for the pubs and one pizza cafe where I had supper of chicken pizza & huge baked potato. When I came back to my room I met my roommate (double room) from America. He is hitchhiking around England in opposite direction having already seen Cornwall, Bath, Oxford etc. We had a long conversation of comparison between England, USA & Canada.

I still hope to get to Shrewsbury but I doubt if I could get to nearest hostel 10 miles farther up hill. So I'll be in guest house or Y again tonight. Hope I don't break another spoke!