Got a nice hotel close to the bridge and the river; scoffed as much food in the shape of chops and vegetables salad cheese and beer as would do for three men, then had a look around the town. Very fine old place indeed. The bicycle in a bad state with mud. Got to bed by 10pm up at 5am, oiled up and was off by 5.15. Made great headway. Reached Grantham 26 miles in 1 hour 15 minutes. After leaving Grantham had about 5 miles pace from car into Newark.                                                     

Had breakfast at Newark left there at 8-5am. Stopped again at Tuxford (50 miles) for scoff. Stopped at Doncaster 73 miles for refreshments. I had planned out to reach Doncaster yesterday but was stopped by the rain. Had a puncture at Wetherby 105 miles, the first one so far. Followed a car for about 15 miles past Boroughbridge. By the time I had sense enough to stop off, I was seeing stars, had a few minutes rest and was all right again. Northallerton 136 miles from Stamford, 226 ½ from London and about 245 from Leigh was reached after another puncture, 2 ½ hours wasted, and a pint of old ale at a quiet country inn. Had to wait 45 minutes for some food. Rode the 16 miles from here to Darlington in 42 minutes, got some scorchers up behind but quickly dropped them. Took some time to find the road through here. People seem so dense. Ferryhill next, fine coast down big hill. Sunderland Bridge, was directed wrong road here and found myself miles out of the track. After a struggle found Durham. Stayed here all night. Left at 7am and was at Gateshead by 9am. Very bad road from Durham. Indescribable when it comes to speed. Had a puncture in Gateshead. Gateshead takes the cake for streets.