Corner to Corner, Day 57: Epping to Sittingbourne

https://www.cycling4charity.org.uk 1997 miles after the valve in the Giant's front Pirelli Cinturato Velo first started to leak, the tyre was flat after being pumped up last night. It took about 70 mins to get it off, including a call to Ben at Stanley Bridge Cycles for advice, then fit a new tyre with sealant filled inner tube. Hence the late start. Route to Tilbury: fine, though one bumpy road to be replaced and to incorporate some cycle lanes we used beside roads. Route from Gravesend: too busy, except when on quiet country lanes. "Madness of the A road we've been beside": 4.7 miles from Rochester Bridge to Lower Rainham Road may have cycle sections on or tracks beside A roads but with high car density and speed. Some Route 1 sections to be replaced: the military road in Chattenden up then down a hill which could close, and a rutted track beside an orchard and path thereafter in Upchurch. Met interesting people waiting for the ferry: a builder coming up to retirement, a single mum working as a teaching assistant starting training to be a teacher.