As luck would have it, the weather held, and I did indeed get my fish and chip supper mid-ride. But from the Smugglers chip shop in the High Street, Saltdean, opposite the White Horse pub, rather than any further along the coast - so only a couple of miles out of Brighton. I thought I'd choose to ride east along the NCN route alongside Marine Drive on the way out to Newhaven, but hadn't got too far before being brought to an abrupt halt with the left rear mudguard unexpectedly working as a friction brake. Pulling over to the side of the route I also noticed the rear brakes weren't working either, so took a closer look.
It would seem that the rear of two M6 bolts that secure the left rear mudguard stay to the rear subframe had loosened and detached, allowing the whole mudguard assembly to pivot forward, and coming into contact with the rapidly rotating tyre, got forced down hard against the hydraulic hose that supplies both rear calipers. The result was a tear in the hose, and fluid leaking all over the nearside caliper and disc. I made it down the hill to Saltdean just using the front brake, having spent a good few minutes putting to good use the zip-ties in the emergency repair kit. The wind had got up by the time I had finished off the last few chips, and I took the undercliff route back to Brighton, having first ridden round to the dead end of the coastal path just a little further east.
I've just finished repairing the hose, and have refilled the hydraulic fluid and bled the rear brakes (that took two attempts to get right). I may yet have to replace the brake pads on the side that leaked fluid, but will know for sure once I've been out for a longer ride.
Notes to self: 1. Always investigate unusual rattles when you first hear them. 2. Consider changing to bar end shifters if no hand-washing facilities are available after eating fish and chips.
