Thursday 18th July and to the start

The train was not until 10, so a leisurely start to the day as everything was packed and ready last night. So a last walk with Alfie and breakfast with Jayne before settling off in the rain. I have to thank Kayne for putting up with my cycling obsession and these mad trips I plan. She has to look after Alf and the house and I know I am very lucky.

The train ran on time to Liverpool Street and from there to meet John the taxi driver. Within our discussion, he was highly interested in the journey and full of admiration, he informed me I was in the hot spot for a stroke or heart attack until I’m 60! He then tried to tell me the route I should have taken. He was a genuinely nice guy though. It took an hour to get to Paddington and I only made it by 8 minutes a close call. It also cost £32 the same as the train fare from Norwich to Penzance. Funny how I will ride a penny farthing on the roads in London but not a fully loaded tourer.

After arriving in Penzance I thought a quick there and back to Lands End only 20 miles. I conveniently forgot I was on a fully loaded tourer and it was head wind to Lands End. Oh yes, there are also lumps. Immediately from the station an 8 percent hill out of Penzance followed by 3 more and up to 12 percent. However I did enjoy the ride and arrived at a virtually deserted LE. Tom took my photo and he and his wife had just driven from Scotland to LE.

At the sign, one is taken in at night, I had my cakes provided by Sally. Thursday is cake ride with my club and she kindly provided mine early to take with me. I did eat it at the same time as the club did and posted it on FB for them. The backwind and seemingly more downhill to Penzance flew by.

I booked in for a nights camping at the YH. Marie helped me and suggested I book breakfast with them as it is going to be a wet night and very wet day! So breakfast was booked. A quick meal of pasta cooked and the first beer drink. Really looking forward to tomorrow even if it is going to be wet.