23rd July I’m melting, I’m melting and so is the road.

The last few mornings have been woken up by some lovely birdsong. This morning it was the sound of the A4, not quite as poetic until a little wren did its best to cover the sound. Also one more call I couldn’t recognise.

On opening the tent it was very misty and all I could see was spiders webs all over the grass glistening with the moisture on them. Im now in the routine of packing and breakfast, everything has an order and everything has it’s place when packing. When I went to light my stove it wouldn’t spark ( I know Tall Steve says I should have matches or a lighter with me, I do have them now!). A man was sitting outside his camper van. I go over and introduce my self and meet Marcel from Holland ( He was very sociable). We discussed my route and cycling in Holland. He has a Brompton with him but prefers the walking, we are not set up for cycling he says. I told him I preferred the cycling in Holland to the walking, fairs fair.

With the borrowed matches breakfast is saved. I finish breakfast and my packing. My perseverance pays off as just as I’m pulling away the Dutch family of 4 surface. My good morning is returned with a smile and a wave,safe journey. All is good with the world again, I’ve always liked the Dutch.

Through Newbury ( it’s not until 12 miles I realise I haven’t started Strava, oh well). Riding through big places is not my favourite occupation bu as I’m checking my map Simon stops to help, he tours as well, and he gives me advice on the best route to take. It’s not too Ling before I’m out in the countryside.

I’m getting on well and enjoying the ride when I approach Goring. Downhill all the way in. I’m using the brakes and going fast enough for me when I realise that although I’m not speeding up, I’m definitely not slowing either. I can see cars brake lights at the bottom as my white knuckled ride continues. I unclip just in case it was not a nice feeling. I do bring it to a stop but pull over in the shade of some trees in a pub to adjust the brake pads. Wow those disks were hot!! Can’t believe I’ve worn a new set so quickly. I’ll replace when I get to Norwich.

I have elevenses in Goring to celebrate still being alive. As I leave Goring up the steep climb my second red kite flies overhead taking my mind off my puffing.

A few miles later I pull in near the top of another climb to let a lorry past when I notice two red kites on the ground. I get my camera out and suddenly there are 7 more flying around me. I spend 15 minutes in bright sun shine just watching by favourite aerobatics experts.

I’d planned to stop in Watlington at about 32 miles. I needed it on the last few climbs the tarmac is melting (so am I) and I’m ready for some shade and maybe a pint to put some liquid back in. The morning ride has been really lovely and different landscapes to the previous days. More villages to go through and be nosey at. Lunch is at the Fat Fox and delicious. James looks after me well and recommends the Oxford Gold as I’m now in Oxfordshire. We talk about my trip and he spoils it slightly as I leave by saying break a leg. A good job I know what he means 🙂

The afternoon passes with a lovely ride. Stopping every 8 to 10 miles for more drinks. Over 32 degrees I’m told. Lots more kites to look at as I send my way.

Then I hit Dunstable and Houghton Regis. Again. Not my favourite going through a built up area but this took me back. As a trainee teacher this was an area used, I still remember the early ride on the mini bus to drop trainees off at their schools. First off, last one picked up. An interesting area and I still remiss a trainee dealing with a child who had given another child a cake with razor blades in. Being able to teach there meant I could teach anywhere. Good to know some of those trainees are following this journey and nice to know we are all still young. Sue made me say that 🙂

6.45 I ring campsites at Henlow and no answer so now what? I cycle on thinking I’ll just drop in anyway and pay in the morning. Then just through Shillington I see a camping and caravan cal site, I have my card and so dive up the gravelled roadway passing some stunning looking horses. I find the site and go and knock on the house door and meet Claire and her Mum. They go out of their way to be helpful. It should only be Motorhome’s and caravans, not tents unless a family in a caravan ask to put a tent up for their kids. I know there are two vans and so cheekily ask if I could be one of their kids. We go to a van and ask Helena and Andy who are only too happy to oblige. So I’m their kid for the night and I hope Andy’s hip replacement goes well in the next week. Claire even days no charge for the evening and I could have stayed on their lawn if they’d thought about it. Again it just goes to show how helpful people are in this country but these things never get reported, only doom and gloom.

My ornithological friends will want to know there are families of GS woodpeckers and Green Woodpeckers here and I should hear the tawny owls tonight.

I plan to leave very early in the morning and get some miles in before the heat of the day. Should get to Banham or further tomorrow. So an early night for me.