Tuesday 26th July Norwich to Kings Lynn

On the way back from the cake ride last night, the lightening was spectacular and the thunder loud and I was glad to be inside for the night at home.

Despite being at home at 5.55 it seemed I barely saw Jayne and Alf. Things had to be put on charge, washing put in and then hung out to dry, new Garmin to be set up as the first one died in the rain on the first day. The new one will get tested in the wet tomorrow I believe. Out to the cake ride, a lovely pizza with Jayne, Steve and Sally, back home and change the brake pads in the living room and then write the blog, phew!!!

As you know the cycling club are unanimous in the fact I have cheated by a night at home. Well today the solo element was also removed as Neil came and ride with me to Kings Lynn.

Up early for packing and breakfast and then Jayne came to the shed with me as I cleaned and lubed Genevieve ‘s chain. Who said romance was dead.

At 9 Neil arrived to join me on this leg. In a couple of years Neil is planning to cycle the world so us collecting and testing kit. Megan, his charge, weighed in st 28kg. Neil can lift her with one hand. I wish I had the camera as he tried p, I’ll repeat tried, to lift Genevieve ( a SpriteKit 45-50 kg at an estimate.

Anyway we set off in a few spots of rain and 3 miles later almost pass Neil’s front door. It’s a lovely relaxed ride and conversation meanders on a wide variety of subjects. His latest walking adventure a real feet ( see what I did there).

As we ride along we hear a greeting from two cyclists who have taken quite some time to catch us up on their light weight carbon bikes. Barry, I hope that makes you feel better 🙂

The usual conversation of where did you start and where are you going. Colin and Alan had ridden from Happisburgh and were going to Blakeney for a bacon sandwich. Where are you going they ask Neil. “I’m going to Kings Lynn and back and he’s going to John O Groats, see doublectake from Alan. That made Neil’s day I think. Riding with them we did ride at a faster pace than we might have. Riding in pairs also meant a bramble caught my arm drawing claret and leaving thorns in my arm. A quick pit stop soon sorted that.

We ride on and it is getting warm again. Due to my Navigational expertise we turn early and Neil is able to inspect an air base at West Raynham, the whole perimeter until we get back on track.

Next we see a yellow tandem and Colin and Rosy. They were cycling from Nottingham to Horning. They are dressed in pink Lycra, our club colours, so obviously we stop for a chat. They are seasoned tourers who have cycledcthe a North Sea Route. We compare notes on our routes and we are told no cafe or cake stops soon for us. I open the yin of Sally’s cakes from last night and we share some with Rosie. We say our goodbyes and hide off, only slightly in the wrong direction.

We stop at Great Massingham for lunch and sit on the Green with pork pie and cake. We still have 13 miles to go to Kings Lynn. We set of with renewed vigour to Kings Lynn and the beer festival we know is waiting.

A ride through Kings Lynnand with Neil navigating the last bit we went straight to the venue and was met by John. John is another 53-11 cycling member who perhaps embraces the pink a little too much. He has been known to ride in a pink tutu on more than one occasion.

John has organised for me to camp in a garden close by and the tent was quickly set up. Better to do it then than after attending the festival.

John and Sheila are the perfect hosts as we have a beer and something to eat.

Neil has to cycle back and at least it was back wind for him. 62 miles to get to Kings Lynn and only 42 home. He has offered me navigational lessons but as I always say , it’s about the journey and not the destination. I definitely helped Neil discover some new roads today!

As unusual as it was to see John working I have had a lovely afternoon and evening with Matt insisting I have my photo taken behind the bar. A kid in a candy shop!!

Everyone made me feel very welcome especially Cathay, Brian Richard Gillian Helen who have been coming for many years. Brian travelling from Ireland to do so. I had an informative discussion on spelling in Irish. We were agreed on many of the principles in learning a new language.

Tomorrow talks of being wet and I hope to make an early start. However Sue, the lady whose garden I’m in, has offered breakfast at 8. I will see how early I awake.