Up early and packing things away. Have towel dried the tent and waiting for it to fully dry as I eat my breakfast. Then the heavens open and it is a truly soaking tent that gets put away. There is still no sign of anyone to pay and the site wardens are not up. Guiltily I leave but they have my number and I can transfer fee from home. I ring home and Alf has not been his usual self and the feeling of powerlessness is overwhelming. I know Jayne is having to sort all these issues out.

I start riding in the rain again. Lots of little villages on the way which give you small targets to aim at. I get to Sheriff Huton PO and stores and decide to stock up on food for the day. For those of you who were concerned I carry enough food for two days so I should never be hungry. Barry the owner quizzes me where I’m going and why? Ummm yes why…. soaked most of the time, cooked the rest…..why?

11.30 I make it Coxwolf and the pub is open. ‘Can I come in I’ m dripping?’

Annalise the owner says I can drip on there floor anytime. They don’t do food until 12 but will make me something now. Mandy goes off and fetches me a towel and I dry myself off and sit on it so as not to soak their chair. Mandy makes me laugh when she asks what type of rain, the mistly sort that gets you wet? Peter Kaye sketch springs to mind. A really charming pub with a warm welcome.

I’m noticing on the hills I’m now in the middle ring more so I’m obviously becoming stronger the more I ride. Jayne calls and says it’s 24 degrees and sunny. I wipe the rain from my glasses and smile. Believe that if you will 🙂

12.30 the rain does stop and it’s getting warmer.

Just before Scots corner I’m checking the map when Becki and her two schooled appear and offer help with the route, I’m looking for food again! She walks off and then runs back, she has thought of a better option. It must be the mention of Scotch Corner as the midgies have put in an appearance and I’ve not cracked open the Avon o so soft just yet.

Now for the best riding of the tour so far as I go across the moors and into Cumbria. The views are spectacular, the weather spot on and I just peddle away. I stop for tea in Bernard Castle some spectacular buildings. The pub I stop in was 1670. Then back on the bike. I think I can make it to Alston.

The moors are again stunning and I just keep stoping knowing the camera will never do it justice. The sun is setting, it’s getting cooler, but the change in light makes it even more spectacular.

Then I see a sign Alston 17. I’ve severely misjudged the distance. Still it’s nice riding so crack on and if I see a campsite I’ll stop. I didn’t !

9pm I’m above Alston and google campsites. One 3 miles away but it says 22 minutes cycle. I ring and check it’s ok to stay. No problem. Those last 3 miles, you’ve guessed it, straight up a hill. Just before the campsite a barn owl flies over head and gets mobbed by a lapwing.

It’s gone 9.30 when I pull in and I meet Tony. He shows me to a pitch under the trees. User up a soaking wet tent with the aid of my head torch. Food from my pack and to bed. Over 11 hours cycling, 110 miles covered and 5900 feet of climbing. That’ll do donkey and to sleep!

Weak signal so I’ll upload pictures tomorrow.

Awoken by a different alarm call today. 4 am, 5am and 6am. I could not find the off switch or snooze button on the cockerel and bantams that were around my tent this morning. More rain during the night meant putting a wet tent away along with wet clothes from yesterday. I don’t make breakfast this morning just some fig rolls as I plan to stop for breakfast. I am on the move by 8 after I find Ted and pay for my campsite (£5) and we have a chat. He was more concerned that I had been riding through the hot days rather than a rainy day yesterday.

As I reach Caister after 10 miles I am joined by Miles, David and Glen. They are on a tour including parts of the Way of the Roses. They are looking for a cafe as well. We see a sign and dive in but it is not open today and being used for a church service. Tempting but breakfast was calling.

They dive into the centre of Caister and I carry on and find a brilliant cafe that was open from 7am at some fishing lakes. A good cooked, poachers breakfast sets me up for the day. It’s a warm but overcast day but the head winds are still there. It is so much better than yesterday.

As I am doing the 4 extremities it only seems right to do the centre of the universe as well. I time my ride to arrive in Kermington at 11.30 when the ‘Marrowbone and Cleaver’ opens. I arrive 10 minutes early. This pub is owned by Guy Martin and run by his sister Sal. It is Sal who opens the door and let’s me in. What a fantastic pub with so much Heritage, memorabilia and things from Guy including his Royal Enfield. A really interesting place with such a lovely welcome.

I order a pint of skull and spanner’s, their own beer and start chatting. It is strange as It was as if I knew Sal and the pub as I had been listening to ‘we need to weaken the mixture ‘ on the way there. Guy explains how he bought the pub, does it up with Sal and gets Sal to run it. They have done an incredible job. I share what I am doing and have a lovely conversation about it. Im thinking it’s taken me 9 days of riding to get there 700 miles, your brother would do it in 3. Then console myself with the beer, knowing my bike is 45-50kg and Guy and his bike and kit weighed in at 25kgs when he rode the tour divide. An extreme long distance mountain bike race from Banf to the Mexican border. I’m highly honoured when I’m asked if I’d like my picture taken on the bike, would I? You bet! I can only stop for the one and say my farewell. In case you are wondering I can recommend the beer!

I have only just got going again when I’m greeted with ‘are you on a world tour?’ I must be overloaded. David from Scunthorpe CC pedals up and we have a chat. He is a more senior rider but very fit. He had ridden the London Edinburgh London Audax in 94 hours. We discuss touring and kit before he turns off, drops into his tri bars and accelerates away. Chapeau sir and I hope I can still ride like that when I’ve had a few more birthdays.

Back to my own tempo and I contemplate yesterday and why it was hard. I decide the hedgerows on either side of the straight roads had acted like a wind tunnel for the headwinds, and they were so high it stopped any views. Today the hedgerows have yellow hammers at regular intervals and I also spot my first green woodpecker of the trip. Lots of little villages, spectacular views and ups and downs make for an interesting ride and I’m back to loving it again

The ride over the Humberbridge was special apart from the fact I don’t like heights or looking up at tall structures, it makes my head spin. I crossed as close to the road as possible rather than near the railings and as quickly as possible. Then lots of cycle paths to take me into Yorkshire. Why is it I’ve started saying ‘how do’ to cyclists when we meet?

At Fangfoss 61 miles in I check for campsites and the weather. 15 miles on to Stamford bridge but rain is imminent and there is a site 1 mile away. I decide on the closer as I want to set up before it rains and need to try my kit from yesterday. A wise decision as it turns out.

I have just got set up when John and Charlene ask if I would like a cup of tea. ‘Yes please’ and we sit and have a cuppa before the rain starts. They have been wardens for 18 months here and have a little one. John has helped with the resurfacing or repairs of the roads for the Tour de Yorkshire. The site is teeming with birds and I see a GS woodpecker and then a sparrow hawk flies alongside and does a circuit of the site.

As thinks are drying I think I’ll head back to the Carpenters pub in Fangfoss. I walk up to the bar at 7.01 and ask if they are serving food. Sorry we stop at 7. I didn’t stop for a drink. I know time is time but just can’t help but compare this attitude to the welcome I had earlier. I cycle back, it’s weird without the panniers and my steering is all over the place. It starts to rain again!!!!

I’m typing this up in my tent with rain drops falling. I realise I am now over half way distance wise. Let’s see what tomorrow brings, let’s hope it’s fine.

PS Barry from Cambridge I overtook 7 bikes today 🙂

Today has been a very tough day but has been made bearable by the people I’ve met, all who have gone out of their way to help me. I thank them all.

Some rain overnight but I awake ( without a hangover) and it is fine. I quickly pack all my gear away and get the tent packed away. Sue whose garden I have pitched the tent in is up and offers to make breakfast. Tea and eggs on toast appear in no time. Sue would not accept any money for the camping or the breakfast. She runs a fantastic B and B. I thank her and leave to get some miles in before the rain I know is coming.

The day starts well and I’m soon through Kings Lynn, over the river and heading to Long Sutton. Lots of back roads and wildlife is abundant. Rabbits and hates, new birds for my list include house martins with their white saddles swooping low over the road and fields. Ok ow this is a bad sign for the weather. A black cap sits on the phone lines as I call Jayne. What colour cap does it have? Brown obviously as it’s the female. I make it to Sutton Bridge, 13 miles on the dry, and nip into the shop for food for the day. While I am in there the heavens open. I chat with Steve in the doorway hoping it will ease slightly. He cycles 2k a year but never goes out in the rain. He wishes me well for my journey and I have no choice but to head out.

On I go and I decided to listen to Guy Martin, I’d already listened to when you’re dead you’re dead and so listened to Worms. I was trying to make it to his home town tonight and I know it’s a tall order. Listening to his books and how after breaking his back, he is back to work as a lorry fitter in two weeks puts riding in the wet into perspective. The wind has also decided to change direction and as is normal in the gens I’m riding into a strong headwind as well as getting soaked. I make Long Sutton and things are going ok but I’m having to keep all electronic devices covered which makes navigation more difficult, but no problems with that so far. The other part is I am unable to take photographs. Having ridden for days with wheat and barley on either side, the change to onions, cabbages, field of sunflowers comes as a change. Judicious use of bus shelters has let me keep checking my route in the dry.

So far I have avoided the A17 but at Fosdyke I have no choice for 300m. The rain has been getting progressively worse and my glasses are filled with rain drops. I manage to cross the A17 and quickly dive into a siding to make sure of my route. I’m cold, wet and can’t see a think. I try and hide behind a parked white van to check the route but my glasses make this virtually impossible. Then Mark shouts why don’t you come around the back in the conservatory to sort yourself. I gladly take him up on the offer and I’m soon making a puddle of water in their conservatory. I meet Elaine and the two dogs Mollie and Lennie who know there jobs and recognise trouble. The kettle is put on and an offer of towels and I quickly thaw and dry out a little. I start to feel human again.

They have moved from London and while looking for a house had rented a place in Wisbech St Mary where my Mum was bought up. The place they rented was opposite my cousins Garage business. A small world. I thank them profusely, get the waterproofs back on and head out into the rain again.

I follow Sustrans route 1 and it is well sign posted and so I don’t need to keep checking my phone. It’s not long before Boston Stump comes I to view. It’s been an interesting and strangely enough an enjoyable ride to this point.

I navigate Boston easily and quite safely with use of the cycle lanes. Two places I tried to get lunch were not serving food until the night. Good job I had some things in my panniers from the morning.

My route now follows the B1183 to Horncastle and on to Caister. This is where my journey becomes really, really tough. The roads are dead straight for miles and miles, the rain is heavier than it has been all day and the wind is so strong and into my face. I’m pushing hard, working harder than I’ve had to all journey and I’m moving at 8 or 9 mph. It does become a mind game, and I keep pushing on knowing it will come to an end eventually.

7 miles before Caistor I have had enough, shattered, wet through and getting very cold.

I ring Jayne who has not made it back from a craft fair yet to ask if she can check campsites/ B and Bs in the area. She quickly searched and texts me the phone numbers. Every number I ring won’t connect or is engaged or no answer. The phone is dripping wet now and I have to ring Jayne again to see if she can get through. In the mean time I have to get moving again and take the gamble to head to Binbrook where there is a B and B and a campsite. It has to pay off as I hit some serious hills just as I’m at my lowest. 2.5 miles later nd with all the days climbing in that distance I spot the B and B. I ring the bell, Kathryn answers the door while on the phone to Jayne who has just got through. I’m ushered in immediately. They have no room for the night but will ring round local options and offer to take me there in the car. A mug of tea is placed in front of me ( the offer of some rum) and cakes and biscuits appear. I begin to feel more human again. The campsite backs onto their garden and I ask if they will ring to see if I can camp. This is on arranged. I can’t thank them enough. Kathryn once had to be helped in a similar way when she cycled from Newcastle to Milton Keynes and got caught in heavy rain. Bob comes in and the conversation moved to cycling and getting out the village. 5 options and all of them steeply uphill. I will find that out in the morning. We discuss how an electric bike might help him.

Finally thawed out I head out and the rain has stopped. I set up camp quickly and change into some dry clothes. A 10 minute walk and I’m in the plough. Everyone is so kind and a lovely meal and two pints later I am back to my old self but feeling tired. An early night for me. Let’s see what tomorrow brings, hopefully some dry weather and less wind. I have no internet access to check. Probably best not to know.

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.

Lots of owl calls last night, most I could not recognise, but then Banham Zoo has lots of species there. Waking up this morning was like being on safari with all the different animal calls. I was awake early and thought I’ll just have another 5 minutes and 45 minutes later I woke up. I must have been tired, it can’t be anything to do with the beer I had last night. A dry warm morning and I took my time as I packed away dry kit and a dry tent. A quick breakfast and away by 8, an hour later than I had hoped for, it now means I will be out in the midday sun before Lowestoft Ness. The first day of the summer holiday and I realise that is why the campsite was so expensive- peak period has begun. Why is it the more expensive the campsite, the harder and rougher the toilet paper is? Got to look after yourself when spending so much time in the saddle.

It is a beautiful morning for riding but the the heat of the sun is soon very noticeable. Good job I put on the sun cream before I left camp. I am riding through an area I know well but had chosen a route that took me through some new roads to me. The trouble was I kept missing turns as I thought I knew where I was going. A new species of bird for the trip when I spy some linnets on the telegraph wires. The variation in churches and their construction is also a wonder to behold.

I move between Norfolk and Suffolk and the road to Bungay and Beccles is rolling and I am back in the granny gear again at times. I make it to Beccles for 11.30 and stop at a little cafe. I am met by Sue and Lois who greet me with a ‘Welcome Young man’, I will have to go back again. It was only slightly spoilt when Lois had to put her glasses on to write down my order. One of the local ladies recommends the cinnamon cake and so that is good enough for me along with a bacon butty. When the food arrives the cake is given its own little pink net cloche, at least its in my club colours.

I know Beccles well having stage managed several shows in the public hall. We have made it rain on stage for ‘Singing in the Rain’ and had a morris minor on stage for ‘Our House’ the madness musical, and I go on autopilot to get through the town. Forgetting I’m cycling and not in my car and I really didn’t want to ride on the busy main road, I have to retrace my steps to get on the quiet back roads to Lowestoft.

Finally onto Lowetoft Ness for the most Easterly point in GB. It’s not the most salubrious area you ride through to get there, but I am pleased to get there. Even the sign post has seen better days. Retrace my route back into Lowestoft and head to a cafe (Martello’s) that has been recommended to me. The park is crammed full of families and children as it is the first day of the summer holidays. I still join in with the singalong of ‘I’m forever blowing bubbles’ and lots of children running around trying to pop the bubbles being blown. Genevieve manages to burst three as I get myself sorted. The food and celebratory beer were spot on.

I ride further along the coast to Great Yarmouth. Just as I turn to head to ride along the sea front I see two young boys heading towards me on scooters with Gran following behind. Just as they reach me, the oldest of the boys ( around 5 years old) takes a tumble, just lays there, a few moments silence before the crying starts and I can see the trickle of claret on his knee. Gran comes running up. I stop and offer my first aid kit to help clean Oakley up. When I tell him the plasters are for cyclists and people on scooters, and they have been tested and shown to make you go faster (aero plasters- might be mileage in patenting that) he is soon smiling and laughing again. Gran is grateful and says the only thing she hadn’t packed for a day at the beach was plasters.

I have spoken with Jayne and we have decided if I can make it home before my cycle clubs’ Thursday Night Cake ride this would be beneficial. As I’m in my local area I decide to take a different route to the one I had planned and try and get home earlier. Later I find it is the hottest day on record and I know I drank over two litres of fluid in the last 18 miles. I don’t have my usual afternoon stop and I am struggling for the last 5 miles and I am wriggling on the saddle.

Lovely to get home and 5.55pm and to be greeted by Jayne, even Alf came out to say hello. I quickly get things in the washing machine, electrical stuff on charge and unload Genevieve. The tidy house not looking as it did 5 minutes earlier. The luxury of a bath ( without mould around the seals as the previous campsite) and in proper clothes to go and meet the cycle club.

It’s lovely to see everyone again. The cake is excellent as usual, thanks sally. My belgian tan, or what appear to be white socks now, is obviously a fashion statement that many are envious of, There is one request for some sex in the blog but you’ve had blood and gore instead. They unanimously agree I should camp in the garden tonight or else it would be cheating. They also want the next chapter of the blog but as yet it was unwritten. While we were there a message comes in from Barry from Cambridge- the mountaineer I met yesterday. I am quite touched he has taken the time to find the blog and is following. His comment also makes me laugh,I’ve pasted it below, it also shows I’m not making this up.

‘I’m glad I made your day, overtaking another cyclist, it did nothing for mine watching you fully laden and so comfortable. Alongside my knees and feet I am also recovering from open heart surgery and ongoing problems, well that’s my excuse. I look forward to reading the reports of your odyssey as you travel the country, you must be so inspirational to so many people. I’m rooting for you to pass some more cyclists so I’m not the only one on such a long trip. Best wishes for the rest of the journey and take care.’

It was a pleasure to ride with you Barry and once a fully laden bike is up and rolling it does roll along very nicely. Its just starting, stopping and hills that cause an issue, we were on a lovely, flat, smooth cycle track.

An impromptu pizza and beer and the pub near the cake stop and the thunder and lightening start with a vengeance. Quite a light show on the way home. Home again and Genevieve is given some TLC upside down in the living room. New brake pads, I’ve gone though a new set in a week and 540 miles. All down to a heavy bike and me being chicken on the downhills. Hopefully good for the rest of the ride.

Guess what, I’m not camping in the garden tonight!!!

An early night as I wanted to be up early and get some miles in before it was too hot. I did hear the female tawny last night but no male reply, obviously she had been stood up. Other sounds was the colossal thunderstorm overhead twice during the night and the wind really got up as well. I was safe and sound and dry in my fitted tent.

I awake 5.30 but the tent is soaked and so decided to stay in bed to let it dry off a little. 6.15 up and everything packed away, sun rise over to my right was lovely, and I was on the road by 7.

As I stopped for my early morning phone call with Jayne, two Goldfinches on the thistle tops and two hares caught my attention on the fields. The route is just gently undulating and I actually get into the big ring on a couple of occasions, it has been redundant since I set off. Then I hear ‘alittlebitofbreadandapieceofcheeeeeese’

My first yellow hammers of the trip. The sun and temperatures are both rising. I make Cambridgeshire and I’m riding through Villages with schools I have supported in the past. Lovely to go through these villages again.

Breakfast comes after 30 miles in a little bistro, lovely food and cakes but no option of a fry up.

I hit the A10 and there is a lovely smooth cycle track by the side and I catch up with Barry ( yes that’s right, I catch up another cyclist!). We ride side by side and have a chat. He was a runner but knees and feet have let him down so he is now cycling for fitness. He has unfinished business with a mountain in the Himalayas. He had come within 200 feet of the summit previously. I love the fact he is determined enough to get fit again to go and finish this off.

The cycle paths through the outskirts of Cambridge meant I made good time. Lots of Lycra clad cyclists whizzing in the opposite direction and hardly any acknowledged my friendly wave and greeting. Very unusual, yesterday as I was going up a hill a cyclist went past and said great pace getting that lot up here. It is that sort of welcome I have been more used to. It was not long before I was heading to Newmarket. Great horse statues on the roundabouts. There were no horses on the acres of green gallops and in this heat it seems very sensible.

Lunch stop after 52 miles in Kentford. First time I’ve felt underdressed as I have my lunch surrounded by ladies that lunch. I was given a table in the far corner out of the way. My body in Lycra would obviously put them off their lunch. I make my lunch last an hour and a half to keep out of the midday sun.

The afternoon sun was scorching and the road was melting again. Plenty of stops at shops for cool drinks. The route also went through a wooded area with tree branches reaching across the road. The dappled shade was very very welcome. Each stop to check the map I had to find shade. If you stopped in the open you had the sun from above and the reflected heat from the tarmac, cooking from both ends.

Somehow in my mind I had miscalculated the distance to Banham. A slight navigational hitch, nothing like day 2 so relax, meant cycling further than intended. My ride with gps said turn right, where there was no turn right. There was a private property but my trespassing days are over. 82 miles covered but seemed longer and harder work than usual.

I finally make it to Banham and use the shop to get my evening sandwiches and cold beer before heading to the campsite. I can hear the monkeys/chimpanzees, that will be different to wake up to. I was hoping I might be in time to see Sam the Bald Eagle being exercised but was too late.

Washing of clothes and me complete. Things hanging out to dry, clothes that is! Shouldn’t take too long. Genevieve the clothes horse again.

They say that every day is a school day. Tonight I met with my old chair of Governors and I learnt a new word. Phoque french for seal. Make of that what you will. It was lovely to meet her and her daughter who was in my school and watch the role reversal. Have you got your phone? Is it charged? Just so funny to watch and although this will embarrass her daughter, what a fine young adult they have turned into. I wish her well as she goes to Uni. I get the text message she is coming over to see me after messages with her husband on Facebook. She had to put clothes on first Before coming over, so to be fair I put on some underwear for the first time in a week. Well fairs fair.

I also met an ex parent who helped coach rugby in my school. Again lovely to catch up with news of the four boys. How they are all finding their own way and knowing the things they love to do. Sport being a very important part and kayaking ( for Britain in their age group) a real feature. They want to get me out on the water. It was lovely that both these people took time out to come and have a drink and catch up after several years of not seeing them.

Another early start tomorrow to beat the heat and hopefully the second cardinal point by lunchtime. I’m determined to get to Ranworth tomorrow night to meet with my cycle club ( 53-11) who have a cake ride on a Thursday night. They will leave me for dead afterwards, I know that, but it should be fun. Tomorrow night should also mean a night in my own bed and see my wife and Alf, as I’m going right past the door. This might make it harder to leave on Friday. Genevieve also needs a little TLC, especially the brakes before I go on Friday.

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.

Up nice and early and the alarm. Call was a greater spotted woodpecker again and a magpie. Not the same one as in Penzance I’m guessing. Interesting to watch it work the border of the campsite with that crazy fold the wings in as I fly.

Everything packed away dry and on the move by 8. Slightly unbalanced as my food pannier is getting empty.

I stop at the first food shop I see and get things for an evening meal. I learnt from yesterday, because I take all back roads you don’t necessarily see shops, cafes or pubs when you could do with one.

Last night as I road to the campsite up a steep single track road a car came up behind and I stopped to let him through and looked back over the valley. It was stunning so I’ve decided to stop and look more on my ride to enjoy it even more.

Lovely little stop in Bruton for croissant and ice cold drink. It was getting very warm and I slapped on the sun cream. My Belgium tan is coming on a treat. 1/2 an hour later and I’m getting low on water and I stop to admire the view. Phil and Ruth come out and we chat about the view as a heron flew past. They quiz me in my journey and then fill my water bottles. Ruth even had a go at trying to lift a Genevieve. It didn’t move.

On wards I go and I’m in the levels or so I’m told. It got me thinking when do you describe the land as undulating, rolling or darn right hilly. Let me know your thoughts but with some climbs going on for 2 miles or more I think I’ve had all three.

Lunch stop for a proper meal with vegetables and a pint again was at George inn Lingbridge Deverill. Here my cake shirt drew lots of comments from the staff even before I went in. Mel and Jo particularly taken as will run for cake is their motto. They wanted to know where I had got it from. Lots of conversation about cycling challenges with the manager who had completed 300 miles in 3 days for a challenge. What next was his question? As he doesn’t have lots of time I suggested coast to coast.

On through the levels ( ha ha) and it was stunning riding. I will try and upload a little video with this tomorrow. The changing colours of the landscape as the clouds go over was beautiful and no camera can catch the ever changing view.

I was going to stop at Hungerford I hoped. The pub didn’t do food on Monday’s and camp sites were 9 miles back or 12 on. I had a beer outside chatting with the locals about options when a family of four (Dutch) cyclists went past fully loaded. A cheerful wave and called out greeting was blanked. The locals said well you will talk with anyone!

At that moment Simon pulls up on his Pinarello. He didn’t want to swap rides. He looked at my route and made a suggestion for a quieter route to the campsite. In the mean time locals had googled and found me a campsite in the right direction. Fantastic help all round.

I ride in through parkland and it’s a beautiful evening. I try to find the campsite and in end follow google which took me on a very main road for four miles. Not my favourite but drivers were respectful and gave room, I ride inside white line by gutter and I got safely to the campsite. Just as I’m setting up who rode in? Yes the family of four Dutch riders who totally ignore again all though pitching tents within 10m. The early preparation of food in the morning paid off as I quickly made tea and checked route for tomorrow. 92 miles today ( those who know me will think why didn’t he do the extra 8!). Really enjoyable day, sun on my back. Had to take care with hydration but I prefer that to the rain. Let’s see what tomorrow will bring.

A lay in until 7.15 today. Sun is already shining and I collect my dry kit from the boiler house. Lovely, kit and panniers dry. A leisurely breakfast of porridge and lovely to put a dry tent away. I’m on my way by 8.30. I’m trying to run two gps systems on my phone today so we will see if the charging system works. Down the hill and back to Oakhampton to pick up my route.

The navigation was straightforward today, only one minor error in Exeter.

Lots of Sunday groups out today and whizzed past on light carbon bikes, but was I jealous? Of course I was but Genevieve always looks after me. I did have a chat with a British Cycling Ladies group, getting more ladies into cycling. They were on the way to see some interesting graffiti, they admitted more cake and coffee stops than riding. My thoughts are why else would you ride a bike.

Moors were stunning in the sunlight and my camera can never do the views justice. You will have to come and see for yourselves. Being on a bike you are more immersed in the countryside. Definitely finding my climbing legs. Sitting in the granny gear and spinning. Eventually getting to the top. Very different to Norfolk where you attack the hills to get them over. One climb called the 5 mile climb doesn’t lend itself to that approach.

A beautiful grey wagtail met me at one junction. Why when the distinguishing feature is a bright yellow stripe, and the tail bobs would you call it a grey wagtail. It’s obviously a yellow striped bobtail. You can see you have lots of time to think on a bike.

28 miles saw me into Exeter. Obviously on a hill. Lovely view of the cathedral but I was concentrating more on the traffic. By the time I could look more it was too far behind me. I did have a lovely holiday with Jayne around Exeter and we spent some time around the cathedral. Didn’t see the peregrines though.

A proper lunch with green stuff as well set me up for the afternoon. It is really day 3 and as Andrew at my cycling club says, that’s the day that hits hard after the initial excitement and until you body adjusts. Eventually it goes oh we are cycling again, ok and gets on with it.

The afternoon continued lumpy and I was finding it harder going. Please let me have some flat, and then 5 miles of flat. Elation was short lived as I realised it was into a strong headwind. Still that’s how fen people train for the hills, it’s always headwind there.

5.30 and 62 miles in I stop at a pub to fill my bottles, that’s my excuse and google campsites. One 11 miles on, perfect. I ring and they have room.

Note to self, ask if it’s uphill! This makes the last two nights with really long and steep climbs to the campsite. Both times I haven’t felt like cycling back down to the town for tea. Rations out of the panniers again.

The site looked lovely on the website. I book in and I’m told the bar had just closed as had the shop. The shop had nothing in anyway. Still charged full price though. It does have one consolation, A BATH!!!

Tent set up, tea made and then a Long soak. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.

Still loving it!

Moral dilemma , you’ve cycled 6 miles down a track and on your route you suddenly find a gate across the path saying private property no access. Do you retrace your steps , 6 miles back very steep uphill and 20 mile detour or do you try and go on?

Another wet night but dry when I got out of the tent. I packed most of the inside, dried the outside and was just about to take down the tent when it poured again. 2 bowls of porridge to get me on my way.

As I left the campsite and ran into the man who gave me directions last night. Turns out he had lived in Ipswich for twelve years.

Then it got weird. After 5 or 6 miles all ok, Genevieve suddenly got a speed type wobble. Stopped and tried again same thing, very unsettling. Took all the panniers off and tried again, same thing. Weird as I packed same way as previously and covered lots of miles no issues. Redistributed load tried again and better, but still occasional wobble without warning. It made me very careful on the down hills.

Turned down a cycle path, hardcore type track and went 6 miles, with steep downhill at the end when I came across the gate with private on. Big dilemma tried to see if path around but it would mean 20 mile detour and back tracking.

After searching around I decided to go on and unloaded Genevieve and eventually lifted everything over and resembled everything. 6 miles to go before joint road again. 3 miles no issue then path just disappeared. Now what? Searched around but no easy answers. I then used gps and pushed Genevieve through woods up steep muddy slopes. As bad as Andrew Mills mud ride. Hour and half later, muddy, stung, bitten I made it back to the road phew!!!!! I apologise for trespassing.

On I went and joined the Camel trail. Lovely and flat. At the Snails pace cafe I met a lovely french couple touring. Louis has just changed his brake blocks. They get lots of use around here. They had cycled from Dover to London, train to Exeter and cycled on over the moors. Good to have a chat with them.

One bacon butty and a cream tea later I was on my way. I love cycling over the moors so much space but hard work. Very lumpy with long climbs. But finding my climbing rhythm and just sit in and spin. You get there eventually.

Then in Davidstow miles from anywhere I saw a cyclist on side of the road. “Are you ok?” Answer “no”. Phil a young end to ender had broken a spoke and wheel was totally out of true. I find my pliers and by tightening and loosening other spokes we got it so he could ride it to get it repaired.

Lots of miles over the moors. Buzzards spiralling lazily, pied wagtails, gold finch, dunnocks and even a wheatear ( white arse). The sun had even put in an appearance and I was riding in short sleeves.

I get to just outside Oakhampton and google a campsite. 2.5 miles through Oakhampton and very much uphill. A very warm welcome from Tim. A special low rate for cyclists. Then best of all, he opens the boiler house for me to dry all my kit. Hurray!!!!

Two beers and pasta meal later and being able to sit outside was just wonderful. Watching the sun set. Hoping for a dry night and on past Exeter tomorrow. When I get a signal I’ll update the blog with pictures. No signal here though.

I need to have a proper meal tomorrow, with some green stuff as I’ve not really eaten properly last couple of days.

Still loving every minute although missing Jayne and Alf.