24 hours later
After the glorious sunshine that greeted us on day 1, day 2 could not have been more different. As the rain fell and more Lycra and waterproof layers were added, the local bike shelter was turned into a temporary kitchen/dressing room/workshop. Not sure Team Sky would approve of this but needs must when you are looking forward to nearly 100 miles in the rain.
We have done this before but the plan today was to head off and cycle for an hour before stopping for breakfast. Before we managed this we had the return of an old friend; The "Garmin head bob".
This usually happens near or as the group approach a major ish junction. Whoever is responsible for the directions on the day will look at their bike computer with the store route, look up, look back at the computer with their head quizically to one side, look up again but this time left and right, before saying "err guys..." With a worried tone.
The Garmin Head Bob is usually followed by the unnecessary climb as the incorrect route invariably takes you up a hill. Don't ask me why it just does. Given the wet start and low sugar levels as people were waiting breakfast you can imagine how popular it was when half way up a 15% gradient both Gary and I subtly said "err guys...". Fortunately for me there are two Garmins on this trip so I am no longer solely responsible.
I'll have the large coffee
Having finally found a very nice garden centre for breakfast we settled down at a group of four small tables. When Barry placed his large coffee on the table unfortunately it spilled as the table was wobbly and the cup overflowing. One mop up operation later and it was all sorted. However as Barry returned to the table the table was knocked again by Barry sending yet more coffee across the table and half emptying the cup.
Whilst we were all in stitches at this one of us had a guilty confession. You see the Barry that knocked the table the second time was actually a different one but it was far too funny to own up immediately. Sorry Barry.
One breakfast of champions later and we were back on the road. For those worrying about the quantity of food here we will all burn through around 5000 calories a day on this trip so effectively we can eat reasonably guilt free.
In avoiding the next small town we ended up going over a lovely climb with an alpine bend! I am pretty sure I can still call it an Alpine bend even if it was in Gloucestershire.
As you can see the weather had not improved any which makes the fact I am writing this blog in brilliant sunshine even more frustrating.
Little England
I have had the following thought before but one of the reasons I love cycling is that you see things at a much slower pace. You also tend to go through small towns that have by passes built around them to keep traffic out.
Malmesbury and Tetsbury are two such villages that were typical small English towns. Sadly as it was throwing it down with rain at the time I couldn't take any photos but have a look on google earth (other map products are available) and you will see what I mean. Tetsbury even had flags in place across the street and in a town later on we saw a real life village fete! They are not just made up for films!
In addition to this we saw the White Horse of Westbury on the hill side. The photo below is probably not that clear given it was a bit of distance away but it is there.
We also passed within a mile of Stonehenge and the sign below is not a common one on British Roads. We did wonder whether it was for real or they just knew we were coming.
I guess my main point here and I am going to quote Ferris Bueller. "Live moves pretty fast. Sometimes you should take sometime to look around." Had I been in a car I would have bypassed these completely. I would not have been in those town centres or on the A roads to see the white horse. But why not? Nothing actually is stopping me except the lack of time. Which is just a bit sad.
The last 20 Miles
Having said that; we had a ferry to catch.
The Groups riding yesterday was comparable to an excited puppy. Everything was at full speed and approached with boundless enthusiasm and energy.
After 180 miles, Today it was more comparable to a mature Labrador. With its actions measured whilst fighting the urge to curl up in a ball and have a nap.
Fortunately the sun had come out for the last 20 miles which helped lift spirits even if our legs were still aching.
After one final Garmin Head Bob/unnecessary hill we actually made very good progress as the lure of the end of the day acted to motivate us all. In fact this part of the ride was a little off the main roads we had been on and that enabled us to ride more in a group than in a single line which always helps the mood as conversation levels increase.
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