Tuesday
Our route today ;- Oxford-Radley-Abingdon-Sutton Courtney-Appleford-The Wittenhams-
Wallingford-Streatley-Reading.After the intense heat and mileage of yesterday, today was all about
just doing and getting through it. We had another 45 miles to cover so
were pleased that the temperature was much cooler.It was a shame to leave the Malmaison but after a light but gorgeous
breakfast that included salmon and scrambled egg we headed for our home
town of Reading. Family awaited as this would be our only cheap night
of our bike ride. Just before departing Neil noticed that one of my
pannier rack supports had sheared at a joint. I really didn't know
whether I would get through the day but wasn't prepared to tail end
ride so relied on others to make sure I wouldn't lose a pannier to the
river. I knew I was going to put Halfords above family later. Yet, the
only way was forward and a good supply of cable ties!All too soon we hit a headwind. Not too strong but enough of an
annoyance to sap energy and niggle the soul. Moving from towpath to
minor road, occasionally to a major road and then back to the towpath
to stay on the Thames Path was fine but then at about the midpoint, we
stopped for a bite to eat in Wallingford. After a sarnie, juice and a
ring donut with a cup of good coffee at their old post office, the legs
got too relaxed so it became a struggle on the uphill climbs we
suffered into Streatley and Pangbourne. Having felt better than I
thought I would until Wallingford, I was now hitting a little bit of my
own wall. Tim, Mike and Neil were supportive and once we left Tim near
Purley, my legs finally woke up again and everything improved.At one of the Wittenhams, they hold the National Pooh stick
championships. We went to the bridge there and in memory of Tyrone, we
wrote personal messages on a stick and raced them.It had been another great day, good weather, good pace and no
incidents....of any description. By 4pm we all arrived home. A frantic
dash to my local Halfords to tell them about my experiences with the
gear they sold me ended in new gear (better gear?) being given to me.
No quibble, no debate. Fantastic! My thanks to them so I hope that's an
end to my problems here on in.Tomorrow, we four become five as Mark joins us for the trip to
Windsor. A shorter 30 something miles.
We have now completed 120 miles of our cycle ride which should only be
184 miles in total. Yet, we are only a little over halfway there. At
least we have 3 days left instead of the full 2 days taken so far and a
lesser daily mileage.Roll on Windsor, then Kew and finally the Thames Barrier and a Friday
night celebration.
Wallingford-Streatley-Reading.After the intense heat and mileage of yesterday, today was all about
just doing and getting through it. We had another 45 miles to cover so
were pleased that the temperature was much cooler.It was a shame to leave the Malmaison but after a light but gorgeous
breakfast that included salmon and scrambled egg we headed for our home
town of Reading. Family awaited as this would be our only cheap night
of our bike ride. Just before departing Neil noticed that one of my
pannier rack supports had sheared at a joint. I really didn't know
whether I would get through the day but wasn't prepared to tail end
ride so relied on others to make sure I wouldn't lose a pannier to the
river. I knew I was going to put Halfords above family later. Yet, the
only way was forward and a good supply of cable ties!All too soon we hit a headwind. Not too strong but enough of an
annoyance to sap energy and niggle the soul. Moving from towpath to
minor road, occasionally to a major road and then back to the towpath
to stay on the Thames Path was fine but then at about the midpoint, we
stopped for a bite to eat in Wallingford. After a sarnie, juice and a
ring donut with a cup of good coffee at their old post office, the legs
got too relaxed so it became a struggle on the uphill climbs we
suffered into Streatley and Pangbourne. Having felt better than I
thought I would until Wallingford, I was now hitting a little bit of my
own wall. Tim, Mike and Neil were supportive and once we left Tim near
Purley, my legs finally woke up again and everything improved.At one of the Wittenhams, they hold the National Pooh stick
championships. We went to the bridge there and in memory of Tyrone, we
wrote personal messages on a stick and raced them.It had been another great day, good weather, good pace and no
incidents....of any description. By 4pm we all arrived home. A frantic
dash to my local Halfords to tell them about my experiences with the
gear they sold me ended in new gear (better gear?) being given to me.
No quibble, no debate. Fantastic! My thanks to them so I hope that's an
end to my problems here on in.Tomorrow, we four become five as Mark joins us for the trip to
Windsor. A shorter 30 something miles.
We have now completed 120 miles of our cycle ride which should only be
184 miles in total. Yet, we are only a little over halfway there. At
least we have 3 days left instead of the full 2 days taken so far and a
lesser daily mileage.Roll on Windsor, then Kew and finally the Thames Barrier and a Friday
night celebration.
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