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Friday 22 July 2011

It's all about Mike...

To start with,l here are some pictures from yesterday. We had a great reception from the staff at Hereford United, Jamie Pitman signed our T-shirt and presented us with the signed Bulls team shirt, and eventually we moved off. We had what proved to be a mixed ride, with some demanding climbs especially close to Hereford and of course their was Birdlip. On our arrival at the TA centre in Gloucester we receive considerable attention on the massage table, some of which was distinctly uncomfortable. I also required a ‘Cryocuff’ treatment as my left quad was in a bit of a state. As posted previously, in anticipation of an early start we retired relatively early.









Gloucester Cathedral (photo by Martin)
Top of Birdlip Hill


This morning Phil dropped us back at the Royal George at 7am, and Mike discovered that he had a puncture. This was only the beginning of what would prove to be a bit of a shocker for him. We fixed the puncture and set off towards Cirencester. Mike soon began complaining about his cleats and the fact that he was having difficulty clicking out. This dev eloped into acute frustration, leading to some choice language and the threat of “slinging these *%$^ shoes over the hedge”. He struggled on but we decided to find a bike shop and by some replacement pedals.
We arrived in Cirencester making good time, then on to Wooton Bassett where we stopped for a snack and a photo. After some difficulty navigating across Swindon we eventually arrived at the County Ground at 11:30. The staff were again very supportive, making us tea and taking photos. They then took Mike to Mitchells Cycles who fitted him up with some new pedals, and made a generous donation.
Setting off for Abbingdon, Mike managed to break the reflector on his new pedals, within less than 2 miles, then shortly after his chain came off. We were of course highly sympathetic and offered supportive comments.
The Ride to Abbingdon proved to be fast and took in some good roads through some nice country villages. We stopped at Pusey where we met up with Phil and the bus for tea and biscuits before the final stretch. We were making excellent time, so much so that we were likely to arrive at the Abbingdon TA centre too early. This was solved by ducking into The Black Horse for a swift pint and some salted peanuts.
We have now reached the half way point of our journey (289 miles covered so far). It has at times proved very demanding, especially the climbs, but we are becoming increasingly confident and the daily milage no longer seems  daunting. Tomorrow we head for Millwall, so will will be riding across London. A very different ride from the lanes of Wiltshire.


Birdlip
Wooton Bassett
County Ground










1 comment:

  1. Keep going lads, you have done the hard bits now - just the soft south to go and the weather is getting better by the day - just think of the final goal at the end - much respect Rob

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