James picked me up and we left the house around 9:20. The riders were gathering when we got to the meeting place but quickly organized and left about 9:45, I think. I wasn't home until 5:30 or so. Allan and Christine were wondering what happened to me !
At one point we stopped to help this lady who'd had a wasp get behind her glasses as she descended and stung her over the eye. I could resist the photo of this very old oak tree, certainly older than my trusty steed !
I wasn't quite prepared for the distance in that I didn't have gels or anything with me. However, since we stopped for breakfast, snack and afternoon tea, that omission was remedied.
Next up, clean up and head to dinner. I was being treated again, feeling really guilty. We went to a French restaurant that Christine favours and it was great. Ravioli for Christine; slow-cooked-rabbit for Allan and chicken for me that came with a huge side of roasted potatoes, broccoli and carrots. Just what the doctor ordered; with a beer chaser.
Allan and Christine have made me feel quite at home. Christine even did my laundry last night ! I'll be sorry to say farewell today. Allan and I talked last night about whether there was any possibility of them seeing me on the ride, but that's very difficult. I'd be at the closest Control after midnight, likely, on the way north, and there isn't even any easy way for them to park and visit. So ... it will be farewell today.
Today ... breakfast and then pack and organize. Packing is easy but I'm not sure how I'm going to get the bike into the car yet. The bike box takes up most of the room. I don't want to put it into the box again. The wheels will have to come off, no doubt, hopefully that will suffice.
Then ... drive to the Premier Inn at Chingford. It's over 200 miles so a-jaunting we will go.
Onward !
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