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So I set off from Oxford around 10.30am, after watching Lewis
Hamilton win the Shanghai Grand Prix. Didn't sleep amazing well, which I was surprised about. Had a pretty huge breakfast to get me going though!
The going was good for the first 10 miles or so, then the road started undulating up & down over countryside. The A34 is a busy dual carriageway, and it was a bit scary at times with lorries rushing by. Speaking of which, had an exchange with a Hovis lorry driver, kind of wanted him to stop at the next parking place so I could really have a go. Probably for the best he didn't though, as the next stop was about half a mile uphill, at which point I was pretty tired!
Took my first break around 24 miles at Donnington Services, just off the M4. As I was coming into the Services I heard a bit fall off the bike. Turned out to be a small bracket that helps to add rigidity to the frame carrying the panniers. Luckily a bit of DIY with some duct tape seemed to do the job, and I had no more bother.
Following that I cycled on into Winchester, getting off the dual carriageway. Managed to take a couple of wrong turns out of the city centre and ended up climbing a hill I needn't of, at least the cramp seems to have stopped though.
After that it was then a case of going cross country through little towns to Portsmouth. The going was slower than the dual carriageway, owing partly to crappy road surfaces, and a mild head-wind. The latter may have been a contributing factor to what felt like me hitting 'the wall' after 70miles. Energy seemed to have drained from my body, and as I went to mount a curb I managed to catch my ankle on the front cog and gave myself a nice cut.
After that stops became a little more frequent, and I managed to consume an entire multi-pack of kit-kats (I may well be the only person to do something like this and come back fatter, lol.)
Had to conquer a huge hill just before Portsmouth, and was so tempted to get off & walk. Glad to say I didn't, and the feeling of accomplishment was worth it. Led to a great view out over Portsmouth, so got some photos taken by a couple who were up there. They did offer me a glass of red wine, but the way I was feeling I thought I might be drunk after a couple of sips!
As I'm learning about hills, the only good thing about them: what goes up, must come down! Thus I enjoyed a rapid descent down to Portsmouth city centre, although again my navigation skills let me down and I nearly ended up on the motorway.
As my crossing isn't due to depart until 23.45 I've found a pub near the ferry port, and demolished a mixed grill for £7.95. The landlord was actually worried I might not be able to eat it all, oh yee of little faith! However, I did enjoy his comment when I went to the bar for another (non-alcoholic) drink. I quote directly: "Day 2 and you look f***ed!" Nothing a good nights sleep won't cure I hope.
Ok, hope that got everyone up to date. I'm going to do my best to maintain this in France/Spain, but aware that connection to Internet may prove a problem! Night.
- comments
Anne Love the news - keep it coming. So it's not just us ladies who are obsessed with what we do (or don't) eat! Sunny and light wind forecast today for Caen - hope it's been a tail wind.
Stéphane That's quite an epic start ! Seems like you are doing alright ! Just don't forget to cycle on the other side of the road when you reach the continent ;)
Chris Jordan Chris - got back to some sort of order after the EJF Opening weekend - your 'send off' was the highlight! I am sure that you will enjoy the ride across France - wish I was with you as it will be a lot of FUN. Keep it going!