Starting a world cycle tour in March was supposed to mean summer all the way. This week we learnt that the first week of March is definitely not summer in the UK. We know this now.
We’ve faced headwinds in Northumberland, drizzle in Yorkshire and fen-tasticly straight roads in Lincolnshire. The headwinds in the north east were challenging, punctuated by a warm bed at Matt’s brother’s. By Saturday, thank Gust, the headwinds had become tailwinds, blowing us through Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.
We’ve slept on a beach, in a muddy field as well as a couple of out-of-season campsites. Matt has re-acquainted himself with pickled beetroot and crisp sandwiches (he’s convinced Pret will be selling them soon). And the overloaded bikes have attracted the attention of curious passers-by interested in planning a big cycle trip.
Today we cycle to Harwich to sail overnight to the Hook of Holland in the Netherlands. All aboard! And no, we’re not going to be cycling on the boat.
This week’s highlights
Two courses for £7.95 after a long day in the saddle
Being offered a bed for the night outside Sainsbury’s in North Yorkshire by someone enamoured by Harriet’s EU hat
Seeing a car numberplate ‘RIO JA’ to spur us on
Lowlights
Four punctures on one bicycle
Not having a tin opener (try as you might, you won’t get that tin open without one, and we tried)
Two falls within ten minutes
Harriet not having practiced using her shewee before trying it
Sun is due this week and the pedals will be turning, see you soon!
Just 10 minutes with you two was so inspiring. We wish you a safe journey and we'll be following your progress. Hope the weather warms up for you soon.
Linda & Kate xx
Harriet’s time in the bike shop must have come in handy for those punctures!! 😂