PREPARING FOR THE BIG RIDE

Here we are on the threshold of one of the biggest adventures ever. Bags are packed and repacked with all “extras” out. The tent was pitched for the first time and looks fabulous. Quite stylish actually. We pumped up the mattress and it seems to be quite comfortable. The down duvet resplendent with “dirt camouflaging” patterned cover is rolled up. Why have sleeping bags when a duvet is so much more fun !

After two weeks of rushing around to finalize everything in SA, we flew back to England earlier this week and had our final ride before the tour. We rode through country lanes damp with recent rain. The countryside was glistening and very green. The typical English homes brightened up with beautiful roses or clematis creeping up the walls.

Our tandem bicycle, Bluebelle has logged 820 miles, some 1330 kilometers, since we arrived in England on 1 April. Now that is not too shabby!

Cycling in the Cotswolds was delightful. We stayed in a cottage made for two called Squirrel Cottage. One of the days our cycle route took us to Burford where we had a cream tea. At least I could justify the clotted cream which is irresistibly delicious on fruit scones with strawberry preserve. Carl prefers toasted cheese sandwiches – how un romantic. We do look quite a sight walking into these delightful and often quaint tea shops dressed in our cycling gear. Patrons stop and stare as we walk in and sit down – Carl enjoys the attention, I’m still trying to get used to it. The tartan picnic blanket on the back of Bluebelle has similarly attracted much comment but has served us well at many picnic spots along the way.

Our accommodation in Hook Norton in the Cotswolds was fabulous. A huge Rayburn cooker graced the kitchen/living room. This was quite a challenge to master the big red machine – remembering to turn it up an hour before cooking the evening meal was a real challenge. At least there was a convection microwave just in case.

From the Cotswolds we headed north to Chester. Our next cottage – Ash Cottage – was in Oscroft, a tiny village about 7 miles from the walled city of Chester and right on the Welsh border. We had the nicest cycle rides around this area. The Shropshire canal with its narrow boats meanders through the countryside. We cycled through the most beautiful villages, stopped at an ice cream farm for lunch. Another cycle route took us through the Delamere Forest. Walkers, picnickers and dog walkers abound. We stopped and had a picnic beside a stream. A very welcome rest and time to absorb the beauty.

It was wonderful seeing family and friends in South Africa but we are now back and rearing to go. The anticipation is building, barrel bags are bulging, Bluebelle has new everything –Carl’s says he does not want any breakdowns – we’ll see, Istanbul is 4000km away!

My next update will be from France....................... till then, CHEERS.