Steady Pedals

By the time I’d got onto the Ferry last night l was starving. I made extra sandwiches from the breakfast spread but they were gone by mid morning. I’d survived the rest of the day by finishing what was left of my packet of Oreo’s cookies and most of my remaining mini waffles. I really hadn’t wanted to stop until I got to the ferry and then there was no where close by to eat. Once on the ferry , I showered and changed, then tucked into a hearty meal before retiring to bed. I was probably asleep before we had even left the Hook.

Morning started early, with a wake up knock at the door at 0430. Silly really as although we were in Harwich, we were not allowed to disembark until after 0630. Clearly HM Customs and Immigration need their sleep.

Once off the ferry, my plan was to get a train back to central London the ride across town get another train to West London then home.

The only fly in the ointment, full size bikes are not allowed on services to Liverpool Street station until 0945, unless you have pre booked, more than 24hrs in advance, one of 4 spaces in the guards van of the Express service. Even then you are required to change during the journey at Manningtree station, where you have to swap platforms which can involve going up and down 2 steep staircases.

As I hadn’t booked, I decided to take a very leisurely ride to Manningtree, where I got on the first commuter train I was allowed to at 0905. I was the only cyclist competing for a spot so no problem finding a space

A lovely ride through central London was followed by tea and a cinnamon bun overlooking the Serpentine in Hyde Park.

The rest of the journey home was uneventful except for a rather regal old lady in a large car who the Police helped on her way, blocking my path in the process. I didn’t even get a wave or smile as she passed ! Apparently she had just come from Paddington station, where she had been officially opening the Elizabeth Line.

So by lunchtime, I was relaxing on the sun lounger at home and contemplating with no enthusiasm, unpacking and sorting out all my gear.