Early start this morning. Woke up at 4AM and the English coast was already in sight. Within an hour we were docked at Harwich, but couldn’t disembark until 6.30.
I was second off the ferry and soon heading out across the rolling Essex countryside towards Manningtree. I decided that was as quick as waiting for the hourly train from Harwich.
Because of engineering works, there was a rail replacement service operating into London, so I was only going part way, before cutting 45km across country to Shenfield where I could pick up the Elizabeth line which would take me almost all the way home, leaving just a 10 minute ride the other end. An added bonus, I had free over 60s travel on this line. I’d hoped to get breakfast at the renowned Manningtree station cafe ( a favourite amongst cyclists) but sadly they were closed for the day.
I didn’t have long to wait for a train and 20 minutes later, I was back on lovely country roads. It was a beautiful day, apart from a very cold wind.
I was on the lookout now for somewhere to get some snacks, at least in the UK there are normally plenty of small convenience shops. I’d barely gone 5km though when I saw two cyclists sat by a small building, slowing down it turned out to be a little tea room and it had opened early – a bit of luck.
Suitably refreshed, I headed off quickly taking a left turn only to see the road completely flooded ahead of me. My heart sank, but fortunately it was a ford with narrow path to the side.
From then on it was a slow but pleasant ride to Shenfield and the Elizabeth line. A minor panic when I thought I’d forgotten my 60+ travelcard and I might have to pay, but found it in the bottom of my bag. Then that was it, train nearly all the way back.
Arrived back home, totally dry for once. Just 5km short of 900km done. The bike much dirtier than when it started and me almost certainly fitter and maybe leaner despite my best efforts.
When I left home a couple of weeks ago, I was still on antibiotics, had a terrible cough and after 2kms had a wheezy chest and sweats. I thought about turning back but decided at least to get into town and hopefully down to Dover where I could rest for the night.
I didn’t think for a minute I’d get much further than a night in Belgium at best. Despite the terrible weather, it’s been a great trip. I need a bit of R&R now, and the bike certainly needs TLC. Then I’ll start thinking about what if anything I need to do differently for next time – whenever and wherever that might be !
Steady Pedals 