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After the blog was written last night, Christine and I went into the centre of Hull to appear on the Late Show on Radio Humberside so it was after midnight before we got to bed. What a pity. After 9 days living in the motor home the space of our own house seemed huge but we were on the road by 8.15 this morning. First stop was Jobes cycle shop where my velocipede had been having a quick make over. What service - they even opened early so I could collect it. They fixed the spoke so we now have a fully functional spare again and made some adjustments to the gears and brakes and it is now as good as new.
On to Newland, our home for the last 118 years, where I was greeted by 100 children from St. Nicholas Primary School, who asked all sorts of questions I was unable to answer! Then The Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Elaine Garland arrived in her chains of office to wave me off, which was a really nice gesture in her busy diary. Geoff Chandler, the local Fisherman's Mission Superintendent also was there, as were some of my Trustees and even two of my golfing partners. What a send off.
So it was 10.45 before I started from Newland. I joined the Trans Pennine Trial, part of the National Cycle Network Route 65, all the way to Hornsea. It was almost deserted and with a strong breeze behind me it was not long before I reached the Far Grange site at Skipsea, where we were greeted by more well wishers as well as Phil and Phil my companies for the afternoon's ride. One Phil worked at Far Grange while the other was from the other Haven site at Reighton Sands near Filey. We made excellent time and there was plenty of chatter on the minor country roads before we arrived at Reighton. After a couple of photographs it was onto the Primrose Valley site before failing to get in touch with the back up crew who were in a dead phone zone. As it was only 3.45 I decided to go beyond our overnight stay at the Blue Dolphin site and cycled through Scarborough to Scalby where they caught me up. That will save me at least 30 minutes tomorrow and I am very pleased not to go onto the A165 road again which was so busy. The heavens opened and suddenly the temperature seemed to drop 20 degrees but I plugged on as fast as I could go, knowing that it would not be for too long. My spirits were really lifted when we got back to the Blue Dolphin site for the night as my 9 month old grandson was there to greet me (as well as my daughter & son in law). Eventually onto Showtime where I did my party piece on stage and went round the audience with the bucket. Again it is very encouraging when complete strangers come up to you and wish you well.
Tomorrow is going to be a big challenge going over the North Yorks Moors as well 80+ miles.
However, that is two days now that I have not got off the bike once. Am I getting fitter? Or is it that the last two days have been very flat. We shall see.
Highlights The number of people who were there today to
wish me well, the children and all the other
supporters. It is difficult to express just how much
a lift that gives you as you set off and also at the
finish when there are people to greet you.
Lowlights The sudden change in the weather combined with
the traffic on the A165. Tomorrow will be different
…..won't it!
Mileage 58.15 miles
Time in saddle 4hours 42mins 39secs
Fastest speed 32.7mph
Average speed 12.3mph
Cumulative mileage 615.6 miles
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