The Final Total For Big C

Just to let everybody know. Big C Norwich are now in receipt of all the funds collected to date on the Cycling Music Tour. The total is £3,109.00  a great contribution from all who came to concerts or who just donated to the cause. Both Richard and I are delighted to have amassed that sum from touring on the bikes. Best wishes and much love to everybody. I am currently out in my house in France with family. Been out a few times on the bike attacking a few big hills. Big for me anyway!!  

The Last One

Norco Cycling and Music! 

Bike Percussion

Stage Set

Bach Cycling Music 

Tubular Bells 

Cycling Music 

We Made It!

We is everybody involved in the Cycling Music Tour.  All the hosts and the organisers at the various venues we have visited over the last few weeks, family and friends who have supported the long ride, fellow cyclists and various cycling mechanics, sponsors of cycles and equipment for the shows. Those who have attended the concerts and others who have donated to the Big C charity based in Norwich. One big team!   The last day of the tour involved perhaps the very shortest ride, just  two miles to the venue. This was a good job as a mysterious swelling has developed on the maestro's backside. Too much detail could perhaps be a little off putting.  Could this possibly be the much discussed infected hair follicle.  We will never know.  There would be no sitting down on the short ride to the Ropetackle Arts Centre.   Luckily my bottom has been very well behaved and has put up with all the pressure put upon it. A miracle in itself.     A special concert was planned for the last gig of the tour.  Instead of the backing tracks coming off the computer Richard had invited Stephen Hiscock,the percussionist, used on the  cd recording to join him on stage for full live renditions of Cycle Music and much much more. It would take longer than usual to set the stage and rehearse for the show.   Incident free transfer to the Ropetackle with more gear than the bikes could carry so Louise brought the larger sound system and bike parts for Stephen to use in the show.    The rest of the day was fully taken up with ensuring that the stage was set and no technical problems could bite us in the backside. That thought is awful. All looked stunning on a jam packed stage with the two bikes and the bike bits and pieces and in addition a full light show to enhance the tour lights.   A photo call at 15.00 and then on with rehearsing the cycling music. Before we knew it the home audience were arriving and the auditorium was bussing with expectation.  I say home audience, what a surprise when Chris and Jane Dunkley, dear friends from the world of Hot Air Ballooning, arrived for the concert all the way from Wendwover in Buckinghamshire. A four hour drive, including the deaded M25, on a Friday night.  What an great effort and so kind of them to support us like that.  Another blast from the past was meeting up with Mark Burke who was the playing partner to RD in the late 1980's when they first visited Eccles in Norfolk as The Two Fattest Boys In The Class.    Jeff Haynes riding friend on the early dates of the tour was there too.   You cannot beat a home crowd and the warm welome for Richard was just reward for the effort he has made on this musical endurance tour; physical, mental and artistic.   A great achievement not only for today but for each and every one of the thirty odd concerts played. The Cycling Music is usually performed in the first half of the concert but for tonight it was being saved for the finale.    The breadth of the concert was enjoyed by everybody. Stephen stepped up to the stage for the JS Bach arrangements which concluded the first part of the show. Truly the first composer of the cycling style of music.  With RD's arrangements joined by the sensitive playing from Stephen they left us all wanting more at the interval.    The second part of the show was opened with the artiste's rendition of Tubular Bells followed by the much anticipated  Cycling Music. A real one off performance with Richard and Stephen together.  Two encores and it was all over.  They left them wanting more!  Thanks to all who came to make it such a great homecoming for the tour. Stage cleared and gear packed it was time to say our goodbyes. I left Shoreham a little before 23.00 and headed home to  Norfolk with my head full of music, tour tales and tall tales along with great memories of new friends and kind people who had kept us all safe and sound, peddling and spinning. Thanks and love  to everybody for allowing me to be part of it all, particularly Louise and Richard, my great friends John and Anne who encouraged me so much, to my dear family Naomi, Joseph and Thomas who all played an active part in the tour.   My brother Michael who first passed the good old Norco and set me off riding four years ago. A great follower of the blog. What can I say?    All that and over £3,000 raised for the Big C charity in Norwich.   If you came to the concerts you helped raise that figure  as 20% of the ticket proceeds went to the charity along with individual donations.   The final figure raised will be posted on this blog as soon as possible.   Bon chance! 

Getting Set

Stephen's Bicycle Percussion Set Up.

Cycling and Music

Over Hill and Dale.

Holy Trinity Pics

Guided to Guildford

The last long ride of the tour.  A lunchtime concert in the church of the Holy Trinity in the centre of Guildford.   An early start was required.  On the road just after 07.00   The plan was to take the Downs Link cycle path which runs the whole way from Shoreham to Guildford. As we were cycling in Richard's stomping ground he assumed navigational responsibilities.   We avoided the track for the first hour staying on the road north to Partridge Green.  Progress was excellent for two fully fit cyclists. Once on the path we slowed a little as the surface was more uneven and of variable quality.  That is my excuse.  Weather was set fair and ideal for our purposes.   The country scenery on the path was stunning. Just over an hour out from our destination and we were met by Roy and Herbie, experienced local cyclists who had  arranged to meet up with us on the route and guide us to the church  in addition to attending the recital.    They were well read and knew of our liking for the odd slice or cake.  Roy was loaded up with a cornflake treacle delicacy.  The days of eating cakes and chocolate regardless was coming to an end. Well that is if we wished to keep our smaller figures.     No major issues as we approached our destination.   Just to keep me on my toes through to the end my chain came off and jammed in the cogs.   A five minute struggle, man against bike and it was released. This had not happened for a few weeks.  Our morning coffee was taken at Shalford along with Roy's treats.   A very short spin to complete the morning ride.   The church of the Holy Trinity is an ideal venue with a broad nave and wonderful acoustic.   With just over an hour to set the biking  scene up for the show we got down to work.   The truncated show was to be without an interval,  a slightly distilled version of the full performance. A tidy number arrived to enjoy Cycling Music.   As with all the other concerts the programme  was very warmly received.    The tour delivered.  A rush back to home base and one or two tasks to get on with.  Richard was close to launching another in the series of video blogs using the tour footage we had taken.  We had some catching up to do. In addition there was the last concert at the Ropetackle to prepare for.     Dinner with a toast to the success of the Cycling Music Tour.  To making it through to the end without missing a concert or appointment. Not bad though I say it myself for a tour of 1420 miles.    A disappointing end to a successful day after England lost their match.  Surprise, surprise. 

Herbie and Roy

We were accompanied on the ride to Guildford by Roy and Herbie. Keen cyclists and followers of quality music. They brought cakes too!!!  Thank you both for your kindness and friendship. 

Copycat

My brother Michael in British Columbia Canada has just completed a short expedition with bike and trailer!  The original rider of the Norco which has been my partner on all the long distance trips I have completed.   Very tidy and well packed combination I must say. 

Brighton Pics

On the Beach 

In Concert 

London to Brighton 

What a pair!  The welcome team!

Norco at Brighton Station 

Stripped down! 

London to Brighton Cycle Ride for Cycling Music.

Back in Reigate by 10.00 I would like to say fresh as a daisy but we were feeling the effects of the record ride from yesterday.   We are not ones to complain.   The good news was everything was working; bodies and bikes. This was a big day on the tour for the artiste.  If the ride into home territory was not enough there  was all the detail of the concert which would be given on Brighton Beach.    Dealing with the details and last minute hitches. Once we were riding there was little we could do. The Downs managed to throw up a few hills to contend with but nothing that two experienced riders could not cope with.   Our route dropped down through Leigh, Hookwood, Lambs Green, Faygate and onwards south to Brighton.   I made a slight navigational error, unusual on this tour,  which cost us four miles in distance and the precious time!   No bonus points today.   Soon back on the right lanes and in good time. Stopped to  refuel; coffee and cakes! The end of the ride was in sight and so was the Devils's Dyke hill.   We had been up this little challenge on our last major training ride before the tour commenced. It would need a big effort.   The artiste was in a keen mood and set the pace. The sight and thought was in fact worse than the effort required and before long we were both delighted to be rolling down the long  hill into Brighton.  Traffic congestion due to the closed roads of the L to B ride.   We met with Louise to pick up more gear for the concert. I had a couple of calls as we came down the hill from Naomi. I could not speak as we were moving too fast.   Eventually we spoke and she sent a picture to me of her and Lisa at the pier.  What a surprise for Father's Day Naomi and Lisa had come down to meet and greet and welcome me back to the sea which we had left nearly seven weeks ago and nearly 1,400 miles.  What a fantastic effort.  It felt so good to have them both at the end of the day's ride and more special  for Father's Day.  There was still a concert to prepare for. An unknown quantity! The big screen on the beach was the venue.    Cyclists were pouring in from the marathon ride.   Strangely though,  close in terms of distance, the event seemed detached from the big screen area.    The stage show needed to be adapted in terms of performance and set up. The former more tricky and masterminded by the artiste.  The plan was to play between two World Cup matches being shown on the big screen.   Sound check was completed in time and then we had a few moments to rest and chat.   Cards from Naomi Lisa and the little ones. So kind. Naomi disappeared to get food including a delicious vegan meal for the axeman!    Not only that she treated the ride team to hoody tops for the L to B ride.  Very smart indeed.  We attempted to bridge the event distance between the screen and the ride and get bikers to attend the Cycling Music Show.  Sadly the audience was pretty sparce on the pebbles. That did not prevent our man from Shoreham delevering a great show. The projections were on huge big screen and the sound through the more powerful venue PA.  Quality conditions but sadly the wrong slot.   The next match was on the screen whilst the bikes were repacked with gear. With a lull in the tour until Thursday I was going home to Norfolk.  I planned to return to London with Naomi and stay the night with them and head on to Eccles on Monday morning.   Along with my bike we went up the hill to the station at Brighton. Good plan.  Not a plan which fitted in with Southern Railways. No bikes on trains because of the London To Brighton ride.    Surely that is a good reason to have bikes on trains. Lay on more trains and carry the bikes.  That would require Southern Rail giving service to customers and planning the logistics. This event was not suddenly sprung on them.  More trains,  more carriages. Even charge to carry the bikes. Make a donation to charity? Not difficult in 2014 surely.  No, not Southern Railway, take the easy option and simply ban the bikes.  The managers need the boot, big time.  I made my feelings known to the staff. I did not kill the messenger but I asked them to pass it up the management line. Fat chance. Wasted time I think.   Typical in England to have such negative attitudes. Not one to whinge but this is ridiculous beyond belief.    We chained the Norco to the railings at the station and texted the boss.  Richard agreed to pick the Norco up in the morning.  Before catching our train we took everything off the bike including the front wheel.  My partner in crime looked sorry for itself as we left. Back in business on Thursday all being well.   Next problem came up. Poor Naomi had started to feel unwell and this developed as we got on the train and headed for the capital.     We arrived in Victoria and poor Naomi needed to hunt for the loo.   Our taxi was waiting to take us to Chigwell.   Lovely attitude from Addison Lee Taxis.  Don't  be sick in the taxi.  £100 fine if you are. No sympathy no assistance and a negative attitude.  Good old English service again.   Back home and straight to bed for the poorly patient.  Beans on toast for yours truly. Thanks Lisa.   Bon nuit.   A great day on many fronts despite the problems.    Tour mileage 1,378        Richard rode 7 extra miles to get home.   Glutton for punishment. What a feeling. 

Giant St. Paul's

London Calling

06.00 and we are up and getting ready. Josh tells me the party finished 04.00 

We heard nothing. Great breakfast was enjoyed before anybody else. We avoided the surge of grockles around the  self service breakfast bar. So off putting! What a snob I am.   On the road and heading for the Metropolis. The route on on A12 was not an option. Josh had advised of a cycle path alongside the dual carriageway if we could find it. Studying the map and looking and checking.   It became clear that early morning rides are not suited to some.  All things considered the route proved more than adequate. That is my opinion. Three cheers for Boris. The blue cycle routes into the city were  clear and fluid.   We beat some of the cars and buses. Arrived at the venue, Giant Bike Shop St. Paul's  bang on time. Like a well oiled machine we were up and running in under 30 minutes.   Sadly the audience were thin on the ground. Those who were there had a treat.   Kindly Giant attended to RD's bike and set it up for the evening ride to Reigate through the Saturday evening traffic.   Good job it was not midweek.  Quickly we found our way across the Thames and on towards Brixton and the south. Peddling hard and  with the benefit if our three hour break we made steady progress. Friendly bikers on the same route. Good chats. I am sure a young rider to a shine to me. No time to check my hair! The ride was enormous fun as we travelled through various districts; the smells, the shops and the people. Arrived for meeting at Reigate with Louise just after 20.00.  Home in time for the match. Great supper. Fell asleep. England lost. How strange is that? 85 miles. As predicted, a tour record and fully loaded too, plus a concert on top of all that for the Maestro. All in a normal day's work on the Cycling Music Tour. Not bad. Tour total miles 1,330    One wheel on my wagon and I'm Still Rolling Along. 

Ipswich Town Hall

Please note the lights! 

Which Switch is the Ipswich Switch.

Never leave the blog undone for more than a day.  My memory always fails to go back further than twenty four hours. Catching up is a challenge. Friday morning Ed gave us another lift,this time back to Halesworth to return to the bikes and the route south to Ipswich.   We were going to return to the Bicycle Shop to pick up the front bike spot light.  Time was not on our side.  We arranged that I would pick it up next week.  Richard had arranged to meet with a friend at The Cut for a chat before the ride. This was just the start of what is our longest weekend of the tour.  Distance matched by variety of concerts. At 11.00 Stuart arrived in time for the off.  He was accompanying us for ten miles of the ride before making his way back to Nottingham.  What a determination he has and at his age! Stuart had spent the night wild camping. I do not do wild and I certainly do not do camping in tents. I prefer the luxury of country house hotels with good service and fine dining.  It has happened on this tour but more by luck and chance than judgement.  I have have been able to put my Speedos on twice so far! Not a pretty site and best done in private. I do not like to scare the other guests.  Whilst the legs are perfectly formed and swelling by the day there is no sign of a six pack developing sometime soon no matter how far we peddle. Too many cakes perhaps. That reminds me, it has been a while since I have sniffed out a caramel slice. We need to remedy that.   Ipswich from Halesworth was around the thirty mile mark. Well within our ride capacity.    Weather was grand and progress in the undulating environs of Suffolk was rapid along the peaceful undulating  byways.  As usual we were up against a deadline.  We were visiting the BBC studios in Ipswich for a recorded interview with Steve Foster. This would be the second with this most generous of presenters.  This would be followed by an ISDN interview in the same studios with Jo from BBC Radio London.   We dropped down through Peasenhall to Cransford and thence to Wickham Market and through to Grundisburgh and on the Tuddenham road into Ipswich, home of the Tractor Boys!   We found the studios with ease and just for once we had plenty of time.  Our speed was  certainly picking up. No thanks to the weight more like the muscle power in the legs, especially Richard's.  The trailer has become the cross he has to bear. I have suggested he offers it all up as a penance.   He was not impressed with that concept.  I have had better.  It does not reduce the pain. We freewheeled down to the Town Hall for the set up in the Council Chamber in the old Town Hall.   A strange building now as it is used for various activities, some of which have nothing to do with municipal administration.    A new town hall was built leaving this a white elephant.  A great welcome though with a piece of cake and a drink handy.   The old council chamber is a wonderful space and would have been grander if sometime ago the person who covered it in a dusty purple paint had resisted  the temptation.  A crime.  Jay the technician for the evening was so helpful and having discussed our requirements for the show they were in place without fuss before you could say Jack Robinson.   The best yet and I am speaking as an experienced lighting and stage engineer now. I know about these things!   My opinion is valid and reliable.    Really? I have to say this was to be the best looking show of the tour. Pillars either side of the stage were lit up and washed with the colours of our basic lighting rig to great effect. I was most impressed with myself!!    Please excuse me blowing my own trumpet! A good crowd in. Walk up was encouraging and a few more chairs were required. We don't mind dealing with that problem.   I think the artiste was pleased with the evening and as usual the performance was well received.   The challenge was on for a quick pack up. We had a fifteen to twenty mile ride to complete before we got anywhere near a drink or a bed.  By 11.45 we were on the right road heading out of the town on back roads which run parallel to the main A12 heading towards Colchester.   Bike trailer and rider were not in harmony tonight and the chain was coming off at regular intervals.  The moon was out and the air was cool. Conditions were ideal in many ways.   The missing headlight was not making things easy and picking out the smallest of cross country lanes was difficult  for yours truly, now operating in Navigation Officer capacity.  Captain T. Kirk was not a happy bunny.   We passed La Tolboothe restaurant and up a tricky little hill when a blue episode rang out across the peaceful night spoiling this idyllic country scene. A passing drunken stranger got the  shock of his life The bike was not his favourite toy at that point.  I was not the favourite guide.    With grim determination and strength we made it to the Holiday Inn Express three miles north of Colchester at 0.45  fifteen minutes before the bar closed.  In time for a drink and a bag of Nobby's Nuts.    Josh the duty manager was a star and locked the bikes in the conference room.  All this to the sounds of a riotous party being held in an adjacent room. Or was it prayer meeting? We will never know.    We got to bed for a short sleep, in no more than five hours and we would be on the road again. Willie Nelson comes to mind. 1,245 miles. 

Collage

With Naomi at Norwich concert

Richard in concert at Bicycle Shop

The supporters club!!

Richard at The Cut. Halesworth

Bikes and Biker well lit!!

Norwich Photographs

My main supporters club!

All together!!

What a great daughter, Mother and supporter she truly is! 

Fully loaded  Norco at Big. C 

Halesworth - The Cut

Back at the Bicycle Shop to pick up our trusty bikes in good time.    First appointment was to visit the Big C drop in centre at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on the south west side of the city.  The big bike was not playing the game needed the attention of the rider.   Some fiddling and screw turning and we set off out of the city centre.  We arrived at Big C a couple of minutes after 10.30.  A great welcome at the centre from Diane and all the staff there.    Also there to welcome us were Naomi. Lisa and the Grandchildren; Ruby June, Elsie and Jude.   It was so good to see them after so many weeks.  We were invited into the centre which was busy with patients and families.  We gathered in the private garden area  and were joined by  three well behaved little ones!  No running around here.  Richard played his guitar  in the garden and the peaceful music drifted on the air into the building.    Time for some pictures and chatting.  I went off with Naomi and family to seek out a rewarding and distracting  ice cream for them. RD had a tour around the centre with Jill,  the manager.    Richard was moved by all  the work being carried out by Big C.  Currently there are 1,000 patients per month accessing the resources of this vital charity.    It made the miles, the hills, the weather, the breakdowns, the heat and the rain seem so worthwhile.     No time to waste we hit the trail at 12.30 and headed back through the city to pick up the road to Bungay and on to Halesworth.     The artiste was complaining about his bike.  Sluggish and holding up progress.  Was it  bike or the biker?  We attempted to locate a convenient shop to check things out.   Nothing on our route.    Fairly quiet road out to Bungay.  Weather set fair.  At Bungay we visited MC Cycles where I had purchased my Schwinn bicycle two years ago after having to leave the Norco in St. Bonnet in the Auvergne  after my ride from England.    The proprietor looked carefully at the bike after some pleading from the  suffering cyclist.    A little tweaking of the brakes and checking of the freewheeling and things seemed to feel better.   Pulling that much weight on a bike and any lose of performance and it drags down the average speed considerably.    After a delightful light snack at the  Jester's Cafe near the Castle we commenced the last leg of the days journey.   We opted to risk the main road through to Halesworth and apart from a couple of large lorries it was relatively peaceful and we were in good time when we arrived at The Cut Arts Centre.   The Maestro's  bike had behaved and no complaints from the jockey!  Located in an old warehouse building it has a large purpose built performance area and a grand foyer and cafe.     The gig had been well advertised but we were up against the opening of the World Cup.  No contest!    With a large stage to play with tonight the artiste decided, in his wisdom, to change the presentation of the show. All looked well after the new set up.  Dropped a clanger myself and therefore lost a few lighting manager points by leaving our front bike spot  light at the last venue. This is the most important spot  of all as it lights the face of the artiste in performance.   I make no excuses it was a mistake on pack up.  So nice we are still not assigning blame for errors made whilst on tour. Not a sell out but a warm and welcoming reception from a new audience.  This was the first appearance by concert guitarist Richard in this market town. Hopefully the first of many.  I think we behaved ourselves.  No black marks apart from my own.    Our great friend John Rigden came to the show and had volunteered to drive us home post performance.  Sadly Anne was not well and was much missed. It would therefore be men behaving badly later.     It was a pleasant surprise to see  Pippa from school at the performance along with her Sister and Mother.  She has kindly been holding the fort for me on my extended skive.   One or two familiar faces attended including Stuart, a fellow cyclist, from Aslockton near Nottingham who had finally managed to catch us up!  He had enjoyed the show so much in Aslockton he had to ride to see  another.  Now that is way beyond the call of duty.   He will be joining us on our ride to Ipswich tomorrow.    Pack up was a little tardy as the guitarist was checking out some handmade guitars brought in by a former pupil of his.   We eventually got packed away and left for home shortly after 10.30     A fine moonlit summer drive home.      A light snack and debrief before bed.   A busy and long distance weekend awaits.  Brighton by Sunday!!!   We could be breaking a few tour records.  Total mileage. 1207 and plenty to go. 

Photographs Norwich

The good Doctor and his Assistant!!

Venue 

No Bikes Sold 

The show goes on!!!

BBC Interview Chrissy Jackson RD and Diane from Big C 

Norwich - A Fine City

Back in Norfolk and back in my own bed after such a long time away.   Two days with no concerts and a chance to catch up on things back at work and with friends and family.   The washing machine was busy.    Quickly I spread out all my gear and lost  the discipline of keeping everything together ready to move on. Richard had also managed to take the opportunity to catch up with his family in Shoreham by the Sea.  The Giant Bike Store in his home town had also prepared a stronger back wheel for the tour bike and on regrouping this morning we put the bike back together with the new wheel and packed everything on. No more spoke problems we trust. The artiste was had a spring in his step and was quick to tell me that his home scales had indeed confirmed the weight loss he had hoped for on the tour.   For the first time in many years he was below the 14 stone mark.   I was delighted for him. A lean mean cycling machine!  Weather set fair for the next few days through to the weekend.   In a purposeful manner and without too much strain we headed off in the direction of Norwich.   Just 25 miles to cover to the provincial capital.  The aptly named Bicycle Shop does not sell bikes or repair them,  it is a cafe and music venue located in St. Benedict's Street in Norwich.   In times gone by it had been a proper bicycle shop hence the name.    Without incident and as I was on my own ground no navigational problems, we covered the ground to the city in good time.   Before making our way to the venue we had an appointment with BBC Radio Norfolk and Chrissy Jackson on the Stephen Bumfry afternoon show.   We were joined for the interview by Diane from the Big C Norwich based charity who we have been raising money for throughout the tour.   Well ahead of  time we found ourselves at the BBC in the Forum.  An opportunity to take a break and a lunch. We were back in the groove; riding, eating, riding, playing and more eating.      All went well on the radio programme. Richard played a couple of beautiful pieces from the show. It was a real positive to bring together all major elements  of the tour;  the Cycling Music written and performed by our maestro together with the eco friendly nature of the travelling and by no means least the charitable aspect for Big C.  It is only when we start talking to Chrissy that  the enormity of the project comes into real focus. At this stage of the tour we no longer speak of what we are going to do we are able to describe in detail what we have already achieved on all fronts. Very satisfying for all concerned.   Many thanks to the BBC and to Chrissy Jackson.   A short ride to the Bicycle Shop to set up for the show. No problem with locating it.  Rob, the owner of this unique cafe,  was most welcoming and accommodating.  Before we started work. Yes, you have guessed right. We stopped and had a cup of tea and a piece of cake.  Quite the best cakes we have had on the whole tour.  The artiste was effusive in his feedback of the cheesecake. Eating cheesecake was not part of the weight loss programme though.  Intimate is the word to describe the performance space.    With some careful planning and heavy lifting we got the bikes into the downstairs bar.   Many familiar Richard Durrant concert goers present.  In addition it was great to see my eldest brother David and Sue.  Naomi, my daughter and Lisa managed to make it to the second half of the concert and I was delighted to see them both.  The grandchildren were being looked after by their Granny.   Richard was playing to the converted however but with the space being limited and  the bar area close to the stage RD had his hands full, workload, workload.    The second half of the show was easier and more settled. Thanks to all the friends who came to support; Tony, Mathew, Adrian along with John and Trudy. Being a hot summer night and with little ventilation I am sure we all lost a few pounds.  Tomorrow more cakes then.      A chance to chat with Naomi and Lisa whilst we packed up.      Bikes were staying in the venue overnight.    David and Sue very kindly stayed  to give us a lift home. Car sharing, all very eco.    We got back to base before midnight.  Debrief over a rather smelly maturing Camembert and Stilton with a 2009 St. Emilion.    Tough life on this tour.   

Fakenham Show

The Durrant Clan 

The Tour Team Fakenham 

Cousin Billy Durrant with the Artiste. 

To the Venue, Community Hall. 

Fakenham Photographs

Cream Tea Shop but no tea with it!

Beware Tongue End. 

Where it all happens in Fakenham 

Aslockton Photographs

Our hosts Sue and David 

Great Light Show!! 

Street Sand Artist in Grantham

Flight to Fakenham

 Cousin Murdo Durrant and Liz were more than generous with their hospitality. We had a peaceful night at their house in Bircham Newton.   Following  a hearty breakfast we returned to the scene of the crime where we had left our bikes at the pub in Tydd St. Mary.   A relatively short ride to Fakenham and a very special concert being promoted by Billy and Murdo Durrant at the Community Hall.   No aches and pains and no apparent problems with the bikes, we were on the road by 10.45   The main trunk road, that is the A 17, is a fierce major access route  to my home county and we wished to avoid this as far as we could.    Mr. Durrant was used to my quiet and peaceful cross country routes which allowed him time to contemplate the meaning of life, make telephone calls and listen to music without disturbance. On the major roads there was no time for that. Full attention to the road, the conditions and the careless drivers is required.   Very quickly, I led the way to Sutton Bridge and we darted down the A17 for three miles before leaving it for Terrington St. Clement and Clenchwarton.    There had been a little clenching going on as his nibs had been suffering a little again with his backside.  Nothing that a little ointment would not deal with.   He seems to have managed to just about keep on top of his bottom,so to speak.  You will be pleased that I, up till now, have not had any problems in that department. My major problem has been arthritus in my fingers. On some occasions this has been quite painful. I have suffered in silence as you might expect.    Once on the quiet lanes we sped along through Kings Lynn and then out towards Gayton.  One or two hills here and there but nothing to delay or trouble riders of our experience and calibre!   The hills in North Norfolk were formed at the end of the last ice age when the great ice sheet was melting at this point and huge amounts of debris caught up in the ice were  deposited as a terminal moraine. Free geography lesson there.    We cut up through the Massinghams and along to the Rudhams where we happened upon a lovely looking tea shop. We had earnt a break by this stage.    We sat and waited and had to ask  to be served.   I placed my order, strangely, a cream tea again.  More problems. Sorry no scones.  Now I ask you. A tea shop with no scones. That is the same as a pub with no beer. I was offered a freshly baked Bakewell tart. Are they similar? The artiste opted for a more savoury choice; the toasted cheese and onion sandwich.   Not a huge order and relatively simple  but one that after twenty minutes of waiting we had to chase. Would they have kept Bradley Wiggins waiting like this?   Does Cavendish hang around? Our average speed for the day was dropping all the time.   Back on the bikes we managed to get a little confused on the back doubles going into Fakenham. We eventually arrived at the Bell Inn at Hempton where we met up again with Cousin Billy at 15.00 and 40 miles completed. I managed to keep the artiste out of the pub, he was focused on the set up for the show.  We walked the bikes into town with Billy and interviewed him for the video blogs on the old platform of the railway station at Fakenham West.    We had so much help to get the community hall ready and within no time the venue was set for the evening and the bikes were in position.  A short time to relax and chat.  To my utter surprise Billy then presented me with £122.00 for the Big C Charity. This was raised by  Billy and the regulars at the Bell Inn. What an effort and a great boost to the chraritable aspect of this long nationwide  tour.   Thank you to everybodyat The Bell.   Tickets sales were encouraging and by show time the hall had seventy in the audience keen to hear the new work of the maestro.   He was in fine form and with familiar faces and family in the crowd they were all on side.   Great times were had.  Melvyn and Leslie  along with his Mother Gwen, great friends of mine,  came to support the show and also bring my vehicle and trailer.    We had two days off the merry go round which is the Cycling Music Tour.  Richard was off to Shoreham and I was going home to Eccles for the first time in nearly six weeks.  I had not driven in that time.  Strange feeling.   Clear up complete and bikes loaded in my trailer I took to  the road and headed home arriving at just after 23.30     Domestic chores a plenty. 1147 miles to date on the tour. 

Nearing Norfolk

We  woke to the sound of thunder and shortly after rising the heavens opened and it was clear that the weather forecast was correct.  It was not going to be a gentle ride in the countryside. Mr Durrant declared that the update he had listened to suggested that if we  had already experienced  rain then the skies would be clearing through the morning and for the rest of the day. I thought at that moment that this was merely wishful thinking on the forecasters part. It appeared to have lifted the spirits of my co rider. He was stipped down to his short shorts and ready for action.  I was convinced we were in for a good drenching. Following a breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, it is tough on this job,  we said our farewells to David and Sue, retrieved our bikes from their sheltering place in the church and took to the road just before 10.00 In my position as chief navigation officer I had prepared a route which would take us south east towards Bourne and thence to Spalding and Kings Lynn.  No major roads.  We were heading for Norfolk but first we had to clear the Fens. The miles were being clocked up but the weather was closing in and it was not long before the rain was teaming down and so it continued for the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon. If there is a positive side to the conditions it was the fact that there was no wind which made the going a little easier. With plenty of experience under our belts, after such a distance,  we pressed on regardless of conditions. We crossed the Vale of Belvoir and into the wolds around Waltham.  Challenging hills. No complaints just sheer effort.    Everything was getting soaked. Unfortunately my road atlas, the key to my successful navagation efforts for weeks around and about England, had got wet and the page was disintergrating in my hands.  RD became fearful that he may well find himself trapped in the fens with no escape route to ride.  The tune to the film Deliverence came into my head and I hummed it to him.  We took a well earned break at the Blue Dog at Sewstern and were revived  by  a hot drink and a bar of chocalate. When we ventured outside again the rain had stopped and the skies were lifting.   Energy levels restored we flew over the hills to Bourne the final frontier before the Fens.  We stopped at the Firkin Pub / Cafe.  I opted for the Cream Tea.  Strange thing was that it did not include the tea.   Almost knowing the answer,  I requested a separate cup of Earl Grey.   Bourne is not yet ready for Earl Grey tea. I settled for the bog standard variety. The sun was out now and the road straight and flat. Like something out of an episode of Star Trek, Captain T Durrant asked Scotty  Simington  to give him full thrust and speed things along.   And so I did.  Through Tongue End we swept not wishing to linger and on to Pode Hole.  Between Bourne and Spalding we averaged 17mph.  A tour record.  Spalding had some strange sights to behold in and around the town.  There is life Dickie but not as we know it!   Still on the side roads we moved on towards our afternoon destination, of Tydd Gote where we had agreed to rendezvous with members of the Durrant Clan. At  Tydd St. Mary we were tracked down and quickly  found a place to leave our trusty bikes for the evening and night. A great favour.   66 miles on the ride for the day and again another record.   Back to Murdo's home for supper and clean up.   All very welcome.  To the Bell Inn near Fakenham for a drink or two to bring the day to a close.  1107 miles on the clock and so it mounts up. 

West to Aslockton

'One day before we start to head in the direction of home in Norfolk.  Just a short ride to the small village of Aslockton 13 miles to the west of Grantham.    There were chores to be carried out in town after a most pleasant breakfast at Red House.    Not carrying many clothes does require a discipline in getting things washed and clean.     I located  a laundrette but found that the soap powder machine was out of order.  I went out in search of a general stores. Got the washing on the go and then down to find the post office to send a package to my son Thomas in Leeds.  Even here they are getting rid of people and putting in machines.  Very infuriating I must say.   What about the jobs?    We used our free morning to catch up on contact with base. When I retuned from my domestic duties RD was in the process of justifying his spending on the telephone with his  finance office.  He was struggling;  receipts, receipts?    I was not there when he covered the justification for the increased spending on lighting eqiupment at Maplin. It has done the job though!   Time came to pick up the bikes from the hotel and head out.  Richard managed to drop a clanger when he asked the manager of the guest house to thank her mother.    It was not her mother,  it was her sister.  Slight mix up on my part on our  exit from Grantham.  Road options out of the town are limited and we were forced to use the A52 for four miles. Not a pleasant or safe experience.     Took a right turn to Bottesford, a quiter and more peaceful ride through to Aslockton.   Bumped into a group of cyclists who ensured that we were going in the right direction. One rider escorted us all the way to the church hall in the centre of the village and agreed to attend the evening  show.   Having talked up the performance the pressure was on to deliver. Not a problem for the artiste. We were  welcomed by David, our host who was shortly joined by his wife Sue on  her bike carrying a cake!  What a welcome to the Thomas Cranmer centre named after a famous son of the village. Cranmer was the reformation Archbishop of Canterbury  under Henry VIII eventually excecuted by the fiercely loyal catholic Queen "Bloody" Mary.   Down to business and setting up for the evening in this modern village church hall.      Set up was, as usual, swift and efficient like a well oiled machine. Sue and David took us to their home for supper and a wash and brush up.  A lovely dinner.  This was the third visit to the village for our solo guitarist. The evening was sold out and this lifted the spirits of our man from Shoreham.   Would there be enough room to get them all in. More chairs were required. What a problem to deal with!   Fitting everybody in meant a slightly delayed start. This all helped to build the atmosphere.  Mr. D rose to the challenge and the expectation. This was reflected in the cd sales in the interval. We even sold a T shirt or two or was it four?   One member of the audience was attending on the recommendation of somebody who had seen the show in Minety.  That seemed an age ago.    The second set of the evening was brought to an end with Django Reinhardt's version of Honeysuckle Rose. This was not enough for the enthusiastic audience who demanded more. The artiste came back to the stage  to deliver his popular working of Tubular Bells.    A fine ending to a perfect evening.  Pack up, clean up. We left our bikes in the church under the care of the good Lord for the night.   We might be needing some help tomorrow who knows? The forecast was not good and we had a long ride into Norfolk heading for Fakenham.   David and Sue drove us to their home.  Delightful snack, cheese and biscuits sitting outside on a summer evening.  Bed and sleep. Many thanks to all. 

Aslockton

Richard playing a blinder at Aslocton Village Hall