Heading North

The Gig at the Fleece had gone well. Not a huge audience but certainly a very appreciative one. Nigel  served a very welcome breakfast in preparation for what was going to be a long day in the saddle.   This was day twenty one of the tour. The coming of age!    I had booked the bikes into Vale Cyles, Evesham.   Once more our rides needed the attentions of an expert.   Should you need any help with your bike in Evesham then Vale Cycles is the one.   After the stunt riding of the previous day RD's bike and trailer was in need of a new tyre and more spokes. The good old Norco, veteran of a number of long distance trips, required some tweaking on the front brakes and in addition a new wing mirror.   The latter being essential on some of the roads we peddle  down.    We took time out to do admin in the local coffee house. Unfortunately, despite two attempts, the Regal Coffee bar were unable to produce an Americano which was up to the standard expected by the artiste.   This was not a good start to a day.  As Mr. Durrant's full time domestique I felt I had failed to meet his requirements here.   Slight change of plan developed. We are going to make our way to Meriden to rendezvous with David Cox,  chairman of CTC the national cycling charity.   Why Meriden? There are two reasons. Firstly it is the centre of England and 70 miles from the coast. Secondly it is the site of the memorial to cyclists who gave their lives whilst fighting in the first and second world wars.   This diversion would add some miles to our route for the day but it would be a worthwhile tribute to the fallen especially in the hundredth year since the commencement of hostilities in the  First World War.        On returning to Vale Cycles the news was not good.   Although the bikes were ready to roll it has become clear that the rear wheel on Richard's bike was not really up to the demands of the journey and we could well have trouble later on the tour.    This did nothing to lift our spirits.    With extra miles to cover we set off towards our early afternoon meeting.    The undulating landscape gave us enough of a challenge to remind ourselves that this tour was no easy ride.    The navigation was not easy and without too much trouble I managed to lose contact at one stage with my co rider.    Following a brief discussion on the telephone and a quick turnaround we were reunited.   All was not well in the camp.   We rolled on to take a well earned lunch just short of Tanworth in Arden.   The pub grub at Ullenhall was served together with restaurant prices! Had we had our legs lifted again?  I fear so.  We pushed on as we were late for our meeting.  Patient David Cox was there at the memorial in Meriden when we finally arrived shortly before 16.00        It was a pleasure to meet with David and for the tour to link with CTC.    In my capacity as tour manager I now took on the position of interviewer in the short film the ever versatile Richard shot of David.  I am thinking of applying for the vacancy created by the resignation of Jeremy Paxman at the BBC.   Richard whipped his guitar out but sadly too much traffic noise prevented a proper
performance.   Handshakes all round and off we went to our destination for the night at Stoke Golding, a further 15 miles to the north side of Nuneaton.  We passed through the town last year on the End to End.    For most of the tour some of my time has been used, or wasted  you might say,  looking for various items belonging to our leader.   Today the boot was on the other foot.  Having taken a short break on a bench whilst approaching Nuneaton I rather stupidly left my telephone behind. It was not until riding into the town that I realised the phone was not with me.   We called the telephone and it rang.  I arranged for a taxi to take me back to the bench when RD received a call from a gentleman who had found my mobile and agreed to drive it to us.  How kind is that? What is more he would not take anything for his time and trouble.   I have donated the money I offered to the Big C fund.  I think the maestro is quietly pleased that he has discovered a chink in my personal organisation.   Oh how the mighty have fallen.  Thirty more minutes riding and we made it to Stoke Golding.  Steve, our host, came out to lead us back to Ashby Boat Company.   We would be staying in a lock keepers cottage for the next three nights.  Idealic setting. We were pleased to be there. Legs all in and backsides sore.  Shower and then back on our bikes to the village for a curry at the Mango Tree. Very tasty and boy were we ready for it.