Spinning to Yeovil.......slowly.

The day dawned bright and sunny but this was not to last. The forecast had one or two challenges in it which we would have to face on the long ride to Yeovil.   Thunderstorms were mentioned. We agreed to a 10.30 start.  There was some important administrative duties to take care of before we could depart the luxurious  Passford Hotel.  It had been a great stay.  There was even discussion about maybe converting proceeding into a virtual tour and to permanently base ourselves in these peaceful surroundings. As it happens we did not get underway until a little after 11.00     I had spent a considerable amount of time route planning as  I did not want to undertake a  wild goose chase through the New Forest similar to the meandering cycle tour I had endured on our way to Robertsbridge earlier in this venture when I had left navigational duties to the local boys. I am fairly convinced that the internal compass of the artiste is not configured correctly and I need to keep a close eye on things.  The route we followed in the early part of the morning ride was simply  delightful. Light traffic and idealic scenery. The bright and bold rhododendron bushes made a fine display.    All was well as we crossed road after road keeping well away from  the major trunk roads.    RD took this all for granted when describing my navigational skills as acceptably adequate.  It should be noted that here is a man who does not even carry a map!   I have fast come to the conclusion that my title of Stage Manager (acting) does not really cover all the duties I undertake on a daily basis.   It is only when one reviews expectations and delivery of same that one has to decide whether some form of exploitation is taking place.     This matter will be kept under review.    Just as we approached Hurn a received a call from RD reporting a rear puncture.     I retraced my  route and found him, as usual, on his telephone.  We attacked the problem. I asked where the pump was.   In the bottom of his pannier,apparently. This man has really got sort things out here.  Pump should be on the frame. So elementary.   It was at this moment, just to up the challenge, that the skies opened along with a full on thunderstorm including hail.   After a exhibition of team work and a telephone call back to Giant Bikes we had the job done and back on the road.  It had, considering our late departure from the hotel, put us well behind schedule.     We pushed on regardless and took a late lunch at Wimborne Minster.   In the cafe our road weary artiste spotted the cream tea on the menu and we both opted for that.  It was more than we could possibly eat and had to take a doggy bag of leftovers for later consumption.   And how welcome those leftovers would turn out to be.  After further grafting on the bikes we passed through Blandford Forum and at this point Yeovil came on the radar.    It was becoming a battle as the miles notched up.  Legs were tired and the progress was slower.  Late tea was taken at Sturminster Newton and a call to Jane to warn her that the arrival would be much later than we first throught.      RD kept going with a determination which I can only admire, pulling the trailer up hill and down dale without a word of complaint!  We consumed the leftovers from our lunch and on the approach to Sherborne I ate my last twix.  How welcome that was!  The energy levels had dropped dangerously low.     The last five miles were on the A30  and Yeovil came in to view at the bottom of a long hill.   We were running on empty. Using the  I pad we navigated our way to Kenmore Drive and the the ever patient Jane welcomed us in.      A quick rest and bath before an excellent dinner.    64 miles under our belts. Not the longest of rides but the loads being carried made it a real marathon not helped by the topography.  Tomorrow a day of rest and regrouping.