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.