A short 12 mile ride at 8am on a very heavy bike to Newcastle Central and this years tour was underway. First camping tour and this is going to be a little tougher than usual because of the weight on the bike. It affects steering balance and resting positions. Often on a downhill section you can stretch off and stand up relaxing leg muscles and arms but not with the extra weight. Hills have never been an issue to me but it just adds a bit more to the climbing and to road position because I am a much wider vehicle.
The train ride to Southampton was excellent and on time. Thank you Cross Country for a good service. The train was packed with people the age of my kids all going to Donnington Music Festival near Derby. They were good company with their tales of camp life and the bands they were going to see. It was quite funny when I pulled out my medium wave radio and plugged up my headphones to catch the sport headlines....whats that?? was the general reaction. Can't you just go online and check? Yes of course I could but dad's do real old radio sets instead. Well at least this one does.
On arrival at Southampton as usual leaving any city on a bike is a nightmare. 45 mins later still trying to find my way out. Never ask a local - they are usually all motorists and try to send you down a motorway.
But the comment of the day went to an old lady motorist parked in a lovely country park...Victoria Park I think it was. She was with her husband and another old couple taking in the views of the Solent.
"Are you from round here" I asked. A little lost but in the general right direction.
"Not really but can I help?"
"I'm going to Gosport and looking for a little local ferry from Hambley"
"Oh your miles out. And there's no ferries round here. Where does it go?"
I looked at my notes and said "Warsash"
"Oh" she said "I was born and bred in Warsash. Look for a little pink boat"
I was about 800 yards from said ferry. It was the "I'm not from round here" that creased me. She was the other side of the river.....
Boat is great. Singer on now. Disco later. Must get some food.
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