As I waited for my breakfast to arrive I gazed out of the window. I was on my own. My companion for the first morning, Janette, went home yesterday.

An American couple came in. I asked what they thought of the city. We started chatting about England. Coincidence is incredible. They had lived in many places across Europe, using bicycles to tour the Continent. At home they don’t own a car, using bikes or a golf cart as transport in their community. I’m so glad I can now start conversatiosns with strangers. A very pleasant way to start the day.

You can probably guess where I met the van; with Neill driving this time. Norman was going to ride home. Bags in the van the groups set off for Oxted.

We hadn’t gone far when we were stopped by the closed level crossing at Wye. The weekend had been one for many photo opportunities. It was very relaxed.

A number of people had used this service to either miss the gravel path by the river or reduce the distance.

Some of my group also decided to stop for coffee.

The forecast was for rain later, the clouds looked foreboding to the west. My rain jacket was in the van and I didn’t want to risk getting soaked. I thought I might get home in time for some errands before the shops shut; so I pushed on. 

Without a group I felt the full force of the headwind. Strava informing when I got home that over 80% of the route had been affected.

The rain did arrive, but only for short periods a few times during the afternoon.

The only notable stop was Marden; the supermarket providing: an energy drink, flapjack and my favourite ride food - dried fruit.

I had hoped to meet the van to pickup my bag but it had been delayed by a crash. Casey had been hit by, I think, a severe gust of wind. It took her off guard. She’ll be in hospital for a couple of days having had a pubic Rami fracture. Hopefully it will heal quickly.

It meant I had to pick up my bag after work the next day.

I hope we have more trips like this.