My first bikepacking adventure of the year is completed. And I feel so much better for it. As you’ll have read it was to Fairview on the south coast. Day one was via a friends house near Burwash. I always underestimate how long it’s going to take to get there; it’s very hilly. I stopped off to get some provisions and arrived at Lucy’s with ginger biscuits and fruit loaf. Not having to ride home afterwards meant we could chat for much longer than usual. She even started to research into my dads army service during the second world war. She is an historian with a strong interest in the both wars. Frequently on television or providing content for it. She is also writing a book. As we talked much tapping on a computer keyboard produced some great info about my father’s early life, going back to his dad who it seems fought in India during the first world war.

It should have been a fairly short ride to my hotel, but I hadn’t recond on how hilly it was. A recurring theme for the whole weekend. An omen for the homeward journey was the long steep descent into Fairlight for my night’s stay at The Cove guest house and restaurant.

There isn’t much in the area around the Cove so I booked a table on arrival. After freshening up I sat down for a big meal. There were a couple of vegetarian options on the menu, the chef was very happy to veganise them. Wow; it was incredible. Without doubt one of the best meals I’ve ever had. A requirement for extra calories meant I added chips and potatas bravas with ice cream to follow. They didn’t do breakfast but told me about a place that opened at 9 a short distance away. I’d brought a porridge pot and cereal bars with me. I ate them and drank the best hotel room coffee ever. They have a coffee machine, the only downside was the pods. I hopped they were recycled. A little before 9 I checked out and headed down another hill to Pett and Eater’s cafe.

It would have afforded a great view for coffee and pastries; if it had opened earlier than 10.

So I headed back up the hill to The Cove, to start a very big climb out of the village.

On the lookout for breakfast I made good time to Hastings; where the Garmin computer seemed to also suffer from a confused mind. Mine was from a calorie deficit. Not sure what caused the tech befuddlement but I did a big loop out of and back into the town. I hadn’t realised just how much of a valley it occupied. Suffice to say I didn’t feel like stopping and pressed on. It turned out to be a “good” thing though. I stopped a while later, just before 11, at an unimposing Bonjour cafe on the St Leonards on Sea promenade. Expecting just coffee and cake I was very pleasantly surprised. On the lunch menu that they were just about to start serving was a very tasty vegan option. When I ordered it, and two cakes they seemed surprised that I only required one coffee. I think they assumed I wasn’t alone.

The coffee and cake arrived first, which was fine.

The waiter did go to another table hosting a couple before bringing the treats to me, again making an assumption because of the cake double act, that more than one person was involved.

Then came the delicious lunch. I started eating it before holding back long enough for a picture.

A short while after resuming my ride I was directed onto a cycle path. I usually avoid the shared paths that make up the majority of these alternatives to roads. Their intended use means plenty of pedestrians which means caution is needed and slower speeds.

This one also had a very road bike inappropriate surface - shingle.

You can see how reluctant I am to venture further, but the road I had just left was narrow and congested so I continued. I’m glad I did. I was soon presented with an improvement. A plastic lattice that although not perfect was an improvement.

 Shorts parts are paved. Passing beach huts.

Eventually I was rewarded by a road largely free of cars and certainly not marred by speeding drivers.

Long rides like this can be an emotional rollercoaster. At times it’s great, then It gets tough and I wish for it to end. Most of the time it’s somewhere in between. A pothole that caused a puncture didn’t dampen my spirits too much. It was quickly dealt with and I was on my way. The increasing heat and this misfortune meant I was resigned to not getting home early. So when I entered Glynde, a typical country village, I stopped at the Little Cottage tea room for a second coffee and cake combo.

The latte was a disappointment, but the chocolate and beetroot slice was not. An unusual combination, that was well worth sampling.

A  classic small lane view greeted me as I continued my journey.

The next sign I saw was for Ditchling, famous for it’s  hill on the route from London to Brighton. I was sure I wouldn’t have to climb it. And this proved correct. The village was packed with cars. The many cyclists bringing trade to the cafes without the congestion, ill temper and pollution.

This also gave me a boost; I was heading north through places I recognised. Until now my heading had been mostly easterly.

The terrain became very hilly again though. 

I finally made it home, and after showering started the task of consuming enough food to replace the calories I had used.