Blogging from Bromsgrove

Statistics for the Day:
Distance = 0 miles
Average speed = 0 mph
Max speed = 0 mph
In case you didn't guess, this was resting and hand-washing clothes day. Much needed after the sweaty exertions of yesterday (the hottest day of the year).

Journey statististics so far:
Total distance covered = 364 miles (a third of the way!!)
Total ascent = 15,897 feet (over half the height of Mount Everest no less)

We're both well and in good spirits, if a little achy at times, and very relived to have shaken off the clones which had plagued us further south. I do get caught out sometimes when Morris does his fly-catching face, but after all that sunshine he's now a few shades darker than his clones so I can tell the difference.

I hear they've finally cleared the streets of Bristol & Cardiff of remaining clones and it's now safe for people to venture out once again.

So, what can be said about a rest day? "We had a rest". But not one to disappoint all you thousands of Blog-followers out there, here are some interesting bits & pieces to tide you over until Morris does his write-up of the Rolling Stones concert tomorrow:

Some of you have been wondering what it's like in the driving seat on this epic journey. Well, let me take you behind the scenes.

(This was taken in the Bromsgrove Hotel room by the way, not on the A38).
Clockwise from the top:
FCA Teddy Bear (promotional item, but could double as sacrificial decoy in event of attack by large dog whilst on the road ..... I know that sounds a bit heartless)
The bear is attached to the front of the handlebar-bag (contains mobile, ipod, energy bars and other bits & pieces ..... probably too much stuff in there really). On top of the bag is a map holder (for holding maps).
Below the bag is a HRM (you'll know what that is if you've been reading this blog .... if not you'll just have to go back through the diary won't you!). Then there's the cycle-computer (which is overstating it a bit ..... £6.99 from Tesco actually, but works well and at that price I have brought along a spare in case needed). Next is the reading glasses in a case taped to the handlebar stem (these are for map reading). Finally, there's the parp-parp-horn (multipurpose implement, serves to both warn and entertain. Morris also has one and together we harmonise with birdsong and other sounds of the countryside .... the local people love it).
Note that the top/horizontal portion of the handlebars have strips of neoprene material (cut from an old wetsuit) wrapped over the existing handlebar tape for additional comfort on bumpy road surfaces (I wore out a pair of cycling mitts after just 4 days).

I've had loads of requests for pictures of my early cycling days, so here's one from the archives:

That's me on the back with Mum at the controls. I think we were fleeing the Bromley Heath nerve gas experiments in the late 50's (not sure if we made it though). Note our very sensible clothing .... not just for protection, that's what all serious cyclists wore back then (see here for more guidance).

Quote of the Day:
"If there is any way of seeing less of a country than from a motor car, I have yet to experience it" - Eric Newby, A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush.

NEWS FLASH - see Eburn's Big Day Out (our guest John's account of yesterdays Cardiff to Bromsgrove stage)