The day started chilly on black Heath common (a 5am wake up call) and was followed by 16 miles escaping the nightmare that is London rush hour traffic. Once escaped we headed out into the quieter country lanes, and the green army regrouped after the too frequent traffic lights and a small and headed in convoy towards the white cliffs of Dover.
The route was mainly undulating with a few Kentish hills chucked in to sort the men from the boys. All was going smoothly until I passed an unfortunate chap called Gary who had his bike upside down trying to refit his chain, after briefly stopping to complete this task I lifted his bike only to find a flat front tyre. On questioning it was revealed not only did he not know how to change a flat, he possessed no spare tube, pump or tyre leavers. So continuing in the Good Samaritan role I set to work!
I must say I don't think I could have done it quicker and then left Gary to put the peddle to the metal to catch the group.
We reconvened as a team just outside Dover and as we arrived with an hour to spare headed to the local watering hole for a pint of the finest. Exactly one hour later we received a phone call enquiring as to where we are and to get outsells to the port ASAP. Considering I write this siting in the port waiting to board, it was well worth the rush!?
All that follows today is to get some dinner on the ferry and then a 5mile journey to the hotel. I'm sure a few more recovery beverages will be supped before bedtime!
All in all a good but tough first day. The knee is aching but manageable. We met an interesting few couple of characters, one of which is a chap beginning a round the world trip on a bike. The rain is drizzling but the banter is flying.
For those that haven't already head to our justgiving page and donate. We are checking it throughout the day and it all donations do provide us a spur up those hills!
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