| Day # |
1 |
State of Legs |
:-) |
|
Distance (miles) |
Distance (km) |
Ascent (feet) |
Ascent (metres) |
Punctures |
| Today |
43.98 miles |
km |
2881 feet |
metres |
0 |
| Trip Totals |
43.98 miles |
km |
2881 feet |
metres |
0 |
Travelogue
It's Day #1 of n and we're off! Europe here we come!
Today we (me, "M1" and my lovely wife "M2") set off on our bikes, laden with camping gear and other stuff, heading for Europe via the port of Dover. Today was the first day, but may well be the toughest day in terms of hills, in the first week. As for the rest of the trip, time will tell, but from the figures I have for our first six days of cycling, this was a relatively tough start.
We left home at about 09:30, timing our departure to miss all those cars transporting wee ones to school. Yes, I know. When I was a lad, I walked, ran or cycled to school. These days, they're all chauffeur driven in an SUV.
Last year, my bike picked up the nickname, The Mule, after a comment made by one of my French hosts about how laden it was with bags, and the nickname stuck. I asked M2 what her bike was called, and suggested The Donkey, but this did not go down too well, so for now at least, it's The Bike With No Name. And this, unfortunately, is why I had A Horse with No Name by America going through my head for much of the ride!
Anyhoo.... our route was largely familiar to me, having camped at today's campsite last year and having cycled these roads on my road bike, many times. It's largely country roads and quite picturesque in its way, especially on a nice day like today.
 |
| Farthing Downs, only six miles from home |
 |
| Farthing Downs |
At Edenbridge at around 20 miles from home, we stopped for coffee. I had a cake as well. And why not. M2 is tougher than me in all possible ways and resisted cake-temptation.
 |
| Edenbridge, Kent - about 20 miles from home |
The weather was great. Mostly sunny, with fluffy white clouds in a blue sky. There were some dark clouds at one point, but they didn't linger long. The route took us through Kent, on country lanes in the direction of Royal Tunbridge Wells and was most pleasant, if a little hilly.
 |
| I love English country lanes! |
 |
| One of several village greens we passed |
At Royal Tunbridge Wells, about 10 miles from our campsite, we stopped at a supermarket for food, which we loaded into two gym bags and carried the rest of the way.
 |
| Loaded up with groceries |
The last section of road, running for about 3 miles, was a bit horrible, with hundreds of cars and more than a few big lorries. But we survived and were glad when we got to turn off the road and into the campsite.
 |
| A scary big truck threatening to squish M2! |
We put the new tent up together, puzzling over one or two steps but not for long. Showers were had and were most welcome. Food was eaten (and there's more to come!). Now, we're sat on a comfy sofa in a little cabin, using the power and relaxing. Tomorrow's another day, and our legs will be called upon to do their duty once more!
It's started! Europe 2023 :-)
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