Ok…deep breath everyone….here we go!!

I am sure to everyone else it feels like I have been banging on about this infernal trip FOREVER…but for me it has come round all too quickly!

As is now the norm, once Marc turns up late afternoon it all feels very very very real. We go tomorrow,  just one more sleep and that’s it we are off….we are cycling to Athens!

Once the important business of packing and re-packing everything several times is done we spend the rest of the evening eating our loosely Greek themed meal and drinking …well just drinking far much more than is probably advisable….I think at some point there was quite a profound conversation about the possible benefits of a “retractable banana”

It’s a fitful and nervous nights sleep and all too soon it’s time for the goodbyes….and oh how much do I hate the goodbyes! I have however made a pledge not to blub all the time this year or at least not write about it here if I do so I will just leave you to imagine how tough it was.

In the blink of an eye (not a teary eye you understand) that is it….we are off and the first pedal towards Athens turns.

Our first stop is of course Trafalgar Square where we now feel compelled to start every one of our adventures. When we arrive there are two surprises …the first is that the whole area is cordoned off for the Ford Ride London 100 and they simply refuse to let us in so we can take photos and throw coins in the fountains. The second is that my brother has driven all the way down from York and slept in his car just to come and see us off!!! It’s a genuinely touching moment and I am so pleased to see him …and yes ok, I am a bit bleary eyed again!

We do eventually convince the organisers that we are not a security risk (thanks Neil!) and they let us in for a few piccies and after yet more goodbyes we head off.

We have one more diversion to make before we get on the route proper and so we stop by to see my daughter, her partner and my granddaughter (yes you read that right). It’s a fleeting visit but really lovely not least as Marc and Jess have not each other in over 15 years.

Our route from here on essentially follows the direction of the A2 all the way down to our campsite and we zig zag across and around it all day. The majority of it is not really what you would call scenic and I am reminded where we are in the world when I make a little joke to a lady crossing at some traffic lights and say “it’s ok I promise not to run you over” with a big smile on my face. “You better not” is her sharp reply “or I will tip you off your bike”. Perhaps this is why Stone has not to my knowledge yet appeared on the 100 best places to live!

We carry on heading south east ish through the Medway towns. It’s been a little bit “lumpy” so far but nothing to really make your nose bleed and then as we head out of Chatham we hit the toughest climb so far. I also get my first (of many it turns out) cramp of the day and when we eventually get to the top Marc and I exchange a knowing look (no words are said) that says “blimey, this cycling malarkey is quite hurty!

We pick up the Pilgrims Way (either before or after Canterbury or perhaps even both) which is a bit gravelley but blissfully car free and we are finally into the country side proper. We are now in the north downs, although by rights they should be called the North Ups (boom boom….I thank you!)

We pause for what will almost certainly be the most civilised lunch of the entire trip, reclining in the sunshine in our Hellinox chairs (best purchases ever) eating baguette and watching the cricket….nice!

The first day of these trips is nearly always the toughest and today is no exception. The last few miles tick by so agonisingly slowly and everything (and I do mean everything is hurting) and we stumble into Coxhill Campsite about 7 miles North of Dover around 1830.

It’s been an epic 10 1/2 hours since we left home this morning, 8 hours of straight pedalling, 4200 feet of climbing and 90 miles travelled…and I am utterly bushed. Once the tent is up and we are showered and changed there is just time to forage for food at the Lydden Bell and then sleep.

So that’s it….day one is over and we are on our way. Marc, Dan and I are so very very grateful for all the support everyone has given us    so far but of course we would love to do more. Please please please do donate what you can no matter how large or how small. Thanks.

 
Video Block
Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more