A strange thing happened in the night…

Dave, what on Earth???

He can’t even give me a good explanation for this photo, except he found the sign by the window. I think the miles are taking their toll. #OhDear #Daft

Good morning Essex.

What’s that Lil?

You were standing in the shower with your nightdress on and… #bless 🥴 😊

Our support team are already at work. You guys rock!

The cyclists are limbering up. Ian is explaining the importance of stretches.

One leg…then the other…stretch…stretch.

Like a chicken dance.

One more time Ian…

T

Others are taking a much more relaxed start to the day. Where’s the coffee?

Somebody has a special birthday today…

Happy, happy birthday Martin. 🎉

70 today.

An adolescent trapped in an older body.

THANK YOU Starbucks East Horndon for donating the paper cups. This means our riders will get vital coffee stops. ☕️ #phew #CaffeineRequired

The scenery as our cyclists hear north is much more attractive.

Hello peeps!

Its already very hot. The heat is affecting everything and even local bikes are looking a bit worse for wear.

Water is critical today.

Ta da…

Our brilliant support team is ready and waiting.

The further north we travel the prettier the villages get.

Dear readers, did you spot the thatched birds in the roof?

Some odd sounding villages. Who’d like to live in “Caged End”? Sounds like a prison.

Suki: “At last – a snack stop. Got to keep our energy levels up and lemon drizzle is my favourite.”

I think they’re Beatle’s fans.

SHOUT OUT for The Dukes Head in Hatfield Broad Oak – such a friendly lit and beautiful! Thanks for letting us use your facilities. #5StarLoos #WishWeCouldHaveDinner

Hang on! Marks team have cycled right past. No water for 20 miles…better rush to the rescue.

Don’t panic! The lemon drizzle is coming. And bananas and water.

Thankfully we catch them a mile later.

Even the noble steeds need a rest in the shade.

PEDAL …PEDAL

…and in a flash they’re gone.

It’s wide open countryside now and BAKING HOT!

The support team are making the most of the drying conditions.

Toucan Cafe is OPEN.

Hello Olivia.

I guess you’re a little hot and teeny bit tired.

And there are others…

One body…

Two body…

Phil and Lil smiling.

Lil is soooo stoic. She took a tumble this morning with Heath. Later Harry nearly crashed into her it’s really not nice falling with your bike fully cleared on. #NastyShock

Bill too is smiling even though he’s digging deep. “I didn’t do enough training.”

Well done for keeping on keeping on. Or is it Phil’s presence that is bringing on the smiles?

🎶🎵 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU 🎶🎵🎶🎵

Aunty Jane’s millionaire shortbread is enough to bring smiles to everybody’s face.

SHOUT OUT to Icklington Village Hall who opened up their facilities for us. #water #loos #picnic

Thanks also Paul for trying to mend the kettle. #dead

(Jan – if you’re reading this rest assured we’re buying you a new one).

Off again.

Next stop Cambridge.

Unless

You have a puncture

…on private property. The UK offices of Huawei.

The security guard wasn’t impressed. LEAVE! #NoPictures

Fortunately they survive the fierce Chinese security guard.

Off they go again.

Follow the yellow…and orange…and green…and blue brick road.

Woo Hoo!

We’re in Cambridge. #BikesResting

Kings College posing.

And now for s bit of tourism in Cambridge.

Fancy a spot of punting on the Camb?

Imagine a nice picnic, strawberries & cream, chilled bottle of something…

Our cyclists aren’t punting. Instead they’re posing all over the place.

Smile for the camera. 😁

Yummmmm 🍦🍦🍦

We’re at our night stop: YHA Cambridge. Well done Laura …you made it! 🎉

Not without a few scars …or are those a weird kind of tattoo?

Heath has another souvenir from the day. 😱

And Alasdair is starting a sock competition. #JellyBeanSocks

There’s also some post ride stretching going on. Yoga gone WRONG. 🙄

And those lovely protein shakes.

Cheers!

Dave – watch out!

THE POWER OF ICE CUBES DOWN A JERSEY 😂😂😂

It’s not quite time to wind down. Thanks Andi …our whizz who can fix anything.

And someone nameless from the support team passed me this photo of their shopping mercy trip. Nice blonde shampoo for one of the gents. Guess who???

sadly, it’s Andy’s last day. FAREWELL dear friend. You’ve been an amazing support team member and Mrs G doesn’t think she can drive a LWB van quite like you! #Brave #HairRaising 🚐

SHOUT OUT for the amazing YHA staff in Cambridge who couldn’t have been more helpful!!!

Whoop!

I think they like cyclists here.

Off to beddy byes…

Suki’s slot

I’ve not got much to say except: IT’S VERY HOT.

And I’ve had to suffer the indignity of the van being loaded up with all kinds of STUFF. Humans have too much stuff, in my humble opinion. All you need is a bit of cake and a cosy bed.

That’s it for now. WOOF!

Read yesterdays’s crazy adventures. Blog – Day 1