Defeated. But not completely down.

Some journey stats..
Number of bike hating dogs....2
Number of motorways visited....5
Number of frightening
Number of thunderstorms endured......1
Number of rivers crossed today....7
Number of hills on this journey ....18, 345
Number of hills ridden up....18, 344
Number of butterfly and moth species recorded in Wyre Forrst....1140
Number seen by me today.....0

So, the owner said 'She hates bikes'. So I said 'I hate your dog but I'm not barking at it', but only in my inner voice.

Oh that one hill was on a bridleway, steeply uphill and rough with plenty of mud. Traction lost. Ended up shoving the bike up. Defeated resignation. Now I know what Bozza must feel like. But, just like him I will carry on to the end.

Day started with an Italian made wooden bicycle, circa 1945. A thing of great beauty and only 6 in the world left.

Then Wyre Forest. Beautifully empty of butterflies. Full of Saxon signposts. And trees.

Severn Valley Railway at Arley where you can buy a 2 week family holiday on The Norfolk Broads for £45. And buy a holiday season ticket for your bicycle for 5s 3d. Bargains.

A lot of time alongside the Severn, squeezing through bike traps and noting the railway carriages in the front garden. Could I squeeze one in at 29? Or would if spill over to 27, 25, 23, 21 and 19? Must check our budget.Read more