We set off at 0910 for our 33 mile trip. Nick's bike is a mountain bike and with his little legs (he is 12) and mountain bike tyres offering additional and unwanted friction, he did incredibly well. The route took us up on top the Downs before having a pleasing and welcome 10 mile gentle descent towards Faversham.
In the background of the photo below is the Swale which separates mainland Kent and the Isle of Sheppey. An old cricketing pal of mine said that if the Thames estuary is the ars#hole of England, then Sheppey is the haemorrhoid! That was bit of a harsh statement, but quite amusing all the same. I hope none of our followers are from this part of the land as I would not want to cause offence!
Crossing the M2, we then had another fairly challenging climb up to Boughton before taking the country lanes and entering Canterbury via Blean, where Ali and I lived for 6 years.
Poor Nick was clearly knackered but he didn't once complain - just gritted his teeth and got on with it. The last 10 miles was conducted in persistent drizzle but this did not put us off.
I managed to keep my mouth shut on this trip so cannot offer any saddle scores on anymore interesting bugs and the like which passed my lips last week!
I can't believe you made Nick cycle that far on a mountain bike, thats like doing 50 miles on a road bike, he will be getting in touch with child line before you know it.
ReplyDeleteHe quoted the childline number at me yesterday!
ReplyDeleteHe did find it difficult but then again I think he did enjoy it - eventually! Largely helped by the sense of achievement.