Monday was yet another sunny day, a relatively prompt start which was good as I had a train ticket to Gloucester for 2 pm. Cross country past Greenham Common and down to Thatcham where we re-joined the tow path - we followed this all the way to Reading. This was probably to least bike friendly section of the route - narrow grooves between ridges of grass concentrated the mind as you could easily loose control of your front wheel as it was loaded with front panniers. We were taken across fields and potholes tracks - at one stage repairs had been done and we hit piles of loose stone just like the escape lanes on some main roads to stop out of control vehicles on the down hills. The good thing was there were virtually no people or bikes - we had the tow path virtually to ourselves. Then there is Fobney Locks - about 2 miles short of Reading. This was a long distance cycle route we were following which until now was friendly to bikes with panniers. No so at Fobney locks - at either end the obstruction designed to stop anything but bicycles and pedestrians using the route were such that we had to unload the bikes and lift them through - we were now not just weak and feeble we pissed off as well. However just down the track Reading was waiting and a relaxing cuppa.
Arranged at the last minute, some friends of our, Stuart & Margi, meet us there and instead of me having to catch a train to Gloucester, Stuart gave me a lift while Margi entertaining Gilly and Tony to tales of daring doo's in Africa. John bid farewell and caught a train toward Woking.
Was the trip a success - yes, John started getting used to his kit - I am sure he will review what he has and what he needs and he will no doubt get quicker at setting-up and breaking camp. As regards my aims - I came though in good shape and feel I can now move on to harder stuff.
Dist 22.36miles Total Distance 150.71 miles
Just before bed in Newbury
Fobney Locks - nightmare!!
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