The first day of Stage 5 of the Slam is 103 miles, so proving that great minds think alike, Terry Burwell, Andy Neill (both stage 5), and myself decided that a 100 mile ride needed to be done. With Terry based in Newbury, Andy in Dorset, and myself in London, The New Forest seemed the logical place to ride.
I hopped on an early morning train to Winchester, teamed up with Terry and we set off into the countryside for a rendezvous with Andy. As ever nothing is easy, the Garmin was up to its usual tricks, we met a bit of localised flooding in the form of a two foot deep ford, and Terry picked up a puncture. As a consequence we were a little late for the meet with Andy, but soon we were all on our way into The New Forest and our lunch stop at Terry's sister-in-law in Bransgore. She must have been very pleased to have three drowned rats in her kitchen, but the food and hospitality was excellent, and the Christmas cake equally so.
The post lunch ride took us down to the coast, and a beautiful view of the Isle of Wight and The Needles. Terry picked up another puncture (I certainly know where to turn if I get one on the Slam), but in Formula One style he is getting very good at changing an inner tube.
Into Brockenhurst, where as ever the animals roam freely through the streets. A close shave for me with some long horn cattle, and an even closer shave for Terry with a somewhat indignant old lady, and then back out onto the moors. After almost 80 miles it was au revoir to Andy, and another 25 miles later, most of which were into the wind, Terry and myself made it back to Winchester.
101.5 miles done, I bade farewell to Terry and hopped on the London train. An entertaining journey as far as Basingstoke as there were a number of delirious Southampton fans who had clearly been celebrating their teams returning to the Premier league. A few interesting ditties, one of the more polite being we're going on the p***, the p***, the p*** with Matt Le Tiss, Le Tiss, Le Tiss!
If I had thought that the New Forest weather was somewhat inclement, it was nothing like London where the rain was torrential. Mrs Y picked me up, and safely back home, it was time for a nice steak and a drop of vin rouge to reflect upon a highly successful day.
Big big thanks to Andy and Terry. Wonderful company, very enjoyable ride, and I'm looking forward to riding with you both on the slam.
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