The last day’s riding is probably the easiest. Easy because 4 days solid riding makes you fitter, and easier because you are going home. The hills on the A25 are a thing to behold and mince-meat was made of them, ending up on top of the Downs at a diner that sold vegetarian salads with added mince meat….
If this was ‘Chef’s Own Salad’ he was welcome to it back.
your carriage awaits you sir....
Whilst we were inside scoffing and talking to the Gentlemen Of The Press (surely an oxymoron?) our dedicated support team – of one – fettled the steeds outside. Throughout the ride Tim Gunn has worked tirelessly, uncomplainingly, and greatly-to-the-benefitly of us riders. He volunteered for the post, leaving his booming shop (The Old Bicycle Showroom) in the care of Nick Wenly, leaving his young family behind in Braintree, and solving our problems, doing a little jig, and performing tricks for us all. The biggest trick of the lot was to persuade a policeman to lower the drawbridge and let us out of prison…
"Please officer, take me, let the others go..."
Last night we were visited by Joff Summerfield, a man who cycled his Penny around the world, yes, around the whole world. He removed the wooden handle grips of his penny and, with the help of Phil Saunders, burned them to ashes. These were then sealed in a casket for to be the trophy for Saturday’s 30 minute race at The London Nocturne. Henceforth known as ‘The Ashes’ and to be battled over every year in a long-distance Penny Race.
Phil led us into London and used his monumental powers of persuasion to organise a full Police Escort to The Guildhall whereat we quaffed champagne and waited for Tim who remained, of course, locked up by the very same Police Force.
The Gentlemen's Escort
Tomorrow we attend a solemn ceremony as 3 of our lucky winners are awarded ‘The Freedom Of The City Of London”
Hurrah!