I was out and about at 8 am this morning going up to the shops to get a paper, and my studded tyres were going silent, as they kept on going over patches of ice. Which wasn't a good sign. An hour later, as I rolled down the hill to the station, the roads weren't white any more which was a good sign, although heading north on the train at Bedford, there was a very heavy snow shower.
In Market Harborough, I saw an interesting little street:-
Anyway, after hanging around a little, Andy and Rob rolled up looking a bit chilled (in a cold sort of way) so hot coffee and food was administered. They emerged revitalised:-
and we set off, to meet up with Martin at Earls Barton. Gradually, I was beginning to regret not wearing overshoes, as my toes were starting to go a bit numb, but we pressed on, rolling along at 18-20 mph. The roads were very wet, but we generally were sticking to main roads which were free from ice. Due to us chatting away, we missed a turn, but ended up going along a lovely little lane.
There was blue sky, sunshine and Martin complaining he was too warm and wishing he was in his shorts.
I'd used most of this route previously on my Loughborough and Leicester rides, which made things easier. Once we got to Dunstable, then it was straight down the A5 (note for Mr Walnuts - it's that big straight red line on the map, heading north-north-west out of London) and Andy zoomed up to us around 4.30 on the outskirts of St Albans. By then it was dark, and the temperature was dropping, but we kept the speed up until we got to Hendon, and then every light seemed to be at red. After Martin headed off, we got to Trafalgar Square at around 6.15, which allowing for the later departure from Market Harborough, was spot on.
Rob's family were there with food, although sadly no van, so poor Andy and Rob had to carry on for a few more miles.
My lack of miles in the last 6 weeks meant I struggled a bit on the hills at times, so I'm glad I only joined half way, once the students had tired themselves out a bit. However, apart from cold feet, it was a lovely day out on the bike, so well done Andy and Rob for managing a very rolling 200 miles. Just next time, decide to do this at the end of the summer!
The rest of the photos are
here.
Edit - and apologies to User10571. I've got a new phone and it seems the sound for texts and phone calls was off. I'll have to read the manual to work out how to use it.
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