I know that some of you have been tempted from the paths of righteousness and are thinking of coming on the trip with mudguards. Indeed, some poor lost souls have made mention of racks.
I don't take this personally. But one thing to take in to consideration is this - both the six seater van and the Luton will have plenty of space for luggage - the rear of the six-seater is much bigger than I thought it would be. If you wanted to bring mudguards and racks along, but save them for a rainy day, you could put them in the van.
It turns out that Andy C's mob are planning to do LeJoG in eleven or twelve days, and not the five that one usually associates with young athletic types. I have suggested that they ride northeast from Somerset and meet us and go east of the Pennines. They could help defray the cost of the van.
Andy was a bit worried about spending time with old people - he thought that if he owned up to knowing us his friends would think him 'uncool'. I have re-assured him on this point - I think his friends would love to join in our nightly beetle drives and skiffle sessions, and I've known young people to be transfixed by my lecturettes on church architecture. I'm sure that Stephen would have them singing plainsong and enjoying it, and I'm equally sure Susie could give the straight ones some much needed fashion advice.