Day 1

The Grand Depart

I posted the key through the letterbox and then Tom and I were homeless!

It was the morning of our Grand Depart. We woke early and were soon ready to go. I had a short ride on my fully loaded bike, and it freaked me out, could I really do this?

By 9am friends started to arrive, my group of close ‘biking friends’ came with breakfast, champagne, coffee and fabulous home-made muffins. Our incredible neighbours, my seizetheday crew, a cycling group, my mum and so many more until we were pushing the limits of a covid outdoor gathering.

After taking time to quietly say goodbye to our home we were ready for off, door key posted, this was it!

I led and the others followed. The bike started to feel more natural. I simply couldn’t stop smiling! Tom was unable to speak, the emotions of the moment were overwhelming. 

Our group rode out by the sea, more close friends waving us along, slowly over the miles the group grew smaller until it was just Anna and her children. We said our final goodbyes, and Tom and I were on our own.

To start with the route was on our local roads, but gradually we were into unfamiliar territory and the adventure was real and had begun.

We saw other cycle tourists and we stopped to chat and share our stories. The interest in our plans was wonderful, we were gaining fans!

The day went by in a blur, sightseeing, cooking, exploring, then the final few miles and our search for a wild campsite. I wasn’t nervous, just hopeful. After a few rejections, a suitable field was chosen. Tent up, gear stored, exhausted but happy - aching, we were on our adventure!