Day 1...done

In many ways that was totally different to the last time I did it in 2009. Firstly we got to Dover in much better time. Spen asked me to what I put that down to. Was it using a GPS rather than paper maps? Almost certainly. An earlier start, well not really, yes it was 30 minutes or so earlier, but I also had a puncture this time. We started a little closer to Greenwich, having stayed overnight in Docklands. Fitter? Well that didn't hurt, but that really just meant I wasn't utterly and devastatingly knackered finishing. Not having a burger, chips and a pint half way at Bearstead? Also a HUGE factor. In hindsight, stopping for an hour to consume a large and filling meal in 2009 was a bad choice.

Going on the exact route as opposed to Spen's best interpretation of it, was a huge boon. Not getting lost at Ditton, not over shooting our turning and heading up a steep hill when pooped was helpful.

We did give poor old Spen some grief when we went past the signs for Dover (A2), but he was right to! It WAS the route. However overshooting the turning in Barham was a painful mistake back in 2009.

As you can probably gather, it's been and will probably remain impossible not to draw comparisons between this and the last ride. I think half of the reason I got upset (in my head) with that bloke in Bridge for suggesting going HIS way was that I really wanted to see again the route I did with my brothers. It was surprising therefore that much of it was so unfamiliar. Even some of the stand out points (eg. Hollingbourne Hill) weren't quite as I recall. It helped massively that my climbing ability is 10x what it was!

For me the worst comparison to 2009 was the weather. It was miserably cold today. I wish if paid more attention to the temperature before setting out. I was freezing cold this morning, before I put my windproof jacket on, even then it was cold all day, with only brief spells of warmth.

For tea tonight we went to the Café de la Tour (which I subsequently found out wasn't as apt to our little bike ride as if have liked - thanks Nigel!! 😔). I ordered a cheeky Belgian Blond along with a passable Chicken and chips which came with a very respectable salad. Tom ordered...well it didn't matter, he's been off his food ALL day, so he hardly touch the Steak Frites. I hope he's feeling better tomorrow!

Speaking of tomorrow, I'm a little apprehensive of the weather...it's looking grim!

Anyhoo, I need my recovery sleep. Good night!!