The ride has gone well though day 1 did demonstrate just how unpleasant cycling for 2 hours in heavy rain can be. This is the first blog entry using the mobile so we have now validated that as a viable option for the trip. It means I can dispense with a 2+ kg laptop and a camera and use just the mobile. Text entry is slower but the weight benefits and the fact a mobile will be less prone to vibration damage would seem to out weigh this minor inconvenience, so be prepared for some pretty bad spelling!

The image below is of Silbury Hill, pary of the Avebury complex. It was built around 2500 BC and is the largest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe. As you can see an early morning ballonist was also enjoying the early sunshine.


Arrival in the New Forsest and the ponies have freedom to roam anywhere they wish, even on the local cricket pitch.


Day two and the climbs between Burley and Cheddar provide some great views of the surrounding country side. They almost make the climbs worth it though the panniers are really adding to the effort needed and at the end of day twos ninety miles the legs are starting to complain!