BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT
LANDS END TO N.FORELAND POINT

Distance Cycled: 73.0 miles
Elapsed Time: 8h 20m
Cycling Time: 6h 8m
Average Speed: 11.9mph
Distance To Date: 480 miles
Total Cycling Time: 40h 12m
Overall Average Speed: 12.05mph

Breakfast was unusual with a complete display of local wildlife eating breakfast on the patio. 3 squirrels were the main turn, but they were chased off by crows, who in turn were shown the door by pigeons. The squirrels then saw them off. Somehow the blackbird family (from yesterday) got a look-in during the merry-go-round.

Meanwhile the wildlife breakfasting indoors consisted of me, a couple who were off to see the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, and the owner. The latter regaled us with a story of surfing the net last night with a friend looking for big female knickers. There was a site in Texas where they cost around $60 a pair, and also a site in Australia for around A$45. Eventually she found a pair on eBay for £3.50 (not clear on whether new or not). But the laughteraround midnight seemed to occur when my cycling shorts were pulled from the tumble dryer - "That's exactly what we wan't, now how do we unpick the padded lining?". Everyone thought it was a scream apart from me who had a vague vision of cycling into Kent wearing large pink ladies knickers on account of my cycling shorts having gone missing.

Rollout was at a disgustingly late 0940 (in black lycra). Opted to cycle across Romney Marsh on lanes to Lydd, New Romney and up to Hythe. Overnight rain hadn't materialised, the wind was northerly and cool, the tarmac was good and all seemed right with the world (or so I thought).

Bombed along at high speed for 10 miles through the wetlands before turning north into the wind and, being flat, getting no protection from the wind. Progress slowed and then made significant navigational error that saw me rejoin A259 (for 3rd day), got some protection from wind but back to diesel heaven.

Another beautiful summer's day on Romney Marsh

One good point as sped over railway bridge, there were the railway couple from breakfast waving me by as they waited to see the next train. Not quite the cheering crowds from the Tour de France but grateful nevertheless.

Finally turned off main road onto the last couple of miles of country lanes that I'd planned to ride - wheat bending in the wind, tall grasses shimmering and isolated homesteads. I'd spotted the North Downs yesterday from the hill at Winchelsea - they were a small ridge on the horizon. Now they looked like The Alps.

La t night's "Indian" now came into play, and the legs responded gallantly. Before long I'd crossed the channel tunnel rail line and M20, but then got a text from #2 son about the terrorist bombs in London. With #1 son in London, tried to contact him by phone and text, but phone apparently switched off (unheard of). Two hrs later got 'Text Received' msg followed by text saying OK. In meantime navigation had gone to pot, went several miles out of way and completely forgot lunch stop as listened to unveiling tragedy on radio. Sometimes its frightening being a parent.

"Mission Control" Alison ha been superb all week in locating accommodation, usually before I was sure which county I'd finish up in. Today was no exception as stopped to take call during thundery downpour not far from Kent's ex-coal mining industry in the middle of beautiful countryside. Nearly bought a house round here once.

The beach at Deal

Eventually reached Deal around 3.15pm, a delightful place with wonderful seafront pub serving good beer and food all day. Parked the bike against their window boxes and went inside for lunch. Cricket on TV in one bar, rolling news on London bombings in the other. Chose the latter as cricket for once seemed less important.

Sandwich, following another heavy downpour

Broadstairs

Finally made it to North Foreland Point (or as close as could get to it) at 6pm after 480 miles over 5.5 days.

Asked a couple of West Indian guys to take historic picture of me, bike and North Foreland Point (see final picture). Then they had to take picture with their camera of me, bike and man A, then with man B, then I took one of them both together etc. Nice guys.

It was another 7 miles Before arrived at hotel in Margate. Looked fine from outside (window boxes with bright flowers etc.).

Door opened to reveal young teenage chinese girl who explained her parents were elsewhere in town managing their restaurant, and could I wait a few minutes? Things took a further turn for the worse when she suggested I bring my bike in and leave it in the main bar/restaurant area that obviously wasn't expecting to be packed out this evening.

Further unnerved when showing me up to my room on very top floor the young girl informed me that it was a good hotel because it was fully carpeted (and she had to clean it). Finally, when asking whereabouts of loo/shower, was led down corridor to a construct-your-own-shower-facility area. As far as can tell there is only one other inmate, possibly two at most.

As a result have opted to spend as much time as possible in nearby Italian restaurant eating/drinking v.slowly. At time of writing main door is open with cold draught, and chairs are being stacked on tables.

Early start tomorrow without breakfast (probably a good thing) as try and find train to London and then onwards to Cheltenham. Should be challenging.

North Foreland point from the Broadstairs side - about as close as you can get

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