Jump at it of course. Eight Breeze champions did just that on Saturday when we joined Bev Graham, a champion from Ipswich who had spent the previous 52 days cycling round the coast, meeting as many Breeze champions as she could on the way.
Our adventure started with a trip on a train. Though I’d been on a train numerous times before. Taking a bike with me was making me anxious. Did we need to book? Would they let more than two of us on? Would it be hard physically getting the bike onto the train? Would I get to the station on time? So many questions and my alarm hasn’t even had a chance to go off.
I shouldn’t have worried. I was down at the station a whole hour before my train so I paused for a breakfast cuppa.
I waited for my train to arrive. Enjoying the peace and quiet. Lisa was already aboard, her bike stowed in one of the hanging areas, mine went in the other. We spent a pleasant half hour enjoying the view and talking to another passenger about our day ahead.
We arrived at Bournemouth station and rode down to the pier where we met with Jane and Ruth. We were causing a bit of a stir all sat in our Breeze kit, there were lots of smiles, waves and a couple of enquiries while waiting for Bev and her friends.
So let’s put this little ride in context. We were riding 45 miles today along the coast as much as we could, making our way back to Southampton.
Bev, on the other hand was well on her way to 4000 miles. And with just over a week to go, was also heading home.
Once Bev arrived, we set off to meet our last two companions. Lucy and Janet who had both travelled down from North of the county to join us.
The rest of the morning was spent learning about our new companions and enjoying the stunning views that we cycled past. We shared stories of Breeze rides near and far and exchanged hints and tips about encouraging others to cycle. It really didn’t feel long before we were at Beaulieu and were tucking in to some king sized portions of lunch, signing the flag and having photos taken before we bid farewell to Vanessa and Elaine who were retuning home by car to be ready for Bev’s return to their home ground. With all that done, we headed off again.
This last section was a well ridden route for those of us from Southampton. (Who wouldn’t take themselves off to the Bakehouse tearooms whenever you can)
As with our tradition, we stoped again for a pic at Eling tide mill before heading those final few miles to Southampton city centre.
Once at the city centre we met our final Breeze companion, Jenny and Bev had the chance for her bike to be looked over by The Bike Dr. Finally we headed off for coffee where we chatted for ages about the differences between men and women particularly with a cycle focus. What a great way to end the day. Thank you Bev for letting us ride with you and for giving us such a great insight into your travels. I do hope you enjoyed our little bit of coast and I hope we get to ride together again sometime.
Safe journey home
Sharon
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