Well, what a wonderful day.
We left Bury St Edmunds at 8am, from Compiegne Way.

It was cool and overcast. Heading south through Clare, we quickly covered our first 25 miles, meeting Shaun just north of Finchinfield. Everyone was on a high. The first 25 had gone well. Even though Kim managed to be the first to fall off and draw blood !!!


The second 25 went even better ! They seemed to just disappear, and before we knew it, we were meeting up with Shaun again. Its great being able to stuff yourself, knowing you're burning off around 1000 calories every 25 miles ! So lots to eat. The sun had broken through by this time, and it was turning into a beautiful day. Lots of glorious countryside, a real pleasure cycling.


After leaving Shaun  the roads became busier, as we passed close to Chelmsford, Billericay etc. Keith and Trevor (The Essex boys amoungst us), getting quite excited as we cycled along old haunts. However,  distance was getting to us. The last 25 were definately slower and harder, but still fun asMartyn took us off road, down an overgrown path, with logs, nettles, and lots of moaning from the crew !!

Finally we made Tilbury, and a very old tub took us across the Thames from Tilbury to Gravesend. Keith and Davy really enjoyed it !

Then the climb up out of Gravesend to the Inn on the Lake. Far too comfortable !!!
Sore limbs (and bums) meant we needed to retire to the bar ! But very satisfied with our days cycling !