Good breakfast in the hotel this morning. Managed to come out will apple, banana and a couple of tangerines
Still very cold and overcast, not a lot to look at. Vast fields on both sides, mostly cattle with the odd herd of deer.
Fresh winds make the flat roads pretty hard work. Reminding me of Holland, no escaping headwinds. The occasional bird of prey above and darting rabbits on the verges. It’s a long straight boring road. Dale and Linney would be good riding three abreast, chatting. First time I’ve really missed them. After 40 miles I start the only climb of the day. Nothing hard just a long straight climb of fifteen miles or so. After making the top I’m looking forward to the 30 mile descent. Take a sharp right then left, no left? Once againthe Garmin has taken me onto private land. The sign on the gate is pretty off-putting.

There is nothing on this property worth dying for
KEEP OUT

Ok I’ll find another route. No problem, straight head against the increased wind for 10 miles then turn left for 28. The ten against the wind is hard, I can’t wait to turn left and have the wind on my back. I decide to take a break at the junction ham, cheese and fruit. I threw the horrid bread away. A large petroleum lorry pulls into the layby and the driver jumps out. Shakes my hand and gives me a bottle of water. He’s just interested in where I had been and going. He gives me plenty of advise as to where to eat and pray. Turns out he was very religious and worried about me. No worries he meant no harm, nice chap.
Turn left and sail home with the wind on my back and flat roads. Only an extra 3 miles. Far better than getting shot.