Travelsonabike2 England Bicycle Tour
England bicycle tour, April 2018: with the country experiencing a mini heatwave, it seemed the ideal time to go away cycling, especially as Garry had now been forced to give up work. Garry was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in his right hip. And was waiting to go into hospital to have it replaced. But without a date or sign that his operation was going to happen soon. Why not go away cycling? But where?
After a bit of thought, Garry decided to head to Swanage. The town Garry cycled to on his first-ever long-distance ride. Unfortunately, 40 miles from home, Garry’s saddle broke. Finding it too uncomfortable to carry on, Garry jumped on a train and headed home. Luckily for Garry, he had an old saddle. Which although it wasn’t brilliant, it served its purpose, allowing Garry to get back on the road.
The following morning, with his old saddle fitted to the bike. Garry caught the train back to Southampton. Where he had left off the day before. Garry finally made it to Swanage after cycling 49 miles.
Not feeling particularly keen on cycling too far, Garry headed to the Isle of Wight. For his second night. Where overnight, Garry was caught in a dramatic thunderstorm. That raged on for more than three hours.
Feeling tired after being kept awake by the storm and a leaky tent! Garry headed home. After a much better night’s sleep, Garry decided to catch a train to London. And camp in London, at the campsite in Crystal Palace that his friends were working at. Garry was due to leave the following morning, but he was in too much pain. And decided to stay put for another night.
It’s Hard To Cycle
After a day of rest, Garry moved on the following morning. But it was a struggle, and Garry only managed to cycle 25 miles! And it took a further two days for Garry to reach home. Cycling 28 miles on one day and only 20 miles on the following.
Despite finding the cycling and camping hard going because of his back and hip, Garry still enjoyed the trip. And took the view it was better to be struggling and in pain on the road rather than sitting at home in pain.
Total miles cycled: 292.
Garry’s Bicycle Tour Photographs

Bicycle Tour Map
April 2018 Bicycle Tour videos
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