Bicycle Touring England

This week’s Travelsonabike2 bicycle touring post comes from England on the 24th-January-2016. This was only an overnight trip, but it was the first of the year.

Sunday, the 24th-January-2016. Christchurch to Bognor Regis. 69 miles.

It was a damp and murky start to the day but not cold, far from it. I almost wished I’d brought my shorts. Considering the sub-zero temperatures we had last week, it was a bit of a surprise. It was positively balmy today; it was a good 20 degrees warmer.

I left the hotel this morning, and again, I was undecided about where to go. I was thinking about going to the Isle of Wight. Cycling around the island’s southern side and maybe stopping the night there. Just so I could get more miles in, which was my main reason for going away in the first place, I was hoping it would relieve my back a bit. It’s not that I’m in a lot of pain; it just always feels better after a good cycle ride.

I reached Lymington, where I should have caught the ferry across to the Isle of Wight, but I wasn’t feeling good. I was really struggling; my back was aching, and my leg was causing me a lot of discomfort. So I decided that it was probably best to go home. The quickest way would have been via the Isle of Wight, but it’s quite a hilly route. So I decided to come home via the New Forest, even though it’s longer.

The Penny Drops

After struggling across the New Forest, through Southampton and Portsmouth, I was about 20 miles from home. When I suddenly realised why I was in a lot of discomfort and struggling so much, I’d forgotten to take my painkillers this morning. I was so excited at the thought of stuffing my face at the eat as much as you like breakfast buffet I’d forgotten all about them. I immediately took them.

Ten miles from home, the tablets kicked in, and I felt really good again. If only I’d remembered to take them this morning. I could have gone to the Isle of Wight and not had to struggle so much today. Never mind, maybe I’ll go out somewhere tomorrow, provided I remember to take my medication, that is!!

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