The Week Before

The lure of the tour is kicking in again. This year my steadfastly organized touring partner takes on a new roll. To Rome he was the Commander - To Barcelona he was a Manager, both these titles being work appointed. Our successful Tandem partnership has realized a new position of Captain.The very small world of the Tandem enthusiast dictates two mantles - one being the Captain - steering, braking decision making and so on. The other is that of the Stoker (derived from the Coal
shovel brandisher on the steam engine) The Stoker is allowed very little decision making apart from a cry for gear selection when hes grappling with his very existence at the mercy of the Captain. ¬ 'Whats that all about you ask ? Well its teamwork - its relentless and on a flat road its as quick as ya like.

We leave Winchcombe on Friday morning flaunting the Newly approved colours of Winchcombe Cycle Club on the Tandem heading for Tavistock via once again our beloved Dartmmor on our 30 year old shed of a Tandem. Once there we will (God Willing)  met by the girlies for a swap from Tandem to Solos. (Sorry Lorraine its Australia v England lol) Then on Sunday off to Plymouth for the Ferry to Santander, We then take a ride that will take us through the foothills of the Pyrenees and onward in a more or less straight line through the mountains and hills of Portugal to Lisbon where we will be reunited with they lasses to enjoy a few days in the City. An island hop on the Plane will see us back on English soil.

The usual prep leaves us scratching the head -shall I take  this or that or both?  knowing the truth is it doesn't matter. The reality is all we need is a maintained treader, a degree of spare clothing,maps and a credit card. The pleasure is the adventure. Where will we end up tonight? Who will we meet? How many punctures will we acquire? What will we graze on? How will the body hold out? What amazing vista will be cast the eyes on?  etc etc etc and we love it for that.  

Surviving the Stoking down to Plymouth may be the biggest challenge. Sat behind Captain Parkers Backside with a headwind after an egg and bacon breakfast would break the majority.I will suffer the challenge without an undertone.

Thanks as always to The Cheltenham Cycles brotherhood - the velo is operating as it was the day I bought it. Just need to offer it some respect and give it a clean!

Chomping at the bit now for another adventure XX