Today has been a particularly bad one for the Hill-Slayer.  James knew that he would be missing his mum’s birthday today, and also the funeral of a close family friend was scheduled for today which James was upset about not to be able to attend.  Surrogate grandmother Irene McCubbine passed away at the grand old age of 104.

The day on the road wasn’t much better for James as a knee injury he had been nursing for two days finally took it’s toll, and forced him to swap bike for van after 15 miles.  A visit to hospital, and couple of beers later we are hoping that he may be able to re-join the rest of the team at some point later this week.

The day began with a few essential bike repairs, then being met by the Deputy Mayor of Chippenham, before setting off on the road to complete a 65-70 mile ride.

Cycling to Wootton Bassett, Matt nearly got run over by a very stupid and inconsiderate bus driver…you might say that he swerved to try and knock him off.  Better luck next time Mr Bus Driver!!!

Unfortunately, (as already mentioned) James ‘Hill Slayer’ Anderson has to retire from the days ride with a very painful (he rated it a 10 on the pain scale).  He later visited A&E to get it checked out…maybe he will rejoin the ride in the next few days.

We carried on, now only 4 strong, to Swindon.  The magic roundabout and a lack of signage and we got lost, probably adding 2 or 3 miles onto the journey.  Continuing on up A420 to Farringdon where we stopped for lunch…and arriving a lot earlier than any other days (1pm), we were keen to eat and get back on the road.

After lunch we head off on to less busy roads and into the head wind, makes a change from hills.  Aside from the wind, we were coving ground fast.  Eager to arrive at the hotel early, we pushed on with a 2 stop strategy.  Stopping for a handful of chips Kevin had just bought, then a hunger for an ice cream at the second stop, Kevin once again delivered.

Cycling 69 miles in 5 hours 15 minutes, we arrived at our Thame hotel at 5pm, the earliest time yet.  Time for ashower and off out for a bite and a pint!  A big day tomorrow, as we’re cycling to Saffron Walden…a good rest is in order for that!

Until the next update, thanks for reading and dont forget to donate to the charity