BedOx

Day 1: Bedford to Oxford, Day 2: Oxford..

02.09.2010 - 03.09.2010 0 °C

The first day on the road!

On Wednesday night, just before going to bed at late-o'clock, I said to myself "If I'm not gone by 2.30p.m. tomorrow, I'm not leaving tomorrow." Final. End off.
2.28p.m: I sprint out of the garden with the finally loaded bike to stand out on the road, just off the drive, to say goodbyes to the 'rents. No tears, just enthusiasm and excited anticipation of what's to come.

The ride over to Oxford (or Kirtlington to be precise) was beautiful. After only 30miles on the bike I found what I was after: Sanctuary. along with Shelter and Refuge on my way into the Buckinghamshire town of Winslow.

Sanctuary

Shelter

5hours on the wobbly bike under the sun I got to the house of Sister's (Fern) Boyfriend's (Hog) Sister, currently inhabited by a mishmash of people looking after the [absent] homeowner's wee dog (Pippi). Meal, Pub and walk later, Fern & I got to Hog's Boat moored up on the canal by the quarry. There's always something magical about sleeping on a boat, kinda like camping but in a bed.

The next morning, after being repeatedly awoken by the wake of passing boats bashing us into the bank, causing the cutlery drawers to crash open (the Blutac just couldn't hold 'em), we wandered back to the House to collect the bikes. We (combination of Fern, Hog, Mama Hogan & I) spent the day wandering around Oxford town, searching vintage shops for a tweed suit for Hog.

The trio + Paul pedalled, Pub to Pub, back to the House for a curry. I caught some fastfood on the ride (elderberries, didn't even have to stop riding - just reach out and grab) making up for the lack of eating during the day. Sun setting ahead as we rode down the Roman Road to the village.

Feeling shattered, but expecting to wake up soon, I'm about to cycle back to Oxford to a party of a friend of an acquaintance from Secret Garden Party.. more can still be jammed into this day