10 May 2014
10. Departure #2
Departing my home town of Stony Stratford wearing my waterproof coat and trousers as the wonderful British weather had turned up! At least starting in the rain meant it could only improve. My route was initially through several miles of country roads, then a few miles on an old bridalway, then a slightly busier road to the town of Aylesbury.
At Aylesbury I joined an arm of the Grand Union Canal, in its current form came into being on 1 January 1929, and was further extended in 1932. It was formed from the amalgamation of several different canals, and at 286.3 miles (461 km) is the longest canal in the UK. Initially made to transport goods is now used by holiday makers looking for a relaxed pace.
The condition of the canal’s towpath varied greatly from hard packed gravel, concrete, stony and muddy sections. As such the bike looked like it had been on the road for a few weeks rather than one day. Having prearranged a warmshower host in Uxbridge I was not too bothered about the dreary weather, supplied with a hearty meal and desert along with several glasses of wine it was a great way to end a wet day.
It won't fit through that gap! I had to un-clip the panniers, pass over, then re-clip each time. Fortunately there was only three of them.
The second day was only a 30 mile ride. Following the canal for just a few miles, then a brief section of the River Thames then onto the roads through several small towns, with a climb up into a wooded area before descending back down to the village of Gomshall, where I would stay for the weekend.
An over-flowing lock gate.
A Telly Tubby style bridge.
The condition of the canal’s towpath varied greatly from hard packed gravel, concrete, stony and muddy sections. As such the bike looked like it had been on the road for a few weeks rather than one day. Having prearranged a warmshower host in Uxbridge I was not too bothered about the dreary weather, supplied with a hearty meal and desert along with several glasses of wine it was a great way to end a wet day.
It won't fit through that gap! I had to un-clip the panniers, pass over, then re-clip each time. Fortunately there was only three of them.
Mr moggy your camouflage is just no good!
The second day was only a 30 mile ride. Following the canal for just a few miles, then a brief section of the River Thames then onto the roads through several small towns, with a climb up into a wooded area before descending back down to the village of Gomshall, where I would stay for the weekend.
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