Parole Day 2

The weather was glorious today. It's so nice not to wear the heated jackets underneath our textiles; we don't feel like trussed up chickens.

Lunch made and brew equipment packed, we set off with a round Calimoto route which would take us more east today instead of west. We first passed by Hawkinge, where we tooted my sister and her husband who came out to the drive for a quick chat while we stayed on the bikes. Really lovely to see them even though it was from a distance. It's hard not being able to give people a hug. 😥

So on towards Faversham via some great little lanes and villages, other bikers waving cheerfully as we passed each other. Our intention was to stop for lunch on the banks overlooking The Swale by the Oare Marshes Nature Reserve, but it was quite busy with cars and walkers and the idea is still to stay away from people so we turned around, hoping to find a quieter spot on our route.

This we did. The entrance to a field with a large rough grass area.

We set up our chairs, made a brew and ate our pasta salads with a view of Doddington Place Gardens in the distance. The lane ran through woods and we were surrounded by birdsong and the sounds of buzzing insects; it was wonderful. One or two people walked past on the lane and shouted greetings to us. Some calling admiration for the bikes too!

Then it was time to go. More lanes, more amazing views overlooking valleys and a particularly beautiful field of little blue flowers of flax, used to make linseed oil. It was gorgeous.

The day was only marred by a group of trail bikers, none wearing so much as a helmet, no number plates so they were obviously not road legal, and ragging the bikes down the lane in a completely anti social manner. One them only looked about 13 and could hardly reach the foot pegs, hanging off one side of the bike in order to change gear. We guessed they had come from a footpath further along.

So what do we think of the bikes so far? Absolutely brilliant. We love them. Every time we get on them we fall a little bit more in love. This might sound strange but you develop a bond with your bike and it becomes part of you. They have to if they're to take us round the world. Our relationship with them is developing quickly and it's very exciting.

Ok, I've probably had too much sun.

Until next time.