Charge to Chesterfield.

With 84 miles under our belts yesterday we were well ahead of our expected point.   We would have to make the most of the weather and head north.   I had agreed to meet RD for breakfast at 07.00 but at that time I found out that we had been misinformed about the breakfast start time.  Being bank holiday the breakfast did not start until 08.00.  I left Mr.D to sleep in, in the hope that his bottom would have recovered a little more ready for the ride.  I packed my bike up and at 07.45 still no sign of my riding partner. I decided that I would have to telephone him. He had overslept.   Breakfast was a good feast but being a little behind our ETD we rushed with indigestion the result.    At 08.45 we were on the road heading for Burton on Trent.  RD was a  little jstiff and had not been able to make himself comfortable for the day if you know what I mean.   We communicated with Chris and Lou Brown from Eccles who wanted to cut us off at the pass on route and share a coffee.  With a fair bit of texting through the early part of the morning we managed to meet up on the edge of Burton.   Before long we were sitting in a Costa Coffee bar.  Most enjoyable and once again I am so grateful for the support from so many people for this ride.  Lou and Chris had left Eccles very early in order to meet us.  Well beyond the call of duty and well out of their way. They were really on their way to Reading.    Just a little detour. Thanks guys it meant so much to me. Thank you for the drink too. Over the previous two days I had noticed RD was looking enviously at my bike and sensing that he felt that his was a bit  of a plain looking thing.  We had seen a Halfords open and Richard decided he was going to pimp his ride!  He decided on a new bag for his handlebar and a pink, yes pink, drink holder and also a gel seat to improve the ride  comfort. Over the last twenty four hours this last purchase had become a must.  I am not too sure if it all made the bike go any faster.  He still spent most of the time ahead of me with the occasional overtake from my good self in true Cavendish style.  I think he kindly let me pass him. We headed for Derby on a quiet road which later turned into a major A road.  Not good.  Lunch was purchased  in Burton Tesco and devoured in a lay-by shared with many rubbish bags and a dead badger.   Not as pleasant as yesterday.    We moved on past Derby and then on towards Chesterfield.  RD had decided to make his way home this evening. We got to Chesterfield and followed the signs to the railway station.  Tickets purchased we retired to the Chesterfield Hotel opposite the station for afternoon tea.  I decided to book in as the hotel was well positioned for the following day.  RD caught his train. What a great time we had on the three days he was with me.  Good laughs and plenty of mileage.  Thank you Richard I was honoured to have you as a riding partner.  Hope the nether regions recover and that there is no permanent damage. Keep using the cream.  I had meant to be staying with Andy and Maggie Rawson but good conditions and fast peddling had taken me too far north.  Instead Andy came to the Hotel Chesterfield to join me for dinner.  It was great to chat about so many things, the ride, Shirley, ballooning and much much more.    I hope to visit soon once I get back safely  to base in Norfolk. Fingers crossed after a successful completion of the ride.    Tomorrow should be an interesting day. The weather is closing in for one thing and I have new riding partners for my trip to Leeds. Brothers David and Kieran are joining me along with my brother Michael in spirit from Canada.   Time for bed said Zeberdee.  Thank you for all the texts and comments on the blog.   If you want to comment on the blog you just need to set up a google account. It is free!   The more the merrier. If you have donated to Big C thanks and if not it is so easy. The address is at the top of the blog.