Three countries in one day - London to Bremen

 finally left Leeds 3 days and 6 hours late. The sky was a heavy, menacing brown as I hopped on the bike at 3pm on Thursday 14th September. I knew what was in store but after the delay it was now or never. The skies soon opened and I was wet through within minutes but it wasn't cold so I carried on. Cycling along the ring road at Wortley I was given hope as a white van pulled up alongside to ask me where I was going and wish me well. Fantastic! I felt like a celebrity. As I made my way up the first big climb towards the White Bear roundabout at East Ardsley lightning seemed to be crashing all around me and thunder growled above. The rain was like a sheet. If I couldn't see the cars around me so surely they would have even less chance of spotting me. Surely not safe to continue. Was it a message? I pulled up under the bridge at the top of the hill. Shivering, I waited. Should I turn around and head for home? My family would be worried. Maybe I could call and ask for a lift back? Out of the question. After half an hour the sky had brightened and the rain was letting up. Back on the bike I headed for Wakefield. The rain stopped, the sun came out and apart from puddles blocking lanes of traffic you wouldn't have believed a storm had just passed over. Later, listening to the news, I heard that a mini tornado in Seacroft had taken several house roofs with it that same afternoon.

Leaving Lewisham

I rolled through Scrooby, Nottinghamshire passing a camp site at about 6pm. Surely there'd be another one and I could probably manage another hour - I needed to make up some time. I slowed as some traffic lights turned red. The bike came to a stand still but I hadn't unclipped and fell to the floor del-boy-on-a-bike-style as a car pulled up along side. Play it cool Trig, play it cool! I quickly got to my feet and assured the motorist I was OK. It was a wake-up call. A little embarassed and recognising my weakened after state I headed straight back for the camp site. All the exitement earlier and pushing hard to make up time had worn me down. I'd covered about 50 miles. I camped and got a meal on the go. My first night under the stars in the middle of the country. This is what it's all about!

Bon voyage

Roadside assistance

St Petrus and Paulus Church, Oostende

Grub up!

Made it to Bremen!

Happy Halloween