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Here you are guys and gals... I know some of you have been waiting...
Meesh and Ben’s first long haul journey April 2009 (Day 1)
Oh! I can’t sleep!....... got to sleep!...... please sleep, brain! I want to set off early... so excited..... but I can’t sleeeeeeep!... can’t sleep... can’t slee......
Beep! Beep! Beep! went the alarm. My eyes sprung open and I lay there musing over my last thoughts that seemed only seconds ago! I looked at the clock – 7 am.
A mixed wave of anxiety and excitement pulsed through me. Today was going to be the first time that Ben and I went on a long haul journey. Had I packed everything I needed? Would I manage a long journey with Ben on my own? What if he decided he wanted to be on top instead of me? What if I forgot how to ride and just ‘fell off’? What if... what if... what would I do?
I put all these thoughts to the back of my mind, launched myself out of bed and scurried downstairs, just missing the cats as I scanned my ready packed panniers and top box. I smiled, pleased with myself for having done that last night. An invigorating shower to make sure I’m alert... rushing around like a scatterbrained scarecrow... too excited to eat, I force some toast down as I wriggle into my biking gear.
I opened the door and looked out to see.... there was my bike, Ben, with a big grin on his face ready and waiting to be my faithful servant and friend. The sun glinted on his headlamps giving the illusion of a wink “hurry up!” I heard him say “I am ready to take you where ever you want!”
I heaved the panniers up onto Ben, fiddling with his seat to make sure our equipment was safe and secure. Then on with the top box, a little last minute adjustment of Ben’s fine apparel and we were ready! With one hand I took a hold of his handlebars, resting my other hand on his shoulders. Then I stood on his peg and in one smooth movement, expertly swung my leg over until I stood astride him a foot on each peg, then I carefully sat, taking great care not to upset his balance. 08.30 on a Saturday morning... Ben’s rich deep voice rumbled in excitement and pleasure beneath me as we carefully manoeuvred out of the driveway and set off on our adventure.
Ben was a big boy and I still felt a little precarious as I rode around the side roads. At each junction Ben chuckled as I was on tiptoes, trying desperately to balance so he didn’t spill his heavy load. A little wobble here and there.... and then we were on the motorway.
Picking up speed, I suddenly realised that the wind was my friend today and there was joy in my heart. There was no screaming in my ears, no fighting for domains – just a sense that the wind was my friend and the universe loves me! I felt wrapped in a bubble as we floated along our way and I began to sing loudly with the joy that abounded in my heart...
“Freedom!... Sweet freedom! ... How I melt into your warm embrace. .. Freedom!... Oh! Freedom! .... you can see it on my face!”
Ben and I soared high into the sky in ecstatic union. There was cold, there was rain, but I barely noticed this..... for I was in a state of total bliss!
We sailed past the ravens and lumbering bears (cars and lorries!), in a world of our own where nobody stares - only children and the sensitive saw us and smiled at this wonderful sight of Meesh released into the wild, with her beautiful beast – Ben!
For 4 straight hours, Ben’s strokes were rhythmic and strong as we charged along looking for our exit on the M1. We sang all the way and time went unnoticed, stopping only once to recharge our senses. (Fuel stop!) Our journey was straight and quite uninterrupted when suddenly a squeal from me erupted!! “Yes! Yes! Yes! Junction 29! – Found you, found you - now you are mine!”
We bade farewell to the faceless stream of ravens and bears and then it seems, we left behind our mundane cares and emerged from our bubble into local lairs. Eager to get there, Ben raced to the junction – holding him back was my main function. I gently squeezed with my right hand and pushed down with my foot – a little more squeezing is all that it took and Ben was successfully brought to a halt, upright, full standing, confident and loaded without fault. (Panniers secure!).
After our long journey northwards we needed to stop – where was this campsite? Where was Jelly’s cafe? – only a vague notion was in our heads – ‘look for a green roof’ is what the forum had said!!
This was our challenge all on our own; to search out this roof and do it alone! No Tom Tom or Garmin to talk us straight there – just an old crumpled map and a willingness to take up the dare! Cautiously weaving around unfamiliar roads, Ben and I headed in the general direction of the Mires of Wardlow. Pushing through the shadow speckled roads of the rich green countryside; with little more than faith in our hearts, we tried to follow an ancient route to Baslow, from where we hoped to pick up the A623. All seemed to be well until local directions suddenly stopped! Ben and I were left high and dry with no clue which way to go, but without further ado we knew what to do and pulled into the yard of the local home brew (a convenient pub!). Within seconds an indigenous member took pity on our plight and enjoying the sight of a young lady on her bike, he pointed the way we should go.
Time ticking on: Eyes falling weary: Scouting the horizons for the magic green roof that signals the end of our journey. The fields either side were open and wide as we came down the A623 and there we could see that welcoming sight... a green roof and Kate’s Kitchen besides... Tired but triumphant Ben and I swung into the yard delighted to arrive safe and sound, ready to embrace our most beloved friends who greeted us with a smile and a hug and steaming hot tea in a mug!
We went to the campsite, Peter and Paul.... and that wasn’t all.... a grand little throng was starting to gather.... a camper and tents of all shapes and sizes where popping all over like rosettes and prizes. I was tired from my journey, but still could not settle until Ben was rested and my sleeping quarters tested! Paul tethered Ben next to Ethan, his trusty steed, who nodded and greeted his kindred breed. Looking like brothers they happily stood there whilst Peter delighted in demonstrating his expertise at putting up the tent with absolute ease.
That being done, now it was time for more fun! Too tired to ride, I took to Paul’s side and two up on Ethan we went. A fine beast was Ethan who stood strong and firm beneath them. Its sizeable impetus carried us true, maintaining the lead over gravel and tarmac, whatever the speed and all the day through.
Many a rider upon their fine steeds travelled together through tired little villages with charcoal stained houses to modern beige boxes with identical tops (Burbage nr Buxton), the pattern of changes was quite astounding. Through dark shadowed forests and across flat haggard moors. Past babbling brooks in quaint little valleys (Goyt Valley) and patchwork quilt fields (Ramsey Moor), I could hardly believe the myriad of changes within just a few miles. Twisting and turning to the tune of the bends – even two up, with this Ethan could easily contend. But the input was mighty and fatigue settled in.... such trust did I have in this noble steed and the knight who would guide him, that I rested my head and locked myself in.... for a short little nap whilst onward we sped!
10 minutes passed by; some sights I had missed - but then I recovered in time for this..... For now was the chance for Ethan to dance, full blast down the A6 – he didn’t miss any tricks. Enjoying the natural curves of our path, weaving our way back to Jelly’s; back to fill our bellies!
As the evening skies drew to a close, friends gathered round like agitated hounds – looking to each other for the signal that said ‘come now together – let’s go get fed!’ In the local brew it has to be said, the indigenous people were rather startled and quite unprepared for the vigour and verve of the XRV bundle, which jostled and hustled and laughed out loud as they squeezed through the doors into a tiny lounge. Greeted by the stern stares of the landlord and lady who looked at us all as if we were something quite shady!! But nothing could curtail the banter and frivolities as we partook of the fine food and ale!
Such laughter and fun and banter and chatter; I sat with my chums and had such a good natter. We ate their best beef and some swigged down the beer and all sense and reason was soon gone I fear. The banter got louder and teasing was rife. The jokes were quite bawdy, but the singing was nice!
Then we two who had coffee were called ‘Ovalteenies’ and put in the frame for much teasing and joking .... enough said!... now we knew it was time for bed! And so the day ended with merriment strong and new and old bonds forged good and proper. Into our tents each member descended while the steam from our breath clearly ascended. What would this be like? What did the night hold in store?..... well you will have to wait until I write more......Goodnight! (Day 2 to follow..)
Hope you enjoy this..... when I have time I will continue the story..
Meesh
New Bike. New tent.... more fun!
Ethan and Ben.
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Originally Posted by barftone
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