Day Two:

Today I departed Southsea on my Bike, however before leaving I was treated to some bacon sandwiches (thank you Pete) which I can assure you was gratefully received.

As would seem to have become traditional a crowd of Residents, staff and Carol (owner) gave me a rousing send off. I departed in sunshine but whilst I expected some changes to our great British weather I was not prepared for what was to follow.

On arrival in Ryde it was a little overcast and a little gusty but nothing too bad.  As I approached the first ‘Island Hill’ it was at this point that I realised that google maps gives you a distance from point A to point B.  It forgets to tell you the height of the hill or indeed its duration. Having defeated the first couple of hills the wind picked up and the hail followed.  I could not believe that in the middle of May I should expect this type of weather.  Of course this was traditionally followed by some sunshine.  Unfortunately I returned my coat to the rear of my bike but did not secure it properly, which in time proved a bit of a school boy error.  The wind and hills continued to hamper my progress.

The bonus of hills of course is whilst they are a nightmare to climb, they are great when freewheeling down.  On one of these particular rides something went wrong.  My back wheel started overtaking me for some bizarre reason. I came to a grinding halt on the verge.

My coat was wrapped around the rear brakes.  My coat won the initial battle, but I managed to win the war and removed it, eventually, and continued on my journey.

What else could go wrong!  As I continued my journey the wind did its usual thing but then met up with its mate ‘loads of rain’.  I was soaked from head to foot in minutes.  No point in stopping, so I carried on.  The hills kept coming and seemed to be getting steeper, although it is more likely I had underestimated the Island terrain.  Even the roads felt the urge to become partial rivers.  However to ensure that I had no option to dry out, a friendly van chose the right moment to speed pass me and soak me once more and ensure I visited the verge again.

You will be pleased to know I did arrive at Eden House in one piece and was extremely grateful for the warm reception I received from residents and staff, particularly the prompt cup of tea (thank you Lisa) and the exceptional chicken curry (thank you Carol) Unfortunately, I am unable to upload any pictures at the moment but I will as soon as I can.  Thank you to Neil, Steve and Carol for providing them.

Tomorrow takes me on another road trip from one end of the island to the other.  I leave Eden at 1030 and not wishing to pigeon hole myself due to hills or inclement weather, will arrive at Magnolia House in Sandown sometime on Wednesday.