LEJOG Blog

After some nervous last-minute preparations, we eventually made our way to Prittlewell station accompanied by Denis. The bike was dismantled promptly and when the train arrived, it was almost empty. We stored our steed in the space in the last carriage where the seats lift.

At Liverpool Street, we reassembled the bike, emerged by the Monstrous Iron Monolith and set off along London Wall to a loud shout of "Tandem!" from a nearby youth. The taxi drivers did not all behave appallingly, although one or two did.

We passed the Pancake House, found New Oxford Street and Oxford Street with no trouble, then Mortimer Street, Wigmore Street, Seymour Street, Edgeware Road and Sussex Place but I turned right a little too soon and when we hit Praed Street it was still one-way. A short walk, and we were back in the two-way section and remounted the bike.

When the platform for our train was announced, we stored the tandem in the Guard's Van and met another cyclist with the same intentions as ourselves. We then found our berth and partook of the complementary coffee, nuts and olives in the First Class lounge.

These words have been scribbled in haste while sitting on Janet's bed. Very soon, we will be away - no more train travel for three weeks.

Here's to good weather!