Mileage today - 68
Total mileage so far - 68
After a good night out in Shanklin last night with Robbie (Finlay Mackenzie's son), and Moris (Finlay's brother), both of whom I had never met before, I woke with just a slightly fuzzy head which was soon clear by the time I had to set off. I was down by Sandown pier in brilliant, warm sunshine to be waved of on my first day's ride. And what a ride it was! Although the sun was shining most of the day, there was also a very strong headwind to slow me down and sap the energy! It was a battle all along the twenty or so miles of the south coastal road of the island, known locally as the Military Road.I eventually made it to Yarmouth and onto the 12-45pm ferry to Lymington. (ferry number three of the trip, six more to go!)
Once back on the mainland it was more of the same riding over the exposed heathlands of the beautiful New Forest. Not many ponies on the road today but I did come across about a dozen donkeys blocking one main road. Wearing a t-shirt with Isle of Wight to Isle of Lewis on the back is doing the trick. On the ferry one driver jumped out of his car just before disembarking to give me a fiver and wish me a safe journey. In the New Forest a man in a flashy Mercedes stopped me to tell me he was from the Isle of Lewis and wanted to know all about what I am up to. He didn't get his wallet out though!
I arrived in Salisbury about half four, just enough time to have a quick look around this old, attractive city before heading to Simon and Marg's house where they were very kindly putting me up for the night. Great hospitality, and a great barbeque! I think an early night is a good idea tonight. Simon and Marg are flying off to Jersey in the morning, and I am peddling off to Malmesbury, sixty something miles north of here! I am just hoping the wind has dropped by then.
