Streatley to the Solent

Surprisingly, given the rather confined bunk room, I think we all got some reasonable kip. The room didn't even smell too bad. 

The hostel breakfast was basic, but ok & likely to provide us with the necessary fuel for the forthcoming stage up & over the South Downs. 

Bikes checked & chains oiled ready for another wet start! 😐

Turned out alright though. A pleasant enough route south to Basingstoke, where Dave had arranged an emergency dental app to refix the inlay he ejected into his risotto yesterday. 

Neil took on the task of navigating us to the dental surgery through the outskirts - it was quite interesting cycling along the M3. Made a nice change from the quiet country roads. Alex in particular was loving it. The passing drivers were pleased to see us too 😡

Anyway, Dave got his tooth fixed while the rest of us supped Costa Coffee & ate cake (28 points).

It rained as we left Basingstoke and climbed into the North Downs along the narrow A339. By and large, drivers were pretty patient with us, with only the odd nob forcing their way past. After a few miles we turned onto quieter roads and drifted through some beautiful, rolling countryside. Slow going on some tough climbs. 

We happened upon the famous 'Loomies Cafe' (motorcycle cafe) for a well earned rest and a bit more to eat: 28 points - would have been higher had the beans on toast with cheese on top actually had cheese......and toast!! More like damp bread. 

 

After that we tackled the South Downs. A great route too thanks to Mr Garmin and ridden at a nice steady pace by most of us; Kevin indulging in the the odd spot of 'Squirrelling' of course. 

We got to Portsmouth:

 

Good effort!

We met up with Dave M (He'd got the train here due to family commitments over the weekend) at The Ship & Castle, next to the ferry port. Some of us ate. Others decided to wait & eat on the boat. Another liaised with his Russian pen pal 🙄 (don't ask!)

 

Time to head for the boat. Brittany Ferries ushered us to the front of the queue & we were on, had found our cabins, showered & were in the lounge (bar) before the anchor had been raised. 

 

Think it'll be a light night though: We all look a bit tired for some reason.