The best day in three years of BBBR 1/n #BBBR14

The view at the send off. Bright and early (and dry) we assembled under the Belgian flag, had some words from the Peddling Padre and headed out.

Eschewing my previous form I tried to stay towards the front of the pack as we left Brussels.  The slow pace with stop/start for junctions and lights aided me and soon we were in wooded roads cycling through dappled shade.

Twelve miles later the water stopped beckoned and so far ahead of many was i that I was able to be fed and watered and move off before many had even got their tea.

That continued to lunch and i set off happy with the day (no really!). At 38 miles we had our first rolling guide stop -  the first British shots of the war (photos 2& 3 - not sure how the phone is going to fit these in, i may need to post edit ;-).

Monday morning. Too early #BBBR14

So here we are, 6:20 body time. Busy doing nothing.

Bike back in my hands, fully fettled, waiting for the dignitaries to arrive and send us off.

55 miles or so today to Mons, and a guest reception with police escort for the last few miles - cracking!

Hope the sun holds out, if its like this all week, it'll be a damn fine ride.

Time to break out the custom shades :-)

Well, that was exciting #BBBR14

As the train pulled into Finsbury Park everything was looking good. But then came the announcement. Train cancelled.
Due to engineering works only 1 track into Kings Cross was running.  And the signal box had put our train onto the wrong platform, we could not proceed.

We argued our case with an excellent member of staff (Jamie) and she initially tried to get us onto an empty train being moved into St Pancras.  To no avail.

At our request she spoke to TFL and they agreed we could take the bikes on the Victoria line into Kings Cross. Provided we removed our front wheels, so they were luggage :-).

So now we're on the earlier train (we volunteered to help out if others were delayed) and are heading to Brussels.

Dinner tonight and then we hit the road.  My third BBBR and do hope it's the best!

Good start to BBBR14!

Waiting at the station and met a fellow rider. So chatted all the way to Kings Cross. Ride has started :-)