DONE IT :) :) :) :)
Through the wind and rain and hail - the banana made it all the way to Clyffe Pypard - along with my intrepid support crew - the rather fabulous Paula and Debs (who then went on to ride back home to Braintree after having deposited me safely - which means I am a bit of a girl!)
Only one exciting detour through the middle of Oxford on the way down - saw lots of people and countryside - at one point I thought `Oh, there is a tree with eyes' ...... or a deer by the side of the road as they are known!
The Youth Hostel at Clyffe Pypard is fantastic and I can't wait to go back - bikerguru will love the real ale, so maybe I will take him out for some air! We were soaked when we got there, but Libby the owner made us all tea and custard creams, refused to let us pay and let us thaw out by the roaring log fire. A couple of pints or Crop Circle and a tasty fish pie later, I took myself off to bed.
Next morning, up at 7am and off on the road, through the winding country lanes and spectacular scenery. Took Sid through Wooton Bassett and stopped at the war memorial. Then on to the motorways, which is a nice easy way of getting back home - well, it was until he cut out. Then again when I took him off at the next exit. Then again as I turned into the car park. So I took myself into Starbuck, cried a bit, thought a bit and rung BMW to recovery me.
A lovely guy called Kevin came and picked me up, and took us both home. I think a little chat with the dealer is due tomorrow, but still, I got home, safe and sound, I did the ride as I had planned and I met some lovely people along the way, including Peter Crouch, who I met in the newsagents where I broke down - in true Funsize style, I just thought `He's a tall fella' until I realised who he was! Bless. And he IS a tall fella!
So, this is my opportunity to say a huge and very heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who supported me, those who gave money, those who came along with me and those who just wished me well - every little helps.
Well - took the banana suit for a test-ride today. All went well, although it's a bit windy - my second-least riding condition, but such is life!
Also tried to find the Grubbs Up cafe, which it turns out was on the opposite side of the A120 and was ...... erm ..... how to put this politely ....... not what I am used to! So, the plan is as follows:
Leave Ardleigh (home) at 9.00am and pootle over to Braintree, pick up Paula and Debs, pootle on to McDONALDS at STANSTEAD for a stop and a munch. Those who need to peel off and go elsewhere can do so, and those who want to continue can do so too.
Carry on along the A roads via Thame and Swindon, down to Clyffe Pypard, collapse in a heap and drink beer! Then sleep, then come home!
At the mo I feel a whole range of emotions - excited about tomorrow, proud of those who are supporting me, disappointed in those who are not. But mainly excited :)
Soooooo - the banana suit is all cleaned and pressed, the route is sorted - no longer going to call in at the Ace, but will stop along the way - A120 and then kinda hanga left towards Wiltshire!
In order to placate the Great Lord Isobar (god of weather) I have also bought a really sexy all-in-one rain suit! Only a tenner off Ebay!
So, tomorrow I plan to meet my dear mate for brekkie. Little does he know that I have designated tomorrow as `National Try Out Riding In the Banana Suit Day' and in manner of Eddie Izzard, I will be sticking my chin out in a manly fashion, puffing up my chest and riding round in THE SUIT!
I'm also starting to think that it's about time the chicken hat came out again, and the double sided tape so
I can fix it to my lid. I will be using the yellow lid, to match in with the whole banana outfit!
23 March 2010 - new ride, new bike. Some kind soul (no longer a friend) has sent me a wonderful youtube vid of a guy on a scooter, being mown down and killed by an artic. You see him go under the wheels and ....... anyway I don't want to think about it anymore. Angry as I am, (as the sender seemed to think it was funny??????!!!!!!!! someone dying is funny - wtf????) it has made me think again - bearing in mind everything happens for a reason, I've decided to take Sid the 650cc BMW. Not that this makes me exempt from premature death, but it might help! And he will match my banana suit! So new pic going up in a bit!
St Helena Hospice is a palliative care facility in North Essex - Hospices are funded from charitable donations and grants. We do NOT charge people for care and are NOT a private hospital. The Hospice is open to everyone who has had a diagnosis of a life shortening condition - regardess of age, race, creed or culture.
