Feel the wind in your hair and the bugs of Britain.

Up early. Packed and ready to ride.


6am - Ros prepared a gourmet breakfast - berries and yoghurt followed by a cooked breakky and an English Breakfast.

We shot off early to miss the traffic on our way to Shrewsbury. This was the first real test ride for 'the crossing of' the European border next week. It ended with a slightly sore ass (pol), gravel skids and hunger pains from the 3 hour trip but a big contented smile. We did it...and it was GREAT!

Pol rode the first 2 hours and found the motorways to be a common sense affair; 3 lanes - Left = slow lane, middle = medium speed land and right lane = fast lane - AND everyone figured this out and drove accordingly.

Overtaking on the right only and courteous drivers made the journey relaxed - AND everyone one the road seemed to know their place and which lane to use - COURTEOUSLY. Merges were smooth and uneventful...a little different to what we're used to....

The 700 handled well. Ros made sure of that on her part of the leg to Shrewsbury.

Dawnie (ros's aunt) lives in a beautiful country cottage. (We are staying here for tonight before leaving for Chelsea tomorrow).

The afternoon was spent mainly at TK MAX (thanks to Ros) and a quick tour around Shrewsbury with many beautiful Tudor black and white buildings with walkways built specifically to protect one from getting showered with sh*%$ as one walks down narrow alley ways - historically speaking.

We really enjoyed spending time with Dawnie - our chauffeur, fashion advisor, tour guide and general advice counselor. Thank you Dawnie!

Trip went smooth and luggage taken with us in our 3 panniers so far has been sufficient as we sit here writing this entry after dinner (chicken and salad...thank you Dawnie!). So far so good for the Europe trip. We are both looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.