What a thoroughly splendid day at the beach... I grew up next to a beach and never imagined it could be filled so quickly with so many hungry people, arriving on all sorts of cycles/contraptions and so many amazing outfits and reasons for riding.
I was fortunate enough to have about an hour or so of sleep before receiving a message from Rich, asking if I was at the beach. The message arrived at 01.43, about 2 minutes before my alarm call. Within 15 minutes I had popped the rest of the house into the back of my car, cleaned my teeth, avoided breaking any ribs and was on my way. En-route I had to call the Boys and Girls in Blue to a young man, sat on the top of the Orwell Bridge; not normal behaviour for that time of the morning, with no sight of a car or other means of transport, I was quite concerned. They had a car on the way to the young man within a minute although when they called to ask me for a description, I couldn't give much more than, 'young man, sat on edge of bridge'. I do hope that he was ok.
Shortly before Dunwich I came across Bambi and probably her Grandmama, wandering across my path, I didn't call anyone about these two but waited patiently for them to go on their way.
I found two bodies in the Flora Cafe at Dunwich, both alive and able to converse; Rich and Toontra. Rich, having just completed 300k of a 500k audax and Toontra, first time I had met Toontra and a pleasure.
Much of the rest of the day involved popping the kettles on, filling the urn thingy, cooking sausage, bacon, beans and other stuff that I can't quite remember at the moment and probably have no desire to remember tomorrow or next week.
Roger and Mike arrived around 5am. Roger got his sausage and all was well. Both guys looking as fit as ever.
Then peeps just arrived in dribs and drabs, one guy had come over from Helsinki and I am unable to remember his name but it was a pleasure to meet him.
Blankets, chairs, sleeping bags and bodies were to be found loitering around my faithful automobile. Great to see everyone again, an amazing effort and achievement. Congratulations to Mrs Oaky who had if I remember rightly, never ridden over 50 miles and certainly not in the night, also to CrinklyLion of Team Cake and Cuddles, Feline who looked far too clean. I apologise for suggesting we drag you around the car park to make you dirty. Some had no problem getting dirty, mentioning no names, Jane. I am certain that her eggs multiplied in their box as there appeared to be an endless supply of eggs.
I had to leave a little earlier then planned and so can't say much more about the happenings but well done to everyone and apologies if I haven't mentioned you here but I am an ickle bit tired and still emptying the car. I have a few photographs, I'll post them tomorrow. If I remember anything else I will post later.
Oh yes, I think I saw Bishop Kahn through Needham Market, sorry I didn't pull over.
x
