Rode to Bromsgrove station. Stopped on the way to remove front wheel and tighten mudgurad bolt. Forgotten how much difference the panniers make. Each one including contents weighs 8lbs.

Sent from the Mercian's handlebars by Jon

After reading a friend's blog who had broken his chain twice I've been out to buy some "magic" chain-links - just in case.
Mercian ready now, gear double checked. Packing it tomorrow.

Jon

www.justgiving.com/jon-porteous

I've just looked at the clock above my desk (I'm still at home) and realised that it's 09.50 .... THAT TIME when I will have to pedal furiously to get ahead of Jon to avoid the day's item of trivia.   [Those of you that have read the account of our French E2E, Wine-ding Down Through France, will remember Jon's trivia ramblings which always seemed to enter his mind at ten-to-ten each morning]

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From Rob's handlebars

Time to start getting my stuff into the panniers and to make some final decisions on a few items - whether to take/leave behind ... PeterB did offer to lend me the smoking jacket he took on one of our Boys' Outings, I don't smoke so I'll pass on that!

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From Rob's handlebars

Tomorrow will see me clean the Mercian thoroughly, all that dirt weighs a lot; it will be polished too.
Kit will be checked ready for the start on Saturday.

www.justgiving.com/jon-porteous

Day-by-day routes have been added to the GPS - that's to supplement the printed maps ... I like a "picture" - Jon is "gadget man" with 100% trust in the technology.   

Have to say I was surprised at how little weight the files added to the GPS 

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From Rob's handlebars

The shakedown rides for the re-painted, rebuilt Galaxy have been OK - I'd forgotten what a pleasure it is to ride this machine.    I've been round and tightened everything up and all seems ready to go, just a small amount of fettling required for the waterproof pannier covers and that should be it.

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From Rob's handlebars

On 15-16 April 2010 Rob & Jon, together with Steve, rode from Stratford, London E15 to Stratford-upon-Avon - in part as a "mini boys' outing" for some E2E training, but also to check out the route for a(nother) charity ride that Rob is helping to organise - Stratford-to-Stratford (110 miles in a day and half, 75 riders)

On the day before the "Recce Ride" started the team went to The Pedal Club in London for lunch and met the television cycling commentator (and veteran of over 30 Tours de France),  journalist Phil Liggett.   It should be noted that the club committee granted special dispensation for the team to wear cycling kit rather than the usual suit and tie!

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