Old Age Tour Day 3&4

After a night of sin in Bath i paid a visit to the church in Cirencester to repent. Interestingly Sarah waited outside, make of that what you will. 🤔😉

We'd been traveling north through the Cotswolds all morning.  Reaching Cirencester and grabbing a BLT from a comedic street street stall gave time to  route plan. 

Whilst sitting there Jason messaged and recommended Bibury. 

He wasn't wrong..

. It's beautiful and must be expensive as we passed a royal house. (the gate surround by flowers due to Queen Elizabeth's passing) 

I certainly won't be worrying about the residents ability to pay their heating bills this winter.  Like a setting from Pride and Prejudice I half expected a dashing Mr Darcy to saunter by! 

We passed via Bourton on the Water, 'Venice of the Cotswolds', the lady outside the church had fondly referenced.  It's worth a visit, set along the bank of a river with multiple stone bridges, attractions, a distillery and packed with tourists.

In keeping with the Old Age Tour theme, 120 miles later we arrived at Ludlow. Our home for the night was the remarkable hotel below...

...where Sarah wrangled a free room upgrade!! 

High fives girl 🙌

At 8pm the country stopped and held two minutes silence for the Queen. We assembled in the town square, listened to the trumpet, joined in the prayer and then i belted out the song in my best Christmas carol voice. Long Live the King! 

I think Sarah almost wet herself, she's never heard me sing.  

The following morning I planned a route home avoiding all the main roads.  Only one road could be considered a green lane today, but we had miles to munch and progress was needed.

There was an impromptu public holiday as was it the queen's funeral. (God rest her soul)  

The roads were empty and all the petrol stations were closed. This caused an issue as Sarah's bike has less capacity than old man's bladder and it was desperate.

We were turned away from some stations and others were closed with the pumps locked. I kept my eyes peeled for hose pipe in case I needed a Syphon, 

Finally, one closed station had one nozzle on one pump half locked and the 'pay at pump' card reader was still active.  It accepted the magic bank card and dispensed the Honda's life blood. 

500miles covered.

We pootled home via donnington race track and the superbike store, both closed. Maybe next time. 

Great trip. Thank you for the memories Sarah.x