Day 5

 

For some unfathomable reason, everyone was more or less awake at half five this morning. I was not impressed. We didn't leave until after 8, so such an early start was quite unnecessary. As you may have guessed, I'm not a morning person!

 

After Carey and Jamie had done a splendid job with erecting the tents the previous day, we left them to take them down for us too! The lads all piled into the minibus with Omar and me and we returned them to the spot where they finished yesterday. Today saw them cycling a few miles south of Hereford, 68 miles up the road to the Fire station at Shrewsbury. Once in Hereford, we were joined by two more cyclists; Rob and another Paul (Greaves). Rob is a friend and neighbour of Paul Davies and Paul Greaves is a fellow colleague and also joined us for the Aberdovey ride a few weeks ago.

 

The route was quite scenic. We kept away from the busier A roads, and kept to the quieter country routes, taking us through Leintwardine and Bishops Castle. Yesterday's 100 mile ride really took it out of the lads and at times today it showed in their faces. Nevertheless they pushed on, taking advantage of some sweet downhills on the approach to Shrewsbury. Today was a much shorter and more pleasant day. We rolled into town just before 3pm to a very warm welcome from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Services finest. We have our own little area upstairs with a 52 inch telly! Pure luxury compared to last night where we were more or less sleeping outside (I don't like camping!)

 

We had more friends and family came to meet us this evening; Sam and Marc with their 18 day old baby girl, Grace, Hayley with her chap Dan (who are all good work colleagues and friends), then my mom, dad and sister. In no time at all we were in the pub and celebrating and day well done. On returning to the station, Glynn the watch commander asked us if we wanted a full English brekkie in the morning. What a silly question! We're not going to turn that down! I think it will be a slightly earlier night tonight as everyone is quiet tired. However, we are all looking forward to a night in a hotel tomorrow-a proper mattress at last, I can't wait!

 

Posted by John