Rest day transfer

I’ve ridden for seven days on the bounce, eight if you include the 12km to the station today and whilst I’m physically fine, (actually better than fine, I feel great) and could ride the 130km required, I think I need a mental break so today I am taking the train to Santander. I’ll actually then have three full days off the bike when Tamsin comes out to visit. Morale is already high and having my brilliant wife visit will add to the fun.

I was wobbling about doing another week after she goes but I’m sure I will carry on now (Famous. Last. Words.). I’m looking forward to a more relaxed and open ended approach. After all, trains exist to cross big distances as quickly as needed. And whilst I have two flights booked (Perpignan and Marseilles) the combined cost is £45 – or one night’s stay in a little hotel. So I can fly from anywhere. My ongoing worry is packing up the bike or leaving it somewhere but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

I had a fun time with my real person video chat buying a ticket, she spoke English so I didn’t have to stumble through. What a sensible solution to rural stations. She came on-line much to my shock five seconds after I pressed the “touch the screen” button – I was expecting to navigate a display to get the ticket (it turned out I could have done that on the neighbouring machine that didn’t have the friendly message).

I’m now on the two carriage diesel train grinding along to Santander. Slow for a train, fast for a bike!