London to Chelmsford

I'm relaxing in the hotel restaurant, enjoying a stonking portion of pasta after what I think we can describe as a successful first day of The Tour.

After an emotional good bye to my other half I dozed on and off through the train journey to London. I was met at Kingscross by the lovely Katie who escorted me through the busy streets to a bakery for lunch. After eating she saw me safely onto the Superhighway and I was off.

That Superhighway is good isn't it? I followed it most of the way to Barking (I lost it briefly in somewhere Docklands-ish) and marvelled at the variety of London. Once into Essex and onto map two I was tiring. There was 10k that dragged and dragged - lots of navigation, lots of traffic, not enough food...so I let google take over. I stopped at a garage and got snacks and after a bit of feeding and watering I was back on form. 

Getting onto the open road was a delight. I found my way though villages and towns I'd heard of but couldn't place. Passing through Brentwood I spotted the Vine. Which I assume is a thing because it was heaving. I also spotted many white cars with personalised plates driven by idiots who can't leave their phone alone and can't pass a cyclist. I took to cycling on the pavement rather than risking life and limb at the hands of a stereotype.

Finally I made it to Chelmsford. I can't tell you much about the town itself 'cause I whizzed  through looking for tea. The hotel is nice - they let me put my bike in my room and their food just hits the spot.