See how dark it is in that picture? It's what you should expect isn't it, when you cycle through the night? But I found it very dark. It's as if I was in one of my tunnel phases on the third night of a 1200. This Friday night was long. We were in Pulborough and it was still dark, very dark. I was waiting, urging on dawn.
I'd been struggling to stay awake. I was dozing off. I was going backwards and sideways, on the hills.
When Simon announced Pulborough train station being 5 minutes away, I didn't have much hesitation. Be bold, I thought, dare to take the train. “I'll take the train, Simon”. He double checked and looked closely to make sure it was me.
Miranda joined me – there is no shame in taking the train with a PBP ancienne was her reasoning. We got to the train station and bought tickets. On the screen we could see that we had just missed a train to Bognor, on the platform we could see that the train was delayed. That got us into euphorics. Within a couple of minutes were were on the train, and the lights were on! Bright light like daylight!
Photo by The 5 Mile Cyclist |
Somebody asked: 'Are you cyclists'? 'Yes', said Miranda. We looked at each other: 'No, we're trainers!'
It was nice to see everybody. I wanted to be on the last ride (I can't make Southend). I enjoyed The Cabin and the Lobster Pot Cafe breakfast, as well as the company on the train back to London.
Thanks to riders, tecs, waymarkers and Simon and Susie for a wonderful era of night cycling.