Back to Old Blighty

The early hours of Monday morning I was awake with the pouring rain hammering on the roof of the cabin. Not a good omen for a motorcycle journey of 379 miles. At seven in the morning it was still pouring with rain and the breakfast news was showing pictures of flooding in Gothenborg. My Swedish is very poor indeed, but the forecast appeared to say clearing from the West during the day. Some times you just have to get on with it.


The first leg to the ferry at Helsingborg was wet. It varied from torrential to drizzle, but never stopped completely. A comfort break drinking hot tea through the face plate of my helmet is memorable for the wrong reasons. As the ferry arrived in Denmark the sun was shining, and it stayed dry (just about) all afternoon. My clothes actually dried out before I reached Henrik and Anna's. 200 miles across Denmark and it is an easy journey. Toll between Zealand and Funen and arriving at my friends house for "Tea Time". Nice.


It has been just over two months since I saw them on the way out. A wonderful dinner of roast beef (if only beef was always this good), a beer or two, and convivial chat in good company. I really hope we get to ride together sometime. We shall look for that opportunity. I spent Tuesday exploring Jutland, making my way across from the east coast to the west with it's sand dunes and resorts. It could be the east coast of England. Very similar indeed. Finally after tiring myself out on the bike all day, I arrived at the port at Esbjerg to catch the ferry back to Harwich. Meeting fellow bikers in the queue in the rain. You never know who you are going to meet. It's a good crowd and I have company for the voyage. Talk of bikes, trips, English riots, and how our country seems to be going to hell in a handcart. News from home is so depressing. Some say we have to understand what made them riot. Hang em up by their thumbs I say!!

Noon in Harwich and it's a dry day. I know the route home from here well. I worked out this way for some time, and still have friends in the East. Adjusting to driving on the left took no time at all. Soon I was humming alone at a progressive pace, eager to get this last leg done. A break at a supermarket at Bury St Edmonds for basic provisions. My fridge at home is empty, as it should be. Also a card for my nephew. It's his birthday in two days. I remembered, got the card, now all I have to do is deliver it. Three hours gets me into Warwickshire with no fuss at all. This has been a very easy return from Jonkoping, in stark contrast to last years adventure.

I surprise the hell out of my little sister, turning up on a fully loaded bike, unshaven and needing a cup of tea. I even remembered to get the card I bought out of my luggage and hand it over to the lad himself, who popped in to see his Mum. Homecoming into my street and neighbours greeted me with a beer. I guy could want no more. Friends on either side of the North Sea. I am truly blessed. At last bed before I fall over exhausted. Let tomorrow take care of itself.