The night was cold. Very cold. I woke up dressed in full thermals, fleece jacket and fleece hat with only a tiny breathing hole in the sleeping bag. My water bottles had frozen and there was a frost on the tent.

Todays destination is West Bromwich. Those with cycle touring experience might wonder why i'm heading there. Those without cycle touring experience will also probably wonder why i'm heading there. However, if you knew my friends Andy and Jean who i'm heading to, then you'd understand.

The days riding was again fairly uneventful, although heading into Birmingham which is Britain's second largest city was mentally challenging, trying to share the road with peope who thought a mere cyclist had no place on it. The day's highlight was undoubtedly in Abbots Bromley. I pulled up next to a man walking down the road to ask if there was a cafe nearby. He said there wasn't, but would I like to come to his house for a cup of tea, which I did. Thanks to Malc and Liz for this act of kindness.