Drivers Dit - D-Day + 2 and 3

Well!!! Its been two days into the trip since we've last had a minute's peace to type something up. Yesterday, Day 2, Henry "The Kitten" Jones had to give up the Captains chair of HMS Hwyl to his co-pilot, Ian "The Exterminator" Stone, whilst he had a crack at cycling on the Virgin bike. Phil "Pork Pie " Jenkins commented on the fact that he was now being driven by the Dukes of Hazzard. All I can say is, try driving a bouncy castle around America. It got so bad, that Stoney decided to have a crack at this cycling lark himself. The boys were starting to feel a bit fatigued, so Stoney thought he should do a stint in the saddle to give them a break, whilst The Kitten returned behind the wheel.

After a 3 mile climb, it turned into a 20 mile descent!!!!! In mitigation, HE didn't know that, although the Big Bear cast aspersions on his integrity by saying that he had studied the route profiles. In fairness, that's a compliment. To think that they believe that Stoney knows how to understand the profiles!!!!!!

Day 3 was a totally different matter. Henry returned behind the wheel in glorious sunshine in Kingman, Arizona, ready for our stint towards the Grand Canyon. All went well initially, with superb times made on each leg by our intrepid cycle team and we made 60 miles in rapid time. We even had time to do a spot of shopping at one of the Route 66 Outposts. Unfortunately, the wind kicked up and cycling became a danger to everyone involved. Henry had to steer into the raging wind to keep HMS Hwyl on an even keel. The storm clouds were rising and,although they made for great photographs, it wasn't conducive to safe cycling conditions, although this intrepid bunch do not know the meaning of CAN'T!!!. Can you believe that the weather got worse when we finally arrived at Tusycan!!!!! We turned up at one od the wonders of the world and could not see further than our noses. What a waste of $50 entrance fee for the two vehicles. All that was left was to return to the hotel (after Merve insisted that the trip to the canyon was the same as visiting Lapland in a heatwave!!!!!) and enjoy their hospitality - Andrew Porth leading the way.

Early start tomorrow. Hopefully, we will see the sunrise in the Grand Canyon - weather permitting, although I am not holding my breath!!!!

Must also mention the sterling work that Able Seaman Wilding is doing in the support car. Two full days behind the wheel, keeping spirits high (and protecting the cyclists in the high winds with his superb driving) and continuing to maintain his sense of humour. It must be because he's had a big double bed to stretch his limbs in, until Stoney's dulcet nocturnal tones reach his listeners!!!!!