Tour of Britain

The second stage of Tour of Britain passed through the village today. We had a grandstand view at the point where the race left the village for one of the King of the Mountain stages. This is the peloton - seven other riders were about 3 minutes ahead. They'd started at Keilder forest, and reached us at 11.45. I expected all the support vehicles but had no idea so many police motorcycles were involved, in an escort relay, securing all the road junctions ahead.

Apart from the excitement of the race we've had a lazy day. The supper we hosted last night went well, - everybody had a good time and enjoyed their meal. Katy brought pumpkin soup and tasty cheese scones, Ailie brought green veg, Linda a courgette and pea salad, and I made the main of a baked chicken and potato thing in a sauce of whizzed up garlic, chillis, red peppers, olive oil and tomato purée, then added lardons and baby tomatoes later. It was all tasty. Chris made rhubarb fool, and Sarah has been to Waitrose for very posh and unusual cheeses. Everybody brought a bottle of wine so that washed it down well.