Tour of Britain

The Tour of Britain Cycle Race came past the end of our road today - such excitement!

We had been advised that they would pass at 12.23 - amazingly exact! We were at the roadside in good time and gradually people began to congregate. But still the everyday traffic continued. We knew there was to be a rolling road closure, but things didn't start to happen until about 12.20. Suddenly there were police motor cyclists everywhere with blue lights flashing. They stopped cars from coming out onto the main road and directed traffic going towards the race down the side road. Each motor cyclist was in place for just a few seconds, then as another came up from behind to take over the first one sped off. It was all so efficient! Then suddenly, at precisely 12.23, along came the race, speeding by. There was hardly time to take it in before they were gone. We were all cheering and then, after dozens of support vehicles carrying spare bicycles and tyres and hundreds of logos, it was all over. The traffic started up again and we all went home.

We watched the race live on TV later in the day, trying to work out where they were in the countryside we know so well.

We were sad that our family hadn't been here to see it all - they came later in the day and we've had a happy time with my sister and her husband staying for a few days too. Eight round the table to enjoy a "granny roast" - it was great to have them here.