Day 2: New Forest to Cranleigh

Day 2 of my bikepacking adventure started early. I had hit the sack by 8ish the following night, so by 5:30am was up, showered and sorting out my breakfast and tent. It was a lovely sunrise, making the coffee and the moment, that much more special.

By 7:30am I had fully packed up and was on the road. The legs were still a bit tired and the backside was tender. The countryside route was lovely, albeit there were several gravel and off-road sections that were really tough. As it was so remote, my coffee stop came and went - I finally stopped at a pub to grab some food (steak and chips) and a beer (not the best choice) after 60km of cycling.

Thereafter, it was slow going, to say the least. At 80km I stopped for coffee (2x flat-whites) and a huge slab of carrot cake, which made me feel a bit sick.

The last 30km was slow - lots of off-road sections and my legs had had enough! I was going to stop at another pub - the menu looked good, although decided to get to campsite, pitch tent and shower, before I dropped.

In the tent now, lovely evening, and thinking I may get a brew + food going soon.

I expect another early night and then early start tomorrow. I am glad I only have 40km to home.