In the second phase of his attempt at an RRTY award (Randonée Round the Year) Martin Badham rode from the Travelodge where he had spent the night to the start in Bedford, a little longer than necessary due to a dispute with his GPS. Therefore I arrived to find the bunch had already departed so rapidly picked up my Brevet card and set off in pursuit. The route westwards out of Bedford gradually climbs up to Chichley Hill roundabout and Newport Pagnall and two more late starters overtook me along here. Through Wolverton to Old Stratford where I took my first, planned, deviation from the route. The Official Route was all on A and B roads and I thought to use some lanier alternatives. The first took me along a cycle-path that crossed the big roundabout on the A421 by a flyover. The cycle-path was fairly clear of snow and ice but the metal flyover was covered in irregular ice. The trike made it over after a fairly rough ride, then onto the lanes heading for Wicken and Maids Moreton, then a short piece of main road into Buckingham for the first control. All controls were free, meaning that proof of passage could be obtained by producing a till receipt from any shop, café or ATM. Buckingham appears to exist in a different century, the centre of town was absolutely quiet with nary a shop open. Eventually I spotted a convenience store where I bought some biscuits but had to ask the shop lady for a receipt which she produced with a quizzical look. As I sorted myself out before setting off again two of my tricycling colleagues whizzed by with greetings hanging in the air. They disappeared around the corner and by the time I had gathered my wits and set off were out of sight. I caught a glance of them as they exited the roundabout at the top of the next, long, hill and didn’t see them again until the finish. Reverting to the Official Route along the A4095 around the Bicester ring road and off on Lane Variation 3 along part of the Akeman Street. This proved to be a sluggish plug into the slight but nagging head-wind. Back on the A4095 and resolved to stick to the OR for the rest of the day to Witney and the final few kilometres along the A40 to the Little Chef at Burford. Replete with eggs and beans on toast, ordered, eaten and paid for in 12 minutes, I set off on the return leg. The views from the A40 of Cotswold valleys below the ridge were stunning and the wind, now largely behind me was very helpful. Passing along the Bicester ring road I was waved at by one of the aforementioned trikies who had retired with painful knees and was on his way home. Darkness came shortly before Buckingham and the drizzle started at Wolverton, interspersed with heavy showers. I donned my rain jacket and now blessed the slope of the land from Chichely Hill to Bedford, bowling along until the odd climb reduced my head-long dash to a crawl. Its surprising how slowly kilometres can pass at the end of a long ride, but at least they pass quicker than miles. Eventually the organiser’s house came in view and I was able to chat with the third tricyclist before she headed home. Refreshed with tea and pizza I headed further East until I was able to cry “One more kilometre and we’re in the shower!” but when I got into my room I could not make the thing work so settled for a bath. Two rides done, only ten more to go!