Day Six: I must go down to the sea again*

Spalding to Cromer. 80 miles 5 hrs 30

12 noon: Received text from Kings Lynn intimating they were ahead of schedule and were eating an apple pie [both or just Brad wasn't made clear].

12.45 Brad rang from vicinity of Great Massingham; aiming for lunch in or near Fakenham; still ahead of schedule (hope this isn't too tempting for the Pixie of Punctures). ETA promised after their lunch.........

Meanwhile back at Incleborough House, Barbara is doing what B&B ladies do plus making an extra cake - she's been reading this blog and is ready for 2 hungry cyclists (She doesn't believe they'll do the Fun Run...).

Chris, our elder son, has popped in to Cromer to check that bicycles are allowed near pier [one can't check everything in advance]

LATER.....

After several texts and phone calls but no visits from the Puncture Pixie we hear our Daring Duo have reached Cromer but don't know way to pier (er.. head towards sea?). No. 1 son, Chris, directs them towards the church where he points them down towards said pier; no.2 son, Adam, runs down ahead to video triumphal arrival on esplanade to wild cheering from Rent-a-mob**.

Locals ignore us in-spite of retina-searing orange MS Society T-shirts worn by our heroes. Probably thought we were part of the Carnival! Barbara bought double flake ice-creams for the cyclists (Adam and Chris only merited singles). Photos were taken, wives were kissed then Allie (friend and Cromer B&B lady) arrived, kissed the cyclists (who didn't know her from Adam and vice versa), apologised for being late then invited us back to her place for cold drinks in the garden. Several drinks and B & B anecdotes later [and would you believe Allie's partner had met Paul's brother ? We moved on to Incleborough House, East Runton where the cyclists finally got a shower. (Suggestions about how nice a quick dip in the sea would feel after 400 miles fell on deaf ears, especially after cold beer had been mentioned.) Followed by Nick's excellent chicken and tomato pasta with garlic bread, and a little wine.

And so to bed.........