{"id":12796,"date":"2014-07-05T15:01:44","date_gmt":"2014-07-05T19:01:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=12796"},"modified":"2014-07-05T15:07:55","modified_gmt":"2014-07-05T19:07:55","slug":"day-8-saturday-july-5-boston-to-louth-england","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=12796","title":{"rendered":"Day 8. Saturday, July 5 – Boston to Louth, England"},"content":{"rendered":"

It was raining as expected, when we awoke this morning, so we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast waiting for the predicted stop. \u00a0As soon as we saw the break, we went for it, trying to ignore the dark clouds behind us,
\n\"DSCN7883\"<\/a>but prepared for them, nonetheless.\"IMG_0151\"<\/a> \u00a0The wind was still blowing, but not the gusts of yesterday and it was slightly off our shoulder; so it was not a hinderance, but an occasional assist. \u00a0 A last minute change on our course took us along a scenic canal.\"DSCN7890\"<\/a> We had only gone a half mile before the downpour\u00a0reached us. \u00a0\"DSCN7896\"<\/a>It was a soaker, but soon tapered to a shower\/drizzle. \u00a0It was a perfect day for riding, not too hot, not too cold\u00a0<\/em>and the scenery serene,\"DSCN7917\"<\/a> if not spectacular.\"DSCN7920\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Notables of this country: \u00a0All the homes here have names \"DSCN7900\"<\/a>and all the villages have a Church Street. \u00a0There is a strict code\/law to the roads; Everyone<\/strong> <\/em>stops at a stop light\/sign. \u00a0If you dare to cross a road (whether by foot or bike) without a green, the cars have no obligation to stop or slow to allow your completion. \u00a0Though the drivers don’t seem keen on turn signals, they are Very<\/strong> considerate of bicycles, even on very busy roads.<\/p>\n

Our entire ride was in the country, passing interesting (antique) shops,\"DSCN7901\"<\/a> homes displaying colorful flowers\"DSCN7903\"<\/a> and an occasional hamlet large enough to warrant signage\"DSCN7938\"<\/a>and one very old (1220) Bolingbroke Castle<\/a>,\u00a0birthplace of a King.\"DSCN7914\"<\/a><\/p>\n

About mid-day the sky began to clear \"DSCN7936\"<\/a>and the flat countryside we had enjoyed for days began to roll.\"DSCN7940\"<\/a>We are sure some of our new found British bike friends will laugh, but these “hills” were tough; the grades brutal.\"IMG_0156\"<\/a>A quick stop on a park bench\"DSCN7939\"<\/a> for a much needed orange, as the villages were not large enough to support a sandwich shop, and then a push to town.\"DSCN7944\"<\/a>\u00a0It was a short ride today (37 miles), as it was the only choice (that included a roof and hot shower) we had within a 100 mile radius. \u00a0But the town was worth the stop, quaint streets,\u00a0\"IMG_0164\"<\/a>pretty markets\"DSCN7953\"<\/a> and the Church of St. James.\"DSCN7959\"<\/a>A great day and a good pick-me-up from yesterday!<\/p>\n\n\t\t