Just so I didn't acquire a false sense of security England decided to present me with all the worst weather and environmental scenarios possible when I arrived in Dover on the ferry from Calais.
Folkstone is only 16 km from Dover but when you add rain, head winds, steepe hills and only one major traffic road to ride on your 16km starts to look more like 30km. No time to think about it - just do it. One consolation is knowing there was a warm and dry hotel room waiting for me so I cocooned myself inside the rain jacket and pressed on up the hill as I sighted the white cliffs of Dover for the first time. I instinctively moved to the left side of the road which surprised me after riding on the right side in Europe for three months.
Unlike Germany and the Netherlands, France and the UK are not the most cycle friendly country as there are very few dedicated cycle paths through the country areas and only the occasional shared pedestrian/cycling path in the larger towns.
I'm already conditioned for this though, having ridden on Australian roads for over 40 years - another not so cycle-friendly country as most people drive due to the greater distances travelled. New Zealand is also a member of the family of not so cycle-friendly countries but has much less traffic and it's easier to find quieter regional roads
This part of England has seen so much and been through so much for many centuries, defending its shores from foes or welcoming friends. Along the coast of this part of England are a number of round fort-like structures that were built for the impending threat of Napoleon's fleet which never arrived.
There are also WWII bits of infrastructure built for England's defence which were targets of the German Luftwaffe, especially Portsmouth, an important shipping centre.
People in this region speak with a very distinct South eastern accent (felt like I was on the set of The Bill or Eastenders) but right from day one being English language made it a lot easier for me to manage daily tasks and organise things.
Even after all the years of watching UK television and films I never had a real appreciation of British culture and life until now. In the towns along the south east coast I have listened to the conversations of people, observed how they go about their business and tried local cuisine. It's a very busy space to be in, especially in August during their Summer holidays.
Gardens are well kept here and there are the typical quintessential labels to establishments like Inn, Arms, Manor, High Street and Lane. For walking there are small signs with Public Footpath which allow you to walk from one village to another along beautiful meadows and along farm boundaries.
And would you believe it? The dual cab Aussie-style ute is alive and thriving here in the UK. Yes, I spotted a Toyota Hilux in the iconic seaside city of Brighton of all places. in Australia a cattle dog might be riding in the back. Maybe a sheepdog in the UK?
there are plenty of campsites in the UK and most of them suitable for tents (called pitches in Europe) but I have occasionally spoilt myself and stayed in beachside guest houses in Eastbourne and Brighton.
During my recent stay in a YMCA camp near Portsmouth Rose, Dan, Phil and Floyd made me feel very welcome, as I learnt about the local drama society, soccer and StarTrek; and given some good travel guide tips for the journey north and east.
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