Manchester-London- Zagreb

Might be the most stressful part of the trip! No other element will have unmissable timings. Last minute details took longer than expected and I left the house late. Cycled to Blackburn with the bike loaded, missed the target train. Second train was late and my advance ticket from Preston couldn't be changed. Happily made it with minutes to spare. 😀

The cycle through London from Euston to Joe's was great. Lovely warm summer evening. Route via Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Parliament Square, Embankment, Chelsea Bridge, Clapham Common. Easy cycling.

Packing the bike and panniers for the flight was more problematic. Serious shortage  - planning error. Not even enough for one-way! Joe fortunately (when he got in) found some more. Going to have to find a roll in Belgium for the return trip.

British Airways were great at Heathrow and once the bags and bike were gone and I was airside I could relax (at least until Zagreb). Bike was out faster than me at Zagreb and looked in good condition - which it was. All the other bags arrived.

Hotel Esplanade is fantastic. A renovated luxury from the 1920's. Two full days of hedonism with Lana's Christening on Saturday. Start the ride on Monday.