The tour started in Beaconsfield on July 29, 2002. Beaconsfield is a halfway point between London and Oxford. Here I am all packed up and ready to start pedalling.
Early on, I passed a park with a small pond.
I didn't know it then, but rolling green hillsides would be my constant companions for the next two weeks.
After getting a bit lost and having to ride 5 miles out of my way, I stopped for my first lunch. I commemorated it with a picture.
As I began riding through villages, I started seeing these attractive churches. I would later come to realize that virtually every village has an attractive church.
At first, it was all new and even the houses looked quaint.
This thatched-roofed house caught me eye, as well.
My destination for the first day was Stanton St. John, which is a few miles to the east of Oxford. I was tired but exhilarated when I saw this sign.
Stanton St. John also had a nice old church.
I was staying with Julia's Uncle Ray. Here he is watering some of his garden.
The day I started riding was hot and humid. A heat-spell breaking thunderstorm was forecast for the evening and as it was about to start, I got this picture of a huge cloud illuminated by the setting sun.
Tuesday, July 30: Stanton St. John to Bourton-on-the-Water
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