Chapter *26*
Up, Up & Away

“Back to the bikes.” Steve commanded as the ferry began its approach to Verreno.

Riding off wasn't really an option, the ramp and slipway were a bit too steep to ride up from a standing start at the bottom so we pushed our steeds onto dry land.

“Right, guys, mount up – let's get this show on the road!” Caro instructed.

Chapter *24*
Hotel Como

Tonight we were on three tables, riders on two and the support team, for which read the adults, on the other. There wasn't anything to say so but the girls all ended up on one table, lads on the other – I say girls, I was first to a seat, Mand and co just filled the other places so it was girls and me. Once we were seated, our host claimed our attention.

Chapter *20*
My Own Bed

Der Mühle is a typical German restaurant cum pub, something which I no longer think about but clearly the majority of my companions were a bit uneasy about.

“Not been here for a while ”I observed as I headed inside.

“Drew!” Claire hissed, “It's a pub.”

“Yeah?”

“We're under age?”

Chapter *17*
Tripping

Whilst everyone had been through the day's testing, not everyone would be going to Italy so Friday morning saw the departure of David, John and Steve leaving just nine of us for the day's activities, a two hour bash around the Pennine foothills. I felt bad for David and Steve, they've been giving their all but I guess we've been building towards this point since we arrived.

Chapter *15*
Shop ‘til You Drop

It took some effort but I did finally get my intent into Manda's bonce.

“Why didn't you just say?”

Grrr!

“Where've you guys been?” Sal queried when we found them a few minutes later.

“I needed to pick up some supplies.” Mand supplied showing them the box in her basket.

Chapter *13*
Finger Bobs

I woke to the incessant buzzing of my alarm and someone banging on the door.

“Come on Drew, you'll miss brekkie like.”

It took my addled brain cells a moment to identify the voice.

“It's early yet.”

“Finally, I've been knocking for ten minutes man.”

“What's so urgent? It's only half past.”

Chapter *11*
Dance Away

“You on?”

“Huh?” it's not bad enough I've been dragged to Jess's room where I'm stood here in my undies but now she's talking gibberish.

“You're wearing a pad.”

On? Oh right, “Just some spotting.” I allowed, which isn't a lie.

Chapter *9*
Small Gains

“Flippin cheek, there's two lads here too,” Josh mumbled.

“Don't worry big boy, you can be an honory girl,” Manda giggled.

“What about me?” I complained in an attempt at macho-ness.

Mand just gave me a look; well okay I didn't press things.

Chapter *7*
The Amazing Jess

“Jess.” I wasn't sure if I was happy to see her sat with Josh or not.

“Where you been Gab?”

“Changing?”

“Josh was telling me you got selection, way to go girl!”

Josh gave me a look, ‘who is she?' he mouthed.

“Er thanks.”

“Where's Mand?”

“Right here,” she stated from behind me.

Chapter *5*
Making The Cut

“Do I look like her Clive?” I queried turning to address the source of the voice.

Chapter *1*
Stepping In

The dining room was surprisingly quiet, not even all the Sunday squad were in attendance, Caro and Steve didn't turn up until I was well into my chicken and wedges. Something has obviously gone down today, something not good, maybe someone's had an accident?

Chapter *38*
Plane Sight

I was debating whether to go back for arm warmers when Steve joined us after breakfast next morning.

“I hope you lot are ready for a good leg stretch.”

There were a few mumbled replies vaguely supporting the notion.

Chapter *34*Change of Focus

Jess fetched herself a drink while Mand and I tackled the salad.

Chapter *32*Canned Heat

The following morning's ride was pretty straightforward, no specific aims, no special requirements. Despite that it was a much more disciplined affair than when we started last week, we formed up into a rotation without prompting, no one trying to burst the pack or shying from their turn. That's not to say it wasn't a hard ride, we headed across to Glossop before turning south over some fairly tough climbs to Chapel en le Frith before heading back towards Manchester.

Chapter *28*

Granddaughter

I was vaguely aware of a car parking nearby as Mand and I had our short exchange.

“Come on you two, Caroline will have my guts for garters if you get colds.”

“So what do you think its gonna be like?” Hel asked.

“Dunno really.” Bern had started the current line of discussion, my summer with BC.