Pollicott ‘Pikeys’ to hit the South Downs

Despite sterling work by our experienced accommodations manager, Vicky, it is now clear there is none to be had, at a price we can pay.

Right from the start it was looking bad with the Winchester YHA closed down. Then B&B prices began to reveal an alarming fact: cycling The South Downs Way is going to be NO budget trip. It’s a minimum £50 per person per night even in the most (apparently) simple of abodes.

But wait...enter our own super hero - Steve – a man with a plan yearning to become a man with a van.

The plan? - said van, complete with a magnificent support team and amazing logistics, will transport our tents, packs, pots and pans over hill and dale so that we can go self-sufficient. Sorted.

With decision made, Steve was fast on the case calling local van hire companies to agree a fair price. And it seems the plan will become reality. The Belles trip is to become a Pollicott community travellers charabanc mini-break with plenty of room for anyone who wants to join us. Even Des gave the offer fair consideration until he realised he would be on cat duty. He’s looking forward to the welcome home party instead at Gatehangers.

Clearly, we are all very excited – the van adds an entire new dimension to our adventure. We can cycle and cycle all day, get picked up in the van and travel in (some kind of) style to any campsite that will have us. As free spirits we will be in our element (or open to them anyway) and are so looking forward to the freedom of the open road, skies and hopefully not heavens.

Obviously we do not intend to be just any Pikeys. Menus and knicker packing spreadsheets still need to be worked on which means...oh no, oh yes...another planning session!

The South Downs Way – 10th-12th June 2011 – bring on the Pikeys on their Bikeys!