Well, a bit of a mixed bag today. Left by 8.15am out of Salisbury, no problems. A nice ride although a few challenging hills which had me gasping for oxygen. Made it safely into Amesbury which is very close to Stonehenge. They are building a new tourist centre and parking facility. In Amesbury I tried to find the road out but was horrified to see that traffic was diverted onto the road I had to travel, called Salisbury Road. It was narrow, steep and chockers with cars, buses, lorries with virtually no room to ride a bike. Well, a bit stumped about what to do. Didn't want to risk it but couldn't turn back. So I rode back into the centre of Amesbury to the tourist information centre to see if they knew of an alternative route. The woman at the centre was very helpful and a bit concerned that I was contemplating riding up this rather steep and busy road. She said that there really wasn't any other way unless I rode on the major highway but that would be certain death.
Ok. Not what I wanted to hear. Move on to plan B...when in doubt, get a taxi. She phoned a friend of hers who agreed that cycling on this particular road was not safe, so a taxi arrived. He was also stunned to hear about the map and route needed, threw the bike in the back and off we went.
Disappointing but now I have had some time to think about it, probably the best choice on the day, despite costing a bit to go by taxi.
Tomorrow is a day in Devizes so will possibly take the public bus out to Avebury which is supposedly even better than Stonehenge.
Devizes is a relatively busy town and has a confusing road system, but I am getting expert at getting lost. I think I might stay in tonight! I can only take so much stress in one day :)
