Travelsonabike2: Solo Bicycle Touring England: South Downs to the River Thames

Leaving the peace of the South Downs behind, I trade quiet lanes for the bustling roads of Surrey. From surviving a night of “cannonball” chestnuts to reaching the banks of the River Thames in Chertsey, it’s been a 40-mile journey full of autumn colours and a few wrong turns!

Today’s Highlights

Cannonball Chestnuts: The night in Graffham was punctuated by the sound of chestnuts dropping onto the ground—some of them sounded like heavy cannonballs hitting with a real thud!

Chiddingfold Bonfire: Passed through the lovely village of Chiddingfold, where they were already building their bonfire on the village green.

Autumnal Lanes: Despite the increasing traffic, the colours of the trees along the lanes of West Sussex and Surrey are absolutely stunning this time of year.

Navigational Blunder: Got a bit carried away on the main roads near Milford and ended up on the wrong road—typical me, but at least it led to a quieter route!

McLaren Hunt: Tried to find the McLaren Technology Centre but ended up stuck in traffic on the roadway instead. Better luck next time for a glimpse of the F1 world!

Thames Arrival: Reached the campsite in Chertsey, right on the banks of the River Thames. Last time I was here, it was all flooded, so it’s nice to see it looking peaceful.

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I’m Garry McGivern (Travelsonabike2), and I’ve been travelling the world by bike since 2008. Solo self-supported bicycle touring on my trusty bike, Passepartout. My vlogs are unscripted, down-to-earth and honest—sharing the highs, the lows, and everything in between of a long-distance cyclist. I’ve now cycled more than 60,000 miles around the world 🌏 and I’m still going.

My video 📹 blogs complement my written blogs, which I publish daily on my website, https://www.garrymcgivern.com/, each time I head off on a bicycle tour. Bear in mind when watching. The video 📹 is unscripted and recorded as I cycle along 🚲, and might not be of the highest quality. The footage is then cobbled together when I get home. It’s certainly no Hollywood 🎬 production. But it might just make you smile and inspire you to get on your bike and head off on your own bicycle tour.

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✋ Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. Some links are affiliate links. If you buy something, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stay safe, and keep pedalling. 🌍🚴‍♂️

DCM & Health Journey: Waking up early at 4:00 AM gave me a head start, though I’m still battling the fatigue that seems to follow me these days. Sleep is still elusive due to neck issues, which make my arms go to sleep, and the “rattling” hip isn’t enjoying the bumpy cycle paths, but reaching the Thames is a great milestone.

Watch my full DCM story: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1RViitJ4TjRocgeUTjOlMSuJ9CM8hcpa

Learn more at: https://myelopathy.org/

Video Chapters:
00:00 – Graffham Morning: Mild Weather & Cannonball Chestnuts
03:00 – Leaving Camp: Squeaky Saddles & Hidden Entrances
05:40 – Road Closed? The Gamble on Quiet Lanes
10:00 – Autumn Colours & Rundown Properties
11:50 – Early Starts & Restless Nights
14:20 – Chiddingfold Village Green & Bonfire Building
17:20 – Milford Memories & Getting Carried Away
19:30 – Jacob’s Well & Quieter Routes
21:00 – Route 223 & The McLaren Technology Centre
24:50 – M25 Crossing & Traffic Frustrations
26:40 – Chertsey Arrival & Supermarket Search
28:10 – Camped at Chertsey & The River Thames
29:40 – Chertsey Bridge & Tomorrow’s Plans

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