On the 6th of April 2005, cousins Jamie Mackenzie and Ben Wylson set off on their bikes on a journey which will take them to over 50 countries and to every one of the worlds great continents, all without the use of an aeroplane.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007: Home
It seemed like we'd been biking for ages. We had been biking for ages. The port of Dunkirk was nowhere near Dunkirk itself. Somewhere within the bowels of our minds we did remember it being a bit of a way away as it was from Dunkirk that we first rode into France almost three years ago. However, given that our brains often have trouble retaining information on what happened yesterday there was little hope that they might save us from the stressful ride which lay ahead of us.
As the morning tootle to the port at Dunkirk passed the point of being drawn out, it entered a new phase of if-we-don't-get-to-the-port-soon-we're-not-going-to-make-the-Dover-ferry. The family would be mortified if we missed the boat as they were all turning out at the port especially to meet us. What a bad start it would have made to a new beginning in that world of deadlines and appointments, a world we once knew rather uncomfortably well, one we would have to readjust to from that day forth.
If we missed the boat we would be left feeling angry and hot and bothered. We were already experiencing the latter as we asked each other frequently: "Where is the port?!" In no time this question had been exchanged for profuse sweating and countless strings of swear words. The signs for the port had been directing us through an industrial estate about 10 miles from the town, until they had abruptly left us in the lurch by informing us that the 'rue' was closed. They failed to provide a diversion so we - using our impeccable logic and some instinct - managed to get ourselves within sight of the ferry by following the coast south. We rode the last couple of miles of FWE way above the industrial estate's speed limit and only just made it onto the boat.
The port officials gave us our first taste of the Queen's English and not long after strapping the bikes to a metal bar below, we were eating a real English Breakfast. It tasted good but the price in pounds seemed so extortionate that we retained the layer of sweat we'd built up on our manic rush for the boat for most of the 5-hour voyage across the English Channel.
It was at about the midway point that reality began to hit: we were going home... and it did not sit too well. We were uncomfortable, irritable and a miserable dread took hold of us. I guess this was our moment of resistance to the termination of a way of life we had come to know so well. We had gone without mod-cons for such a long time, from mobile phones to the option of wearing a different-coloured jumper. We were quite sure that this day marked the end of the steady direction and simplicity of being on the road.
Our odd sentiments continued to plague us until the moment came for us to wheel our bikes off the ferry towards the family whom we love so much, those who have stuck by us throughout this crazy journey from day one, those who have worried about us at every revolution of the pedals. Even our ancient granny who had had a stroke while we were away would be there. Apparently she has said a prayer asking for our safe return every night for the entire time we have been away.
As we slowly pedalled towards the white cliffs, our worries dissipated; we heard calls of joy coming from a throng of Mackenzies and Wylsons who had gathered by the arrivals gate. We managed to read the words "Welcome back Jamie and Ben" painted onto a big white banner, and when the first set of arms were thrown about us, we knew we were home.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007: Yes we are back in England!!!
To all FWE followers,
1. We did arrive safely on English shores! Thank you for all your mails of concern. It seems many of you thought we had decided to stay in France for good...
2. We are sorry for the lack of updates. Our excuse: We took a month off; thought we deserved it.
3. The book and the film are under way....
4. Never fear, we will write up the account of our return and post it soon.
Watch this bit of screen. Things could get very interesting....
Love,
Jamie and Ben
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