Portentious news awaited me at a gathering at the house of the Nobleman of Norton regarding ye tandem. It transpires that the Tipsy Queen of Kirbymisperton and an Empress recent from India have been blown to the 4 winds for reasons unknown. A man-Eagle and a she-eagle from Pickering will be flying alone and with much swiftness.

The evil Witch of Sinnington hath now decreed that I, a mere serf from the land of Worcestershire, will both run the tandem and also disguise myself as the Lady Sarah. Woe is me, as never so far hath I previously run and mascara have I not.

A mere glimmer of hope have I. On Saturday 10 miles were sprung in much snow and I liveth still. (Not however in drag for fear of the lusty yeomen of Gt Habton and Little Barugh.) A Physick from Malton has a thrice-rule which divines that I may therefore survive this ordeal. The Gods will decide..