Alarm didn't go off. Woke up to sound of rain instead. Packed up an even heavier than usual wet tent and set off. Wrong turn early on and a nice detour over a large hill - the first of many. Devon is not flat by the way. And Exmoor is even lumpier. Remember that. Up and down all day and so were our spirits. Dr James' brakes wore through leaving him with only fronts - he is cautious at the best of times!
I bonked towards the end - a cycling term for losing all enegy - but was saved by flapjack. As well as hilly, our route was devoid of all civilisation, so when it came to filling our bellies and finding somewhere dry we had to crack on another 10 miles or so to a little village called Bishops Lydeard. And good things come to those that cycle hard with a warm welcome in a friendly local pub.
We ordered tea, a room, a log for the fire and settled in! The roaring fire and local steaks made all the hard miles seem worthwhile - retrospeative enjoyment. Mileage today 75 miles. Average 10.8mph. Need to catch up tomorrow. Still no celebrities spotted although Dr James' elbows are looking more and more like Frank Schleck's every day.
Love and sticky toffee puddings, J
I must take issue with Mary in your earlier blog. One has only to look at a map to realise that Scotland is much higher up than Cornwall and your ride is thus up hill.
ReplyDeleteI would throw away the tent and carry instead an up to date copy of the Good Pub Guide which will list pubs that also have accomodation.
You must talk me through your cycle rebuild in detail when next we meet!
Good luck