Firstly sorry for the lack of contact over the last few days. Technology has failed us! With the finishing line in sight (almost literally) here's an update of our last few days.
August 9th Preston - Shrewsbury - 84 miles
Highlight(s) Driving through Wigan, Warrington and any other rugby league town beginning with 'W' does not tend to have highlights apart from the abundance of flat roads to cycle on. Kinda funny having our morning snack break at a bus stop on the side of a dual carriageway in an industrial estate, rather than the usual field or park bench in on a country road. Definite highlight had to be sleeping in a bed for the first time in over a week. Massive thanks again to Andy B who left us to our own devices today having been an excellent part of the team. Also, if you're ever in Shrewsbury, eat in The Armory pub. A pub with character that does excellent food and a spiffing shandy!
August 10th Shrewsbury - Chepstow - 86 miles
Highlight(s) Many highlights on this amazing day. Cooked breakfast, beautiful weather, flat-ish roads, Andy's 3rd puncture. The ride from Monmouth to Chepstow along the Wye valley in Wales has to be the outright winner. An amazingly picturesque cycle along mostly flat roads in beautiful evening sunshine.
Man of the Match - The welsh guys destined for John O'Groats who stopped to help us change Andy's tyre. Legends, and great Welsh accents to top it!
August 11th Chepstow - Taunton - 60 miles
Highlight(s) Crossing the Severn road bridge was amazing. Finding out that Bristol is a big bowl-shaped city is not so amazing, however, realsing that Somerset is in fact very flat is a bonus. No need for a shortened 60 miler, but we grabbed the opportunity to be men of leisure and went into town for a coffee in the afternoon sun!
August 12th Taunton - Tavistock - 67 miles
Highlight(s) Finally came the much predicted 'hillage' of Devon. Breaking my 'land-steed record' was a definite highlight - 66.4 kph! My back pannier falling of the back of the bike just as we approached the 'You are now entering Devon' sign not so much, although quite funny at the time! Highlight of the day has to be the 5 mile descent into Tavistock to stay in a very nice hotel! A dream end to a tough day.
August 13th Tavistock - Flushing - 62 miles
Highlight(s) Oh my goodness, the hills! The Devon hills were just training for Cornwall! But, with great climbs come great zooming descents and wait for it - The new 'land-steed record' now stands at 77.8 kph! A massive thank you to Andy's great Aunt and Uncle Helen and Nick who took us in for the night, met us with cold beer and fed us royally until we could eat no more! Great Cornish hospitality. Definite Man & Woman of the Match! Although close run thing with the guy we met today who did End to End last year in 7 days! Albeit totally supported, a legendary effort! Maybe next year eh..?
So...just 37 miles to Lands End. Aiming for a lunch-time finish to ensure we meet our 12 day target. I'll update in a few days with pics etc when the hangover wears off!
Over and out!
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