Ride stats: 103.55 miles, 7,493 feet (more than the route page and maybe down to the variable atmospheric pressure but we'll take it!), 8 hrs 36 min total time, 7 hrs 13 mins cycling time.
The day started well with huge bowls of porridge but the weather unfortunately had not cleared overnight and we were greeted with a sea mist at Lands End - a shame because we were looking forward to the views.
The day started well with huge bowls of porridge but the weather unfortunately had not cleared overnight and we were greeted with a sea mist at Lands End - a shame because we were looking forward to the views.
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We saw another group of 4 riders
also setting out on their challenge but unfortunately didn't manage to
see "Panda on a bike", a local couple from back home who had contacted
us after seeing our team shirts out on a ride. We wish them luck.
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| ANOTHER FINE MIST YOU'VE GOT ME INTO! |
We wondered whether it would be possible to get through this blog without mentioning the word hill. However since that is all their seems to be on the the Cornwall and Devon roads that is an impossibility.
The start was relatively easy going but very misty and wet until we got to Penzance when Jeff was nearly mown down by the Penzance Kamikaze Paper Boy - a near miss that could have been a sorry mess had Jeff not frightened the life out of him with a "shout" worthy of a White Van Man.
We had our first stop just outside Hayle where we were due to meet an old work colleague of Vince. Unfortunately they had not arrived when we got there and so we missed them (see the Support Crew blog below).
Our route today was designed to avoid travelling on the A30 which is just as well since the few occasions we did have to use we felt like we were on a racetrack and liable to be taken out by a wayward caravan at any moment. Believe it or not some people stay on this road for the whole journey because it's quicker - we reckon they are just crazy.
Our route took us through some very narrow country lanes which although pretty free of traffic resulted in the occasional close shave such as when Jeff rounded a corner to be confronted by a Landrover and trailer hurtling down the road - the driver appeared to go very pale but Jeff stoically carried on as if nothing had happened.
Shortly after and just before we met the Support Crew for the second time we were treated to a fantastic view of Padstow (or Padstein as its referred to by the locals).
After lunch we passed through Wadebridge and started a very, very long climb to Camelford - full stomachs and legs that had seized up a bit made this tougher than it should have been. It's strange but the hills in Cornwall seemed to be short sharp ones immediately followed by another short sharp on and so on whereas the Devon hills were very long and tiring none more so than those just past Launceston and heading all the way up to Okehampton - the legs were screaming a bit by then but we had done over 90 miles.
The last bit down into Okehampton itself was downhill and a huge relief after the day we had experienced. Imagine our joy at discovering the guest house was up yet another hill!
A quick word about our support crew. They have done a great job today and were ready to greet us the guest house with recovery drinks and the offer of a massage for the weary legs - this was eagerly taken up by Ian and Jeff who ow hope it will be part of the daily recovery.
Lastly a quick explanation of the Glympse link. Those of you who followed us will have seen that it stops after 4 hours. We have to reset and load it to the web site but today that didn't work. We will try again tomorrow but make sure you use the link at the top right of the web site.
THE SUPPORT CREW BLOG
Hurrah, we can see the boys coming over the hill, we are in the right place! We had planned to meet our first supporters of the challenge at Connor Downs but the boys couldn't wait for them because they were beginning to get cold. Undeterred, when Cathy, Neil and Jessica arrived, they followed us in an effort to catch the boys up. After 20 minutes or so of driving, and still no sign of Jeff and Ian, we decided we may have been on the wrong road and then remembered we had a sat nav! Cathy and Neil determinedly continued to follow us until we unfortunately managed to lose them as well! Not doing too well so far on day 1!! We feel like we are on Wacky races!
Getting used to this navigation lark, have even ventured off course to find quieter roads where there is not so much traffic.
Lunchtime: Jeff and Ian had jam rolls, hot cross buns, flapjacks and banana cake; we had fruit, not enough left for us!
Luckily, once they had set off again,we found a farm shop that served cream teas!
Well done on getting the first day over and done with! That's the hardest bit out of the way.
ReplyDeleteGlad you managed to find a shop doing cream teas mum.
Love Jo xxx
Well done guys - a good first day and an excellent blog! We are following your progress each day and updating our Facebook page with links to your blog and fundraising page too.
ReplyDeleteGood cycling!
Best wishes from all at The Neuro Foundation