Last update was in Wells which seems a long time ago. So here goes!
24th July: Glastonbury to St Briavels: 64 miles. The day was off to a late start as we spent a good length of time looking for Internet access. Other than that it was a good day to start with and we felt we were doing really well until getting across Bristol took us a long time! We decided to try to avoid the bulk of the traffic and used the national cycle network route which was lovely but not direct. The Severn bridge was a definite highlight though – 2 miles long but with it’s own bike carriageway and great views. At Chepstow Rachel was really ready to stop but once through the centre we had a nice run with only a reasonable climb, and some excellent road signs to spur us on (“CATS EYES REMOVED” – was this a threat or an offer of services?) to a 12th century castle, where we locked each other in the stocks (that’s what 4 years of marriage does) and ate some amazing food.
25th July – Friday: St Briavels to Clun: 72 miles. Probably our favourite day so far. It was still warm but there was some cloud and the hills are getting shallower – and we are possibly getting fitter! In Ross on Wye we had a look at what were optemistically being referred to as Roman remains, although they were still being excavated and could have been anything from an iron age temple (our preferred explaination) to a medival dovecot. Coming in to Clun was a welcome sight and we had dinner with a fellow end to ender.
26th July – Saturday/Today: 78 miles (should have been 73!) Clun to Chester. Another hot day -the only thing warmer than the weather was Peter and Lynn’s welcome in Chester – magnificant fish pie and they even did our laundry! In terms of biking this morning was amazing after 3 miles of steep climbing there was miles of downhill into the hope valley. In Shrewsbury we hoped that Joe would be falsely accused and cleared by a kindly monk before we rode off into the Welsh countryside but sadly Cadfael was having a day off. The afternoon was less fun, mostly because of the weather, but not helped by a wrong turn that added 5 miles. A frosty silence ensued until we were back on track! As we came through Chester a welcoming committee met us and we are now well fed and even clean… until tomorrow at least.
Total mileage so far: 429 miles
Sounds as if you’re really settling in to the ride now and, hopefully, the hills will stay “shallower”, although I rather doubt it. Hottest day (Sunday) here, so far this year so hope it’s cooler where you are. At least when you’re going downhill you get a lovely breeze. Geoff is looking forward to going out in this afternoon on his bike.Having got very hot walking Bertie, I’m all for lazing in the shade.Keep pedalling – well on your way now.love Grandma and Geoff
great to hear the progress – ‘only’ 5 miles detour in mover 400 – so hopefully you’re oveer that now!We are off to Wasdale Head later today so we can do a good walk on our anniversary tomorrow and shall look forward to meeting up at Windermere YHA, about 11am?Forecast is wet for Tues but we can go for a good lunch somewhere!love dad/Gavin