Welcome to Devon

Thursday 22 June 6.30pm

Axbridge is lovely but we had to leave.

Today was a relatively easy day, ‘only’ 67 miles and 3500 feet of climbing at an average moving speed of 13.9 mph.  It was fairly cold this morning, overcast and quite dull for the first 40 miles or so as we ground out the miles on the busy A38 through Bridgewater and Taunton.  A hot chocolate and slice of carrot cake at a Costa Coffee by the side of the M5 relieved the boredom followed by a few minutes sleep. Then Mark developed a problem with his gear switcher and we diverted to Tiverton town centre bike shop where it was fixed by someone who understood how these things work. Whilst waiting outside it was noticeable how many younger people wore studs in their faces. Perhaps I am maligning the fine people of Tiverton and there was a face piercing convention in town. Alternatively perhaps it reflects a lack of things to do in winter.

The novelty of cycling is wearing off and I am tired one minute and then mysteriously rediscover my cycling legs. There is no consistency in my ability to climb; I struggle on some hills that look easy and make steady progress on hills that are harder. This inconsistency makes every hill we approach quite daunting and we have a lot of hills again tomorrow.   

I was keen to get to our destination quickly. We left the A38 shortly after Tiverton onto the A361, and then, following a route we found on the internet, a network of back lanes that we navigated using the Garmin sat nav. This was the first time the Garmin has proved useful on the trip and it guided us through the rolling countryside we associate with Devon, via single track lanes and avoiding the worst of the hills.

The sun came out and after a final stiff climb out of Crediton we arrived at our destination at the Lamb Inn in Sandford.  Again we have been very lucky in our choice of accommodation – another 16^th century Inn with excellent rooms and wifi. If the food tonight is as promising as the Inn looks then we are in for a good night.

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For those who are interested in our route tomorrow, details can be seen on:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/31079476

Yesterday's route is at:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/31079400

Today's route is at:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/31079442

We have 2 days to go. Tomorrow will only be 65 miles but almost 6000 feet of climbing. I am already feeling out of breath. Al’s family are joining us tomorrow night in Wadebridge and I’m looking forward to a pre final day celebration.
Highlight of the day: Arriving at the Lamb Inn – great rooms and shower.

Surprise of the day: Maximum speed of only 34mph on the A38 – I was going flat out downhill but again we had the wind in our face all day and this cost at least 5mph on this stretch of road.

Body report: Calf twinge this morning which was worrying but everything back working this afternoon.

Expectations for tomorrow: Short, sharp pains repeated every hour or so.