Day 3, Tiverton to Chepstow

By all accounts this was due to be a tough day because it was the longest so far and with a sting in the tale as the last 4 miles crawl up into Chepstow. However, we had a great cycle down to the Somerset levels, through some more superb Devon countryside. Then the levels were just fantastic to cycle along. We almost formed a peleton ….. with the group coming together now as a cycling team. Smooth steady rhythm as we sped along those roads …

So a long day, over the Avon and Severn Bridges, but our rapidly developing team of intrepid adventurers took it all in their stride and sailed into Auntie Elizabeth’s quality B and B in fine spirits. As we sit and reminisce with a relaxing drink, it’s a feeling of achievement and satisfaction that pervades the air. Yes, aching knees, sore fingers (Julie), a very stiff back, (Helen) and an under carriage that cripples! (Derek) but that’s all in a day’s journey for this team of willing volunteers.

Even Martyn, our intrepid leader and detailed planner is beginning to get into that well-oiled rhythm that bodes well for the rest of the journey. He claimed the first puncture a few meters from home, “retribution” cried Helen who had been assured that we had a full 4 miles to go, and the day contained ‘NO SIGNIFICANT HILLS’ !!!!!!

Julie will be wearing the yellow jersey at her current rate of progress, by the time she makes her next live call in to BBC Radio Cambridge to update them on our adventures. A most encouraging day with a strong finish, well done to her.

The St Albans boys are in fine form, with “mankini man” Neil the pin up boy of the trip so far!

So tomorrow it’s into Wales and the beautiful “golden valley”. Spirits are up, anticipation is high.

Comments for the day …..

Iain – What a joy to switch off on such a wonderful day.

Julie – reminiscing about past careers having spent 23 years in Avon Police Force ……

Eddie – Saying goodbye to my second home Devon ……

Mark – Job phone calls at the most inappropriate moment, i.e. up a steep hill.

Helen – I’ve had a fantastic day, but now, glass of wine in hand, my bed is calling (I wish my husband could read my mind, and rub my sore neck before I have to ask him !!!!)

Del – To cycle LEJOG you need a good bike, great shorts and a defibrillator

Neil – Neil’s low moment of the day, when Martyn said “ how you doing Bruce”, sorry Neil, but you look much like him ……

Bruce – Don’t you ever call me Neil

Pat – Ray’s clotted cream was the turning point for me today …….

Jon – After three laps of the industrial Estate, Thankfully Martyn turned up …….

Mike – Still can’t get up the hills ……

Pictures below are from the last two days.