Earlier start this morning, after breakfast at 7am at cafe near hotel. Morning mist burned off quickly, but warm and humid. Easier riding first 20 miles, pleasurable ridge riding with hazy views. And an extra five miles when I miss a turn and go off course. Several times the turn by turn instructions haven't matched the terrain, so eternal vigilance necessary. Or a GPS. Afternoon is full of up and down riding again, following narrow farm lanes. And a final steep one mile climb 10 miles from the end, over the Quantock hills past big manor house. Then roll down to Bridgwater, tired after only 63 miles, to tonight's lodging, the Old Vicarage, where clerk tells me that a Bike Adventure group is staying there. They are doing the 15 day ride but in reverse, so day 12 for them from John O'Groats. Arrange to meet at pub later, and they have tales to tell -- gale force winds in Scotland on their 2nd day caused all of them to leave the heights and "evacuate" in the accompanying support van. Plus rain and cold weather, August in Scotland. While chatting in pub a sudden shower, then drizzle, but tomorrow should be ok for riding.
Beer culture note: tonight was the second (after Horsham) pub that is part of the pub chain "Wearherspoon:" quite nice, cheap real ale and passable food. They feature Shipyard Pale Ale on tap, apparently quite popular here, but also in Australia (which per an Aussie in the group is just mad about American craft brews, especially IPAs).
Here's the happy crew at breakfast, easier day ahead for then.
No comments:
Post a Comment