LEJOG Day 1 Land's End to Lostwithiel (64 miles)

Today's ride

Just briefly day 0 was spent travelling down from Weston-super-Mare to Penzance on the train. I had arranged to meet Jordan (a fellow lejogger) at Exeter St. David's. The time flew by as we chatted for the whole way down to Penzance. I checked in at the Longboat Inn and prepared to have a refreshing pint with Jordan and meet the other Lejoggers. I do have to say at this point I had been in communication with another chap called Dave prior to the ride. His journey down was not so straightforward. He sent me a message to say that he was delayed and that we were sharing a room. He asked if I could put his bags in our room ready for his arrival. No problem. However when I checked the guest list I was sharing with someone called Eric. I sent a message to Dave informing him of this only for him to send a reply saying that he was Eric! What?? Having now met Dave in the flesh this makes complete sense 😂 Introductions to the other participants were made (there are 15 of us, more on everyone else in the coming days) dinner swiftly followed. Then off to bed for day 1 of our tour of the UK

We were picked up from the hotel and driven to Lands End where we would meet our bikes. After a couple of group photos and the time honoured picture taken by the LE sign we were on our way.

The weather was warm and the wind was favourable. The forecast showed that we may get a shower early in the day's ride. Jordan and I  set off together setting quite a pace for the first few miles, 21mph for the first 22miles. Yes, the heavens did open just after Jordan decided to remove his gilet.

We spotted the van at the first feed stop. Cakes, malt loaf and chocolate were duly scoffed while we waited for the rest of the group to turn up. After a suitable break we set off again this time the hills were to start. Bearing in mind that it had rained the roads were incredibly greasy which meant descents had to be taken with care. Knowing this didn't stop me crashing in to the back of Jordan. As we descended off one of the hills down a single track road a car appeared around the bend, coming up the hill, and wasn't going to stop. This left Jordan absolutely no room and nowhere to go. Anchors full on, both wheels locked up skidding to stop, pressed up against the grassy bank. I was a good 60 yards behind and could see there was no where to go. Brakes full on wheels locked up, doing all I could to stay upright, just the one expletive repeatedly come from my mouth followed by a muted "Sorry" as I crashed into the back of Jordan. Fortunately I didn't hit his very expensive bike but did hit his ankle. Major embarrassment. Rather telling me off Jordan looked  over his shoulder and said "tell me your gopro was on?". No permanent injuries but quite a warning. From then on I stayed much further back. However that didn't stop three further heart stopping moments further in to the ride (another car appearing on a tight bend, skidding through a junction that appeared from nowwhere on fast descent and a BMW that just pulled out on Jordan as we entered Truro)

Feed stop 2 came at around 44 miles. Except there was van to be seen. They got stuck behind a steam engine and couldn't get past. After a short while the can appeared and Steve and Dianne gave us all tea, coffee and fresh sandwiches. Setting off for the final leg we were joined by John. Only 20 miles to go still feeling good little did I know what the cornish countryside had in store for me. Two more decent sized climbs first to the top of St Austell

and the other over the top of Luxulyan, again double digits for the gradient. A swift descent into Lostwithiel and the hotel. Cleaned the bike, cleaned me, dinner, chatted about the day's events and off to bed. Day 2 is worse  (more hills, big hills!) Maybe take it easier tomorrow 😉