After attcking yesterday's ride with much enthusiasm and a little too much exuberance. With 8000ft of climbing ahead it was decided today would be a much steadier affair (keeping in mind this was only day 2). The organisers had seen how the group road yesterday and decided that Connie and Spencer should leave at around 8am and the rest to leave at 9am. This was an effort to try get us all at the first feed stop together. 9am arrived we all duly met at the van to load our bags and check over our bikes before the off. The start was delayed as Rachel discovered that her rear tyre was completely flat. The problem was compounded by finding a large hole in the tyre. So not only an inner tube but also a new tyre were required. All got sorted only then for Rachel's rear mech cable to snap. This meant she would be unable to change gear. Given the day we had ahead there was no way Rachel could have ridden the route. A quick look online gave the address of a bike shop in Bodmin. Rachel and bike were then loaded on to the van and whisked away.
The time was now 9:30 am. Time to get going hills needed to be climbed! Jordan had
No more than a mile from the door of the hotel we hit the first climb. We took it easy and set the tone for the rest of the day. Essentially each climb we would ride at our own pace meet at the top and descend as a trio. This was the pattern for the day. As you know I live out in the fens not a hill to be seen for miles. It turns out that I have found my climing legs. Today was not a problem. As my friend Mark said to me "You'll be fine. Stop over analysing it."
The big feature of the day was to be over Dartmooor. At 1500ft above sea level it is a bit of a beast. The climb starts with a prolonged section of 12% and then eases off to 8%. As we approached the top we saw the van, fooooood! And the rain. Also by now Rachel had been reunited with a bike with everything working correctly.
On this ride I do have a goal of hitting 50mph on my bike. The opportunity did present itself as we came down off Dartmooor. However a strong crosswind in to a sweeping left hander meant that a dab of the brakes were required. 48.9mph reached grrrr! At least I live to try another day.
Other moments of note today were John smacking the peddle against his leg. He drew blood. Riding along a single track road to be greated by a van, coming in the other direction, screaching to a stop leaving me just enough room (the width of my handlebars) to pass between the van and hedgerow. Oh and as we came off the last hill, we were joined by Dave at this point, were confronted by a car reversing down the road on a bend😮And just to top our day off the approach to the B&B was up an incredibly steep and slippery drive.
Tomorrow is 93 miles and has a couple of terrific highlights. Can't wait ☺
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