As it worked well yesterday we followed a similar routine today. At 8am we waved off Connie and Spencer. A short while later Kash, Paul, Beryl (aka Eric, aka Dave) and Stewart hit the road. After a hearty breakfast all the bags were loaded on to the van and bikes checked. Myself, Jordan, John, Andy, Pat and Rachel left Lodgehill B&B at 9am sharp.
Today's ride was a long but didn't look that hilly (mistake number 1). I would like to add at this point Jordan clearly said to me that today wasn't going to be fast. He was knackered after yesterday. The three of us lost John early in the ride. As it happened he got caught at some traffic lights plus attended to Beryl as he was having an episode (this requires him to lay down and get the old ticker back under control). As always though it wasn't too long before the Evil Villain was back on our tails. In the meantime Rachel pushed a little harder today and decided to stick with the faster group. We stopped to buy some water which is when John caught up with us. Jordan had a redbull. As we left the shop the redbull kicked and Jordan was away and gone. Clearly not so knackered I decided to chase after him. It took a couple of miles but I finally got on his wheel. At which point he upped the pace even further. At a very decent stint on the front a quick flick of the elbow and it was my turn (mistake number 2). The miles were ticked off very quickly and the first feed stop was upon us. At a place Caledonian Burrow Mump. Good job to as we were both spent and still had 60 miles to go. We tucked in to the supply of goodies from the van and waited for the others to arrive.
As we were all chatting and eating Andy had decided to adjust the height of his handlebars. So mid ride he dismantled his headset only to some how get the spacers wedged at the top of the forks tube. Properly wedged. Jordan tried to remove them, even taking a hammer to them wouldn't release them. After quite a while Andy admitted defeat and asked for the spare bike.
Pedals, saddle, bottle cages, tool kit all had to be transferred. Jordan doesn't like to see fellow riders stranded so is only to happy to help. The bike was prepared. Time was really getting on and we left Andy and Pat to sort themselves out. All the others had already departed now giving them a good 40min headstart. Despite the earlier big effort and the long stop we gave hearty attempt at trying to catch John and Rachel before the second feed stop. This part of the ride took us through the Somerset levels (big crosswinds) and up and over Cheddar Gorge. We passed Kash, Paul, Stewart at the bottom of the Gorge. Passed Spencer a little future up. I could see Connie nearer the top. I decided to pull alongside and have a quick chat. Jordan arrived muttering about hating hills and being knackered. We pushed on finally reaching Chew Valley Lake and the second feed stop. Rachel and John we already there. It turns out we were fifteen minutes behind them.
Pat watching his old bike being dismantled
Bellies loaded with sandwiches and pork pies the four of us set off for the last leg of today. Our first target was the Clifton Suspension bridge. This was approached by a very painful 12% climb. Sadly we couldn't ride across the bridge as the emergency services were in attendance on the bridge. Someone had either fallen or jumped of the bridge A couple of photos and we crossed by foot.
Also on the bridge I had some supporters. My Dad and Wendy had come out to cheer me on. A very quick chat and we were on our way trying to avoid all the diverted rush hour traffic. The four of us stuck together as we wanted a groupie on the Severn Bridge (and yes it was a little windy crossing the bridge). Photos taken, view admired and just another three miles to go and our day would be done.
Also on the bridge I had some supporters. My Dad and Wendy had come out to cheer me on. A very quick chat and we were on our way trying to avoid all the diverted rush hour traffic. The four of us stuck together as we wanted a groupie on the Severn Bridge (and yes it was a little windy crossing the bridge). Photos taken, view admired and just another three miles to go and our day would be done.
I had a plan to ride another seven miles to make it a century ride. The desire to get off the bike and drink something ice cold far outwayed the extra miles. To the bar! Another terrific day out on the road, plumb tuckered out and have to do it all again tomorrow.
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