Month: June 2017

Monday 5th June 2017

MAP

The route notes from Peak Tours said that today was going to be one of the hardest we would do. What they forgot to mention was the gale force winds and torrential rain – I must remember to ask for a refund due to false advertising.

The day started well enough with a great breakfast in the hotel then once ready all meeting up at the ferry in Fowey. The weather was overcast but the previous nights fore cast had said strong winds and heavy rain so we all dressed for this. The climbing started immediately with a long hill from the ferry landing point – no time to warm up. The rest of the morning followed the up and down pattern of yesterday but with longer steeper climbs – we had climbed 900 meters in the first 26 miles. The rain fell on and off but it was mostly just drizzle.

We had a nice lunch in a pub near the ferry ramp for our second boat trip of the day to Plymouth. The rain had stopped and we were hopeful that it would improve. Some hope, as soon as we got off the ferry the heavens opened and the rain did not stop – in fact it is still raining now at 8:45 in the evening. After getting lost in Plymouth we eventually found the cycle path to Yelerton which is about 10 miles up an old railway. After Yelerton the real fun of the day began the climb up Dartmoor. Yelerton to Princetown is 6 miles, all up hill very steeply. The water was running down the road like a river in many places and once we started to climb so we were exposed to the wind which by now was near gale force. Across the top of Dartmoor to 2 Bridges and then to our stop at Mortonhampstead  was very difficult.

I now need to get all the items in my bike bags and clothing dry – even my money is wet. I have a nice room in the Post House B & B in Mortonhampstead. No pictures today. It’s a shame really because I think that todays ride would have been wonderful in nice weather with fabulous views across the moor.

Todays stats:-

62 miles

2,130 meters climbed

6 hours 21 minutes

average speed 9.71 (compared to yesterdays 11.92)

Total to date:-

127 miles

3,522 meters climbed

11 hours 47 minutes riding

Lets hope for better weather tomorrow.

 

Sunday 4th June 2017

Map

After a good breakfast at 7:30 it was pack the bags, sort out the bike and sort out what to wear. I had set out my cycling clothes last night but got up this morning to poring rain so quick change of plan to wet weather gear.

We all met up outside the hotel at 8:15 for the 7 mile ride to Lands End. When we got to Lands End the sun came out so it was all change again. The place was crawling with cyclists at 9 o’clock on a Sunday morning, all taking the pictures at the famous sign. There were  3 groups setting off for John O’Groats – 20 Americans/Canadians taking 3 weeks a charity group  with about 15 people taking 10 days and us. Plus there were others just doing the ride with all there gear on the bikes.

We eventually set off at about 9:30 with the first ride to the morning “brew stop” at about 12 miles with a few ups and downs and nice flat section through Penzance. Take a look at the brew stop supplies and the view from the car park.

Lunch stop was another 21 miles on with a great many ups and downs. I think that the front in Penzance is the only flat bit of Cornwall.

After lunch the real climbing started. First we cycled 5 miles to the King Harry chain ferry once again up and down. Long wait for the ferry to go while a huge ship was tugged up river. It only just fitted the river.

After the ferry was the first of two long steep climbs. This one was about a mile long and had gradients up to 16% – had to stop half way up to start breathing again. The second monster come after the afternoon brew stop and only about 3 miles from the finish, this was not as long but went up to 18% – once again needed a breath brake.

Totals for the first day:-

65 miles

1,392 meters of vertical climbing

5 hours 26 minutes riding

Average speed 11.92 mph

The problem with these steep ups and downs is that it can take up to 5 minutes to get up them but you only get a 1 minute rest on the way down.

My hotel in Fowey is right at the top of the hill but I have nice room,

Had a nice meal in Fowey but it was a long steep walk back – as if I needed any more hills today.

Looking forward to tomorrow with even more hills than today.