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.
I admire you keeping going in that horrendous weather. If you drank I would suggest you had a stiff drink. Well done let’s hope the weather improves tomorrow.
My goodness Martin I’m exhausted just reading this. Poor you, what a hard day you’ve had. Still onward and upward as they say. Good luck for tomorrow. X
I feel the same as Morag – exhausted just reading about it. It you were able to cope with the rain and gale-force winds of yesterday, you can cope with anything! Well done. We are enjoying reading your blog.
Go Martini… we are routing for you from not so sunny Southampton! xx
My goodness you must be looking forward to Scotland for less hills and better weather!!!!!!!!
Keep the legs pumping we are very proud of you xx