We had a great start to the day – the hotel produced a breakfast which did them proud (including prunes which Bob had rather a lot of I thought if he didn’t want to offend anyone during the day). We noticed an interesting garden statue next to the dining room window (which we share with you here) before loading up the bikes which had been stored overnight in a very fetching baby blue summer house.
We drove the few miles to Lands End, did a photo shoot, not forgetting to register the epic journey at the hotel, and the Surrey 4 were ready for the off. It was desolated when we arrived except for the loo attendant who was unlocking his charge. A few crows were pecking around the rubbish bins and the sea mist made the place feel a bit surreal. Amazing to stand at the end of the UK with only an expanse of sea ahead of you!!!
Shortly after we got there three other guys arrived at the start line, from Chichester. They are carrying their own stuff and also hope to do lejog in 8 days – the challenge is on! I have to say these guys have youth on their side but our chaps have strength and experience - and I’m carrying their stuff!!.
Our guys set off first but seemed to have a slight problem with the route early on – they definitely do not wish to go to Helston ever again – every sign points to Helston!! That and the numerous very steep hills meant our lunch rendezvous was put back an hour. The Chichester 3 three passed us while the boys were having a refuelling/banana stop so there was a catching up exercise to be had!
I went ahead to Liskeard to find somewhere for lunch. A challenge to say the least as all the pubs stopped serving food at 2.30pm. The guys seemed thrilled with my sandwich/coffee bar choice (anything to eat at that stage was very welcome) and a baguette each later they hit the road to Tavistock. I can’t believe I drove past the Chichester 3 after about a mile – now will our boys catch them and of course they did!! Surrey in the lead!!
Their last stage is 34 miles and I am currently positioned 18 miles away from Okehampton (this evenings destination) enjoying the lovely Dorset evening sunshine.
I must mention at this juncture Geoff’s new Assos (back) bra which he bought at great expense on the day of our departure. It is a wonderful object and is oft the subject of conversation / ribbing. The boys banter is warming up nicely and Geoff has been heard to call out in that great South African way (hey ho) to several passing females, pleasant on the eye, as they innocently come into our vicinity.
The guys have just steamed passed me so I’m off to check out the evening’s accommodation before them.
They eventually arrived in Okehampton at 6.15, after 7hrs riding time, 2800m climbing and 178 ks done…many more to go!!
We drove the few miles to Lands End, did a photo shoot, not forgetting to register the epic journey at the hotel, and the Surrey 4 were ready for the off. It was desolated when we arrived except for the loo attendant who was unlocking his charge. A few crows were pecking around the rubbish bins and the sea mist made the place feel a bit surreal. Amazing to stand at the end of the UK with only an expanse of sea ahead of you!!!
Shortly after we got there three other guys arrived at the start line, from Chichester. They are carrying their own stuff and also hope to do lejog in 8 days – the challenge is on! I have to say these guys have youth on their side but our chaps have strength and experience - and I’m carrying their stuff!!.
Our guys set off first but seemed to have a slight problem with the route early on – they definitely do not wish to go to Helston ever again – every sign points to Helston!! That and the numerous very steep hills meant our lunch rendezvous was put back an hour. The Chichester 3 three passed us while the boys were having a refuelling/banana stop so there was a catching up exercise to be had!
I went ahead to Liskeard to find somewhere for lunch. A challenge to say the least as all the pubs stopped serving food at 2.30pm. The guys seemed thrilled with my sandwich/coffee bar choice (anything to eat at that stage was very welcome) and a baguette each later they hit the road to Tavistock. I can’t believe I drove past the Chichester 3 after about a mile – now will our boys catch them and of course they did!! Surrey in the lead!!
Their last stage is 34 miles and I am currently positioned 18 miles away from Okehampton (this evenings destination) enjoying the lovely Dorset evening sunshine.
I must mention at this juncture Geoff’s new Assos (back) bra which he bought at great expense on the day of our departure. It is a wonderful object and is oft the subject of conversation / ribbing. The boys banter is warming up nicely and Geoff has been heard to call out in that great South African way (hey ho) to several passing females, pleasant on the eye, as they innocently come into our vicinity.
The guys have just steamed passed me so I’m off to check out the evening’s accommodation before them.
They eventually arrived in Okehampton at 6.15, after 7hrs riding time, 2800m climbing and 178 ks done…many more to go!!
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