So Day 1 completed and what a beautiful day it was. I love England in early summer - golden sunshine, blue sky, green and pleasant land and to see it all on a bike is highly recommended.
We arrived at Land's End about 9.30am. I asked the car park attendent who we should pay of £4.00 to. His reply was "If you're doing and End to End, it's free". Bonus. There was a sprinkling of other End to Enders embarking on their journeys, but I was quite surpised that it was not busier.
After taking the obligatory photos at the sign, I started my adventure about 10am.
As I was leaving the Land's End complex, 2 guys were arriving having completed the route from North to South. The look of achievement on their faces was fantastic. I shall remember that and use it as inspiration when the going gets tough. After 2 miles, I said to myself 2 down 975 to go. I looked at the odometer after three miles and thought it could be a long two weeks if I keep doing this.
I found it quite amusing to see all the various buildings advertising themselves as the first and last in the country - pub, school, garage etc. I was reminded of the day job as after only 5.3 miles I saw my first Tesco home delivery van.
My sat nav came into it's own shortly after the start - I had intended to head straight up the A30, based largerly on other blogs I had read, but it suggested I turn right into Newlyn and then along Penzance promenade. It turned out to be a great decision as I got a superb view of St. Michael's Mount.
After the first hour I had completed exactly 15 miles (very good pace setting if I do say so myself) and enjoyed my first refueling break of blackcurrant squash and mixed fruit.
I experienced my first road kill after 20 miles. I always find it sad to see badgers on the road side, but somehow I felt much closer to it being on the ride and not in the car.
George and I had planned to meet in Truro for lunch (she had remained at Land's End to explore and has taken some super photos) but we hadn't quite planned on how big and busy Truro would be, so we settled on The Wheel Inn at Tresillion, which served a beautiful seafood salad. Note to self - don't eat so much red onion in future as it doesn't aid digestion when cycling.
From Truro I followed the A390 virtually all the way to our first overnight stop. The road surface was fantastic and the road itself not too busy but it was very up and down. I don't mind a hill or two, but this tested me to my limits. I was very thankful to the encouragement on route. As I was enjoying my afternoon refreshments outside a church in St. Austell, a couple of elderly ladies commented on how hot it was and asked me how far I was heading. One of them told me she was 86 and still cycling - she bought her first bike at age 60. Why is it that you are told it's rude to ask people their age but once over 80 they are very proud to tell you? With that they wished me well and went on their way. There was also a chap in his garden in Penpillick who saw me struggling up yet another incline and told me to "Dig In". He obviously knew how long the rise was!
So to our first rest point at Redgate Smithy. What a wonderful spot and a hearty and friendly welcome from Julie and Clive Ffitch (it is double f) and their springer spaniel. A pot of tea and homemade brownies was just what I needed. I can thoroughly recommend http://www.redgatesmithy.co.uk/ if you are in the area.
 |
| Arriving at Redgate Smithy |
We had the unexpected delight of a Chinese meal with Suzette, Lucy and Giles Burchell in Plymouth to round off a fabulous birthday.
73 miles completed - and I was totally spent!
Duration 5 hrs 22 mins cycling
4789 calories consumed
Top speed 32 mph
Average speed 13.7 mph
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/93779599
No comments:
Post a Comment