Day 3 Mon 6th June Tiverton to Wick

Day 3 completed; 10 to go.

Today was an absolutely fantastic day's cycling. The sun shone brightly, the roads were much flatter and generally with a good surface and very little wind to speak of. The only downside was that being Monday there was considerably more commercial traffic on the roads.

I managed the first 30 miles in less than 2 hours. It would have been less than that if I hadn't hit on a recently resurfaced section of the A38 just north of Wellington. The new surface was loose gravel yet to bed down and it was like cycling through treacle. For one uphill section I had to cycle on the path to make any headway.

Thanks to John Tippins and June for taking time out of their holiday to come to meet us. It certainly helps to see friendly faces along the way.

Swapping stories with John and June in a layby on A38

I was a bit concerned when we were looking for a pub to eat lunch and saw both George and her Dad coming back past me. I was thinking that I'm not for turning around but it all resolved itself.

After lunch it was a fairly straight cycle up the A39 to Bath, passing Glastonbury and Wells. There was a superb view of the Cathedral at Wells but then a challenging incline on the way out of the city. It needed two rest breaks to get up. I was beginning to think I had set out too quickly in the morning, but once at the top I was back to pace on the route towards Bath.

Now that I have progressed from the south west corner, it will feel that I am making far more progress as we move in a northerly direction. Over 200 miles already completed and on to Stourport tomorrow - I wonder if the Indian restaurant still serves nan breads the size of dustbin lids. I'll let you know tomorrow.

Today's mileage: 74 miles
Duration: 5 hours 12 minutes
Calories: 4052
Max speed: 32.8mph
Av speed: 14.24mph
Total Ascent: 4455ft.

Fundraising total to date: £475.00

http://www.connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/93779554