Day 4 ~ Taunton to Monmouth (a massive) 87 miles
The most poignant comment of the day I noted was the comment from young Smith as they posed by the "Welcome to Wales" sign after crossing the Severn Bridge. His exclamation of "if only that read Scotland" struck a chord, certainly with his fellow cyclist.
The day had started with Orchard FM announcing details of the ride and inviting supporters to watch the departure from Creech Castle. As this was only 15 minutes before departure it was unsurprising no one waved us away! However, Jez Scarratt, a friend and work colleague of Andy’s, joined them for the first part of the ride. I think he turned up because he heard there was to be a ceremonial handing over of fruit cake at Jenny Lane’s in North Petherton and it would have been rude not to partake of a trial slice. So after coffee and cake they set off with Jez doing the extra mile to Bridgwater before he returned to Taunton ~ his support was much appreciated.
As was that of another of Andy’s work mates, Colin Salter and his wife, Wendy who adorned their vehicle with support signs in a strange language ~ "Allez Andy and Vite Vince" I recall.
After that it was basically mile crunching ~ for once landscape was as flat as my map! That is until the last 20 miles from the Severn Bridge with an exhilarating drop down through Tintern only to be followed by a truly knackering last mile uphill to our site for the night ~ "The Royal Oak". Here we joined by 3 of Andy’s friends who had driven over from Gloucester. Robin, Colette and Paul were good company and treated us to meal and drink ~ excellent beer it was too!
Finally, a mention for Sean at KwikFit in Redcliffe Street Bristol, who sorted my tyre and was extremely helpful ~ ie he did it for nowt! Bless!
8 comments:
Hey my intrepid cyclists and womderful map reader Andy!
sorry it;s such a late comment but I have had to go to work today!!
hope todays ride went well and that you are at your destination for tonight, wherever that maybe!
speak later, proud of you all and good to see you all on Sunday, even though you only left Friday!!
Anne
xx
well done on those 87 miles
that was kind of the bloke at quick fit to do it for free!!
Hi Andy
sorry I didn't make the pub at Monouth, but I hear a good time was had by all. I hope you liked Robin's cycling hat??
Oh and I hope you enjoyed the chocolate I sent you?
love Sally x
Hope the cake is not slowing you down. Good to see you all on Monday. Best of luck for the next leg of the 'tour'
Hopefully you should be in your stride by now and the weather is keeping fair for you. Onwards & upwards! Very best wishes.
Hope you are now out of the saddle and enjoying some welcome rest.
went for a swim (surprise!) tonight and whilst I was ploughing up and down doing my 1 lonely mile thinking I must be mad to be doing this I suddenly thought of you 2 cycling slightly more than 1 mile and decided that you 2 are madder!!!
keep up the good work
Anne xx
Vincent,
Just letting you know that we're still thinking of you even though we haven't a clue where you are. Hope you're somewhere north of Monmouth!
Visited your newest neice Daisy at the weekend - she's got Sarah's eyes, Dave's nose and I think she's got my hair (if she hasn't someone else must have it).
Hope the weather holds up.
Good luck for tomorrow (that might mean thursday, friday or yesterday).
Hi guys
Glad to see that you have made it on tour, especially after Vince seemed to have so many injuries!!!! Fancy there is a lot of cake eating going on, go careful or you won't fit your a***e on the bike seat, and if the driver has also entered into the cake competition he may need to get a new membership for the gym!! Well done and keep going.
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