Day 5 ~ Monmouth to Shrewsbury

Day 5 ~ Monmouth to Shrewsbury : 67 miles
A lesser day than Monday in terms of miles but much lumpier and with the last 20 miles too much traffic. Today we experienced the first mechanical hitch when Vince had a slow one but, with a little cursing and coaxing a new tube was inserted with the old one discarded for repair tonight. After the tasting of a couple of pints of black stuff last night, we are planning a much more sober evening with a glass of red with our barbie.
Staying on another farm tonight and already we can tell that an early alarm call has been arranged ~ damn cockerel has been chirruping since we arrived at 5. However Brickyard Farm at Frodesley just south of Shrewsbury seems pleasant and when Mrs Davies, the farmer’s wife, spied my polo shirt emblazoned with the National Autistic Society emblem she refunded the site fee together with an additional donation. See yah boo to anyone mocking Vince’s idea of getting some polo shirts prepared. Talking of the evening meal it was proved that Andy’s time in the marines (sorry I’ve been corrected Royal Marines) and worship of the life and times of Ray Mears was not in vain as he rescued a reluctant fire to grill burgers to well done!
Also interesting to see how many others there are potentially doing the ride, though all at differing speeds and with varying means of support. While waiting at the top of the massive hill out of Monmouth for Vince and Andy to arrive at the pub (sorry site) last night, a lad wobbled on his bike to the top with backpack containing his possessions. He stopped to wait for his travelling companion and told me that they had left Lands End after us on Saturday. They had stopped last night at Shepton Mallet but were intending to do another 40 odd tonight. Vince and Andy then arrived and after them a lad was walking up the hill pushing his bike. The sad part was then he walked with his bike down the hill the other side ~ another 40 miles that evening ~ I think not!
Also on last night I forgot to include our thanks for the lovely chocolates to Sally Markey, wife of Paul who visited us at pub. If only I was allowed to eat just 1!