Yet more bad weather today so no pics again.
I slept quite well last night and woke this morning pretty stiff and groggy. I had to spend some time on my hamstrings, quads and my left hip flexor to get them in some sort of shape. Breakfast was some coffee, toast and cereal with a South African lady that was staying there too for an extended period because she was between rentals and had long COVID. Not sure me telling her I’ve never had it helped.
My bike was still working. A bit of rust on the chain and covered in shit but good to go. I’d managed to dry my shoe insoles but shoes were still damp when I put them on and my cape was dry too.
It was pretty grey and only light rain when I left. I’d worked out that my plotaroute app had voice nav on it so I thought I’d give that a go only to find it only worked if the screen was on, so I opted for Plan B. Memorise my route and check occasionally.
I got straight into the lanes and ended up on the A358. First mistake in the bag so I had to retrace back up a hill which didn’t go down with my sore legs.
After some rerouting and checking, I eventually got on to the correct route and roads I recognised. Particularly the never ending climb up Ham Hill in the Blackdown AONB. From here rather than cut a complicated route across the lanes I decided to stay on roads that didn’t require too many turns which actually worked quite well but it was pretty miserable up on the Devon Hills plateau. The rain was teaming it down.
Eventually I dropped off the top and it instantly warmed up and the weather teased me with broken clouds in the distance.
I’d decided not to take the Starcross ferry, I’d be too cold so I headed for Exeter and came in from the NW on a B-road which got busier as I got into the outskirts. My original route picked it’s way through residential streets but I decided to take the ring road. It’s carmageddon and horrible so I scooted around the shared paths which got me where I need to be leaving me about 100m on the busy dual-carriageway before left and onto the traffic-free Exe Trail which tracks the banks of the estuary through Starcross to Dawlish. I had most of it to myself and for a Brucey Bonus, the rain stopped and the sun actually came out.
The main road out of Dawlish to Teignmouth was pretty busy. I couldn’t wait to get across the bridge and back into the lanes. From here it was just two big climbs to go.
The first one started on Salty Lane followed by Peppery Lane. Mad and hellishy steep too. Probably 20%. Over the top it was a fast descent into the village of Stoketeignhead before one last assault up another 15%er.
The descent into Marychurch was refreshing but the last power drag upto Babbacombe was enough. I was done. My back was aching, probably from rolling around in brambles yesterday but overall I think I did ok considering the weather.
70 miles day 1, 80 miles yesterday and 60+ today. Not a bad 3 days work. Shame it will never make Strava.
I’m off for a beer and a nice long weekend.
PS I finished today then noticed my bars were twisted from crashing yesterday. Didn’t even notice LOL
Shame about the weather but great riding 👌 For a change we’re getting the great summery weather in NW Ireland will the South of England is getting drenched!
Sore legs and head today