2/9/09 Day 2 Liskheard to Sampford Peverall (Four seasons in one day....well three!)

One of the toughest days I've ever had in the saddle, but consequently one of the most rewarding. We made an earlier start after a hearty breakfast. Phil had come down & slept in the lounge to escape his room-mates x2 snoring! He looked like death warmed up!

I was billeted with Dave & the amazing old Gerry. At 71y he has often led & set the pace for our group!! The lot from the Premier Inn came along at 0830 & we set off. The 18 miles to Tavistock had a few nasty hills, especially after we crossed the Tamar into our second County - Devon.

The break was in Tavistock with Dartmoor looming up ahead. A local on his bike warned us NOT to go up there on a day like today "people die up there!" With this cheery & optimistic advice we set of - what choice do we have? It was an incredible climb up to 1500 feet - thankfully the rain (which stayed with us the rest of the day) didn’t hit us until we were up at the top. Billowing clouds of mist & rain swept across (again thankfully from behind us) creating a dramatic atmosphere.

After a welcome lunch (our leader Jason used to be a chef - so meats salad pasties & hot coffee, along with the ever present jelly babies, bolstered our reserves for the next 40 miles in) . There was spectacular terrain, and picturesque scenes e.g. Three Bridges – but with the wind & wet we pressed on.

The descent in dark pissing heavy rain was a white knuckle heart pounding ring twitching roller coaster ride - with dramatic views (and drops!) I focussed on the road ahead, kept gentle pressure on the brakes and we all descended safely. (44.4 mph on one terrifying stretch was the fastest of the whole trip!!)

Coming into Exeter there were a few big hills which weren't appreciated! After a welcome cup of cocoa & some more jelly babies we struggled through busy Exeter, getting slightly lost (my fault) but before the lynch mob got to me I managed to navigate to a B8131 Broadclyst sign (and I was saved!) This road winds up with the M5. Conditions by now were pretty terrible with heavy rain, a lot of water on the road - but we all admitted that despite this we were happy to be where we were! We weren't cold & I could feel the sunshine within!

Our group was Simon(still going too fast down hill) Dave & Susie, 'The Wirral' Phil, 'Dad' Gerry, 'Yorkshire' John +'novice' Tim . 'The Professionals' declared at breakfast that they were going to chill out at the back! As predicted within 7-8mins they were...OFF!! Being local to the area they know all the shortcuts!!!!

Gerry & I are at The Globe Hotel here in Sampford Peverell - just had a nice bath & nice pile of wet gear - not sure how we can get it even partially dry. No sign of 'van driver' Dave yet. [Fella at breakfast asked him if he drove the van!!(he was in all his cycle gear!!!) Ha Ha Dave said he'd take it as a compliment!]

Looks a nice old fashioned type pub downstairs with a pool table. Some guys at the Travelodge but like last night we will eat together... it's here! Last night we ate....and were all tucked up in bed by 2145...asleep by 2150! Looking forward to a flatter, more productive (in respect of mileage) day as we head up into Wales! We feel the eastward, not Northerly progress...

Legs back etc tired but holding out OK - the training is paying off so far ....time for a pint of some nice Somerset brew OTTER AMBER.... ..but..

ALE OF THE DAY - Exmoor 'Gold' Fabulously rich smooth texture thick head best so far 19/20
73.6m 5h40m at 13mph 5526ft of climb TOTAL 148.2m 11369ft CLIMB