3/9/09 Day 3 ..into Wales... 88.5miles

Terrific meal last night at 'The Globe' Everyone on a high after surviving all that was thrown at us yesterday! There was a result! Paul had a visit from his sister Julie who lived locally - she offered to dry our wet gear overnight...and left with 2 bin bags full!!

They were duly returned at 0800 - MANY THANKS that saved days of drying... Dave had arrived safely at about 1800 having left all his 'peloton' at the Travelodge up the road. Me & 'Dad' had got him a bath ready! Bed & fast asleep before 2200 again...

Usual 'full English in the morning and there was a staggered start. I actually 'guested' with the pros for the first hour and learned a few of their tricks..ie SHORTCUTS!! This involved going through rather than round Wellington. After that..they were gone in the distance & carried out their plan to add 12 miles to their day by going UP Cheddar George.

Through busy Taunton mainly dodging the showers, in mostly sunny weather warming our souls. One early hill was proving tiring but suddenly the tail wind picked up & felt like Angel's breath easing us to the summit! jelly baby break at North Petherton. Then the best section so far as we got onto quieter roads with tail winds through pretty villages including Bason Bridge, Wedmore (caught in quick shower there) & Cocklake.

The steep hills ahead & Cheddar George loomed ominously. We knew lunch was at the top at Shipham. A steep climb but after yesterdays antics we all took it in our stride. Then a down in gusty wind to Clevedon (it's got a vowel wrong!) Then a lovely narrow street for 5-6 miles to Clapton-in-Gordano - at point close to the M5 which had been our companion all day.

I have the honour of being the first to have a puncture...and the second (after a 5 minute tube switch) 10 minutes later. This time my rear tyre was cut so a replacement gratefully received from the 'spares'

Then over the Scary Avon Bridge and through some grotty industrial areas, but again a strong wind at our back. At this point the two Severn Crossings were well in view, and the wind seemingly getting stronger as we approached. Eventually we got up onto the cycleway in what seemed to be a full gale from our left. In fact it was close to being unridable as we were buffeted with tremendous force. I'm not quite sure how we got across upright...I'm not sure what 'planB' was if the cycleway was closed Then quite a long climb up out past Chepstow Racecourse. At this point I felt a bit weak & jelly legs. After a nut bar & the rest of my drink I really enjoyed the 'magical' sweeping run down into Tintern, with it's lush valley walls and picturesque Abbey ruins. Dave & I were to be up the road but Jason managed to negotiate a room here at the George. Dave's just rolled in having also had a fantastic days ride.

Thanks to our navigator Paul who also did most of the 'point' work. He's also uploaded the correct route files for my garmin....my routes were a bit out to say the least...

Special mention must be made for father & son duo George & Steve from Bath.
“The Boys from Bath”. They are riding in memory of George's wife Fliss who died on 1/1/08. They still hadn't arrived as we sat down to supper. Word was that George had terrible D&V for most of the day. Jason had wanted to pick them up in the van but George repeatedly refused! Eventually as darkness ensued they arrived to a standing ovation. Hopefully they will rehydrate & the bug washes through. Old Gerry missed supper too with a bit of a stomach bug - he's being nursed by his room mate Florence AKA 'the Wirril-Phil'

We think this cycling lark is pretty good & might give it a go! A few of us were chatting & today we really felt we will do this trip. All those miles ahead of us fill us with excitement & anticipation!

Looking forward to another big supper .(well we are burning 6000 calories+ each day) ALE OF THE DAY - Dursley Steam Bitter (Gloucester) hoppy fresh refreshing 16/20
88.5m 5h52 at 15.1mph TOTAL 236.9m 15000ft climb

Girl with panniers one of two that are doing LEJOG independently who crossed with us.