Evening all. Although could be morning by the time this post makes it out there, think I may fall asleep as I type. What a day, 146 miles worth of riding, 4 more than what I expected which I will explain later. Probably the toughest, longest day I could ever have imagined. The final climb from Exeter into Okehampton was grueling! Now before I nod off, here’s how the rest went.
My original route for today had set me off for around 5 miles at the beginning on the A40, well, had I of known it was going to be busy as first thing in the morning I would have changed my plans! The beep count in anger went from 0 to 2 straight away! All I was doing was coasting down the inside lane. Anyway, I had a friendly beep later in the day so that’s still 4-2 to the good!
I chose to cycle through the Wye Valley and along the River Wye this morning, was around 25 miles into Chepstow and the road was decent, as were the views. Once through this I ended back up and crossing the Severn Bridge, was a hairy experience that was, a long old bridge with not much at the sides. I stayed as close to the inside as possible as I crossed it.
As I mentioned earlier I had some navigation issues today. In planning today’s route I thought I had viewed all the roads on Google maps, but to my surprise it was trying to send me down a cycle path. I don’t tend to take Camilla down gravel roads, I would use the MTB or Fat Wheel for that. So this ended up costing me an extra 4 miles in a detour back around the main roads. Swear this would have been where my heart rate spiked due to trying to keep on track. To top off further nav problems, I even had to follow another diversion when a road was closed.
As I was about to meet Mum and Dad for my second stop my phone died of battery. I had to pull over and ask this lady if I could use hers. She was very very friendly and helped me when I needed. Hope good things come her way, little bit more Karma for the week.
It has taken 730 miles for me to get over taken by another cyclist, and this didn’t just happen once, but three times! Ok so it was 105 miles into the day, and then a further two later on. On any other day I would have chased them down and stuck with them. Not today, not with another day to go. I clearly noticed just how much I started to slow throughout the day today, the long climb at the end was the last thing I needed, yet I knew it was coming all day. At mile 134 I hit the wall! There was this long decent with an almost vertical road the other side, I had to get as much momentum as possible before I started going up. Well, it got the better of me, I still managed to get up it, but had no gears in the locker. Even the locals that I went past were telling me I still had a bit to go, and that I wouldn’t be coming that way again! I agreed with the later statement that’s for sure! So although the final 25 miles was pretty much all climb, there is one thing that any cyclist will like and I can guarantee it! The climb where you get stronger as it goes on and you up the gears! Such a good feeling!
Today was around 10 hours of cycling, when I think about how I managed to get to 50 miles in 3.5 hours, then the final 100 miles coming in at 6.5 it suggests otherwise. Yet the day felt long, and long, and long!
On a positive, Camilla got a compliment today. Pulled up at a roundabout and a pedestrian said “wow she’s beautiful”!
Saddle sore update. I have been constantly applying cream to my sores alllll day. My saddle at the end of the day couldn’t be anymore oiled if I needed it to. At mile 14, I went to get up out of the saddle and I had the feeling that I had torn the skin between my glute and hamstring. It was excruciating pain! I then had this all the way up to mile 50 before I could re apply the creams!
Here are the stats from today’s ride.
146.19 miles
10:07:15 riding time
33.2 mph top speed
14.4 mph average speed
86 rpm cadence
6942 ft of climbing
5415 calories burnt
7.1 litres of water
Probably my latest night to bed since I’ve been away. I think I’m nodding off now as I type, hope you enjoyed today’s update.
Time to go cross the line with a 102 mile day tomorrow, finishing with some bubbles I think!
I Just Felt Like Cycling 
Hey Sam, wow that sounds like a tough day. How you made it through is testament to your sheer will and determination. We’ve been following your progress every day, and every day it’s just astounding how far you’ve travelled. You are amazing. One more day to go! Huge amounts of luck – we’re with you all the way to the finish line! Go Sam!
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