Hellooo loyal Beth’s blog fans. For those expecting a classic Beth’s blog post, I am afraid you will be disappointed as you have me (Harry) today! We thought we’d try a different perspective and I’d take some time out of a busy schedule of eating and playing candy crush to write this…
Starting with the important points… for those wondering about the status of our undercarriages, Chamois cream is doing wonderfully well for us!!
We woke up very early again to glorious blue skies in the middle of Dartmoor.
After a wonderful breakfast at our very cycling friendly B&B…
… we got out the door at 9ish just as the grey clouds rolled in to get on our way to Taunton via Exeter with 100k and c.1400m elevation in our path.
Beth was feeling a little nauseous at the start of the day, which we put down to a combination of an average dinner and Beth’s body likely querying what the hell it was doing! Thankfully, Beth was a champion and rode up some quite ridiculous hills and the fresh air started to help her feel better. We had 40k of glorious rolling (and extremely long / steep) hills in the Moors left, but thankfully every hill provided even more glorious views, especially with the weather being slightly kinder today.
We also spent a good amount of time flying downhill and through an awesome winding road surrounded by trees. For those fortunate enough to have been skiing, this is what we both compared the feeling to. Unfortunately, we have no photos of this section as we were having too much fun!
We had originally planning to skirt round Exeter, but instead with the clouds rolling in we decided to stop and have some lunch. Beth found an excellent cafe by the river and for once.. no rain.
We then left Exeter (lovely city) accompanied by a random brass band on the high street and headed for Taunton. We’d now done the vast majority of the elevation so we were looking forward to an enjoyable ride through to our accommodation.
About 20k from our destination, it finally happened. Beth’s bladder was full with no toilet in sight and it was time for Beth’s first nature wee of the trip. For those unaware of cycling attire, a common and comfortable piece of clothing are bib shorts which have straps over the shoulders. This means a toilet stop involves taking most items of clothing off. A side lane a stones throw from the M5 was the chosen destination and just as the heavens opened above us the deed was done to the delight of a passing car. Luckily Beth was extremely well organised and had anti bac and tissues for this exact situation!!
With the weight off Beth’s shoulders and out of her bladder, we descended on Taunton in double quick time and treated ourselves to a post ride snack!
We then checked into a wonderful Airbnb. With a washing machine and a Bath, this is as close as a spa hotel as we may get!
Home cooked fajitas on the menu tonight alongside a chilled out evening before we head to Bristol where we are looking forward to seeing the first of our friendly faces on the trip.
Hope you’ve enjoyed reading the latest update. On a serious note the last 3 days riding have been seriously tough. We’ve had rain, wind, hill after hill (after hill) and Beth has absolutely smashed it. How she ever doubts herself is beyond me!
Summary:
Distance cycled: 100km
Elevation climbed: 1,355m
Time pedaling: 5h 40mins
Highlight of the day: Zooming down hills in Dartmoor and the views that came with it.
Lowlight of the day: Beth not feeling well/bring spotted taking a nature wee!
County count: 3 (Somerset added to the list)
To donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/barry-towler-cycle-lejog
Towlers' Travels 
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