Tue 18 Sep 07. Day 11 on the Big Brother Bike Ride and all is not well in the house! The Surface Fleet Dormitory (all the submariners had to sleep together!) at Bristol Youth Hostel is revolting……Paul (this is really bad I am not a steward) Richardson had a few moments last night that resulted in zero sleep in the “skimmers” dorm. Snoring like an express train was only halted by him switching his Bunk Light on at 0500 to see what time he had woken everybody up! Blackpool beware you have competition for your illuminations! Then the piece de resistance…playing the Charge of the Light Brigade from his derriere when he got up! This was the final straw and he has been banished to the van tonight!
And so to the cycling……Well a fine day awaited the team as we assembled for another day in the saddle. Unfortunately an unexpected technical hitch with the hostel lift resulted in the team becoming stuck between decks whilst recovering the bikes from the basement! We all took this in our stride except the big man in the middle who didn’t look too chippa! Not sure if this was due to the fear of plummeting several floors or the impending release of excess gas within a confined space!!! Still, we were rescued in time to begin the leg.
Heading south taking in Shepton Mallett and Chard, the terrain became noticeable more alpine-like and progress towards Yeovil was tough going at times, with uphill stretches of several miles tested the most seasoned amongst us. As we sped across Somerset, a glimpsing view of Glastonbury Tor reminded the wannabe hippies amongstus of the festivals that we are no longer allowed to participate in! On arrival in Yeovil, a quick bite to eat for lunch then an opportunity for a spell of fundraising resulted another £200 towards our target.
And so to Devon, a big milestone as the penultimate County we have to cycle across.
The road to the Beer was overwhelmed with anticipation (and maybe a little excitement) in the knowledge that we were about to achieve a coast-to-coast. As we rounded the last corner, or was it the last crest of a hill, there it was, the English Channel and the small fishing village of Beer! The support team once again did a fine job of guiding us to the hostel and after a fine evening steak dinner and glass of red, an early night was in order.
Worthy of mention, the record for the fastest speed on the bike (gradient assisted) of 46 mph was set today by these 2 muppets!
Miles done today: 77 (Tim said 67!)
Total Miles done: 790
Calories on the Tankieometer today: 5416
Monies Collected: £200
Heading south taking in Shepton Mallett and Chard, the terrain became noticeable more alpine-like and progress towards Yeovil was tough going at times, with uphill stretches of several miles tested the most seasoned amongst us. As we sped across Somerset, a glimpsing view of Glastonbury Tor reminded the wannabe hippies amongstus of the festivals that we are no longer allowed to participate in! On arrival in Yeovil, a quick bite to eat for lunch then an opportunity for a spell of fundraising resulted another £200 towards our target.
And so to Devon, a big milestone as the penultimate County we have to cycle across.The road to the Beer was overwhelmed with anticipation (and maybe a little excitement) in the knowledge that we were about to achieve a coast-to-coast. As we rounded the last corner, or was it the last crest of a hill, there it was, the English Channel and the small fishing village of Beer! The support team once again did a fine job of guiding us to the hostel and after a fine evening steak dinner and glass of red, an early night was in order. Worthy of mention, the record for the fastest speed on the bike (gradient assisted) of 46 mph was set today by these 2 muppets!Miles done today: 77 (Tim said 67!)Total Miles done: 790
Calories on the Tankieometer today: 5416
Monies Collected: £200
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