Plymouth to Perrenporth 20 Sep 07

Thu 20 Sep 07. Delayed departure from Guz (Plymouth) as we waited for Tim to get back from Raleigh for an emergency Root Canal Filling in his tooth he had been putting up with the pain for 5 days (and moaning a lot) but eventually gave in to treatment. Also took the opportunity for a Naval Phot to take some PR snaps of some posers on bikes.

Off we set over the Tamar: Isambard’s Bridge is a sight to behold and the county sign for Cornwall beckoned. A comment from the Chief PTI at the gym as we departed that this would be our hardest leg stuck fear in our loins. Obviously, even though he is Navy number 1 cyclist he could not have done this awesome feat from John O Groats to Lands End as we discovered there was hills a plenty but nothing compared to yesterdays day of hell on Dartmoor.

Tea break at Liskeard and the team were replenished and ready to crack on with a nice downhill stretch. The rain that had been promised all day tried to intervene with the enjoyable cycle but fortunately to no avail.

Before we knew it we were at Bodmin where Andy had nipped to a pasty shop and provided a steaming hot Oggie (pasty) to compliment Paul’s tea, which has come on a lot since he started and he can now almost make a decent cuppa!

Half-way already and more undulating roads with some dodgy road works combined with numerous lorries who obviously cant see bikes (!”£$%&*^). Finally we managed to get to the ¾ mark at Fraddan where another cup of Paul’s super tea was waiting before setting of for the home leg.

Up a rather large hill leading to a wind farm was the next challenge and it really was WINDY but this was followed by a fantastic descent into Perranporth. As per normal it was down, down, down followed by up, up, up to a very scenic hostel at the top of the cliff looking out to sea.

Once again Andy created a culinary masterpiece with chicken and we all loaded up with some excellent tucker, unfortunately it was very taxing and he had to have a wee lie down before stepping ashore.

And so to the final push to Lands End after a pleasant evening trying to get the Rugby on the tele in the Football pub in the village! 35 miles or so to do (22 according to Tim!) and then its all over: endex, finale, finish, completion….

Tomorrows Blog will contain a number of useful phrases for anyone who may be stupid enough to try this journey, for example:

Undulating road – a series of big uphills and small downhills mostly taking place on mountainous roads!

Miles done today: 54 (Tim said 57 so again shock horror he was over not under!)
Total Miles done: 910
Calories on the Tankieometer today: 4100