Our first thoughts were that much of the climbing would be behind us as we ambled along the cliffs before breakfast. I think we could all have stayed here for a few days as the hostel was comfortable and the weather was hot and sunny. The hills were still there.
As we ran out onto the coats road (B3276) we dropped at first and then came to a hill that I have driven up countless times and which I had thought was behind us. Just about every time I have driven up it I have thought what a horrible climb on a bike. I wasn’t wrong! After that, it was down hill to Padstow to join the Camel Trail to Wadebridge. Padstow offered us a bike shop just before we got onto the Camel Trail. Who can resist? Various bits and bobs were purchased including extra drinks bottles.
The Camel Trail to Wadebridge was enjoyable (and flat). We had made arrangements to meet MickF at Davidstow and set off with some confidence. Again, hills intervened. The climb into Camelford, whilst not as steep as some others that we had climbed, just seemed to go on forever, if not longer. In the end, MickF came towards us and we met him (and his Merlin) as we were leaving Camelford. From there Mick took us along back roads to Launceston (including another lunch on a grass verge) and then along the route of the old A30 to Okehampton before leaving us to return home.
Again, hills were a major feature of the day. There was plenty of climbing in the afternoon and we were all tired when we got to the Travelodge at Okehampton where we had arranged to stay. Perhaps the tiredness came from both the work rate and the hot sunshine. As were climbing the final hill, Mick came back down to me on escort duty. He had a Garmin fixed to his bike, so was able to read altitude in addition to speed and distance. I’m sure he was trying to motivate me with comments like, “just 300 feet to go”, but somehow that wasn’t the effect!
We ate that night (and next morning) at the Little Chef next door where the Custard Wars came to a head as Richards request for extra custard were rejected and I got extra helpings!
As we ran out onto the coats road (B3276) we dropped at first and then came to a hill that I have driven up countless times and which I had thought was behind us. Just about every time I have driven up it I have thought what a horrible climb on a bike. I wasn’t wrong! After that, it was down hill to Padstow to join the Camel Trail to Wadebridge. Padstow offered us a bike shop just before we got onto the Camel Trail. Who can resist? Various bits and bobs were purchased including extra drinks bottles.
The Camel Trail to Wadebridge was enjoyable (and flat). We had made arrangements to meet MickF at Davidstow and set off with some confidence. Again, hills intervened. The climb into Camelford, whilst not as steep as some others that we had climbed, just seemed to go on forever, if not longer. In the end, MickF came towards us and we met him (and his Merlin) as we were leaving Camelford. From there Mick took us along back roads to Launceston (including another lunch on a grass verge) and then along the route of the old A30 to Okehampton before leaving us to return home.
Again, hills were a major feature of the day. There was plenty of climbing in the afternoon and we were all tired when we got to the Travelodge at Okehampton where we had arranged to stay. Perhaps the tiredness came from both the work rate and the hot sunshine. As were climbing the final hill, Mick came back down to me on escort duty. He had a Garmin fixed to his bike, so was able to read altitude in addition to speed and distance. I’m sure he was trying to motivate me with comments like, “just 300 feet to go”, but somehow that wasn’t the effect!
We ate that night (and next morning) at the Little Chef next door where the Custard Wars came to a head as Richards request for extra custard were rejected and I got extra helpings!
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