Monday 26 July 2010

Day 3 Bridgwater to Hereford

First the stats - exactly 90 miles in 7 hours again. Day began really well, great breakfast and although legs were stiff it was amazing how well they went - even nearly 50 year old bodies are amazing and seem to respond positively to 90 mile per day challenges - flew from Bridgwater to just south of Bristol airport then a disaster - went over freshly laid road tar and chippings and result was 2 totally locked wheels and an effing and jeffing author. One of the most important aspects of this tour is a general re-affirmation of the human spirit and support of human to human (be it "free" food at roadside cafes to donations and encouragement of complete strangers). Sadly though this didn't extend to the monkeys laying the new road surface - abuse and ridicule is all I got. The gardeners of the Holiday Inn just up the road were magnificent however and spent an hour with me with lots of petrol and rags sorting out the bike - vents you were heroes. Got very emotional crossing the Severn bridge. Thanks for the girls at Chepstow racecourse for the drinks. Murray you'd have laughed at the comedy moment at Tintern - satnav forced me on a 700 steep ascent off the valley floor only to bring me straight back down! Longest day of tour tomorrow over 100 miles with a long climb out of Hereford. Sorry to be a bore but keep the messages coming - they REALLY help. Love to all - nearly 1800 pounds now without giftaid. Cheers John.