What Julian forgot to say is that before I (Jeremy) came out on this challenge I asked expert advice on my bike's ability to do the end to end!! Anyway this morning, before we left for our 74 mile journey I placed a new tyre on my bicycle.
Although the weather has been disappointing, I think everyone enjoyed the route which I spent 18 months planning. It has been challenging, but also it involves various types of scenery, from the Scottish Highlands to the Moorfoot Hills to the Lake District (which was a wash out!). Even the trip passing through the built up areas of Britian (by passing Manchester, Crewe and Birmingham) went well.
The B&B last night was good, allowing us to wash our clothes (shame they were not dried properly, but beggers can't be choosers) and they allowed us to use their computer so we can post three days of our blog!
The first 24 miles went quickly and we arrived at Ironbridge which appears to be undergoing a renovation. We had a coffee stop as it began to rain, by now we were getting used to getting soaked!! Afterwards we decided eventually to try the new cycle path (no 45) to Bridgnorth. The surface was variable and on the whole it was quite reasonable and we were impressed when we cycled pass an old railway station with the old signage outside, it was like going back in time and you expected a train to come any moment.
Bridgnorth appeared to be a great town to explore, but we did not have the time to stay as we needed to get in the mileage, so we cyled on to Bewdley. This is another attractive town built on the shore of the River Severn, and it was here where we had a snack and an ice cream. It was at this town when we saw for the first time since our adventure blue skies and we began to feel the heat of the sun.
The final ride of the day was flattish, which we were not used to, and so the miles went by quickly. Worcester was busy as we tackled the roads with the commuters heading home from work. We arrived at Upton by 5.15pm and was welcomed by the b&b with a nice cup of coffee and a chance to work the Italian cycle race on Sky.
We finished the day with a Curry, and if anyone knows me, I do not eat Curry, but the mild dish was quite tasty and filling. Tomorrow (Thurs 19th) is our hundred mile ride to Wells so we are leaving at 8am.
Enjoying reading the blog. Well done guys, just a shame you have had such poor weather. Hopefully the sun will be with you for the rest of the journey.
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