Negotiated an early breakfast (by forgoing the usual "full English" which , to be honest, was no sacrifice - I think the challenge of eating 12 of these consecutively would surpass that of the JOGLE) Our very tolerant host was obviously not too disappointed to be let off galley duty and we duly carb-loaded on cereal and toast ++. In addition to allowing his private quarters to be invaded last night to watch the "giro d'Italia" he also saw his laptop commandeered for blogging purposes. We spotted that he had a track pump which we also duly helped ourselves to in the morning, which was handy as Julian had a flat. Anyway, JB & JB took this opportunity to make a fast getaway (on 110 lb front and rear) whilst the others were left to replace the tube and pay the bill. Off we went into a strangely unfamiliar scenario of pleasantly cool, sunny conditions and flat roads. Surely just a dream?.... but wait, no, it's true, adversity had briefly left us and we were able to reconnect with the concept of "cycling for pleasure". Incredibly , this was to be more than a fleeting mirage, but to continue all day. ALL DAY! Yes, on we went, gayly kissing the outskirts of Gloucester, to be treated to some middle England canal towpath idyll, exchanging "good mornings" with other happy human beings, stopping after a swift 30 miles for the mandatory coffee & cake (essential carbs) alongside a canal lock, feeling the sun warming our beaten bodies. All was well; fuelled and warmed, we pressed on our merry way, more English villages, more cycle routes eventually brought us alongside Bristol and the M5 to cross the Avonmouth bridge (familiar by car but a quite different experience by bike). After a "simple" lunch in clevedon (at 60 miles or so), we picked up the "Strawberry line" (part of Jerry's "excellent route") which took us through more cycle-friendly tracks and tunnels ( one of which jerry finds quite disorienting without the aid of mind-altering substances ). This brought us to the foot of Cheddar Gorge. Before tackling the climb we were allowed a milkshake to help us to the top. this was completed without drama and also presented some fine photo-opportunities. Carrying on up to priddy hill we took a breather on a bench which afforded fabulous sun-drenched views over the Somerset levels all the way to the coast. We then dropped carefully into the precipitous descent to Wookey hole (overtaken by a madly pedalling MTBer) and on to the fine city of Wells. Chris (obviously affected by all the sunshine) had rushed on to the B&B whilst we had a pootle around Wells. We called him back for carbs before reaching the accomodation ourselves. The team decision was Pizza. Jerry was very concerned about the vfm (value for money) factor when comparing his 12" with John's 14". (However, as he should know; a 12" provides an mere 113 sq inches of pizza whilst a 14" provides a whopping 154 sq inches: a 36% larger pizza. Besides, he needed a further dose of chocolate fudge cake to make up the shortfall) Full and happy we rolled on to the farm for a shower an a night's rest, having locked our bikes in the host's garage alongside an immaculate 1930s Rolls Royce!
MILES: 100 approx
Yellow Jersey: Chris
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