Devon (Day 2)

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For some reason the blue route doesnt want to show up on this map!?!?!
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Just like yesterday, I only managed 6 hours sleep. I got dropped off at Crockernwell (my end point on Tuesday) just after 11am. The bike, fully loaded, was extremely heavy. Silly me, I haven’t yet tested out the bike with everything on it, so it will take some getting used to. My mini tent manages to fit inside the rucksack. With a bunch of other bits, it really is too heavy to carry on my back, so its strapped above my panniers with bungee straps. It seems to hold pretty well. Once I get moving, it does get easier, although every one of the first 20 hills I climbed seemed as hard as each other.

When I got to the Lake District I did manage to weigh everything:

Pannier 1 (Clothes etc.) = 5.25 Kg / 11.5 lbs
Pannier 2 (Sleeping Bag etc.) = 3.35 Kg / 7.4 lbs
Rucksack (Tent/Bike parts & accessories) = 4.9 Kg / 10.8 lbs
Bike w/ Pannier Rack & D-Lock = 16.8Kg / 37 lbs

So that was over 30 Kg / 66 lbs before the addition of food & drink.

Continuing on through Cheriton Bishop, Tedburn St Mary, I finally get overtaken for the first time in 130 miles by another cyclist whilst checking my tyres just outside Pathfinder Village. I think this was still the ‘old A30’. It’s a minor road, traffic free for the most part, but does run adjacent to the modern A30 dual carriageway, so its just as flat.

The weather is quite good, and as I’m making decent progress I decide to try to wing it through Exeter (not a smart move). The first city I’ve encountered this trip, but with my track record of city-riding I should have known better. Its quite nice here, one of those places you come across and think “hmmm, I wouldn't mind living here”. At a central-ish roundabout I see signs for a bike route that takes me down along the river (hence the rather wacky route shown. It was the closest I could get to the correct distance and direction along the river) . A pleasant ride, away from the busy streets. I keep heading, in what I believe to be, northeast but then get stuck finding a way across the river. Once across, I then cycle around trying to find anything that resembles a major street. When I finally come across signposts I realise I’ve ended up more south than thought, towards Countess Wear. Time for a break, so I tuck into the first of the sandwiches (that were prepared for yesterday, but forgot to accompany me to Land's End).

A quick stint up a dual carriageway, and I’m finally on the B3181 through Pinhoe and Dog Village (yep that’s its name. And no, it wasn’t home to talking animals). The road crosses back and forth over the M5 (my guiding light out of Devon/Somerset). Up through Broadclyst, Budlake, Langford, Cullompton and Willand, I decide to head further off the beaten track in search of a late country pub lunch. Im unsuccessful, finding only pubs and tea rooms closed from 2pm. By this time my knee is in a lot of pain after yesterdays long ride, and also the knock I picked up later on. I find a lay-by, which I would have expected to be very quiet, but was quite the opposite. A couple of sandwiches and an apple later, I’m lying in the sun but getting a much needed rest. Thank you Mr. Lorry driver who thought it funny to beep your horn just as I was falling asleep. In fact, I had the last laugh as if I had slept I’d likely have burned an arm or two and suffered a little sunstroke. So 1-0 to me!

Back on the beast, and crossing the M5 once again I’ve decided that, after less than 40 miles, the next caravan/camping site will be my stop for the night. Within a minute or so of entering Somerset along the A38, the mirage like shape of a roadside camping sign appears. I pull off the highway onto a narrow lane and follow the signs, gaining a little adrenalin just from the thought of rest.

It's too orangey for crows. It's just for me and my dog!

The site is at, or near, Greenham, which lies about 6 miles southwest of Wellington. 5 minutes and 6 quid later, and I’m pitching my tent for the first time in the great outdoors. It seems to look a lot more stable and attractive than the other night, which helps keep my spirits high.

The nearest pub, shop, petrol station are all 2 miles away. And all next door to one another. Quite strange, but that’s rurality for you. MS Word tells me rurality isn’t a word, but I think it should be. The knee is still aching, so after my shower and a couple of hours rest in the tent, I head out on foot to find food for the evening.

I’m told the Prince Of Wales pub isn’t too far away. It’s a takeaway too that offers steaks etc. Funny for a takeaway, but off I go. Guessing my way along minor roads, then minor country roads, then minor country back roads and then country tracks I see some buildings in the distance. Please please please be Holcombe Rogus. Thank god it is. I'm knackered, Im starving and my legs are aching. These kind of country pubs just arent my forte. Im used to towns & cities for my drinking/eating and sometimes I get odd feelings walking into these places. Now I'm not knocking them, but I suppose watching The Wicker Man and Straw Dogs has given me a little unurban fear. Strange. I get a pint of Black Prince, order a Steak with vegatables and find a table.

Its about 9pm, so after wolfing it all down I head back to the campsite. It'll be getting dark soon, and the route was mostly bordered by high hedges or thick woods, so I need to make the most of the daylight to help remind me of the route I had taken. I must have looked a bit surprised/suspicious or just plain strange wandering past some guys stood outside a lonely country house. I cant imagine pedestrians are very common along here.

It's quite dark when I get back to the campsite, so I'm worried finding my tent may be a bit difficult. Thankfully the colour/brightness of my orange tent is still capable of burning my retina, and it stands out like a sore thumb.

Climbing into my sleeping bag I hear my legs cry out "thank you....at last!".

I'll be waking up this view most mornings for the rest of the journey. Ooo fab!

Todays mileage: 40.5 miles.
On the road for 5 hours, with 4hrs riding time. (Approx 11:15-12:45 / 1:00-2:30 / 3:15-4:15 = 10miles/hour) [Total mileage I've done = 163.5 / Total time on the bike = 16hrs20 / Average speed = 10mph]

The aim: 70-80 miles was my initial plan, but today was barely a half day. I am lumping this together with Tuesday's 'half-day' for the sake of statistics, therefore this total aim is based just over 2 days [Total Mileage I aimed to have done = 165]

Woulda-coulda-shoulda been: The shortest route would have only been about 30 miles, but I didnt know where I would be finishing for the day. I could have saved 6 miles if I hadnt got lost in Exeter, or headed off in search of pubs after Cullompton.

Villain(s) of the day: .

Hero(es) of the day: .

Cost: £20 (Camping = £6, Steak w/ veg & beer = £14). Once again snacked mostly on sandwiches that'd I'd brought with me. [Total cost of ride to date = £30]