Somerset/Bristol (Day 3)

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Urgh, last night wasn't too pleasant. I guess it's just because it was the first night in the tent. It's not the biggest thing in the world, and I tried to fit all of my bags inside, which left little room for me. It felt terribly damp, cold and uncomfortable, and I think it let a bit of water during the rain overnight. Thankfully it was brightening up when I got up and out of the tent. I wasn't going to rush this morning, so I spent most of the morning checking the maps, and deciding on a route. A few campsites were dotted just north of Bristol, so that would be todays aim. At 10:30am I've finished all but one of my remaining sarnies, packed up the tent (which has now completely dried in the morning sun), and head off. It's a late start, but those 18 hours off the bike have done wonders for my legs. I feel no pain!

So, rushing off excitedly, I try and cut the corner off and get back onto the A38 further north. Instead of this being the dogs bollocks, I end up making a pigs ear of it by heading in the wrong direction. A further 4 miles and 20 minutes of wrong turns and backtracking, and I'm back to where I left off. Reset the timer!

I follow the lane from yesterday and am shortly back on the main road. I'm enjoying this again! Fantastic weather, perfect for cycling. Bright blue sky but with a slight southern breeze, enough to keep you cool and help push me and the beast along the A38. By 11:30 I'm in Taunton. I stop at a chippy (Smiley's Plaice to be exact), and fill up on haddock, chips and coca-cola. Half an hour later and I'm on the dual carriageway making my way out of the town.

It's really busy and it seems there must have been an accident or something, as the traffic had stopped moving. I hoped to sneak slowly along the inside, until a few cars in front had pulled way too far to the left to allow me through. It was a mile to the turn off I wanted, and it looked like this was queued even further, all the way down to the motorway. I cut across, and rode down the middle passing god knows how many static vehicles along the way. A couple of motorbikes took note and followed me for the next mile, probably a little annoyed they couldnt pass me, but must have been happy to be moving at least.

Those 'ickle hills in the distance were one reason
why I wussed out on Glastonbury / Stonehenge.

I follow the A38/Bridgwater Road all the way to.... well, Bridgwater (duh, obviously!), still contemplating a visit to Glastonbury, Stonehenge and/or Cheddar. The late start to the day meant I was already behind schedule, and after only 3 days I had agreed that deviating too far from the shortest/preferred route wasn't going to happen. Leaving Bridgwater I notice the wind has began to pick up, and seems to be blowing across me now. A bit blustery, but not enough to dampen any spirits. Shortly after Highbridge I'm only a mile from the ocean. Had I realised at the time I may have made a visit to Burnham-On-Sea. To the east I see hills (Mendips?) that kinda put me off venturing in that direction. I'm due to hit hills pretty soon anyway, I'd be much happier maintaining a northwards direction whilst climbing. And besides, I'll be back at Glastonbury in a few days. Missing out on Stonehenge was a bit annoying though. It really was too far out of the way today but, being so close to summer solstice, it would have been quite interesting.

A few more miles down the road and, as tempting as it sounded, I passed on Cheddar / Cheddar Gorge. That would have been a cool experience on a bike. But I still had about 3 hours worth of cycling ahead of me to stay on track, plus I'd need to find food and a campsite. A few climbs followed which I didn't really enjoy, but once at the top I was happy to see planes coming and going from Bristol Airport. It was one of those markers of the subconscious (the word 'Bristol' means I must be getting closer to my destination).

Not too far after the airport the City's outskirts come in to view. I'd forgotten how big Bristol actually is. By now I'm in the habit of checking my map every 5-10mins. This is city #2, and I don't intend to get lost like last time. I want a direct route through, that keeps me heading north. I stock up on food at a petrol station just before the descent into the heart of Bristol. Junctions and roundabouts become more frequent, so it's back to the map. The very pathetic map, that shows Bristol as just six roads. "Are you lost?" a friendly voice shouts. I look up to see a cyclist zooming past. I obviously looked a little confused as he quickly pulls over.

We get chatting. His name is Mick, and he lives in Bristol. He's a keen cyclist and a member of Sustrans so he knows his stuff. After a few questions regarding routes, roads to avoid etc he offers to show me safe passage through the city chaos. Brilliant! So for the next 3 or 4 miles I follow as we wind through busy streets, tricky junctions, back road shortcuts, Greville Smyth Park, pedestrian bridges, bikepaths and across the docks to the northern side of the River Avon. Without worrying about which way I was going I was able to enjoy the ride alot more, certainly the scenary.

One-armed Nelly and the Clifton Suspension Bridge

It's about 6pm as we pass under the Clifton Suspension Bridge, stopping at the next junction. The Avon Gorge is impressive enough. I've driven along here a few times, but cycling just seems to make everything look and feel so much grander. The Clifton Bridge is an amazing structure, and the 2nd of Brunel's I've seen on my travels. Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a photo of the bridge over the Tamar back in Plymouth when driving to Land's End.

Bristol Mick w/ the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Mick's chapter of my LEJOG ends here, as its his last decent opportunity to exit back into the city. Before saying our goodbyes, he gives me a couple of Sustrans maps that will cover another 3-4 hours riding, with places of interest (such as pubs!!!) and suggested bicycle routes (some traffic free etc). He suggests a route that will take me up the A403, along the Severn to Aust. Apparently last time he was at the pub there, the food was good and they did camping.

I followed the river up to Avonmouth docks along the A4, and then the A403 which would take me all the way to Aust. With docks and industrial estates in the surrounding area this wouldnt at first seem a perfect cycle route. Bicycle paths lined the wide carriageways, but the roads were safe enough, being after 6pm on a friday evening, so there wasn't any traffic. There wasnt much of any life in fact. So I meandered up through the countryside along the Severn.

River Severn (with Wales in the distance)

I reach Aust shortly after 7pm, and find the pub. Unfortunately it doesn't do camping anymore. I cycle through Aust (it's not a very big place) and a minute or two later I'm at a sliproad onto the M48. I don't really want to cycle much further tonight, so I start to consider the options. Should I find somewhere out of the way and camp rough, or seek out a campsite? I meet a couple out having an evening stroll, and ask them about the area. They can't direct me to a nearby campsite, but say the nearest one is most likely in Wales. Wales was not on my itinerary. I didnt fancy the extra miles tonight, or the thought of having to make up even more miles tomorrow to get back on track. They then tell me that if all I want is somewhere to pitch a tent, then I can do so round the side of their farm buildings/barns. Excellent! That will do me.

I set up the tent, then cycle back to the pub. Most of the patrons seemed well-to-do, and I'm surprised there wasnt many raised eyebrows at my entrance, in scruffy shorts & t-shirt. I'd like to think my charity tee's do give the obvious indication of a fundraiser, so I'm hoping that most who set their eyes upon me will give me the benefit of any doubt. Tucking in to Bangers & Mash, I send out a few texts. Idiot me didn't fully charge the phone before I left the comfort of home, so already the battery was getting low. I finish my pint of Honey Bole, and ride back to the tent. On arriving I see the couple again. They point me to an outdoor loo round the back that I can use.

Now I wish I had the camera for this bit. Obviously, this W.C. was seldom used. I got a face full of cobwebs as soon as I entered. It was a small area of about 1m square. No hot water. Just me, my toothbrush, toothpaste and shower gel. After being used to the luxuries of bathrooms, showers and warm water this was quite a change, but started the perfect thought process. It took a while to attend to everything, but I was extremely satisfied, especially as I was experiencing something that, to me, was a little outside my comfort zone. And raising money for WaterAid really does make you think about what those in Africa and Asia go through every day. This would be considered luxurious to many of those less fortunate.

Once back in the tent, I fall asleep with happy thoughts of the days progress, ideas and knowledge, as my neighbours 'moo' occasionally.


Todays mileage: 68.5 miles.
On the road for 8 1/2 hours, with 6hrs50 riding time. (Approx 10:50-11:50 / 1:00-3:00 /3:15-5:45 /6:00-7:20 = 10miles/hour) [Total mileage I've done = 232 / Total time on the bike = 23hrs10 / Average speed = 10mph]

The aim: 70 miles today would get me just north of Bristol, to the campsites dotted on the map [Total Mileage I aimed to have done = 235]

Woulda-coulda-shoulda been: No added miles really, apart from the messy departure from the campsite in the morning. One of the best days rides in terms of directness and efficiency.

Villain(s) of the day: .

Hero(es) of the day: .

Cost: £26.33 (Fish & Chips = £7, Egg & Bacon sarnies, Sausage Roll, Pasta Salad = £7.63, Bangers & Mash + 1 pint beer = £11.70). The sarnies and salad weren't eaten today, so will add to tomorrows saving. [Total cost of ride to date = £56.33]