downhill at speed

Today i was following phil at speed down a hill and marvelled at his line through one of the bends, shortly after this he lurched to the side and actually hit the kerb/hedge taking a good chunk of it with him, but remarkably staying on his bike. Once i had stopped laughing i decided that i follow a bit further behind in future. Phils philosophy is that it is ok to crash and burn. I will be writing this in his get well card if necessary.

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okehampton

Managed to haul ourselves into okehampton today and actually is was not a slong as the previous four 70 milers. Having said that still plenty of rolling hills to contend with as we got closer ro the end. Met our first friendly coach of the trip so far who gave a toot and didnt try to run us off the road at the first blind bend.

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devon country lanes

Making good progress through devon, plenty of hills but just plodding up them seems to work. By far the most generous in terms of people wishing us well and making donations on route. Had a confrontation with a large tractor on a single width lane fitted with spikes on the front just right for impalling cyclists. Needless to say we gave in and let it past.

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wellington

Really getting south west now, just past wellington where it seems there is a monument to wellies which you might just see in the picture - how odd. Still hot, but good progress in the morning so far.

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down on the canal

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just crossed the avon.

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end of day 12a - taunton

Arrived in our taunton b&b just after 7pm, another long hot dusty day. Again we followed canal paths instead of the A38 which was nice, but means we have been doing around 120km every day for the last 5 days which is going some. Managed to get led off course by somw artist chap who has been travelling for the last 3 months but nothing too serious. Now in 2aunton it does feel like the end is in sight especially as i lived in exeter for 8 years tomorrow will be passing some familiar places. Hoping to get to okehampton a bit earlier than usual as it does not leave much time for cleaning and washing our stuff, although we still manage to fill our faces and i'm guessing that neither of us has lost any weight overall!!. The bikes look like they have been unloved for 20 years but are still running well with no major problems. Staring to think about the last day and how we can arrive before they take the signpost away at the end of the day - could be an early start.

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