Goldsmiths Bike Britain

Today was a lovely restful day, only 27 miles to cycle and the terrain was pretty flat. Even better, we had a great welcome here at Sarah and Phil’s in Chester.  We have done a load of well needed clothes washing and have just returned from having a fantastic (if slightly painful) sports massage at the ProPhysio centre just down the road! They very kindly offered this free of charge so a big thanks to all the team there, check out their logo and link on the sonsors page! I think with all this attention we’ll be set for the next section of the ride and all the killer hills to come!

We have just had a read through all the comments on the website, the first real chance in the last few days so thanks so much for everyone’s support, it’s very much appreciated. Most of our reports are sent from the mobile phone so it’s great to actually get to a PC and update the site properly and read all the comments.

For those following the food updates tonight’s meal is risotto. And for those doing a county count I think I make it 9 (plus Wales for about ten minutes earlier today!)

Another hot day today but i guess we shouldn’t complain about the sun. Better than rain! Met Simon again just as we were leaving the b&b. Some fantastic scenery along the way, especially near Church Stretton. Stopped at a farmers market in the town to pick up lunch. Made pretty good time for the rest of the day and had a bit of time to explore Ellesmere. Walked down to the lake and then off for our well earned dinner. Really looking forward to the short day today tomorrow and some rest before the real hills start!

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A great day today, passed through some lovely little villages. Relatively flat compared to the beginning of the week, although a bit of a climb coming out of bath. Met another guy called Simon doing the same route but carrying camping gear with him - crazy fool! Got hotter as the day went on, making it a bit tough but kept the fluids up and arrived 5.30ish. Very friendly here at the Ship, and now waiting for dinner to arrive!

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Today was a bit of a scorcher, slightly different conditions to what we’re used to! The route was a lot flatter too, at least in the first part of the day so we were able to keep up a good pace. Turned a bit hillier as we came into  the Medips and closer to Bath but the scenery was beautiful. Arrived in Bath ahead of schedule and found an excellent watering hole next to the canal to recouperate. We have been looked after incredibly well at Jo and Paul’s here in Bath with Jo cooking up an enormous quantity of pasta for dinner and tomorrow’s lunch! Big day tomorrow…

Currently sitting in a beer garden near Wellington, Somerset waiting for dinner to arrive. 64 miles today, day 3 out the way. The weather today was great until towards the end when we had some rain. However, it then cleared and it has been a beautiful evening. The hills were not so bad today and we have been told it will get flatter as we go north. We also appear to be in for lots of sun so factor 30 will be needed!

Met another group doing LeJOG by the side of the road. They were stopped having a break and offered us a Mars bar and banana…how could we refuse!

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Compared to yesterday, today was a toughie! A combination of the steeply undulating terrain and stop/start rain made for a very tiring ride. However, we made it safely and were treated to a massive pork roast at Kirstie’s parents (where we are staying tonight).

For those of you who noticed that the satellite tracking seemed to stop at Camelford…you’re right…we did stop for a while! Kirstie and Katie met us there in a tea shop (in fact we made them wait for about an hour as we misjudged our arrival time) where Chris had a jacket potato and I had ham, egg and chips; a much needed break and we only had another 18 miles to go.

64 miles to do tomorrow and having just looked at the weather it looks like things are improving!

Finished day one with no problems but then it was just 35 miles! Tomorrow the real mileage starts. Just devoured half a chicken and chilli con carne and now ready for a good nights sleep. More tomorrow!

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Finally we are leaving, a little late but there was a queue to have our photo taken at the sign!

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In the car heading for Lands End ready for a planned departure of 2pm. All the gear is packed but we are a bit disturbed by the weight! We may have to cut back as we decide what is essential and what is not! The weather looks good at the moment so fingers crossed.

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Thanks to all the people and companies who have sponsored us so far; we have been overwhelmed by the response. As of today, we have raised a total of £5,526 and really hope that we can raise even more. To reflect this, we have increased our target from £5,000 to £7,500!

For those of you reading this who have not yet sponsored us, please visit www.justgiving.com/goldsmithsbikebritain and donate what you can for this very worthwhile cause.

Below is a picture of carnage at Chris’s flat during our final pack the week before departing.