Okehampton to Truro

Friday 5th June 2009

 

Today's designated starting point was the car park of the Travellodge at Okehampton.  I'd managed to acquire a couple of loose spokes, so Jason got to work on them whilst we were waiting for the off.  We were joined by an additional eight stage riders today,mainly from the Devon and Cornwall Team.

 

The route today was pretty straight forward - big hills, followed by big descents on the A30, before turning off into Truro for the final five miles.

 

I was riding in a group with Tets, Sam, Lee, Jason and local stage rider Steve Reynolds.  We really pushed the pace from the off.  It was nice to know that for every big uphill, there was some payback on the other side.  On the biggest descent, we all clocked over 48 miles per hour, with Jason hitting 50.1 mph.  On the next downhill, I was cycling behind Lee and we had just reached 27 mph when there was a loud bang - Lee had got a flat.  He managed to control his bike(due in the main to his phenomenal upper body strength - or so he tells me!).  You'll see the roadside repairs on the A30 on the 'Day 11' photos page.

 

Lee then decided to take it easy (he got a further two flats today and kept Paul very busy).  The remaining five of us carried on - we were looking for another early finish.  We managed to get a really strong train going and arrived in Truro at 12.30 - an average speed over 64 miles of 20 mph - we were pleased with that.  If anything, it seems that we are getting stronger every day.

 

Phil Richardson is grinding out the miles - he's been a bit quiet, towards the back for a few days now, nursing a hamstring injury.  Almost there mate!

 

It's an absolutely sizzling afternoon in Truro (Ray has just gone to the beach to go in the sea again) and tonight we're all eating at 'Mannings' in the town centre.  I can't believe that we're almost there now - 900 miles cycled, with the 'processional' 32 miles to Land's End to go tomorrow.  

 

Two years ago, Tets and my families were on holiday in Newquay and we traveled down to Land's End one day.  That was the day that the seeds of this adventure were first sowed.  I can remember saying to Tets - "Just imagine what it will feel like to cycle the final few miles into Land's End".  Well in 24 hours time, we'll know for real.  Tomorrow is a huge day for all of us.  We're tired, excited and really looking forward to seeing the other end of the UK.  Hopefully, Paul is going to ride through the pain barrier and cycle with us (well there's no 'hopefully' about it.  He is doing it even if we have to pull him along!).

 

Most importantly of all, we are now over the £200k mark with the amount of money raised.  The target will definitely be exceeded and in turn we'll have helped a fantastic charity along the way.

 

One day to go!

 

Mark

 

PS - After Tets being on the end of a 'Bateman' compliment yesterday, I am pleased to report that earlier on today as we got to the top of one hill, Jase turned to me and said "Climbing well today Mr Attwood".  After he'd gone past, I was punching the air and high fiving myself.  In your face Tetsill, in your face!!!!