9th September Lostwithiel to Lands End

Again a very hard day, with mile after mile of hills.
Pictures will follow, but Jess's ecstatic face as we rode towards a wonderful sunset at Lands End, and were met by all the guys, was one I will never forget. She was incredibly strong and tenacious throughout the whole trip, and her completing such an amazing challenge was what made it all worthwhile for me.
Jess, you were amazing. I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you!

8th September Exeter to Lostwithiel

Devon is horrible. Not really, it is gorgeous, but we found this to be the toughest day of all physically and mentally. We stopped for quite a while to help a group of 3 ladies who were having trouble with their bikes, which made us run a little late.

Devon is very very hilly. Brutal ascents, followed by raving mad descents, which after a while we came to dread, as we knew what would follow afterwards. We both actually felt quite sick half way up one of the hills.

We arrived at a lovely b and b , Penventon Farm, where we were made to feel at home, and then rushed out to grab a bite to eat locally

7th September Burham on Sea to Exeter

A very long day, over Dartmoor. Breathtakingly beautiful, and breathtakingly hard as well. The rain hurt, but it was more than made up for by the Dartmoor ponies.

Jess had one of her highlights too. She was upgraded o The Cromwell Suite, the poshest room in the hotel! We didn't see her for two hours before she came down for dinner, looking decidedly happier with her lot, Princess bed, bath to die for etc etc.

6th September Cardiff to Burnham on Sea

Another hard day. After we'd all spent the night at home in our own beds, our spirits flagged at the thought of leaving again. We also had to get over the Severn Bridge somehow. Jess got lost a couple of miles before our prearranged meetup at the services with Mike. My fault, I wasn't looking behind me. Oops. I got a right tonguelashing when she turned up as she somehow ended up cycling through a field. This was probably the rainiest of days as well. Jess was very brave to keep the pace up as it totally lashed down. Scenery not that exciting either.

Sunday 5th September Llandridnod Wells to Cardiff

We were joined today by Derek Thomas, a local Headteacher, and his friend Ian. Jess was still half asleep when it was time to get going, especially as it was raining. Needless to say, Dave, who doesn't mess about with anything, sent Mike and I up to help her with her stuff, and we set off not too long later.

Bearing in mind most of her male companions were roughly twice her age, she set off at a furious pace which none of us could keep up with. We assumed she was going to stop at the prearranged tea and buns stop in Brecon. On our arrival, she was nowhere to be seen, and after about an hour of searching she was found, having started the main ascent up towards Storey Arms. This was a gruelling ride, really strong headwind, and at least Jess stayed behind to coax her Dad up the mountain. They were fabtastic! We stopped for another breather just after the summit, as we all recognised we needed a rest.

Jess and Dave stayed back, whilst Derek, Ian and I blasted off towards Cardiff to meet up with our welcoming party. Jess arrived with her Father literally minutes after the appointed time, a masterful piece of pacing. Dave wasn't so happy to be carrying her makeup bag for the group pictures, and soon unloaded it onto someone else.

The greeting provided by our friends, all of whom have been very supportive was heartwarming. Thank you all very much, it meant a lot to us all.

Derek announced after this arduous stage that he'd only been out training on his bike once. He gave an amazing account of himself, and is still looking for his underpants after several hours on a razor blade of a racing saddle.

Sat 4th September Oswestry to Llandridnod Wells

We were joined today by Jess's Father, Dave Hill. They set a cracking pace all day long, as they are very competitive with each other. A long hard day in the saddle, but Dave treated us all to a wonderful meal in the eveing which was most relaxing. Not so relaxing was the huge wedding party downstairs, which was still going at about 2am!
Bleary eyes in the morning.

3rd September Wigan to Oswestry

Very pretty day, with some tough roads, used a couple of weeks later for the Tour of Britain cycle race. Can't remember a great deal at the moment, as any memories were overawed upon our arrival at what was probably our best overnight stop, at Moors Farm, Welshpool. We were honoured to meet up with Jess's parents, to spend a night at what is a shooting lodge. Free drinks on the house, and the most glorious home made food. Absolutely five star!