Stage 3: Bideford to Bridgwater
Onwards into Somerset
Distance: 67.91 miles
Climb: 6,713 feet
Day three and we head due east from Devon and into Somerset.
At over 1,500ft, our ascent onto Exmoor is the third-highest single climb on our adventure. Then, as the stage draws to a close, we tackle the Quantocks before our final descent into Bridgwater.
Today we're joined by fellow Farnhamites, Jo and John, cycling out to meet and escort us to the rural village of Wembdon.
Fun Fact: Bridgwater is famous for its Guy Fawkes Carnival - the largest illuminated procession in Europe.
"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves."
Apparently, when asked why he climbed Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary responded: “Because it was there”. Pretty much the same response we gave when asked why cycle up Exmoor and over the Quantocks in one day! By the way when posed the same question, Sherpa Tenzing Norgay said all his mates had climbed it, so he wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
An epic third day of climbing, spectacular views, dare-devil descents and animal encounters.
Starting gently out of Bideford we took a wonderful trail along the estuary, through beautiful Instow and onto Barnstaple. As Paul later remarked, this was the last view of flat land for 50 miles.
So began the first 1,000 feet climb of the day as we pedalled inexorably up onto Exmoor, leaving pretty Devon villages behind as the landscape became wilder. Topping out at just over 1,500 feet we were rewarded with 360-degree splendour.
Stopping to refuel we watched workmen repairing some gates and were befriended by their dog (or he wanted our food). Continuing the animal magic, in one mile we saw galloping horses, Exmoor ponies, a stubborn cow and even a lizard.
We rode on into Somerset, looking forward to meeting up with our good friends John and Jo who were riding out to meet us. Only the Quantocks and what John described as “organ-failure hill” stood between us and our pals. So, it was a combination of joy and relief (for Richard at least) to be greeted at the summit.
Cue our daily technical as Paul experienced the first flat of the trip. Unfortunately, this turned into two flats as the first inner tube failed after five yards!
We were soon underway and getting ever closer to the very generous hospitality of Jo’s parents, Lesley and Pete. This spurred us on to the finish of a truly epic day’s ride.
Thursday is a well-deserved rest day...and then the small matter of 108 miles to Worcester on Friday.
Now a word about kindness.
It was great of John and Jo to take the time to travel to ride with us – a great boost at the end of the journey. Lesley and Pete were generous enough not only to host us and feed us delicious chilli and curry, but also to do our washing. We are both truly grateful.
We've also been deeply touched by the generosity and trust of strangers who, on hearing about our plans and the work of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, have made on-the-spot cash donations to the tune of £60 so far - THANK YOU.
Fancy sponsoring us? Click through to our JustGiving page.
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