Cornwall

I've just completed my first ride in Cornwall Polzeath, Port Quin and Port Isaac. I managed three hills with chevrons, which means they are between 1 in 5 and 1 in 7, without walking. Polzeath was teaming with thousands of families, surfers and teenagers. Port Quin was beautiful and looks like a good spot to start a coastal walk. Port Isaac, where they film Doc Martin, was like a picture postcard. Legs feeling strong and although I wouldn't say I'm enjoying the up hills the chances of me collapsing half way up are getting less. Thanks for the donations and messages of encouragement on the blog. Could you include your name in any messages you leave on the blog as it doesn't let me see the name of the sender?
Simon

Goodbye Devon

Hurrah, I finally have a wifi connection. The weather is glorious and we are staying at probably the most dog friendly hotel in Britain called Dalswinton. We left Devon this morning and had a long lunch at the excellent Dartmoor Inn. We are now just outside of Watergate Bay in Cornwall and are moving onto Paidstow tomorrow.

Devon was great and we celebrated Jill's birthday at Michael Caine's restaurant in Exeter.

 

I spotted my third holiday celebrity this morning and said hello to Andrew Marr whilst I was walking the poodles. He had an incredibly deep voice which I hadn't noticed from his Sunday morning tv show.

 

I've not been on the bike for a couple of days and Cornwall looks worse than Devon for hills. I believe Lance Armstrong starts tapering off his training before a big ride so I'm gong to enjoy a few short rides next week with plenty of long lunches.

 

I have attached some of the Dorset photos below I promised last week.

 

Simon

Dorset

Dorset

Devon

Seven days to go before we start the trip. I've cycled about 70 miles this week and I'm feeling ok.I rode 33 miles yesterday following the River Otter from the coast. Thankfully there were no huge hills on the ride and only a slight beeeze. I'm finding it impossible to ride over hills greater than 1 in 5 which are common in Devon.
I spoke to dad yesterday and he has struggled to get out on his bike as much as he would like. I'm sure he'll be fine once he's got his cycling legs back. I'm strongly advising him to keep his bike as light as possible by reducing the amount of luggage he carries.
Mike is busy training in Angelsey and has been preparing with regular visits to the gym.
Jill and I are visiting Exeter today for her birthday. We're moving onto Cornwall tomorrow with the promise of good weather and a wifi connection.
Simon

Sent from my iPhone

Route

Still can't get wifi and I'm blogging from my phone. Dad has finished the route  which we will be following using his gps. The aim is to avoid most of the main roads and I know dad has been busy plotting the best route on his computer. Click on the link below for a detailed overview of our planned route. 

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=13544

Simon

Sent from my iPhone

Wild garlic