The day started with a bit of a lie in followed by a sudden climb out of Honiton. I spent all morning riding with Sophie after her hellish day yesterday, and I hope she enjoyed sitting on my tail through the Somerset Flats (which were questionably flat) and sheltering from the wind. We motored along, and critically didn't get lost!
We had a lovely long mid morning tea break at the house of a couple who have ridden LETJOG with Bike the UK for MS in the past and this took a great effort to leave! But then once on the move again is was more of the same riding to protect Sophie from the wind.
After a quick pit stop for lunch in a B&Q car park, we were joined by four more of the group and the unanimous decision was to ride as a group (behind me...) on the remaining flats before the ominous Cheddar Gorge. This was possibly the most satisfying part of the trip so far as we motored through to the bottom of the gorge. Here we split and it was everyone for themselves. Having reached the top I then decided (or more accurately was kinda dared) to ride back down and accompany Sophie back to the top (playing Domestique once again!)
We then regrouped at the top and cruised along over a few more "bumps" for the last 20 killer miles during which we were all starting to long for the finish.
After the ride, we had a moving talk from Ewan Johnston, an super cycling who was diagnosed with MS 4 years ago, about how it has (and has not) affected his incredible cycling persuits.
We are all looking forward to an easier day tomorrow!
Well done Sophie for powering through the pain barrier. Great photos. What incredible views from the saddle. More of the same tomorrow. X
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