Phew, that’s Cornwall done! And, to be honest, i’m glad. Them cornish hills lived up to their reputation. Tired legs and bags meant i had to push up a fair few hills today. But what kind of crazy person at the ctc thought it was a good idea to route over 3 30% gradients? Grumble. One of those descents had just been resurfaced too, which lead to some exciting glentress moments. ?Anyhow, some highlights. There was a brilliant fast long downhill into Tintagel which was a lot of fun. Uhm, and the headwind had dropped from 35mph down to 16mph. Small mercies. Hmm, i’m struggling for good news here. The approach to Torrington include a walk up the steepest residential street i’ve ever seen – mill st is as steep as cockburn st in edinburgh but about 4 times the length. Oh, navigation is good. Loving the gps. I did ad lib a couple of times today, and regretted it every time. And i’m enjoying the ipod when i’m on quiet country roads, although i got some surreal tune picks going up big hills, particularly Prince Charming. ?The other thing which has been notable is the kindness of strangers, even including the countless car drivers who have patiently waited behind me until i reached a point where i could pull in and let them by. The lady who runs tonights bnb have me a lift back into town so i could get food. The builder who i asked directions from were great. Yay for humanity! (I wasn’t saying that on friday night when my motorbike got pushed over for the second time in 2 months).?Anyhow, i need to check in with home to see where i’m staying tomorrow and get a preview of the hills. I know that day 4 is super flat, with the exception of cheddar gorge. But i think day 3 is every bit as hilly as today was. Still, i made it to here and i don’t feel too bad really. No injuries or awful aches yet. Hopefully the wind will turn tomorrow and I’ll get a break. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming . . .
Day: May 12, 2009
Irony
Funny sign just before Tintagel. As it turns out, not such a funny morning. Followed the ctc route along the coast. Bad plan. 30 percent slopes do not make for good cycling, especially when they’ve just resurfaced the road. Lots of walking and pushing, boo. It’s a rubbish route really. Pretty, but not for cycling. Made it to Bude for a late lunch, and i’m really hoping the next 30 miles inland are all downhill. Kinda wish i’d printed out the elevation profiles so i’d know what is coming.
Cracking Haven
Massive climb out of Boscastle, then crazy descent to Cracking Haven. Have confirmed that gravity is a conservative field.
Welcome to Cornwall
This should be the logo for the Cornwall tourist office. Climbs and descents today, starting to get ‘challenging’.
Tintagel
Stopped for tea at Tintagel. Walked down a steep path with the bike to take a look at the castle, but then regretted it when I had to push the laden bike back up said hill.