what a day! It started in the wet at 7am leaving Bath and over the Mendips in more rain with some good climbs or digs as cyclists like to call them. We then had an amazing descent into Cheddar Gorge, very fast with high rocks on both sides. After our first refresh stop we went straight up crossing into Devon where we managed to separate for a while mainly due to constant stops to put on and take off our waterproof coats. Gybe seemed the wisest by keeping his on and soon took the lead with Jereon and I chasing behind. Unbeknown to us Gybe fell off his bike at some roadworks and disappeared and we managed to cycle straight past him without noticing. it wasn't until we got to the next food stop that we realised he couldn't be ahead of us and finally he phoned to tell us he had fallen, was ok and about 10 minutes behind us. We agreed to find a coffee shop and wait for him and eventually after 15 miles agreed on a nice warm pub where we ordered our Cappuccino's and waited for Gybe who then cycled straight past us in a complete world of his own not noticing our bikes or our shouts to stop. Jeroen and I then spent another 20 miles to catch him. The last 30 miles were horrendous with high winds, rain and lots of hills but we dig deep, helped each other through the pain and finally got back to camp at 5.30 in Okehampton. Stats for the day not great an average 13mph - we are hoping for better weather for our last day tomorrow. Gybe's parents met us at the finish which was very nice to get some support and we enjoyed a very welcome cream tea before showering. We are now chilling with a pint and papers before a hog roast supper - lovely! Up at 4.30 tomorrow for an early start for the last 112 miles and to be met by Rowena (Jereons wonderful wife) who is very kindly taking us home. As we sit here we feel very lucky, we have a few aches and pains and bruises but people at the back of the field are still arriving and quite a few haven't made it. There have been broken ankles and collarbones, snapped tendons and quite a few falls resulting in retirements! Gybe was lucky today and I'm sure he will update you with his story. Although surprisingly it was a very tough day and we were glad to get back we are in very good spirits and looking forward to getting home to our families.
Andrew (Gybe), Jason and Jeroen are challenging themselves and mid-life to the max by cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End from 11th June to 20th June. ( http://www.rideacrossbritain.com/) A grueling 1000 miles over nine days, there will be no soft beds with en-suites to nurse aching muscles but sleeping bags and canvas! You can sponsor us on http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/the3rustygears. Thanks
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