Well not a good night's sleep for either of us. Excellent BB (thanks Anne!) but we got a nocturnal visitor at 1, 3 and 5 am - a local cat. Quite cute but very persistent! We had the windows open and it was more than happy to let itself in, run round the room and jump on our bed. So closed windows and I woke up with a headache as a result of the heat - which we really cant complain about...
So a tough start to a hard day's cycling. Full English and paracetamol. Mind you I'm not sure the paracetamol would know which pain to go for, it was all hurting this morning. Michaela reports that her hair and nails aren't hurting so I took this as a good sign. For me, most bodily systems seem to be working, albeit some don't quite understand what is going on. From the bottom, toes good, ankles aching, calves OK but they know they have done some work, knees, a bit worrying, they feel like they could explode on some uphills and I can feel an old ACL injury at times, thighs, all OK just hurting, back, hurting, bottom, (will mention that later!) arms shoulders and neck - well all hurting. So pretty similar to Michael then!
The ride was hard today, the last of three hard days before a 'moderate' to Monmouth. A good day because we get out of Devon and into Somerset where we really start to head north.
After a briefing in the market square, we were off. The first 2 hours seemed to be all hills and big ones, all very tough on tired legs, had to dig deep this morning! Michaela suffering as well, Stefan not in good shape (however he still flys by us still standing up in the saddle - I wonder why?). However after the first tea break things were beginning to easy, the sun was out, good conversation along the way and really friendly locals. You'd be amazed on a quite country lane, just how much conversation can be got from one car that has to stop to let you through which quite conveniently enables you to put off climbing the hill! Headache gone (I must say pedalling up 15% inclines with a your head throbbing is no fun), quote of the day from Michaela. "I'm glad we're doing this for The Hunger Project, otherwise I wouldn't be doing it at all"
She is just brilliant, on a slower bike, smaller legs and keeping me going.
The day ended well, into Glastonbury, a beautiful and wacky town, nice meal out with Carol and early bed. Figured out the headaches are probably from dehydration, I am now drinking now over 5 litres of water and rehydration powders a day, including drinking during the night,which causes other problems, but hopefully tomorrow, headache free.
This entry might appear a little 'down' however I do believe our bodies are starting to adjust to what they are being asked to do, and it feels like we're getting into a rhythm now, so we are both optimistic. They say if you crack the first three days you're on your way, so lets hope so. Tomorrow is a great day, its close to home for us, Wells, Bristol (including the suspension bridge), the Severn Bridge, Tintern Abbey and Monmouth (about 10 miles way from our home). Looking forward to seeing the boys, Ben and Dan are heading down with Maureen to cycle a bit of the day with us.
Ah, how's the butt I hear you ask? Well, you know those cartoons where a character gets his thumb hit by a mallet and it starts throbbing red, well similar to that! If I was to go out cycling in the dark I don't think I'd need a rear light....
The first brew stop - a welcome sight!
Take a look at the pain - the hills, the hills...
Day 3 - Tuesday 13th Moretonhamstead to Glasonbury by Bike27 at Garmin Connect - Details
