Day 11 - Crediton to Camelford

Blogster is back having been thwarted by no internet connection 2 days ago and then getting rather drunk last night.

Lovely stay at Ashridge Farm (see photo) and a yummy breakfast. Thank you for looking after us and all your efforts with washing our cycling gear. Thank you also for your donation to the BLF.

Day 11 did not start well. It was raining - lots. Mark and Mike had pushed Delilah to the wrong side of Crediton. Delilah got angry that we had broken her in half overnight and then left her outside in the rain.





Within 100 metres, Delilah was slipping her chain. A quick check of the chain revealed that it was completely worn out. Luckily Saviour was on hand to fit us with a new chain. Unfortunately Delilah was still coughing and spluttering and we coasted to a halt in Coleford. A closer look at Delilah's drive chain showed that we had also worn through our rear cassette of gears.





Mark, Tim and Mike headed off in the van to the Bike Shed in Crediton. Matt and Dave were left in the lay-by (again). Andy and his team sorted us out in record time (New cassette, new chain, rear mudguard to protect Arse-end Charlie's delicate behind). Thank you very much for your support.





Matt and David made some friends in Coleford. We found them looking very jolly in the company of Anne and Neville who supplied the team with some much needed Tea and coffee before we finally got on our way at about 12:30. Not good especially with a lot of road miles and hills to cover.





Delilah still not happy - Middle chain ring completely worn. After a team conference, we decided to press on but not use our middle 9 gears (the ones that we usually climb hills with).





The weather was horrible. Cold, rainy and a very strong headwind. Added to this were some very steep hills. Our progress was poor and when we arrived in Camelford we decided that it was too dangerous for us to continue (16 miles short of our intended target). We stored Delilah with Penny and Gary overnight. Thank you for saving us.





A quick drive to Carnanton to stay with Claire and Paul in the most amazing accomodation of the trip so far. Mark's mother-in-law, Jane, was there with a delicious dinner and lots of cider. We were all made to feel very welcome - Thank you





Tomorrow - Early start, lots of hills and the final push to the end.....








Today distance - 58 miles


Total distance - 831 miles


Today ascent - 1751 metres


Total ascent - 13525 metres





Total fried breakfasts - 58