17/10/2012

Day 47  Sidmouth to Christchurch

Where to start, the rain and heavy winds made it hard to sleep so we both had a lingering tiresome start to the day. At least it wasn't raining when I got going but the winds did mach gale force, I took these couple of photo's of the sea at Sidmouth just as I started.

And to top it all off, within my first 12 miles I had to endure 5 very long hills consisting of various gradients starting from 14% - 19% on top of the heavy winds, you can see I was not in the mood for more hills but it comes with the territory. 

After battling with nature for some time I made it to Dorset where I took a couple of pic's and battled onward's enjoying the sun as much as I could.

It did appear that the elements in all it's glory was trying to prevent me from finishing this expedition intact and it took every effort to continue forward. 

There were only two times in this whole expedition that I had to get off the seat of my bike for 5 mins to regain composure to continue, the first was the fourth 25% incline of Porlock hill in Exmoor forest and the second was today on the Dorset coastline in gale force winds. I made this video to show the winds that I was in, cycling along the coast line up 14% hills.

 

 After this ordeal Tricia and I met up for some food and then pressed on for the last few miles, from where this photo was taken it was only 21 miles to our destination Christchurch.

Unfortunately due to severe rains at Christchurch I did not want to risk my camera for a pic at arrival but took this one in Billy preparing dinner, yum!.

I want to thank my lovely Tricia for always making me such lovely food and fuel to keep me going!

The completed distance so far is 4047 miles in 47 days and only two more days to go, eat sleep, run is the agenda!