LEJOG Day 2 Exmoor strikes back

Day 2 dawned grey and full of mist and drizzle which although not a complete surprise was about 4 hours earlier than we had hoped, dashing any chances we had of getting over Exmoor dry. 

Although a short day in terms of mileage today was a big climbing day with something around 2000m expected. The profile was indicating a fairly gentle start  with a lump indicating Exmoor and then largely flat. Everybody was a little nervous about their legs lasting so we started nice and slowly only to discover that the profile was complete rubbish as we more or less straight away hit a series of short but sharp climbs. 

Most people get into their own rhythm when climbing so we got strung out a bit early on so we had a few stops to regroup and just kept ticking off the miles until the first drink stop which we knew was just before Exmoor at Tavistock

As we left Tavistock Exmoor emerged out of the clouds in front of us and the road went up for about 8/10 miles with the odd rolling road across the top. 

The wind and rain was lashing at us and visibility was really poor but we just managed to keep the wheels turning and crawled into lunch at 31 miles. At that point we were averaging about 8 mph!

Lunch was great, the normal hot soup and good food but the crew had got blankets for us to help us warmm up and dry out so we all had a fairly lengthy break and huge plates of food. 

After lunch Mark and I went on seperate groups as we are of differing pace. Mark has made friends with a group of Paisley Ladies who keep telling us the weather is nothing compared to "back home". 

The road soon started downwards punctuated by some nasty 16% and 20% climbs out of valleys here and there. 

The second drink stop was on the edge of Exeter after which we finally manage to  get better weather and a following wind and after another nasty little climb out of Exeter my group dropped me as they  zipped along the Exe valley. I just potted along with relative ease until we arrived at tonight's stop in a Best Western Hotel in Tiverton. 

Mark wasn't so lucky as he missed a turn and ended up doing an extra 6 miles and then couldn't find the hotel  

Dinner tonight is a carvery in the hotel restaurant. The time between now and then will be spent trying to dry kit!!

I can honestly say today was the hardest days cycling I have ever had. It even tops the Rockies or the Cabot Trail in Canada. Although a huge challenge I think both of us have actually enjoyed our day and are quite proud we managed to get up the hills without getting off!

 I think we will both sleep well tonight, tomorrow's route is much less challenging as we head towards the Severn Bridge and cross into Wales. 

Onwards and Upwards!!