Day 3 Cullompton to Chepstow - a day of contrasts (88.4 miles)

A cloudy 8am start trying its best to rain. I tried my hardest to be organised and be ready to leave promptly only to find that my cleats wouldn't "click in" (bits of plastic on shoes which connect to the pedals). A quick inspection from a fellow cyclist revealed I'd left rubber walking covers over the cleats, making the manoeuvre impossible. An embarrassing error.

We headed off from Cullompton, pedalling swiftly along the A38 through Wellington & Taunton. The relationship between cars and bikes on this busy road is ambiguous. Sadly, two cyclists riding LEJOG for Help for Heroes were killed earlier this year on a similar road (A30). We were very mindful of the risks involved. Whilst our tour operator and others who plan 'End to End' itineraries, there is an inevitable compromise between safety and getting there (usually in 9-12 days i.e. 2 weeks leave). Therefore, some stretches entail riding, tight to the left, along wide dual carriage ways where traffic hurtles along at 60-80mph. Disconcerting!

We moved in packs - groups of 5 or more cyclists. There is safety in numbers, where truck drivers pay more attention to a peloton of cyclists than one or two riders. We wore high viz tops, flashing red lights and moved swiftly, with respect for the potential dangers. Beyond Taunton, we moved onto far more pleasant minor roads to Clevedon, Blackwell and Wedmore, skirting Cheddar but a long drag (climb) to lunch in Shipham. We then joined a fabulous National Cycle Route climbing through the undulating Mendip countryside prior to a fuel stop at Easton-in-Gordano.

In stark contrast, we entered we were then thrown into an industrial wasteland around Avonmouth. No good place for cyclists. We arrived at rush hour as all the known juganauts in the West Country accelerated past our meek cycling party. At last we reached the old Severn Bridge cycle route and felt relieved to escape into Wales. Our hotel, a very fine Marriott outside Chepstow providing the best fare so far. Tomorrow, the Wye Valley, Tintern Abbey, Monmouth and on to Shrewsbury! Pretty stiff though (I replaced to the cod bath with a jacuzzi).

Statistics
Distance: 88.4 miles
Riding time: 5:57
Climbing: 1054m
Ave speed 14.9mph (Max speed 35.2mph), ave heart rate 103bpm
Road kill: squirrel, x2 rabbits, rag doll, macerated black bin liner
High point: Crossing Severn Bridge one hand steering, the other videoing.
Low point: Traversing the route from Avonmouth to Severn Bridge (A403) during rush hour.
Burning question: Why was tonight's hotel (very smart) happy for us to wheel our muddy bikes through their reception?