Sunshine was forecast with very little wind.  It could be the last chance of the season to get out (I know, I keep saying that) and I’m trying to make the most of each such opportunity.  However, sometimes you can’t make it on your own, so I dragged Dad over here to ride with me.  For some reason, I decided it was time that he went up the Gorge.  Not something I would normally do out of choice as you know, but what can I say?  She moves in mysterious ways…

We headed off in glorious but chilly sunshine at around 9:30ish.  It being out of season the Gorge was blissfully free of tourists and, for the most part, traffic.  It was the usual slog, aided and abetted by goats (you don’t get to yell “goat” very often on a bike), but we made it to the top and back out into the sunshine.  I don’t think Dad enjoyed it precisely, but I don’t think he found it as had as he’d feared either.

It was glorious on top of the Mendips.  At an elevation of over 850 feet with stunning crystal clear views, it would be easy to get vertigo.  There’s some very nice cycling up there.  High up in the middle of nowhere, on top of the world, with no-one around, where the streets have no name…  Very lovely 🙂  it’s just a shame there’s no other way to get up there than to go UP there! *grin*.

After going on along the top it was time for the lovely long dowwwwwnnnn on the A39 into Wells.  I nearly managed not to touch the brakes at all…which was pretty good for me.  Then it was into Wells proper, where the Cathedral was glowing in the sunshine, the sound of someone playing the trombone in the Music School could be heard over the Green, and it all felt very idyllic.  We came back to Wedmore via the scenic and mostly flat back roads of Burcott and the Levels.  Not a cloud in the very blue sky, no wind, just blissful cycling weather.

Cycling time: 2:22:39
Distance: 33.9 miles
Avs: 14.2 mph
ODO: 2295 miles

Our exact route is here, should you care.  It was a beautiful day and a pretty good ride to match 🙂