As I drove over to see Andrew (via a meeting in Langport) on Wednesday morning it occurred to me what a nice route I was traveling, and how rarely I cycle out that way.  Having just filled up with petrol it was also going to be easy to figure out how far it was.  Note to self and all that.

Andrew adjusted my cleat positions, moved the saddle up a bit and forward a bit, tweaked the brakes and gears, and re-gunged the bottom bracket and pedals.  Today was time to try it all out.  It seemed only right to do the same route, and I took GW along for the ride, which was designed to set me up for the Dragon – a longer ride than usual with some reasonable hills, all ready to taper down next week.

We set off at 9:00ish in slightly chilly sunshine, with blustery westerly winds.  Lovely.  My arms didn’t come off until the top of Shapwick Hill, and there were a couple of times later going downhill when I half wished they’d stayed on…but that would have meant sweating buckets all the way up the numerous hills, including High Ham, which the route included.  1900 odd feet of climbing.  Could be worse…and indeed could have felt worse.  I do believe I was even chatting to GW going up High Ham, and I vividly recall being able to do no such thing the first time I went up there!  I remember cussing and dribbling though…

Unlike Tuesday it was much clearer today so the views we enjoyed from the top were stunning.  In fact the whole ride was beautiful really, as the recent lovely weather, followed by plentiful rain overnight, has turned everything green and vibrant.  Throw in yellow and white flowers and blue skies and it’s positively scenic *grin*.

Cycling time: 3:04:21
Distance: 46.81 miles
Avs: 15.1 mph
ODO: 4432 miles

GW knew some nicer ways – via Butleigh – to get back from Somerton to Glastonbury, thus sparing us the main roads I would have taken us down.  Mind you, we could just have followed the yellow Tour of Wessex signs, as they led us exactly the same way!  From there it was the usual Godney Levels route to get home.  We came home via the reservoir to admire the scenery there as it seemed rude not to with the weather as it was, and our final route worked out something like this.

Considering the hills I’m well pleased with the speed, as well as how I felt at the end.  My bike wasn’t creaking, my knee wasn’t hurting, and I guess that means all the changes made were good ones 🙂  Not long now…

Good luck to GB and IL (and anyone else doing it) who are tacking all three days and 329 miles of the Tour of Wessex this weekend.  May the sun shine on you and the wind be behind you.  Allez allez guys! 🙂