Monday 22ndJuly undulating rolling or just hilly? Hot day sun cream came out!

Up nice and early and the alarm. Call was a greater spotted woodpecker again and a magpie. Not the same one as in Penzance I’m guessing. Interesting to watch it work the border of the campsite with that crazy fold the wings in as I fly.

Everything packed away dry and on the move by 8. Slightly unbalanced as my food pannier is getting empty.

I stop at the first food shop I see and get things for an evening meal. I learnt from yesterday, because I take all back roads you don’t necessarily see shops, cafes or pubs when you could do with one.

Last night as I road to the campsite up a steep single track road a car came up behind and I stopped to let him through and looked back over the valley. It was stunning so I’ve decided to stop and look more on my ride to enjoy it even more.

Lovely little stop in Bruton for croissant and ice cold drink. It was getting very warm and I slapped on the sun cream. My Belgium tan is coming on a treat. 1/2 an hour later and I’m getting low on water and I stop to admire the view. Phil and Ruth come out and we chat about the view as a heron flew past. They quiz me in my journey and then fill my water bottles. Ruth even had a go at trying to lift a Genevieve. It didn’t move.

On wards I go and I’m in the levels or so I’m told. It got me thinking when do you describe the land as undulating, rolling or darn right hilly. Let me know your thoughts but with some climbs going on for 2 miles or more I think I’ve had all three.

Lunch stop for a proper meal with vegetables and a pint again was at George inn Lingbridge Deverill. Here my cake shirt drew lots of comments from the staff even before I went in. Mel and Jo particularly taken as will run for cake is their motto. They wanted to know where I had got it from. Lots of conversation about cycling challenges with the manager who had completed 300 miles in 3 days for a challenge. What next was his question? As he doesn’t have lots of time I suggested coast to coast.

On through the levels ( ha ha) and it was stunning riding. I will try and upload a little video with this tomorrow. The changing colours of the landscape as the clouds go over was beautiful and no camera can catch the ever changing view.

I was going to stop at Hungerford I hoped. The pub didn’t do food on Monday’s and camp sites were 9 miles back or 12 on. I had a beer outside chatting with the locals about options when a family of four (Dutch) cyclists went past fully loaded. A cheerful wave and called out greeting was blanked. The locals said well you will talk with anyone!

At that moment Simon pulls up on his Pinarello. He didn’t want to swap rides. He looked at my route and made a suggestion for a quieter route to the campsite. In the mean time locals had googled and found me a campsite in the right direction. Fantastic help all round.

I ride in through parkland and it’s a beautiful evening. I try to find the campsite and in end follow google which took me on a very main road for four miles. Not my favourite but drivers were respectful and gave room, I ride inside white line by gutter and I got safely to the campsite. Just as I’m setting up who rode in? Yes the family of four Dutch riders who totally ignore again all though pitching tents within 10m. The early preparation of food in the morning paid off as I quickly made tea and checked route for tomorrow. 92 miles today ( those who know me will think why didn’t he do the extra 8!). Really enjoyable day, sun on my back. Had to take care with hydration but I prefer that to the rain. Let’s see what tomorrow will bring.