SILLY HILLY BILLY

Well, you would have thought having left the official border of hill country, I would have gladly opted for a good spate of flat.

But no. Not me.

Lured, like a curious insect to the flame, seeking more pain than a serial masochist, I decided to cross the Quantocks.

I soon began questioning the wisdom of the upward path, but enduring more pain, the view, I have to say was worth it.

Sadly, the phone battery did not survive the rigours of the ascent, leaving me with no evidence to share with you.

I did however manage one or two of the countryside bordering Exmoor earlier in the day, and I have to say, the Australian Weather made it the first day I can honestly say I have enjoyed pedalling.

And thankfully, everything is dry.

For now.

ABSOLUTELY HILL-AREA-OUSE

Or not as the case may be.
Yes, you've guessed it, the hills doth continue - with a vengeance. I have to admit that at this stage, I do seem to have lost somewhat of a sense of humour, as well as my voice.
This has got to be thre hardest day so far. Not short, steep hills with a nice coast on the other side, but endless gradients that just seemed to go on forever with no down.  The last 10 miles to South Molton was particularly bad.
Still, I made it and am now enjoying a rest in my tent, thankfully, with no rain, meaning everything is dry - for now!
Highlights today were a bit of welcome sun, the view over to Bideford, and some assistance from the Bike shed in Barnstaple.

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF...GROANING

I expected it to be hilly the first few radars, but this much, crikey! Mind I did make things harder for myself by taking the coastal road from newquay to padstow, ignoring the old mans warning that it would probably be worse than I thought.

He was right.

Dropping down one head land like a stuka dive bomber, brakes screeching, only to have to get off and push like sherpa tensing.

Of course that was yesterday, and today was somewhat better, but still a bit to o hilly to make good progress. Still, managed to make Bude today, so although a day behind schedule, will try to keep to the daily route plan from here.

Nice bonus today was finding a different camp sure than the one planned, all mod cons, and gave me a free nights stay on account of the trip being for charitee - many thanks go to Wooda farm holiday park!

No pics of Bude sadly, due to phone battery issues, however, seems a nice little town, castle, beach, break water and surfing, what more could you want?

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN - LIKE ME!

First two nights have been camping at the refurbished Penzance YHA. After a days delay sure to bike issues, nicely sorted out thanks to the friendly John in Penzance cycle centre, I completed my first full day from penzance to padstow today, nearly 60 miles in total.
Nice stop for lunch at Porthtowan watching the surfers ride the september swell. Picked up my first donation on route from a Mr Les Jackson, thanks Les!
The hills were indeed as bad as I was told, probably worse, as I followed the coast road from Newquay, had to push up some of them, 45 kg+ of bike and baggage is not light! Still, I'm saving loads on accommodation, as its only a fiver a night camping at the YHA.
Weather's been pretty changeable, as expected for the season, been raining each night, nice to be cosy inside!

LANDS END - THE START

After an early start, a frenetic cycle in London's rush hour, I arrived at Paddington well in time for the 10am great western service to Penzance. Some 5 hours later and a cycle to Lands end, arrived at today's start. 

The plan will be to follow a 20 schedule, with a stop over in Manchester for a few days, before continuing further north.

You can view the overall route here: http://www.bikemap.net/route/1241271