Devon

Onto my third county (including the London ride). A short ride from cousin Judy and her husband Harry’s house to a tiny ferry across Plymouth Sound, with good but brief views of old Naval buildings (now converted to flats). The ferry was free to me as a fellow passenger decided to be charitable and paid my fare using his multi-crossing ticket. I failed to ask his name, but if you read this – thank you very much.

I had arranged to meet with my nephew Sam for a quick coffee on the way past… so we did that. He was off fishing in his (now) delicate shade of green van. Always good to see family thriving and happy.

Most of the rest of the day was mostly a slog beside the A38 – here called the Devon Expressway. The route was often on a pavement right beside the busy dual carriageway, but other times was on the old A38, now much less used and therefore a pleasure to ride on. I was not sure about the pavement sections – often these are overhung with vegetation, meaning continual ducking, and although not in the traffic, very much with the traffic, so not so enjoyable. On the other hand the gradients are not steep. I stopped for lunch in Ashburton to meet one of my favourite ex-colleagues, Sophy, who has moved to nearby Totnes. It was great to see her and she was kind enough to delay a family holiday to Cornwall to see me. I can recommend the Rafikis café – delicious lunch and great tea too. I stupidly forgot to take a photograph.

Todays climb was greater than yesterday’s – I forgot to post yesterday’s statistics which were: 82.6 km, 1172 m ascent and 7 tubs. Totals today were 80 km, 1204 m ascent and no tubs (calamity!). Running totals are 344.2 km, 4506 m ascent and 29 tubs.