Day  3/16          Wednesday.  Aug 23.

Bodmin to Silverton

Distance:        122 (Km) 

Time:  8:19

Average Speed:          14.7 (Km/ hr) 

Ascent:               1510 (m). 

Heart Rate:          120 (beats / min). 

Cumulative Distance:           225 (km) 

Cumulative Ascent :            2933 (m) 

Punctures so far : 0

Another day much like yesterday but longer. This was the day I had most reservations about. Turned out as I had expected and satisfied that I completed the task.

I set out early this morning at 6:30 about 20 mins after sunrise. Got here to Silverton just at 5pm. A full day indeed.

Weather today was pleasant and sunny like yesterday. A slight breeze was helpful. Temperatures during the morning were agreeable but it rose to 29 deg in mid afternoon.

The early kilometres were flat enough and enabled me to warm up the legs. Views out over Bodmin Moor especially on my right hand side. Garmin introduced me to the first of 10 major climbs just before I reached Camelford. 

The road coming up the coast into Camelford is referred to as the Atlantic Highway. Some well presented traditional houses as I cycled down to the bridge over the River Camel. All this followed by a long long climb to get out of town and proceed in a northerly direction.

Near the top of this climb I swung right in an easterly direction to cycle over Bodmin Moor with some Tors (granite outcrops) showing on my right.

I was now on wide open country just me and the road ahead. A few sheep about to cheer me along my merry way. 

Also here is what remains of Davistone Moor airfield used by RAF from 1942 to 1945. It’s now just used for micro lights and motor gliders. From 1952 it was used as a motor racing circuit and actually 3 Formula 1 races were held there.

My route brought me along little used lanes recommended for cyclists to give a taste of Bodmin Moor.. I didn’t have to cycle through that ford but availed of a stone bridge.

I came to the remoter parts of the Moor at the bridge in Altarnum.

I have been intrigued by the number of villages etc whose name begins with Tre… Treh… I reckon the meaning is to be found somewhere in the Cornish language. I’ll check it when pre-occupation with cycling abates.

Had varied luck with Closed Roads today. Twice I was given the all-clear to go through. Once, the lane was completely blocked and I had to come up quickly with Plan A.1 in order to keep to my route. This diversion didn’t add any extra kms. In fact it gave me a short cut into a river valley that I followed for quite a number of fast kms.

Finally I came to Launceston with its castle (1070) high above the town which is a Norman motte and bailey. My route guided me straight across the hilly Main St and on to the bridge over the river Tamar.

This is the border between Cornwall and Devon. ‘Goodbye Cornwall and Welcome to Devon. What can YOU offer me?’  The fact that the Welcome sign was on a hill gave me a hint. In fact 8 of the 10 majors that Garmin offered to guide me up, we’re in Devon. So, no change.

As the temperatures rose I pulled more and more for a drink and snack and also availed of the free blackberries.

On steep ascents up the busier roads, a cycle path or single-track was provided. Made it easier for motorists. In fact I have found cars most understanding on steep lanes and small roads.

After 70km just after entering Dartmoor National Park I pulled in for lunch to the Pump and Pedal…restaurant and bike shop all in one. Had a glorious tasty Cornish Pie (cooked in Devon) and a coffee as I rested.

From lunch to Oakhampton I careered along the Granite Way on a disused railway track and over Mellon Viaduct. Pity all 122 km today wasn’t along such a trail.

Passed straight through Oakhampton but was impressed just a while later with the thatched houses in Sticklepath. These types of Olde English villages is getting more frequent.

My route, especially during the afternoon ran closely to the busy A30. The drone of traffic was always there, but once as I crossed over it, all progress was at a standstill.

Just after Thorverton the locals were engrossed in their cricket match; more sedate than the Cornish version of hurling I came across yesterday.

And then over the river Exe as it moved on to nearby Exeter.

Just after No 10 of my Garmin majors I came right into Silverton, my accommodation for tonight. I was in at 5pm after a long day. And dinner tonight is in the Silverton Inn…Wednesday night is Curry Night.

Now off for another early night and recover for tomorrow.

Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.