Day Two: Holsworthy to Burnham on Sea....

We had a lie-in this morning, not setting off until the lazy hour of 9.30am. We headed north and more or less immediately found ourselves crawling up hills. Then there were more hills, and more.... progress was slow and conversation nil, all breath and effort was needed to claw our way upwards.

We passed through some pretty villages and beautiful country lanes; the verges dotted with an amazing array of wildflowers and ferns. The sun is dazzling, the air feels warm and everything indicates that today we will make good progress. Then, just as we arrive at Cleveden, the sky darkens and the heavens open - within a few minutes we are soaked through and struggle with the rain dripping into our eyes. And then, as quickly as it came, the rain is gone and we are in sunshine again. Within a few miles we are dried out. We swoop down pretty lanes passing beautiful thatched cottages and spot an interesting looking pub - The Beer Engine - it has a brewery on site, and, with the sun shining and people sitting outside sipping away it is too much to resist - we stop and sample a couple of halves!

Paul and Gary about to depart - Day 2

We're soon back on the bikes though, by now working our way through the Quantock Hills to Tiverton then Taunton and on to Bridgwater.

Finally we find the campsite - Greenacre Park. The owners, upon hearing of our endeavour, donate the fee for a nights stay to our fund! - Thanks a lot Greenacre! Waiting for us on our arrival is Gary's mum and sister, they've travelled up from Plymouth to give us some support!

We quickly shower and get changed - then it's a visit to a local pub for a meal - when we arrive there we find it's quiz night - but its okay - we enter the quiz as 'The Land's End to John O'Groater's' and finish 4th - not bad!

We enjoyed a starter and main course but the portions are vast - the only one to completely finish her plate was Val! - Gary and I are flagging - the days efforts catching up with us - and so we make our way back to the campsite and bed.

a welcome cuppa at the end of day 2

In the pub!

Today we have crossed Devon, seen the North and South Coast and passed into Somerset.... our journey is moving on.

Holsworthy to Burnham on Sea - 99.28 miles

Max Speed: 42.2 miles per hour

Time on bikes: 7hrs 34minutes

Total ascent: 6,019 feet

Calories used: 4992