And were off! The day started with a lovely summers day in Cornwall, with visibility down to 100m, and drizzly rain. Not enough to dampen the supported spirits who were there to cheers Ben off at the start of his 1800 mile adventure. The Ben and the support crew spent the night in the van on Friday, after arriving 4 hours late. However the late night and the errie night chat of Will Collins wasn’t enough to stop the team.
The day started reasonably smoothly, Alisdair picked up some new tyre for the van, and before we knew it we were burning up the A30. Ben was macking excellent time with Will in support, who talked consitently for 2 hours. The traffic stopped the support car for a while as Ben pushed ahead but we soon caught up just outside Exeter.
The group of riders grew and grew as we passed Taunton, with 10 or so cycling at one time. This boosted the morale of all the team, as we headed up to Bristol. Trouble struck there though, one of the main roads through Bristol was closed. We all met up after at the services near the Severn bridge, were Ben got a brief chance to change gear, bikes, say hello to his parents and shoot off into wales for the night leg.
After talking to Ben training for months for this ride, it has only been when I’ve seen him in the saddle that I’ve realised the epic challenge he has undertaken.
Check out pictures on his facebook group.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=104472019597961&ref=ts
good to see you at the start,we hope all is going well and the weather stays on your side,good luck the chaplins
Was a real privilege to join you for the ride into (Wet) Wales. See you in a week Go steady