North coast Cornwall

Bloody hell! Worst ever Strava average speed. 55 miles, over 6000 feet, 8.6mph. Since Pete is the only one using Strava, his scores have to count in public for all three, even though he was last up every hill!

Today was Wadebridge to Torrington. The bulk of this was hugging the north Cornwall coast. Any number of helpful people advised us not to go that way, but we’re not that bright! We had plenty of time, even after a huge and lengthy breakfast at the farm shop cafe just north of Wadebridge, and the views were amazing. Only problem is that cycling up a 25%+ hill, or even going down one, requires concentration. There were quite a few of them. Andrew and Steve toughed every one out while Pete cleverly got off and walked four of them. He did suggest Steve took a book on this tour - but did he listen?

We paid a visit to Steve’s old friend Clare’s holiday house in Widemouth Bay. She wasn’t there but Steve wanted to send her a photo of him standing outside.

Huge pasties for lunch in Bude - well, we were running out of Cornwall so it had to be done didn’t it? Steve’s phone rang. It was Clare to say the neighbours had called the police about some dodgy characters at her seaside bolt hole. We beat a hasty retreat further north.

Torrington doesn’t have a lot going for it. It’s a bit off the tourist trail and there was only one pub open. But the staff were lovely, as they all seem to be in this part of the country, and we got 3 decent meals and six pints for £62. Our accommodation is a house on an estate. Probably the only accommodation in town. But it’s clean, functional and tidy. Also good value. The highlight of the evening was watching Steve doing his laundry in the sink. His wife Chris will be so proud of him. True to form, Andrew hasn’t got to the washing stage yet - another few days wear in those shorts! Steve and Pete will be actively avoiding him by the weekend!

Tomorrow is not dissimilar to today. Cripes!!

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