Cycle4MND: 2 days, 2 punctures and 2 many hills !

Can't remember what I said about yesterday's ride (it was that enjoyable!) - but if that was the hardest then today has toppled it. For the last 6 months people have been informing me the first two days would be the most difficult - on a serious note if it continues like this then I'm gonna struggle big time.

The most enjoyable section of today's route was the 2 mins 46 secs journey across the pond from Fowey on the ferry ;)

The smiles in the above pic were soon wiped out as we were introduced to a 21% gradient hill! (And after a sumptuous full cooked breakfast, it wasn't on my wish list!). And if you're wondering why Gospel is the only one looking like Tweety Pie it's because he's wearing the yellow Captains jersey ;)

I'm not going to bore you with my moans and groans of the inclines (because there were many of them today!) but what was pleasing today is the group are already starting to gel and the camaraderie is coming to the fore. We did have another puncture casualty though ("Last Up Lance").

Having "smashed" Cornwall, we quickly found ourselves in heaven - sorry i meant Devon!

We dodged the odd rain shower and thanks to our trustee support van drivers were able to wolf down much needed Snicker bars (or 'Marathons' as Gospel Gary still calls them ;) ) and replenish our H2o.

At the end of Stage 2 - I was wrecked. But as we sat outside our stop for a much needed dose of caffeine, 2 complete strangers both donated £20 each! This reminded us all why we were doing this - inspiring and humbling.

After what seemed like a lifetime we arrived at our destination well on schedule. But to be honest the reward wasn't that spectacular ;)

Some would say 'Bedlam' was more appealing but hey it's a pillow and the way I felt after today I could sleep on/in anything.

As I'm typing this - I'm also wearing compression tights which apparently help the oxygen flow through the legs more effectively ? I can't bloody move ! They won't last long !

Staying around in our accommodation wasn't a viable option so we headed out to sample the delights of Morehampstead. We didn't actually find anything delightful, so settled on the local bar! Our evening meal however was very good and I personally would recommend the 'Horse' for their award-winning pizzas and exceptional service.

What was slightly odd though was the decor in the toilets ;- (fairly apt for us cyclist really)

In comparison to last couple of nights, I'm crammed into a converted barn with 9 differing snorers and flatuence levels, suffocating wearing these tights and wondering how the hell am I gonna keep this up for the next 12 days !

I'm happy to get first two days ticked off but there's a shed load of mileage left to conquer and a lot of soul searching to be had !

And if I haven't convinced you to donate yet then - please - I'm not looking like this for fun !