Day Seven

Hereford to Bridgewater - Before the ride today we awoke bright and early because the Anneka Rice show were going to ring us. We had spoken to them on the way to John O'Groats last Saturday and as we had no mobile signal in the room we went and sat in the van in the car park waiting and waiting.  No call , we tried ringing but no answer during the whole show there was still no call.  I was particularly gutted that they hadn't the decency to let us know.  Thank you BBC Radio 2.  As we were up early then what was the point in hanging around - we set off with vigour and with Alan backing up so reliably I went off from the Travelodge and was faced with a long climb out of Herefordshire. With legs going well the trip to Monmouth was easy and I was disappointed not to find a Welcome to Wales sign but it was a lovely ride.  Along the Wye Valley to Tintern Abbey where we stopped for a break with an ice cream maybe not the thing for 08.30 but it was nice.  On from the Abbey saw a winding climb out of the valley to Chepstow - passed the racecourse and then down a long hill onto the Severn Bridge.  The surprise was that it was closed to traffic apart from bikes and motorbikes.  Sorry Alan - he had to find his own way round.  Along the A403 to Avonmouth where I met a group of cyclists who were kind enough to guide me round the Severn Beach and onto Bristol beyond. One of them, sorry I didnt get your name, had also done the End 2 End. Thanks to you all.  Under the Clifton suspension Bridge and then around Bristol onto the A38 to head for Bridgewater.  Met Alan in the first layby on the A38 where there was a snack van where I had the biggest egg sandwich you have ever seen even bigger than Godfreys Romford. Carried on along the A38 and arrived at the Travelodge by 3.00 another early finish.  Breeze was starting to pick up so getting tougher. Since relaxing in the Hotel it is nice to see the fire brigade and the fire alarm sounding. Interrupted the Fellowship of the ring.  Good night.