All the advice told us to take it easy the first day. So we decided to cycle 76km (47m) with 800m of hill climbing, riding with heavy panniers for the first time!
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step (pedal turn).
Lao Tzu
We were late leaving of course. The planned time was 10am, allowing for a relaxed coffee stop in Frome. The actual time was 12.30, which meant a quick sandwich stop instead. Packing, clearing up, faffing, locking up, checking, faffing, hovering, arguing, rechecking. It will be a familiar pre-holiday ritual to our children.
But the sense of freedom as we cycled down the familiar country lanes on a misty early Autumn afternoon was worth it. A rare moment much dreamed of that lived up to it’s promise.
We were able to stay on the pathways and quiet country roads of the Sustrans National Cycle Route 24 all day and for the most part it was well signposted and well maintained. First, it took us to Radstock and down the Colliers Way to Frome. This follows the path of the old Somersetshire Coal Canal, then railway, now a gentle, leafy track.
After lunch in Frome, the route took us through the centre of Longleat Safari Park where we enjoyed the solitude and unusual deep roars of lions mixed with the more familiar sound of sheep. For the final 25km we cruised down the Wylye Valley, gently descending with the river to the welcome sight of our inn on the edge of Salisbury, arriving just before dark.
3 things we learnt today:
- Chamois cream is surprisingly tingly.
- It’s difficult to take a picture while balancing a fully loaded bike.
- Cycle at dusk near a river with your mouth open and you swallow a lot of flies.
Finally, we have a question…
Clare is carrying 14kg, Andy 15kg. But Andy weighs 95kg and Clare only weighs 55kg. Should Andy take more weight?
Avoiding Potholes 
Just going to consult my power to weight tables…
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Well I can go up hills faster, so I guess that means the P2W tables say I need more weight to even it out. Right? Andy
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Correct
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More weight = faster downhill speed, so if you were a gent you would lend her your bags too.
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Sounds a good first day(no rain)!! How heavy is the hair dryer?
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330 grams. Too heavy?
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You did take the books out before you left….
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I’m so jealous – looks great. And Jonny is right – its all about power to weight ratio. Or alternatively the hair dryer.
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Hola amigos, greetings from Mexico. Great that you’re on your way 😀 The others are right, the key measure is power to weight ratio … you can always stop off at a gym where they have a ‘watt bike’ which can measure your power output!! Happy pedalling xx
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Thanks for the professional advice, Matthew. A gym stop won’t be necessary – it’s sorted! I’ve no idea what a watt bike is either! Clare
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I know nothing about cycling or power to weight tables but sounds a bit unfair to me! BTW hairdryers are a necessity for life!!
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I too know nothing about power or cycling, but I think you know what you should do…..Great post guys. Can you stay amusing all the way?? Enjoy the ferry and make sure you don’t sneak on to that Satander ferry. X
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I know what I should do Ginny. Problem is, can I do it?
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Andy weighs 95kg NOW, but that should reduce considerably as the trip continues 😉
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Mmmm …. I think that depends on how greedy I am.
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Thirsty work all this cycling…
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To answer your question, I don’t think Andy should take more if Clare is happy with her load. If she does find it difficult while Andy just whiz around, then it seems fair for Andy to take more. Otherwise, I would think it’s not a problem.
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Can you ride tandem. Lol
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“No way am I riding a tandem!” (Clare)
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