Thursday
Another sleepless night, not due to traffic/transport noise but the lack of beds.
The lads were very chivalrous and allowed us to use the cushions off the armchairs.
Paul awoke to find himself firmly wedged underneath the coffee table.
Adrian had slept on his back all night – snoring on the hard floor.
We were very grateful to the boys as we enjoyed quite a comfortable night.
After breakfast and helping us pack the car the lads headed off into Shrewsbury, destined for Leominster to meet for lunch.
The friendly security guard on the gate noticed the state of our car.
We told him it was tidy and the lads had just thrown all their gear into it!
They made really good time as they both find it easier to keep going rather than stopping, as their injuries seem to stiffen up if they stop too often.
Natasha and I headed into Shrewsbury to take some photos of the Tudor buildings that we had seen the previous evening.
The lads were so speedy that they beat us to our lunch stop – we’ll never live that down.
Paul tells me that Adrian has had several encounters with a coach and large lorries.
Evidently, several episodes of gesticulation were witnessed by Paul.
At lunchtime Adrian realised he had forgotten to coat himself in a thick layer of Sudocrem, required to prevent chaffing.
Adrian popped into the gents at the services to apply as required, to upper body and lower body areas. Adrian today took the lead so that he set the pace with his knee injury.
The journey and traffic improved as we headed down towards Chepstow along the banks of the River Wye.
Natasha and I visited Tintern Abbey, a place we have both passed before but hadn’t got round to visiting.
The sun has shone all day making the cycling extremely pleasant.We arrive at Beachley Army Camp to warm bunks and food. We must mention Andy Clark at this point as he has been extremely helpful in organising our Army accommodation.
We are all very grateful as it has kept the cost of the ride down to ensure as much money is available to the Fortuneswell Trust as possible.
Miles 85.9; Average speed 14.4mph; Top speed 34.1mph; Cycle time 5hr 57min; Total miles 692.