Day 4 – 7 Sep Taunton to Monmouth.

A cracking day. The weather relented with the winds easing and the rain becoming light showers only which meant for good conditions for riding. Leaving the Barracks, the route took the team over the foothills of the Quantocks before enjoying the zero climbing effort crossing the Somerset levels. Once Clear of Bridgewater, then Mendips loomed with a short sharp climb to the ridge before descending towards Bristol. A rather uninspiring tour of Avonmouth Docks followed a crossing of the Bridge before the Severn Bridge appeared over the horizon. What would have been a good scenic crossing was spoilt by 30 knots of cross wind which needed all the riders efforts to 'lean in' to stop being blown off the bridge. Once into Wales, the 15 miles up the Wye Valley to Monmouth proved the highlight. Great roads, tail winds and a beautiful tour up alongside the river passing Tintern Abbey saw the team home after 86 miles. Recovery commenced immediately at the accommodation at the Territorial Army base behind the castle. A relatively flat day today that doubled up as a recovery opportunity after the challenges of Cornwall and Devon, the team now have 3 long testing days through Wales and the Midlands covering 300 miles before their next chance to recover. Wishful thinking had me hoping we were in Wales when we had in fact only crossed the Avon bridge to Bristol, to much amusement of the team!

Highlight of the day: The Wye Valley.
Low point of the day: Sean's third puncture (what does that man do to that bike!). The lunch price list at the Cadbury Garden Centre cafe!