Day 91 - Oasis Found

After the epic Thursday cycle day, I returned to the road this morning for an early ride in the sun. I headed out down hill, I was in no mood to do more climbing so soon after the Lyme circuit! One change since Thursday's ride was that I'd blown more air into my tyres. It is amazing what you learn talking to those with years of cycling experience. One of my major dreads, when out on my bike, is getting a puncture and while I kept within the Seaton parish boundaries, I always knew I could walk the bike home if needed but now that I'm venturing beyond these, any occurrence will have serious consequences .. a long long walk home! On Thursday night, over an après cycle beer, I was discussing this concern with my fellow cyclists. They'd explained that although I may have kevlar lined puncture proof tyres, many flats occur when tyres are not correctly inflated. A deflated tyre hitting a pothole can result in a snake bite puncture .. so they said. The crushing of the inner tube commonly causes two holes, just like a snake bite, thus a puncture caused without the tyre wall having to be breached. On Friday, therefore, on finding my tyre pressures at 50% of norm, I was quick to grab the pump to raise the PSI from 45 to 90. I now feel every dent in the road and I'm sure we're moving a little quicker too!

Colyton villa gates

So, along Harepath Road I headed, through Colyford and into Colyton for a leisurely ride around empty lanes, taking in the picturesque views that are always improved by being bathed in sun. Colyton is a historic town and during the Monmouth rebellion of 1664, became known as "the most rebellious town in Devon". . and 100 years before, Henry Courtney, a local landowner, was beheaded by Henry VIII and his lands confiscated. It did not seem too rebellious this morning. By the end of the 19th Century, however, like so many market and mill towns, its wealth had started to decline. Today, in evidence to its importance and in addition to the large Norman church, there is a very spectacular gateway which I often pause to admire. Today, I stopped to snap a picture, the sun illuminating the vast golden Beer stone walls. What is beyond, I could not see, the gates being firmly closed.. a grand villa I hope.

Leaving Colyton, I headed out towards Axmouth and stopped again to take in the view of the Estuary. I said it was going to be a leisurely ride.

Taking in the view of the Axe Estuary

Moving into Seaton I turned off at the harbour. I thought I'd check in at the cafe, Mike and I had looked up on Thursday morning. This is a real oasis in a town which does not even start coming to life until 10am, even on a Saturday. Being able to get a coffee and food at 7:30 am is not something to be turned down, so I ordered a strong black coffee and sat under the rising sun overlooking the harbour and marina, bliss!

Overlooking Lyme Bay, Seaton Beach and Beer beyond

Stats: 9.61 mi, 53m 57s, Avg 10.7 mph, Max 25.1 mph, 598 kcal