Day 92 - Has Summer Arrived?

I looked out of the window at 6:30 this morning an thought, at last, could summer now have arrived. Beautiful blue sky as far as the eye could see was what greeted me and I pondered where to ride out to this morning. With such weather, there could be only one destination, Beer and this meant that I would be having to make the long climb up Seaton Down Hill, but I knew it would be worth it!

Suited and booted I started my climb, wearing for the first time a new pair of Oakley sunglasses that were performing an absolute treat, such an improvement on my narrower everyday glasses. At the top of the hill the view down the valley and across the sea was, as always, spectacular.

Suited and booted over looking Seaton

From here, it is a gentle ride along the main road to Stafford Cross and then cross country past a stranded boat in a field and Beer Quarry from where the stone I referenced yesterday was sourced.

Stranded boat in a field!

Beer Quarry & my Specialized Crosstrail Sport

From the Quarry, it was a steep drop then down into Beer, where a visit to the beach was a must. Beer beach is very different to any other in the area. It is covered with boats, fishing gear, walkways, deck chairs and cafes - although, disappointingly, none were open at this hour. I passed around ten fishermen preparing for a day out in the bay, but otherwise, the beach was deserted and the sea was as calm as a millpond, almost like glass.

The sea as calm as a millpond 

Beer beach, with boats, fishing gear, deck chairs and a bike?

I returned to Seaton along the coast path, calling in at Janice's Cliffside Cabin for refreshments only to find that also closed, no one catering today for the early cyclist, although the view from the terrace was in itself worth the detour.

Janice's Cliffside Cabin

View from Janice's terrace 

I had then planned to make my way over to the Harbour cafe but time was now against me and I'd still not done the distance I'd wanted. It was a tough decision, another circuit out to Colyford or a bacon butty under the warm morning sun. Unbelievably, I headed out to Colyford, the butty would have to wait another day!

Stats: 11.9 mi, 1h 14m, Avg 9.6 mph, Max 29.8 mph, 823 kcal