AVP 100 Miler - Portland 2015

The last 2 and only AVP 100 milers that I've ridden have been very gentle. The first, my first ever 100 mile ride in September 2013, took 8hr 30mi, the second, a year later, was 8hr 10mi, excluding stops. Both, however, saw us returning in the dark, the stops being frequent and an extended break taken for lunch! This year, the club has controversially introduced a shorter 100km ride to run simultaneously. Controversial as I have always viewed the club's 100 miler as that unique opportunity for all members to be able to achieve this key cycling milestone with the safety net of riding with experienced club riders. Splitting the ride could create a two tiered annual ride, preventing many the opportunity to do their first 100 miler as I did, because they see it as something for the experience riders only. There is a risk that the gap between experienced and junior riders may even widen. On the flip side, not everyone wants to do 100 miles, indeed I personally prefer the 100 km distance, and not all 100 mile riders want to take all day, indeed I am one of these too!

So, on Sunday at 07:30 30 riders met to do their chosen distances, against by better judgement, I had signed up for the 100 miler. The 100 mile route changed last week, Quiff having completed a rece and found the climbing a little ambitious .. oddly I found that route challenging, yes, but surprisingly quick. It was actually my quickest 100 miles to date at 6hr 59mi. The route, therefore, chosen for the AVP 2015 100 miler was to be the Portland Century. A similar route to the one I completed with a few friends back on a wet and windy March weekend earlier this year. That one was a bit of an epic, one friend bonked and it took us a painful 7hr 55mi to complete.

The weather for our ride was perfect. Warm but not hot, bright but not too sunny and just light winds. I decided against bringing lights, I was feeling confident that the 11 riders who lined up for the 100 miler were not going to hang around. One thing I have also learned over these past few years is that you can not carry too much food, as running out or not taking on enough fuel is not a place you want to be with only your legs to get you home. With hindsight, my food stocks would probably have got me to Portland and back twice!

My food stocks would probably have got me to Portland & back twice!

We started well, but as we climbed out of Lyme Regis we lost our first rider who had to retire with a broken rear derailleur. There are some things which just can not be repaired in the field and this was one. 10 cyclists rode on until we hit the 15 mile marker just after Shave Cross when we were hit with our 2nd mechanical. One of new members had suffered a rear puncture, the fixing of which was met with much hilarity as the chain had been so well oiled that it had coated the entire wheel and rear of the bike, and subsequently Quiff who had drawn the short straw to roll his sleeves up, in a film of crude akin to that which followed the Exxon Valdez disaster of the late 1980s!

We made it to Portland in time for lunch at the small cycling cafe, Cyclocceno, which, as was my last experience, was rather overwhelmed by our arrival - I think on reflection, it pays to forewarn such establishments, particularly when 11 hungry cyclists are planning on descending and wanting a quick turnaround. The benefit of using Cyclocceno, however, is that it is also a cycle shop and this enabled our 3rd mechanical, a faulty rear tyre, to be replaced. Scanning the shelves of cycling goodies, as one has to do, it is surprising just how well stocked Cyclocceno are with the vital essentials of tubes, tyres, tools and energy bars and of course whole bikes. I could see this being my local if it were not 50 miles from home.

Time for lunch at the small cycling cafe, Cyclocceno

After an extended lunch break, the Cyclocceno had run out of bread for our sandwiches and so had to send out for more supplies, we headed on to achieve the objective of our ride, to reach the Portland Bill Lighthouse. What a difference calmer weather makes to this exposed headland. When I was last here, it was an achievement just to keep the bike on the ground. Today, the cycling was a pure delight, as too were the views and the silent light house .. no need for the fog horn today!

9 of the 10 .. Curtis is behind the camera

As in every 100 miler I've done, the adulation of reaching your outward destination is soon crushed by the thought that there's now another 50 miles to do to return home. I think this is why the original route rece was so much easier as we had no specific outward destination to reach, it was just a circuit. This just shows how in cycling, or any sport I suppose, psychology has as much as an affect on performance as the need for good fitness. It's all down to that inner chip again.

The return journey is one you just have to grit your teeth and grind out the miles. There's little of the chat that punctuated the outward ride, the peloton becomes stretched as tired legs scream "She Cannae Take Much More, Captain!" [Trekkie fan comment] .. and the stops and regroups become less common as the leaders of the pack want to - understandably - press on. I seem to have my nurturing head on and stick with our lantern rouge member, or at least this is what I'm telling myself. It seems a harder ride than the last century I did, just a few weeks before. Our final stop is to be in the town of Bridport, just 20 miles from home. The contingent from the Sid Valley CC who it's been great to have in our numbers, make the call that they will push on. The way I'm feeling I'm thinking the same. If I stop, I'm not sure I'll get going again. In the end, the draw of the cafe stop wins the day we make a final stop at Costa Coffee .. well, as they say, "any port in a storm".

We make a final stop at Costa Coffee

I had thought, leaving Bridport, that all our climbing was done for the day. Alas, no, the sting in this ride's tail was the infamous Mutton Street Climb. An 8% average, killer of a hill after 90 miles and one which requires the inner chimp to be restrained and beaten into submission to complete (no animals were really harmed in competing this climb), which I did quicker than before but slower than most. My excuse is that Tarmac is not designed to climb and it let me know by groaning all the way back to Seaton. Quiff talked on this homeward stretch about may be doing a few laps of a local airfield later the following week, I agreed that this was much more to the liking of the race tuned Tarmac, so watch this space.

We finished the ride in 7hr 40mi, slower than I'd hoped, but 15 minutes quicker than my last attempt at Portland and an hour faster than the original 100 milers ... I think I'm, controversially, liking the new format!

The Portland Century

With my wife away for the weekend, I had a day to myself today so persuaded 3 fellow cyclists, Rex, Andy and Wes (Andy's cousin) to join me on a 100 mile ride to Portland and back. As many will know, I am not a natural 100 miler, normally drawing the line at 100 km or less (the one exception being our annual 'gentle' AVP 100 miler) but this has been a challenge, I've been keen to undertake for some time. I had hoped for clear blue sky and no wind, nature however had other plans.

We headed out at 07:00 from Seaton, to Lyme Regis, on to Charmouth, Wootton Fitzpaine and Chideock arriving at 09:00 in West Bay for breakfast of poached eggs, toast and black coffee. So far so good. 

Then taking the coast road we continued west through Abbotsbury, Portesham and across the causeway into Portland. From above Abbotsbury we should have had excellent views of Chesil Beach, but the theme of whole ride was that from the top of any hill all we saw was mist .. the cloud cover was exceptionally low. 

Above Chesil Beach

Then crossing the causeway, we were hit with extreme cross winds requiring an aggressive lean into the wind to prevent being blown over. Then when climbing up to Portland Bill, needle like rain was driven into our faces and the temperature plummeted. Having come this far, we agreed to push on to the lighthouse and am so glad we did, it is such an iconic structure.

Team Portland 100

Lunch was had at a Cycleccino's Coffee Shop, a friendly relaxed establishment in the centre of Portland ver pro cycling. They even topped up our bottles and supplied SIS energy drinks and gels .. one to remember if ever repeating this ride.

Lunch stop at Cycleccino's Coffee Shop

Our route back took us first north, through Weymouth and up to Nottington and Goulds Hill .. one long stretch reminded us of the Dartmoor Classic route from Princetown .. very lumpy. Again once we'd climbed, visibility was close to non existent, we could have been riding at night for all we could see. Once back on familiar AVP territory, around Marshwood, the fog had cleared, but Rex and I had lost Andy and Wes way out front .. I don't think this was just the fog, our legs had started to give up in those last 20 miles and we were happy to roll home. It was, however, a shame that the quicker guys did not work as a team to get us all home together. There is an art to group cycling which not all appreciate .. enough said.

Completing the ride in just under 8 hours, considering over 8k ft of climb, was pleasing. Rex and I were certainly tiring towards the end, but at 60-70 miles, the 100 km mark, I was still moving OK. This was also key reason for pushing ahead with the ride, in spite of the weather forecast, as I needed miles in my legs ahead of the Loch Ness Etape an the end of April; a ride of 60% of today's distance and well over less than 50% of the climbing.

2014 AVP 100 Miler

What a difference a year makes in cycling. Froome sweeping the honours in last year's TdF to crash out of this year's, and the 3 posts I recorded on the 2013 AVP annual 100 miler reduced to this one passing comment in 2014. Following an amazing year of cycling exploits; the many long sunday rides out with my fellow AVPers, the disastrous Primrose Path, the elation of completing the Dartmoor Classic and the biblical RideLondon, my second 100 mile club run was to be just a follow on  act, albeit a highly enjoyable one.

This year's ride covered a route I'd been keen on doing for some time, a coast to coast, from Seaton in the south, to Watchet in the north and back again. Leaving an hour later than the previous year, the plan being to shorten the lunch stop, 20 Pedallers rode out of Seaton at 07:00 am. An hour later catastrophe befell one of our number when, in the tire tracks of Froomie, he crashed out of the ride. On the decent into Honiton, with a skittish back wheel, he lost control and was catapulted across the road. Having to be extracted from the scene via ambulance with a broken collar bone, we were reduced to 19 riders and our later start was looking less of a good idea. After the restart, we lost a further 3 riders, two having only planned to do a short ride and my RideLondon buddie, Jason, who foresaw a later than scheduled return.

Jason was right in his projection, 8,700 ft of climb, 2 coffee and one lunch stop, a series of punctures, a broken gear cable, an incident with a cow and a ravine to cross took its toll. Although we were 30 minutes quicker over the 100 miles, our idle time exceeded all expectations as we coasted back into Seaton thirteen and a half hours after our morning depart!

Check the video out for some of the highlights.

Day 365 - A Year of Cycling

Today marks my anniversary of returning to cycling after an absence of some 30 years. Looking back on this past year, it has literally been quite a journey. I still enjoy reading my first diary entry 'To the Start' when, after arriving home with my shiny new machine, I rode no more than 2 miles down to the beach and back, only to return feeling a totally wreck! I seriously questioned then whether I had made a good decision to get back on a bike after such a gap.

After these few early days, it was not long before I realised that I needed some padding if I was going to do any serious hours in the saddle. One of my very good friends warned me that once I started on this journey, the postman would be kept very busy delivering my purchases of lycra and cycling accessories for some time to come. The first of these, my padded shorts, arrived on day 5!

March 2013 was a cold one. I was riding in the morning, before work, in sub zero temperatures but my motivation was surprisingly good as I doggedly achieved each new target I set. Once I'd crossed the 5 mile distance on day 25, I realised that I could finally break out of Seaton into the surrounding villages. Ten days later, day 36, I completed my first 10 mile ride and was really starting to enjoy my new found freedom to explore the countryside on two wheels.

My Crosstrail out in sub zero temperatures

Hills continue to be my achilles heel but I've enjoyed the personal challenge of each one in just getting to the top. On day 28, I made my first foray up Seaton Down Hill. The climb took me 14 minutes and I don't think that was including the frequent stops to take in the views! It was not until July, on day 125 - and inspired obviously by the Tour de France - that I was to make it without a rest. During a week in April - day 35 - I dedicated each morning ride in a attempt to take my three local hills in one go. This, to much delight, I achieved on the Friday, cycling through snow flurries, like ticker tape dropped from roof tops to celebrate the return of a conquering hero. Hills have continued to give me both pleasure and despair in equal measure; I can get up most in one go now, but may be not all that quick.

The month of May brought the arrival of the warmer weather and a previously unimaginable step change in my cycling; this was when, on day 83, I joined the Axe Valley Pedallers. The first few rides were a shock to my senses, taking me right out of my comfort zone by both riding in a group and over distances I'd only previously dreamt of. My first ride with the AVP took me out to Honiton golf club, this was the one where we lost Handbag, Barry and Richard on a slippery corner, Barry even suffering a broken collar bone! The second was a ride out to Lyme Regis, where I learned what climbing a hill really meant! Joining the AVP has undeniably had the most dramatic influence on my cycling since actually deciding to buy a bike all those months ago.

My first ride out with the AVP

During July, the AVP proposed running a 100 mile event, perhaps some time in September. Although at that time, I had only been doing the Thursday 20 mile club runs, and even then, with not much breath to spare at the end, I did like the idea of working up to this new, seemingly unattainable distance. To me, it was akin to those aviators of the 1950s daring to believe they could break the sound barrier. While I could imagine in my wildest dreams doing the distance, I felt it was never going to be on my trusty hybrid. I had already seen how the road bikes out performed me by some margin on the flat and for 100 miles, I believed I would be needing to change machine. Naturally, having since seen Kilian, the German schoolboy who spent the Autumn with the club, complete the 100 miler on mountain bike, I'm not sure the upgrade was really required, but then again, I'm not a German schoolboy!

It was in August, on day 167, that I purchased my first ever new road bike. A carbon fibre Specialized Roubaix, perfect for the bumpy hilly Devon roads and for my attempt to ride the 100 miler. With just over a month to build up my distance stamina, day 174 saw me join the neighbouring Sid Valley Cycle Club on one of their 40 mile Sunday rides. This was good for getting the miles in, but they are not the social club that the AVP are, if you can't keep up, you're pretty much on your own. So I was pleased to be able to hook up with Andy on day 187, a warm September morning, to get in a final 40 miles before the big day.

The 100 miler was every bit the epic I could have hoped for. 15 riders started out at 06:30 am to see the sun rise over the coast as we climbed out of Beer. It was during the first half of this ride that I suffered my first ever puncture and witnessed Clive's miniature CO2 tyre pump in action. We managed to avoid the forecasted rain on the outward journey but paid for it on the return. Being already so soaked to the skin at the 75 mile point, no one was even wanting to make the scheduled final coffee stop, too keen to get home for a hot bath. I was so elated to roll back into Seaton having completed the 100 miler .. in just 6 months of my return to cycling and I still treasure my certificate of achievement.

My first 100 miles with the AVP

The week following the 100 miler, the Tour of Britain came to Sidmouth and I got the opportunity to cycle over to see the pros in action. This also marked the shortening of the days as autumn set in. I had thought that I would be having to lay the bikes up for the winter, but I was surprised to learn that the AVP continued to cycle throughout these dark months and that this is achieved with lights which would not be out of place for brightness on any car! When I attended the Birmingham NEC Cycle Show at the end of September, I purchased a set of these lights which have so far been more than sufficient to keep me rolling through the winter night club runs.

Enjoying the winter night AVP club rides

With the onset of winter, now known to be the wettest since records began, I've seen my hybrid Crosstrail come into its own on these night rides. The Crosstrail being much more forgiving over the darkened rough, potholed and gravel strewn lanes, while my Roubaix, now fitted with quick release racing mud guards, is brought into action on the long weekend runs. I now feel I have most surfaces and styles covered with my two bikes, but would still be interested in one day joining the mountain bikers to see what they get up to on their evening runs. I'm sure that if I fitted some chunky tires the Crosstrail could cope. May be one to test later in the year.

So, what's in store for my second year? Well, I have a plan to try out a couple of sportifs. I've already started with an Audax taster, although this was a bit of a rude awakening as it did not go totally to plan. Then in June, I am scheduled to ride the Dartmoor Classic and in August, I have a place on the Prudential RideLondon 2014 for which I am looking to raise money for Diabetes UK .. my first attempt to raise any sponsorship money since my school days! If you feel like giving me a little support and additional motivation for this event, then please click the image below and sponsor me :)

This cycling lark has been full of firsts and long may it continue. Oh yes, and as for increasing my fitness, I think this year end report says it all!

0 - 100 in 6 Months - Part 3

A shower proof hiviz jacket gives little protection from a heavy downpour and so it was not long before I, like many of my fellow riders on the AVP 100 miler, were feeling very damp with 50 miles of our ride still to complete.

Before leaving Dulverton, a group photo captured us taking shelter under trees but there was no escaping the fact that we had to get back on the road else at our current rate of travel, we'd be riding home in the dark!

Back on the bikes we started on our way south along the A396 Exe Valley road at a good pace in spite of the rain. The level of chat reduced and there was a feeling of urgency in the peloton as we pressed on attempting to keep warm and get as much distance between us and the now heavy showers falling on the Exmoor hills behind. This strategy seemed to work as after around ten or so miles, we found ourselves breaking free of the darkest clouds and the rain eased to a drizzle. The peloton split on a series of steady down hill sections and Andy became the second of our group to puncture. Without Clive and his CO2 gizmo, who was out front with myself, Bobble, Gillian, Compass and a couple of other riders, Buster came to the rescue with brute strength and a traditional pump. 

We turned off the Exe Valley road early at Bolham to avoid the busy A396 / A361 roundabout and passed the entrance to Knightshayes, the large Victorian country house of which I have had many a pleasant Sunday visit to, during sunnier times and when not clad in lycra! With 30 miles to go, the rain then returned with vengeance. I only have vague memory of passing through Tiverton, Willand, Uffclme and Culmstock (again). And by the time we got to Hemyock, we were all so soaked through that no one was even up for our final 25 mile food stop, we pressed on. The Broad Street 4 mile climb out of Hemyock provided much needed warmth for our bodies and saw me finish off my last energy bar. The only fuel now left in my pockets were a few emergency and probably equally soggy Jelly Babies! The final climb was between Upottery and the A30, Bobble and Andy shot up this like rockets but I was happy to remain partially sheltered in the body of the peloton; feeling like one of those Emperor Penguins huddled together, sheltering from the storms. 

Prior to the ride, Clive had posted on the club's Facebook page "Here is the profile of the last 13miles of the AVP 100 miler, once you get 87th mile you are almost home and dry!" We had now entered this phase but were far from dry!

Here is the profile of the last 13miles of the AVP 100 miler

The rain by now was being driven into us by ever increasing winds. I found that extended riding in rain brings about a strange sensation. Water filled shoes become warm and pleasant when freewheeling but cold and squelchy when pedalling. The taste of salt from the rain and stinging eyes confused me for a while, until I realised that the air holes in the helmet which are normally such a blessing were filling with water to be then cascaded down my face. I've seen this week how the Tour of Britain riders have waterproof covers over their shoes and helmets while riding through such weather, now I know why!

We finally rolled into Seaton together at 6 pm, twelve hours after we had left. Surprisingly we were all in good spirits, I think mainly with the euphoria of completing the event together under such challenging conditions. It was a nice touch for all to be handed a laminated "AVP Certificate of Achievement" and a final group photo was taken.

Final group photo

This was by no means a quick ride, and I believe that without all the rain, the head winds and slow meandering we could have taken as much as an hour off the ride time, however, for a first 100 miler it was the perfect combination of good riding, socialising and adventure and I can't wait to do the next one ... but perhaps, I can wait until it warms up again next year! 

While writing up this final blog entry, I caught a snippet of the sport news this morning when it was announced that the former US heavyweight boxing champion Ken Norton, who beat Muhammad Ali, has died at the age of 70. I admit I did not know much of Ken Norton but the presenter went on to say that in later life he became well respected as a positive thinker and known for the saying "What the mind can conceive the body can perform". I conceived the idea that I could do a 100 mile ride a few months into my 'tour' but it was only in the last few weeks that I believed it could be possible.

Stats: 103.1 mi, 8hr 29m, Avg 11.7 mph, Max 31.7 mph, 5,121 kcal

0 - 100 in 6 Months - Part 2

At 06:15, fifteen riders headed out from Seaton TIC up Castle Hill and towards Beer. It is amazing how the sun can rise so quickly and how in just a few minutes darkness is replaced by a beautiful orange glow. The sun rise, as we climbed up out of Beer along Stovar Long Lane, was spectacular.

Our first challenging hill came after 18 miles; a 5 mile, 890 ft climb from Feniton, up through Penscombe Wood to Hembury Fort at the summit. After a much needed breather, we headed on and down through Blackborough to our first 25 mile cafe stop at Culmstock. The time was 09:00.

Handbag's cycle in AVP colours

The owners of the little Strand Cafe were kind enough to open early this Sunday morning and applied us with tea, coffee and cake in portions that many riders were able to keep themselves fuelled on for most of the morning. Having packed sufficient energy bars and a banana I was in need of no further fuel, although the strong black coffee was most welcomed.

Refuelled after our first cafe stop

Service was swift and we were back on the road before our legs totally cooled down and just as locals started arriving; perfect timing as we had previously taken up every table and square space available.

Continuing north, we crossed the M5 and rode following the course of the Grand Western Canal. This was a very picturesque and quiet route with next to no traffic. Although we did abruptly come upon a lady astride a horse, stopped side on in the road on a blind shaded corner which required me to slide, throwing my back wheel out, in order to bring myself to a halt before colliding with both the horse, Andy and Clive centimetres ahead of me! Much to the lady's distress, Clive called out to the remaining 12 yet to make the bend and was aghast to hear that there were still this number to descend on her! My new tyres now had a flat spot. I also think I had picked up a few stone shards as a further 5 miles down the road I became the first of our number to puncture.

Clive shows off his new gizmo while I attempt to store away the punctured inner tube 

Luckily,  I was carrying my spare inner tubes and was surrounded by seasoned cyclists who knew the drill as well as any F1 pit crew. Clive also got to use his new CO2 inflating gizmo to bring my tyre pressure up to 100 psi in a matter of seconds; much better than any hand pump would ever achieve in either time or firmness. Another purchase to consider!

A leisurely amble through Bampton

After the impromptu pitstop we had a leisurely amble through Bampton and remained on the quiet and free running National Cycle Route #3, heading further north via Morebath and Brushforth towards the Exmoor National Park, our intended halfway lunch stop.

While rain had been threatening as the morning had progressed, we were feeling luck was on our side as it always seemed to be falling out on the horizon and not on us. We reached our 50 mile marker at around midday, as we entered the National Park and the outskirts of Dulverton. This was where we had an extended stop for lunch. Some had loaded cake and sandwiches onto the support car, others went to a local cafe for what looked to me to be a full sunday dinner and I munched on another energy bar and shared cake.

It was during our lunch stop that the inevitable happened, the heavens opened!

More to follow in part 3 ....

0 - 100 in 6 Months - Part 1

When I started my 'tour' six months ago, I had little real idea where this would take me. My only objective then was to do a few miles a week to build my fitness and to burn off a few pounds. Before this, my last cycle ride was over 20 years ago and in more recent years, during my gym period, I purposely steered clear of the excercise bike in favour of the running machine. It was with considerable trepidation, therefore, that I decided to make a return to two wheels.

All this seemed a distant memory when early on Sunday morning, I left the house in total darkness to join my fellow Axe Valley Pedallers on a challenging 100 mile ride to Exmoor and back. The change in weather at the start of the week had signalled the slide from summer to autumn and it was going to be touch and go as to whether the promised weekend storms would even cancel the ride. Saturday was, in contrast, a glorious day of sun, blue sky and cloud, a perfect day for cycling, but all eyes were on Sunday and the Atlantic driven wind and rain due in the early afternoon. The deal was that we would go if it looked as though we could complete most of the ride in clear weather or light rain. A check made on the Club's Facebook page that Saturday night indicated no change, we were on!

My preparation over the last few months through to this week had been measured. I had been committed to my weekly 20+ mile ride with the AVP and averaging 60 miles a week in total. I'd joined the Sid Valley Cycling Club to get in longer 40 mile rides a month before and maintained this distance for the 3 weeks before the 100 miler. In the week preceding I completed two 10 mile rides, between the showers, just to keep the legs spinning. My last ride was on the Thursday morning to give time for any aches to have left my legs, which was something I experienced the previous week on my 40 mile ride out to Honiton and a lesson I did not want to repeat. I was feeling I had got myself to the required minimum level of fitness and was ready.

Having amassed a range of Lycra over the season, the decision of what to wear was the next challenge. The weather seemed to have put pay to my original plan of wearing the summer Sid Valley club top as it afforded no option to layer, I knew I should have gone for the larger size! The alternative was my winter jersey and risk overheating. The impending storm led me to select winter jersey with a thin short sleeved base layer, a good compromise. On top of this I would also wear a wafer thin hiviz shower proof jacket that I could roll into a pocket when the sun was up and out of the rain. For my legs it would be shorts, the temperature has to be in single figures before I cover up in full length Lycra. The bike received similar attention. I attached a larger saddle bag containing two spare innertubes, tyre levers, energy bars and isotonic drink tablets. Tyres were inflated to 110 psi, pump tested, chain oiled and water bottles filled. We were ready.

It was just a few minutes ride to the Tourist Information Centre, our meeting point, so after a leisurely rise at 05:00 and a cereal & banana breakfast, I rolled up alongside a few early arrivals before the town clock could strike 06:00. The group were easily spotted by their pulsating red lights, circling around the glow of a street lamp, like illuminated moths. Our first task was to sign in with mobile numbers and next of kin details, what did the next few hours have in store for us? Good to be prepared, Clive, our ride organiser, even had a first aid kit strapped to his handle bars! By 06:15 all fifteen riders had signed on, five ladies, nine men and one German schoolboy on a mountain bike! At this early hour, the weather was looking promising, clear of the forecasted rain and winds, as we saddled up and headed out on our adventure, knowing only that our route would take us north as far as Exmoor.

More to follow in Part 2 ...