LEJOG Day 3

Miles Today - 102 miles
Total LEJOG Miles -
Climbs Today -
Total LEJOG Climbs

Bristol - Chepstow - Monmouth - Hereford - Leominister - Ludlow - Shrewsbury

Day 3 started well - lovely sunny weather as we headed out of Bristol. High winds across the Severn Crossing, but sheltered once we hit the Wye Valley. The A466 up to Monmouth is one of our favourite routes - especially as after the one long climb, you get a fantastic downhill run at 40 + MPH down smooth and twisty corners to arrive at Tintern Abbey. All was going far too well, as a few mile short of Monmouth, there was a loud bang from Sarah's rear mech which decided to fall apart. Following a makeshift repair at the roadside we made it into Monmouth, and were pointed in the direction of the only bike shop courtesy of Matt & Chris - two fellow lunatics doing LEJOG - who had an iPhone. By amazing coincidence, the only shop for miles around had the part we needed - Sarah very happy it's actually an upgrade aswell, so no excuses on the hills now - and after losing around 1 1/2 hours (and £100) we were on our way again. Following a fab lunch with our trusty support crew, we were left with 60 miles to Shrewsbury, and found the A49 was a dream route for cyclists - only one long hill climb over about 4 miles just north of Hereford, and then another fantastic descent, followed by smooth tarmac all the way to Shrewsbury! We had around 20 mins of light rain but arrived at our campsite in blazing sunshine to find the kettle on & our tent already pitched - top marks yet again to Tony & Diana. Dinner of spag bol with some red wine rounded of another good day. Just over a third distance now. Tomorrow sees us heading up to Warrington & Wigan and then onwards to end up just north of Lancaster.