Day 4 - Glastonbury to Monmouth, 67 miles

Assembly outside Wells Cathedral

From Glastonbury we had a short run into to Wells Cathedral City. It was a market day. Our route took us through the main Cathedral square after a quick visit to Bike Shop (one of our riders had slide on gravel and her gears needed attention).

Massive hill climbing out of Wells towards Chew Valley. Apt sign for many cyclists in our group.

Very Windy at Chew Valley lake. Quickly devouring a table full of goodies.

We dressed up warmly as there was a very strong wind coming from the east across the water.

Clifton Suspension Bidge

Isambard Kingdom Brunel never lived to see his creation finished in 1864. Although building began in 1831, but the project was dogged with political and financial difficulties, and by 1843, with only the towers completed, the project was abandoned. Brunel died aged only 53 in 1859, but the Clifton Suspension Bridge was completed as his memorial. 

Peter and Debbie 

Camera Obscura obscured by my helmet

New Severn Bridge viewed from the old

After the opening of the Severn Bridge, the Anglo-Welsh poet, Harri Webb, wrote: 

Ode on the Severn Bridge

Two lands at last connected

Across the waters wide,

And all the tolls collected

On the English side.

Down to 5mph speed limit for cyclists in places

Super fast South African cyclists - I foolishly tagged along forming a 'chain gang'

A chain gang is a cyclist term when a group cycles closely together forming a peloton. This is very wind efficient as the cyclist behind 'draft' in the slipstream created by the cyclist working hard at the front. After a time, the one at the front moves to the back and all move up one place. This way everyone has a turn. I cycled with Ian and Tamlin. They soon discovered I was the weakest link.

 Tintern Abbey

Beautiful Wye Valley run - 120 mins, gruelling last half hour!

At around 90 minutes of running I just wanted to lie in the boat!

Post bike/run looking for a place to eat on TripAdvisor

Recovering in a fine pub/hotel in Monmouth

Glastonbury to Monmouth - big wind from East

Tough climb out of Wells in the first hour, then undulating until smaller climb above Chepstow

Statistics
Distance 67 miles over ~5 hours
Average speed 13.4mph but this includes off road cycle trails
Best 36 minute leg with South African Chain Gang (17.8mph on flat)
Max speed 32 mph
High point - stunning Wye Valley and whizzing along to Monmouth
Low point - attempting to run 2 hours off the bike (training schedule)
Road kill - another hedgehog