Day 3, to Camelford

My third day, and I was looking forward to a lovely quiet Camel Trail – and (hopefully) some easy miles – along with the company of my son Pascal (again) and grandson Danny.

Unfortunately, I got off to a bad start! Horrors! I’d failed to charge up my tech! My phone and my Garmin were totally dead! Luckily, the bike camera had enough charge to last another day, my son had his phone with him, and my grandson was able to lend me his Garmin (so I do have a record of my day’s riding). I’m also having trouble with the GoPro – sometimes I can’t get it to record film, and it just takes occasional snaps. Not content with all this, one mile into the ride I had a problem with my toe clip – which we couldn’t fix until we arrived at Camelford at the end of the day. I struggled to keep my foot on the pedal – my foot isn’t used to not having the security of a toe clip. It wants to keep lifting off.

The start of the ride was very hilly, and some of the roads were quite busy – but the start of the trail brought sweet relief, quiet and beautiful, with sunlight dappling the path as Danny charged off up to the next turn. I think that he was just desperate to have a hot chocolate at the lovely Snail’s Pace café (where Pascal and I enjoyed a coffee).

Despite a weather forecast which promised rain, it was another hot day – so I’m very glad that the Cornish authorities turned on the fans to keep us all cool.

Then, in the evening, back to my blissful dream with a trip to the most incredibly beautiful beach at Trebarwith Strand for a delicious supper at the Port William Pub. Then back to my accommodation at Camelford – the incredibly friendly Countryman Hotel.

Tomorrow will be my first day where I may be totally on my own, and I’m filled with trepidation. To be honest, I’m scared stiff. I’m 80 miles into my ride, and I’ve found some of the hills so far to be quite tough. I don’t know what the day will bring (but I’m also a little bit excited).

Stats

25.95 miles (77.55 miles total), 1,647ft ascent, 1,300ft descent