Tan lines should be cultivated and kept razor sharp

If you are a novice cyclist, like I am, then you may not be aware that there is etiquette to the world of cycling, and this is embodied in The Rules.  For those who are not aware of The Rules, they are defined by velominati:

“We are the Keepers of the Cog.  In so being, we also maintain the sacred text wherein lie the simple truths of cycling etiquette known as The Rules. It is in our trust to maintain and endorse this list.”

There are 91 Rules, which I skimmed through a while ago, but the one which always makes me laugh is the ridiculously serious Rule 7:

“Tan lines should be cultivated and kept razor sharp.  Under no circumstances should one be rolling up their sleeves or shorts in an effort to somehow diminish one’s tan lines. Sleeveless jerseys are under no circumstances to be employed.”  

Did you know that Wiggo just got pulled from the Tour de France because his tan lines were a bit fuzzy?  

This rule has been going through my head today because I’ve been in the sunshine for three days, and after a rubbish winter and spring, my pasty arms are starting to get a tan – with a very sharp tan line!  I am on my way to being a real cyclist one day…

This morning was a late start after 9am, and within 3 minutes of setting out I hit a big hill, which took about 15 minutes to climb.  What a way to warm up some tight legs, it was really hard and not much fun.  An hour of up and down hill, and I finally hit Exeter…

Navigating through the city, which was pretty easy, and over the M5…

… and then the roads started getting a bit flatter.  Rather than ‘V’ shaped hills they transformed themselves into undulating ‘U’ shapes, but some nice flat stretches were a welcome change….

I wondered why there were so many electricity pylons everywhere, until I passed this place

Over a small single-track railway line…

… and some beautiful Devon countryside

Time for a quick snack…

When I left Mortonhampstead I took a 2 litre bottle of water

… in addition to the water on the bike

At first I was cursing myself for bringing a big heavy bottle of water up the hills, as I was struggling with the weight of all the kit anyway.  However it was such a sunny day that in the end I used all the water in all the bottles, and had to stop for a few refills at pubs along the way, as I was drinking like a fish.   

Because today was a longer day (80 miles), I decided not to stop for lunch and therefore was eating on the bike all day – mainly cereal bars and cashew nuts I had picked up from the supermarket yesterday.  It made a real difference compared with the last two days where I have had more ‘traditional’ mealtimes, particularly on day one when I had a big lunch and then felt sleepy in the afternoon, and then ended up needing sugar at the end of the ride as I felt whacked.

A quick word on my kit.  I was asked in an email what I have brought with me, so I have listed it here on this link.

I thought the hills were behind me, but then a big one jumped out from nowhere and caught me by surprise.  I stopped about 2/3 the way up for a rest, it was exhausting…

… looking at my cycling computer, you can see the it was a ‘biggun’!

The top of the hill was rewarded by a really nice cool flat stretch underneath some trees.

I’ve seen a few things by the side of the road so far – lots of roadkill, a dead badger that looked so tranquil that it looked like he decided to have a sleep on the side of the road, but I was surprised to see an anti-aircraft gun lying around!

The scenery in Devon is great, so many times I was cycling along today with the sun on my back and a big smile on my face.

By about 2pm the roads had flattened out and I was getting a bit of speed – between 18-22 mph, which was a very welcome change.  And then I whizzed passed a house with a funny name.  I carried on for half a minute, but I really couldn’t believe it so I stopped, turned around and went back.  Here’s the house…

… and have a quick look at the name and tell me what you think? 

I know if you read it properly it says something else, but I was laughing to myself when I first saw it.  I know, very childish, but it made me laugh! 

Back on the road, and on to a farm track…

… and another break for some more food and water

By now it was about 4pm and I was looking desparately for Glastonbury Tor as a landmark, as I knew that would be close to Wells where I was staying for the evening.  At last, what a welcome sight…

… and then the other landmark I had been looking for, Wells Cathedral. 

I got to Wells at 4.30, found a supermarket to eat some more food, and then started looking for my B&B via the centre of town, when I passed an excellent little shop…

… and got to the Cathedral, which was 5 minutes from the B&B.  I met up this evening with my Dad and his friend Sue, and we had a nice dinner, and walked back via the Cathedral, which looked amazing in the evening light.

Tomorrow is another long day, heading North to Bristol, Monmouth and then Hereford to stay with Jean, my mother-in-law.

Here’s a summary of the day.

And finally a short video of what it’s like on the bike.

June 2013 - Lejog day 3 - Cycling in Devon from Zub on Vimeo.

2013-06-01 09.36.36 from Zub on Vimeo.