Day 1 - Gentlemen Don't Go To Windward

Having gone to the sound of wind rattling the halyards on the boats in the harbour, we awoke to a continuing Easterly wind - not good when one is riding from Land's End. Given the location of Land's End, there is only one way to go, of course - you've guessed it, East. And as all sailors know, Gentlemen Don't Go To Windward.

Unfortunately, we had no choice, of course.

Land's End was revealed as a rather dreary place (it was James's first visit, so he had no previous experience), which was - erm - closed. On arrival at 0800, we found that absolutely nothing was open - including the toilets (which was important to some of the team). As we were setting up , two Thrifty vans turned up, loaded to the gunwhales with bikes. The occupants introduced themselves, and revealed that they were off on a 14 day LEJOG - with their first stop in Camelford. Lightweights.

As we cycled down to the famous sign, it started to rain. Great. A couple of photos by Cathy, and then it came to the point that we really just had to get cycling. For the first mile of so, James found it hard to get a rhythm, but we soon settled in.

We had a rendezvous arranged with Joe's cousin Tom, at a cafe called the Jam Pot in Gwithian. A nice cup of coffee and rock cakes followed, and then we were off again. But not before Jess had taken a photo of us with our 'Hate Jams' shirt backs, next to the Jam Pot Cafe.

We made good progress, and on passing Newquay stopped for a quick drink and munch break. Joe looked down and found a wallet in the hedgerow. Luckily it had a name and address in it, and we gave its owner, Squadron Leader Thomas (Retired), a call. On saying that we were heading East from Newquay to Okehampton, he said we were passing his house so we could drop it in, and did we prefer red or white wine! Seeing as we were cycling (and I hadn't brought my Camelpak), we declined the wine, but he did give us £10 which will be added to the sponsorship!

He turned out to be in his 80s, and was delighted that his RAFA card was still in the wallet

After a good lunch (sardines for Matt and James, bangers and mash for Joe), off we set for Camelford. Here occurred the first - self-inflicted - damage of the trip when Joe decided to bunnyhop onto the kerb to avoid the traffic. Of course, not being on a mountain bike, he ended up with a snakebite puncture. Still, we did get to meet 13 year old Ainsley Martin, who engaged us in conversation as we were fixing it. Just before we left, he commented that "I've heard some people have GPSs on their bikes - tch!". Hasty covering up of ours!

After this, the sun came out, and we were treated to lovely views - and we finally stopped seeing signs for Redruth!

The rest of the afternoon consisted of a cream tea, and a series of loooong steep hills which started sapping our reserves, but we finally arrived at Okehampton at 1810, after 108 miles and (according to Matt's GPS) 7300 calories burnt.

Anyway, I'm afraid everyone else is standing up and walking out as I type, as they (we) want to eat ASAP!

So... in summary:

Miles: 108

Calories: 7300

Good Turns Done: 1

Self Inflicted Damage: 1

Wierd Signs: 1 ("Painter And Decorator And Funeral Director" interesting cross-marketing opportunities).

That's all folks until tomorrow!