The Ride - Day 1 (9th May '06)

We have been blessed with good weather, no rain and no headwinds but hills aplenty. Arrived at Lands End which apart from the rocks and the sea is heavily commercialised.

Got our end to end sheets stamped in the PO and headed for the obligatory photo at the famous signpost. The bloke who takes all the official pictures and owns the plot of land doesnt bother arriving until 11am even though he is supposed to be there at 10, so we bugger off, having had a picture by a post with no sign on it!!

Morning is pleasant, passing many disused tin mines and on to lunch at 42 miles. We all had a warm, cornish pasty which was most welcome. Afternoon soon started to tell. Hills, hills and after the hills more hills. They do know how to make 'em steep in Cornwall! At the mid afternoon break I collapsed in a heap on the grass, dreaming of a warm bath and hot tea. Slogged back via some more hills to Liskeard and arrived at about 5.30pm. 4hours 32 in the saddle at 16.3 mph. That's too fast and we will have slow up tomorrow as it is being billed as THE toughest day of all.