Day 5: A Wet Miserable Summer…..

I checked the weather forecast in the morning grey clouds but dry all day, and that's how it started out, so I didn't put my waterproofs on. I left Paignton about 9:00am. When I got to Bovey Tracey then the heavens open big time, this is not the weather we should have in July…. Grrrr…..

I continued my journey hoping it would ease off. After an hour or so of riding, and going on a bit of an adventure through some country lanes, I decided this really wasn't enjoyable and changed my route.

I was originally planning on going to north Devon, Barnstaple, then go on a quest for the Valley of the rocks, across to Minehead. In this weather, that just became a non-option. So, after paying Dartmoor a bit of a visit, I headed back to Exeter, stopped at the services to eat/drink, get warmed up a bit and put on my waterproofs. Then headed up the M5. Naturally, the rain stopped and the sun started to come out. I stopped at Bristol services, took of my waterproofs as I was getting hot and sweaty, and headed over the Severn Bridge. Nice to see the “croeso i gymru” sign again, it's been a long time. And, of course, 5 mins into Wales it started raining again, fortunately not for too long this time. Went up the A449 and A40 to Abergavenny and then the A479/A438 to Hay-on-Wye, finally arrived about 4:30pm wet, achy and knackered.

Stopped off, to stretch my legs and saw about 30 kites in the sky! It looked like feeding time!

Needed to go for a walk, to get my knees moving again, there were almost locked in the bike riding position! My butt was the only thing that didn't ache, gel pants are good 👍🏻

A much needed beer was called for!

Total mileage today 202

Total mileage 684, the journey home is 237 miles if I go the direct Google recommended route, which, if the weather improves I hope not to.

When will we get a summer this year!

Bike definately needs a wash!