#Cothelstone Hill

[thefollyflaneuse]

Cothelstone Tower, Somerset

Cothelstone was an ancient seat of the Stawel family. In the second half of the 18th century it was the property of Mary Stawel (1726-1780), the sole surviving direct descendant. In recognition of her ancient lineage, George III made her a baroness in her own right in 1760, with the title to pass to her sons from her first marriage to Henry Bilson Legge, Earl of Dartmouth. After the death of her…

[themamil]

Ride Across Britain - Day 2

It was a very chilly 7am start this morning in Okehampton for the start of Day 2 that would see us ride to Bath via Tiverton, Brampton, Bridgewater and Paulton.

David and I managed to get away in the 3rd wave which was great but I managed to drop my chain almost immediately. One of the photographer kindly helped me get it reseated and then I had to chase David down who hadn’t realised I had stopped. It was then I realised how fresh I felt.

The first stage of the day was a broadly rolling downhill stage with wide open countryside views which created some stunning scenic views.

The first pitstop was at Bampton and was about 37miles into the 110 mile ride. I saw this church a little way before and felt I had to snap it.

With the pitstop done we had the first serious climb of the day which was Cothelstone. Ever since Bathatch on the Tour of the Hills Audax, that’s been my comparative baseline and I have to say Cothelstone may have taken the crown. It was a very sharp climb and longer then Barhatch at about 3k but I was very pleased with the way I climbed it and was rewarded with some stunning views.

Then it was through Bridgewater (a place that clearly has no time for cyclists and a place I would dearly love to never have to pass through again) and on to pitstop 2 at East Hantspill. There we had the change to refuel before taking on the most beautiful and very challenging Cheddar Gorge. I’ve heard a lot about this climb before and it did not disappoint.

Again I was very pleased with the way I climbed the Gorge and felt really fresh. David and I had by this time got into a group of about 8-10 who were being led by a Threshold Chaperone and it meant we rolled at a really nice pace and had lots of good conversations with different members of the group.

We regrouped at the top of the Gorge and then there was about 15 miles of rolling terrain to get us to Bath. I actually found it pretty easy riding and I was expecting a lot worse.

Upon arrival at Bath Uni we were given our room keys (YAY) and individual rooms that were a sight for sore eyes.

This was luxury!

Day 2 has been a great day that surpassed Day 1 for sheer beauty of the countryside, the climbs and the general cycling environment (with the exception of Bridgwater) and I’m really getting into this fabulous adventure. I think the fact that the nerves have subsided too means that we are able to enjoy things a lot more too.

This evening I also received some photos from the sportsgraf service and some of the shots are great.

Day 2 done. 7 to go. Tomorrow it Bath to Ludlow and “only” 100.9 miles.

[nixwilliams]

Looking Back by Graham Shaw Via Flickr: The light was so different today, although an hour later it was raining.

[waving-madly]

Slime mould - Badhamia utricularis by Steve Balcombe on Flickr.