Following two tough days traversing Devon and Cornwall in less-than-ideal weather, riders today were treated to a trio of benefits – a shorter route, with fewer hills, in picture-perfect sunny conditions.
Today’s route saw the Babble Ride Across Britain peloton wave farewell to the South West via the Severn Bridge, nipping in and out of Wales via Chepstow before pedalling through the beautiful, unspoilt Wye Valley and into Ludlow.
A slightly later starting window of 7 – 8AM meant riders were treated to something of a lie-in this morning. Setting off down the other side of Bannerdown and towards the Severn Bridge, a strong northwesterly headwind made for slow progress at times, but spirits were high as the sun’s warmth made itself felt.
Crossing the bridge is, for many riders, a momentous occasion – a signal that the steep hills of the South West are behind them, and that they are making genuine progress up the length of Britain. It can be blustery on the bridge, and today was no exception, but it’s nonetheless a real highlight of the ride for many.
A the first Pitstop today by Chepstow Castle, the Prince’s Trust were out in support of their cyclists, who are raising vital funds to help young people from disadvantaged communities build the confidence and skills to live, learn and earn.
A steep climb out of Chepstow followed, before a long descent into what is, for many riders, one of the highlights of the entire Babble Ride Across Britain – the Wye Valley.
The bridle road adjacent to the River Wye presented riders with mile upon mile of traffic-free riverside riding, gently undulating in places but always coast-able and easy. A truly welcome relief after the grippy gradients of Cornwall and Devon.
The final 30 miles of the day saw the South West give way to the Midlands as riders traversed Herefordshire and entered Shropshire. At the Ludlow Racecourse basecamp, the group were treated to free ice creams courtesy of our title sponsor Babble, which went down a treat in the afternoon sunshine.
Photo by Tom Austin
Tomorrow, another easy day awaits as the route climbs North across the Cheshire plain. Although we are less than halfway through the ride, the pull of Scotland draws ever nearer!
