The long (wet) ride home

Once we had landed in Plymouth, and Jean had woken up,  we repeated our 12 mile uphill ride to my brother's that we had done 2 months earlier.

We were definitely faster and would have done it in less than 2 hours if not distracted by an ice cream van.

After a couple of days rest, relaxation and washing (clothes and bikes) we headed out across Dartmoor. If we hadn't gone for it now, we probably never would.

It was strenuous and challenging and then of course it rained. So it was straight into the pub at the top for a dry off and a swift half. At 11:15.

It was persistent rain.

Not the dryest camp of the trip that night. We spent 5 hours sheltering in the site reception before diving into the tent for an early night at 20:30.

Next stop was North Wales ( near Betws-y-Coed). We took the train from Exeter to Llandudno Junction, then rode the 24 miles to our friends house, where we had some more rest and relaxation :⁠-⁠). We'll, apart from the hill climb and fast 20 miles circuit he decided I was fit enough for.

That just left the small matter of how to get home.

Obviously cycle. Across the Denbighshire moors.

They were particularly stunning.

Later it was another soggy afternoon/evening in Rhuddlan. We just managed to get the tent up before the rain and were sat drinking coffee in it when a caravan owner insisted we use their awning as they were just leaving. Marvelous.

It was a long ride to the Wirral, and more rain, to visit Jean's mum so we abandoned camping to dry out in the Travelodge.

Before, finally through Liverpool and home via the ferry. £6.75 for Jean and free for me :⁠-⁠) (I'm 60 you know).

Final Stats.

Total mileage - 1,569 

Punctures... 1. Bloody 1, 10 miles from home!