Barnstaple to Dulverton - 9 July

The plan per the book which I might bend a bit

I did bend the route by extending the destination to Wiveliscombe, thus adding 10 miles onto today's route and off tomorrow's which at 60+ miles was a pedal too far.

Perfect poached eggs for breakfast.

 Decided to move onto two snacks a day, so this for elevenses, delicious.

When I reached Bratton Fleming, after quite a climb, it was still wet so I sheltered in the bus stop on the grounds that a bus was not likely to be along. It was handy as the Openreach man had parked his van just to the right and the route 3 sign was hidden by it.

 Perhaps they locked down early in Devon?

 I was lightly steaming inside my waterproof top

 An idea of the weather for you from the lack of visibility

As I got onto the top of Exmoor the weather improved so I took my waterproof top off, the weather then worsened again.

 My route at that moment

Don't drive fast so don't hit an animal but if you do, here are the phone numbers to ring.

 This boulder weighs 13 ton so isn't going anywhere.

 I will leave you to research Froude Hancock

Dulverton, the scheduled end point, seemed to be quite lovely.

However, 10 miles further on, the White Hart at Wiveliscome, had its own beer which slips down a treat.

It has taken me until day 5 to tell you that although I am doing the ride for my own pleasure, rather than for charity, there is absolutely nothing from preventing you making a donation to the North London Hospice if you are so inclined.

Derek