Before I get on to today's ride I found out during a wander around the town last evening that the castle in Chepstow was about to celebrate its 950th birthday. It was built by William the Conqueror a year after he took over England in 1066. The Castle took about 150 years to be completed....
The history of England is amazing!
Todays ride was in good weather 20 degrees with a slight headwind which got up later in the afternoon.
We started with our normal climb out of Chepstow past the Chepstow racecourse. Gee the track is big with what looks like a very long finishing straight in front of a big grandstand. I did not take a photo as we were labouring up the hill. ( ave gradient 10%)
The next stop was Tintern which is marked by a very old Cathedral/Abbey. Although it was ransacked by Henry VIII when he was having his "tiff" with the Catholics when trying to marry Anne Boleuin ( not sure of spelling!!), the building looks in remarkable shape being nearly 500 yeas old!
The next stop was for coffee at Monmouth which is the administrative centre for this region of Wales. It is situated on the Wye River and boasts a very old private school. There was monuments for a fellow called Rolls who I think was the same guy who was involved in cars.
The coffee spot ( the Hogs Head) was packed with people partaking of all sorts of drinks at 11.00am in the morning! Our beverages were tea and coffee ( cappuccino)
After making our way out of Malmouth again with a climb it was on to St Weonards to see the shop which has the Lands End John O'Groats sign....nothing much else there!
It is amazing however to see the riders coming the other was who are doing the LEGOJ in reverse. Quite some fun in waving to each other in sharing the experiences! We did not tell them what was in store in Cornwell!!
After this we had a very pleasant trip along the Wye River alternating between Wales and Herefordshire. quite interesting to see the signs both in English and Welsh.
The travel to lunch at a pub near Kingstone was largely along A roads with a few laneways.
The Pub at Kingstone ( Three Horseshoes) was very good and I had a huge ham, cheese and tomato sandwich with came with chips and salad. Big lunch which I shared with others in the group..
As the wind was starting to "get up", Chris and I decided to push on. Chris was struggling so I lead to provide some shelter along the roads and hedgerows as we made our way to Weobley ( pronounced Wobbly). We arrived at about 3.30 and after working out the shower are able to relax with a drink in a very comfortable pub.
Talking about showers....I have now been staying in 6 different hotels so far and every night there is a different system to operate the showers. The system tonight is to be turned on electrically outside the bathroom as opposed to a pull down light switch near the bath as in Cheddar.
You will see a picture below which shows the dangers of the narrow roads and laneways in the UK...we are taking it very carefully.
Good day of riding again and our group is "jelling" together really well with some very interesting characters.
Tintern Cathedral...very impressive!
Ric,,,for you an English Village...I will get more for you as I go!
Malmouth College...the motto is Serve and Obey!
Morning Tea at Malmouth...Kings Head Pub
Country Road...not lane...Chris riding.
Steve (from Tassie) and I at the LEJOG sign...al long way yet to be travelled!
A country view of Heredfordshire...lovel country.
Waiting for the fast train at a level crossing.
Maybe Dan ( our Premier) should take his level crossing removal project to the UK?
Woops!
This is what happens if you go too fast on a country lane
No-one was hurt fortunately...it happened just before we arrived!!!
Our team mascot...Gerald the Giraffe.
Brought by one of the ladies from the UK
It travels in the van!
Home for the night in Weobley ( I hope I don't get wobbly with too much drinking!)
Day 6 route..a good day of riding
Travelling well . You should all win the Pub Quiz Nights at a few of the Locals on the way . ! ?
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