Day 1 - Lands End to Quintrell Downs

Going to have to keep this fairly brief as I have to go through some maps with Rosemary before we hit the sack. oh and I only have two hours on the wifi (£2.00 what a rip off)

Well that's a relief! I can still ride. It seems like ages since I was last on my bike proper.
We woke up this morning to glorious skies. The rain had disappeared and the sky was blue. I felt as though things were coming together at last. I had decided a few days ago that after the bout of Bronchitis that I have had, I needed to take day one easy so a short ride to just past Newquay was the order of the day.

 It's official now

Rosemary and I popped into the Lands End hotel to get my LEJOG verification paper stamped. I need to get it stamped six times en route and at JOG then send it off to the end to end club and I will receive and official certificate.

We then had the customary photo at the Lands End sign then I said goodbye and set off. It was warm enough to be in my shorts and cycling shirt so off I went heading for Penzance. i was finally rolling after nearly eight months of planning. I said to myself as I crossed the startline.

I headed through Penzance (which is a lovely town) I could have stopped and had a lazy afternoon there but I have a destination to get too. From there I headed along a very pleasant national cycle route all the way to Hayle near St Ives. I really enjoyed that part of the ride. Very few cars and typical cornish lanes. Fantastic.

St Michaels Mount near Penzance

From there I headed for Camborne and Redruth. All I can say about these two towns is 'please can you put some road signs up' I got lost in both towns and and ended up using the sun to navigate. (well sort of) From there I headed for Goonhavern and Newquay along a very hilly section. It was quite a tough section and I needed to get out of the saddle for long stretches. I finally made it into Quintrell Downs after 46 miles and found Rosemary parked up at the campsite. Its really pleasant here. The showers are warm and each pitch has its own bay in the trees.

The forecast isn't looking good for tomorrow. In fact its just started raining now. Lets hope the rain clears by morning. I'm heading for Devon along the back lanes tomorrow. I'm hoping to get 70 to 80 miles under my belt so I will let you know how I get on tomorrow evening.