Day Five
It’s a slow start as fatigue has crept in from the previous days cycling and camping . What did I expect? I have literally done Z E R O training for this and I’m 36 not 18! Any more.
I naturally opt for a second cup of tea and convince myself that i’ll ‘clip in’ soon. It’s well after 10:15 before I leave the camp.
It’s a left out of the camp site as I then I head down towards Exeter. Spotting a huge Tesco on the outskirt, I can’t help myself but explore the endless isles for treats and hot food. While my £200 bike performs like a Tesla spaceship. The clips in cleats are worn and following last year’s accident, I procrastinate and insist on buying new ones form the local Halfords .
It’s now after pm and I haven’t really covered any real distance.
My bum is so so so sore. The weather is cold and wet. My battery pack is nearly dead and so, I find myself in Birdport sipping a huge black coffee. I’m offered a free refill as I wait out the rain. Knowing that I can’t hide I notice that my motivation is low. Lowever than my blood sugar Reluctantly I walk across the road to Waitrose to buy some sugary treats. Before clipping in.
Today my mileage totalled 35 miles. It’s pathetic – yes, it was hilly. But still. 35 miles. I can walk further in a day.
I’m still mad at myself as I write this passage retrospectively. This is mainly because I’d not committed to the day properly. I’d lingered around at the campsite, I’d then phaffed around in Tesco and again in Halfords. All because I was tired and unmotivated. I was mad at myself because I was ultimately responsible for these events and knew that there was never any good to come from the poor behaviour on such a trip. It’s fair yet tough lesson
I later arrive in Meldon Reservoir’. It’s stunning. I hike up to to moor and set up camp. I’m absolutely Alone. While it’s cold and misty I discreetly pitch my tent and cook up a feast before heading to sleep.
