Day Five: Fatigue and Frustration
It’s a slow start as fatigue has crept in from the previous days of cycling and camping. What did I expect? I’ve literally done Z E R O training for this, and I’m 36, not 18, anymore. And I’m travelling alone.
I naturally opt for a second cup of tea, convincing myself that I’ll ‘clip in’ soon. It’s well after 10:15 before I leave the camp. Taking a left out of the campsite, I head down towards Exeter. Spotting a huge Tesco on the outskirts, I can’t resist the lure of exploring the endless aisles for treats and hot food. My £200 bike, despite its modest price, performs like a Tesla spaceship, gliding smoothly. But my worn cleats, a painful reminder of last year’s accident, need replacing, so I procrastinate further with a trip to the local Halfords.
The comfort of a leisurely start and indulgence in treats might offer a temporary respite, but it pales compared to the satisfaction of a day fully committed to the journey./
It’s now after noon, 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 I find myself in Bridport, sipping a huge black coffee. The café’s warmth and the free refill offer a brief comfort as I wait out the rain, but my motivation is low-lower than my blood sugar. Reluctantly, I cross the road to Waitrose to buy some sugary treats, hoping they’ll give me the push I need before clipping in once more.
The Struggle Continues: A Day of Little Progress
Today, my mileage totaled just 35 miles. It’s pathetic-yes, it was hilly, but still, 35 miles. I could walk further in a day. I’m still mad at myself as I write this passage retrospectively. I hadn’t committed to the day properly; I’d lingered at the campsite, then wasted time in Tesco and again in Halfords, all because I was tired and unmotivated. I’m frustrated because I know I’m ultimately responsible for these events and that no good comes from such poor behavior on a trip like this. It’s a fair yet tough lesson.
The ease of giving in to fatigue and procrastination feels like a fleeting relief but ultimately leads to frustration and self-doubt as i know i made the wrong decision here, or did i?
Finding Solitude at Meldon Reservoir
Later, I arrive at Meldon Reservoir. It’s stunning. The landscape opens up to reveal a breathtaking view as I hike up to the moor to set up camp. I am absolutely alone. While it’s cold and misty, I discreetly pitch my tent and cook up a feast, feeling the quiet embrace of solitude under the vast, open sky. The air is crisp, and even though the day has been tough, there is a certain peace in this isolation.
As I settle into my sleeping bag, the cold air blowing gently over the site, I feel a mix of exhaustion and contentment. Today was a struggle, a lesson in perseverance, and a reminder of why I embarked on this journey in the first place.
