Tiverton to Beckington

The bike was loaded and I was on my way at bang on 08.00   I felt well rested at the Bridge House Inn  An important thing to remember at breakfast, should you stay there, is that when you order your cooked breakfast you need to be specific.   I enjoyed my cornflakes and ordered poached eggs but failed  to mention "on toast" so the two eggs appeared on a large plate sliding about every which way. I had, stupidly, already turned down the toast on the side.    So the eggs had to slip down on their own.  I have to say I felt cheated.  Having already asked for a favour of having my washed riding shirts dried I did not have the nerve to mention the lack of toast with the eggs.    That might have pushed  Basil over the edge.   I did mention the sea view!     I feel I must, in the interests of completeness, also bring you up to date with the chaffing problem which has developed.   I remember my brother discussing this problem on his long bike ride with family and friends from Bilbao to St. Bonnet in the Auvergne  and that was not to wear underclothes as the movement of the materials against each other can cause the chaffing.   So I left off the underpants.  Things seemed to be better and with plenty of Zinc and Castor Oil on the comfort level was much improved.    I need to take care of this otherwise it could hold up progress.  Keep your fingers crossed,    I will of course keep you fully in the picture.  Not literally. Not a very scenic view!!! The ride from Tiverton to Taunton was steady and without incident.  Good progress made and before long I found myself rolling into the centre of Taunton and on the corner was a Costa Coffee shop.    I took advantage.  No coffee as that drink is banned but I did indulge myself with a large hot chocolate and  a large glass of water.    A proper recharge!   Costa also offer free wifi.  I say free but you can go on line but only after you have filled in their registration form giving up very detail of yourself, name, address, DOB, e mail etc etc. In the end I gave up on the offer.   Back on my route towards Glastonbury.  Again with the early start,  progress on the road was encouraging.   I had pumped up the front tyre at the start of the day however as I sped into Glastonbury it became clear that the tyre was not holding the air.  As I pulled off the busy road I heard somebody shout.  I thought, wrongly that it was abuse from a fellow road user.  It was in fact  Steve and Polly on the way back from their holiday and they had happened upon me again.  That is the second time in three days.   No coincidence we thought. Maybe Shirley was looking after me!!  We chatted on the side of the road and pumped up the tyre again.  Very kindly Steve and Polly offered me a bed for the night.  I was on route to Frome which was near enough for them to pick me up and return me to the stopping point at the start of the Saturday ride.    The concept of this would be difficult for John A to take on board and there would be accusations of cheating!   I was prepared to manage this problem on arrival at Ampney St. Peter on Saturday.    I agreed that when I arrived in Frome I would give Steve a call and set up a rendezvous point.     Before that I had to take lunch which was in Glastonbury itself at the Abbey Tea Rooms. A delightful place where I enjoyed hot crumpets and marmite together with

Earl Grey tea and in addition I had a freshly baked scone, not with jam and cream though.    Up the hill and out of Glastonbury and the Vale of Avalon. The road to Frome was narrow hilly and busy with lorries.   I took my life in my hands and legs.  Managed to see the start of the build for the Glastonbury Festival and passed by the famous Tor.      Got to Frome in good time, about 16.30 and telephoned Steve.  Ŵe agreed I would peddle on towards Trowbridge and meet up on the road.  Eventually we met at Beckington.   Steve whisked myself and the bike back to his beautiful home on the edge of Bath.  Sorted the puncture on arrival and enjoyed a cup of tea, nectar.     The most luxurious facilities to date added to which I was with friends for the night.   How spoilt I felt.   All part of the adventure.  After a wash and brush up it was out for a meal at a local hostelry.   A wonderful meal and once again Shirley's Big C Appeal received a donation. Such generous people at the Longs Arms at South Wraxall.  If you are nearby try this restaurant you will not be disappointed.      Back home and some I depth route planning before bed.    Thank you so much Polly and Steve. You made my day!