Day 12 - Bristol to Bridgwater
Distance: 42.44 mi
Elevation: 1278 ft
Average speed: 11.6mph
https://www.strava.com/activities/2457618198
Today was another "rest" day - a shorter trip and one with much less uphill overall, for which our tired legs were grateful after yesterday's exploits! It's also a part of the world we're really familiar with, as I was born in Bridgwater (well, technically Taunton, but we lived in Bridgwater), and grew up in Bristol, while Dad is from around Bridgwater originally.
Leaving Cribbs Causeway, we headed through Henbury and Westbury (including up a decent hill far earlier than our legs were ready for it!). There was no let up as we then headed across the Clifton Downs towards yet another bridge. Strangely, this one was open - looks like they didn't get the memo from the Forth, Mersey and Severn bridges!
Stopped for the now obligatory bridge selfie - promised Dad there wouldn't be (m)any left.
Climbing to the top of the Ashton Court Estate, we stopped for a quick break, before enjoying a nice twisty descent (well, I enjoyed it!), then picking up some quiet lanes out to Congresbury where we met Mum at the Roundtrees garden centre. Had a nice coffee and a slightly messy custard slice, and reminisced over many past visits with the family.
As we left Congesbury, we nearly missed our path as we left the roads for a cycle path. We followed the old railway line, now re-christened the Strawberry line trail towards the Mendips - it was a lovely and quiet route. Nearing the hills, we suddenly found ourselves in an orchard, then noticed the large "Thatchers" signs - cider! We must be in Somerset now.
As we reached the hills, we skirted around them, crossing the motorway a couple of times to avoid too much climbing! It wasn't too difficult to resist heading to Cheddar to ride up the Gorge, however I think we'll be back in the near future, as we're both keen to come and do some more riding around here.
Once we got onto the levels, we followed a small path across the fields, winding along irrigation channels and occasionally pausing to let tractors go by. It was very picturesque, but with an increasing headwind, quite hard work. As we emerged into more populated areas, we paused by the Huntspill River and spotted Glastonbury Tor in the distance.
Arriving into Woolavington, we left the levels behind as we turned upwards, then after Puriton, needed to use the A38 for the last stretch. We discovered that Bridgwater has funny ideas about cycle lanes - they appeared and disappeared at random, often throwing you straight onto a dual carriageway. Not much fun.
When we arrived at the hotel, we rode in (the wrong way) past the pub. Apparently we had a grand welcome with lots of waving and cheering, however our family who were waiting for us were inside the pub, and we couldn't see through the windows (and we weren't looking either!)
After a quick shower, we headed back to the pub and joined the family for dinner - great to see some friendly faces after 12 days on the bike! Thanks for joining us :)
Three days left on the bike, and following today's "rest" day, we're into 70 milers as we pick up the Devon and Cornwall hills.
As a reminder, Dad's also blogging (and is more up to date than me!) on:
www.virginmoneygiving.com/andyhouse
Elevation: 1278 ft
Average speed: 11.6mph
https://www.strava.com/activities/2457618198
Today was another "rest" day - a shorter trip and one with much less uphill overall, for which our tired legs were grateful after yesterday's exploits! It's also a part of the world we're really familiar with, as I was born in Bridgwater (well, technically Taunton, but we lived in Bridgwater), and grew up in Bristol, while Dad is from around Bridgwater originally.
Leaving Cribbs Causeway, we headed through Henbury and Westbury (including up a decent hill far earlier than our legs were ready for it!). There was no let up as we then headed across the Clifton Downs towards yet another bridge. Strangely, this one was open - looks like they didn't get the memo from the Forth, Mersey and Severn bridges!
Stopped for the now obligatory bridge selfie - promised Dad there wouldn't be (m)any left.
 |
| Clifton Suspension bridge |
As we left Congesbury, we nearly missed our path as we left the roads for a cycle path. We followed the old railway line, now re-christened the Strawberry line trail towards the Mendips - it was a lovely and quiet route. Nearing the hills, we suddenly found ourselves in an orchard, then noticed the large "Thatchers" signs - cider! We must be in Somerset now.
 |
| The Strawberry Line trail - better than the A38! |
As we reached the hills, we skirted around them, crossing the motorway a couple of times to avoid too much climbing! It wasn't too difficult to resist heading to Cheddar to ride up the Gorge, however I think we'll be back in the near future, as we're both keen to come and do some more riding around here.
Once we got onto the levels, we followed a small path across the fields, winding along irrigation channels and occasionally pausing to let tractors go by. It was very picturesque, but with an increasing headwind, quite hard work. As we emerged into more populated areas, we paused by the Huntspill River and spotted Glastonbury Tor in the distance.
 |
| View along the Huntspill River |
When we arrived at the hotel, we rode in (the wrong way) past the pub. Apparently we had a grand welcome with lots of waving and cheering, however our family who were waiting for us were inside the pub, and we couldn't see through the windows (and we weren't looking either!)
After a quick shower, we headed back to the pub and joined the family for dinner - great to see some friendly faces after 12 days on the bike! Thanks for joining us :)
 |
| Family dinner in the pub, great to catch up |
As a reminder, Dad's also blogging (and is more up to date than me!) on:
www.virginmoneygiving.com/andyhouse
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