Day 3 done, I did the Gorge

Well, without wanting to sound smug, the gorge was really quite easy. Only 16% for a short time, most of it around the 10% mark and then there was a nice westerly wind at the top to blow us along. Also helped that I came up to a chap ahead of me and we rode up a big chunk of it together and there is no doubt that riding alongside and talking makes things go by quicker.

On that point, missed my friend Stewart today as he had returned home yesterday. He missed a flatter day, only 4,400 feet of climbing, no rain, bit of sun and gentle wind. Ah well....

Have realised how remiss I have been with the sponsors for a day, I blame the rain.

Have to say thank you to Kevin Powell from Knill James for Day 1, Taylor Roberts for Day 2 and BluewaveSelect for today. Johnny from BluewaveSelect will now be joining me next Monday for the ride up to Edinburgh instead of the Saturday, something about a double booking with the kids camping. No, I stand corrected, day 3 was our friends from Morris Road garage. I think I may need to give another mention to these fine people who have helped us exceed our target for the sponsorship.

Back to today, great breakfast at our overnight stop at Greenham Hall. Really worth staying here, lovely place, friendly owner who also very kindly has added £20 to the kitty. Talking of the kitty, LEJOG page at 5,900 which is a simpler way to show where we are on course to our target of 7,000 for two days screening.

On the ride, first stop fine, even some slow mo video! Ruth, the challenge has been laid down. After that stop, there was a sting in the Qunatocks as the was a 16% hill for what seemed like ages, probably over half a mile and I was very glad to see the top. Not expected that one. Ah yes, before that, there had been a really pretty mini gorge where I came out of a village and there were sandstone wall and trees over the top, had to turn the light on and take sun glasses off it was so dark.

Lunch at the Sexey Arms, very nice, and final stop by Blagford lake before a minor route mishap at the end. Also at the end was a long hill at Long Ashton, should have known.

Must also wish Mark and Martin well whom I met going up the Gorge. ALso doing a LEJOG in 13 days so may meet up again?

Finally made it to BIll and Monica's for the night, great to be in a home again not a hotel, nice as the places we have stayed have been. Pub din dins, blog and now bed.

Will talk with Gary again on Uckfield FM after 8 tomorrow. Have had donations come as a result of that so well done Uckfield FM. ALso well done and thanks to Ruth O'Keefe for putting me in her newsletters and that has seen donations made.

There are some great people out ther. Thank you all.

Ross and Glenn join tomorrow and I will say cheerio to my wonderful support team of Helen and Steve who have been stars, you boys have a lot to live up to. Then in the evening, Jenni and Ruth join up as the boys can only handle a day and a bit.....

Laters....