Day 3 - 19th July 2002

Okehampton

The day dawned beautiful again and we began with a fine english breakfast before getting off a little earlier than usual soon after 9. To begin with we had the traditional climb (as most towns were inconveniently situated in valleys by natives - and occasionally Romans - more concerned with bridging points and defence than the needs of 21st century bikers with sore knees). We anticipated a tough ride over the lower slopes of Dartmoor but actually the climb was relatively gentle and we were soon admiring the view (somewhat obscured by hazy cloud) and contemplating an easy run down to Okehampton.

Exe valley

We regrouped and refuelled in front of a bakery in this busy little town (unsurprisingly situated in a valley!) before returning to another long rural section, easier than yesterday but still with many climbs and drops which kept the pace slow until we'd passed Crediton and could suddenly enjoy a stretch of 10 miles flat as we hit the Exe valley. We passed through Tiverton quickly and headed for the back roads and a zig-zag route to Crowcombe Heathfield Youth Hostel. With the going easier and beautiful early evening conditions we made good time to Wiveliscombe where we decided to spend time in relaxing and eating before the final stretch to Crowcombe, and were lucky enough to find "The Bear" which provided a pleasant and lively beer garden, and mountains of fine food. Well worth a visit for a hungry biker.

Unfortunately we took our time here, knowing we were close to our destination and underestimating the trouble we'd have finding our way through the back roads of Somerset. By the time we'd been confused by the signing for a number of villages, Tim had succumbed to the first flat of the trip, and we'd finally been given good directions it was 10pm and getting dark. We finally found our way in very dark conditions by luck and a failing torch, but not before doing a couple of extra mile circuit of Crowcombe Heathfield.