DAY 1
Land's End to Camelford

the plan:

Short ride down to Land's End from the Youth Hostel at St Just before starting the ride proper from the famous signpost. 80 miles through the Cornish countryside - ie quite a few undulations - travelling through Penzance, Truro, Wadebridge and then to Camelford.

the reality:

After the horrors of yesterday's weather, we woke up this morning to clear blue skies and light winds - couldn't have wished for a better day weather-wise. It was a gentle 5 mile ride down to Land's End and the obligatory photo session at the signpost. Then we were off. Steve (M) did a great leading job through some challenging un-marked country lanes. We cycled in one big group all day (looking very cool in our LEJOG shirts), on roads that were pretty constant up and down hills. Everyone stayed very good humoured - although the last 3 miles uphill to Camelford were a bit challenging at the end of a long hilly ride. Juanita and Camilla had the cake and tea ready for us though, so all was well.

Distance travelled: 85 miles (including 5 miles down to Land's End)
Total time taken: 7 hours 57 (from Land's End)
Ride Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (from Land's End)
Day Leader: Steve (Middleton)

Fastest speed recorded: 46mph on A39 north of Wadebridge

Number of (proper) hills: 21

Achievement of the day: everyone arrived together at Camelford in one piece on schedule

Quote of the day: "where's the petrol cap?" - Juanita phoning Tom from the petrol station (referring to the van...)

Day 1 Leader's Awards:
- Lucy for making Steve laugh
- Steve B for being Steve's fan

Fact of the day: Average person cycles 39 miles per year (source BBC News) - and we've done more than double that in one day!

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