I wake up at 4:45 to the rustling of sleeping bags being packed away, and the shhh sound of air mattresses being rolled up. Having not slept terribly well, I reluctantly begin doing the same. Perhaps I need to be more tired if I’m going to sleep well in a tent. Today will fix that.
I join the queue at the start line at 6:15, since they’ll start letting groups of us depart at 6:30. If everyone were to go at the same time, it would overwhelm the road and be a real nuisance to drivers.
It’s still dark when we leave, so front and back lights are essential. Many of the roads have a wall of hedges on either side. They’re common in this area, but with so little traffic it doesn’t seem to pose much risk.
It isn’t long before we’re back in Penzance. Most of the roads we’re taking are narrow single track, and some of them have a fair amount of debris like sand and manure.
The first pit stop of the day is at 54 km, which gives us a break from the north wind. There are two pit stops each day, the second being more substantial with heartier food.
Cornwall hills are absolutely relentless, and the secondary roads we’re on have quite a few sharp turns, which translates to using the brakes on most of the descents. Around 11:30 it starts raining and continues for the majority of the afternoon. I plod on until the next pit stop at 112 km.
By this time I have quite a few aches accumulating, and the last 58 km are a struggle. Frequent climbing coupled with precarious descents in the rain is mentally draining, not to mention physically exhausting. This route includes a whopping 2,654 metres of climbing.
The drying room is popular tonight. Unfortunately it appears we’re due for more rain tomorrow.
Lynn's Bike Ride 
sounds like a very challenging and full day, fingers crossed for a great night’s sleep!
Gain solace – one of the toughest days over. Tomorrow not far off! Cothelstone, long but doable. Enjoy the flats till the second stop. Cheddar very busy on a Sunday, but short and not too long before you get past the mayhem. Into Bath is tough, try and enjoy the beauty of Bath, but you’ll be tired and just wanting to finish. Last 5 miles is a real sting in the tail, Bannerdown Hill a killer. Hope you’re not reading this, you should be asleep!
Nice work! Great photos, sounds like a lot of hills but a good start. It seems like they’re very organized. Hope you have a great rest and enjoy day 2 – back to Bath!
WOW!