In medieval times, Christopher Columbus sought to explore new trade routes far afield beyond the horizon to the east. Some people were worried that he would eventually fall off the edge of the world because they believed the world was flat.
Today’s cycle was the first time I enjoyed a ‘flat world’ and it was most enjoyable due to the weather and the chosen route.
My journey today took my alongside the Severn estuary and through the Severn Valley.
I set off from Clevedon early and set about clocking off the miles as I made my way to my Day 4 destination of Worcester, West Mildands.
My journey today saw me crossing the Avon bridge and bypass the Severn bridge, which loomed large for many miles around.
The weather was warm, dry and sunny with a gentle breeze, which was ideal conditions.
My bike was running really well and the new tires which were fitted yesterday helped me confidently cover the miles.
One notable difference today, given it is now the weekend, I was joined on my route by loads of fellow cyclists. So I enjoyed chatting to those who were our for a 6 mile saunter, day tourers, and those serious cyclists covering serious miles on their expensive road bikes.
The first half of today’s route enjoyed a network of well-connected off-road cycle paths. They were flat, with good surface so I was able to make good progress.
However, on one occasion as I was trying to negotiate my route though Avonmouth.
I learnt a lesson today not to trust the opinion of residents who know less about their local surroundings than I do about reading maps. I eventually found the recommended cycle path which took me through an overgrown narrow footpath. It wasn’t obvious where or if this would actually lead anywhere. But wearing shorts, my legs were stung as I pressed through the bulging nettles.
My journey passed the Cotswolds. I stopped for a juice in Berkeley, which has a stunning castle with ghoulish history. Apparently, in the 14th Century, King Edward II, who was deposed by his wife, Queen Isabella and her ally Roger Mortimer – died here in mysterious circumstances. (I suspect a murdur!)
I had a very agreeable pub lunch by the Wildlife and Wetland Trust bird reserve.
Unfortunately, I encountered a couple of instances where pedestrians (NOT drivers) had an intolerance and lack of consideration for cyclists. I know this is developing into polarised view for some, but it does make one wonder why people become so exercised over something so trivial.
For example, I chimed my bell to let pedestrians ahead of me know I was looking to pass. These four pedestrians were spread across the entire width of the path. By their lack of reaction, I thought they either didn’t hear me or chose to ignore it, so I chimed the bell again. This time, I was sure one of them would respond. But none of them flinched, so I asked “Excuse me, could I nip passed, please?”.
One of the blokes barked “You shouldn’t be on the f*****g footpath, get on the road” As I passed them, I thanked them for their understanding and pointed out to them that the path was in actual fact a shared pedestrian and cycle lane to which he responded “F*** off!” Charming. I’m sure his mother is very proud 🙂
Gloucester boasts a spectacular cathedral which is the burial place of the aforementioned Kind Edward II and it is the city where the first English Civil War ended.
Over the years, archaeologists have found many Roman artefacts around the area.
Local information states its ‘most important citizens include Robert Raikes (founder of the Sunday School movement) and its most infamous citizen, Fred West.
I decided to bypass Cromwell Street and carry on up the national Cycle Route 41
The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal offer more enjoyable flat, off-road, quiet cycling.
And there were some traditional crook-framed cottages around Tywing.
On my final journey into Worcester I spoke to a young family who had just been to London for the day. Mum & Dad, Sarah & Ryan, were trying to explain to their lovely daughters what this man on a bicycle was doing and we were trying to help the girls understand how far the LE2JOG journey is. Sarah and Ryan were so kind, they asked me to send them details of my fundraising and generously supported me, after a brief chat.
I arrived at the Premier Inn in Worcester, overlooking the cricket ground, just after 7pm and my fabulous host, Roni, greeted me with a large jug of iced-water with slices or lemon and lime. This was EXACTLY what I needed. What a welcome! And so to dinner, what do you eat when in the Black Country? A curry of course. The Masala Lounge did an excellent job.
Composer Edward Elgar was a keen cyclist and at the beginning of the 20th Century he bought two Sunbeams which, at the time, were the Rolls Royce of bicycles.
It is said that he enjoyed cycling around Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Wales.
But an entry in his diary in 1908 signalled his ‘depression’ about bicycles being replaced by ‘motors’ for commuters, as the car industry was in its infancy.
The first four days have felt a bit like; Breakfast, Bike, Blog, Bed.
The Sabbath is a day of rest. I am looking forward to having Sunday off to catch up on some work, plan the next stage (Day 5and explore Worcester.
Here I am with Worcester cathedral in the background next to the River Severn.
Today’s trivial facts
NO. OF MILES CYCLED TODAY : 91
MOMENT OF THE DAY: The network of inter-connecting, off-road, flat cycle paths was great fun and enjoyable cycling
WEATHER: Dry, sunny & cloudy intervals, 16 degrees
FUEL: I ‘fuelled up’ and ate well for breakfast and stopped for fish and chips and a shandy lunch. Lots of water, sports drinks and snack bars throughout.
SONG OF THE DAY: Iron Man – Black Sabbath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s7_WbiR79E NOTE: They are Brummies and I’m in the Black Country. OK I picked this song for it’s title, which is maybe a little self-indulgent.
% of FUNDRAISING TARGET REACHED: 56% (Thank U for sponsoring me)
TOMORROW’S STAGE 5 DESITINATION: Nantwich (83 miles)
Scotty Boy's Bicycle Across Britain 
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