Lands End to St Austell (about 58miles)

Well, the day dawned misty and not too bright. We had breakfast and met up with Alex, Deirdre and Alex's mum Diana out at Lands End where there was a flurry of riders all going in the same direction as us. All with various support crew, raising money for a number of different causes. It felt good to think we weren't the only lunatics in the area!
After more preparation and form signing and photo ops we were finally away and it felt sooooo good to be actually starting this ride. So many months of training, planning and organising - all leading to this moment.Even though we know that the first 3 days are going to be amongst the toughest. Cornwall does hills! But I can almost forgive Cornwall its hills as it is so beautiful and I am constantly taken back to all the holidays we've had here over the years. Lovely memories and ones to cling on to as we were going up yet another blasted hill.
Alex decided today was the day to start using his cleats for the first time. And anyone who has read Beth's blog (http://www.le2jog.wordpress.com/) will know the falls she endured til she got the hang of them. Which is the reason I have never tried them. I am such a cissy! But Alex didn't let us down, he had a couple of falls alright. He now has the skimmed knees of a 7 year old. But is undeterred and determined to master the cleat!
John devised an 'incident' sheet which is Beth's responsibility to fill in each day. It includes things such as 'answering the call of nature outside' and 'navigation hitches' and we all get ticks beside our names if we commit any of the incidents. Not sure what will happen with the statistics but I hear there are quite a few patrons of a certain White Horse who are keen to know!
We stopped for lunch at about 38 miles which meant only a short ride this afternoon. In theory. There are no short rides in Cornwall with the wind against you and those dratted hills! At one point even tho I could see the hill going downwards in front of me I actually felt like I was cycling uphill!
John met us just outside St Austell and kept us company to the hotel where we are tonight. Very nice rooms. We are all suitable tired but pretty pleased to get the first day under our collective (hi vis) belts. Here we are looking pleased with ourselves!

So that's 58miles in about 5hr30 cycling time. But a lot longer with rest breaks and photo ops of course.