Devon 2 day cycle coast to coast!

Casper and Oscar, joined by Alfie and Jude undertook the 100 miles Ilfracombe to Plymouth cycling challenge on 6-7 May to raise funds for their Class 6 trip this June to Hadrians Wall. Thanks to all you lovely people who so freely and generously offered to sponsor their challenge, they hope to raise £360 for the school trip.

The cycling trip took place over the bank holiday weekend under blue skies. After repairing two punctures before the first pedal stoke, we were off. All went well and this Sustrans route is a truly beautiful journey, starting on the North Devon coast at the picturesque seaside town of Ilfracombe. Theres one initial big climb followed by a long downhill to the tidal estuary traffic free route to Barmstable. Then a glorious 25 flat miles on a former railway heading inland towards the foothills of Dartmoor. The weather was very hot and in the hills we started to overheat. We were saved by a lunch stop at the reviving river Torridge. The final climb in Okehampton is very steep indeed, and came on the 59th mile! But the last haul was rewarded with a an ace shower and a sumptuous indian meal!

See the route of day 1 here:

https://www.relive.cc/view/1554263946

Day 2 seemed to have twice as much down as up! Partly thanks to the fantastic work of Sustrans bringing bridges into service to iron out the down and up, passing the valley floor instead at scenic lofty heights. After the success of the river stop we headed for another stop for lunch after picking up provisions in Tavistock. One more climb and it was downhill for miles to Plymbridge Wood. An unexpected view of a Perrigrine Falcon on its nest with chicks expected that day (facilitated by those lovley National Trust peaps) and that was it, back where we‘d dropped off the vehicles and even a welcome ice cream van that did real espresso!

See day 2‘s route here:

https://www.relive.cc/view/1555877010

The boys did near enough 100 miles and gave great heart the whole way. Very impressive. Well done Casper, Oscar, Alfie and Jude :-)

We now need your kind sponsorship money to bring to life the next adventure - a walk along Hadrians wall with their school in mid June.

Many thanks for your geneorus support.