Two lunches in Somerset

Day 3 - two lunches in Somerset. Thelbridge Cross to Keynsham
Miles - 95.5. Hours riding - 7 hours 20. Meters climbed - 1791. Calories - easily 4500. My gps died, so not sure.

Over another splendid breakfast, we were all looking decidedly as if the reality of what we have taken on was sinking in. Today was 20 miles further, with more climbing, including 2 miles up the Cheddar Gorge in the final third of the ride. And we were already pretty shattered.

The day didn't start well - we were off the edge of the map, and as a result, went wrong and ended up going down a long hill and back up the other side, and then having to retrace our steps. 3 miles we knew we'd need later on. We managed to avoid shouting at the navigator (Matt). After all, we wouldn't get very far without him! Then the sun went in and the breeze got up, and we started feeling a little chilly. But we rolled through more beautiful countryside - increasingly prosperous, with grand old houses, and chocolate box villages full of thatched cottages. But in spite of the lovely views, there wasn't much conversation going on.

The plan was for a coffee after the first 30 miles in Churchinford, just over the border in Somerset. Some fellow bikers directed us to the community shop and cafe, which turned out to be a fabulous bit of Middle England - the good ladies of Churchinford, bustling around us, plying us with coffee and Sandra's splendid Lamb Baguettes, and asking all about our trip. As we left, the sun came out, and things suddenly seemed a whole lot better.

After a few more miles of rolling hills, we arrived at the Somerset levels. Never has riding on the flat seemed such a delight. My expectation, shaped by last winter's floods, was for something slightly muddy and uninspiring, but the reality was reed- fringed waterways with lush green meadows, cows and sheep grazing, and a general sense of tranquility.  Lovely.
We passed Glastonbury Tor and spun over a couple of other hills, feeling full of beans, and enjoying the attractive villages and grand old houses. By mid afternoon we were in Wedmore, just before Cheddar, and applauding the great choice of tea shops. We stopped in Nan's kitchen garden for lunch number two - cheddar sandwiches - what else? -  and a heart stopping flapjack for me. Two lunches. That's the way to go!

Despite being buoyed up by more enthusiasm about out trip from other customers, we left feeling tired and a little daunted at the prospect of Cheddar Gorge looming ahead of us. But it turned out to be a good climb, with only a few really challenging sections, and Rachel and I powered up it in tandem. Andy, as usual, was ahead, and Matt was busy trying to get decent photos.

Our last few miles were hilly and a bit circuitous, through the back lanes south of Bristol, past more pretty villages and lunatic Bristol drivers with no interest in preserving the safety of cyclists. Finally we rolled into Claridges B and B, which is a bit like staying with the Lord and Lady of the manor. Our bedroom is bigger than the last three night's rooms all put together,with another two bedrooms-worth for the giant bathroom hidden behind a wardrobe door. The bed twangs alarmingly, but at this stage nothing will stand between me and a good night's sleep.

We headed into Keynsham to a surprisingly packed pub to meet my university friend Sara and her cycling partner Oliver - and at 10.15 my eyes are still open. Am I getting used to this cycling lark?