28th April 2018 Saturday – Very industrial with Devon clotted cream

Hello Everybody!

Route: Aberdeen to Washington DC

For th non-mathematicians out there:

Distance: 119km (Total 400km)	Average speed: 17.8 kph
Calories: 3,732	Cycling time: 6h 40min
Average cadence: 69 rpm	Climb: 918m, Descent: 899m
Temperament: A grind	Aver Temp: 25C, Max temp 31C

Yesterday was industrial but today was very industrial with a large bit of Devon thrown in.

Devon is a beautiful county, where many small people live. They are not called “Hobbits” but they do resemble them, in appearance and character. I am not referring to anyone is particular but she knows who I am talking about. Enough said.

Devon is also known for it North-South river system where most rivers lead to the sea in a Northerly, wait for it or Southerly direction. A consequence of this is that when you traverse Devon in an Easterly or, wait for it, Westerly direction then you go up and down the Devonshire river valleys all day long. A problem this is not if you are driving a suitable car. However, if you are cycling, then you spend your day having a really nice but relatively quick descent, even more quickly followed by a long and typically arduous climb i.e. it really gets on your nerves.

Today had lots of industrial stuff to not look at with added dollops of Devon ups and downs. I think I saw grass twice and the only living animal I saw was a hotdog wrapper.

I would like to add more but this day was one of those you try to forget and other than it being fairly quick, given the terrain, its only lasting benefit was when Ruth called my name, in a Juliet balcony type manner, from the upstairs window, as I was sailing past our Washington accommodation to enable our daily re-meeting.

[EDITOR NOTE: Yes, not his best but then again the bar is not very high]

Regards, Al (and Ruth)