Synopsis: A very cold day to be cycling. Caught a glimpse of point-to-point racing at Black Forest, back of Kenton. A rough sea pounding the sea defences at Dawlish.
I got it into my head that I’d like to see the sea today, so that would mean getting my bicycle out. It would also mean wrapping up warm, as it was freezing out. It’s generally not too difficult to keep warm cycling, as you generate your own heat, but I was not prepared for the cold affecting my feet as it did. They felt like blocks of ice come the end of the ride.
My objective was to complete a circular ride to Dawlish if possible, all the time keeping a watchful eye on the weather, as I didn’t want to be caught out on my bicycle. There were threatening clouds all about, and yet at the same time there was a good deal of sunshine. My plan was to follow lanes that were reasonably level through Kennford, Kenn, and then on past the back of Kenton.
Black Forest, Kenton, Point-to-Point
As I was climbing a hill not far from Kenton a car stopped and the occupants asked if I knew where the point-to-point racing was. In my ignorance of such things, I had to confess to not knowing where the point-to-point was, or for that matter quite what it was. But as I cycled about a half mile further along the lanes I actually came across it. I stopped for a brief while to watch one of the races. Not really quite my thing, but interesting to see a point-to-point meet for the first time. I must get out more! Note: the next point-to-point meeting was advertised to take place at Black Forest on Sunday 16th January.
The weather remained good so I was confident of making my objective, Dawlish. As I cycled along the cycleway between Dawlish Warren and Dawlish I noticed a couple of tents amongst the ferns by the side of the track. I presume these are the dwelling places of vagrant tourists. Nice spot, but a little exposed I’d have thought.
Dawlish
At Dawlish I found a spot on the sea wall eat my lunch. The sea was quite rough with tall waves breaking over the wall just along from where I sat. There was little chance I would be able to follow the sea wall back to Dawlish Warren. I was glad of the flask of hot Ribena that I had with me, to warm me through and thaw my hands.
Dawlish Warren
I did a quick circuit of Dawlish Warren. There were very few people about. Was it the cold weather keeping them away? Or are they all desperately doing their Christmas shopping, the mad fools. Even on a day as cold as this, Dawlish Warren was the place to be.
Exe Estuary – geese airborne
By the time I got to Cockwood, although only a little past 3pm, already the sun was very low in the sky, driving the point home to me just how late in the year it is. The stark winter light made for sharp outlines and harsh vibrant colours. The estuary at Turf Lodge looked particularly dramatic in the acute sunlight.
I looked in on Mum on arriving back in Exeter, as I was sure to get a cup of tea and chance to thaw the ice blocks that were otherwise my feet. It had been a good day’s cycling, and I was not generally cold, but my feet did rather suffer, and I’m not sure what could have been done to prevent that. Even with ice block feet, it still beats staying in watching television.
Cycle Statistics:
Total Distance: 30.1 miles
Moving Time: 3hrs 43min
Stopped Time: 1hr 31min
Total Ascent: 516 metres
Maximum Elevation: 75 metres
Buses: (none)
No comments:
Post a Comment