We've forgotten what the sun feels like

Nothing exciting to report today. We cycled from Taunton to Plymouth via Tiverton and Exeter. We made more great progress as we got into Exeter in just over 2 hours which was a real achievement as it was 35 miles, so a fast tempo was set by all. The terrain was relatively flat too, which after Cookey had put doubt in our minds we were pleased to see.

After a short break in Exeter for a hot chocolate the rain started once again, no shocks there though. We had decided that we'd opt for the unconventional route and go direct to Plymouth via the A38 as opposed to the more scenic and probably favoured cycle route across Dartmoor National Park.

We like to take the rough with the smooth on this trip and I'm sure we'd be quick to argue this may have shaved a couple of miles off our daily total and no doubt a chunk of time. It did however put a huge amount of fear into all 3 wolves, who are now merely cubs again. The road left Exeter with the M5 traffic in a 4 lane converging sprawl in which we had to traverse the central lane just to reach our intended slip road. Step 1 negotiated. We then had to filter off again in another 4 lane mess as half the traffic was re-routed to Torquay whilst we continued on for Plymouth on what was now dubbed the Devon Death Expressway. We pedalled hard for 22miles with our heads down just inches from lorries and 4x4's towing caravans spraying us with what felt like the contents of a very large bath full of cold water.

After a fair few miles we decided enough was enough and headed for some more picturesque roads, or some big hills! They weren't quite as steep as we'd first thought and they somehow managed to take us via a quiet country pub with a fire blazing in the middle of August just what we needed. We managed to refuel on a sandwich and get ourselves reasonably dry before setting off again.

Eventually we got to Plymouth and navigated our way to the university halls of residence where we are being housed for the evening. It just so happens that in the town tonight is the World Fireworks Finals, however they better keep the noise down as we're off to bed before 9 tonight to prepare for our early start on what should be a tough final 90 miles over the Cornish hills. If that fails we'll jump back on the A38 and fear for our lives again.

1 more sleep