It was a small Travelodge so breakfast was sourced from the Co-op across the car park. Our aim for the day was to get to Montgomery where Jo had booked a hotel room whilst Penny, Niel and I planned to camp.

Although the route could be done on a Gravel bike the three of us had elected to use full suspension mountain bikes. This is, undoubtedly, due to the influence of our coach, Niel Copeland. From my perspective it made for a very comfortable ride and the mtb gears helped on the ‘undulations’.

If you want to know more about Niel and the advice he provides then there is a very good podcast to listen to here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/going-long-ultra-cycling-coach-niel-copeland-on-how/id1770536914?i=1000699460775 (available on other platforms as well).

The terrain en route from Ludlow to Montgomery is very mixed and, although we were lucky with the weather, there were still some muddy bits to navigate and each day threw a bit of hike a bike at us.

Even though you are in a highly populated country the route can feel very remote and exposed with off road climbs and descents. There were significant gaps between resupply options. Resupply when available is essential.

We had a pavement picnic in Knighton and got our water supply restocked in Clun.

Pressing on towards Montgomery we were all feeling the strain of the incessant hills. Maintaining enough carb intake was also impacting on my gut. I was trying to make sure that I was eating enough to take in about 60gcarb/hour but my choice of nutrition meant I was experiencing some discombobulations in my belly. Our progress was good but we knew we would probably not make Montgomery until about 7pm. We decided we should all eat together at the hotel Jo was staying at and then Niel Penny and I would head for the campsite. Penny made contact to let them know we would be late which is when we discovered the campsite had a burst pipe and the showers weren’t working. By then I had already silently decided I was going to ask if they had a room at the hotel and I made this thinking public.

Before Montgomery there is the most beautiful plateau ride. It is a haul to get up to it but worthwhile for the views. Before you get to descend to Montgomery there is a stinger of a climb again and then we were outside the hotel and wheeled our bikes through to the back and the laundry room where they would be stored for the night.

I got to reception to discover that Niel was negotiating a good rate for three more rooms! I fear my weak will had a domino effect and we decided to all stay the night.

Bowel decompression, dinner, shower and then bed…….I didn’t have a shave 😉