Today I started out at 7.15 am in Clifton, Bristol.  My left leg in particular was not happy.  The Sat Nav on the otherhand seemed to have a new desire to work, come back Garmin all is forgiven.

I had to pick my way through Bristol to the Severn Bridge.  I took it easy because my leg was hurting.  I averaged a miserable 11.5 mph for the first 14 miles.  In the back of my mind I was worried about not getting to school on time.  I pushed on into Chepstow and then Monmouth.  Some fantastic views along the Wye valley, Tintern Abbey a particular highlight.

The first stop of the day was more than welcome; I was so hungry, despite eating plenty for breakfast.  I had a couple of bacon rolls in less than 2 minutes.  My legs were really aching at this point, so they got a bit of physio.  I didn't want to stop for long as I was still worried about making it to school on time.  I also knew that I had another 28 miles to do after Stretton.

Leg two of today's epic was to Leintwardine.  This leg was a bit faster and the average speed picked up considerably, despite the windy conditions.  I stopped for a bit longer in Leintwardine and ate a huge dinner of pasta, chicken, cous cous and bread.  I decided to try a power nap.  Almost a mistake because I was very nearly fast asleep!

From Leintwardine to School is only 16 miles. As I passed through Craven Arms I saw some pupils who waved as I passed through.  You've no idea how much of a fillip that is after many lonely hours in the saddle.  The A49 was predictably horrendous, but fast.  I couldn't wait to turn off into Little Stretton.  I made my way up through the town passing a few familiar faces on the way and on to the school.

I was overjoyed by the the welcome flag and people that turned out to cheer me on.  If I ever needed reminding why I love working at Church Stretton School then this was it.  Awesome.  So many kind words and familiar faces.  My apologies if I didn't get to speak to you.

After a cup of tea and photographs it was time to push on to Wem.  A posse of cyclists set off into All Stretton; fantastic support, thank you.  Crossing the A49 was a bit hairy!  By the time we got to Condover the posse was down to three (me, Simon "Blastman" Jones and Matt Virden).  quite where the others got to I don't know?  No stamina in these youngsters!  Riding with other people makes a huge huge difference.  It takes your mind off all the aches and pains for one thing.

Matt bid us farewell at Atcham, leaving myself and Blastman to push on to Wem.  I would have been really struggling here if it wasn't for him. He was riding a single speed which made me feel better on some of the remaining hills as I could see him struggling too (although he was always in front of me).  Today I cycled 117 miles, the furthest I have cycled in one day.  I got in at 7.30pm.

The best thing about being away is coming home again.