Tour of Wessex Day 3: Somerset & Exmoor

The last day is notorious for being less than well attended. This is partly because Stage 3 is really tough and most people have just had enough. But today the excuses flying around were mainly whispering about torrential rain and wind. Whereas most days so far had a hint of moisture, with several showers on Stage 1 (that is, average British summer weather), today’s clouds were definitely of the omnipresent type.

But Rich went out cheerful and happy, armed with his Specialized waterproof jacket and his neoprene overshoes aka booties. The route took them over the Quantock Hills where the windy, narrow roads were lethal in the wet. The first big climb must have warmed up the thighs, but Wendy was really happy she didn’t have to contend with the 25% descent in the wet. At the first feed station there was the option to head back towards Somerton, cutting out the Exmoor loop and making the route a 50 miler instead. Most people took this option, as they were drenched and dirty to the bone, brakes squeeling in the wet. But Rich went on lapping up the drops like a happy dog:

Cold, wet, damp and dreary on Stage 3...but Rich is still smiling!

The route was a figure of eight (very handy if you want to chicken out):

Stage 3 of the Tour of Wessex

Click here for the GPS track.

Distance: 106 miles (171 km)

Ascent: 10,070 ft (3,069 m)

Profile:

Photos along the way:

Enmore Hill near the start © coxcreative

What's that coming over the hill? Is it Gilbert, Simon Gilbert? © coxcreative

A very wet and steep climb on Stage 3. Dunkery Beacon is the summit of Dunkery Hill, and the highest point on Exmoor and in Somerset, England. Dunkery is composed of Devonian sedimentary rock, as can be seen in the red soil.There are several Bronze Age burial mounds at or near the summit, but Rich didn't have time to go and inspect. And the bike doesn't have a triple...so climbing is hard work!

Tour of Wessex - Stage 3. The last hill near the finish, and the rain was drying up too - Cothelstone Hill. © coxcreative

To give you an idea of the day in the life of your average cyclosportive peloton (a team of 4 friendly riders from Norwich, Iceni Velo) , see:

And last but not least, the official Tour of Wessex 2011 video by Pendragon — see if you can spot the cyclist with the red bibshorts and blue Imperial top. 😉