Lands End to John O' Groats: Day 3

Red hot on station, up early again for another early start before the heat starts building up. Not a direct route onto the Severn bridge out of Bristol to avoid the motorway but quiet.Nice ride across the bridge but with a cycle path that was not well mark causing me to end up in a farmers field. Quickest way was to unpack the bike and carry it over two fences back onto the main road loosing about 45 minutes. Crossed into Wales via Chepstow, giving a nice ride through the Wye Valley and providing a bit shelter from the tree's. Nearly was a road victim myself when a four man cycling team came up behind but this kicked me on and as their team leader came up along side and we both stepped up a gear or two,

after a couple of miles he was called back by his team mates as the rest fell behind.Pushed on into Monmouth and found a Greggs, proving they are now international. Stocked up on sausage and bacon butties. A hard 40 mile of rollarcoasting hills followed passing through Hereford before making a stop for more water and red bull. Another big climb followed to get out of Hereford to the country park but worth the trek when you hit the big decent where I clocked a top speed of 43.6mph. Following the A49 which flattened out for a fast ride towards Shrewsbury. Stopped at Craven Arms(not the pub) but still managed to find the village drunk, his words...not mine. So I joined him for a drink, me with my red bull and him with his special brew. Found out his life story in 10 minutes but I did my bit of community safety work advising him to get a smoke alarm. Pushed on for the last 20 mile into Shrewsbury, would have made my 6pm target for the first time if the locals knew where the fire station was. Arrived at 6.15, needed to do some work on the bike which was covered in dust and bone dry,oiling chain and gears. Treated to a hot spicy chicken and rice to end the day.