Day 3 Moretonhampstead to Bridport - Size does matter

Cunningly, we had planned today as a relatively gentle wind down from yesterday's uphill grind over the Moor. Unfortunately, today's route was riddled with long uphill grinds so actually offered little, if any, relief. Today we encountered our first "pusher" which is pictured today. This was the exit route from the village of Branscombe. You know you are fighting a losing battle when your down to 2.5mph and getting over-taken by worms! Pushing the bikes up the hill was marginely quicker although no less exhausting. The exit from Branscombe was, however, made more exiting by watching motorists negotiating oncoming traffic on this steep, single track road. Many an accident was narrowly averted and I'm sure that this must be a hotspot for low speed crunches! The last couple of days have taught me to fear the exciting blasts down hills because it just means you have to go back up the other side! This was particularly true with Sidmouth where we stopped for lunch. The way in was exhilaratingly fast (and painful on the braking fingers!), but inevitably this meant a long labourious climb back out! A little further along the coast in Seaton, we met a helpful local cyclist who aided our departure from the town by suggesting a more gentle route back out. This took the form of a slight diversion from our planned route and whilst still presented itself as a steep hill, it looked a damn sight better than what we would've done! Today's highlight was the descent into Lyme Regis which offers a stunning view of the Dorset coast line all along Chesil Beach as far as Weymouth and Portland. This must be some of the most spectacular coast in the country! This view made the hard work from the rest of the day seem worth the effort! Tonight's arrival at the B&B in Bridport was a very welcome relief and I'm sure I will sleep very well tonight! Tomorrow's ride brings me back on home turf so I have a good idea of what to expect. Topped off with an overnight stay at home, I'm hoping that this will be a mid-journey respite!