Day 5 - Monmouth to Bishop’s Castle

Day 5 was another fantastic day of cycling. 66 miles and 4,314 feet of climbing through gorgeous, though wet, countryside, with the group riding through what the English call “mizzle,” alternating with stretches of serious rain. Our route started in Monmouth in Wales and ended in Bishop’s Castle in England. In between were the beautiful Shropshire Hills.

Most significantly, and unbelievably, today marked the second stage win of the Tour de LEJOG for a WP Hooligan (with a slight caveat). The peloton rolled out together from the second Brew Stop, but Paul quickly pulled away in a gutsy breakaway, with yours truly on his wheel. With ten miles to go, Paul stopped to take a photo of some roadside Skull and Crossbones, giving me the chance to power ahead at a breathtaking 17 mph. A final climb into Bishop’s Castle gave me some concern but soon I was alone on High Street with one last steep uphill push to the stage end at the Castle hotel.

Unfortunately, at the front desk, instead of the accolades I expected, I was informed I was at the wrong hotel. Checking my notes, I discovered that I was supposed to be at the Bank House, a lovely B&B 500 feet down the hill that I had raced past, not hearing the shouted “Oi!” from the landlady.

Arriving at Bank House, I discovered half a dozen cyclists already showered and relaxing with their tea. Nonetheless, it can’t be disputed that I was the first to arrive at the Castle.

Cemetery at St Mary’s Church in Pembridge, where we had our Brew Stop. The church dates from 1320.

Shot of the stained-glass window from inside the sanctuary

Wack rolling up at the second Brew Stop