Hills and More Hills

Dave, Kat and myself after climbing up to Dartmoore Park

July 15 On our second day of the ride Jame informed us that it would be our toughest. It was an 84 mile day with 9,300 ft of climbing. He did not exaggerate. This ride was tougher than any ride I did on the ride across America. The steep hill of Cornwall were relentless. The roads are narrow with just enough room for two cars to pass and some of the down hills are winding and hair raising. However the sights are breathtaking. Beautiful landscapes with old stone farmhouses dotted the massive fields. Sheep and cattle lazily grazed on the green and golden grasses while horses move about them. Sometimes we climbed giant hills that were lined with hedgerows and covered by a canopy of dense trees. It was as though we were moving through a green tunnel. We also traversed through lovely little villages and towns teaming with people shopping and socializing. There were farm markets and art shows along the streets surrounded by century old churches and courthouses. Even though the ride was very difficult, as I reflect now, the sights were well worth the sweat and pain.