I followed in Justin’s wheel tracks last week and rode the CrAcKpOt. Bit of a different approach though in that I had gears and started at Ilminster rather than Poole. This allowed me to have overnight stops at Ilminster, West Stafford and Poole to give 4 days of 333km, 298km, 280km and 96km. I was able to leave spare clothing at the stops, travel reasonably light and minimise night riding (2 hrs on 1st day and 4th day only) which helped give a moving time of just under 43 hrs at 23.7km/hr average. I did not sleep on cardboard boxes in an alleyway in Wells, perhaps another time on another ride
The weather was as forecast being warm and dry with only problem being an increasing headwind during day 2 & 3 afternoons – but I’ll take that. My bike was near perfect too with no mechanicals or visitations during the ride.
Day 1 was the toughest with Exmoor and the edge of Dartmoor to tackle. The 95km stage from Minehead to Bovey Tracey is a mutha as Justin said. The following stage to Culmstock is a cracker too. The other days include plenty of the crumpled Wessex countryside as well, although there are sections where you can get some respite there’s many a challenge or surprise along the route.
Many thanks to Pete L for the bed at West Stafford and Drew B for the excellent breakfast at Springfield House.
Anyone else thinking of a CrAcKpOt this year?
Day 1 on way to Bovey
Day 3 Bulbarrow Hill with mist below
