Peddling progress update – a virtual tour around all the Milkwood Care homes

Day 5 and Day 6, I travelled on from Abergavenny and was accompanied for most of the time by Janet. She rode along, thinking that she could stop to do some shopping in Abergavenny, Monmouth or Chepstow, and was most disappointed that the Welsh lockdown meant that all the shops were closed. “Never mind” she said, forgetting… “At least the English shops will be open…” 

Day 7, was a virtual detour, as we realised that our planned route past Llantilio Crossenny and The Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club, would mean cycling up the dangerous A40, from Monmouth to Ganarew, so we detoured round to Whitchurch, arriving at Ganarew mid-morning. We were inundated with offers of drinks and food, and opted for a lovely toasted bacon sandwich, served with a smile.

Days 8 and 9 saw us riding through the beautiful Wye Valley from Monmouth through to Chepstow. After the beautiful mountains and hills of South Wales, it was a real change to be accompanied by the muddy waters of the Wye as it weaves its way south. About halfway, we rode past the ruins of Tintern Abbey, and knew that we were nearly at the next set of homes when we saw Chepstow Racecourse.

Day 10, and it was time to cross the border into England. This meant cycling out from Chepstow and across the old Severn Bridge. It was windy and rainy and the Severn Estuary swirled a long way beneath us. A bleak day!

Day 11 and we started through the rolling hills north of the M4, heading due east towards London. For the next 3 days, it rained off and on as we passed through the villages of Alverton, Chipping Sodbury and Acton Turville, passing the 100 miles mark just outside of Chippenham. 

At the time of writing, it’s the 15^th day of the month and I am ahead of target, but it will be some time before I get to the next home. 

Good news on the fund-raising front as the total donated or pledged has topped the £10 per mile point. It’s not quite so easy to raise money this year compared to last year, because my friends can’t see what a ‘plonker’ I look with this hairy growth under my nose!   To donate please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Robin-Cheesman

Less than 83 miles to go! I’ll update you with my peddling progress again soon.

Robin Cheesman
Director, Milkwood Care