Day 2: Two Bridges to Avonmouth
Mileage: 109
Cycling time: 7hr 10min (again!)

A real day of contrasts on tour today which began in fantastic sunshine over Dartmoor with not a soul about, and finished in a downpour dodging Bristol's rush hour traffic!
Infact dodging the sheep was our biggest challenge on Dartmoor, especially given that "big ring" Nigel broke the 50mph speed limit, although he later lost evidence of his exploits when he accidentally erased his on-board timer.
Once past Exeter (and emergency repairs at a bike shop) the rolling Devon hills gradually faded, and headed by Captain Lance Taylor the peloton soon picked up good speed as we headed into the Somerset flats. However our pace was later brought to a shuddering halt by the biggest traffic jam you have ever seen in Taunton where we rather unfortunately got stuck behind a cattle truck.
As the rain set in conversation became somewhat muted as we tried to avoid getting mown down on the A38, but soon picked up again as we argued about exactly where the Mendip Hills were. Such banter was however rudely interrupted by "the great roundabout crash" between Big Ring and Lance, though thankfully no serious damage was done...
Finally the Avon bridge came into view and after crossing the river it was time to think about digs - easier said than done although we eventually found somewhere just as it was getting dark.
We're off to Shrewsbury tomorrow (hopefully) where Nigel is keen to read a paper and see some civilisation again amid further discussion about the Mendips.