Day 6 - Clevedon to Gloucester. 56 miles. Hilly bits 1530 ft. 2 x falls.

Simon died a year ago today. D-Day. He’d have liked this link with history and the symmetry. 6 June at 6 am. 666, he’d have said, the number of the beast, and thrown back his head with laughter.

He always said he had to die before me because I’d cope better. I never gave it much thought - you don’t when nothing’s wrong - but since Simon became sick, it‘s haunted me. Simon had an uncanny way of putting his finger on the truth but this is one of the few things he‘s been wrong about; I haven’t coped.

Losing the person you share your life and love with, has drained me of purpose and joy. He drove me madder than anyone I knew but I could never stay cross for long because I missed him too much. I am lucky that I have amazing friends and family who have picked me up again and again. And this ride is part of that. Simon would think we are crazy - wheels should come with an engine - but our first Christmas together he gave me a bicycle and so this ridiculous idea sprouted. And yet again, wonderful friends and family are not only pulling me through but have made it happen.

Puppet Pig has us 5 roadies cycling alongside him. Then there’s my father and stepmother who drove our bikes down and have been acting as support vehicle. They’ve jumped out of bushes at the most unexpected times with snacks and directions. They have talked to strangers along the way about our trip, raising awareness and even more donations. Today, we were applauded by 3 of these kind people as we set off - I was relieved to turn the corner without falling off and spoiling it. And most wonderful of all they have Sherpa-ed our gear around. Tomorrow they head home, but they have helped us achieve the first 25% of the journey.

And somewhere there is Simon. Pain free at last and loved with all my heart.

Today’s lessons:

1. Keep getting up when you fall, you’re lucky that you can

2. Cake is worth a detour

3. Even Richard can fall off a bike

4. Chamois cream works

5. Before you strip off for your shower, make sure your room hasn’t been reallocated by reception

Goodbye and thank you Somerset.

Goodnight.