Bath to Glastonbury
Distance: 26.31 miles
Time (hours): 2:33
Average Speed: 10.32 mph
Ascent: 1778
Stunning
When cycling through countryside that’s right on your doorstep, it can be easy to overlook just how beautiful it all is. But today, in broad sunshine, the hills and valleys south of Bath really were stunning. Traveling down a week ahead of the festival to work some voluntary shifts, the roads were quiet too.
Gears Take The Strain
Conscious of a niggling knee pain, following the strenuous rides through Devon and Cornwall, I set myself (just me, Brian, today) a steady pace, letting my generous range of gears take the strain. Rob will be following on next week. We have three gigs scheduled, two at the new ‘At The Wood’ in the Woodsies area and one at ‘Sunny’s, a long-standing, regular booking in the Theatre & Circus backstage area.
Adrenaline-Inducing
Stopping for tea and cake at the Farm shop in Holcombe, I asked the Thatchers delivery driver if he could hitch his trolley-full of cider to the bike. ‘You’ll be lucky’ was the reply. Well, you have to ask. From there, it’s a steep climb up onto the Mendips. After which, there’s a lovely descent towards Shepton, followed by a few more ups and downs. Then comes the adrenaline-inducing ride through Pilton, during which the festival site can be seen. At this point, things are fairly empty, though – in contrast to last year – all the main tents had been erected.
Expectation & Anticipation
Getting onto site was uncomplicated and I was able to take the top road, along the Northern edge, through the farm and on to our crew camping. It’s a privilege to be able to roam the festival grounds during the build phase. There’s already a sense of expectation and anticipation in the air. The fields are lush, green and mostly devoid of tents.
In a few days’ time, this will be very different indeed…
