Well what can we say about today? We covered 66 miles in the slowest of times: the wind is now against us; it has poured down with rain, we got rather cold, and we did all we could to avoid the rather treacherous A9 which meant climbing from Kilsythe (over the Campsie Fells) and through Sterling over the Ochill Hills.
However we are very glad to be in the warmth and hospitable surroundings of The Bied of Blackruthen (Perth) - even if there is not bar or TV despite careful searching. We were also set on our way by the wonderful hospitality of Alistair and Ruth Noble (great breakfast!). And, finally, we are 66 miles closer to our target with only 250 miles of the official route to go!
Simon at Stirling, with Wallace Monument to left of trees
The Campsies : A recognised beauty spot - you can see for metres...
Today we cycled up a nice route on the old A74 which has been made very cycle friendly since the motorway between Carlisle and Glasgow has been opened. Made to feel very welcome and were cheered along the way by Revd Rodney Hughes (alumni 1962) and his wife and grandsons as we left Gretna. Bumped into lots of other End-to-Enders, so it didn't quite feel like uncharted territory, although we have ended up giving us quite a punishing timescale, with over 100 miles cycled today! A bit shorter to Perth tomorrow, and then a couple of even shorter days on from that which will be nice. Staying tonight with Ros Goodfellow's parents and being made very welcome.
Simon + Chris
The 'Money Shot'!
No prizes for guessing the location...
Welcoming committee - Ronald Hughes and family just outside Carlisle
Chris and I had a good day cycling, even though it wasn't together! We haven't fallen out, rather we took different routes: Chris left Windermere and headed to Keswick, through Wigton and onto Carlisle cycling 55 miles. Simon cycled slightly less miles, deciding to take all the pain in one shot over the famous Kirkstone Pass, through Penrith and up the A6. The Lake District is so beautiful, and, surprisingly, still no rain to speak of. Back on track tomorrow, both cycling up the old A74 to Eaglesham. Chris is staying with relatives, whilst Simon has happily met up with congregation members where he served his curacy in 1989.
Sixty miles from Leyland to Windermere. Some pleasant riding along Lancaster Canal (flat!) and on into the majestic skyline of the Lake District. Strong winds from the West (although of course the rule of cycling is that the wind is ALWAYS in your face). Steep climb into Windermere - why were we surprised!? Interesting B+B (tetanus up to date) On to Carlisle via Ambleside and Keswick tomorrow (all flat?) Simon
Sandwiches in Lancaster on the banks of the river. Very blustery and cool but no rain. Halfway to Windermere. Easier day than yesterday although a few climbs ahead! Simon
Well: what a day! 'My chains fell off (twice) My bike rode free We got rather lost (satnav failure) So don't follow me!' (Chris wishes to distance himself from this bit of poetic wisdom))
Minor glitches with the bikes and the sat nav deciding not to direct us for the last 20 miles meant that we ended up cycling 115 miles and not getting in to Leyland till 7.30pm, although greeted by a welcome sign followed by roast chicken.
Complimentary tea at The Candy Bar in Middlewich preceded by fresh scones in Gnosal!
Anyway, we are about half way and holding up well.
Tomorrow is a shorter day - 50 miles to Windermere... Although I think there might be one or two hills there!
Chris' Father-in-law Ted acted as guide through a lovely circuit skirting West and North of Bristol, under Clifton Suspension Bridge, leaving us at Thornberry to labour on to Stourbridge mostly up the A38 through Tewksbury and Worcester. A brief tune up in cycle shop and then finished just after 6pm. Ten hour day to complete 98 miles (better average 13.5 mph) ... And ... Tomorrow, same again!
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