Friday, 29 July 2011

Day 6 Shrewsbury to Clayton Le Dale

Wow! Rattled off the first 70 miles by 2pm and the team were looking in good shape. The next 40 miles tell a whole different story, they were about survival! A 10 mph head wind coupled with tricky navigation through the metropolis of Warrington, Leigh and Blackburn really put the team to the test. Not to mention the 5,000 ft of climbing came in the last 40 miles. This was only slightly eased by seeing Helen and Mark whiz past us in the banana mobile. A snarly welcome from the B&B lady and our day was complete. Bodies are starting to show signs of deterioration now but spirits remain high. Let's hope the curry can push us through the Lake District tomorrow. Yours in sore bums and aching knees, the team x

Day 6: 110 miles

A meadow by the roadside

After a flying start 50 miles in 4 hours things got back to normal, hills then more hills; the result being that we did not arrive in Clayton le Dale until 6.30. So after 9.5 hours in the saddle none of us were at our best.
Helen and Mark who are event commissars were here to greet us, which cheered us up greatly. We think they had heard that Sarah had been taking substances (she said ibuprofen) and Scott has been seen downing large quantities of some brown liquid so testing was in order. While they were about they considered a dope test on Eric but decided against on the grounds that anyone who chose to do this bike ride to celebrate their 65th birthday instead of a big party could be nothing other than a Dope. However we were all passed as fit enough to proceed to stage 7; Clayton le Dale to Armathwaite, 85 miles 8,500 ft of climb all due North which is where the wind is forecast to be blowing from: happy days!!!

Thursday, 28 July 2011

Day 6: 110 miles thro' Lancashire

Scott & Sarah on arrival at The Riverside Inn.

We are not looking forward to this. Because of the hills and the luggage our speed is down to 10 mph. So with the best will in the world we are looking at arrival in Clayton le Dale well after 6.00pm.
It was good to see our friends last night and the added bonus of meeting with Hanna's mum & dad.

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Day 4

Magners on arrival....'nuff said!

Day 4; The Grand Depart

After a luxurious B&B in Street we left bound for Welsh Biknor (where we have now arrived). Earlier we reported that days 1 & 2 were the hardest days; well we would now like to add days 3 & 4 to that list. After 9 hours we were well ready for cocktails and our evening meal. All team members still intact.