Early, grey morning in one of the less glamorous parts of Preston. Think the locals wondered what this apparition in Lycra was all about. Probably out of a Matt Lucas set, you know, The Only ...........!
After chatting to some locals at a lodge meeting, we decided to alter the route and go straight up the A6 as the Garmin was still unreliable. They said that it was usually pretty quiet as everything heads out for the M6 - they were right. The first few miles through town were great - car racing time!! Probably used a few too many calories but it was a good laugh. Kept me entertained anyway.
The first stint was up to Lancaster. I was going a good pace with the wind now mostly behind and got to the agreed spot only a minute or two behind Tim. He'd been delayed by a student in town. Well, when I say delayed more impeded really. You see this chap was wondering along the pavement listening to his iPod and then just stepped out into the road right in front of the van. Luckily for all concerned Tim was going slowly and the student seemed to bounce well. Both he and van fine but it took a while to sort details etc.
Second stint was where it began to go a bit pear shaped. First off Tim had taken the van up the M6 to be sure to arrive at next stop in plenty of time. He hit back of a tailback and ended up being only 5 minutes ahead of me again.
As for the cycling - that went great until I had to turn west into Cumbria and into the teeth of a gale (and rain). I honestly don't think I have ever worked so hard to keep a bike going at 10mph on the flat or downhill sections before. It was soul destroying and nearly depleted any last reserves of Anglo-Saxon I knew.
We met up at Lindale for lunch and this is where I first became aware of my powers of prophecy. We were chatting over lunch and I told Tim about one of the breaks on our End-2-End trip. We'd stopped for food and drink, climbed back on the bikes with stiff legs that had seized up a bit due to the rest only to be met by a huge hill straight off. I really wish I had kept my big mush shut because guess what the name of the road out of Lindale is? Yep, Lindale Hill. I'm still not quite sure how I kept food in.
The day gradually got better from a wind point of view and there was yet again some beautiful scenery round nearly every bend. Mind you, there was the odd slight incline too at times but after Shropshire and Wales nothing that couldn't be handled.
The last bit going north up to Drigg was fast although full of short, steep rolling lumps. The hotel we stayed in (The Victoria) was excellent and I'd recommend that to anyone looking for a spot in Cumbria. The food, the rooms, the welcome - the best we've had so far.
Another lodge meeting for the evening before sorting gear for the morning. Apprehensive for tomorrow as is a big day. The plan is to do nearly 70 miles on the bike and also Scafell Pike - a hill I don't know having only been up it once before. Will the legs be up to it?
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