Gentle ride

Had quite a leisurely ride out with Kev today. Either that or I'm not feeling the hills as much as I was!
Still, an enjoyable day, apart from Kev experiencing a bit of a mechanical problem which caused his headset to crack and creak constantly. However, a quick pit spot at H. Middletons and Matt's swift work had the fault sorted.
Even though I feel that I'm finding some sort of form, I still spend a lot of time with Kev up the road (especially on the inclines).
Was sent a plan of the car decals today from Paul and they look absolutely brilliant, picture to follow once the job is done.
All these sacrifices continue until the ride is over. That includes another early bed tonight, seeing it could be a long club ride in the morning, weather and plans permitting.

LIVERPOOL ECHO

There was a brief article in todays Liverpool Echo about the ride (p.15). Hope to get a longer piece in during the next two weeks with a picture included.

Day 11 Route

The final stage on the 11th June and we have an 88 mile journey to reach the finish line.

Day 10 Route

10th June sees us follow the Caledonian canal (West coast to East) and along the side of Loch Ness.

Day 9 Route

9th June and we are back on the mainland, taking a path North along the coast and through Oban, staying in Ballachulish (near Glencoe).

Day 8 Route

Tuesday 8th June and we head for the ferry terminal after a long day in the saddle. A short trip over to Arran and then we do a lap of the island. Why you may ask? Well, because it's there and it looks really lovely.

Day 7 route

Monday 7th June sees us entering our third country in a week. Hope Scotlands weather warms up for us.

Lancashire Lanes (H. Middleton CC version)

Today was the date set for The Annual Lancashire Lanes event, which amazingly, takes in the lanes of Lancashire. It also includes Apply Bridge, Standish, the approach to Rivington via Haigh Hall, Winter Hill to Belmont and also Brindle etc... However, this year the organising club had a fall out, so it was left to our club to do the route without feed stations etc.....
A great turn out, with over 40 heading off from the shop (that was without many of the B group faces). Steve D punctured in Dalton, but apart from that there were no other dramas. I (Steve) felt great on the Winter Hill climb and I'm sure I even overtook several riders. There was a split in Mawdsley, just at the cafe turn off, so only about 14 of us hit the refreshment stop. Great to sit out on the decking, soaking up some sun at last.
I had to make a dash for it and get to the match for 4pm. Worth it when Billy popped up and hit the goal of the season.
Legs feel good now and I am itching to get on this end to end challenge now. Unfortunately, the next few weeks will be tough getting out to put miles in as the SAT's begin this week and us poor KS.1. staff have to mark them ourselves.
Hope Kev gets his head cam sorted out and maybe he can download footage of todays climb over Winter Hill for you to all look at.
Superb effort by Ronnie Bellion yesterday, who has managed to raise over £800 on her Garden Party for the charity. There was so much generosity shown by people who showed up too.
Great ride today and feeling more prepared for the hills of Cornwall and Devon.