After a quick lube up (James very kindly lent Toby his "Anti Chafe" under the strict condition of no double dipping) we were off on day number five. 20 metres out of the B&B we met a landrover coming in the other direction, Iain stopped and performed the cycling classic 'failing to unclip his shoes from pedals routine' and fell horizontally sideways onto his side much to James and Toby's entertainment. Having dusted down himself down we had a good start to the day.. 15 miles up after an hour with power house Toby leading the way.
Having turned off too early in order to take the scenic route to Shrewsbury we went up a 2 mile steep ascent and down the corresponding 2 mile descent after James had followed some dubious directions on the route cards, but failed to notice it bore no resemblance to the map he was also reading. One all. Only answer was to do the same again in the opposite direction. Lovely road though...
Having got back on track we rode into Shrewsbury making good time only to get lost in the one way system. We asked PC Plod for directions who after much procrastination turned out to be as much use as a chocolate tea pot. After finally finding our way Toby was struggling a bit. After a quick Mars bar, power gel and power bar (approx the same calories as
a good size meal) he had more 'energy' than Ben Johnson in Seoul 1988!
Finally made it to Marbury for a very belated lunch to meet up with Clare for the back up crew handover and said goodbye to James' parents after their sterling efforts (in putting up with us). Also James's Uncle Ben & Aunty Sue kindly came out to cheer us on. Due to technical difficulties with Toby's digestive system he was sidelined to back up crew duties in Clare's car for the remainder of the afternoon.
We blasted along the A49 which was a great piece of road - v. smooth tarmac, drafting all the 30 miles into Warrington for 6pm. 97 miles today!! We had a quick turnaround and then out for dinner with cousin Nancy and husband Derek and young Matthew, Clare's sister Jill and a various assortment of the northern contingent (i.e. Donna & Ian, Rich Heath & Rich Haskey) - it was good to see everyone.
Having turned off too early in order to take the scenic route to Shrewsbury we went up a 2 mile steep ascent and down the corresponding 2 mile descent after James had followed some dubious directions on the route cards, but failed to notice it bore no resemblance to the map he was also reading. One all. Only answer was to do the same again in the opposite direction. Lovely road though...
Having got back on track we rode into Shrewsbury making good time only to get lost in the one way system. We asked PC Plod for directions who after much procrastination turned out to be as much use as a chocolate tea pot. After finally finding our way Toby was struggling a bit. After a quick Mars bar, power gel and power bar (approx the same calories as
a good size meal) he had more 'energy' than Ben Johnson in Seoul 1988!Finally made it to Marbury for a very belated lunch to meet up with Clare for the back up crew handover and said goodbye to James' parents after their sterling efforts (in putting up with us). Also James's Uncle Ben & Aunty Sue kindly came out to cheer us on. Due to technical difficulties with Toby's digestive system he was sidelined to back up crew duties in Clare's car for the remainder of the afternoon.
We blasted along the A49 which was a great piece of road - v. smooth tarmac, drafting all the 30 miles into Warrington for 6pm. 97 miles today!! We had a quick turnaround and then out for dinner with cousin Nancy and husband Derek and young Matthew, Clare's sister Jill and a various assortment of the northern contingent (i.e. Donna & Ian, Rich Heath & Rich Haskey) - it was good to see everyone.
3 comments:
It sounds as though you are having an amazing journey and it's lovely to watch your daily progress via your blogs. As I said before you left, I wish you the very, very best for your ride. You are doing an awesome challenge and I take my hat off to you. Have a safe journey, may the weather be kind and may the cream work.
With best wishes
Wendy Cook
Hospital Liaison Co-ordinator
Surrey Sands
Hey guys, you are awesome! Looks like you are having a blast despite encountering some horrid weather. Roll on Scotland... at least it's too cold for midgies but watch out for the north wind. Our thoughts are with you on your journey. I'll feel your pain whilst walking the Fife Coastal Walk, sorry I can't join you but will salute you in an evening dram. Take care, Isla and Gordon
Shame you didn't video Iain's "failing to unclip his shoes from pedals routine" you could have sent that to You've Been Framed and raised another £250!!
Great blog so nice to read from the comfort of my arm chair :-)
Take care guys you're doing a great job.
Lorna Bland
Chairman
Surrey Sands
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