Another long ride

Tuesday 21 June 06.30

My legs are now getting sore. Yesterday was another hard day, 94 miles at 15mph. We set off around 9 after a good breakfast and singing happy birthday to Alan's wife, Sarah. The Longlands Inn was a great stop and was very generous in donating to our charities. Chris joined us in the ride down to Preston and he set off like a man on a mission. The sun was shining, at last, and the 32 miles was covered in just over 2 hours via Lancaster. We had more bacon sandwiches and tea at Chris’s care home business (which was very impressive). We did think about checking in. Continuing down the A6 via Chorley and past Wingates where I worked for many years; on through Westhoughton, Leigh, Culceth, over the Manchester Ship Canal at Warbuton, Glazebrook, through Lymm, High Legh, Northwich, Winsford and finally to our destination at Nantwich.

The ride was a slog, being our third consecutive 90+ miler and we just wanted to get it over with so not much scenery was absorbed. It was heads down, watch out for the holes and count the different varieties of road kill (lots yesterday – hedgehogs need to walk faster).

Nantwich is a lovely place. We’re staying at the Crown Hotel in the centre which was rebuilt after the great fire of Nantwich in 1584. Everything is crooked including the stairs which lean to the left. Our bikes are stored on the first floor and we had to carry them up the stairs which required some balancing skills.  My legs were black from dirt picked up off the road so I had a quick shower before meeting up with my cousin Tony around 6 for a quick drink. He also resupplied me with jelly babies – thanks Tony.

Sally, Penny and Alex arrived at 7. We’re an hour’s drive south of Manchester and it was good to see them and recount some of the stories than can’t be published in the blog.  Sally brought some old pictures of Alan from university days; he bears a remarkable resemblance to his son James.  Alan expressed the view that I bear a remarkable resemblance to someone he knew at university, who snored like a rutting warthog and since the hotel had a spare room he had availed himself of it to get some sleep.  My children were sympathetic to his plight (thanks kids).

I had technical difficulties all day with my Garmin, PC and internet connectivity. Somehow I can connect this morning despite spending 30 minutes last night failing to do so. Technology!

Highlight of the day:  Arriving in Nantwich

Surprise of the day: How black my legs were from road dirt.
Body report: Sore legs and feet
Expectations for tomorrow: A bit easier (please).