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Late last night we had a decision to make. Take the easy 65 mile, pretty flat but less interesting route roughly parallel to the M6, or the more adventurous, scenic (i.e. hilly!), 85 mile route through the south Lancashire moorlands. We chose the latter - we evidently like a challenge!
So with our alarms set for 0625 this morning, we had an early start to avoid all the rush hour traffic around Warrington. Didn't even have time for a cup of tea or any breakfast to speak of (a hastily eaten cereal bar doesn't count!). The plan was to find somewhere after about 10 miles for breakfast. About 22 miles and almost 2 hours later, we finally found a nice little cafe in Chorley, where I had the best breakfast of the trip so far. This may have been due to the immense hunger I had developed, or the awesomely cheap northern prices (£1.00 for a cuppa, compared to the often extortionate £2.00+ down south!), but we headed out of Chorley fueled up for the remaining 65 miles.
With the roads steadily climbing upwards, we were soon on the South Lancashire cycle route. I'm not sure of the proper name for this area (it is the big patch of white on a road map next to the M6 near Lancaster and borders the Yorkshire dales), but it had some quite awesome views... despite the onset of rain.
After taking a soaking, we stopped for an excellent lunch, where they served the largest desserts imaginable - as James kindly demonstrates below with his giant egg custard tart....
Back on the road, the hills started getting more intense, and before long more fuel was needed in the form of the last of my mums flapjacks.....
After seemingly endless climbing, with pretty intense gusts of wind, we finally made it to the highest point where we were treated to quite incredible views from 3 different counties - the surrounding Lancashire moorland, the Yorkshire dales, and the Lake District in the distance (and were also treated to some fudge which had served as our incentive to reach the top!)
Only 20 miles left to go, starting with a lot of fun downhill riding, before yet more climbing up to our cottage near Kirkby Lonsdale where we'll be staying for the next 2 evenings - with tomorrow (Sat) as our single rest day (woohoo!!)
We are 7 days of riding in now, and have covered over 500 miles - so pretty much half way there.
I'll do another blog update tomorrow with some stats on the ride so far, but right now my bed is calling..... I'm so looking forward to a lie in!
Location:Kirkby Lonsdale
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