Day9: Morecambe-Carlisle (72miles)

Today was a toughie. We followed the A6 from Morecambe to Kendal, Shap and then Carlisle. Very hilly, as expected over the Lake District, and very windy too. Lovely combination as any touring cyclist will tell you. During onee of our frequent Water stops, we witnessed the beautiful sight of a WWII Lancaster bomber from the "Battle of Britain Memorial Flight" pass low overhead. Bit disappointed that it didn't drop of any much-needed first aid parcels! We also saw some teenagers in an organised junior motor cross in the hills. Dave was delighted to repeatedly prove his theory that, in every flock of sheep, there is one called "Brian". Try it.....every time you shout it, the one that looks up is Brian. I could tell that Frosty was impressed as he repeatedly shook his head in amazement!

We stopped off in Shap where lunch was inhaled and 3 lads (Mark, Mark and Craig) donated. We have had donations every day so far. A record we'd like to maintain.

The strong wind tried to blow both of the boys off their bikes, causing resultant alarm and strong braking with hand cramps as a result. Two very tired boys rolled into Carlisle to a lovely hotel (Angus in Scotland St) abley found by Louise (our emerfency accommodation co-ordinator....thanks sis).

From a personal point of view, very much looking forward to leaving our cousins in the "Southern Colonies" and returning to God's country tomorrow. Entering the country of our destination makes it more real almost and our goal is nearly in sight after 9 days. Makung great progress and we'll pass our 600 mile mark tomorrow. COME ON!

Day8: Runcorn - Morecambe (67miles)

My stabilisers were put back on today! I managed to do another slow-motion fall without getting my feet out of the pedals in time. At least I've evened it up, that's 2 falls on each side now! Intermittent showers and sunshine today. meaning Frosty had his waterproofs off and on lots. We had some great problems getting out of Runcorn, 6 miles before we start making any real progress. The good citizens of Runcorn did their best to help me dismount from my bike, whilstI was riding at speed! Luckily I managed to evade their early Saturday morning efforts. We managed to get out of the rain in Billinge. Jason Freece donated half way up a big hill. Two ladies stopped us at traffic lights to donate. One called Frosty "Honey-bun". Sure made his day. We made great time and stopped off in Morecambe (I think we lowered the average age - and that's saying something!). ps the dodgy photo is Frosty doing his best Eric Morecambe in Morecambe impression. Sigh, I've got to travel with this. Lord, help me!

Day7: Shrewsbury to Runcorn (60miles)

A shorter day was needed, so we took some fairly flat Bnnroads into Wales and back out again. Beautiful day and stoppped in the quaint village of Ellesmere for lunch. Got some very generous donations; particularly from David Newdell (Newdell Computers). A lovely couple called The Haywords donated. As we stopped to check our directions, a little girl called Emily came running up to donate after her mum and she spotted us on the road. Moments like that are, amazingly, commonplace and hugely encouraging. Frosty keeps telling me "Scotland's got a lot to live up to". Here's hoping the residents of God's country can rise to the challenge! Arrived at our accommodation, found by my beautiful fiance (as I am instructed to call her!). A great place called Camoanile Hotel. Good day today AND Frosty told me that, because I've stayed on my bike for 5 days, I can........TAKE OFF MY STABILISERS! Woo-hoo!

Day6: Newent - Shrewsbury (73miles)

Today was a long ride. We stopped for lunch in Tenbury Wells and met lots of nice people. Pippa Gerber offered us a place to stay the niight! She's part of a network called "Warm Showers" who help touring cyclists who need a bed and a shower for a night! Cool! We ppoliely declined and were treated to a lovely lunch at "Tabs Tearooms". David & Ness Snape; Lynne Rins; the staff at Tabs, Emma Helyer and Marviin from the adjacent bike shop all donated (the latter also donated a spare inner tube - hopefully not needed!). We collapsed into our respective beds and had an early night.

Day 5 Bristol-Newent (54 miles)

Today we gave ourselves an easy day to reward the efforts of the tough start. Lots of minor roads/cycle paths and lunch by the river (appropriately called Slimbridge!). Met an old salt called Roger who told us his tragic tale of losing his 17yo son to a drunk-driver who only got 6years, he kindly donated too

Arrived in Newent after enjoying cycling along canal. probably best day so far (all set up by Nadine's magnificent breakfast!)

Day 4: Taunton-Bristol (65miles)

So, weather is better (only way was up, really!) and legs were pretty tired for all the boys. Cycled to Glastonbury for lunch where a kind chap called Ian donated as did an elderly couple (Mary and Barry Parfitt). Despite the strong pull of the "free Glastonbury soothsayer", we decided to push on to see our friends (Alex and Nadine with their new child, Jake - and Gunner!).

On the road, we were tooted at lots and one lady even stopped to donate (Cecilia). Once we got to Bristol (which is Latin for hilly), we called Alex as David's phone had died therefore no Google maps. He then sent us 3 miles in the wrong direction downhill!!!! So, after the navigation error was discovered, we went back uphill to meet Alex etc. Fantastic spag-bol meal and trimmings with all home comforts....ahhhhhhhhhhhh. "If we stayed here and got the train...would people know?" They would??? Oh, bugger!.

Frosty's knee held up well today and apart from a few "raw areas" and very tired legs, all is well. We are in good spirits as we have completed the tough first 4 days.

Day 3: Okehampton-Taunton (57miles)

Set off in a downpour and it changed soon...to worse weather! The lunch at Launceston was well received where Steve Smith donated kindly. The climb from Credition to Tiverton was mighty and everlasting, so a great sense of achievement when that was done. A joy to the soul was a kindly neighbour in a village called Bow took pity on us and offered us a cup of tea and a biscuit with welcome shelter for 30 minutes (thanks to Liz and Rex). On our way again and finally reach our destination in a little village called Hillfarrance just outside Taunton. Nice little Inn (The Anchor) with a bath (ahhhhh bliss!).

We dried out and the day took on a brighter light with good food and sticky toffee pudding (Richard: Do you know how they make this?) and apple crumble (David) to finish. Yum!

3 hard days and....drum roll please........Dave STAYED ON HIS BIKE!!!!!!!Woo-hoo