Lejog day 5

Winsford to Slaidburn

Today I have mostly been taking my time...
Early start again at 7.30am, as I find arriving early more than makes up for a stupid o clock start. I wasn’t in any rush as I only had 85 miles to do, but I knew that the Slaidburn Hostel wouldn’t be open until 4pm. I spent the first part of the day working my way through Warrington and St Helens, before heading on the back roads to Chorley. I was quite surprised that my route passed by a pub that I’d visited with friends before – quite cheering to see something unexpectedly familiar. I also posted some of my kit back home – things that I’d used (washing!) and stuff that I figured out I didn’t really need. I’m happy to be carrying half a stone less, though not as happy as Tracy will be when she receives a package of my laundry. I quite enjoyed the climbs up over the moors and into the forest of Bowland. Then it started raining. When I planned the route, I was hoping for spectacular views from the highest points. I got rain and mist and bemused looking sheep. They were looking at me as if to say “Well I have to be here, I’m a sheep – what’s your excuse?”

I arrived in Slaidburn just in time to catch the village shop – tea of beans on cheese on toast because I had a craving, like on a cold wet day when I was a kid. The hostel proved to be the friendliest that I’ve stayed in so far. It may have been because of the weather – that “we’re all in it together“ feeling. Spoke to Tracy and the kids on a payphone – how long has it been since I used one of them? I am halfway through and feel now that I’m cycling back to my family (though not geographically).
One of my toughest days tomorrow – long and hilly. Phil, another cyclist, has advised me to ignore the cycle route around Carlisle and head on the old A6 through the town. Hopefully this should take some distance and time off the day.

Day 5 – 85 miles covered Average speed - 11.0mph Max speed – 33mph
Ride time 7h43 Total mileage – 492miles State of mind – chilled