The participation ride 2006 - post-ride analysis and comment

The stage with local knowledge - Stage 7

Joined today by Ken from the local Cycle Club, on the left. (Luke centre and Adrian on RHS). Ken knew all the back ways and took us on some beautiful off-road routes down to the water's edge. We also enjoyed a ferry ride across the Mersey...

So, we get an extra bonus tune today to reflect all that water: Syrens - not an iTune but a free download as it's by unsigned band Mr Trebus featuring a certain Emma Berry on vocals (also wrote lyrics and melody), otherwise featured on this blog as the Promo Vest Designer, and booker of all of our accommodation on route.  Download the mp3 file here for free (5.5Mbytes). Thanks for everything Emma and for being with us today in voice, at least...

The weather continues to be superb. Not a drop of rain so far. The only issue is that persistant north easterly wind that won't leave us alone.

Reached our accommodation in Preston by 7pm which is a record. But tomorrow is going to be a real challenge, through Lancashire, Cumbria and into Scotland: 125miles including the ascent of Shap. Adrian, who is sensible, will leave us in the morning. But will Luke's knees hold out?

Stats - coming later

Complete stage Net ascent (decent) ft:
Distance miles:
Average speed mph:
Time in saddle: 00:00:00

Cumulative Distance:

Puncture no 2!

Actually this was a failure of the self-adhesive patch I used last time. This time I put in a new tube and I had helpers!

A moment of reflection . . .

. . . looking out over the wetlands towards the River Dee on The Wirral.

Thinks: "Hmmm shame it was not this flat all the way..."

Stage 7 (without Chris Boardman)

Luke arrived by train late last night to make a team of three. The picture shows Luke and Adrian and the lovely Miss Gregory outside Ash Hall B and B - the starting point for Stage 7.

iTune of Today is  Belle and Sebastian – Stars of track and field.
We dedicate it to Chris Boardman who was supposed to be cycling with us today, but was whisked off on a surprise exotic holiday by his wife instead. Chris, commiserations! We're all sure you'd rather be cycling through Liverpool with us! But we will all have to be poor substitute 'stars' without you!
To sample the track, click on Buy it or invest 79p through iTunes Music Store and it's all yours (Hmm I wonder if they will sponsor me?)

To Liverpool:
Net ascent (decent) ft: 420 Distance miles: 49.65 Average speed mph: 13.33 Time in saddle: 3:43:28

Cumulative Distance: More later....

Is Shropshire the most hospitable county in England?

I have already reported on the lunch with Jackie at the Mayfair Centre and Paul and the mudguards. Well tonight we arrived in Ash and the White Lion had finished serving food. But someone in the bar offered us lift down the road to The Olde Jack.

There we ate well and met up with the Whitechurh Round Table. Their Chairman is Rob (2nd right, back row) and they have offered sponsorship. Thanks guys.

Then . . . Round Table Vice Chairman Paul gave us lift back home . . . Cared for or what?

So, the gauntlet is down as we head into the friendly North, where the welcome is legendary... Can the North match Shropshire?

Mudguard fixed!

Meet Paul Subbiani, He is part of the team that run the Albright Hussey Manor, an unexpected oasis off the hell that is the A49.

As well as running a hotel (open to non-residents) he also has a comprehensive set of tools and gaffa tape! Anyway my rear mudguard that broke on day 1 is now fixed.

Just noticed this evening that my front one is broken too. Let's hope we meet another Paul tomorrow.

We like Shropshire - Stage 6

A day punctuated with generous hospitlity from the Mayfair Community Centre in Church Stretton. Jackie was our host and at the leading edge of delivery of the net:gain programme (www.net-gain.org.uk).

Four riders participated in today's effort. Adrian, Andy and I started in Bromyard. Andy peeled off after lunch (to cycle back to Bromyard). We were were joined by Simon M in Church Stretton.

See future posts for details of the amazing hospitality we have been shown in this county.

Today's iTune has to be: With a little help from my friends - Joe Cocker- Buy it for 79p through iTunes Music Store, or just sample (.. or just sing it out loud by yourself if you like, but best in the shower...)

Net ascent (decent) ft: 0 Distance miles: 74.63 Average speed mph: 13.40 Time in saddle: 5:34:09

Cumulative Distance: 385.99 (let's call it 356 - about a third of the way there!)

3rd member of Stage 6 team joins us at Bromyard

Andy joined Adrian and me at Bromyard - Expecting Simon Marshall to join us at Church Stretton to make dream team complete!

Dream team starts to assemble - Stage 6

Joined by Adrian at Avenbury and, two miles later by Andy in Bromyard and the good old slip streaming began! When you've cycled in a group you never want to cycle alone again.

Highlight: Tenbury Wells (famous for its mistletoe market at Christmas).

Net ascent (descent): 193 Distance miles: 36.71 Average speed mph: 12.78 Time in saddle: 2:52:17

Cumulative Distance: 348.07

A comment on comments

Thanks to everyone has left comments. These are great to read. Starting today with a feeling of sleep deprivation! Must have an early night tonight.

I am expecting some record speeds today with Adrian and I egging each other on. Church Stretton net:gain centre here we come.