After the great start from Clitheroe Castle the four of us (me, Richard, Mick and Mick) cycled to Longridge and Preston, where we had our first brew at Riversway. For Val this was the first time she had driven the motorhome and she was getting used to it already.
The weather started off bright but now the clouds were black and menacing, but we were lucky - as we carried on through Freckleton to Lytham, things brightened up but the crosswind at Lytham was fierce. By Blackpool the wind was behind us - there's a lot of construction work going on and we had to negotiate a few diversions - no problem - and then it was on to the seafront for a great few miles at 20+ mph with that kind tailwind.
Lunch was at Fleetwood, not far from the public toilets which Val thought were very nice. She obviously didn't go to the gents, which in my opinion were being used by the local druggies - they were sitting on a form outside, which was offputting.
Then to the great Fleetwood - Knott End Ferry. Richard used his bus pass for the very first time ever, and not on a bus! - and got a free ride, although his bike still cost 50p,
Then Cockerham and disaster struck. Richard had to pull up with terrible leg pains, and retired to the van, which sped him off to the doctors in Carnforth. The remaining three carried on to Lancaster and then Sunderland Point where I went to find Sambo's Grave - an interesting, if not entirely politically correct, piece of history from the days of slavery. The road to the point is covered by the tide twice a day but luckily the water was low.
Back through Heysham, Morecambe and Carnforth and then on to the day's final destination, Holgates Caravan Site at Silverdale - luxury!
Well, that's 92 miles done - over 2%! - and in good shape (apart from Richard, who was diagnosed with a cruciate ligament problem). But most of all, I've started, the planning's over and I'm on my way - hurray!
PS Sorry - tried to post some photos but the signal is so bad it won't take them. Let's hope for a better signal tomorrow.
A great first day. I hear the weather stayed fine for you. The tracker works really well. I can even see where on that site you are. Anyway, day 2 another long day. Is there any way of finding out your route?
ReplyDeleteGood luck Bill, you can do it :)
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