Warrington - ahem - Kirkby Lonsdale

With a belly full of breakfast, this time prepared by my own blistered hands, I set out on the road north. 

After yesterday's knee issues I started at a fairly sedate pace and trundled out of town, for once happy to let the kids on their fat-tyred mountain bikes steam past.    I'd stuffed down a couple of pain killers before leaving and took a few more with lunch but that right knee just wasn't getting any better.

So when I reached Chorley, I made a decision which some of you, I know, won't give me an easy time about when I get back:  I cycled past the train station, rubbed the knee, and u-turned back to buy a ticket to Lancaster. I know, I know, that's cheating!

In a way I guess it is. But the way I see it, I'd rather shave off 25 miles today, give the knee a bit of rest and have a chance of finishing the flipping ride. And no, you can't have your money back! Although, while we're on the subject, my selfless housemate Liane did promise to donate £5 every time I fall off or injure myself. Well, I reckon that's a tenner so far Ms Brooks... numb fingers AND a knackered knee!

So tomorrow is the day I'm saving myself for. It's a 90 mile ride and takes me over the border and into Scotland. Even if I'm flying with one engine I'm determined to get over to Jockland and celebrate with an Irn Bru and some tablet. Mmmm - tablet!

Apparently James Cracknell and Rebecca Romero made Scotland on a tandem in under 30 hours, which is quite amazing. They had to stop before the finish line though as poor old Beccy's knees were about to explode, and she's got an Olympics to get ready for. There's a lesson there for everyone, but I'm not sure what it is.

Tonight I'm being put up at the rather nice Snooty Fox in Kirkby Lonsdale, Britain's most generous town. If I'd had the time I could have stayed here free for a week in different hotels and b+bs; the people of KL were literally queuing up to have me stay. Some offered their daughter, other a free bike service, but the road is long and my work isn't done, etc..

So fingers crossed that I can be a brave soldier and keep on keeping on.

...and be in Scotland afore ye!

Hx