That's it I guess for today, pretty good beer all round. Not sure there is much else to mention..... oh, cycling. Almost forgot we did some cycling. Today was the shortest day at 42 miles, but included the longest climb of the trip up Kirkstone Pass from Windermere to the top which was 1500 feet. The views were fantastic. I was very close to blogging pictures of every twist and turn in the road, but if you've been to the lakes then you already know how great it is, and if you haven't then pictures wont do it justice. Get in your car next weekend and come up to the Lakes. Drive, cycle, walk or swim, you'll experience some great sights (just try and avoid Windermere).
The book said that one climb first thing was so steep that people with "touring bikes" might have to walk. The good news is that mine isn't really a touring bike, bad news is that it doesn't have the range of gears that a touring bike has. It was steep, probably the steepest so far but we got up even though my front wheel only made infrequent visits to the ground, but I'm getting used to that.
We also had another mechanical moment. It might be safer if we throw away the tools we are carrying. We stopped to pump my tyre up and Matt decided to use the time to make a small adjustment to his rear brake (see photo). Half an hour later our combined talents resulted in a trashed brake cable that is barely holding together. It's on the list of things to replace.
Finally I apologise for the earlier photo taken by Matt. There is a good chance that Google have removed it to maintain some decency. I had planned to swim in Ullswater rain or shine. Unfortunately it was rain. I have to say it was great and extremely cold. Some things just have to be done.
Battle of The Bikes - Part 1: This is the start of a series of notes about bikes and bike kit. Myself and Matt have very different kit, so we are going to compare choices which may help future End to Enders decide what to take. Today, cleats. First off we both think you should go for clipless pedals. But which sort. I opted for SPD-SL and Matt's are SPDs. The tour involves quite a bit of walking, to and from B&Bs, through pedestrian parts of some cities which after seeing how my cleats were completely trashed today, SPD is the way to go. Lose a bit of power transfer whilst cycling, but walking is easier and the cleats last longer.
Matt - Definitely SPD's for the cleats. I think overall I would still go for the tourer for the comfort and granny gears although getting the weight (including the tub of lard riding it) up the hills is hard work.
A good day today. The climb was a challenge but it did end evetually. A swift half (Alan - "half" !!!!!) at the top and then it was down the other side. No pedalling for two miles - bliss ;-).
Views today have been superb. I will come back and have another look around. So that's most of the country I'm coming back to then.
Now about Alan and that swim. Brave,yes, mad, definitely but he is a frood who really knows were his towel is. If you don't know where your towel is go and find it now!
Elayne- Last night's B&B was a hotel - good rooms, although up two flights of stairs which was bad. Enormous bathroom with corner bath. Typical pub food last night in the corner with 4 old boys playing cards (this is what Merv, Paul, Sep and Alan will look like in 30 years' time (Alan - Actually, more like 5)). Breakfast, despite the availability of black pudding for the first time this trip,was a bit disappointing. Have been visiting friends today (Hello, Kath and Alec) and then met the cyclists part way up Kirkstone Pass. They've done over 500 miles and I've driven over 1000. Next stop Scotland!
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