Day 9: Eccleston to Milnthorpe (The wrong and winding road)

Alan - I really enjoyed today. It was a nice short (52) flat day which took us through Lancashire and just into Cumbia. There were a couple of hills, but nothing that required moving out of the middle set of gears (I think that might be a first).

We took a few detours along the way, one intentional and two that were accidental. The first was in Preston where I missed a slip road which then meant we had to wind our way through some less than scenic parts of town. The second was in Lancaster when I directed us through Sainbury's car park and missed the road we were after. The good news was that this took us to the water front and over a cool foot/cycle bridge. I imagine that a few years ago this was very rundown, but now it's well worth a visit. Our final side trip was onto an aqueduct which was cool, although very neglected (see photo).

Now for a sweeping statement. In my opinion the people in Lancashire have been the least friendly of the trip. As we go along we've been nodding, waving, saying hello to pedestrians and cyclists and most of the time we get a friendly greeting in return. Lancashire ..... nothing. If you are from Yorkshire think that the war is not really over, you may not be surprised. You may also think that the sensible reaction to being waved at by us would be to reach for a mobile and call the authorities, but personally I was a little disappointed. I still think people are great, but it took a dent today. It's almost like being back in the south east..

Finally, I know that everyone is waiting for another motorway report and I had hoped to share my essay about the M6. and how it finally killed the Black & White canal trade in the north east, but unfortunately I'm in talks with a publisher about the series of books I've been writing on the trip "Motorways - Britain Divided ( a study in 14 parts)" and have been advised not to reveal more until the deal is done. With what I've blogged so far, the BBC2 series deal fell through, so I don't want to take a chance. Sorry.

Comedy Moment 6: I had the first puncture of the trip. That wasn't the funny bit, the real comedy moment was watching us two try and sort it out. It took ages. How many cyclists does it take to fix a puncture? One competent one or the two of us.

Matt - Good day today overall. Got off to a slow start and did not really get into the ride until after Lancaster and we could see out over Morecombe bay in the sunshine. Lots of memories of coming this way on holiday as kids.

I should apologise to Elayne for changing my cycling top in public without warning her! Poor girl.

Elayne: B&B report - Parr Hall Farm in Eccleston (the Chorley one). Less personal than some of the B&Bs we've stayed in, because more rooms and more guests, but very smart rooms and bathrooms and excellent breakfast this morning. Continental, but proper continental, with cereals, fresh fruit, freshly cooked porridge, meats, cheese, bread, croissants and even olives. Definitely worth a visit.

Pub last night (Original Farmers Arms) - don't know where the fake one is - was very much a meat lover's paradise. Enormous portions and judging by the size of some of the other diners, a popular venue for a Saturday night. You know you're in the north west when you go into the ladies and find 3 girls having a chat - two in the loos and one sitting outside smoking a fag. Apparently, the best place to go for a wee when you're caught short whilst out is always a sun bed salon. Now you know.