Day 6 Sun 9th May Preston to Carlisle 100 miles

We had breakfast with my parents and I dressed in my new trousers - or 'sexy pants' as I call them and red top. Mike said he was going to dress in matching gear but decided to wear his purple top. Our parents were keen to see us do our stretching exercises in the hotel car park, and my 85 year old Mum joined in whilst Dad videoed us. It was a sunny day - but with a quite chilly north wind.

We then set off and travelled up past Lancaster and Kendal and I travelled with 'The Four Tops' most of the way and had a good time. We passed a big car boot sale and Ford Escort owners festival in fields. After Kendal we had a big climb over Shap Fell. It was a fairly steep hill but I put my bike in its granny gear (28 tooth chainwheel and 30 tooth back cog) and made it up the hill without getting out of my saddle. Saw some nice scenery with hill sheep farms reminding me of the Yorkshire Dales. At the top we just cruised down to Shap village for lunch. At lunch stops I was ravinous and ate as much as I could stuff in in the time before Kenny packed up. After lunch it was a fairly easy ride into Carlisle with good views.

Messing about in Carlisle above. We made it into Carlisle a bit on the late side after frequent loo stops etc and checked into our hotel. Had a good meal then ventured over the road to a pub for a couple of drinks. We were tired but happy having made it through England and Wales and about to go into the last half of our ride 'Scotland'.