Todays cycling was somewhat different from other days. It was about a month since we ‘finished’ cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats, but as I had missed out a couple of days in the middle (Denton -> Penrith) now was the time to go back and finish the challenge.

Today was also the first day that I was cycling alone from the start. I had to think about the route for myself, and make sure that I had all the neccessary bits and peices – pump, repair kit, first aid kit etc. Additionally my parents were carrying my stuff as we were going on holiday to Clapham and so I was cycling unloaded.

I set off from home at 9.00 and cycled to Ashton. Despite the rain I was overheating so removed my flourescent jacket. Rounding the edge of Oldham I headed for Royton and then onto Rochdale.

From there I headed across the moors (or at least some moorish ground) towards Haslingdon where I stopped at McDonalds for the toilet and got a large fries whilst I was at it.

After finishing my fries and drying off a little, I continued on past Accrington towards Clitheroe.

After about 42 miles I decided it was time for food, and so I ate the few crackers and chocolate that I had brought near Sawley, just off the A59. It was a welcome break although I was quite damp and so stopping was cold.

I set off soon after eating to avoid getting too cold, but a few miles later it started raining very heavily and I got soaked – really soaked. The nearest place for shelter was about 8 miles later, so when I got to Long Preston I followed directions to a hot drink and a bacon buttie. It lead me to the village hall where there were a few ladies and a guy just packing up their kitchen. They gave me their last sausage buttie and a cup of coffee whilst I stood there dripping and making a big puddle in their village hall.

Once the most of the rain had subsided, I continued on and found that the road I had intended to take was closed due to a gas main being installed, so I headed for Clapham knowing that I knew the way to my destination from there.

I arrived in Clapham at about 2.20 and visited the village store to get some chocolate. I knew my parents would be a while in arriving so there was no rush!

I cycled the final 3 miles to the caravan where I was staying and took off my damp clothes. My socks inparticular held a lot of water! After texting my younger brother I found out they were about to set off. So much for cars being a faster mode of transport! I chilled out for a couple of hours waiting for them to arrive, and then put the tent up.

After showering and watching a bit of TV, we headed to bed.

Distance: 68.4 miles [15.4 mph average] (Cumulative: 926 miles)

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 19th, 2006 at 10:04 am and is filed under Lands End to John O'Groats. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.