....this is the boys' opinion because it was a warmer, shorter & generally easier ride, with a nice break at Penrith for a hearty lunch of an 8 inch Yorkshire pudding filled with beef stew :) The final long hill, Shap's Summit, which rises 1400 feet above sea level, was quite a climb though. The upside to this was that coming down the other side was pretty quick so their overall daily average speed is up! There are a couple of pictures (above) which give some idea how this route was once the only link between some small communities nearby, & it can understandably still be treacherous during the winter.
No problems of a wintry nature today, though; in fact I'm pleased to report that this was the first day Johnny took his arm-warmers off (daring!) - the lycra leg-warmers stayed firmly on, though (despite going out of fashion 20 years ago!!)
They arrived in Kendal in time to visit Mark's favourite bike shop (Evans) - I'm detecting signs of bicycle addiction here, you know - seek help before it's too late! No, I'm sure it was to try to replace worn-out parts (do they supply new knee joints?!)
Tonight's hostel is part of the Brewery Arts Centre complex, & is a fairly no-frills affair although brekkie is included. They are going to be in a room with 5 other fellows even though there are only 6 beds in total - the last poor soul to arrive this evening is going to be on a mattress on the floor because they are over-booked :(
Part of the reason the hostel is so busy is because there's a live band playing next door tonight & they have already heard a couple of their roomies talking about having a booze-fest - time to put in your ear plugs!
They are going off to have pizza soon &, perhaps, a pint of the local Wainwright's beer, which will round off their day nicely. The best thing about today is that they have now completed almost 900km, which means they are just over half-way through this mammoth journey :0)
Before I go, though, I must give you an up-date on the 'rear-guard' state of affairs (I know some of you are paying special attention to this aspect of events!) - they describe the situation as being like tenderised rump steak! It has been recommended that they have a salt bath, but they observe that, as this is how one hardens conkers, they might give it a miss!!!
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