Yesterday the team started the day just outside of Liverpool and rolled through the industrial north east of England. With less to look at the group turned to the usual topics of Greek philosophy, complex legal problems and ornithology. Bernard, having been given a book on the tour de france for his birthday entertained the group with interesting facts about the race.
Having flirted with Wigan and Manchester for half of the day they finally got to the English hills again. With the spirits rising the heavens opened to reminded the group that they are in Britain after all and heading north!!!
Highlights of the day included a stop of Garstang to be greeted by brilliantly welcoming people only too willing have a laugh and to give to the cause.
96 miles and 9.5 hours later we ended in Kendal at the foot of the Lake District with hopes and excitement of what is in store tomorrow.
Performer of the Day: Gerald Byrne – struggling with two injured knees and a dodgy ankle, Gerald spent the evening with ice-packs strapped to each leg. He didn’t let it affect his performance though – 10/10
Langer of the Day: Ercus Stewart – two yellow card offenses. Firstly for coldly stealing Kenny’s Eccles cakes at our lunch stop; secondly for leading Ben down the garden path…only 2 miles in the wrong direction. Must do better.
Cyclist update:
Matt Hoyle- the resident Australian is still putting in a huge effort and is under strict orders not to shave his lucky beard as so far it has worked its mysterious powers making sure the group got safely home each day. Looks great in white.
Kenny – showed a new side of himself at dinner regaling the gang about his escapades in Budapest baths. Becoming a master of the puncture repairing and really looking forward to bringing us home to bunny Scotland.
Ercus – the silver tongue, blue eyed ‘face’ of the group managed to make 75 peoples’ day with his quick remarks. Most of the 75 were only delighted to give a few pounds to the cause after a few minutes with Ercus.
Neill – We would be in Colombia and not Cumbria if Neill was not on the trip. Managed to stretch, eat two sandwiches and clean his bike in the time it takes Bernard to go to the toilet.
Gerald – although his triceps are very impressive he still manages to reduce the masculinity levels of the group with the Sofie Lauren glasses he fashions. That extra weight and size are a huge benefit on the downhills, pity about the climbs!!!!!!
Ben – it is very hard to believe this is his 5th day in the saddle as he looks brand new. Not a big fan on geese eggs but strong on facts. Wild youthful imagination makes him see umbrellas where toil is only present.
Bernard- beginning to realise that he would never have made it in the tour having read the book he has been given. Keeping spirits very high and using all of his extensive charm to get donations at bus stops and delis.
Michael- Moonlighting as a wedding photographer in his time off. Brilliant all day with the group.
The new group member is Andrew Coldwell who joined the group today.
Saturday, today is Day 7 and the team will enter Scotland as they cycle 96 miles from Kendal to Dumfries
Again you can show your support for the team’s fantastic and unwavering spirit as they take on the challenge! www.justgiving.com/1039miles
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