Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Day 4 Hereford to Northwich
Longest day of the tour - 102 miles in 7.5 hours! Things went well with bike and rider, less well with satnav - more on that in a moment. Steep, long climb out of Hereford but legs felt OK. Good progress through Westminster, Ludlow and Shrewsbury. Just north of Shrewsbury satnav took me on a bridlepath (which by itself was fine as guidebook had warned me) which got more and more muddy, impossible to ride on and upon dismount mud went over tops of shoes! Bike was covered author did more effing and jeffing and to make matters worse bridlepath disappeared leave me stranded in middle of fields. After crossing bogs and barbed wire fences (not a pretty sight) I emerged on A49 200m from where I'd left it 75 mins earlier. The drivechain was making some sick noises and I limped into next village where I found today's hero - local garage owner who provided detergent, hose, buckets and sponge. Turns out he himself had kidneys destroyed by cancer and had been given a transplant. Talk about a small world working in mysterious ways. Also shows how many lives are affected by kidney problems. Cruised into Whitchuch had roast dinner and final 20 miles into Northwich - very much Beckham territory! Bum very sore (I'll spare you details) but did resort to 2 pairs of padded shorts mid-afternoon. Only 90 miles tomorrow but hope to meet brother the focus of the ride charity is all about for lunch in Preston and dinner with mum in Kendal. Got a feeling it's gonna be an emotional day. Keep the support coming - I'm loving it. Cheers John.
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wow 40% done now - almost halfway - sorry about sore bum - I'm sure Victoria will give it some attention when you get home. Be good to see your Mum and David tomorrow - give them our love.
ReplyDeletelove Nancy & Billxxx
Getting stuck in Tar and the next day stranded in muddy fields! sounds like this is turning into a real adventure. COOL that's exactly what I'm sure you wanted when you set out on this thing in the first place!
ReplyDeleteWill be tuning in for the next 6 days for more episodes of John And his Adventures.
Well done John, that's a mammoth effort. Winced a bit about you having to wear 2 pairs of padded shorts - am even clenching my butt cheeks as I type this! Am in Wigan today so will look out the window and see if I can see the Burnley Bullet whizzing past!
ReplyDeletePs. Burnley signed Lee Grant
I am officially in awe of what you are doing John. Certainly I am feeling guilty for lazing away the first week of the hols when you are out there battling the mud and miles. Keep battling, I'm watching and willing you on.
ReplyDeleteKathy Knight
Hope you're feeling brighter this morning after a good nights sleep.
ReplyDeleteYou are an absolute hero xxxxxxxx
BURNLEY BULLET YOUR MATE MAME FOR YOU IS GOING TO STICK.Welldone again i think your sense of homour shines in theDAVID CLASS.See you later can not wait to give you the biggest hug.mum x
ReplyDeleteMay the road rise up to meet you.
ReplyDeleteMay the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
My God, I thought it'd be tough going but you 'ain't having it easy are you?? Thought you'd like this one. I was telling my mother in law all about your challenge today and her comment was," Ooo, he must be sore. Apparently cyclists put banana skins down their shorts when they're riding to soothe themselves." ( ???!!!??) I had nothing to say to that.!! Keep going!!
ReplyDeleteWell done John made 1/2 mile to the pub on my Raleigh 5 speed in your honour! Good luck for tomorrow and enjoy them hills !!
ReplyDeleteKevin
You are doing amazing keep going John; I hope the rest of trip is free from tar and mud, Jo x
ReplyDelete