Day 18 Well now, the lovely hotel I stayed in last night is run by a lady who's daughter is an author. Her first book is about amurder that happened in 1827 in the village of Polstead which by complete coincidence is where I am camping tonight. I had considered heading over to Harwich and then on to visit a very ancient chapel at Bradwell on Sea and Southminster where I visited my Aunty Joyce many years ago. Hoever, I decided it was too far down a cul de sac so have headedcinland and am now aiming for Sibford by Wednesday by way of Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Banbury. Suffolk is full of pretty villages with colourful thatched cottages at every turntoday I came by Ipswich and Hadleighto Polstead. I am going to a quiz in the village pub tonight to see if I can repeat the luck I had in Lincoln. I shall try to upload some pics of Suffolk now. Good night.

Day 17. Having cycled 52 miles the last thing I wanted was to sit for almost an hour on the quay at Felixstowe waiting for the ferry to Harwich especially since the ferry didn't come due to lack of demand. I admit I was the only person waiting but it didn't specify what level of demand is necessary for the ferry to run, so back into Felixstowe went I in search of a bed for the night and eventually found a nice hotel that doesn't charge silly money. It has struck me on this trip that the quality of b+b does not necessarily relate to the price charged, the very posh b+b at Long Sutton was only £35, less than I paid for more modest accommodation in Norwich. I had a really good evening last night catching up with an old friend I hadn't seen for about 24 years, we agreed we must not leave it so long before we meet again. I slept very well in my little tent but woke to covering of snow and this continued on and off all morning as I made my way through Diss, Eye and the delightful village of Debenham where the school had a stall selling cakes and a piece of lemon drizzle cake was just what I needed at that point. Thus nourished I pedalled with purpose through light snow showers to Woodbridge where a very busy market was being held selling everything from old fur coats to hotdogs. Being limited as to what I can carry I ignored the coats but did have a hotdog and bought some nice pate fortea. I then went to visit Sutton Hoo the site of a 7th century ship burial excavated just as war broke out in 1939, the exhibition was well presented and the recreations of the treasures found are stunning. I will try to upload a pic of the famous helmet at the end of this post. Having made good progress I decided to press on rather than staying in Woodbridge which is a very pretty place with lots of wonderful old buildings but is unbearably posh. So on to the little foot ferry across the river to Felixstowe. I had to take everything off the bike to go on the ferry which is a fiddly and time consuming business unfastening the panniers etc. I was astonished how big Felixstowe is it is 2.5 miles from the town to the quay and I missed the ferry by 10 minutes but the sign said there would be another in an hour (subject to demand) it being Easter weekend I was confident the demand would be there but as the time came for the ferry to arrive and I was clearly the only one waiting it dawned on me I should have phoned but it turns out if I had requested the ferry in time I would have been charged 3 adult fares (£18) so am pleased I avoided that trap. The first ferry tomorrow is at 10.30 but I may abandon going to Bradwell and Southminster and strike out for Oxford, I will decide in the morning. Good night. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyhmV-PNd0qZbzmEZPQiswWpbMnnxni1pm0g_21UTOo1iitgAuGk_hqyg7vIBhPbm2AmPx8GPgE1H1U4LOjCJwSeBi17GJZvYfvOA3FW8MypBDc5I7FexO0GbSylmkayG39VjeB6PgA7d/s320/20130330_155828.jpg" />

Day 16. I shall be brief today as I have not got free wifi. That was a cold night, woke up to a frost encrusted tent but a beautiful sunny morning. A quick pedal into Norwich warmed me up a bowl of starbucks porridge nourished me for the day. Packed up tent and cycled the 23 miles to Banham in under 2 hours. Nothing of great interest has happened today but the Midsummer Night's Dream I went to see last night was very enjoyable a deliciously malevolent Puck, a wonderful Bottom and cleverly worked atmoshere of menace, lust, comedy and love winning in the end, a delightful production. I am camping next to a zoo tonight I hope the Lions roaring doesn't keep me awake. I meeting a old friend this evening so some catching up to do. Good night.

Day 15 Norwich. Maybe it is the appeal of the new and excitement of discovering somewhere different but as with Lincoln I have fallen for Norwich. I was not able to get a second night at the nice little B+B I stayed in last night (Ivydene, excellent breakfast and a good Lancashire welcome). So tonight I am back under canvas (or whatever the tent is made of) on a very pleasant site on the southern edge of the city. The day started with a visit to a power wash to clean the accumulated muck, sand and grit that has gathered on the chain and sprocket followed by visit to a bike shop to get some lubricant to replace that I had just washed off. I then went for a back rub to ease my aching shoulders and neck which was very thorough and left me feeling less tense. I then visited some gardens originally created in 1871 but abandoned in the early 20th century before being rediscovered and brought back to show status, they are hidden away next to the RC cathedral in the grounds of a hotel, in the summer I imagine they would be marvellous but looked a little sad today although the eccentric follies built of allsorts of brick, stone, tile and flint obviously salvaged from other buildings were worth seeing alone. As I write this having dinner in Wetherspoons (cheap food and free wifi) I can see the rays of the setting sun illuminating the spire of the cathedral, I am a lucky chap. I had a light lunch at a bike cafe (I have, like the gardens, forgotten what it is called, something to do with horse, 'dappled pony' perhaps), the jaffa cake cake was superb. After some more exploring and the purchase of a fleece blanket to keep me warm in the tent, I returned to the campsite to get washed and changed for a night on the town. So here I am in Wetherspoons writing this prior to going to the theatre to see 'A Midsummers Night Dream' to followed by a two mile nights walk back to the campsite. Norwich has some wonderful animal themed street names e.g. Rampant Horse Street and Greater and Lesser Goat Lanes, also everyone seems really friendly, helpful and chatty. The horn on my bike is very popular here it has been tootled many times to the amusement of those able to take pleasure from simple things, and that maybe what is special about Norwich, it feels a happy place, possibly because they have relearned the delight in the simple things in life. I haven't taken many pics today but I will now try to upload some. Good night. These pics show the gardens (name still not come to me) and the cathedral.

Day 14
I rather like Norfolk it has a settled prosperous feel about it and in contrast to the air of decline apparent in Boston and Holbeach the towns and villages I have seen in Norfolk feel well kept and confident. Everywhere women in headscarves and barbour jackets and men in tweed caps and tan corduroy trousers. The countryside is gently rolling rather than unendingly flat like Lincolnshire. However, both counties appear to be overrun by wood pigeons/collared doves, they are here in huge numbers I suspect their predators have been driven out by game keepers anxious to protect their game birds, perhaps they should shoot the pigeons instead.

I spent my first night of the trip in my tent last night, it was cold but dry and I had a reasonable night and didn't freeze. My route today took me through Great Ryburgh with a striking church with a round tower, North Elmham with ruins of an early Bishop's Palace, Reepham and then on an old railway line to Norwich.

I found a nice little B+B close to the Roman Catholic cathedral (there were 17 coaches delivering people to a service there this evening). I had a wander round the city centre which looks interesting with a huge number of churches and old houses. I may stay another day here to have proper look round.

I will now try to upload some pics.

Good night.

These pics show my campsite, Great Ryburgh church, full moon and Norwich RC cathedral and my bike sunbathing at Hunstanton.

Day 13
Epilogue
Pictures below are of Hunstanton St Edmund's chapel and lighthouse, shells on the beach, clenchwarton church and Fakenham at dusk.
Well I made it to the campsite after at one time fearing I had caught something dreadful.
The day started well with excellent breakfast of porridge and eggs benedict, if you are ever looking for b+b in Hunstanton I can wholeheartedly recommend The Peacocks , very comfortable accommodation and a friendly welcome.
I was very impressed with Hunstanton despite it being March the place seemed well kept and getting ready for the new season, the modest cliffs at the north end of town are interesting with coloured bands of rock and the beach was strewn with countless razor clam shells.
My second stop of the day was at Ringstead where there is a remarkable shop with a maze of rooms and courtyards selling all manner of antiques and gifts as well as general provisions. As I was on my bike my only purchase was some pastilles.
My third stop was at Burnham Market a charming little village with stream flowing along the main street and lots of pretty architecture including fine Georgian houses.
Here I stopped by a bakery that was advertising 'freshly baked Nelsons slice' having never heard of such a thing and being both peckish and adventurous bought some of this stuff that turned out to be like a scone only softer and baked as a tray bake. Apart from containing candied peel (an rotten trick) it was quite nice. However within the hour I felt proper poorly and very uncomfortable forcing me to spend some time in a nice tea room at Holkham while the effects ran their course. I was seriously convinced the confection had been laced with senna and I would have to abandon my plans and seek another b+b in Wells next the Sea, fortunately the affliction left me as suddenly as it had come upon me and it was a mightly relieved cyclist that resumed his journey to Fakenham.
The road now ran south and for the first time in ages I found the wind helping me along  and I was in Fakenham by 4 and found the camp site where I find I am the only occupant of (no fair weather camper am I).
The campsite has a golf driving range and pitch and putt so after a warming hot chocolate I went to hit few golf balls which is a excellent stress reliever.
A nice walk into Fakenham to the pub fromwhere I write this whilst consuming a nice meal.
I will now attempt to upload some pics but if there aren't any you will know my uploading problem persists.
Good night.

Day 13
Prelude.
As I intend to camp tonight and may not be able to post from a frozen tent in a field I thought I would spend some time this morning before I set off saying a few things.
It has been great getting comments on the blog please keep them coming whether they be positive or negative, although constructive either way would be lovely.
It has been good to notice that my blog has been seen by people not only in U.K. but U.S.A.,Bangladesh, China, Germany, Australia and Peru although not yet in Africa.I have had over 1500 views so far not gone viral but I never thought it would.
I am having trouble with the device I write on, sometimes the cursor gets a mind of it's own and won't go where I want it (hence the additional bit on yesterdays post).This seems to happen after I have uploaded pics to the blog so in future will add them at the end.

I hopevto post tonight but if not no matter. Here is a pic of the picturesque chuch in the delightfully named village of Clenchwarton. OK just an illustration of the problems I am having, it won't upload the pic, I will try again another time.

Good day.

Day 12

If you should notice any of my posts ending abruptly it is probably because I lost patience with this device.
My journey today took me from my very comfortable accommodation via Sutton Bridge, Kings Lynn, Castle Rising and Sandringham to Hunstanton.

Photos above show the b+b I stayed in, Sutton Bridge and my bike on the front at Hunstanton.
A word to all road users considering visiting this part of the world, the A17 is no fun whatsoever especially on a bicycle, although I wasn't on it for long every lorry that thundered past threatened to drag me under it's wheels and with the wind blowing strongly aswell that bit of the journey was an ordeal.
Kings Lynn looked like a rather nice town and I was amused to see the Quaker Meeting House is an old pub with a door that says 'Bar Palour' on it. Castle Rising looks an interesting place but was closed and I particularly enjoyed the ride through the forest around Sandringham.
I stopped for drink at one point and the wind was so strong it whipped away one of my silk gloves and I fear it was promptly eaten by a horse that came to see what I was doing, consequently my left hand will henceforth have to be colder than my right. I am once again living it up in a swish b+b but have resolved that tomorrow I will make use of my tent which has so far been only excess baggage.
Tomorrow Holkam beach, Wells next the Sea and Fakenham.

Good night. a bicycle, although I wasn't on it for long every lorry that thundered pastvthreaten

Day 11

Well I had to get back on the bike and brave the weather eventually so today it was back on the road heading south and east.
Now, I have no wish to be rude about Lincolnshire and I am very grateful for all the vegetables grown here, but scenic it ain't. On a fine day or night the big skies above the flat land would be impressive but on a cold grey March day it is just tedious and dull and the smell of cabbage is not the best (although better than the slurry being spread around the dales).

Sign of spring in the face of continuing winter.

Having cycled along the flatest, straitest road I have ever seen I came to Boston but continued on without stopping and turned east to Frampton and Fosdyke where I stopped for lunch. I passed some attractive buildings one of which I share with you here.

 I stopped have a look round Holbeach but it was closed and so continued on to Long Sutton which looked rather nice but was also closed. I am now at a splendid Bed and Breakfast at Lutton Garnsgate and have enjoyed a very nice dinner and having watched the weathercforecast for the coming week am now preparing to hibernate.

Good night.

Day 10

We had snow this morning, not much compared to other places but a covering.

The cottage this morning.
The wind was still bitterly cold and constant so spent morning on domestic chores and watching cookery programme on T.V. Then into Spilsby to get food and after lunch James set off back to Yorkshire. I went for a very cold walk to West Kear where I spent sometime admiring the view from what amounts to hill hereabouts, I came across something new a 'end of footpath' sign.

In West Kear church preparations were being made for a christening and the organist was practicing the hymns and tunes with varying degrees of success. In the chuch burial ground one poignant grave stone for a young man 'accidentally killed on December 24th 1963 aged 25' and along side those of his parents who survived him by 24 and 30 years.

Day 9

Skegness is so bracing, in fact, today the wind is like daggers of ice piercing even the thickest, warmest of clothing.
James was due to go home today but the snow in Yorkshire made it unwise to travel so we have arranged to stay another day. Cycling too would not be a pleasure, indeed may be positively dangerous and progress would be slow.
So to Skegness and then Ingoldmells where my brother and sister in law (Edward and Carole) have a caravan, it must be very disappointing for all those looking forward to their Easter break to find that we are experiencing the coldest March in living memory. We went down to the sea front where the wind made standing still difficult and stung our faces numb.

James and Carole braving the icy north sea gale.

We are now awaiting Edward as he tries to get from snowbound Sheffield (flakes the size a half crown).

You may remember I mentioned the pub in Old Bolingbroke did not appear very welcoming, here a picture of the board outside the pub.

Surely the most encouraging notice to find outside a pub on a Monday evening when you are hungry and thirsty.

As I have not been able to photograph much today here is a picture of a window in the Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral.

Right, tomorrow is another day and I hope to post something of interest even if it is pictures of snowy landscapes.

Good night.

Day 8.

Still in Old Bolingbroke enjoying the quiet of the countryside except that we are close to RAF Coningsby so there are regular roaring jets in the distance.

James discovered his shoes had worn right through on the sole so we went to explore the retail opportunities afforded by Boston (Lincs), which is a sturdy market town with the remarkable 272 ft tower on St Botolphs church (Boston stump).

Boston stump.



After lunch we went to the Avro Lancaster museum where we were able examine sundry bits of bits of wreckage from crashed planes from WW II together withvacconts of the stories behind the various misfortunes that befell the planes. The highlight of the museum is a Lancaster bomber that is close to being air worthy and gives rides round the air field for a fee. To see and hear such a machine at close quarters is awesome and a little scary.

Lancaster bomber 'City of Sheffield' (just jane).

Whilst the stories of the planes and their crews are moving, tragic and at times inspiring tales of selfless bravery there is a vaguely unsettling air that armed conflict is noble and right with no hint that there is a futility and wilful waste of life to make up for the failures of those in power.

The weather tomorrow is forecast to be frightful so we may not go far.

Good night.

Day 7. Oh to be in England now that spring is here, lambs huddling for warmth against the wall, birds fighting against the wind to find a perch and daffodils as tightly furled as brolly in the hall. Undaunted by the sleet and wind we sallied forth armed only with our National Trust cards to sample the heritage of the area. Tattersall castle is unuaual in that although built in 1432 is of mainly brick construction and is more dwelling than fortress, it is also cheek by jowl with a very grand church and a row of charming alms houses (no tea room though). A selection of photos from Tattersall Castle. We then moved on to Gunby Hall which did have tea room and served parsnip cake which was surprisingly good, the flavour of parsnip was muted but did impart a certain vegetable earthiness. The hall was fascinating with lots of eager, friendly and informative volunteers sometimes two to a room (I think it was an induction day for new volunteers). The hall reflected a variety of influences and significant events in our history from the civil war onwards, one of the more interesting houses I have visited. Good night.

Day 6. The ride from Lincoln was a joy, although it was misty and foggy at first the ride along an old railway between the river and new cut gave it a surreal feel with water on both sides, a long straight track ahead and it all disappearing into a misty veil that gradually thinned ti pale sunshine. I saw and heard all sorts of birds including skylarks, various finches, grebes courting on the river, herons and many more. I have always argued that cycling up and down hills is more interesting and satisfying but when it comes to actually getting from one place to another cycling on the flat is wonderful, progress is gratifyingly rapid and the effort is manageable, none of that endless struggling up hill followed by a suicidal descent, no doubt I will come to look forward to a hill eventually. I am now in a delightful little cottage for afew days in the village of Old Bolingbroke which has a castle where Henry IV was born. The castle is now very ruinous but the village is rather quaint and randomly spread out, there is no shop and a pub that looks as welcoming as a workhouse, I shall try and post a picture of the sign outside the pub. James has come to join me for few days and he will take home some stuff I find I don't need to carry on the bike. Today we will find something interesting to do on a cold snowy March day in rural Lincolnshire. Still having problems with getting pics uploaded. Good night.

Day 5 (Supplemental). Breakfast was excellent this morning and the weather was docile this morning but drizzling this afternoon. I found a first rate sweet shop on the imaginatively named 'Steep Hill' that sold all manner of old style stuff like'Bull's Eyes' and 'Scented Satins'. This evening enjoyed a very good quattro formagio pizza then went to The Commercial pub and had a go in their quiz. Ifound myself at a table amid a quiz team so had to move to another table and joined a charming young lady who was able to help with some of the questions I didn't know the answers to and astonishingly we won £20 by coming first. I shall keep a look out for quizzes as I travel there might be chance of subsidising my trip in this manner. Good night.

Day 5      Lincoln.  I do enjoy looking round new places and although there are similarities with other cathedral cities like York and Durham, each has it's own distinctive identity. Lincoln has it's own selection of delights first stop the Museum of Lincolnshire life which was well set out with worrying number of artifacts that I remember being in use. I then enjoyed a coffee and muffin (double chocolate) at a lovely shop dedicated to selling clothes and goods relating to Tibet (Lincs2tibet) and had chat with the interesting staff and customers.
I have also visited the Usher gallery and museum that contain some fascinating exhibits and artifacts including a bronze shield from 3 b.c. recovered from the river Whitham.
 .

Picture catch up.

Ready for off (does this remind you of that poster of James Dean in Rebel without a cause or perhaps of Bradley Wiggins ?).

Lincoln Cathedral at night in heavy snow.

One of those old style windmills that no one objects to even though they produce no electricity

Day 4 To be fair the weather when I left Sheffield this morning was quite nice, even had glimpse of sun and for a while I pedalled along happily listening to the birds including some skylarks (the first I have heard this year). However, from 11.30 onwards it was waterproofs on and steadily deteriorating conditions gentle rain became heavy rainand later proper snow. It was miserable cycling weather but at least it spurred me on to find food and warmth so did the 46 miles to Lincoln in 5 hours. The bed and breakfast place ( 202 Guesthouse) seems very nice and comfortable, I will let you know if the breakfast is good or not. After getting washed, warmed and changed went out in heavy snow to view the sights, the cathedral is stunning the effect enhanced by the fact it is on top of ahill and it dominates the city. There was an organ recital on and I just caught the end of that before having quick look round the splendid interior. When I came out the floodlit cathedral looked magnificent with the snow catching the light all around it. Unfortunately I am again having problems uploadingphotos to the blog so will do a catch up page later. I was very hungry and happened upon a 'walkabout' that did a special offer that I couldn't resist with lots of calories and glass of wine. Tomorrow I shall hope for better weather so I can explore the city without getting soaked again. Good night.

Rochdale canal.

Picture catch up. I think the glitch is over.

Tunnel on the Trans Pennine Trail.

View from bedroom window this morning.

Ready for off.

Day 3 Woke up this morning refreshed and ready for the relatively short ride to my Brother's home in Sheffield via the Trans Pennine Trail through Wharncliffe and Grenoside woods, down Hillsborough and past the magnificent stadium of Sheffield Wednesday. I was delighted to find the routes for cyclists were well signed and with long stretches off road and not as hilly asI expected. I stopped for a chip butty at Handsworth Fish Bar which was most welcome and tasty. I then went in search of my old infant school only to discover it has been long demolished and now stands as an empty site awaiting development. I did pass the house I was born in and took a picture that I will post when I have resolved the technical issues with this device. Tomorrow to Lincoln. Good night.

Day 2 I make no apology for not having posted yesterday, I was too busy being royally fed and entertained by my cousin and his wife at their splendidchome north of Sheffield. We had 25 years of news to catch up on and much talking was done as we rolled back the years, it was a lovely evening after a long day in the saddle. My day had started with breakfast at the B+B in Hebden Bridge and a ride along the Rochdale canal towpath to Elland and then up a big steep hill to Ainley top where I crossed the M62 then down into Huddersfield. (I have been trying to add a pic here but this device is not cooperating). I had my first incident as I came into Huddersfield when I caught a kerb and came off my bike but without any serious damage to me or the bike. My waterproof trousers and panniers suffered most and I think new trousers will be required. The journey onward along the A629 was frankly torturous a seemingly endless climb up to High Flatts where I made a short detour to view the Quaker Meeting House, but it is not the most photogenic building and the cobbles were very slippery. Talking of cobbles, why are so many bits of cobbled surface preserved? There was a time when cobbles were a great improvement on muddy paths but they are uncomfortable to ride over and lethal when wet and sloping there much better ways of creating a firm surface and there are plenty of places where cobbles can be preserved away from cycle tracks and towpaths. I called on my old friends Simon and Chris and enjoyed a chat and cup of tea before continuing on to Penistone where I came upon the Art House cafe and had a delicious fresh crumbly scone with jam and cream. Here I joined the Trans Pennine trail which follows an old railway line and creates an ideal habitat for cyclists and horse riders (if you ever need any fresh horse dung this trail is the place to come). I arrived at my cousin's home about 6 and after a lovely evening slept very well.4

Day one
Well here I am in Hebden Bridge having cycled 44 miles to get here. I stopped off at Ashfield in Skipton(my erstwhile place of employment) which surprised them as thought I had alreadycset off. It was great to everyone and the improvements made.

Why is it that uphill bits are long and arduous and the downhill bits are short and terrifyingly steep? I made three long ascents two of which reached 390 metres and three vertiginous descents that really tested the brakes. Went over some bleak, snowy terrain between Colne and Hebden Bridge.

The long and winding road to Hebden Bridge.

Having booked in to my B+B I showered and changed and am now enjoying a bargain threecourse meal for £5 (tea time special) at the White Swan.

An evening stroll and an early night methinks

Heysham. Not just the home of a nuclear power station and the departure point of the Isle of Man ferry but also a very ancient place with an interesting, but spookily deserted, old village centre with a charming old church.
It was here at Heysham that I was yesterday instead of posting on this blog. I went over to Lancaster to buy some last things for my trip before meeting my friend Ruth for a trip to Heysham Head and a lovely meal at the Gregson.

St Peter's church Heysham

St Patrick's chapel, ah bitter chill it was and the fingers froze to the Samsung note as the sun set. Heading towards Lancaster the last of the daylight reflected off the distant Ingleborough giving it an ethereal glow against the darkening sky.

Sunset behind the stone graves at St Patrick's chapel, Heysham.

On my way home this morning the snow covered Ingleborough looked splendid against the blue, cloud speckled sky.

Ingleborough clothed in white and veiled with cloud.

I have spent much of today packing my panniers and so far I am finding space for most of what I intend to take with me, I understand that at the end of the first day of pedalling I will discover many things are not essential and can be discarded to lighten the load, we shall see.

So, tomorrow is the day I set off, I just hope my preparation has been sufficient to see me through and my next post will be from Hebden Bridge.

Good night.



OK, the plan is to set off on Thursday.
Today is Monday, it is very cold with a stiff easterly wind and it is snowing. This does not make me happy.
However, I am a Yorkshireman and a bit of a cold head wind and snowy weather is not going to stop me, it will just take longer.

I have just spent a splendid weekend in the Lake District with a group of Quakers from Keighley, Skipton and Settle renewing old acquaintances and meeting new ones, despite low cloud and snow showers we got out for a good walk on Saturday round Grasmere taking in Alcock Tarn, Rydal, Loughrigg Fell and Silver Howe.

Descent from Alcock Tarn towards Grasmere.

Quarry cave at Rydal.

View towards Seat Sandal and Grizedale Hause.
On our return we went to the Harts Head to make use of the vouchers we won last week at the quiz and enjoyed a very fine meal, they really do some excellent food and serve good sized portions with good but not over fussy presentation and reasonable prices. Afterwards we had another go at the quiz and won two more vouchers, does our good fortune never end!

I am now off to collect my bike after it's latest work of new sprocket set and chain.

The sun is now shining, things are looking up.

I am a trusting soul so when the weather forecaster said today would be wet I took them at their word.
To be fair it was raining first thing, I could hear the drops hitting the conservatory roof (when it is hail you can't hear anything else), so I prepared for today's ride by donning full waterproofs and leaving my glasses behind. By the time I reached Rathmell it wasn't even drizzling and although it remained very grey and overcast only puddles and spray from passing vehicles wet me.

I had my device attached today that records my speed and distance and I reached 30.2 mph on the descent to the bridge over the Ribble at Paythorne although only managed 5.1 mph up the other side. My rule will be if my cycling speed drops below 4 mph I get off and push.

I continued on to Barnoldswick and passed the Rolls Royce factory before stopping to admire Greenber Field locks on the Leeds - Liverpool canal. In summer this is a popular place often with several brightly painted canal boats waiting to get through the locks, today it looked rather dismal.

Imagine the sunshine and the boats.

I stopped at the shop in West Marton, there can be few places as small as West Marton that have such a friendly and well stocked shop, if you are passing on the A59 it is well worth a look.

On to Hellifield to get some potted meat (best I have ever found) from the butchers there as my youngest son is coming home today and he very fond of their potted meat.

I achieved a speed of 31.5 mph on a downhill bit on the way home and on arriving home had completed exactly 30 miles in 2 hours 45 minutes, I was happy with that.

I have had to take the bike to the bike shop as the sprocket set and chain need replacing so better to do it now before I set off.

There will now be a break in these posts. Be back on Monday.

Good night, have a nice weekend, I know I will.

The misty North East.
I have just spent 36 hours on a trip to the North East of England visiting Beamish Museum and my sister in Blyth leaving the bike at home.

It was misty all the time so did not see the area at it's best but still got to see some of the area's interesting bits. The Angel of the North is big but stands on only a little lump so is not as imposing a sight as I had imagined. If you are ever tempted to visit it be warned, the Angel is all there is, no extensive landscaped parkland with visitor centre, cafe and picnic area, just a car park, a grassy mound with paths, benches and a huge iron angel. Gatehead Council have cunningly arranged that access to the Angel is from a dual carriageway that forces you a mile into Gateshead before you can turn round and get back on the A1, I guess the idea is to get more visitors into the town.

Me and the Angel of the North (OK so it wasn't misty here).

Then on to Beamish, an open air musuem of life in a pit village of the early 20th Century with shops, houses, trams and trains, a good place for a day out with enjoyable learning.

How did the stage coach end up burned out in the middle of a pond at Beamish. Could be a good story.

Had a quick muddy visit to Causey Arch a soaring single arched railway bridge remarkable for having been built for horse drawn trucks in 1725 by a local stone mason who had to learn about the construction from Roman structures.

Causey Arch and muddy path.

Spent a relaxing evening with my sister in Blyth (many thanks for the B+B, J) before setting off home via the 'Spanish City' (currently undergoing redevelopment) in Whitley Bay. The sea at Whitley Bay was grey and merged into the mist, it was cold and the sea air was bracing but you could imagine on a fine summer day that it would be a most agreeable place to be.

By way of the Tyne Tunnel and the A1 to Richmond a most charming town with a splendid castle, remarkable Georgian Theatre, large market square, a maze of cobbled streets, courtyards and squares all perched above the river Swale, a town well worth a visit.

Over into cold and misty Wensleydale, through Leybun, Wensley, Aysgarth and Hawes to be home in time for tea.

Tomorrow, back on two wheels.

Good night.



Many years ago, I think 1974 or 5, I was a passenger in an old 650cc mini, one of five passengers, plus the driver (Ian), following my Dad's bright orange transit van (DIY converted to a camper van) up the very steep hill out of Langcliffe heading towars Malham. On one of the very steep corners my Dad almost stopped to go into first gear causing Ian to actually come to a halt. Lacking syncromesh on first gear Ian had to do a hill start in a dangerously overloaded and underpowered car on a 1:5 hill, it took much revving of engine, alrming smell of burning clutch and unchartiable comments about my Dad's driving but we made it up the hill and eventually to Malham Tarn where I remember going out in a boat and Dad actually swimming in the tarn.

Today I cycled round via Stackhouse, Stainforth, Sannat Hall and Cowside which brought me to the top of Langcliffe Brow. It is an alarmingly steep hill to go down on a bicycle with some very twisty corners and aimlessly wandering sheep to negotiate, good brakes are essential to get to the bottom alive and as you will deduce I had such brakes. Just as I reached the bottom I passed another cyclist heading up the way, 'it's easier this way' calls I in a cheery manner tinged with relief, he just gave me a withering, pitying look, I must learn to keep my mouth shut.

James and I did well at the quiz last night after weeks of not winning anything we managed to win 3 rounds so a cheap meal out for 4 people is now on the cards.

Two days rest now, will report again on Wednesday evening.

Good night.

Today was probably my last Hockey of the season as I am away next weekend and I will setting off on my cycle trip the week after. We had a very good even game despite some discussions about the rules. It is a great pleasure to play with such a diverse group of ages and abilities, it is wonderfully inclusive and supportive and is gratifying to see new people coming along and learning fast and others coming back after years away.

This afternoon spent some time fitting a device to my bike that will record my speed and distance travelled but this did mean my total distance travelled by bicycle today is 0.2 mile. However, here is another pic from yesterday taken from Bowland Knotts.

Bowland Knotts looking south with Pendle Hill in far distance

Tonight the quiz, we will win another meal voucher if we keep trying.

Good night.