Over half way!!

My personal nemesis of Kirkstone Pass started today's Stage 5. I had read so much about this 20% climb in the Lake District and was dreading it, having visions of grinding to a complete halt, not being able to unclip from the pedals and simply falling off, eventhough this is a move that I have practised several times on our training rides! Straight out of basecamp and onto the hill, it was a slow grind but we both made it! The picture shows David arriving at the crest and the picture does not show the steepness or length......believe me!

A small crowd of ride supporters had gathered at the top and I have to admit to feeling a little emotional as they cheered and clapped us all over the summit.
Beyond that the ride was fairly straight forward through Lake District, Lythe Valley, Heversham, where we had to sneak off route for us to look at David's old school, onto Lancashire through Bolton and into Cheshire where tonight's base camp is near Dunham Massey.

It's great to get the odd cheer and clap but special mention must go to some junior schools that have come out at the pit stops and screamed and cheered us all in. A real boost!

We both felt more tired today, we think from the cumulative effect of 5 days cycling rather than today's route but 25 miles out we hooked up with a group who got us back into a rythym and we eventually finished quite strongly getting into camp at about 5. Fluids and shower then a beer in the chill out tent whilst catching up on the rest of the world with the complimentary Telegraph!

After our meal, Paul Dickenson (the TV athletics commentator) chaired a discussion with some of the Paralympicsgb cycling team which was very interesting and entertaining.

Another early night beckons but what a fantastic way to spend a week! (now that it has stopped raining!!)

Today's ride - 114 miles, 7 hrs 59 mins cycling, 14.2 mph average

Ride to date - 577 miles, 40 hrs 08 mins cycling
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