Stage 1 Complete

Long 1st Stage is now done and they stopped at the Horseshoes for a tea-break.

They've had a tail wind and the next stage looks more down than up.

They'll meet up with the van at Picton near Chester for lunch and then push on to Liverpool, the ferry across the Mersey and then Southport.

They've just arrived at 2:30pm.

1 hour 40 mins for 25 miles.

JP

Who needs GPS?

Day 4 - Stage 1

Day 4 begins after a very pleasant night at Wilderhope Manor, an Elizabethan Manor and estate.

No TV, no phone, no Internet, no mobile signal........ great breakfast.

37 miles for Stage 1, they left at 9:00am so on to Tilstock for a tea break at about noon. All doing well and still no injuries.

They are burning 8,000-9,000 calories a day. (about 180 slices of bacon!)

It seems incredible that we'll be in Southport tonight!

JP

Day 3 Ends - Beautiful countryside

They finished at 8:05pm after a very long day just north of Ludlow. Everyone tired but healthly and happy.

The views on this stage have been breathtaking.

On now to the hostel, food and bed.

JP

Stage 3 - 5:15pm start - 3 Countries Today!

The boys have just moved off now heading for Ludlow. Should get there by 7:20-7:30pm then have a further short Stage of 7.7 miles. Everyone still in good shape and smiling.

It will be late so any kids calling to say Goodnight might not get an answer until they've finished.

3 Countries in one day, England now, Wales earlier and The West Country this morning. Still fine and dry with a light breeze.

JP

Cleats and Lunch

Can you spot the difference between old and new cleat?

Good lunch til 2:00pm. One of us has managed to have bacon for 9 meals straight........ can you guess who?

Stage 2 underway and should finish in 10 mins at 4:45pm. 25 + 8 miles to go. Could be a late one.......

Waiting in Hereford ASDA to grab a coffee and cake with the boys........ no bacon on sale at the cafe!

JP

PS. Clothes have dried, hooray!

Waiting in Llandogo

It's been a morning of unscheduled stops.

The boys stopped in Bristol for coffee with some friends so Stage 1 is now going to end at about 1:00pm.

I've been visiting bike shops in Bath to get some cleats for Clive as one of his has worn out meaning his foot is jumping out of the pedal. Pit stop to come.

Crossing into Wales it was raining but now fine and dry making Tintern Abbey look very beautiful. It'll be nice when the roof is finished.

Probably lunching at The Sloop Inn rather than pressing on with Stage 2 but we'll see how they are fairing.

JP