Day 6 report

Morning no.6 reflected the previous days endeavours and resulted in a later than normal start.

First, we were onto the bikes for a short 6mile ride down to Ambleside for the start of the 10mile Lake Windermere kayak. This section took 2.5hours and provided us with an opportunity to gather ourselves and our focus for the ride ahead. The conditions on the lake were favourable and the surroundings outstanding.

After the kayak we bid farewell to Yorkie's mum and dad and set off for the long final bike section of the day.

With the hills and climbs of the lakes disappearing behind us the ride was gathering a quick momentum and the miles fell away as we cycled along the A6 into Lancashire and through Lancaster, Preston and eventually Liverpool.
This part of the ride was entirely in built up areas and we faced the challenges of heavy traffic, lane selections, roundabouts, traffic lights, dual carriageways and hard shoulders.
Today really confirmed how lucky we are to live in area and town like Dartmouth and deep down we are all missing home and loved ones to some degree.

When we arrived in Liverpool we cycled into the city centre along the Scotswood Road and down toward the waterfront.
Initially we intended to get the ferry across the Mersey to Birkenhead but because of time and light had to take the train. An experience and we managed to turn quite a few heads.

Once on the south side we faced a fifteen mile ride in fading light to the campsite at Queensberry and this certainly proved a sprint finish to the day which we all seemed to enjoy.

We completed 102miles with a moving average of 13.2mph. On leaving the lakes, John posted a new top speed of 42.7mph but I am sure Phil will be keen to reclaim this honour.

Spirits remain good and we are starting to talk about the long miles over the coming last few days and the forecasted rain when we re-enter Devon and Cornwall.

Tomorrow we cycle away from the cities to Snowdonia for the climb of Snowdon.

Bye for now.


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