half way there-Widnes to near Morcambe

Well what an exciting day!

It all started last night when we met the lovely Jackie who worked at the Widnes Travelodge. She let the boys use a spare room to lock their bikes in and gave them a bottle of dove bubble bath to help them relax. She was there in the morning too, and signed the LEJOG form and asked lots about the charity. She then reached for her purse and donated £20-which was about 4 hours of her wages no doubt so really really kind. Humans are great!

Then the yoghurt exploded over the cool box so we had to have energy bars for breakfast. Following this, the boys revealed some news about the previous days ride. It appears that there was a storage potato phenomenon occurring a various points in the many county cycle. On more than one occasion, they saw potatoes at junctions. Just sitting at junctions. But these junctions were miles apart sometimes in different counties. This must be a sign. Any clues?

Potatoes aside the ride went well and neither I nor the lads had any punctures-which must be a record. We met just outside Preston for lunch and since we were in Lancashire Mike went for the hot pot. Joe opted for a giant burger and I had soup. After stuffing their faces they cycled into the distance looking like what can only be described as cycling sumo wrestlers in lycra bib shorts. Not a good look.

I drove onto the campsite to be taunted by interfering chickens that kept sitting on the tent and trying to get cuddles. There was also a cow doing chicken impressions but this only occurred when I was alone which makes it look like I am mad. I am not mad. The cow was making chicken noises. I couldn't put the tent due to wind so had to wait for the lads who cycled 4 miles past the campsite and had to come back. I ended up lying like a starfish across the half floating tent waiting for their return while talking to the chicken. Not a good first impression. Still not on speaking terms with the neighbours.

Bum skin intact, Sudocrem a god send. Michael has made friends with the chickens who now keep trying to get into the tent to eat the olives.

In other news-

There was more head wind today and the cycle was very gusty. As was Michael, who has come to realise his wind is all down to pre hill apprehension. This is his diagnosis. Not a good sign for Joe as the biggest longest steepest hill is coming up tomorrow.

Joe has lost his phone. We hope it turns up.
Relationship between Joe and his bike: Good
Relationship between Martha and the tent: vile.

Apologies for another  late blog. I have to go shoo the chickens....a tired but happy Martha.

Oh and I saw a horse stuck in a hole.