Tuesday 5 June 2012

Miles: 105

A few days ago we were discussing what muscles are used for cycling up hills.  Using the glutes seemed to be a GOOD-THING!  After a few days of cycling up a few hills and spending the time isolating various muscle groups to see which are being used, I can say that when I cycle up hills, I use my legs!  And my arms, shoulders, stomach, back, hands and any other part of my body that I have not mentioned!

Today was a bit of a test of our cycle fitness.  We started cycling through the residential conurbations of Warrington, Wigan, and Preston.  The public holiday Tuesday was the best day we could have chosen to do this as the roads were almost deserted.  Tea was at Moorpark in Preston, again a good day for this stop as yesterday there has been a Caribbean Carnival yesterday.

Our lunch stop had to be rescheduled due to an uncooperative pub owner, but Harry’s mum lived just beyond Lancaster, so we took a short detour to see her, crossing over the Lancaster canal several times before meeting the van to have lunch.  We then went to Morecambe and cycled round the bay rather than stay on the A6.  Rejoining the A6 we continued on in ever-worsening weather to then take a minor road and go up some of the steepest roads we have seen to tea where we all gathered under the awning to try and keep dry.

There was a descent on a poorly surfaced road through 4 gates and then on a cycle path to Windermere.  After wiping my glasses…..again, we took on some “fuel” and started up the A592, the last hill of the day, the Kirkstone Pass, all 4 miles of it rising to 1500ft.  It took me (only) 45 minutes and then there was the descent down the other side to Glenridding.  The track to the Youth Hostel was partly cement tracks and partly rough road.  Some of us rode it, some walked and some got a lift in the bus.  It was a long but enjoyable day, but dinner was at 9pm, followed immediately by a shower and bed.