...last missive of mine may have implied a stop at Penrith ... that's WAY south of where we are!

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From Rob's handlebars

Over half way now. Nearly in Scotland. Wet and cold, wore waterproof trousers for first time. Two punctures and a broken pump. Off to bike shop tomorrow. Shap was not as bad as I was led to believe.
Lapwings, oystercatcher, skylark, meadow pippits, a bramling and I think an osprey!

Sent from the Mercian's handlebars by Jon

We cycled on the central reservation of the M6 today (legally) - anyone know how we did it? E-mail your answer to me at the usual address (sorry, no prizes available! - answer will be announced later in the week)

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From Rob's handlebars

400 miles and we've crossed the M62 - still almost direct headwind, but no rain.

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From Rob's handlebars

At last the weather is coming to our side; the wind backing to the west.

I had an incident with a white van. Two shaven-headed men drew alongside and said "Hey pal!"
Here we go I thought one put his arm out of the van and said, "Here you go mate, keep going!"
And promptly gave me a

Jon's message abou the white van may have been truncated ...they gave him a fiver for our charity collection.

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From Rob's handlebars

80 miles into the wind (or at best across it) but fairly flat/rolling in the afternoon.
Dinner at a CHINESE restaurant ...purely through lack of choice in walking distance of the B&B - semi-European food available too so I was OK, phew!
Shap Fell tomorrow and some other climbs too.
Falling asl zzzzzzzzzzzz
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From Rob's handlebars

At Ludlow for coffee & large cake. Still headwind but less strong.
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From Rob's handlebars