Lancaster to Chester 15 Sep 07

Sat 15 September. A restless night in the tent (maybe because we had been spoilt in comfy YHA beds). Paul threw us all into panic after informing us that he had lost his mobile phone that he had been charging it in the Bar the last night whilst we watched the Rugby. On visiting the proprietor of the Bar at 0659 the manager of the campsite pleaded innocent! to Paul’s disgust. 30 mins later Paul found his phone at the bottom of his sleeping bag. Off we set on a 67-mile leg only to stop within 5 mins literally!! Some heavy breaking at the front end of the line of cyclists and four of us managed to stop, man at the back (Dell “morale officer” Murray) didn’t and fell of to the amusement of the rest of the group.

Away again once the sniggering subsided and on for an early cup of tea 15 miles out from the campsite in a pub car park. Fully charged and ready to face the long drawn out ride for 20 miles along the A59, wind in our faces towards Ormskirk.

Marty opened the van door and out fell Ades cup which smashed to pieces on the car park other attempts to break this cup had failed and just resulted in de handling it, this rose the spirits of the team again.

Into Ormskirk town centre with our begging bowls and thank you to the kind residents for their generosity.

Onto the bikes we leapt and headed for the Mersey Ferry hampered in progress by the large police presence escorting Man United fans from the Everton ground. The sun shone and it was a good day to be a Man United fan (even if you are born near Luton, Mark!). We got to the Mersey ferry the team are bonding very well now maybe too close at times and we stopped for a photo opportunity outside the Liver building

Mark blagged us free passage onto the ferry and we collected money from the passengers; a captive audience.

From the ferry we stopped half distance to Chester in a Petrol Station for another sugary Tea. As we went to leave DISASTER struck Del set off but the Tea proved too strong for him and over he went in the forecourt a bad fall. Only this time it proved to be more serious and Del had to be taken to Liverpool accident and emergency for an X-Ray. Our worst fears were confirmed and Del has fractured his ankle. Arriving in Chester was a crestfallen day with the loss of one of the team. Get well soon Del you will be missed but it will be quiet without your snoring. Many thanks to the generosity of the people in Ormskirk, Liverpool, Chester and the ferry across the Mersey as today the team raised £350.

Miles done today: 67
Total Miles done: 560
Calories on the Tankieometer today: 4000
Fractures 1
Broken cups 1Monies Collected: £350