SHAP "our biggest hill yet"

With Nigel and Neil in tow today, we had another early start...well for some. It was rumoured that Tim didn't make it to breakfast this morning, after many speculations, which I won't write down, it would appear that Tim enjoyed his sleep too much! So with 4 of the 5 fully fed and ready for action we set up of Lancaster heading for Carlisle.

Today was meant was meant to be a very pleasant trip, and Nigel kept talking about this Shap Pass, we decided to keep this simple and stayed on the A6 all day. We set off from the hotel in dry weather, and Nigel upped our pace straight away within 2 hours we were at Kendal. Just before Kendal the heavens opened...we were soaked! Now it is unlike Nigel to suggest a break, however being in Kendal we had to stop for some Kendal mint cake! Nigel picked a greasy spoon cafe in the centre of Kendal and we pulled over to enjoy a coffee, kendal mint cake, a bannana and some of mums home made flapjack! With all our shoes, gloves and socks on the blowers of the van trying to dry out! The rain slightly slowed down, so we put on some clean, dry socks and headed back out. Within minutes the rain got heavier, and we were soaked! This was the point when we headed on Shaps Pass, and there was no way Nigel was stopping before Penrith.

To put this into perspective, if there is a big hill Frank and I would normally stop and the top, enjoy some water and a cigarette and then continue. However with Nigel, there is no way this was going to happen. So Shaps pass, runs round the outskirts of the lake district, the sun was no where to be seen, the hills were endless, and the rain was in our faces with very strong cross winds!

We thought we had seen big hills in the big dipper, Shaps pass is in a different league, in a car or motorbike I am sure they are fantastic, on a bike in the rain, not so much fun! We had so clever gadgets with us today, and Neil told us we ascended 400m (thats a lot!) With every hill, there was a downhill, and then another hill! and remember we were not allowed to stop! The scenery we did see looked fantastic but unfortunately the clouds covered the view a bit.

As Shaps went on Nigel and Neil shot off, leaving Frank and I in the spray! as we neared the end of Shaps pass, we saw the site that we always look forward to seeing, Barry in his van. However this time, (bribed by Nigel we think) he waved us on, and wouldn't let us stop, a couple more corners and we had caught up with Nigel and Neil, now Frank and I think he wanted a rest, however he will say he had a puncture! A quick repair and we were off again, heading into Penrith!

We stopped in Penrith and enjoyed a quick Tesco's lunch, before heading off again. It was now only 19 miles to Carlisle, the weather was dry, and the last 19 miles was a great ride! We cruised out of the Lake District and into Carlisle straight to our hotel door!

What a day! Tomorrow we head over to Cumnock, another 80 mile day! we will be heading out of England and into Scotland.

Incidents:
Nigel - 1 puncture
Tim - 2 Chains
Frank - Cold bond keeping the water in!!!

Distance Covered:
69 miles today (525 miles total)
Van total 1050 miles!!

Height covered
400 m