Clun to Runcorn

 June 15th

Clun is a tinyplace half the size of Freuchie but it had three pubs and two cafes and The White Horse Inn was the largest and most lively. There were 14 bikes parked in the garage (including my trusty, now, steed) there was a group of eight guys of about my age, but fat and unfit, who went off twice a year for a cycle tour ( and a food and drink extravaganza) I couldn't believe it when they ordered starters and mains and then puddings and when I went to bed they were set fair for the night with an array of wine and beer. Apparently the very accommodating landlord had eventually sent them off to bed telling them that he had to be up to serve breakfast.

I met them again at breakfast. Of the eight, four were going to be in the "support vehicle" for the day while the other four would cycle 20 miles or so. They were very interested in my venture and wished me well without adding to my total! They did keep me amused at breakfast with tales of past trips. "How would you like your steak sir, medium?" No I would prefer it to be large! boom, boom!

Shrewsbury

I eventually set off at 9.00 having been up and ready to roll at 07.30. The first two hours were difficult and up, climbing to 320m above sea level before descending through the Hope Valley Nature reserve. The remaining 70 miles were predominantly flat but needed constant navigation for the major routes were heading East to West and I was routed on country lanes heading North. The lanes were quiet and I didn't meet a soul until around 2pm when I arrived at the village of Hanmer and met Des a local worthy who was out on his electric bike for a little 15 mile circuit. 

Des

He was astounded when I told him where I had come from and my ultimate destination. He offered me cash for the Samaritans but I encouraged him to donate online. We chatted for at least 15 minutes. He kept asking questions and saying how fantastic my trip was. Quite a pick me up on a long day. At the time I wasn't sure if I was in Wales or England so I was treading carefully but Des was over the moon that England had lost 4-0 last evening and told me that he was a native Welsh speaker. End of doubt.

I had started the day in Wales then crossed into England, Shropshire, then back into Wales Wrexham county and finally back into England Cheshire. There were no signs. No "You are now entering Wales" but you could tell because the painted signs on the road in England said "SLOW" and in Wales "ARAF" and "SLOW"

The end of the day was the worst because I was riding along the busy A56. The wind which had not been noticeable all day picked up in my face and it started to blow through rain. It had become a race to get to the Premier Inn in Runcorn before the rain. I won. The Premier Inn in runcorn is huge. They have built a complete new three storey wing ( which is where I am comfortably installed for the night.) The motorway is very close but the triple glazing is doing its job and I look forward to a sound sleep ( or I may take them up on their sleep guarantee)

Church at Bellesfield

Although today was the longest leg so far, it had the least climbing and was therefor probably the easiest stage so far. I am tired tonight but not exhausted. My legs have got 640 kms in them and hopefully close to another 1000 kms left to come.