Day 6. Friday 2 July 41 miles 11.8 Ave. 690m ascent. The last day or our riding with a little drama to add to our memories of a typical Dugdale tour. First of all we went for breakfast at 8am only to find we should have previously booked a table and the next sitting was 9.30. After some irritable discussions we arranged for our money back and sped off along the cycleway through Lancaster to Glasson Dock where we had bacon/ egg buns and hot drinks ( eventually) out in the sun which had just arrived. I think we created chaos by arriving so early with such a big order. The kind cafe owner (Lantern O Lune) kindly let us use his toilet, even though we didn’t buy from him as he opened later. This was ... read more

Day4 49 miles. 10.7mph Ave 1230m ascent. Another bright day in Kendal and a short ride to Weatherspoons for breakfast. Not sure if it was a good idea as we were the first in at 8am but ther had already run out of bread and had only one portion of porridge, come on Mr Martin get it together. A stop at Wheelbase in Staveley was followed by a brew at the cafe nearby before taking the cycleway alongside the A591 road into Windermere. The most amazing road was the next one to Black Moss which winds its way up the hill with several gates and has grass in the centre. A fast descent to the ferry to be carried across Coniston Lake ready to tackle the climbs through Cunsey Wood and on up to Grizedale for ... read more

53 Miles. 12.7 MPH. 880 ascent The Mango Tree Indian Restaurant last night can be recommended. A great stay at the Jolly Farmer with a very luxurious breakfast before heading south along Mallerstang. First stop was the 13th century Pendragon ruined Castle before heading along to Sedbergh for a brew. Unfortunately the cafes were closed so we had to do a takeaway and sit in the street. Some narrow lanes to Kirkby Lonsdale in brilliant sunshine until we came across a Road Closed sign, which we ignored.as usual. Why are cyclists like this? Eventually we came across a big gap In the road where a new culvert was being installed with no chance of passing. A detour through the field across a wooden bridge got us safely past and confirmed my reputation for taking people off ... read more

Lakes and Dales 2021. Day 1 27 June 51 miles. 10.4 MPH Ave. 1330 ascent Well! Here we are again on our first adventure this year following the horrendous world wide bout of COVID 19 coronovirus which has brought the world to its knees. The UK has been under restrictions since March 2020 with limits on mixing and travel both within the UK and abroad. Restrictions still apply but we can go to hotels if we don’t mix too much and mask wearing obligatory inside communal areas, so off we go. Several cyclists arrived in Clitheroe yesterday and went out for a meal together at Holmes Mill joining the throng of people finally released from purgatory. Luckily the weather forecast for the week is good, with no rain and temperatures up to 20 degrees C. Whilst ... read more

GOR Day 19 Melbourne Day off today in Melbourne city. The second time up the Eureka Tower and just as good as the first time with brilliant views on a cloudless day of all the surrounding buildings, river Yarra and the coast. A cruise ship was in the harbour along with the Spirit of Tasmania ready for its evening departure to one of my favourite places. Next was a visit to the Botanical Gardens but were waylaid by the amazing building that is the Shrine of Remembrance. It is like a labrynth inside with excellent exhibits of all the conflicts involving the Australian forces. I would recommend a visit to this by anyone. The Botanical Gardens are also a must see with the extensive variety of plants and trees including the inevitable bird life. We saw ... read more