We set off and headed along the A6 rolling along a very flat section of Lancashire passing through Lancaster and alongside Morcombe Bay. We were taking things very easy as we knew that we had a big climb to tackle after 45 miles or so.
After drinks in a beautiful lay-by we set off to tackle the famous Shap Climb.
We passed through Kendal which was bedecked with flowers and then started to climb.
Very much like Exmoor it was everyone for themself so we soon started to spread out. I was cycling with another rider and we quickly got into a good rhythm. We were chatting away and after about a mile or so of the 6/7 mile climb we began to wonder why we seemed to zipping along at 11mph and feared we would round a bend and face a wall but that never happened and despite all our fears we shot up the climb and after 50 mins we reached the summit.
After the summit we got wrapped up for the 8 make descent to lunch and just shot down the hill topping 30mph for several miles.
I met Mark at lunch and he had much the same view as I and didn't think it was too tough. However we were very lucky with the weather so I guess on another day it could be very difficult.
After lunch was a scenic ride into Penrith where we passed the 500 mile/ half way point and then after a brief climb we shot wind assisted into Carlisle and to the hotel.
Today's Stats. 91 miles
Tomorrow we enter Scotland
Onwards and upwards!!
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