We were joined by Martin's friends Sam Clifford (unfairly young and indecently fit) and Simon Kent (closer to our age and taking that into account, similarly indecently fit - it was Simon who had kindly given us the lift to and from the Brewery last night).
By the way, the above photo has me at the front of the pack for the only time in the day, with normal service being resumed once we had set off, although, to be fair, much of the time we we also riding as pairs, giving me the opportunity to chat (when I wasn't out of breath) with both Sam and Simon.
Simon's wife Annie also arrived to pick up the kit we didn't need during the day, which she would return to us that evening, when she met us to take Simon home.
We set off at a very civilised 11am - almost certainly the latest start we will have on a full cycling day and left Kendal to do the long climb up to Shap Summit, which wasn't as bad as I had feared. Shap of course (as did Kendal) used to be on the main western route up to Scotland before the building of the M6 and a pig of a journey it must have been, particularly in bad weather. We stopped at the summit for a photo at the memorial to everyone who used the road, maintained it and provided shelter to travellers over the years.
When settling up, I got chatting to the owner Derek about what we were doing and he very kindly made a donation, which was very much appreciated. All in all, an excellent place (and I'm not just saying that because of Derek's generosity!)
A really pleasant afternoon's cycling followed across the high countryside to the north east of the Lake District, with Sam leaving mid-afternoon to try to catch the train south from Penrith as he had a cycling event in the evening!
Simon, Martin and I arrived in Hallbankgate just after 6.30pm where we met Simon's wife Annie, plus Rob and Joyce who lived opposite in Kendal when I was having my medical problems in the 1990s. They were on their way back from a wedding in Poland and were heading home having landed at Prestwick in the afternoon and had wanted to see us en route - as ever it was much appreciated that people should go out of their way to see us.
Martin and I were left to have our quiet pub meal - apparently there was football on the television in the main bar, but nothing of interest! Afterwards it was back to our excellent b&b for a really good night's sleep with, hopefully a not too taxing day tomorrow.
Day's stat (note there is never any reference to average mph or similar - we're not stupid!) - 55 miles (bang on the estimate), making a total of 655 covered and less than 450 (estimated!) to do. We're getting there!
