Day 8: Warrington to Craven Arms, Ludlow - 129k and great progress today

What a refreshing change of a day to the dual carriage ways of yesterday. Yey!

We headed off in search of breakfast after a much needed luxury sleep in comfy beds and clean sheets. GH had two punctures along the way and ended up in the bike shop, but all came good after the bike man took the thorn out of his wheel! We then met these wonderful supporters waiting for us on the pavement...!

Ben and Jake Downie from SJB and their lovely Nana were waiting from 8 o'clock this morning with specially made banners to wave us through. What a boost! We couldn't believe it. What a gorgeous surprise. Thank you so much boys! 

Then we raced round country lanes enjoying the freedom away from the traffic gaining distance south. We were flying! It felt good to have the quiet roads to ourselves and see the rolling hills of the midlands unfold around us. Green hedges and open space allowed us to form the cycle train and tuck in behind each other to gain speed, momentum and effective drafting to lunch stop 55k in.

The girls headed off to fix Sam's bike and tackle the stinking laundry pile - thank you so much for washing our pants, sweat kit, lycra and more!

 

Lunch was a welcome break from the rain and wonderful to see Dan Newman reuniting with his family. The Newmans gave us a real boost and friendly smiles, then Dan's twin girls cycled with us the rest of the way today (30miles up hill and down dale). Great to have you with us girls! They beat us on mountain bikes without cleats!!! That's youth and fresh legs for you.

 

We all navigated and managed through the lanes - apart from Damien who went awol and added an extra 5k for himself. Others are just nursing bruises...

 

Elsich Barn campsite was a very welcome sight (though it was an uphill entrance - error!). And a welcome party: Becky's fiancé, Nick; Emily's dad and stepmum; Tom's friend Emily, and Ruth and Mike Egan (our chair of Governors). So great to see friendly faces. Ev, Kate and Faith were handing round home made sausage rolls from Marlene Shelton and chocolate from Michele Harrison for all.

Tents went up for the hardy campers while others ducked out to the Travelodge. A clean bed and space to stretch is a priority right now.

We're currently settled in for pub grub and savouring the rest before tomorrow. Catching pub wifi to write the blog before heading back to the tent. 

                                

Thank you everyone for all your support and followings. We are so close to our target! 29k and counting..... 

Day 8 done. 4 more to go!