Day 4, Tuesday 20th June 2000
The sun ain't gonna shine...
After our brekkie (Dave still avoiding the bacon and eggs) we went
outside to find a very light drizzle. We used the pannier covers for the
first time.
Our legs were heavy after 3 days of punishment and it took us 30 miles
before we felt on top of the job. We made good time to Warrington, a
hole of a place, where I phoned my father.
More Expert Local Knowledge
He lives in Bolton and suggested the Railway Tavern at Euxton (a small
place between Chorley and Preston) would be a good place to meet for
lunch.
We got to Euxton at 2:40 and as we headed down the main street the old
man's car came into view. Mother was scowling and making "its his
fault" gestures. What had he done now?
"They have stopped serving food at the pub".
This left us with a quandary. We were starving but could hardly plough
on without even a chat with my folks. We chinwagged over a couple of
drinks then they left.
The search for food was now on. McDonalds are kind enough to identify
their establishments with huge, some may say, vulgar yellow Ms. When you
are famished these signs are bordering on high art. Just outside
Preston we saw the yellow M and within minutes Dave was at the counter
ordering the goods while I sat outside guarding the bikes.
We satisfied our cravings and then packed up ready to leave. Dave
realised he had left his gloves on the counter when he bought the burgers.
He returned to the store and as he came back out he was empty handed
with a dark expression of contempt.
"The one who nicked them has gone off duty now!, you were right these
northerners will steal anything that is not nailed down"
One last check of his bar bag before we went led to a surprising
discovery. His gloves.
How the thieving northerner got them into his bar bag without me
noticing we shall never know.
On to Lancaster
The road was kind, the rain stayed away and the wind was not against us
all these things helped us to the best average speed so far (see
stats).
The Scarthwaite at Caton is a peculiar hotel in the middle of a large
caravan site.We arrived in time to shower, watch the England game and
eat without having to rush.
The lone Scot in the corner of the bar was trying to pick a fight by
demeaning England's football status and claiming that Scotland was the
powerhouse behind the British economy. Methinks he had read a few too
many SDP pamphlets.
Stats
Dave 103.37 miles 6hrs 47mins 15.2mph Average 31.5mph Max
Will 101.48 miles 6hrs 41mins 15.1mph average 33.6mph max