Well, day 5 has been hot! Our hottest temperature registered was 35 degrees . We left the hotel North of Shrewsbury at 8.30am this morning as we only had 75 miles to cover. It was muggy and overcast and thunder and lightning was forecast and I hoped to cycle quick enough to avoid it. We hadn’t been on the bikes for long when the sun broke through and it heated up quickly.

On leaving Harmer Hill, we very quickly happened upon Telford and then we were on the A49 heading North for most of the day! Today was a bit non descript, scenery wise as apart from about 15 to 20 miles this morning most cycling was done through towns.

Mid morning coffee was in a lay-by, 19 miles in this morning and came quick. Lunch was at 45 miles in a pub by the canal, The London Bridge and was it was lovely sitting outside as the canal boats went by.

Out afternoon stop was 23 miles away just before the town of Pincock and was on a large car park outside a huge bike shop! This was a huge hit as yesterday the chamois pad came out of my short cycling shorts and probably contributed towards my very sore lady parts! Anyhow I was keen to buy some new shorts as this weather is so good, but the shop didn’t seem to stock ladies. I spoke with the very nice man that was very keen to help and off he popped and came back with about 8 pairs of shorts. He very kindly gave me 2 pairs free of charge as they were last years stock! Do I care, no way! He then suggested I told the other ladies to come back in if they wanted some, so we were all happy!

We arrived in Preston about 5.30pm and have been able to chill out for a bit. After the long day yesterday it’s nice to have an easier one. The climbing was only just over 2000ft today so pretty easy although the legs were tired after yesterday.
Preston has not been the prettiest town I have been in but we have a night in the Holiday Inn for a wee change! It is however very nice to be moving up the country!
Day 6 here we come!