Land's End To John O'Groats, June 2005

2005-07-02 Leeds To Neasham

Leeds to Neasham (near Darlington)
65.06 miles in 5:16:12 (12.35 mph)
Total: 546.62 miles in 47:01:56 (11.62 mph)
Bought a lovely new squashy saddle and some haemorrhoid cream during yesterday's rest day (it's what the chemist advised, anyway!). And it's got steroids in it, so that should make things easier. Also bought a big tub of chamoix creme to put in my shorts. My bike is still making funny noises - never mind, I'll just have to put up with seven days of clunking up hills. Started up hilly Yorkshire countryside today in gloomy weather, but turned into hot sun again. Easy cycling except for the evil hill over Brimham Moor that I vowed to never go anywhere near after I went up it last time. Needless to say I forgot - how I missed all five chevrons on the map is beyond me. I managed to reach 43.5 mph today - bike rock steady now I've moved the meths to the back! New saddle is lovely, like fluffy clouds - albeit menthol filled ones thanks to the chamoix creme! Campsite ok, but local kids seem a bit dodgy, so might have to keep an eye on the bikes tonight!
Nick

Nicely refreshed for the next stage. I stuck with the same haddle 'cos I'm hard! We'll see how I feel after ten miles when I'll be looking for the next bike shop! Scenery should get better from here on - looking forward to taking photos of hills rather than motorways. Fingers crossed the rain holds off. Started the day with the hill from hell!! However was easy enough after that. Now near Darlington. Good weather today, which can't last, as we should be in Scotland in a day or two.
Will