Day 10 – 14th April 2007
The day began with a surprise visit from Tubbycyclist, bearer of glad tidings and a Schwalbe Marathon Plus 26″ * 1.75″ tyre. Kevin, for that is his proper name, came in for a cup of tea and a chat. In the course of conversation it transpired that he was originally from Southend and attended the Sacred Heart School. I teach there for one hour a week. Well well well!
We were left to our own devices for a couple of hours but shortly after 2pm Jan and I set off for Clitheroe. For most of the first 5 miles we were reaping what we had sown yestrday, as the long grinding climb from Rawtenstall to Dunnockshaw was rewarded with a prolonged downward swoop all the way to Padiham. We climbed Padiham Heights, went down the other side into Sabden and then walked up the Nick of Pendle. At the top we enjoyed an ice cream: a local brew from Hudson’s of Chatburn.
We then zoomed down into Clitheroe, clocking our fastest speed of 45.2mph. We waited at Clitheroe Castle for Helen, and when she arrived, dismantled the bike and put it in the Jeep.
We all walked to the curry house in Crawshawbooth, a round trip of about 6 miles. We had a very good meal. The evening was enlivened by a phone call from Heather, who had been fortunate enough to place a £2 each-way bet at 40-1 on some nag or other which had then romped home in the Grand National