Day Five

Lancaster to Tarporley Cheshire -  Well as you know the van suffered some damage to the rooflight and rain had never stopped so the need to do something about it was very important. A suggestion from Havering PTS  Ian was to speak with Carlisle Council and see what they could do.  I spoke with Steve at the council garage and he put me in touch with their contractor.  Enter two Knights in shining armour - I know that is a cliche but  they were the nicest guys you could meet.  Enter number one Dan Nixon of Vehicle Glazing Carlisle who had made arrangements to meet us at Carleton Body works with a piece of perspex to redo the roof.  Arrived at Carleton and put straight into workshop. Dan then started the work - Enter Knight number 2 Ian MacNabb from SGS Mobile Plant & Vehicle Glazing -  together these two guys did a superb job of carrying out a temporary repair.  The total charge for the job was zero and even in addition a donation for the charities.  We cannot recommend these guys enough for their kindness, efficiency and all round entertainment in doing a job. They deserve the biggest thank you so far on this trip.  Also guys the repair is still holding up.

Now the ride - because of the delay we didn't arrive at Lancaster Station until 13.45 so I didnt start riding until 13.55.  The power of reduced time really made the muscles move and the determination to head for Preston with some speed.  I was so fast I went through Preston without seeing it.  On to Wigan which was quite a good visit through and then onto Warrington.  I was quite surprised that all there seemed to be in Warrington are shops and the impressive stadium of the Warrington Wolves Rugby League Team.  From Warrington to Tarporley was quite a struggle as it was getting late and with 13 miles to go they never seemed to go down.  However arrived Tarporley at 20.23 and then to the Hotel in Crewe.  We have opened a bottle of wine tonight to celebrate 530 miles completed so we are off to Hereford tomorrow.

Thanks again to Dan of Vehicle Glazing Carlisle and Ian of SGS Plant and Vehicle Glazing.