Day 5 - Ecclefechan to Catterall (95 miles)

Keen to get off to a quick start

Well, it didn't quite start as we meant it. First stop was a mad rush to a bike shop to fix one of Guy's spokes (which came loose in the last few miles at the end of day 4) . Once we had located the nearest bike shop - what turned out to be the back yard of Woolly, the local bearded handyman, the support team (Pippa and Robin) and Guy received a master class in how to repair your spokes.

Fortunately, little time was lost and we were able to leave at our usual time, around 9.30am. The A9 continued to surprise at just how poor a road surface can be, and we were bumping along as quickly as we could on what can only be described as a gravel track, without any road markings, and a 20 mph speed limit. We were averaging around 15mph so managed to keep within the speed limit!

Back in Blighty

It was only 12 miles until we reached the border - a good opportunity for a photo and a welcome sight to mark our progress. We switched our wee Scottish accents - Steve pointing out that James' was more like Irish - for a hearty Northern twang. The excitement of being back in our own country had clearly overcome us and Guy broke into hearty song. This was the first sign that Guy was now fully awake, having been mute all morning,

not being the best of morning starters. The roads started to improve and we were now able to make good progress after a start stop morning. It only took 10 mins of cycling in Cumbria before we saw the first England flags in recognition of the football World Cup - you can always rely on the English! From then on, there were flags everywhere, around every corner. We even passed one person wrapped in a England flag standing outside the pub at around 11am!

The rolling hills of Cumbria really were stunning - and the sun was shining too. As we continued to cycle we passed our first pig smells of the trip. We were to see a lot of farmland in Cumbria, including many cattle. Guy, perhaps missing his orange haired brethren left behind in Scotland, decided it was time to make friends with a new animal, the local Friesian - now captured on camera.

Onwards in quick time

Guy, the downhill speedster, who has affectionately become known as the "prowling ginger cat" in recognition of the low down, crouched stance adopted, reached the fastest speed of the holiday - 45.8 mph. There were also many good opportunities to admire the beautiful countryside with outstanding open and long stretching views, particularly a few miles either side of

Kendal. We continued to make good progress into Lancashire with fitness levels and strength at an all time high for the trip.

Only 3.8 miles away from our B&B for the

evening, Steve, the bookies favourite, picked up the first puncture of the trip. It did not stop us arriving in time for the England World Cup football match (at around 6.45pm) and our mission was accomplished for the day.

Unfortunately the England football teams was not.