Day 3. Northwich to Home

Still haven't managed to crack getting up and out early enough. It's not the getting up, its the time taken for breakfast, packing up the panniers etc.. I guess we will just get more efficient as time goes on. Pleased that my sore knee had gone this morning. Today I had decided that it would be easy because we were homeward bound and after 20 or so miles I would be in familiar terrain. But that was a bit of a mistake as really it was only just over an hour shorter than day 1 and there are hills everywhere! The climb up from Alsager up a rollercoaster lane to Talke then up Red Street to Chesterton I found hard - but that was just the mind playing tricks. I just granny geared them when it got tough. We stopped at Trentham for a coffee and tea cake then climbed up to Rough Close via Barlaston. Returned through Hilderstone up a steep hill to Morrilow Green that Martin had sneaked in without mentioning! That was hard but I almost enjoyed it - almost! Can't say I'll ever go and find a steep hill to cycle up just for the thrill. (Maybe I should wouldn't batt an eyelid at planning hill reps when running.)
Returned home just in time for the Tottenham match. 164 miles in 3 days. not bad!


What did I learn for Lejog? I don't feel quite so worried about the hills or churning out the mileage day after day. We perfected a technique for washing and drying shorts in time for the next morning. - involved wrapping them in a towel on the floor and treading grapes- highly effective. Getting out early is a must. I think I should carry some of the panniers. I had none, Martin three! Need to train the brain as well as the body - it can be very counter-productive. And most importantly it's going to be an adventure - there is lots of beautiful countryside and spectacular views in this county of ours. Hard and challenging - yep. But  that makes achieving it all the more worthwhile.


Julia