Today’s stage is psychologically encouraging as it sees me progress into the north of England.
Allan Moffatt from ECFM had a chat with me broadcasting live on radio.
I then set off early and enjoyed more than 30 miles of well-surfaced canal towpaths and shared use paths as I negotiated my way through a string of industrial towns in Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
The route was generally flat and the weather was, for the most part, dry. However, the wind was a little stronger than in recent days.
The yellow highlighted line and blue cross marks my progress to date.
I stopped in Winsford for some provisions and I was delighted to see Bradie, Tom and Jake approach me on the same road. We had a brief chat but they were heading from Salford Quay in Manchester, whereas I was aiming to end the day further north, so we wished each other well and parted.
I really enjoyed the well-surface, shared use paths and off-road cycle paths including the National Cycle Route 551 then the National Cycle Route 5 along the Weaver Navigation connecting the Mersey and Trent canals.
I continued to enjoy quiet country roads and saw some stunning homes around the quiet villages such as Higher Whitely. I progressed up a narrow lane as a gentleman was opening a entrance gate. I greeted him with “Good Morning, excuse me but could you tell me how to get to Limes Lane?” His response was rather odd, as he replied “No, this is private property!” I guess he felt anxious about this scruffy looking cyclist anywhere near his property.
I have to say, my bike has been fantastic in recent days. On flatter ground, I am able to push the gear set up to the largest cog and cover some serious miles. It is a comfortable ride and the ‘Black Bullet’, as I nickname it, never ceases to impress me with how robust and versatile a bike it is. I’m lucky enough to have 4 x bikes; a mountain bike, a hybrid bike, a road bike and the ‘Black Bullet’ is a touring bike and is my favourite. Janey once asked what the optimum number of bike is and I responded by ‘one more than I currently own’.
On crossing the Manchester Ship canal I enjoyed the Trans Pennine Trail (National Cycle Route 62) which took me along the River Mersey and then onto the fabulously picturesque, Sankey canal.
One thing I love about England and I have really noticed over the past week is how quickly accents change as you journey a mere 70-80 miles.
The Sankey canal was a highlight for me (I would love to do this again) as it is wonderfully picturesque (hopefully you can see the swans in the river in my picture). It was a brilliant way of cutting through the busy town of Warrington.
It became apparent to me as I was cycling through those industrial heartlands of Wigan and Preston that the government has a big job if it is to honour it’s ‘Levelling Up’ pledge. These are wonderful towns that desperately need urban regeneration.
I was struggling to get accommodation in my chosen destination of Garstang. Therefore, I pushed on into Lancaster and checked in to The Borough Hotel. After, getting showered, I headed out to a local pub to watch Aston Villa v Liverpool and scoffed a knockout Mac ‘N’ Cheese. I was amused by a poster on the wall of the pub which defined people from the North in 10 ways:
1. You refer to the woman who gave birth to you as ‘Mam’.
2. You love pies, pasties, and sausage rolls (Especially from Greggs).
3. ‘Like’ is kind of your trademarked tagline… “I’m ready go out me like.”
4. Everyone around you seems to know your business – Whether it’s neighbours, friends, or work colleagues, word spreads fast in the north. If you have a job interview coming up, you’ll probably find your mother’s best friend asking you what job it’s for… even when you’ve only told your uncle about it.
5. You’re used to speaking slowly or toning your accent down so people can fully understand you. When you’re in the middle of some anecdote like “Nigh’mare las nigh like, wen out to the pub, fell out with the bird, woke up this mornin’ feelin’ offit and found out I got black bagged,” and suddenly realise you’re getting confused stares from everyone… you know it’s time to slow down mate.
6. You know at least 5 people whose life goal is to work offshore.
7. Your friends don’t have proper names. They’re either your man or mate.
8. For you, garlic sauce and cheesy chips are necta-like.
9. You know what a ‘Parmo’ (chicken parmesan) is… And have stated that if it was worldwide, it would be the biggest take-out food there is.
10. You go hysterical at the sun showing its face… And go straight to a beer garden or put shorts on… even if it’s still only five degrees.
I’m looking forward to my brother, Neil, joining me on the early part of tomorrow’s stage. If anyone else would like to join me for part of a stage or even a catch up coffee somewhere on route I would love to have company.
Today’s trivial facts
NO. OF MILES CYCLED TODAY : 97
MOMENT OF THE DAY: Sankey canal
WEATHER: Dry, sunny & cloudy intervals, 15 degrees
FUEL: I ‘fuelled up’ and ate well for breakfast and relied on the 2 x bananas, energy bars, pub lunch (a superb chicken and smoked pancetta pie) Snickers bars + sports drinks and lots of water.
SONG OF THE DAY: Fools Gold – The Stone Roses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSD11dnphg0
% of FUNDRAISING TARGET REACHED: 62% (Thank U for sponsoring me)
TOMORROW’S STAGE 6 DESITINATION: Penrith, Cumbria (70 miles)
Scotty Boy's Bicycle Across Britain 
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