Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.  Who says that weather forecasters don't get it right? Well they said rain and east winds, and for the most part that's what we got!  After dipping our wheels in the sea at Whitehaven our group of 15 headed for the Lakes, a high-light cycling by Loweswater, a low losing my bottom gear going up the Whinlatter Pass.  Then a high speed descent into Keswick, a burst of sunshine followed by a heavy downpour, then a steep climb to the stone circle above the town, then on to Greystoke for our over-night stop.  First destination of the next day was Penrith, then on towards the Pennines and the longest climb of the ride to the top of Hartside, at 580m.  The cafe at the top being a welcome refuge from the wind.  The wind even made the anticipated descent hard work.  Then another hard climb out of Garrigil, then down to our over-night stop at Nenthead.  Our last day started with a cimb to the highest point on the ride, at 609m, then a descent, then another climb, then down to Allenheads.  Another climb, another descent.  Then a little surprise, the Rookhope to Parkhead section.  This started off with a very steep, rocky, slippery section up to some old ruins.  An unscheduled rapid dis-mount left me upside-down, on my back, grabbing for tufts of grass to prevent my descent to the bottom of the gulley.  On to the top, then a difficult section across moorland.  The deeply rutted track combining with a strong gusting side wind to give the ride a sting in its tail.  As we began to descend, the conditions began to improve and for the last 34 miles the sun actually shone!  The final 7 mile run into Sunderland was alongside the River Wear, then around the marina and on to the sea front.  A ceremonial dipping of wheels and journey was complete.  Group photos, then into the pub, then home.  A great experience, with a great group of people and in support of a very worthy cause.  Thanks again (a thousand times over) to everyone of you that has sponsored me.  Next time I will look at the scenery more and take more photos.  Did I just say, 'NextTime'!!!!!    

Many thanks, Andrew

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