Day4 Hadnall, Shropshire to PrestonMileage: 92
Cycling time: 6hr 1min
Total mileage: 409
Total cycling time: 27hr 23min
The team stopped for lunch in Tabley, and were joined by friends and family
A rather surreal day on the road as we passed through the familiar cycle routes of Cheshire and the North West, met family and friends for lunch near Knutsford, and rounded off the day with a welcome night at Nigel's house in Preston.
Thankfully the forecast rain held off almost all day which meant we ate up the miles on the Cheshire plain, and after stopping for a coffee in Nantwich we soon found ourselves very close to home and a stop for lunch at The Windmill pub off the M6. Thanks to everyone who made the effort to join us, it really gave us a boost!
We needed it too for after lunch Richard's pal big Mike (a top track cyclist) joined us to head the peloton for a while, which allowed us all to take it a little bit easier!
However once Mike headed back home it was tough going through the built up roads around Wigan and Chorley, and we were glad to arrive in Preston just as the heavens opened. Nigel's local knowledge was a great help over the last few miles as we picked up an off-road cycle track which avoided the city centre traffic.
After the bikes had had a good clean we were able to sit back and enjoy our take out curry, although also worry about our big day tomorrow as we head into Scotland over the Cumbrian fells.
Still, we pass halfway tomorrow and we also have plenty more support on the road – should be another fun day!