Day 2 of this epic cycle challenge started early given the time constraints, we have a roadshow to deliver at 2.30 this afternoon. We got out out to Braithwaite, yesterdays finish point, and true to form Colonel Thelwell managed to blow another inner tube before we'd even left the car park! Wanting to get cracking, and fearful of what lay ahead Pat donated his bike (he was having a day off razzing the minibus Schumacher- like round the Lakeland lanes due to knee injury issues).
Straight into the Whinlatter pass, no chance of a warm up. The groans began immediately as we started to feel the effects of yesterdays efforts. Mercifully the climb was a little kinder than previously and we all got up and down without incident, apart from Liam who consolidated his second place on the puncture leaderborad on the descent. Many more punishing short, sharp undulations followed, ably supported by support driver John, as dedicated as ever to getting us all round safely. King of the hills Rob Sneddon murdered us all on the climbs, although his speed may have had more to do with an attempt to avoid a stone circle adorned with a number of tri4lifers making the warm day look a lot colder than it was (you'll have to wait for the film for more details!!)
Unfortunately time got away from us, and after riding through yet more stunning scenery on another glorious day we all enjoyed a long fast descent to meet up with Pat for the return to Ambleside. Kirkstone and Wrynose passes will have to wait for another day!!
Back at HQ we were greeted with platters of sandwiches and fruit loaf kindly made by the ladies and rapidly demolished. Sounds like a fantastic morning on the lake was had by all junior team members and ladies team..... who went kayaking on Lake Windermere and ended up jumping in and swimming again in the lovely water! Quick showers all round and back on the buses to the Calvert Trust, an outward bound facility for disabled children. The roadshow was well received and a few more magic moments shared, and made in the form of a zip wire enjoyed by junior team and big kids alike! The mountain rescue team that saved Angus' life gave a demonstration of their skills and equipment, tears in everybody's eyes as they relived that day and saw firsthand the tremendous recovery he's making.
Back at base again and a sad farewell to Maxine, Leo, Angus, Rob Beaver and Paul Bradford, who leave us. The next couple of days are going to be stressful with a long ride up to Scotland, complex logistics of a Loch Lomond swim and no doubt minimal sleep. No worthwhile challenge is ever easy and we're all relishing it in true tri4life spirit. Bring it on!
Straight into the Whinlatter pass, no chance of a warm up. The groans began immediately as we started to feel the effects of yesterdays efforts. Mercifully the climb was a little kinder than previously and we all got up and down without incident, apart from Liam who consolidated his second place on the puncture leaderborad on the descent. Many more punishing short, sharp undulations followed, ably supported by support driver John, as dedicated as ever to getting us all round safely. King of the hills Rob Sneddon murdered us all on the climbs, although his speed may have had more to do with an attempt to avoid a stone circle adorned with a number of tri4lifers making the warm day look a lot colder than it was (you'll have to wait for the film for more details!!)
Unfortunately time got away from us, and after riding through yet more stunning scenery on another glorious day we all enjoyed a long fast descent to meet up with Pat for the return to Ambleside. Kirkstone and Wrynose passes will have to wait for another day!!
Back at HQ we were greeted with platters of sandwiches and fruit loaf kindly made by the ladies and rapidly demolished. Sounds like a fantastic morning on the lake was had by all junior team members and ladies team..... who went kayaking on Lake Windermere and ended up jumping in and swimming again in the lovely water! Quick showers all round and back on the buses to the Calvert Trust, an outward bound facility for disabled children. The roadshow was well received and a few more magic moments shared, and made in the form of a zip wire enjoyed by junior team and big kids alike! The mountain rescue team that saved Angus' life gave a demonstration of their skills and equipment, tears in everybody's eyes as they relived that day and saw firsthand the tremendous recovery he's making.
Back at base again and a sad farewell to Maxine, Leo, Angus, Rob Beaver and Paul Bradford, who leave us. The next couple of days are going to be stressful with a long ride up to Scotland, complex logistics of a Loch Lomond swim and no doubt minimal sleep. No worthwhile challenge is ever easy and we're all relishing it in true tri4life spirit. Bring it on!