The UK Biking Adventure Begins

July 14 Today was an exciting and difficult day. Riding the U.K. can be very challenging. Not only are you riding on the opposite side of the road but there are no shoulders. The vehicles pass within inches of us but so far they have been courteous. The ride out of Lands End began with a quick team picture at the cliffs. It was an absolutely beautiful morning. As we left the area we bunched together and soon discovered that we all are close ability wise. I had the opportunity to ride with a variety of people besides my friends, Dave, Mac and Andy. Kat is a young school teacher from Wisconsin and this is her first ride. She was nervous but quickly demonstrated that she is a strong rider as we tackled numerous steep hills. Some hills were 15-18% grade. They were long and strength draining. Everyone was able to get up these steep grades.

Riding on many of the more narrow back roads, it was difficult to see the countryside because of the high hedgerows that lined both sides of the road. I felt like I was in a giant maze. Getting lost here can be easy. All you need to do is take your eyes off of your map.

We had a chance to ride through a number of lovely small towns and villages. It’s the way I pictured England. The people we have met have been extremely friendly and helpful. After a formidable 64 mile ride we pulled into Lostwithele where we are spending the night at the towns community center. After a brief team meeting we headed off to the local pub. The Lion Gate Pub was interesting. It specialized in Indian food and it was Karaoke Night. After a few pints and some delicious spicy Indian dishes Brian Shae got up and sang Country Roads and had the whole place joining along. He ended with a rousing performance of New York, New York where he had other performers join him. This brought the house down and people donated over 30 pounds to our MS ride. It was a great night.