Today was a pretty tough day.....not especially hilly or especially long, but a combination of factors made it quite hard!

We set out in lovely sunshine towards the Yorkshire Dales (so much so in fact, I managed to find a novel way to dry my just washed cycling trousers on the bike! Photo attached....).

We had set out on a light breakfast intending to eat something more substantial at Settle. We arrived at The Singing Kettle just before midday and enjoyed a much needed second breakfast. Copious amounts of tea to wash it down and it was time to swim through the sea of motorcycles between the cafe and our bikes.

We had noticed a slight headwind en route to Settle but having left after food, it seemed to be strengthening. The next few hours were very tough, like cycling through treacle, but a energy boost liberated by some coconut macaroons kept us rolling. Leaving Bentham behind, the weather changed for the better with a noticeable increase in temperature and the wind also became a little less northerly, allowing a pleasant speed across to Kirkby Lonsdale. Yet more feeding here before the final monster climb of the day, followed by a series if excellent descents eventually landing us in Kendal.

Tomorrow is looking likely to see the dry weather deteriorate, but we are very much heading in the right direction again then.

Our friend Jenny is making a surprise visit for dinner, so now it is time to go and find some food!