The whole reason for pushing so hard over the last few days, was so I could be in Macclesfield today. To meet Beth, who is (I think there is a term missing from the English language – but) the first person I was uncle to, as she is doing a solo Lands End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) so its in the blood!

I have got myself to within striking distance, so I had an easy morning doing the washing, and adjusting my derailleur. As expected, the adjustment went terribly wrong, further reducing usable gears, however it went so wrong it gave me clues about the right answer. A quick google with my very limited remaining battery power (who has time to watch a 10 minute video!!!), and I found nicely typed instructions on indexing and eveything. I got it going pretty well, especially considering the whole drive chain is still original, when I bought it from Halfords on my 2016 JOGLE. I can’t complain, this bike has been excellent. Obviously I learnt the lessons of yesterday, and had a massive bowl of porridge and headed off about 10.

The whole purpose of coming here was to cycle along the Monsal Trail. I’ve walked and cycled parts of it in the past, but before the long tunnels were reopen (in 2011). So after a long descent  down (to below trail level) and a tough push up a gravel path, I got on the trail. There were plenty of other cyclists, it was so nice. I stopped at a cafe at one of the old stations, I was feeling like I was on holiday, such a contrast to yesterday.

Pushing on down the trail, I had the feeling of me being the juggernaut passing everyone, rather than the opposite on the road. It was a nice feeling, and I do appreciate the lorry drivers on the road, giving them a wave for slowing down or giving me room. I haven’t had a bad one yet.

The Monsal Trail was soon over, and I found myself on a busy road (with the disused railway line still overhead – surely it can be used?). Although busy roads have their place, especially at keep your speed up, so I powered into Buxton. I knew the next bit was going to be a challenge with quite a climb up onto the dales. I’ve been adopting a new policy of eating all the time (pretty much!), but equally always having a good food reserve. So when I spotted a petrol station with shop (be careful, up north not all of them have shops!), I stopped just before it and had a good feed, before stocking up again.

I hadn’t  decided on a route, either quiet on steeper but arguably more direct roads, or just on the main road. I chose the main road, it was pretty quiet and as it is so open (and winding) over taking is pretty easy. Interestingly the sheep at the side of the road have never seen humans before, they think the world is ruled by tin boxes with four wheels – they might be right! Whilst climbing (no pushing today) up the hill, and I wasn’t 100% sure until I saw it, but it was the famous Cat & Fiddle pass. I felt compelled to stop a the newly opened Cat & Fiddle pub for a coffee. The cycle up was fine with a few stops and at one point there was no traffic for about 5 minutes, the sun came out and it was just me, the birds and the lambs.

The downhill was immense. You have to be at the top of your game, so many things to think about, not just cars or lorries overtaking. Potholes are my greatest fear, a slight lapse in concentration could be disaster. Also even with disc brakes, brake fade (overheating) is a massive issue and you feel you need to save one of the brakes in case a big stop is needed, so there is lots of alternating hands. Stressful but enjoyable.

The road headed straight into Macclesfield, I was aiming for 3pm but was nice and early. So I found a nice spot on the NCN55 that Beth was following and settled down with a good book. It was nice just sitting in the sun for a couple of hours. However, my peace was disturbed by a lamb which had escaped out of a field and was coming towards the road, I tried to assist (another innocent bystander) but more people joined and I slipped away as Beth arrived.

We went to a nearby pub to swap cycling stories. It was so good to meet up, Beth is 7 days and 500 miles into her ride, I’m so impressed – it will be a journey you won’t forget! Chapeau!

She has her own blog, and is riding the Sustrans route so consider sponsoring her (maybe they can afford to do the last bit of the Monsal Trail?)

https://cycleforfreedomblog.wordpress.com/

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bethroselejog

With my new approach to relaxed touring I have booked a hotel, with plug and electricity. I’m impressed I’ve managed 5 days off grid just with battery packs, and a meagre contribution from my dynamo.

The other advantage of being in a town, is a fine choice of beer to take to a BYOB Lebanese/Syrian restaurant. One local beer and another that caught my eye, from Northamptonshire from the banks of the River Nene. You may remember I crossed the Nene a few days ago. The beer, the food and the friendliness are all good. I like Macclesfield.

Now for a more relaxed approach to St David’s only 350 kilometres away :)