Thursday 31^st August 2006 - Winsford to Keighley

Made an early start, but felt rough after last nights dodgy curry. Rain had arrived and looked set to stay. The going was good, fast and flat south of Manchester, crossed the Shipping Canal on the way to Bolton. Met my good friend Kuang-Po as planned at Bolton train station and we ate a chicken madras curry he had prepared in a bus shelter. We started out towards Keighley and there was a particularly busy and dangerous dual carriageway we had to cross lanes to turn right off, aptly named the A666.

Although the day continued to be wet and grey, our spirits remained high as we spotted sites of interest along the way and at Todmorden stopped for a much needed hot chocolate, which I class as the best consumed on the entire trip (see picture). We crossed Hebden Bridge before scaling the moors before Oxenhope and Keighley, which would be a spectacular climb, if not for the rain. It was great to stay with familiar faces at Keighley, and be well fed, have a bath and beer (lethal combination after a long days cycling).

    Distance: 82 miles

Meeting with Kuang-Po                            I was rather thirsty at Ramsbottom!

We thought we had gone off course somewhat!            A bleak climb before Keighley

The best hot chocolate! - note Kuang's camera got wet - hence the distortion!!