Day 5 Patna to Carlisle

Physically drained, mentally as sharp as a used Mach 4, tonight's blog could be exciting... my autistic juices are flowing.

Everyone is feeling pretty chipper because we've made it across the border into England, from rainy Scotland to the grim North. See the photo inset, it's a special one. (Marks idea; I think being at boarding school in Yorkshire contributed.)

Before I describe the cycle I need to mention the Stuart family. Yet again requests for mentions, this time from Em's mum.... I have discussed these requests with my flatmate and his father, both psychiatrists... They diagnose two bad cases of blog affective disorder. On the plus side I understand that Mrs Stuart, like Em, is a physio-terrorist, with the whinging coming from most of us, we may need you.

Mike's brother wants to know who the blogger is..... He's one of the guys on the bike.

The bike ride.....

We started off in Patna at McKluskies garage, they guarded Delilah safely and we must thank them very much not only for this but also for their generous donation. Again we got off to a flyer and this time we kept it up. No mechanical failures and excellent pace, we averaged 17.5mph. We passed through some beautiful countryside, the A713 is an awesome road with some lovely scenery.

At one point we ended up in a lovely town where we made some new friends... a drunk man gave us 73p for our cause and another lovely lady gave us £2.50...she also offered me the kiss of life....I accepted...

We cruised on down to Gretna and crossed the border...and we're now safe and sound in the Warwick guesthouse. I have a double bed and it smells of clean sheets, it's so comfy.

Tomorrow we will be heading to the lake district.... more hills

Before I sign off I need to tell you that Tim has just found a teddy bear in Mike's bag hidden there by Emily... How sweet.... I want to vomit. Emily, you need to know that when asked what Mike would do given a choice between you and fishing..... he chose a brown trout. Sorry. (Mike would like to clarify that his comments have been misinterpreted by the blogster)

PS. We are very sorry we missed Pete's Father-in-law, it would have been great to meet you. Thanks for your support.

Today distance: 90 miles

Total distance: 421 miles

Today Ascent: 1147 metres

Total Ascent: 6542 metres