North Preston to Kendal
We left Preston after a quick stop at Griegs for breakfast and rode through larger towns through neighborhoods. Ian’s seat was giving him trouble as it kept dropping and the screw was stripped to adjust it. We stoped at a store that had a sign indicating it was a bike shop but actually was a shop for school uniforms, the woman also thought they should change the sign. While Ian was in talking to the woman I was looking at the store next door wondering what type of shop it was. A woman walking by saw me and told me they had the best meat pies in the county. So I stepped inside the shop that turned out to be a butcher shop and bought a chicken pie and a beef pie. We rode on to another village where they had a bike/auto repair parts shop. The men in the shop had quite a time fixing Ian’s bike and Ian was so happy he kissed the man on the cheek when he figured out how to fix it. They all had a good laugh. Ian also bought some chain lube and lubed up our bikes which are not running much more smoothly. We rode on a little ways and sat on a bridge and ate the delicious meat pies. They woman was not wrong when she said they were the best in the county.
We did find a lovely bike path outside of Lancaster and rode the bike path into Lancaster through the university then past a Catholic Cathedral. We stopped at the cathedral, which had a stunning blue alter piece. We then rode up to the castle which was large and impressive.
After Lancaster we rode to the coast which was very pictueres with a lovely bike path. Then we went up and down hills through villages bedecked with hanging flower baskets. We rode into Kendal and found a good chippy then headed to our Air BnB. The Air BnB was one where we just rented a room and shared the bathroom. When we arrived no one was home except their dog. We let ourselves in, parked our bikes in the back shed and had a great night sleep.
Bike Repair
Started off the day with Greggs Yum Yum and sausage rolls. Then we headed north towards Lancaster. On the way, noticed my seat was low. The bolt was stripped and I couldn’t tighten it anymore. Nor loosen it. Needed to find a bike shop. Stopping in Glangsfor? Saw a Sport World sign. Walked in, girl working there said they need to take that sign down. They haven’t been that for some time. Now they sell school uniforms. She directed me to Car Care although the way she said it, “Kaa Kee”, “They call it Care Care” sounded like “They Ka Kaa Kea” We are getting further north.
Outside mom was looking at the butcher shop next door when an elderly lady walked by and remarked, “Best meat pies in the county, you must try them.” So she did. Got one chunky beef and one chicken veg. We took them with us and they were out of this world. Like having a Sunday roast in a small little pie. Simply amazing. One of the best things I’ve had in England.
The Car Care place was fantastic. Went in and immediately the guy behind the counter came over and started trying to remove my seat post bolt. Tried multiple Allen wrenches (spanners) and kept saying he’d have to drill it out and come back in a couple of hours. I informed him we have a long way to go and that I don’t have a couple of hours. While trying different tools (vice grips, pliers, screwdrivers, his co-worker gave it a go. Took it in the back repair shop, tapped in a slightly oversized socketed Allen wrench with a hammer and proceeded to loosen the bolt. He replaced it with a new stainless steel bolt. I hugged him and kissed him and said I was grateful, he remarked he’d done this before. I asked, “Removed stripped seat post bolts or been kissed by a man.” Without missing a beat he grinned and said, “Both” laughter ensued. I gave them £5 for them to get some ale after work. All the time we were working and puzzling on it we were all laughing. Very good energy in this store. I gave them our card and invited them to our place near Santa Cruz. Also picked up some bike lube in this store. A lot of the smaller towns don’t have the population to support a bike shop, so these Car Care centers serve as a car parts and bike shop. They got together for a photo, and I remarked show that you love each other, great response of hugs and laughter. (see photo)
More offroading today, but not as bad a most days. But what was supposed to be a moderate day of climbing turned into over 2000 feet (check strava for details)
Entered Lancaster through it’s university. Miles of bike nice bike lanes.
Lancaster Castle was impressive from the outside. We had to keep moving to get to Kendal.
Another great bike lane went from Lancaster to Morecambe. Miles of smooth nice paths.
Stopped at Aldi and got water, bananas, and snacks. Morecambe was a nice area along the water front. The promenade went on for miles. The back up climbing hills.
Some pretty towns and rolling countryside.
One point a red car almost crashed into an oncoming car as he was driving way to fast for blind country roads. Stay safe out there. Enjoy the ride.
Fish and chips for dinner from Fish Express. It was good, we were hungry.
