Beautiful Shrewsbuy

Two days to go
Distance travelled: 81.3 miles
Time in saddle: 7hrs 35 mins
Overall distance:5279.3
The B&B I stayed in last night was great, the woman who ran it was very nice and I had a lovely breakfast this morning. I have got my appetite back, perhaps it’s because the weather is more suitable and it’s not too hot.…..it’s great to be back in the UK.
My first stop was Kidderminster. When I was a child I saw Kidderminster on a map that I had at home. Funny, but it always stuck in my mind. I always wondered what it looked like. I imagined it to be a wondrous place. To be honest I was a little disappointed. There were lots of modern, not very attractive buildings…sometimes reality can disappoint.
I cycled through the Shropshire hills and they were quite challenging at times. I think I am beginning to wind down, which makes the riding much harder. I need to stay focussed until I get home. There were a couple of hills that I had to walk up, but that has never been a problem. I like walking at times, it gives me a chance to get off my bike, but still keep going forward.
I stopped at a pub on the way for something to eat. It was lovely and I had a photo taken of me having a pint. There were a couple of guys in there who were very chatty and wanted to know what I was doing. It was atypical English pub with a couple of regulars chatting as they read the paper, putting the world to rights…brilliant. The food was good too.
I was meeting Matty and Ryan in Shrewsbury, two of my students who were coming down to interview me. I cycled into Shrewsbury and asked directions for the A49, a road that eventually runs through my home town of Warrington. I can’t tell you how many times I have imagined cycling down the A49 during my journey, especially during the difficult days. It’s funny what keeps you going. Now I was doing it. I was elated. I cycled about five extra miles to see if there were any rooms available at the Travel Lodge. We are booked in tomorrow but I had arrived a day early. There were no rooms available for tonight…there’s a surprise.
I cycled back to Shrewsbury and looked for somewhere to stay. I passed two girls on the way back. I had asked them directions going out of the town now I was asking if they knew of any B&Bs. They must have thought I was a bit strange but they were very nice and chatty too. The Shewsbury Arms was the best bet but they were also full….I would be surprised if my house has been let while I’ve been away and I won’t be able to sleep in my bedroom. The receptionist very kindly phoned a few local hotels but guess what….full. She told me about a couple of B&Bs in the area and I cycled off to find them. I asked a very attractive girl if she knew where the ‘English Bridge’ was, that was where all the B&Bs were situated. She didn’t as she was not from the area but insisted on looking on the Internet on her phone so that she could give me some directions…..not only beautiful but considerate as well….there is a God.
I eventually found the B&B I am staying in now. The woman who runs it has reduced my fee for the night because I am doing a charity ride….. a lovely gesture.
I met Matty and Ryan for the interview and we went for a drink and something to eat. It was fantastic to be able to have a chat and a laugh. There are such great company and we had a really good time. They left to drive the seventy miles or so back to Wigan, where Matty lives. I really appreciate them coming down to see me and look forward to seeing them again on Saturday.
Geof got back to me, he’s the guy who has been following my blog and sending me regular messages, which are much appreciated. He lives near Shrewsbury and we have arranged to meet for a cup of tea tomorrow morning. It will be nice to have a chat.
Another good day, not many left on this adventure…..but enough to make it interesting.

To Everyone Who Has Registered Their Name For The Bike Ride Finish Event

I will finish the ride @ 12.00 noon on Saturday 22 August at the TA Peninsular Barracks, O'Leary Street Warrington.
Please arrive between 11.00 and 11.30. Refreshments will be available.

For security reasons only people who are named on the Guest List will be allowed on to the Barracks site. That list is now closed.

Please park on local streets or at ASDA / Wikes / Orford Lane Car Park (Cobden Street - next to Donatello's) and walk to the Barracks.
Special Parking Access on to the Barracks site has been arranged for the following people:

*
Organisers - Warburton, Jo & Ruth Jepson
*
Organisers - O’Brien, Kevin & Marie
*
Film Crew - Andrews, Matty & Partner, & Ryan Iredale
*
TV Staff - Brian Machin & Family
*
TV Staff - Caroline Ford & Family
*
Representative from - Help For Heroes
*
Representative from - Tim Parry & Jonathan Ball Foundation For Peace
*
Representative from - Granada TV
*
Family - Savage, John & Edna
*
Family - Coleman, Dave & Angela & Family
*
Family - Coleman, Ken & Hilda
* Press Representatives from: Warrington Guardian, Wire FM & Warrington Worldwide

Thanks
Jo


Poetry is BIGGER than Rock'n'Roll but not as BIG as Wayne's Ride