Day 3 Ingleton to Glossop

I woke up bursting for a pee because I couldn't face climbing down from the top bunk during the night and I didn't want to disturb any of my many room mates. My courteous gesture was laughed at because about 3 am they formed a procession to the communal lavvy and I never stirred.

Trying to get dressed was a rabble so I went for breakfast and left them to it.

Breakfast was acceptable.

It was raining as predicted so waterproof everything was put on and then out to tackle what had been billed as the toughest day on The Road To Lisbon.

I was feeling strong and I just wanted to get it done. It was only 130 Km and I had done that many times training. OK, today had some challenging hills I was informed but to me that just meant a bit of extra climbing.

The photo below is Allan, Steven & I after one of the climbs.

A couple of the faster guys caught me and we formed a great little group of 6 going fast. The climbing started and never seemed to stop. The slopes were as steep as the end of Day 2 but longer. We climbed into the clouds and got drenched. Head down, keep going, keep the wheels turning .... that's all I was thinking.

Take a look at the elevation profile ...........

Not the hardest days cycling I have ever done because as most of you know I pushed myself really hard in training but certainly the toughest 135 Km ride I have ever done. Imagine a slope wet with gravel and so steep that you have to go down as slow as you are able to up? I kid you not, there were sections of this route that would have been quicker walked.

The climbs really stretched out the cyclists today and make it really difficult to benefit from close group riding. I know there were a few of the group that had to call it a day and jump in the mini bus. One of the original group is already back home as you read this. The next few days will see more casualties I'm sure. Let's just hope no one does themselves any lasting damage.

The main two reasons I was able to get through today are pictured below at the top of the famous Home Moss Summit east of Manchester.

The absolutely AMAZING GRACE and Jill McLaggan our massage therapist :-) The photo is not good quality but I wasn't able to see that at the time. It was only later after the hallucinations stopped that I noticed.

Allan & I managed to be among the 1st back to the hotel along with Steve, Gaubi & Mike. As soon as I saw the size of the room and an electric fan I decided to catch up on my laundry. Here is Grace doing an excellent impersonation of a clothes horse. Don't think she is too impressed?

Distance covered 135.4 Km

Climbing 2,644 M

Moving time 08:10:17

You can see a graphic reconstruction of the route here https://www.relive.cc/view/984516793

Summary:

Strong day for me as I rose to the challenge, that's what I trained for. Bring on tomorrow!

Difficulty rating 9/10