Yesterday Pascal was contacted by Dan Brothwell of Bike Worcester, who also writes cycling articles in the Worcester News. I can’t resist the chance to get more publicity for Refuge and Women’s Aid, but I’m not sure how long a good cyclist will tolerate my slow riding pace.
When I meet him, however, Dan is charming and insists that my slow pace is not a problem, and he is not even daunted by my insistence on a 7AM start (to avoid violent storms which were forecast). At the crack of dawn there he is, outside the hotel with another friend (Steven), while inside I am attempting to unlock my bike and pack it up in more or less darkness and I can’t find the light switch; the hotel is unstaffed until 9AM.
The rain is already pelting down, but off we go. The A449 was chosen to cut mileage but the road surface is rough and potholed, a nightmare to ride on, and so it’s a relief to get to Kidderminster where we head to a friendly café (which has the heating on). Oh the joy of hot coffee.
By now Dan and I were both so cold and wet through that we both thought our waterproofs were letting in the rain. In fact, we were quite dry – just rather cold. By now Dan’s friend had inexplicably turned back to Worcester (I can’t say I blame him!).
Arriving early in Coalport there were hours to wait before the getting into the YHA, so the warden suggested a sightseeing walk. I soon feel that enough is enough and retreat into a pub (I can only make a drink last so long, and the hostel doesn’t open until 5PM at the earliest, which meant a long cold wait after the pub). Dan has now gone to find a train home. Goodbye Dan – I’ll follow your column in the Worcester News.
I’m really glad that I met Dan and that he was able to ride with me, I would have been miserable on my own in the freezing rain.
Thank you to the warden at Coalport YHA for donating to Refuge!
Stats
38.46 miles (328.91 miles total), 1,893ft ascent, 1,820ft descent
LEJoG 82 
Just wanted to say that I think you’re doing brilliantly. I love reading your blog each evening and often think about how you’re getting on. Well done and hang in there. Remember, just one step at a time (or one turn of the wheel) and you’ll get there!
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Hi Gina, what an amazing day! I hope you have managed towarm up and will enjoy a good cosy night’s sleep. Hope the weather is much more friendly tomorrow. Keep safe. Lots of love. LB
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Keep going Gina you’re doing brilliantly.
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I was sorry to miss you not once but twice whilst in Worcester. Once when you must have passed the end of our road before reaching Diglis, and twice when waiting in vain outside the Severn View this morning, albeit at 8am when you had left at 7am. You must be a determined and adventurous lady to brave the rain at that hour and deserve complete success in your endeavour.
LeJog 50 wishes LeJog 82 all the very best!!!
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Gina, You’re an inspiration to us all – keep going. Cant wait to ride with the famous LeJog rider on Wednesday BRAGs rides when you get back. Roger
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Gina! I’m rooting for you all the way from Canada!
It all sounds so bloody hard…and I think you’re beyond admirable to be doing it.
You have my everything crossed as I wish you a well and safe journey!
Love, Mo
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You’re doing really well. Thank you for providing the daily statistics. They may come in useful if I ever try yo achieve what you are so courageously doing. Keep pedalling.
Safe roads.
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You’re doing really well. Thank you for providing the daily statistics. They may come in useful if I ever try to achieve what you are so courageously doing. Keep pedalling.
Safe roads.
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