6 - Moffat to Kendal

Stats for the day:
Distance: 152.6km (94.8 miles)
Elevation: 1498m
Saddle time: 6:49 hrs
Total time: 9:47 hrs

Average 
Speed: 22.3 km/hr
Heart rate: 98 bpm
Cadence: 71 rpm

Maximum
Speed: 60.8 km/hr
Heart rate: 159 bpm

Elevation profile

Made it to halfway!

500 miles in & after 490 we had to tackle Kirkstone pass, a mile or so of solid climbing reaching upto a 20% incline. Having stocked up on energy bars, gels and ice cream (not quite so clear on the usefulness of this one) we all peddled furiously to conquer the focal point of pre trip discussions. In the end it wasn't too bad and we flew down the other side setting a new top speed. Modesty should, but won't, prevent me from mentioning the securing of the polka dot jersey with a 2.5min advantage over Nick & further 1.5mins over Steph & Sean. 

Motorway views

We'd left Moffat on a continuation of last nights road running alongside the motorway.


Again this meant some good speed along pretty flat, quiet roads all the way to Gretna Green.  Our B&B host has given us a bit of route advice which cut out a couple of miles. The obligatory photo opportunity came just after Gretna as we crossed the border back into England.

At the border

 

Lunch stop was Carlisle on graduation day, the central square was roasting hot as we refuelled on pasta. After garmin lead navigation through residential streets and over bridges we found the B road out of town and set a course for the South.

On the B roads



Ullswater

Riding alongside Ullswater lake was another beautiful part of the country to be privileged to journey through. Even if it was with half a mind on Kirkstone to come. From the top of the pass it was downhill nearly all the way to Kendal.



riding towards Kirkstone 

Kendal also marked the end of the road for Stephan as he caught an early Friday train back to London to then catch an even longer plane to the US - good luck with the mountain mate & thanks for your company.