Hard Day at the Office

 Just when you think that it can't really get any worse..........  Set off from the Manor and back on the A68. No need to leave the road all day. No turning just straight ahead. The Manor Hotel had been a good spot but a little shabby and creaky with staff in short supply it would appear.  My sleep had been disturbed by a helicopter flying overhead the town at 03.00 for a good half an hour. Perhaps they had heard a cyclist had gone missing?     The weather, despite forecasts, was worse.  Though not raining when I departed I was fully togged up within ten minutes.   The rain got heavier and heavier and progress up the A68 was slow and the road had plenty of challenging hills in it.    In addition my legs were tired despite the rest. It took a while to get them warmed up and moving.  In discussion with my training manager Naomi it could be the build up of lactic acid.   I kept at it and although slowly I made it to Corbridge for lunch with a not un-respectable 30 miles covered.  I cannot tell you about the scenery as the cloud was on the deck and with wind and rain there was little to see.  I could hear the sheep! As I took my lunch  I considered then the possibilities of finding a place to stay and resting up.  I had time and distance in hand.   On the very next section of road I could not afford to be caught out with no accommodation  as there were few settlements in the Northumberland National Park.   After a visit to the Tourist Information I was able to book in at the Bay Horse Inn some 18 miles up the route.  A helpful member of the public gleefully told me how up and down the road was! Thanks.    I pressed on.  The weather improved. When I say improved it stopped raining and I was able to take the waterproof leggings off.    Through the rest of the afternoon this improvement continued and as I arrived at West Woodburn and the Inn the sun shone for the first time in three days. What a shock it gave me. Long may it last. Cyclists seem to always be complaining about something. It will be the heat next. Also encouraged by a couple of bikers giving me the thumbs up for the ride.  I think it was the thumbs up.  Good to arrive and settle in after a warm welcome.  Reassuring to know that people are keeping an eye on me with the tracker.  The hostess informed me that she had received a call from a friend asking whether I was staying there.   Better not put a foot wrong or catch a bus!     With a couple of recovery drinks in the bar I went to rest my weary legs.  I also took a snooze!  Dinner taken and some route planning together with telephone calls on strategy for the coming days.  The story of the hare and the tortoise.  I think I need to take on the role of the latter.