LEJOG Day 6
Time to continue on to Scotland.
I had a great time with my hosts in Marshfield. It is so good to see familiar faces when you are travelling.
One of my hosts kindly offered to accompany me on my need leg. He, like me, is retired and has time to do such things. He also has an extensive collection of Ordinance maps detailing all the lanes and paths ways across the UK. Some research identified a route north and off we went. My host was somewhat amazed at the weight of my Cannondale laden with my meager possessions. The weight is in stark contrast to his road bike. This road bike is soon to be replaced by a new model as reward for achieving weight loss and other fitness goals. My host is yet another of my friends that made personal fitness a retirement project.
As we rode north, the contrast between the laden Cannondale and the road bike ridden by an ever increasing fit rider became palpable. I was slower on the flat, about the same downhill, but very much slower on the ups. My host had many opportunities to pause and take in the scenery en-route as I slowly made my way up the hills. Again, the country-side was great. The bright yellow of the rape plants is really spectacular. Our route took us past the National Arboretum. It is obvious why this part of the country was selected as the site of this important institution.
Our route took us into Cheltenham, which I recall is famous for horse racing. My host noted that the town did nothing for him. I agree. As I keep saying, I am intrigued why some towns and villages (e.g. RTW) seem to get more pleasant and other fade and become tacky.
The last part of the ride took us up a steep rise to Cleeve Hill and the Rising Sun Hotel. The view from the pub is spectacular. A great steak meal was washed down with a pint and a good red.
My host noted that he had successfully seen me out of the premises in Marshfield, escorted out of the village and made sure that I had left the county.
Next morning my host provided me with a suggested route. I think I sort of followed it – stay posted.
He headed back to Marshfield, taking about half the time it had taken the other way.
Garmin Link
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/336017739
Flickr Link
billrider2013 
Bill somehow I’ve been redirected to this site, I was looking for a site about extraterrestrials. I’m impressed that you still have time to jot down your thoughts. I’ve only read the above and not the whole blog. I’m impressed that your host, as you say saw you off the premises, accompanied you to the next county and gave you further instructions on a suggested route. So you’er off to Scotland and the home of the McRobbers. As always keep in touch. Will we see you in the pack at the end of the Tour. Have fun.