Yesterday I left BT and Jeff's at Llandudno Junction after a lovely day and a half of being fed with pasta in all its forms (beautifully cooked by chef Jeff). I zipped along the fantastic seafront cycle track at Colwyn Bay all the way up to Prestatyn (where there was a Pontins that looked scarily like the set of Crossroads).
The promised rain came and it was somehow nice to zip along in it. The transition bit from Wales to England was tricky to get around: lots of scary big roundabouts and dual carriageways. These bits always seem a bit like coming up against a big fiery dragon (no way round and feels like it will bite you on the backside at any time).
Anyway, the Wirral was hilarious (absolutely amazing cycle track down the middle, much of it on a disused railway line, cutting through amazing high rocks at one point). Well signed for once (thank you Sustrans). Hilarious though because it's clearly wealthy footballer country: huge gated mansions with loads of sports cars inside. It is a little like themepark England, and I could imagine Rafa Benitez driving his potential new Spanish import around the Wirral to impress and look for digs.
I got a bit lost in Birkenhead (probably not the best place to take a wrong turn) but have got to say the locals were dead helpful (like). I manoevoured my bike into a tube to get under the Mersey to Liverpool (not easy I can tell you when you can just about lift it). I stayed in the nice apartment that I stayed in when I went to the bTWEEN conference a few weeks ago (except this time slept with the bike in my room- bit odd really).
Had a frustrating hour and a half trying to find a map of cycle route 62 in Liverpool this morning. Decided eventually just to head off and try and meet up with James Peet, the shrimp man of Southport, later in the day.
The route was flat, and, for the first time really, I got into the big gears for a long period of time. Passed through a really derelect bit of the docks, reminded me of Bristol in the 70s. Then out to Crosby to take some pics and chat to some locals about the Gormley sculptures on the beach. It was great fun and met some top people (see the soundslide which is up now). Rather than me give a view, I think the people do a much better job of describing them than I would.
I got a bit lost again by being distracted by coming across the Trans Penine Trail, and took off along it in completely the wrong direction. I suppose the name Trans-Penine-Trail should have given me a clue. If you have looked at any enlarged mapping in the 'follow' bit you will realise that this is a common thing. For someone who is attempting a 5000 mile journey by bicycle I am useless with direction.
Eventually though I was flying along the seafront at Southport. Got to say, I really like Southport; big open avenues, great buildings, good cafes and restaurants, beautiful sea front and of course easy lovely riding.
As I was thinking about what a fine day it was, a big old wasp thumped into my lip and immediately bit me. Actually it wasn't so bad, got a bit of a fat lip and realised there was no one around to give me any sympathy, so I cracked on.
When I got to the shrimp man, I was late and he had to nip out because his mother was in hospital. So I quickly abandoned the rest of the days cycling and headed back into Southport to find a B&B.
I'm settled into Bowden Lodge which I'm very happy about. David Wynn (owner) even offered to hose off the Gormley sand which was caked onto my bike.
I had a funny experience in the little Italian down the road. It was full and as a headed back to Pizza Express the owner chased after me and said to go to his mate's Italian just down the road and to find Boris and tell him 'Gino sent me' and he would look after me. This I did (after getting lost again trying to find it). Boris leant over and whispered 'how long you known Gino?' I realised this was starting to sound a bit like a mafia thing. But as it turned out it was an amazing little place, only £15 for three courses, coffee and wine inc. (it is called Trattoria O'sole Mio and is in Avondale Road, Southport), just in case you are ever this way (don't forget though to say Gino sent you).
Well that was a bit long and wordy and more like a long diary entry, so apologies and I promise to get to the point quicker next time.
So tomorrow I have a re-arranged meeting with the shrimp man at 9am. Then better get a good day's riding in. Got a little catching up to do.
Great write up of the last few days Nick.
How's the Brooks saddle holding up? Is all the spec doing what it should after Mr Marsh's expert guidance? ;-)
I've got a good friend in the Wirral, but have not fully explored the area. Sounds a bit like Alderley Edge with the footballer's mansions.
Posted by: Jon Moss | July 05, 2009 at 10:07 AM