LEJOG Day 5 - Haydock to Crosthwaite (95 miles)

Hello everyone, Day 5 of 10 is now happily complete and I am settling into my Lake District hotel in Crosthwaite. It has been another hot and windy day but it looks as if the sun block is working.

I cycled through much of Lancashire today, a mixture of both urban and rural routing. After cycling through Blackburn, Bolton and Leigh, I eventually got into the stunning countryside, as you can see from this photo, please notice the hill in the background, which was one of many I had to scale today.

The lunch stop was a lovely named place called 'Puddleducks Tearooms', the food again fantastic and I was looked after a treat.

There is also something else significant about this location though, if you can see the red sign in this photo it shows that this Tea Room is indeed at the 'Centre of the UK', how good is that (there is no turning back now). I am now half way through the days, however the true mid distance comes tomorrow when i pass through Penrith.

As promised.....here for you all is 'My Special Report'

(mid challenge stats, facts & thoughts (censored of course).......so far.....

Mileage cycled 512 (interestingly, this equates to 823 Km)

Average per day 102 164 Km

Elevation in Feet 29,730 16.8 Miles (amazing)

Calories Burned 24,296 Wow... I know, however when you read what

I have consumed too, it sort of cancels it out :-)

Nutrition & Fluid Intake

15 Bananas, 20 Protein Bars, 8 Chocolate Bars, 5 Bags of Salted Peanuts,

5 Bags of Mixed Nuts, 6 Bags of Crisps, 21 Sandwiches, 4 Baguettes, 2 Pieces of Cake,

6 small Soreen Malt Loaf bars, Lots of Cherries.

16 Mugs of Tea + Sugar, 10 Cans of 'full fat' Coke

52 x 21 fl.oz Bottles of Water = 31 Litres (some with Electrolytes added - to help rehydrate my body by replacing the salt, potassium and magnesium that are lost when I have been sweating.

My body has also been holding up so far, I am experiencing some 'pins & needles' in my left hand, which could be due to squashing my Carpal Tunnel, I now move my hand into different positions on the handlebars, so that is good, My calves and left hamstring have been slightly tight, however, last night the group had a masseuse in attendance, she worked my legs and muscles over, which once I peeled myself off the ceiling, i got maximum benefit from.

Mid point summary is that I am still going strong (ish) and remain determined to get to John O'Groats and raise as many funds as i can for The Born Free Foundation.

The countryside has been stunning, as has the weather and I have transited a few historic buildings and structures.

One piece of other news, I had a message from the Department for Transport (DfT), they have heard about my red face and would like me to consider sitting as their model for the next generation of 'Belisha Beacons'...... what a cheek :)

Scotland...... here we come !!!

Have a good evening all.

Mark (Bradley Wiggins) Quince !!!

May I again extend my sincere thanks to all of you who have messaged me with words of total encouragement, as well as your kind donations, these are simply keeping me going.

Take care all and see you tomorrow.

My Just Giving page is: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-quince2

My Blog Website page is: https://mquince1.wixsite.com/cyclechallenge

The Born Free Foundation Link is: https://www.bornfree.org.uk

Fundraising In aid of the Born Free Foundation Charity No 1070906