Sandown to Stornoway Cycle Ride......at last. By Mike Coleran

Day Five

Saturday September 15th 2012

Shrewsbury to Heswall

Mileage today - 84

Total mileage so far - 356

Last night Joanna and I were picked up by our friend Wendy who kindly took us down into Shrewsbury for a lovely meal, thank you Wendy! I said goodbye for now to Joanna at 8-30 this morning and headed off the seven or so miles to Shrewsbury in cool but sunny conditions. It had warmed up by the time I passed thought the town centre, but I took the wrong road and ended up having to divert across country to get back on track - an extra ten miles or so! Heading north all the way to Chester it was through pleasant, flat country. With high hedges lining the lanes there was not much to see, so I plodded on to Chester where I ended up spending more time than anticipated. The city centre was too crowded so I headed down to the river where I enjoyed a tray of chips followed by an ice cream whilst watching the boats in the sunshine. I then headed up the road and ended up watching the horse racing Chester racecourse of free! Outside the course of course. I wasn't sure how to get out of the city towards the Wirral without going on very busy main roads so I asked a couple of cyclists who were also watching the racing. What a stroke of luck! They were from the Wirral and were just about to head home. We hardly touched a road as they led me along canal towpaths and well surfaced tracks all the way to my destination. Steve and Linda were interesting company too! Thank you both. My sister Valerie was on her driveway to meet me and after showering and changing, Valerie, Syd and I went off for a very good meal at a local restaurant, joining up with other friends there. Although a day of mostly flat cycling, with 84 miles done, I was ready for my bed. Many thanks to my lovely big sis and brother-in-law for great hospitality.