A long haul out of Manchester, with JP really struggling up a succession of slow hills. Past the satanic mills and past Accrington Stanley football ground, out into rolling northern hills. Bumped into JC's dad in Whalley, and along the beautiful Lancashire cycle ways, ably navigated by JR, through the Forest of Bowland to Chipping and the cycle-friendly cafe offering welcome currant slices. JR knocked off his bike while stationary by an unexpected cowpat. Up into the hills, passing gliders and eagles (er, probably not) with fabulous views of the Lake District mountains in the distance, up further, with gorse and heather and wilder country, and views of Morecombe Bay and the sea. All the way down to Lancaster for a very late lunch, and a long morning of 61 miles, and a slow 12.6 mph for the ride (thanks to Mr P).

Lancaster is an odd place, full of life's strugglers. Revitalised by pasta, JP led us out for the final session of the day with a sterling performance, eating up the final 28 miles of the day. Turning off onto the Bowness Road, SM piped up 'I know this road, it's really flat'. It wasn't, but it was very pretty lakeland countryside, and a lovely sunny end of the afternoon. JP rolled in to the hotel first, to "claim" a stage win, apparently forgetting that we'd all spent the best part of the morning standing around waiting for him to catch up.

To meet us was PH, who'd arrived by train from Edinburgh with his iron age Raleigh Cretin, and the charming hotel receptionist Giovanni. Pool and sauna to soak old bones. Slimline SM needed some trunks, asked Giovanni for a medium sized pair, who leant over the counter, checked out his 'size', and told him, 'oh no sir, I think you're a small'. A drink overlooking Lake Windemere, and a toast to Gary.

After dinner, out into Bowness for an unnecessary pint, to meet the locals. Bono and Freddie Mercury playing live.

Scott's Photos of Day 3: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=143713&l=c8bc5&id=855585369