Lancaster Cycles

Stopped off en-route to some Board meetings in Lytham to do some of the cycle rides in my traffic free cycle ride book. The first cycle was down the Lune River from Lancaster to Glasson and back and then the second was from Lancaster to Morecambe and Heysham. All the routes were on nice cycle tracks that looked like former railway lines. Nice and flat and generally pothole free. Would have been great if the weather was nicer but it was a bit cold, windy and wet. Even then it was a pretty nice set of rides.

Callander Sportive

As early preparation for Ride 100 in July I decided to give a 54 mile sportive a go. An excellent event with a free entry from Evans Cycle look just what I needed. The weather was fantastic and after an early morning drive I was ready to set off around 9 am.

Generally an excellent route with just a few sections with faster moving cars. It got pretty tough pretty quickly with some decent climbs in the early stages. There was a short break for cake and to top up water at about 25 miles and then a really big climb at Kippen.

At Aberfoyle I was feeling pretty tired and saddle sore so stopped for about 20 minutes for a coffee and tray bake. This did the trick in preparing me for the big climb at Dukes Pass. Pleased to be able to take all the hills in my heavy bike.

After this big climb a final 10 or so easier miles back into Callander.

Lancaster University

The three of us headed down by train on Friday night with an overnight stay in the town centre. The next morning we took a bus out to the campus. Immediate impressions weren't great as it looked like a 1960's concrete new town. After a tour round the uni and a short walk round the town Hannah concluded that Birmingham was better and crossed Lancaster off the list of options. Choice now between Birmingham and UEA depending on whether she gets an offer from them.

University of Birmingham

A long day out to the open day at the University of Birmingham. Flight down in the morning with FlyBe and then a taxi to the campus. A very nice campus to the South West of Birmingham with some pleasant red brick buildings. The English department was nice as well. We had a good tour and really liked it. Train home in the evening.

The campus is rather better than the picture suggests. It was a very wet and grey day.

National Records

Attended my first meeting of the National Records of Scotland Board. Had a quick visit at the end to see the dome where they keep the certificates of every birth, death and marriage in Scotland since 1850. Quite awe inspiring.