Day 9 started well with Mr Scrabster leading the peleton safely out of Northwich before handing the baton to Tonger who upped the pace again and again until a small breakaway group had been formed comprising Duts, Adrian, Mr Scrabster and Tonger. Only when they stopped at a red light did they hear the phone ringing. Apparently they, although "they" blamed Tonger, had missed a sign for the A56 and cycled 4 miles out of their way; the rest of the peleton realised this when Col Mustard's GPS starting making the idiot noise. How they chuckled! Reunited, Tonger was asked to lead off again, albeit more cautiously, and the peleton rolled on relentlessly. The rest of the ride passed quite smoothly, until on the outskirts of Ludlow, Duts thought it would be fun to send Tonger back the wrong way down a busy dual carriageway with only half a mile to go, how they laughed! How Tonger laughed! The Travel Lodge came up trumps with only double rooms available. How they laughed again!! So, after much dismantling of beds and mattressses, it was off to the pub for acres of real ale and a very good meal, followed by a very uncomfortable night for those sleeeping on the bed bases, especially if sharing with The SnoreMeister, young Adrian of Harling, so serves you rightg Tonger! How he laughed!!

Day 10 and a headwind to make things awkward as the peleton ground its way south and west . Followin g the first substantial climb of the day, Howie got a puncture at the bottom of a very fast descent and no-one noticed he was missing until Hereford. The group split into two and pushed on, lunch waqs followed by another climb, and then Howie got a second puncture; same place, always check your tyres, and then one of the stiffest climbs of the Tour de Corum so far; only 650' but Spiderman has twice attempted and failed it. After this little inconvenience we were away down a great descent into Monmouth and down the Wye valley crossing fromWales to the Forest of Dean and back again before stopping for the night, well it was 2.30 pm, in Tintrern Parva. Luckily the pub was open so massive rehydratgion ensued. Mr Scrabstger took Rowley, the Heaqd Boy, off for a nice walk, while the rest of us got a thirsty visitor from Brizzle in the shape of Tonger's very little brother; true to form he didn't buy a round! More beers, dinner and bed (well the pub again for the naughty boys from Room 7) and a good nights sleep for all except for Duts. In an effort to mend Dut's ways Mr Scrabster made him sleep with him and the Snore Meister, what fun they must have had, they're all dog tired this morning. I'm sure they'll tell us more later!

Apologies for the infrequency of updates and lack of pictures but not all of our stops have internet access and so it is a bit hit and miss. I am typing thiis for example, while th eothers enjoy breakfast, with the laptop balanced on a window sill, squeezed at the foot of Don's bed. So, enjoy what you can, stay hungry for more!