Darlington

After the storms of last night it was good to see the weather a lot calmer. Glyn and Jean looked after me really well and I had a hearty breakfast. Setting out around 8.30, I found the going much better than expected and arrived in Darlington 24 miles away quite quickly. The stadium took a little more finding as my sat nav was not programmed correctly but with a little detour of a couple of miles I found the impressive new structure. Darlington were one of the few League 2 clubs who had not replied to my letter or email so it was no surprise that I met with a fairly blank expression from the receptionist.. She said she would go and get a member of staff to sign my shirt who was an ex player. I didn’t catch his name even but he was a nice guy who had had hip replacements due to the wear and tear of years of playing football. He signed my shirt and showed me to the pitch side for a photo. The whole thing was over in less than 10 minutes. With this the only club to visit today I did feel a bit deflated. To coin a phrase that was used up these parts a few years ago..... I’m telling you now I will love it, really love it he we beat them! When we next meet! Not that I’m vindictive in any way of course!

With nearly 60 miles to go to get to Bradford I just got my head down for the rest of the day and tried not to look at my milometer as it ticked over painfully slowly. I must be getting a bit fitter though as I didn’t feel the normal pain of cycling 75 miles. I passed though some very pleasant countryside and the rural market town of Northallerton. I bypassed Ripon and Harrogate and as darkness fell I thought it was time to look for somewhere to stay. The 1st pub was tended by a youngster who didn’t even know if they had rooms but a few miles on I came to Pool-in-Wharfdale. There I found the Half Moon Inn who took me in and fed and watered me. Just 10 miles to go to Bradford, but a few hills to negotiate tomorrow.