Travellers' tales: Falling for British Cycle Quest checkpoints

Catching an early train from Crewe, I was in Lancaster before 7am. I rode through the slumbering city and out towards the Trough of Bowland to tick off the Jubilee Tower climb. It was just above freezing so the climb kept me warm. On the descent, I safely crossed a slippery cattle grid only to crash just past it.

Somewhat sore, I remounted and pushed on; I had to be at Knott End ferry by about 08:50. It was tight. Halfway down the jetty, I spotted the ferry moving away, its ramp rising. Then it came back for me!

As we approached Fleetwood, the ferry operators had Fleetwood Mac on the stereo. Brilliant! I visited both the lighthouses in Fleetwood and went past Rosall Point watchtower. Later, heading for another BCQ question at Inglewhite, I hit black ice – and the ground – again.

After lunch at Croston, I stopped at the top of Parbold Hill for another BCQ question. Bike lanes took me past St Helens and through Warrington. Approaching Daresbury, RideWithGPS sent me off-road along the canal. I had to backtrack.

By now it was cold again, so I was riding with care. At Great Budworth, I answered my last BCQ question of the day. Then I headed home, arriving in Nantwich 12½ hours after I started.