After cycling 9 miles back to my last finishing point, I rejoined Route 90 and headed for Longridge where I cycled through the busy Friday morning traffic then back onto the quieter country roads and into the pretty village of Ribchester. After a quick look at the remains of a Roman fort and a short rest by the river, it was back on the quiet roads to enjoy the view of Pendle Hill and the Ribble valley. Approaching Whalley there were more great views - of the 49 arched railway viaduct and of Whalley Abbey. A picnic in the park and indecision – should I cycle back to Preston and the car or continue on Route 90? Still early in the day and feeling refreshed, I decided to continue on the route to Waddington. All was going well and I was enjoying the ride through picturesque villages and over rivers when a combination of poor cycle path signposting and some kind sole turning the finger post by 45° sent me in the wrong direction for a couple of miles – extremely irritating! Finally back on the route I reached Waddington and decided to turn left and head back towards Preston via Longridge. Still enjoying the ride (thighs aching a bit though!) I came to a junction which signposted Longridge to the right 8 miles or to the left 6 miles – no contest, I took the shorter route. This is where I realised my failings - in map reading and in reading ‘The Comprehensive Guide to the Lancashire Cycleway’. The Longridge Fell is a 1:7 hill described in the book as ‘the steep, dark edge’ and marked on the map with little black arrows! After an hour of pushing my bicycle up the hill I reached the viewpoint at the top, almost too exhausted to enjoy the far reaching views! At last, back in the saddle and hitting 32mph going down the other side of the hill, I cycled into Longridge where I was met by John and the car. A staggering 39.15miles today – phew!
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