Day 8. Glenridding to Garstang. 58 eventful miles

August 16th shall ever be known in the annals of Vingoe history as "Puncture Day" - more of that later. Our day began waking up in a beautiful hotel in Glenridding in the Lake District. We were all filled with a sense of dread as we knew we had a climb up to 1500 feet along the infamous Kirkstone Pass to tackle first thing. The rain had finally eased off, but the wind was strong and in our faces as we set off. After 10 minutes or so we got a glimpse of the task ahead. It looked like the cover of a Tolkien novel. It was biblical in it's steepness! I knew we were in trouble when I heard Gandhi, the fittest member of our little gang, take the Lord's name in vain when he first clapped eyes on it. Anyway, up it we went, some more quickly than others. I have to say it was the hardest thing I've ever cycled - especially in to a strong head wind and carrying 20 kg on our bikes. Right at the top, Darrin got a puncture. After a quick patch up, we started the 5 mile descent down the south side of the pass. Where Darrin got another puncture. Another quick fix and on again to the bottom of the pass. Where Darrin got a puncture. We quickly worked out that his rear tyre was screwed, but on a Sunday in the middle of nowhere, we had to make do and mend. We then ran through Windemere - nice but very touristy and busy - and then climbed out on on a nice country road heading for Lancaster. Where Darrin got a puncture. And kicked his bike. And swore a bit. After fixing it and a eating a couple of jelly babies, we pushed on through Lancaster and arrived at Gurstang, our destination for the evening. Where Darrin got a puncture. Believe me, I wish I was exaggerating. Now bearing the visage of a beaten man, Darrin decided we needed a pint. We wheeled the bikes to a local hotel, where the kindly owner Michael gave Darrin a bike tyre - amazing generosity to which we are becoming accustomed on this trip. Really restores one's faith in human nature! Still - it didn't rain today and we've now covered 525 miles.