Day 4 - Truly an uphill battle

Although we were only half a mile from our first stop of the day it was a small example of what was to come for the rest of the day. Hills hills and more hills. Stephanie chatted up the car park attendant to get us in to the stadium for a photo to record our visit and we set off to cross the Pennines into Yorkshire.

Crossing over the Pennines over the Moors on a beautiful sunny day was a quite breathtaking experience. As much of the hills were hurting the pain was reduced by the spectacular views over the countryside. At one stage I had visions of Kate Bush leaping out from behind the wall in a shimmering white robe with a haunting rendition of Wuthering Heights- maybe I was hallucinating. We wound our way down to the Galpharm Stadium for our visit to Huddersfield FC.

The lady on reception at the Galpharm was not able to leave her post to take us pitch side and suggested that we ask someone in the shop to do it. The shop manager steadfastly refused suggesting that I ask the lady on reception. Now I am not saying that yorkies are awkward.......
Anyhow I was able to resolve matters by speaking to a contractor working on the ground and having agreed that I had neither seen or spoken to him and he had neither seen or spoken to me I was able to get into the ground to do the photographs.

We were soon on our way to Bradford passing through the great town of Brighouse. Those of you who are a certain age will remember the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band. Well as we passed through not a tuba or trombone could be heard. There could have been a horn playing the last post for me as we scaled the never ending incline to Bradford City and the former Valley Parade now the Coral Stadium.

Stephanie chatted up the Facilities Manager this time who was very helpful and took us pitch side to record our visit. On our way back around the ground we happened upon the the memorial for those that died in the Bradford City fire on 11th May 1985. The tragedy took over 50 lives with some very poignant entries in the memorial. The oldest fan to lose his life was 86 years of age and three young boys of 11 perished. As a family man the one that tugged at the heartstrings was 12 year old twins and their father who went to the game and never came home. Little moments like that remind us to appreciate what we have.

And so we hit the road again or should I say the road hit us. The clue was in the word Valley for Valley Parade and we were soon again on yes you've guessed another long,long,long,long uphill leg. The trip was uneventful other than I found out a different version of the highway code in Bradford. Apparently women pushing children in buggies have right of way to cross in front of cyclists especially in the cycle lane!

So having stretched out and cleaned up I have been able

to share my musings of the day with you. The sponsorship is ticking up nicely as we edge towards the target.

For the record the day's journey was 45.5 miles and cumulatively 222.5 to date. Tomorrow takes us to 'Dirty Leeds' and a place close to the heart of one of my business partners Barns-a-leee finishing off in Doncaster.

Until tomorrow..............