Northampton to Lake Shirley

After a breakfast at which I may have amazed Robin's friends by the amount of food I consumed (and hoarded for a second breakfast down the road), I rode off with my sights set on Lake Shirley to the north-east.  I had long been waiting to get my butt kicked by hills after so much time travelling in flat areas.  Turns out I was right that it would come, and I would even go to say that I was a bit shocked.  It was hilly and quite steeply so.  Luckily, I had well-rested legs and lots of daylight, so it was simply a long mixture of awesome downhills, winding roads, and embracing my granny gears (Note:  this is apparently a socially acceptable term in the cycling community for the lowest gears and smaller chainring.  Just to get everyone "up" on all the two-wheeled jargon).

Just one spot at which I felt the need to take a rest on this hill-filled day

 When I did arrive at the Mullen's house on Lake Shirley, I was thrilled to have made it in one piece and they immediately ushered me inside.  Bill and his daughter Christie, a Warmshowers host family (along with Bill's wife who was out of town that night), were clearly enthusiastic bicycle riders and I had a great time geeking out with them as well as talking about all sorts of adventures.  Christie fixed a tasty vegetarian supper and I got some great route advice.  Christie is getting ready to cycle across the US to Colorado and I hope to hear of her tales in the future.  Best of luck to both of you on your upcoming bicycle trips!