Finally, I have finished my Open University course, and as a reward, we have embarked on another cycle tours, what I am calling my ‘OU Freedom Tour’.

Our Way of the Roses 2017 Day 0 began with fine warm and muggy weather while Sarah and I caught the train to Preston, and then an hour later met up with Andy and Andy.

It was lunchtime so we found a Wetherspoons in Preston and ‘fuelled up’.

Soon we were making our way out of Preston following NCN Route 62.

Via some steps we joined the Lancaster Canal.

Unfortunately,  the weather had changed for the worse. Quite a few times we would find ourselves cycling through some showers.

We followed the Guild Wheel local cycle route for awhile.

And then picked up NCN Route 90.

Passing through the interesting looking Guy’s Thatch Hamlet at Bilsborrow.

We picked up the Lancaster Canal again.

At one point there was a short sharp downfall of rain forcing us to shelter under a canal bridge.

Coming off the canal we followed NCN Route 6 which traced the M6 motorway.

Arriving in Scorton we decided to take a break and enjoy some tea and cake at the Priory Cafe Bar.

Not long after setting off from Scorton following the cafe stop the rain started again. And this time it seemed to set in for the remainder of the afternoon.

Soon we reached Galgate.

We cycled through Lancaster University campus.

Eventually, we arrived at Lancaster Travelodge where we were staying for the night. We had stayed here once before when on the End-to-End (LEJOG).

We had cycled 29 miles. You can view our Way of the Roses 2017 Day 0 journey from Preston to Lancaster below:

Today was also Andy Shaw’s birthday. So in the evening, we went for a meal at The Meeting House Restaurant to celebrate.

This was a really enjoyable evening, and all-in-all this had been a fine start on our Way of the Roses 2017 tour. Tomorrow, the tour for real starts when we cycle to Austwick.