LEJOG day 7 - Newark to Beverley

137 km  Elev gain: 632 m  (85 miles / 2073 ft)
4 °C (real feel 1 °C)

Today's route takes me much further east than even the most committed east coast LEJOGer. I'm heading over to the Humber Bridge to visit my cousin in Beverley.

But first - breakfast. I've never been in a 'Spoons at 8:30am before, but in the name of research and budget I find myself back there, along with the Monday morning early drinkers (not kidding). I have the Full English and marvel at how they make it so cheap (hint: the orange juice and coffee taste pretty much the same). 

It's bacon, but not as we know it

The weather is still closing in behind me, so there's no time for the leisurely cafe hopping that defined the first few days of my tour.  I swing by Asda for a meal deal (x2) before riding the 30 miles to Lincoln. My friend Julian (owner of the yellow Ortleib panniers) grew up here and clearly omitted to tell me how beautiful the place is, because it turns out to be a cracker. I deviate from my route, seeking out the least steep cobbled street leading up to Lincoln Catherdral

Steep Hill. The clue's in the name

Lincoln Cathedral. Shameful 1 minute photo op.

I don't get far from Lincoln before the rain starts. I shelter under a tree to layer up, breaking the zip on one of my waterproof shoe covers in the process. Not to be defeated I rummage around for my pump and unwind a length of duck tape that I have wrapped around it, rewrapping it around my ankle to secure the shoe cover, while feeling pleased with myself as the rain beats down even harder. I make it a bit further to the sanctuary of a bus shelter and have a sandwich while waiting for the rain to pass - living the dream!

Cosiest little cafe in Lincolnshire

After a false start and another 10 minute huddle under a tree while the next downpour passes, I head off again under clearing skies, making it to the shore by the Humber Bridge before a hail storm arrives. I get what shelter I can in the shadow of the bridge, darting back to lurk suspiciously around the public toilets to shelter from the next downpour. 

It's not long before the rain is done for the day, and I take my time crossing the bridge with great views as I pass into East Riding of Yorkshire - my 11th county of the trip.

After another 10 miles I arrive in Beverley, just as the Minster bells toll 6 o'clock. After riding in circles I find my cousin's house. We haven't seen each other for a few years and it's lovely to catch up over a delicious beef stew, and a glass (or two) of red wine.

Beverley Minster. Just don't call it a catherdal

Running total: 839 km  Elev gain: 8310 m  (522 miles / 27,264 ft).  41 hrs 31 mins