So that was that.
We finally returned to Karen and James's chalet in Gwithian to really relax.
Had a couple of beers, a nice warm bath and just sat around catching up with news and reading your comments on our blogs.
Their boys watched Jaws which I thought was brave since they are going to be at surf school in the sea mere miles from where the Great White Shark was allegedly spotted. Cresswell boys are obviously made of stern stuff as they seemed pretty unfazed by it all.
We later made it back to the Red River Inn for a very relaxed couple of pints of Black Sheep to mull over the epic adventure. James still can't carry 4 glasses and was so stressed by managing the tray that he left his wallet behind.
A great nights sleep and it was great to wake up late and not have to comtemplate sitting on that razor blade they call a saddle and doing another 70miles.
A leisurely morning reading the papers, bacon and egg rolls at the fantastic Jampot cafe and a walk along the beach in the warm sun that had finally struggled to force its way through the clouds. It was a terrific wind down day.
James gave me a lift up to Newquay airport to catch my Air SouthWest flight back to Manchester via Bristol. James was obviously enjoying being able to travel at more than 20mph and floored it all the way. Finally got in to Manchester at 7.30 and it was great to see Helen and the boys there waiting to greet me. Saw a lady with a 'Congratulations, Land's End to John O'Groats banner' meeting someone who did it the easy way! Short delay getting out of the carpark as Helen had driven in with the kayak bars on top of the car and they unfortunately were taller than the car park roof!
I will post some sort of trip summary and some pictures when I get a chance. Obviously I trust you've all seen James's blog for the ongoing pictorial record of the journey (http://jogle0707.blogspot.com/)
Just want to say a big thank you to James for getting me along on his adventure. We got on really well and I think we made a great team. James was fitter than I and really helped drag me along when I was finding it tough going. I certainly couldn't have done it without James there and can't think of anyone else I'd have rather done it with. Cheers James!!!
Sunday, 29 July 2007
The dynamic duo
Ready for the next challenge.
The day after we'd finished and we spent the morning relaxing in Gwithian and going across the dunes.
T-Shirt courtesy of Phillips Pastie Shop in Hayle which James bought me as my one and only t-shirt had got drenched on the ride in to Land's End.
Saturday, 28 July 2007
Stats day 15 Gwithian to Land's End
Stats day 15 Gwithian to Land's End
Distance: 26.1 miles
Max Speed: 33.2 mph
Moving Time: 2hrs 45mins
Moving Average: 9.4 mph
Cumulative Distance: 972
Distance: 26.1 miles
Max Speed: 33.2 mph
Moving Time: 2hrs 45mins
Moving Average: 9.4 mph
Cumulative Distance: 972
FINISHED!
We've done it!
3pm, Saturday 28th July 2007.
We've done it!
After 15 consecutive days of cycling we finally rolled into Land's End to a rapturous welcome from James's family, Mark (our old schoolfriend), Karen's sister Sally, her daughter Ffion and friend Georgia, Jo and Emma. They'd gone on ahead from our pitstop at the First and Last pub a mile up the road to prepare our reception. As we rolled down the hill they saw us coming and from several hundred yards away we heard the cheers, whistles and shouts of encouragement, it was terrific. They had streamers to throw over us and balloons and a fountain of champagne was perfectly sprayed to douse us both. This drew the attention of 20 or 30 other visitors going in who stopped to watch. It was like having a massive reception and it made us feel very special. Well done to Jo who'd loosened the champagne cork too much and had been trying to hold it in for 5 minutes. Loads of lovely hugs and we moved through the throngs to find the signpost for the mandatory photograph. At this point it wa
s absolutely tipping it down, we're in a mist and it's blowy and cold - just to update those in the rest of the country who we understand had a glorious day.
Whilst it would have been more pleasant to have been in the sun we agreed that these atrocious conditions better captured the essence of our ride and in fact neatly mirrored those when we set off from John O'Groats 15 long days ago. That really does seem like an age away.
Rather than a place name and distance on the sign we went for JOGLE 07 as our two home locations would have been too difficult. And it was too cold/wet to mess around. Next stop was to get our record sheets stamped as proof. When we asked the girl in the shop to which we'd been officially directed for a stamp she said they didn't have one and looked at us as if she'd never seen a cyclist there before and didn't know what the End-to-End was. She was totally clueless. Another tourist in the shop also found this ignoramus amusing and after we'd got our stamps in the hotel she sponsored me which really is quite touching from a total stranger.
The day had begun in a very leisurely fashion as we knew it wasn't too far and I think in our minds we had almost finished already. We picked up Nat Cycle Network route 3 and went along the pretty estuary in Hayle in very pleasant conditions and continued along leafy lanes towards Penzance passing the impressive St Michael's Mount. There was a bit of philosophical musing on how strange it would feel to be all over and how empty our days would feel without a 70 mile destination to achieve. The route from there tracks along the beach and it was very scenic.
The wind picked up here and was bringing in spitting rain clouds so we took shelter in Penzance for a refueling pitstop. Setting off through Newlyn we had to leave the coast and met the mother of all climbs, a 1 in 6 or so out of the town. It was so steep and strenuous we had to stop for a breather twice on the way up. Even though the road from there to Land's End is the easier one away from the ups and downs into coastal villages it still had a few final challenges for weary legs. I had my biggest scare of the trip when whizzing down a hill to a tight left hand bend the road got very lumpy and the bike started jumping and drifting towards the centre of the road. I don't know if even Lewis Hamilton could have held the racing line in this case and when a car came the other way and I missed it by about a metre I knew my cycling shorts would require some extra attention at laundry time.
Uneventfully we met up with the extended support crew for a pint at the First and Last pub just a mile from Land's End. It felt a bit weird stopping within spitting distance of the place we've been aiming for for two weeks. The others went on to prepare our reception whilst James and I shared a last pint together, then we freewheeled off (as it's all downhill thankfully) to glory. We'd decided that we should cross the finish line in our JOGLE 07 tour T-shirts so, despite the horribly inclement weather, off came the waterproof jackets and on went the team strip. This meant we were completely exposed and absorbed all of the weather. Particularly when it took us 20 minutes in the rain to put the bike rack on Karen's car.
Once we'd done it I felt so delighted, pleased it is over even though it has been a terrific experience and proud of the massive achievement.
We'd been looking forward to a cornish pasty and even missed lunch as the First and Last felt they were not good enough for pub food. Thought that's a bit weird in Cornwall. Our celebration meal, after the finish-line champagne, was a pasty at the famous Philip's bakery followed by a pint at the Red River Inn.
We've done it!
After 15 consecutive days of cycling we finally rolled into Land's End to a rapturous welcome from James's family, Mark (our old schoolfriend), Karen's sister Sally, her daughter Ffion and friend Georgia, Jo and Emma. They'd gone on ahead from our pitstop at the First and Last pub a mile up the road to prepare our reception. As we rolled down the hill they saw us coming and from several hundred yards away we heard the cheers, whistles and shouts of encouragement, it was terrific. They had streamers to throw over us and balloons and a fountain of champagne was perfectly sprayed to douse us both. This drew the attention of 20 or 30 other visitors going in who stopped to watch. It was like having a massive reception and it made us feel very special. Well done to Jo who'd loosened the champagne cork too much and had been trying to hold it in for 5 minutes. Loads of lovely hugs and we moved through the throngs to find the signpost for the mandatory photograph. At this point it wa
s absolutely tipping it down, we're in a mist and it's blowy and cold - just to update those in the rest of the country who we understand had a glorious day.
Whilst it would have been more pleasant to have been in the sun we agreed that these atrocious conditions better captured the essence of our ride and in fact neatly mirrored those when we set off from John O'Groats 15 long days ago. That really does seem like an age away.
Rather than a place name and distance on the sign we went for JOGLE 07 as our two home locations would have been too difficult. And it was too cold/wet to mess around. Next stop was to get our record sheets stamped as proof. When we asked the girl in the shop to which we'd been officially directed for a stamp she said they didn't have one and looked at us as if she'd never seen a cyclist there before and didn't know what the End-to-End was. She was totally clueless. Another tourist in the shop also found this ignoramus amusing and after we'd got our stamps in the hotel she sponsored me which really is quite touching from a total stranger.
The day had begun in a very leisurely fashion as we knew it wasn't too far and I think in our minds we had almost finished already. We picked up Nat Cycle Network route 3 and went along the pretty estuary in Hayle in very pleasant conditions and continued along leafy lanes towards Penzance passing the impressive St Michael's Mount. There was a bit of philosophical musing on how strange it would feel to be all over and how empty our days would feel without a 70 mile destination to achieve. The route from there tracks along the beach and it was very scenic.
The wind picked up here and was bringing in spitting rain clouds so we took shelter in Penzance for a refueling pitstop. Setting off through Newlyn we had to leave the coast and met the mother of all climbs, a 1 in 6 or so out of the town. It was so steep and strenuous we had to stop for a breather twice on the way up. Even though the road from there to Land's End is the easier one away from the ups and downs into coastal villages it still had a few final challenges for weary legs. I had my biggest scare of the trip when whizzing down a hill to a tight left hand bend the road got very lumpy and the bike started jumping and drifting towards the centre of the road. I don't know if even Lewis Hamilton could have held the racing line in this case and when a car came the other way and I missed it by about a metre I knew my cycling shorts would require some extra attention at laundry time.
Uneventfully we met up with the extended support crew for a pint at the First and Last pub just a mile from Land's End. It felt a bit weird stopping within spitting distance of the place we've been aiming for for two weeks. The others went on to prepare our reception whilst James and I shared a last pint together, then we freewheeled off (as it's all downhill thankfully) to glory. We'd decided that we should cross the finish line in our JOGLE 07 tour T-shirts so, despite the horribly inclement weather, off came the waterproof jackets and on went the team strip. This meant we were completely exposed and absorbed all of the weather. Particularly when it took us 20 minutes in the rain to put the bike rack on Karen's car.
Once we'd done it I felt so delighted, pleased it is over even though it has been a terrific experience and proud of the massive achievement.
We'd been looking forward to a cornish pasty and even missed lunch as the First and Last felt they were not good enough for pub food. Thought that's a bit weird in Cornwall. Our celebration meal, after the finish-line champagne, was a pasty at the famous Philip's bakery followed by a pint at the Red River Inn.
A special mentiom goes to my sister Linda and husband Andy who got up at 5am to travel from Birmingham to surprise us by greeting us at the finish. Unfortunately near Bristol they were shunted at full speed from behind on the motorway and the car has been pretty much wrecked. Glad to hear you're okay Linda and you're not downplaying your aches and strains for my benefit. It was a lot of effort to go to and a big sacrifice, thanks, we both appreciate it and you were there in spirit.
Stats Day 14 Launcester to Gwithian
Stats Day 14 Launcester to Gwithian
Distance: 74.8 miles
Max Speed: 36.6 mph
Moving Time: 6hrs 45 mins
Moving Average: 11.1 mph
Cumulative Distance: 945 miles
Distance: 74.8 miles
Max Speed: 36.6 mph
Moving Time: 6hrs 45 mins
Moving Average: 11.1 mph
Cumulative Distance: 945 miles
The last day dawns...
Last nights posting was cut short as it's composer was struggling to stay awake. We'd just had a very enjoyable evening in the Red River Inn at Gwithian with Mark, Karen, Sally and Jo. I recommend the rack of ribs but would probably limit the amount of Black Sheep and Hobgoblin taken with it.
Jo and Mark had done the job and found a B&B in Connor Downs near to Gwithian so we didn't have to spend our last night crammed in like sardines in Karen's holiday cottage (with its unique style and home comforts). Random Stack Farm gave us what we need, or have become used to e.g. Heating, nice bed each, TV in room for weather news, very helpful host who washes and dries whiffy clothes and the 15th cooked breakfast in a row (no more ever again). Queenie's chalet just couldn't compete.
We were just pleased to have made it so far yesterday. It was more than 40 miles from our lunchstop in Bodmin and we'd wasted so much time in irritating diversions packed with energy sapping hills. We decided the only thing for it was to tackle the main A30 - the reason James was worried is down to his knowledge of how busy and hilly it is. Once we'd decided to do it we made a good job of it just putting our heads down and we knocked off the 20 miles in an hour and a half. At least it has viaducts and cuttings to smooth out the gradients but it was very busy and cycling it should really be considered a last resort.
Last night felt like a premature celebration as today's final push should be between 30 and 40 miles which is relatively short compared to our other days.
Two people in the B&B have cracked the joke that JOGLE is easier than LEJOG because it's all downhill. If we had a penny every time.....
After all the obstacles we've overcome we see there's a final one been sent to try and derail our effort so we're watching out for the great white shark near our route.
At a couple of points along the way we've had some of our baggage carried in a car for a day and both James and I have felt that onlookers will assume we're day trippers rather than epic JOGLERs. We have therefore decided to take our panniers, empty of course, to Land's End today to make sure there's no confusion. How sad, pathetic and insecure is that.
Anyway we're now about to set off on the very last leg of this journey that feels like it's been going on for ages.
Any messages of support welcome'd to help push us over the line this afternoon hopefully.
Sorry if we haven't responded to all of your comments to date.
I've got to say I'm really looking forward to this being over and getting back to see Helen, Tom, Elis and Jack tomorrow.
Wish us well and I'll post when (if!) we get to the end of the land.
Jo and Mark had done the job and found a B&B in Connor Downs near to Gwithian so we didn't have to spend our last night crammed in like sardines in Karen's holiday cottage (with its unique style and home comforts). Random Stack Farm gave us what we need, or have become used to e.g. Heating, nice bed each, TV in room for weather news, very helpful host who washes and dries whiffy clothes and the 15th cooked breakfast in a row (no more ever again). Queenie's chalet just couldn't compete.
We were just pleased to have made it so far yesterday. It was more than 40 miles from our lunchstop in Bodmin and we'd wasted so much time in irritating diversions packed with energy sapping hills. We decided the only thing for it was to tackle the main A30 - the reason James was worried is down to his knowledge of how busy and hilly it is. Once we'd decided to do it we made a good job of it just putting our heads down and we knocked off the 20 miles in an hour and a half. At least it has viaducts and cuttings to smooth out the gradients but it was very busy and cycling it should really be considered a last resort.
Last night felt like a premature celebration as today's final push should be between 30 and 40 miles which is relatively short compared to our other days.
Two people in the B&B have cracked the joke that JOGLE is easier than LEJOG because it's all downhill. If we had a penny every time.....
After all the obstacles we've overcome we see there's a final one been sent to try and derail our effort so we're watching out for the great white shark near our route.
At a couple of points along the way we've had some of our baggage carried in a car for a day and both James and I have felt that onlookers will assume we're day trippers rather than epic JOGLERs. We have therefore decided to take our panniers, empty of course, to Land's End today to make sure there's no confusion. How sad, pathetic and insecure is that.
Anyway we're now about to set off on the very last leg of this journey that feels like it's been going on for ages.
Any messages of support welcome'd to help push us over the line this afternoon hopefully.
Sorry if we haven't responded to all of your comments to date.
I've got to say I'm really looking forward to this being over and getting back to see Helen, Tom, Elis and Jack tomorrow.
Wish us well and I'll post when (if!) we get to the end of the land.
Gwithian
Friday morning was I think one of our best the weather was fine and the route terrific. This contrasted with yesterday morning which we ageed was probably the worst - terrible wind (nothing to do with James's obsession with having baked beans twice a day), heavy rain and wicked hills.
We left Bodmin and it started to rain immediately, at least the wind wasn't too bad. More hills. Then, following our planned route we encountered a problem in that they've closed the old A30. The consyruction manager who refused us permission to pass through criticised us for having out of date maps. They only opened the new road three weeks ago for goodness sake.
We rerouted through a village called Roche and what a mistake that was. Never ever listen to helpful old ladies who want to give route advice as they just understand what it's like to cycle. They, two separate ladies, sent us the longest, least direct and hilliest way possible. Plus the area is ugly beyond belief. By the time we got to the vicinity of Indian Queens we'd travelled twice as far as necessary and were seriously knackered and hacked off. James's phone went off 3 times as he sought to meet up with Karen in a McDonalds. This we finally did having spent 90 minutes travelling 10 miles and getting drenched. A quick cheeseburger and we were ready to press on. James was ready to aim for a halfway unscheduled stopover but I convinced him we could reach our goal.
It's too late now so signing off.
Suffice to say we made it safely to Gwithian.
We left Bodmin and it started to rain immediately, at least the wind wasn't too bad. More hills. Then, following our planned route we encountered a problem in that they've closed the old A30. The consyruction manager who refused us permission to pass through criticised us for having out of date maps. They only opened the new road three weeks ago for goodness sake.
We rerouted through a village called Roche and what a mistake that was. Never ever listen to helpful old ladies who want to give route advice as they just understand what it's like to cycle. They, two separate ladies, sent us the longest, least direct and hilliest way possible. Plus the area is ugly beyond belief. By the time we got to the vicinity of Indian Queens we'd travelled twice as far as necessary and were seriously knackered and hacked off. James's phone went off 3 times as he sought to meet up with Karen in a McDonalds. This we finally did having spent 90 minutes travelling 10 miles and getting drenched. A quick cheeseburger and we were ready to press on. James was ready to aim for a halfway unscheduled stopover but I convinced him we could reach our goal.
It's too late now so signing off.
Suffice to say we made it safely to Gwithian.
Friday, 27 July 2007
No beast of Bodmin
Set off from Launceston at 9.45, later than we wanted as concerned about a long day and wanted to get going earlier. Mrs Robinson obviously likes her lie in and doesn't start breakfast till 8.30 so that held us up.
We toyed with the idea of deviating from our planned 'nice' route and just taking the main A30 direct to Bodmin. We did 3 miles on it and that was enough to decide us, it is way too busy and dangerous. It was the right decision as we had a good run up towards Camelford the picked up NCN route 3 which is great. Saw the Cathedral City cheese factory and went across an old RAF base and runway. Overthe moor till we picked up the Camel Trail and a cracking run all the way to Bodmin.James has mastered the art of answering his phone and talking whilst cruising at 12 mph. Very clever but doesn't the law prohibit that?
In St Breward a blind woman was let loose in charge of a silver merc and just pulled out in front of me whilst hacking down a steep hill. 'You silly woman' was my restrained shout whilst near village residents then once out of earshot I let rip with both barrels which was way too ripe for this blog.
Once in Bodmin we were greeted by Mark and Jo and have just had a nice lunch at the Borough Arms.
Weather's been good, sunny but still with a firm headwind. The legs have made a showing today - poor old Cornwall. We've both been feeling fit and well and hopefully should be well set to tackle the long 40 odd miles to Gwithian. Concerned about having 10 people in the chalet tonight so may need to source a local B&B as we're used to our comforts.
We toyed with the idea of deviating from our planned 'nice' route and just taking the main A30 direct to Bodmin. We did 3 miles on it and that was enough to decide us, it is way too busy and dangerous. It was the right decision as we had a good run up towards Camelford the picked up NCN route 3 which is great. Saw the Cathedral City cheese factory and went across an old RAF base and runway. Overthe moor till we picked up the Camel Trail and a cracking run all the way to Bodmin.James has mastered the art of answering his phone and talking whilst cruising at 12 mph. Very clever but doesn't the law prohibit that?
In St Breward a blind woman was let loose in charge of a silver merc and just pulled out in front of me whilst hacking down a steep hill. 'You silly woman' was my restrained shout whilst near village residents then once out of earshot I let rip with both barrels which was way too ripe for this blog.
Once in Bodmin we were greeted by Mark and Jo and have just had a nice lunch at the Borough Arms.
Weather's been good, sunny but still with a firm headwind. The legs have made a showing today - poor old Cornwall. We've both been feeling fit and well and hopefully should be well set to tackle the long 40 odd miles to Gwithian. Concerned about having 10 people in the chalet tonight so may need to source a local B&B as we're used to our comforts.
Last big leg looms
The Glencoe Villa B&B in Launceston was our refuge last night and it is a clear winner in the chintz and massive derriere (USA landlady class) categories. It wins points for having a bath (plenty of water and long enough) and having the heating on all night to enable us to dry our clothes (room like a sauna though). CTC points for having a public tub of sudocrem provided. Also has a mini-fridge and corkscrew in the room and the most magnificent view. Loses points for the shower designed for a 4ft person whose neck is at 45 degrees. Good brekkie, local bacon and sausage, hog's pudding and stuffed dates.
Harvey's cafe bar was a lively place, did a generous plate of lasagna washed down with Betty Stogs and Cornish Knocker beers.
Off, hopefully, as far as Gwithian which will be around 70 miles. We haven't done a day as long as that for a while and it's a tad daunting especially knowing what the hills are like down here. It's sunny at least so just hope that when we get on our bikes we feel like riding them!
If we get to Gwithian the last day's run tomorrow to Land's End should be relatively easy so we're looking forward to that.
Thursday, 26 July 2007
What's with the gloves?
Breaking news: see James's blog for the cute cycling stockings. He gave in in the end and doesn't he look great.
The news reported 'monsoon like conditions on the m5' and that pretty much matched the rain today. Monsoons don't necessarily have wind so throw in a hurricane and you get the picture.
Setting off for the afternoon run from Okehampton to Launceston and we had to remount with shoes full of water and shorts totally soaking. Very unpleasant and not good for the saddle soreness prospects.
James had done some excellent route planning (gps route still slapdash I'm afraid mate!) and soon we found ourselves on a nat cycle network route. It's along an old railway so was gloriously flat and beautifully surfaced (better than most roads we've been on) and obviously traffic free. Perfection. Unfortunately it heads off to Exeter so it teased us for 5 miles or so before we had to turn off.
Saw an amazing fantasy pub with one side like a boot (old woman who lived in a shoe) and the other side like a stagecoach. No sign but it may have been called the Stand and Deliver(?) inSourton (piccy on James's blog).
After James assured me that the last 5 miles into Oke would be downhill and we then faced a 1 mile climb I started to disbelieve him. He later read the map and said we had a 1 in 7 downhill and pooh poohed my assertion that it was in fact against us. One knackering climb later and I now never trust him.
The afternoon saw the rain take a few breaks but lunchtime's dry shirt still got drenched.
We made good time to Launceston and arrived about 5.30. It's perched on top of a really high hill above the river and the climb drained our last reserves of energy. When James phoned the landlady for directions he didn't clarify things too well and we rode all the way down to the river and had to walk right the way back up. Launceston officially has the steepest streets in the country, 1 in 1 at least. Didn't see many other cyclists in town.
Since our recent traumas with punctures I have become obsessed with broken glass and thorns on cycle paths and roads. I'm now going to become a nutty old man hacking down evil thorn bushes and waging a one psyco crusade against broken glass. The next oik I see who thinks
it fun to smash a bottle on the road may well be surprised by what they consider to be a totally disproportionate feeling of the collar.
I've been noticing something curious the whole trip from Scotland and that is the single working glove in the gutter of the main A roads. They appear about every mile and there is only ever one with an endless variety of styles. I think I may have stumbled on a cult's secret messaging mechanism, or perhaps it's a game and these are dropped off and clues posted for others to try and find them. Maybe it's one person who has travelled the length of the country and, afraid of not being able to find their way home, leaves a trail of gloves like Hansel and Gretal's breadcrumbs to follow and retrace their steps. Have a look out for them next time you're driving along. Just shows you how much time I've spent staring at the tarmac and keeping an eye on how close I am to the gutter over the last 2 weeks. Just had a thought that maybe James is in on the secret and that's where his other glove went.
The news reported 'monsoon like conditions on the m5' and that pretty much matched the rain today. Monsoons don't necessarily have wind so throw in a hurricane and you get the picture.
Setting off for the afternoon run from Okehampton to Launceston and we had to remount with shoes full of water and shorts totally soaking. Very unpleasant and not good for the saddle soreness prospects.
James had done some excellent route planning (gps route still slapdash I'm afraid mate!) and soon we found ourselves on a nat cycle network route. It's along an old railway so was gloriously flat and beautifully surfaced (better than most roads we've been on) and obviously traffic free. Perfection. Unfortunately it heads off to Exeter so it teased us for 5 miles or so before we had to turn off.
Saw an amazing fantasy pub with one side like a boot (old woman who lived in a shoe) and the other side like a stagecoach. No sign but it may have been called the Stand and Deliver(?) inSourton (piccy on James's blog).
After James assured me that the last 5 miles into Oke would be downhill and we then faced a 1 mile climb I started to disbelieve him. He later read the map and said we had a 1 in 7 downhill and pooh poohed my assertion that it was in fact against us. One knackering climb later and I now never trust him.
The afternoon saw the rain take a few breaks but lunchtime's dry shirt still got drenched.
We made good time to Launceston and arrived about 5.30. It's perched on top of a really high hill above the river and the climb drained our last reserves of energy. When James phoned the landlady for directions he didn't clarify things too well and we rode all the way down to the river and had to walk right the way back up. Launceston officially has the steepest streets in the country, 1 in 1 at least. Didn't see many other cyclists in town.
Since our recent traumas with punctures I have become obsessed with broken glass and thorns on cycle paths and roads. I'm now going to become a nutty old man hacking down evil thorn bushes and waging a one psyco crusade against broken glass. The next oik I see who thinks
it fun to smash a bottle on the road may well be surprised by what they consider to be a totally disproportionate feeling of the collar.
I've been noticing something curious the whole trip from Scotland and that is the single working glove in the gutter of the main A roads. They appear about every mile and there is only ever one with an endless variety of styles. I think I may have stumbled on a cult's secret messaging mechanism, or perhaps it's a game and these are dropped off and clues posted for others to try and find them. Maybe it's one person who has travelled the length of the country and, afraid of not being able to find their way home, leaves a trail of gloves like Hansel and Gretal's breadcrumbs to follow and retrace their steps. Have a look out for them next time you're driving along. Just shows you how much time I've spent staring at the tarmac and keeping an eye on how close I am to the gutter over the last 2 weeks. Just had a thought that maybe James is in on the secret and that's where his other glove went.
Stats Day 13 Tiverton to Launcester
Stats Day 13 Tiverton to Launcester
Distance: 50.6 miles
Max Speed: 31.5 mph
Moving Time: 5hrs 10 mins
Moving Average: 10.2 mph
Cumulative Distance: 870 miles
Distance: 50.6 miles
Max Speed: 31.5 mph
Moving Time: 5hrs 10 mins
Moving Average: 10.2 mph
Cumulative Distance: 870 miles
Okey Dokey
First couple of miles and it looked great, along the river, no wind or rain.
Then we had our initiation into the hill club with a wicked 1/2 mile climb up a 15% hill towards Cadbury Castle which was a killer. Previously we'd have had one or two of these in a day but this was the first of 6 in the first hour!
It's a good job that we both seem up for it mentally and physically.
Refuelling stop in Crediton and pain chocolat with lucozade.
We wanted to get to Okehampton for lunch 18 miles away so set off confidently.
From here we've felt the full force of the gales and torrential rain and it's been truly atrocious. Soaked through to the bone and with the wind just blasting right in our faces. At times it almost knocked me off my bike.
It's been continuous hills up, down, up, down ad infinitum. You start to really resent the descents, even though they are a chance to make miles without pedalling, as you just know that every metre you come down is another metre of ascent to come. It's not like for like as climbing takes 10 times the effort.
The more direct route we've taken is the right choice, not too busy and surely less hilly.
Approaching Okehampton (Oke to the locals) James's chain fell off halfway up a steep hill. Feet clipped in, no momentum and there's only one outcome - comedy fall into the bushes. He gets a 10 for technique and is thankful no falls have been traffic bound.
1.30 in the Fountain Hotel in Oke and don't think they'll let us eat sarnies in here so we'll have to stand outside. Hot chocolate is a great warmer though. Changed into dry shirts and we've stood in the Gents using the hand drier to warm up and dry our jackets as they were soaked through, cold and clammy. Nothing we can do about drenched bottom halfs and our feet feel like they're sat in a sodden sponge. Just got to get on with it.
We're both surprisingly positive and delighted to see how close Launceston seems to be.
The weather couldn't have been worse but thankfully no-one is lame and we are phsically up to the hill challenge and adversity to come. Bring it on.
Then we had our initiation into the hill club with a wicked 1/2 mile climb up a 15% hill towards Cadbury Castle which was a killer. Previously we'd have had one or two of these in a day but this was the first of 6 in the first hour!
It's a good job that we both seem up for it mentally and physically.
Refuelling stop in Crediton and pain chocolat with lucozade.
We wanted to get to Okehampton for lunch 18 miles away so set off confidently.
From here we've felt the full force of the gales and torrential rain and it's been truly atrocious. Soaked through to the bone and with the wind just blasting right in our faces. At times it almost knocked me off my bike.
It's been continuous hills up, down, up, down ad infinitum. You start to really resent the descents, even though they are a chance to make miles without pedalling, as you just know that every metre you come down is another metre of ascent to come. It's not like for like as climbing takes 10 times the effort.
The more direct route we've taken is the right choice, not too busy and surely less hilly.
Approaching Okehampton (Oke to the locals) James's chain fell off halfway up a steep hill. Feet clipped in, no momentum and there's only one outcome - comedy fall into the bushes. He gets a 10 for technique and is thankful no falls have been traffic bound.
1.30 in the Fountain Hotel in Oke and don't think they'll let us eat sarnies in here so we'll have to stand outside. Hot chocolate is a great warmer though. Changed into dry shirts and we've stood in the Gents using the hand drier to warm up and dry our jackets as they were soaked through, cold and clammy. Nothing we can do about drenched bottom halfs and our feet feel like they're sat in a sodden sponge. Just got to get on with it.
We're both surprisingly positive and delighted to see how close Launceston seems to be.
The weather couldn't have been worse but thankfully no-one is lame and we are phsically up to the hill challenge and adversity to come. Bring it on.
Lucky for some
Our 13th Day since we set off on Friday the 13th and the weather forecast for the day is....
...gale force winds from the south, up to 30mph, and heavy rain. Severe Weather Warning just announced in the South West forecasting up to 30mm of rain.
Well so much for my attempted note of optimism last night.
It's also a longish day and the route is unavoidably hilly.
Hard to know what to say apart from stating the blinkin' obvious that we aren't looking forward to it. We see this as, hopefully, the last great challenge of the adventure.
Last night was spent in the pub rerouting, all those lovely back roads taking us to out of the way villages have been sacrificed for a more direct route. C roads tend to ignore the niceities of avoiding hills assuming you're happy doing a roller-coaster a-to-b. Also now with the weather as it is sight-seeing comes second to just getting there.
...gale force winds from the south, up to 30mph, and heavy rain. Severe Weather Warning just announced in the South West forecasting up to 30mm of rain.
Well so much for my attempted note of optimism last night.
It's also a longish day and the route is unavoidably hilly.
Hard to know what to say apart from stating the blinkin' obvious that we aren't looking forward to it. We see this as, hopefully, the last great challenge of the adventure.
Last night was spent in the pub rerouting, all those lovely back roads taking us to out of the way villages have been sacrificed for a more direct route. C roads tend to ignore the niceities of avoiding hills assuming you're happy doing a roller-coaster a-to-b. Also now with the weather as it is sight-seeing comes second to just getting there.
The Cotleigh Brewery kept us lubricated with it's 25, seahawk and tawny owl ales (Tawny Owl was rejected, despite me having tried a sample, as James decreed it vinegary), Greene King IPA came on as a substitute. Plenty of eye-candy.
James is reluctant through pride to have his kinky cycling holdups recorded on camera for posterity. He'll regret it and I think he's wavering so I think a few comments requesting sight of them could sway it - post away you voyeuristic blogees.
Angel Guest House in Tiverton is well recommended: spacious room, comfy bed and Angela is very friendly.
Wish us luck on our battle with the elements today towards Launceston.
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
Day 12 stats Evercreech to Tiverton
Day 12 stats Evercreech to Tiverton
Distance: 62.7 miles
Max Speed: 28.3 mph (that's the same as the headwind)
Moving Time: 6hrs:11mins
Moving Average: 10.1mph
Stopped: 2hrs 58mins
Overall ave: 6.8mph
Cumulative Distance: 820 miles
Day 12 over and out
We dragged ourselves away from the Mambo cafe bar around 3 looking forward to a 25 mile or so run to Tiverton and refuge. James noticed that Beryl's daughter's itinerary (she set off yesterday from Land's End heading for JOG) showed her staying at the Angel Guesthouse in Tiverton and it rang a bell. Quick phone call confirmed that we were booked in - bit of luck that.
Unfortunately once we hit Wellington the route got a bit messy. The A38 is a really busy road and we wanted to avoid it if possible and James had put some effort in trying to find an alternative using B roads but minimising hiills of course. We were trying to find the national cycle network route 3. James has done a sterling job of working out routes so far but I think he did this one when he was tired and it could be described as slapdash. Consequently we couldn't really follow the GPS dependably and spent 2 hours making 10 miles of progress. I was getting a bit fed up and probably showed it - apologies to James for this as he'd done it with the right idea in mind. We eventually found the canalside towpath that promised to take us on the flat to Tiverton but James had a minor trauma when his pannier caught on a post and with his feet clipped in he was spilt into the nettles. No wounds except his pride and a dislodged chain. We had a brief stop to refuel (thank you Beryl for
the rolls) whilst admiring the canal and listed lime kilns opposite. We realised that we'd crossed into Devon by now.
The towpath was good and promised a beautiful, quiet and leafy final 11 miles that would be flat (canals generally not undulating too much).
There was a lovely scene with two swans meandering serenely along the canal with their four cycgnets and followed at the rear by two ducks. I hope the ducks haven't been reading nursery stories as they're going to be awfully disappointed when they don't turn into swans.
Unfortunately the towpath turned muddy and whilst this would be fine for a Sunday run out on mountain bikes our tyres can't cope and mud absorbs too much energy (of which we had little) so we decided to turn to the roads. The last 12 miles were therefore spent on aforementioned busy and fast lorry laden A38, but at least it was quick.
We've now made our way to a very friendly Angela at the Angel Guest House where our room is excellent, clean amd spacious and I'm soaking my limbs in a piping hot bath - divine. When we first were shown the room I just saw a double bed. The image I had was of James and I sitting up in a double bed doing our blogging together in our pyjamas. Those who are old enough may remember Morecambe and Wise in similar circumstances (though if I remember correctly they would be reading a newspaper and not blogging). Thankfully there is also a single bed.
I'm paranoid now as when taking a photo earlier James said that my helmet is always on at a stupid lopsided angle. So every picture for 12 days and I look like a clown apparently. How would any females out there react if told by their partner, on the way home, that they'd had their skirt tucked into their knickers all night. My photographic record of the momentous expedition has been ruined.
Anyway, James has mislaid a glove so he loooks like Michael Jackson wearing one in an attempt to be cool.
By the way I need to make an apology. Sorry to Kevin, Hilary's neighbour, if I have made him appear in an earlier blog entry to have the unique ability to lay eggs. He saves the effort and cheats by keeping chickens to do it for him.
Today's largely relentless headwind, that feels like a gale when you're trying to pedal through it, was atrocious. It saps your energy and I reckon requires 50% more effort to go the same distance. I think I was going a little stir crazy while battling away and I started to have thoughts of retribution. The wind's pretty hard to take revenge on and the best I could come up with was to leap off my bike (well fall anyway) and kick the wind. That's poor.
I will look differently on those who've done the end-to-end from South to North, JOGLErs. If they just tied a sheet to their backs and spread their arms out they'd sail all the way without pedalling.
James wants me to put a positive spin on today's often depressive report so I suppose it could have been tipping it down whilst the gale was blowing us back oop North. And 12 days down only 3 to go, that's inspiring.
Ttfn.
Unfortunately once we hit Wellington the route got a bit messy. The A38 is a really busy road and we wanted to avoid it if possible and James had put some effort in trying to find an alternative using B roads but minimising hiills of course. We were trying to find the national cycle network route 3. James has done a sterling job of working out routes so far but I think he did this one when he was tired and it could be described as slapdash. Consequently we couldn't really follow the GPS dependably and spent 2 hours making 10 miles of progress. I was getting a bit fed up and probably showed it - apologies to James for this as he'd done it with the right idea in mind. We eventually found the canalside towpath that promised to take us on the flat to Tiverton but James had a minor trauma when his pannier caught on a post and with his feet clipped in he was spilt into the nettles. No wounds except his pride and a dislodged chain. We had a brief stop to refuel (thank you Beryl for
the rolls) whilst admiring the canal and listed lime kilns opposite. We realised that we'd crossed into Devon by now.
The towpath was good and promised a beautiful, quiet and leafy final 11 miles that would be flat (canals generally not undulating too much).
There was a lovely scene with two swans meandering serenely along the canal with their four cycgnets and followed at the rear by two ducks. I hope the ducks haven't been reading nursery stories as they're going to be awfully disappointed when they don't turn into swans.
Unfortunately the towpath turned muddy and whilst this would be fine for a Sunday run out on mountain bikes our tyres can't cope and mud absorbs too much energy (of which we had little) so we decided to turn to the roads. The last 12 miles were therefore spent on aforementioned busy and fast lorry laden A38, but at least it was quick.
We've now made our way to a very friendly Angela at the Angel Guest House where our room is excellent, clean amd spacious and I'm soaking my limbs in a piping hot bath - divine. When we first were shown the room I just saw a double bed. The image I had was of James and I sitting up in a double bed doing our blogging together in our pyjamas. Those who are old enough may remember Morecambe and Wise in similar circumstances (though if I remember correctly they would be reading a newspaper and not blogging). Thankfully there is also a single bed.
I'm paranoid now as when taking a photo earlier James said that my helmet is always on at a stupid lopsided angle. So every picture for 12 days and I look like a clown apparently. How would any females out there react if told by their partner, on the way home, that they'd had their skirt tucked into their knickers all night. My photographic record of the momentous expedition has been ruined.
Anyway, James has mislaid a glove so he loooks like Michael Jackson wearing one in an attempt to be cool.
By the way I need to make an apology. Sorry to Kevin, Hilary's neighbour, if I have made him appear in an earlier blog entry to have the unique ability to lay eggs. He saves the effort and cheats by keeping chickens to do it for him.
Today's largely relentless headwind, that feels like a gale when you're trying to pedal through it, was atrocious. It saps your energy and I reckon requires 50% more effort to go the same distance. I think I was going a little stir crazy while battling away and I started to have thoughts of retribution. The wind's pretty hard to take revenge on and the best I could come up with was to leap off my bike (well fall anyway) and kick the wind. That's poor.
I will look differently on those who've done the end-to-end from South to North, JOGLErs. If they just tied a sheet to their backs and spread their arms out they'd sail all the way without pedalling.
James wants me to put a positive spin on today's often depressive report so I suppose it could have been tipping it down whilst the gale was blowing us back oop North. And 12 days down only 3 to go, that's inspiring.
Ttfn.
Day 12 lunch - need some magic
Some days you're really up for it and others you just can't be bothered. Today has been the latter. No pain apart from really sore hands - must be that Vibration White Finger thing - but I think I must be fatigued as my legs just didn't want to go and every mile has been a struggle. James seems to be in fine form.
The ride down to Glastonbury was okay, one really, really, really steep hill (felt like 1 in 2 but obviously wasn't) and twice as long as it looked, which sapped us, then downhill or flat.
Glastonbury is like a Harry Potter set, Diagon Alley or something, full of wizard shops, wand retailers and spell supermarkets. We even saw a druid walking down the street who looked like Professor Dumbledore's twin brother.
The ride from Glasto to Taunton was a 23 mile slog, every inch was draining largely because we were riding into a powerful headwind that took at least 4mph off our speed. It was really hard work. Thank goodness for the Somerset Levels which are an expanse of pretty flat land that meant few inclines. We'd never have made it otherwise. I'd have willingly put up with tropical downpours instead of that wind.
We've made it to Taunton for lunch at the Mambo. Tempting as the Thai menu is carbo loading is the order of the day so I've gone for pasta carbonara and James his standard jacket pot with cheese & beans again.
Great to have got 35 miles under our belts by lunchtime though and this hopefully will help us drive forward to Tiverton.
James has forgotten where we're staying the night though!
The ride down to Glastonbury was okay, one really, really, really steep hill (felt like 1 in 2 but obviously wasn't) and twice as long as it looked, which sapped us, then downhill or flat.
Glastonbury is like a Harry Potter set, Diagon Alley or something, full of wizard shops, wand retailers and spell supermarkets. We even saw a druid walking down the street who looked like Professor Dumbledore's twin brother.
The ride from Glasto to Taunton was a 23 mile slog, every inch was draining largely because we were riding into a powerful headwind that took at least 4mph off our speed. It was really hard work. Thank goodness for the Somerset Levels which are an expanse of pretty flat land that meant few inclines. We'd never have made it otherwise. I'd have willingly put up with tropical downpours instead of that wind.
We've made it to Taunton for lunch at the Mambo. Tempting as the Thai menu is carbo loading is the order of the day so I've gone for pasta carbonara and James his standard jacket pot with cheese & beans again.
Great to have got 35 miles under our belts by lunchtime though and this hopefully will help us drive forward to Tiverton.
James has forgotten where we're staying the night though!
Getting muddy in Glastonbury
Place name of the day: yesterday we passed by the magnificent mouthful that is Nempnet Thrubwell. Try saying that with a gobstopper in your mouth. It's even better if said in a West Country accent, as is its neighbour Ubly (Jubly). If anyone has any commentworth placenames post them up. Calls cost £1 per minute from a BT landline.
Day 12 dawns and we are ready to leave Evercreech heading for Tiverton.
First back to the room to give ourselves a blood transfusion to top up the white blood cells. Curses to the Tour De France team for publicising our little secret. We're banking on there not being a random testing team here in Somerset.
I'm looking forward to passing Glastonbury Tor. You can see it from up here in the hills bulging up out of the plains like a tube prolapsing through a torn tyre (I'm going to have to stop thinking bike malfunctions). It's quite majestic and our ancestors must have been quite in awe of it.
It's been raining overnight but doesn't look to bad, just mizzling. Think we'll have a headwind though.
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
Stats day 10 Ludlow to Aust
Stats day 10 Ludlow to Aust
Distance: 67 miles
Max Speed: 33.3 mph
Moving Time: 5hrs :38mins
Moving Average: 11.9mph
Stopped: 3hrs .42mins
Cumulative Distance: 711 miles
Distance: 67 miles
Max Speed: 33.3 mph
Moving Time: 5hrs :38mins
Moving Average: 11.9mph
Stopped: 3hrs .42mins
Cumulative Distance: 711 miles
Stats day 11 Aust to Evercreech
Stats day 11 Aust to Evercreech
Distance: 47.2 miles
Max Speed: 39.7 mph
Moving Time: 4hrs :48mins
Moving Average: 9.8mph
Cumulative Distance: 758 miles (>80%!)
Distance: 47.2 miles
Max Speed: 39.7 mph
Moving Time: 4hrs :48mins
Moving Average: 9.8mph
Cumulative Distance: 758 miles (>80%!)
Stats day 9 Chester to Ludlow (Sunday)
Stats day 9 Chester to Ludlow
Distance: 69.4 miles
Max Speed: 23.9 mph
Moving Time: 6hrs 10mins
Moving Average: 11.2mph
stopped 3hrs 42mins (fixing tubes!)
overall ave 7.0mph
Cumulative Distance: 644 miles
Distance: 69.4 miles
Max Speed: 23.9 mph
Moving Time: 6hrs 10mins
Moving Average: 11.2mph
stopped 3hrs 42mins (fixing tubes!)
overall ave 7.0mph
Cumulative Distance: 644 miles
Beautiful Day part 2
Having lunch was like sitting in a wind tunnel (weird as there hadn't been much in the morning nor later in the afternoon) and we decided to escape after seeing a couple next to us wearing theirs on their faces after the wind whipped the plates up off the table. Ah, summer.
After our lunchtime break we sadly said farewell to Alan. The plan had been for him to join us for 4 days until tonight's rest stop where he would peel off to Frome where he would catch a train back home via Birmingham. Due to our late start today he wouldn't have caught the last train from Frome so decided it best to terminate where we were in Brizzul. Well done Alan, it was good to share part of the ride with you, thanks for your company and mechanical expertise. Sorry you experienced some of our worst days!
Tip for cyclists: a pint of Flowers Original is not recommended preparation for climbing the Mendip Hills.
As we left Bristol we faced an excruciatingly steep climb which went on for ever, well sometimes 2 miles can feel like eternity anyway. Halfway up I sought refuge and a breather in a driveway and got shouted at for worrying the lady's dogs. Poor mites, this was clearly of more concern to her than having a death on her doorstep - I was virtually expiring. Politely and without showing my contempt I moved on and James and I made it to the top exhausted for a 5 minute crash out - I followed Clive's tip of putting my legs up in the air to replenish the blood. White van men just don't understand and think that this perverted behaviour warrants abuse from the security of their cabs.
I forgot to mention that the lunchtime stopover also set James's thigh muscles off again so he was struggling even more. He would have been suffering more if the woman in the blue golf hadn't missed her timing when pulling out with him in her sights and missed him by about 12 inches. He would have been suffering more if his furious swinging right hand had connected with her Golf. Driven to road rage on a bike.
After we'd recovered from the big climb we could enjoy our reward of the long run down to Chew Stoke where we recorded today's highest speed almost 40mph. I think the record logged on the drop down from Shap (42.5) would have been under threat had I not bottled it and kept my brakes on for half the descent. Unless you are confident there isn't a sharp bend or parked lorry ahead it takes either courage or stupidty to let it rip. I just bottled it. My rear brake blocks have almost worn out completely and I'm sure I can smell burning when they're full on attempting to stop the momentum of a fast run down, James was nonetoo chuffed when I hit a pothole on one fast run and my rear light cover flew off and hit him on the leg drawing blood. On a crappy day this might have been enough to put anyone in a bad mood but as an indicator of how well we were feeling today he laughed it off - phew.
We knew the descent had to be repaid with another climb up to the top of the Mendips but promised ourselves another pint once done to motivate us. Unfortunately the Kings Arms in Litton appeared like a vision before we got there. Sun blazing; blue sky; traditional 400 year old quaint English pub; down by the river; plenty of time; no worries about drink driving; advertising Old Speckled Hen - I defy anyone out there to come up with a single reason why anybody wouldn't stop. Beautiful.
We've really noticed how well England does country and village pubs. They're so much better than in Scotland which mostly (from what we saw this trip) seems to have hotels that don't have one tenth of the character. They make this country great for touring so, reader, use them or lose them. James and I are doing our utmost to support them single handedly.
An uneventful but happy final 12 miles or so saw us to reach Karen's Aunty Beryl's place in Evercreech to close Day 11's effort.
We've just returned from taking her to tea at the Bell Inn and then James and I sampled the Cheddar Valley scrumpy in the Shapway Inn - very smooth and deceptively strong. Nice chat with the worzel locals on the merits of the local ciders.
More rain and southerly wind forecast for tomorrow but I hope will clear by lunchtime. We're in good spirits so can take it on.
We've looked on a national map and seen roughly how far away from John O'Groats Shepton Mallet actually is and this has lifted us - we've done over 750 miles or 80% of the total - the last 4 days don't seem so daunting now.
The views from up here in the sun are fantastic. It's such a shame that the last few days rain have cheated us out of others equally good (Long Mynd, Wye Valley, Tintern Abbey etc). As a local in the Shapway said we shouldn't complain about the rain when we should be counting our blessings we aren't suffering like those in Gloucester and Tewkesbury et al.
After our lunchtime break we sadly said farewell to Alan. The plan had been for him to join us for 4 days until tonight's rest stop where he would peel off to Frome where he would catch a train back home via Birmingham. Due to our late start today he wouldn't have caught the last train from Frome so decided it best to terminate where we were in Brizzul. Well done Alan, it was good to share part of the ride with you, thanks for your company and mechanical expertise. Sorry you experienced some of our worst days!
Tip for cyclists: a pint of Flowers Original is not recommended preparation for climbing the Mendip Hills.
As we left Bristol we faced an excruciatingly steep climb which went on for ever, well sometimes 2 miles can feel like eternity anyway. Halfway up I sought refuge and a breather in a driveway and got shouted at for worrying the lady's dogs. Poor mites, this was clearly of more concern to her than having a death on her doorstep - I was virtually expiring. Politely and without showing my contempt I moved on and James and I made it to the top exhausted for a 5 minute crash out - I followed Clive's tip of putting my legs up in the air to replenish the blood. White van men just don't understand and think that this perverted behaviour warrants abuse from the security of their cabs.
I forgot to mention that the lunchtime stopover also set James's thigh muscles off again so he was struggling even more. He would have been suffering more if the woman in the blue golf hadn't missed her timing when pulling out with him in her sights and missed him by about 12 inches. He would have been suffering more if his furious swinging right hand had connected with her Golf. Driven to road rage on a bike.
After we'd recovered from the big climb we could enjoy our reward of the long run down to Chew Stoke where we recorded today's highest speed almost 40mph. I think the record logged on the drop down from Shap (42.5) would have been under threat had I not bottled it and kept my brakes on for half the descent. Unless you are confident there isn't a sharp bend or parked lorry ahead it takes either courage or stupidty to let it rip. I just bottled it. My rear brake blocks have almost worn out completely and I'm sure I can smell burning when they're full on attempting to stop the momentum of a fast run down, James was nonetoo chuffed when I hit a pothole on one fast run and my rear light cover flew off and hit him on the leg drawing blood. On a crappy day this might have been enough to put anyone in a bad mood but as an indicator of how well we were feeling today he laughed it off - phew.
We knew the descent had to be repaid with another climb up to the top of the Mendips but promised ourselves another pint once done to motivate us. Unfortunately the Kings Arms in Litton appeared like a vision before we got there. Sun blazing; blue sky; traditional 400 year old quaint English pub; down by the river; plenty of time; no worries about drink driving; advertising Old Speckled Hen - I defy anyone out there to come up with a single reason why anybody wouldn't stop. Beautiful.
We've really noticed how well England does country and village pubs. They're so much better than in Scotland which mostly (from what we saw this trip) seems to have hotels that don't have one tenth of the character. They make this country great for touring so, reader, use them or lose them. James and I are doing our utmost to support them single handedly.
An uneventful but happy final 12 miles or so saw us to reach Karen's Aunty Beryl's place in Evercreech to close Day 11's effort.
We've just returned from taking her to tea at the Bell Inn and then James and I sampled the Cheddar Valley scrumpy in the Shapway Inn - very smooth and deceptively strong. Nice chat with the worzel locals on the merits of the local ciders.
More rain and southerly wind forecast for tomorrow but I hope will clear by lunchtime. We're in good spirits so can take it on.
We've looked on a national map and seen roughly how far away from John O'Groats Shepton Mallet actually is and this has lifted us - we've done over 750 miles or 80% of the total - the last 4 days don't seem so daunting now.
The views from up here in the sun are fantastic. It's such a shame that the last few days rain have cheated us out of others equally good (Long Mynd, Wye Valley, Tintern Abbey etc). As a local in the Shapway said we shouldn't complain about the rain when we should be counting our blessings we aren't suffering like those in Gloucester and Tewkesbury et al.
Stats Day 8 Preston to Chester
Stats Day 8 Preston to Chester
Distance: 54.2 miles
Max Speed: 26.3 mph
Moving Time: 4hrs 49mins
Moving Average: 11.2 mph
Cumulative Distance: 575 miles
Distance: 54.2 miles
Max Speed: 26.3 mph
Moving Time: 4hrs 49mins
Moving Average: 11.2 mph
Cumulative Distance: 575 miles
Be this Brizzul? Yarp
Life is wonderful again.
The sun is shining.
No mechanical breakdowns (we're not allowed to mention the P word that rhymes with juncture).
6 legs appear to be relishing the conditions and are carrying us along without complaint.
Soon after setting off we met the lovely Lisa, a Royal Mail truck driver who was cycling and guided us onto the cycle route towards and past Bristol. We followed closely behind and the views were wonderful....
Heading over the Avon Bridge we picked up the excellent NCN Route 41 which brought us along the river, through the edge of a forest and into the Avon gorge. In this weather, with the scenery and bearing in mind events and conditions of the last few days we agree that this has been one of the highlights of the trip so far.
We've stopped for a pint and to eat our cheese and pickle sarnies, courtesy of Hilary, at the Cottage Inn in the Bristol marina basin. It doesn't get much better than this. This is how I'd anticipated it all to be like.
Will head off with glad hearts to near Shepton Mallet.
The sun is shining.
No mechanical breakdowns (we're not allowed to mention the P word that rhymes with juncture).
6 legs appear to be relishing the conditions and are carrying us along without complaint.
Soon after setting off we met the lovely Lisa, a Royal Mail truck driver who was cycling and guided us onto the cycle route towards and past Bristol. We followed closely behind and the views were wonderful....
Heading over the Avon Bridge we picked up the excellent NCN Route 41 which brought us along the river, through the edge of a forest and into the Avon gorge. In this weather, with the scenery and bearing in mind events and conditions of the last few days we agree that this has been one of the highlights of the trip so far.
We've stopped for a pint and to eat our cheese and pickle sarnies, courtesy of Hilary, at the Cottage Inn in the Bristol marina basin. It doesn't get much better than this. This is how I'd anticipated it all to be like.
Will head off with glad hearts to near Shepton Mallet.
Someone pinchme, I must be dreaming
It's a beautiful sunny day with very little wind and what there is should be from the North.
Hilary's cooked us a great breakfast with freshly laid eggs courtesy of Kevin next door.
The early start didn't happen, now there's a surprise, but it didn't matter as the bike shop in Wotton doesn't open till 10. We were dead lucky as they don't open on Monday's or Wednesday's. One tyre and 4 tubes later we were on our way to Severn View services in Aust with our hearts in our mouths in case the bikes were not where we left them.
Joy of Joys and they're still there!
We've had a coffee and with bikes repaired we're almost ready to go at 11.20. James is just working out how to pay a visit without spreading the cycle oil where it shouldn't go.
We're in good spirits and looking forward to a much better day.
Hilary's cooked us a great breakfast with freshly laid eggs courtesy of Kevin next door.
The early start didn't happen, now there's a surprise, but it didn't matter as the bike shop in Wotton doesn't open till 10. We were dead lucky as they don't open on Monday's or Wednesday's. One tyre and 4 tubes later we were on our way to Severn View services in Aust with our hearts in our mouths in case the bikes were not where we left them.
Joy of Joys and they're still there!
We've had a coffee and with bikes repaired we're almost ready to go at 11.20. James is just working out how to pay a visit without spreading the cycle oil where it shouldn't go.
We're in good spirits and looking forward to a much better day.
Sense of humour failure
Dear Diary, sorry for not talking to you so much recently and that when I have I've been a little glum.
One day like yesterday can be considered unfortunate, two on the run must be either a) incompetence b) divine retribution or c) ?
Jude your comment of yesterday is so close to the mark: "The end can not be far. It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more".
The Cecil Guest House in Ludlow should be preserved in a museum. The owner (very definitely a Cecil) was very friendly but we've all got used to better things. Lots of linoleum, brass, nets and all probably in need of replacement around the time I was born. No heating to dry our (very wet) clothes and shoes because it was too late. Had I tried the previously successful trick of asking the landlady/lord if we could borrow their washing machine (which usually results in them offering to wash and dry our gear) I think we would have been evicted. Actually they probably only have a washboard and a mangle. I did crack the secret code to turn on the radiator so that in the morning it came on, dried a few things and warmed us up nicely for our exertions. Made us laugh when the old dears at the next breakfast table were moaning about being too cold. Both Alan and I turned in amazement when a very proper old chap (shirt and tie for breakfast and 70 years old at least) was talking to his even more plum and prim wife and casually dropped in the phrase 'I was in the zone'. I've probably used it tongue in cheek on here but this was so not what you expected someone like that to use. What next, 'hang loose', 'living on the edge' ? He was very nice and tried to be helpful in giving me advice on how we might adapt our route to avoid the flooding. Only problem was he suggested we went way out East into the Cotswolds and then turn South. a) he's obviously never ridden a bike as to suggest a 100 mile detour is mad in anyones book and b) his detour would have taken us straight through 3 metre floods into the worst hit area in the whol country. I think he's been in the wacky zone.
First job of the day was to find a bike shop in Ludlow to sort out Alan's chain. As ever this takes at least an hour so the delays had begun... It was a strange place which combined a bike shop with a pet shop. Can anyone tell me what Dog Beer is all about? The owner even fitted Alan's new chain getting horrendously oily in the process and refused to charge for the service. On reflection we didn't feel guilty about this as we later discovered he'd fitted the wrong size chain which caused Alan problems all the way to Hereford. Maybe it was actually a dog chain. I stocked up with 3 spare tubes which was fortuitous.
Next delay was a 20 minute wait to see if the torrential rain would abate.
We finally left Ludlow later than planned (for a change!) and had to stop 2 miles out for Alan to see what was going on with this chain. As we set off again warily my fragile state was shattered with, guess what, another puncture. James and Alan had flown off down the hill and weren't going to ascend again so Mr Incompetent here did his first entirely solo tube change. Oh, and by the way I've had enough practice over the last 24 hours. It worked but by now we'd done 2 miles in 2 hours. I finally caught up with James sheltering from the rain in a caravan cafe with a nice cuppa so I felt I'd earned one too - cue further 20 minute delay.
Finally catching up with Alan in Leominster we found the chain was causing big problems so spent 45 minutes tracking down a bike shop for help. By the time we set off it was about 1pm and we'd done 11 miles. There was an awful sense of Deja Vue - technical problems, wet through and with a long day ahead. 71 more miles = 7 hours cycling at least plus stops = 9.30/10pm arrival at James's friend Hilary's house and we could see us arriving in the pitch black. There was also the issue that Hilary lives in a very high place and the last thing we'd want would to be doing is a steep 5 mile climb late at night after a tiring day.
We got on the road and finally reached Hereford around 3pm. Halfords were pretty unhelpful but at least they directed us to the magnificent Climb On Bikes which was just what the doctor ordered. They diagnosed Alan's chain problem plus a few others so he ordered a new chain and sprocket set to be fitted. The owner Clive, then gave me a little TLC as, having required 4 tube changes in 24 hours, I was getting totally paranoid that someone was out to get me and I'd be spending the remaining 6 days doing endless tube changes like one of Groundhog Day. I bought some bullet (and hopefully thorn) proof tyres which they agreed to fit whilst we went off to get a quick bite. James wasn't going to be left out of this spending spree and bought the cutest pair of cycling leggings you've ever seen. They start mid-thigh and finish at the ankle. He looks great in them, honestly, and I'm hoping to get a compromising snap of him with them on for your delight before the week's out. Lovely bit of detail on the elastic at the top of his hold-ups.
4pm, 24 miles done and we finally leave Hereford for Monmouth. My knees are less painful than yesterday but still sometimes really slowing me down.
As we headed down the Wye Valley to Chepstow an almighty shot rang out. Initial thoughts that it was a disgruntled blog reader sniping us were wrong and it was actually Alan's tyre completely blowing out. It was totally unrideable and unfixable. Alan is only with us for 4 days and he didn't want to stop James and I from getting on with our mission - it was too late for us to contemplate going back with him so this modern day Scott crept out of the tent with the words 'I may be gone some time' and trudged off into the distance. He hoped to find a spare tyre (unlikely at 6pm in a one horse town). James and I reluctantly continued towards Chepstow.
It's a lovely run through the Wye Valley and past Tintern Abbey but there's a very tiring climb at the end.
Finally we reached the Severn Bridge and the end was in sight. We'd arranged that Hilary would meet us there to drive us the 15 miles to her house. We've locked our bikes up at the service station on the English side and will return to continue our ride tomorrow. If they haven't been stolen by then. Alan had caught a taxi from Monmouth and met us there.
Just to complete the hat-trick James, whilst on the last stretch over the bridge suffered a ........ you've guessed it, a puncture. This is really getting beyond a joke.
We're all completely knackered, suffering a range of types and degrees of pain and totally hacked off with the mechanical problems. They're a chore to fix, particularly in the rain, and they cost us so much time. The only glimmer of optimism is to think that surely they can't go on and maybe we've got them all out they way in one concentrated nightmare 36 hours. Fingers and legs crossed.
Finishing on a bright note or three:
1) Hilary has been a great host providing the essentials of beer, lovely food and company and a hot bath. Many thanks to her and Kevin next door for their kind hospitality.
2) It's going to be sunny and dry tomorrow (hmmm)
3) Tomorrow's a short day distance wise (although we do still have to get to a bike shop for a new tyre in the morning and fix two punctures!!!!!!)
One day like yesterday can be considered unfortunate, two on the run must be either a) incompetence b) divine retribution or c) ?
Jude your comment of yesterday is so close to the mark: "The end can not be far. It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more".
The Cecil Guest House in Ludlow should be preserved in a museum. The owner (very definitely a Cecil) was very friendly but we've all got used to better things. Lots of linoleum, brass, nets and all probably in need of replacement around the time I was born. No heating to dry our (very wet) clothes and shoes because it was too late. Had I tried the previously successful trick of asking the landlady/lord if we could borrow their washing machine (which usually results in them offering to wash and dry our gear) I think we would have been evicted. Actually they probably only have a washboard and a mangle. I did crack the secret code to turn on the radiator so that in the morning it came on, dried a few things and warmed us up nicely for our exertions. Made us laugh when the old dears at the next breakfast table were moaning about being too cold. Both Alan and I turned in amazement when a very proper old chap (shirt and tie for breakfast and 70 years old at least) was talking to his even more plum and prim wife and casually dropped in the phrase 'I was in the zone'. I've probably used it tongue in cheek on here but this was so not what you expected someone like that to use. What next, 'hang loose', 'living on the edge' ? He was very nice and tried to be helpful in giving me advice on how we might adapt our route to avoid the flooding. Only problem was he suggested we went way out East into the Cotswolds and then turn South. a) he's obviously never ridden a bike as to suggest a 100 mile detour is mad in anyones book and b) his detour would have taken us straight through 3 metre floods into the worst hit area in the whol country. I think he's been in the wacky zone.
First job of the day was to find a bike shop in Ludlow to sort out Alan's chain. As ever this takes at least an hour so the delays had begun... It was a strange place which combined a bike shop with a pet shop. Can anyone tell me what Dog Beer is all about? The owner even fitted Alan's new chain getting horrendously oily in the process and refused to charge for the service. On reflection we didn't feel guilty about this as we later discovered he'd fitted the wrong size chain which caused Alan problems all the way to Hereford. Maybe it was actually a dog chain. I stocked up with 3 spare tubes which was fortuitous.
Next delay was a 20 minute wait to see if the torrential rain would abate.
We finally left Ludlow later than planned (for a change!) and had to stop 2 miles out for Alan to see what was going on with this chain. As we set off again warily my fragile state was shattered with, guess what, another puncture. James and Alan had flown off down the hill and weren't going to ascend again so Mr Incompetent here did his first entirely solo tube change. Oh, and by the way I've had enough practice over the last 24 hours. It worked but by now we'd done 2 miles in 2 hours. I finally caught up with James sheltering from the rain in a caravan cafe with a nice cuppa so I felt I'd earned one too - cue further 20 minute delay.
Finally catching up with Alan in Leominster we found the chain was causing big problems so spent 45 minutes tracking down a bike shop for help. By the time we set off it was about 1pm and we'd done 11 miles. There was an awful sense of Deja Vue - technical problems, wet through and with a long day ahead. 71 more miles = 7 hours cycling at least plus stops = 9.30/10pm arrival at James's friend Hilary's house and we could see us arriving in the pitch black. There was also the issue that Hilary lives in a very high place and the last thing we'd want would to be doing is a steep 5 mile climb late at night after a tiring day.
We got on the road and finally reached Hereford around 3pm. Halfords were pretty unhelpful but at least they directed us to the magnificent Climb On Bikes which was just what the doctor ordered. They diagnosed Alan's chain problem plus a few others so he ordered a new chain and sprocket set to be fitted. The owner Clive, then gave me a little TLC as, having required 4 tube changes in 24 hours, I was getting totally paranoid that someone was out to get me and I'd be spending the remaining 6 days doing endless tube changes like one of Groundhog Day. I bought some bullet (and hopefully thorn) proof tyres which they agreed to fit whilst we went off to get a quick bite. James wasn't going to be left out of this spending spree and bought the cutest pair of cycling leggings you've ever seen. They start mid-thigh and finish at the ankle. He looks great in them, honestly, and I'm hoping to get a compromising snap of him with them on for your delight before the week's out. Lovely bit of detail on the elastic at the top of his hold-ups.
4pm, 24 miles done and we finally leave Hereford for Monmouth. My knees are less painful than yesterday but still sometimes really slowing me down.
As we headed down the Wye Valley to Chepstow an almighty shot rang out. Initial thoughts that it was a disgruntled blog reader sniping us were wrong and it was actually Alan's tyre completely blowing out. It was totally unrideable and unfixable. Alan is only with us for 4 days and he didn't want to stop James and I from getting on with our mission - it was too late for us to contemplate going back with him so this modern day Scott crept out of the tent with the words 'I may be gone some time' and trudged off into the distance. He hoped to find a spare tyre (unlikely at 6pm in a one horse town). James and I reluctantly continued towards Chepstow.
It's a lovely run through the Wye Valley and past Tintern Abbey but there's a very tiring climb at the end.
Finally we reached the Severn Bridge and the end was in sight. We'd arranged that Hilary would meet us there to drive us the 15 miles to her house. We've locked our bikes up at the service station on the English side and will return to continue our ride tomorrow. If they haven't been stolen by then. Alan had caught a taxi from Monmouth and met us there.
Just to complete the hat-trick James, whilst on the last stretch over the bridge suffered a ........ you've guessed it, a puncture. This is really getting beyond a joke.
We're all completely knackered, suffering a range of types and degrees of pain and totally hacked off with the mechanical problems. They're a chore to fix, particularly in the rain, and they cost us so much time. The only glimmer of optimism is to think that surely they can't go on and maybe we've got them all out they way in one concentrated nightmare 36 hours. Fingers and legs crossed.
Finishing on a bright note or three:
1) Hilary has been a great host providing the essentials of beer, lovely food and company and a hot bath. Many thanks to her and Kevin next door for their kind hospitality.
2) It's going to be sunny and dry tomorrow (hmmm)
3) Tomorrow's a short day distance wise (although we do still have to get to a bike shop for a new tyre in the morning and fix two punctures!!!!!!)
Monday, 23 July 2007
Grovel, grovel
I just need to make a very public correction.
Karen yesterday was a superstar, doing absolutely everything for us and she really saved our bacon.
Last nights post may have given less publicity to this massive contribution and instead been picky on her overlooking the shortcut into Ludlow.
Sorry Karen, you really are heroic.
Karen yesterday was a superstar, doing absolutely everything for us and she really saved our bacon.
Last nights post may have given less publicity to this massive contribution and instead been picky on her overlooking the shortcut into Ludlow.
Sorry Karen, you really are heroic.
Hope she 'remembers' to come and pick me up this morning...
If something can go wrong, it will go wrong.
That's a well known maxim but I can't remember to whom it's attributed. Whoever came up with it must have had our day today in mind.
Thank. Goodness. That's. Over.
A really late start as James had an emergency mission to fit himself out with proper cycling shoes and pedals. These made a massive difference and saved his expedition from a potentially very dissappointing premature end through muscle strain. David (I think) at the Bike Factory Specialized shop in Boughton sorted him out superbly.
We didn't get away until after 11 but this was okay as we wanted a brief break. As the day unfolded we wished we'd set off much earlier.
Steve and Iain (the birthday boys) came with us to Farndon in pretty decent weather and it was a nice run.
Along the way we were caught up in a cycling time trial and were overtaken by a couple of riders. I have to say that even with their specialised bikes we kept respectably
close behind. A visit to the Welsh border in Farndon and then our two guest Jogler's went home (happy birthday Emma).
We made our way the few miles to Shocklach when the fun began...
Alan pointed out that I'd got a puncture so we pulled over to fix it. Rear wheel = very oily hands however I managed to replace the tube with a spare I had. As previously blogged handpumps can't get road tyres to full pressure but we were luck that Karen, James's wife was in the vicinity to bring us the trackpump. Sorted we set off and 15 metres later stopped again I haing reaised the tyre wasn't fitted properly (my incompetence on display again. Cue deflate & reflation and luckily Karen hadn't driven off into the distance.
We set off again but 1/2 a mile on I'd got another puncture. Unless I'd been inept it was an awful piece of bad luck. You'd assume the former but the rest of the day's events point to it being the latter. We phoned Karen who fortunately wasn't too far away. I changed the tube again and was pumping it up when it literally exploded. James kids and the dog who were observing almost leapt into Shropshire with the shock. I was getting seriously hacked off with having to put a third tube on in 10 minutes. My last spare tube fitted we were on our way. I had enough oil on my hands to fill an engine (was beginning to wish I'd got one by now.)
Having got underway it started to rain quite heavily and we were soaked. I was in front and heard James call 'man down'. Poor Alan had suffered a broken chain. To add to his misery he forgot his feet were clipped in and toppled over on to the floor wounding his leg. Fixing a chain is hard enough but in the rain it's miserable. Chain fixed and elastoplast applied we set off.
We made good progress to Shocklach and decided to pull over to eat our sandwiches in the Fox Inn in Wem. At this point James also forgot that his new shoes were clipped in and......... toppled over! I bet the lads in the pub who saw him didn't laugh much.
I parked up and Alan spotted...... guess what.....I had a third puncture. I'd lost the will to live so Alan kindly replaced it for me. No more spares so had to repair one of the punctured tubes. Luckily, again, Karen happened also to be in Wem with the track pump.
By now it was 4pm and we still had 40 miles to do - not good.
Karen raced off to try and find supplies of spare inner tubes whilst we cracked on to Shrewsbury. At this point we realised that if we wanted to get to Ludlow before midnight we'd have to forsake James's carefully mapped scenic route for a quicker, and definitely nastier, run along the A49.
It was a long run and I started to get stabbing pains in my knee which slowed me down. I think we were all cold and tired to - that would explain why James fell off his bike, again, and Alan collided with a road sign!
You couldn't make this up.....
James got worried when e saw a police car, blue lights flashing etc with a stopped car and a policeman waving him down. He couldn't understand why (excessive wearing of lycra in a rural area perhaps?) Amazing the bobby was just my dad in a blue shirt who'd driven all the way from Lichfield to see us with his wife Pat and my sister Linda with hubby Andy. Thanks to them for giving up their day just to spend 5 minutes standing in the rain talking to us. It was much appreciated and we resumed cycling encouraged.
We still had 20 miles to do and it was 7pm. Karen had gone on ahead to sort out accomodation and somewhere we could eat as it was going to be touch and go if any restaraunts would still be serving by the time we reached Ludlow.
We finally limped in 2 hours later through mixed rain and totally exhausted. I certainly shouldn't be ungrateful to Karen after all she's done for us but I do wish she'd remembered to tell us that the 2 mile diversion was unnecessary....
Karen had us sorted and at 9pm we arrived and sat down to a pint and a steak in the Feathers Hotel in Ludlow. Fantastic and so pleased that what must surely rank as our worst day was finally over. 3 pints of recuperative Ludlow Gold beer later and we retired to our B&Bs, Karen having commandeered our room at the original place for her and the boys but found us an equally nice room at the Cecil guest house. One for you Beak.
Happy birthday Hilda (Helen's mum), I hear you all had a good day.
We're all very tired and glad the day's over but are wary of another long day in the rain tomorrow. So long as there are no more punctures/broken chains/ comedy toppling overs we should have half a chance.
Alan snores by the way.
Thank. Goodness. That's. Over.
A really late start as James had an emergency mission to fit himself out with proper cycling shoes and pedals. These made a massive difference and saved his expedition from a potentially very dissappointing premature end through muscle strain. David (I think) at the Bike Factory Specialized shop in Boughton sorted him out superbly.
We didn't get away until after 11 but this was okay as we wanted a brief break. As the day unfolded we wished we'd set off much earlier.
Steve and Iain (the birthday boys) came with us to Farndon in pretty decent weather and it was a nice run.
Along the way we were caught up in a cycling time trial and were overtaken by a couple of riders. I have to say that even with their specialised bikes we kept respectably
close behind. A visit to the Welsh border in Farndon and then our two guest Jogler's went home (happy birthday Emma).
We made our way the few miles to Shocklach when the fun began...
Alan pointed out that I'd got a puncture so we pulled over to fix it. Rear wheel = very oily hands however I managed to replace the tube with a spare I had. As previously blogged handpumps can't get road tyres to full pressure but we were luck that Karen, James's wife was in the vicinity to bring us the trackpump. Sorted we set off and 15 metres later stopped again I haing reaised the tyre wasn't fitted properly (my incompetence on display again. Cue deflate & reflation and luckily Karen hadn't driven off into the distance.
We set off again but 1/2 a mile on I'd got another puncture. Unless I'd been inept it was an awful piece of bad luck. You'd assume the former but the rest of the day's events point to it being the latter. We phoned Karen who fortunately wasn't too far away. I changed the tube again and was pumping it up when it literally exploded. James kids and the dog who were observing almost leapt into Shropshire with the shock. I was getting seriously hacked off with having to put a third tube on in 10 minutes. My last spare tube fitted we were on our way. I had enough oil on my hands to fill an engine (was beginning to wish I'd got one by now.)
Having got underway it started to rain quite heavily and we were soaked. I was in front and heard James call 'man down'. Poor Alan had suffered a broken chain. To add to his misery he forgot his feet were clipped in and toppled over on to the floor wounding his leg. Fixing a chain is hard enough but in the rain it's miserable. Chain fixed and elastoplast applied we set off.
We made good progress to Shocklach and decided to pull over to eat our sandwiches in the Fox Inn in Wem. At this point James also forgot that his new shoes were clipped in and......... toppled over! I bet the lads in the pub who saw him didn't laugh much.
I parked up and Alan spotted...... guess what.....I had a third puncture. I'd lost the will to live so Alan kindly replaced it for me. No more spares so had to repair one of the punctured tubes. Luckily, again, Karen happened also to be in Wem with the track pump.
By now it was 4pm and we still had 40 miles to do - not good.
Karen raced off to try and find supplies of spare inner tubes whilst we cracked on to Shrewsbury. At this point we realised that if we wanted to get to Ludlow before midnight we'd have to forsake James's carefully mapped scenic route for a quicker, and definitely nastier, run along the A49.
It was a long run and I started to get stabbing pains in my knee which slowed me down. I think we were all cold and tired to - that would explain why James fell off his bike, again, and Alan collided with a road sign!
You couldn't make this up.....
James got worried when e saw a police car, blue lights flashing etc with a stopped car and a policeman waving him down. He couldn't understand why (excessive wearing of lycra in a rural area perhaps?) Amazing the bobby was just my dad in a blue shirt who'd driven all the way from Lichfield to see us with his wife Pat and my sister Linda with hubby Andy. Thanks to them for giving up their day just to spend 5 minutes standing in the rain talking to us. It was much appreciated and we resumed cycling encouraged.
We still had 20 miles to do and it was 7pm. Karen had gone on ahead to sort out accomodation and somewhere we could eat as it was going to be touch and go if any restaraunts would still be serving by the time we reached Ludlow.
We finally limped in 2 hours later through mixed rain and totally exhausted. I certainly shouldn't be ungrateful to Karen after all she's done for us but I do wish she'd remembered to tell us that the 2 mile diversion was unnecessary....
Karen had us sorted and at 9pm we arrived and sat down to a pint and a steak in the Feathers Hotel in Ludlow. Fantastic and so pleased that what must surely rank as our worst day was finally over. 3 pints of recuperative Ludlow Gold beer later and we retired to our B&Bs, Karen having commandeered our room at the original place for her and the boys but found us an equally nice room at the Cecil guest house. One for you Beak.
Happy birthday Hilda (Helen's mum), I hear you all had a good day.
We're all very tired and glad the day's over but are wary of another long day in the rain tomorrow. So long as there are no more punctures/broken chains/ comedy toppling overs we should have half a chance.
Alan snores by the way.
Sunday, 22 July 2007
Slow starters
Uneventful ride home from frodsham and the rain had died off.
James was really having problems with his thighs and later told me that he really was thinking about giving in. He doesn't let such things out lightly so it must have been serious.
Lovely to see the family again.
We went off to Iain and Steve's birthday party and had a fantastic evening. Thanks to Emma and Lynn for organising it. Iain and Steve are joining us for the first few miles today so it'll be a proper pelaton.
Not sure the copious amounts of Marstons and Speckled Hen were the ideal preparation for our 70 miles to Ludlow today.
James has gone off to the Bike Factory (superb place) to get some proper cycling shoes with cleats etc, SPDs I think they're called, in the hope that they may be more efficient for pedalling and stop his leg trauma.
Very late start (10.30 already) so it's going to be a long day. james said he thinks we should have built in a rest day and at least the late start is a bit easier.
James was really having problems with his thighs and later told me that he really was thinking about giving in. He doesn't let such things out lightly so it must have been serious.
Lovely to see the family again.
We went off to Iain and Steve's birthday party and had a fantastic evening. Thanks to Emma and Lynn for organising it. Iain and Steve are joining us for the first few miles today so it'll be a proper pelaton.
Not sure the copious amounts of Marstons and Speckled Hen were the ideal preparation for our 70 miles to Ludlow today.
James has gone off to the Bike Factory (superb place) to get some proper cycling shoes with cleats etc, SPDs I think they're called, in the hope that they may be more efficient for pedalling and stop his leg trauma.
Very late start (10.30 already) so it's going to be a long day. james said he thinks we should have built in a rest day and at least the late start is a bit easier.
Saturday, 21 July 2007
Homeward bound
Good progress made this morning, very few hills and seemed like a lot of descent.
Big problem is James's legs which are causing him severe problems. Admirably he keeps suggesting I push on alone as he can't keep up his usual cracking pace. We're in it together though so I'm sticking around. He's very kindly just compared me to a piece of dog mess that you can't shake off your shoe. Cheers James.
Weathers been good but just started to rain so we've stopped for sarnies and a pint to shelter.
We've made it to Frodsham for a lunch break at the Aston Arms. Being polite we stood outside to eat the butties but the landlord insisted we come inside - fine fellow indeed.
Setting off now so only about 1 hour to go before the sanctuary of home and see the family.
Big shout to Helen for supporting me through this and taking on the substantial task of looking after the kids, Charlie and the house for a fortnight. Thank you.
Big problem is James's legs which are causing him severe problems. Admirably he keeps suggesting I push on alone as he can't keep up his usual cracking pace. We're in it together though so I'm sticking around. He's very kindly just compared me to a piece of dog mess that you can't shake off your shoe. Cheers James.
Weathers been good but just started to rain so we've stopped for sarnies and a pint to shelter.
We've made it to Frodsham for a lunch break at the Aston Arms. Being polite we stood outside to eat the butties but the landlord insisted we come inside - fine fellow indeed.
Setting off now so only about 1 hour to go before the sanctuary of home and see the family.
Big shout to Helen for supporting me through this and taking on the substantial task of looking after the kids, Charlie and the house for a fortnight. Thank you.
I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes.
Well actually I don't as toes/feet are numb and hands starting to go that way.
The song was by Wet, Wet, Wet and I think that pretty well sums up the weather. Serious flooding across the country and whilst I think we'll avoid the worst we're resigned to getting wet.
My cycling trousers have worn through, think I'll replace them with a wet suit.
Thanks to Mark and Jackie for being top hosts, giving up their bed and packed lunches to crown it all after a very enjoyable evening.
Heading for home at Chester overnight, looking forward to seeing Helen, Tom, Elis and Jack. Xxx
Happy birthday to Steve and Iain by the way, hope to see you later.
The song was by Wet, Wet, Wet and I think that pretty well sums up the weather. Serious flooding across the country and whilst I think we'll avoid the worst we're resigned to getting wet.
My cycling trousers have worn through, think I'll replace them with a wet suit.
Thanks to Mark and Jackie for being top hosts, giving up their bed and packed lunches to crown it all after a very enjoyable evening.
Heading for home at Chester overnight, looking forward to seeing Helen, Tom, Elis and Jack. Xxx
Happy birthday to Steve and Iain by the way, hope to see you later.
Soaked, tired but resting in the perfect B&B
I think I must have overdone the blogging at lunchtime in Kendal as James got hacked off waiting for me to compose the opus. He was right of course and we should have been hitting the road. Official apology.
His annoyance was brought to boiling point as whilst waiting for me he struck up conversation with a local decrepid ex-cyclist who claimed to have some 'good' news. Weirdly this was that as pedallers we were near certaintities to develop prostate cancer and he was living proof. In James's state of physical exhaustion and compound injuries this was not what he wanted to hear. I think the final straw was when the harbinger of doom said that at least his leg bag gave him some relief from perpetual toilet visits and we made a hasty exit when the next step was an offer to see this quality of life enhancing receptacle.
The road to Lancaster was good and excellent progress was made. Unfortunately an earlier collision on the M6 had thousands of cars and the entire Eddie Stobart fleet using the A6 to Preston. Rather than spinning along at 15mph we were reduced to weaving in and out of the traffic and taking our life in our hands squeezing between tankers and the kerb. Very unpleasant and very slow. It seems cycle lanes are fair game to park in as well. One thing that will come out of this trip is that I will be over the top in consideration for the needs of cyclists.
The only evidence of wildlife in this part of the world was a police cordon around a robbery on an armoured cash vehicle outside the Spar north of Lancaster.
We pushed on and with one eye on the Severe Weather Warning eschewed stops in favour of getting to our refuge for the night at Beak and Jackie's. Unfortunately 10 miles out the heavens opened and once again we were soaked. James blamed my excessive obsession with blogging as otherwise we'd have arrived before it poured. A beautiful friendship and end-to-end cycling partnership is threatened. I say it was the traffic.
I don't know what happened to the route planning but the expected 72 miles turned out to be 83. That's a lot especially including Shap. Thankfully because of his focus on overcoming his pains James was oblivious to this - thank goodness as with the overblogging I'd have been lynched.
Bedraggled we finally made it through Preston to Penwortham and Beak and Jackie's. The welcome was superb and ticked every box in our B&B assessment form. Cold beer, hot baths run for us, washing and drying sorted, great meal. I don't think we will leave, isn't 500 miles good enough?
Assuming we can drag ourselves away tomorrow we head for a stopover at home in Chester with Alan (James's friend) joining us for 3 stages and Beak coming along for a few miles. It's a short 54 miles but we're unsure of our route and the weather forecast is atrocious - that'll be fun then.
His annoyance was brought to boiling point as whilst waiting for me he struck up conversation with a local decrepid ex-cyclist who claimed to have some 'good' news. Weirdly this was that as pedallers we were near certaintities to develop prostate cancer and he was living proof. In James's state of physical exhaustion and compound injuries this was not what he wanted to hear. I think the final straw was when the harbinger of doom said that at least his leg bag gave him some relief from perpetual toilet visits and we made a hasty exit when the next step was an offer to see this quality of life enhancing receptacle.
The road to Lancaster was good and excellent progress was made. Unfortunately an earlier collision on the M6 had thousands of cars and the entire Eddie Stobart fleet using the A6 to Preston. Rather than spinning along at 15mph we were reduced to weaving in and out of the traffic and taking our life in our hands squeezing between tankers and the kerb. Very unpleasant and very slow. It seems cycle lanes are fair game to park in as well. One thing that will come out of this trip is that I will be over the top in consideration for the needs of cyclists.
The only evidence of wildlife in this part of the world was a police cordon around a robbery on an armoured cash vehicle outside the Spar north of Lancaster.
We pushed on and with one eye on the Severe Weather Warning eschewed stops in favour of getting to our refuge for the night at Beak and Jackie's. Unfortunately 10 miles out the heavens opened and once again we were soaked. James blamed my excessive obsession with blogging as otherwise we'd have arrived before it poured. A beautiful friendship and end-to-end cycling partnership is threatened. I say it was the traffic.
I don't know what happened to the route planning but the expected 72 miles turned out to be 83. That's a lot especially including Shap. Thankfully because of his focus on overcoming his pains James was oblivious to this - thank goodness as with the overblogging I'd have been lynched.
Bedraggled we finally made it through Preston to Penwortham and Beak and Jackie's. The welcome was superb and ticked every box in our B&B assessment form. Cold beer, hot baths run for us, washing and drying sorted, great meal. I don't think we will leave, isn't 500 miles good enough?
Assuming we can drag ourselves away tomorrow we head for a stopover at home in Chester with Alan (James's friend) joining us for 3 stages and Beak coming along for a few miles. It's a short 54 miles but we're unsure of our route and the weather forecast is atrocious - that'll be fun then.
Friday, 20 July 2007
Day 7 Stats Kirkoswald to Preston
Day 7 Stats Kirkoswald to Preston
Distance: 83.1 miles (10 more than we thought)
Max Speed: 42 mph (James 42.5,new record)
Moving Time: 8hrs 14 mins
Moving Average: 10.1 mph
Cumulative Distance: 521 miles
Distance: 83.1 miles (10 more than we thought)
Max Speed: 42 mph (James 42.5,new record)
Moving Time: 8hrs 14 mins
Moving Average: 10.1 mph
Cumulative Distance: 521 miles
Postmen Pat and P(r)at
Left our lodgings in good spirits and headed for the A6 via Plumpton. I'm sure that Plumpton featured in a children's TV programme, am I confusing it with Trumpton, or is it where postman Pat lived? Anyway the roads were just like those cruised by Postie Pat, up,down,round, up,down, round. Very scenic but sometimes you wish they followed the contours more (certainly James's thigh did).
We hit the A6 through Penrith and it's a good road, not much traffic and makes good progress, every mile heads in the right direction.
Avoiding some roadworks we had to go on the pavement. Just as I was passing a post van the postie opened his door on my side, my life flashed before me. Luckily my wheel and foot swerved past but he took out my rear end (of the bike) and ripped the pannier off. A second sooner and me and/or the bike could have been severely wounded. In shock I fired off 'you should look in your mirror before you open your door', unflinchingly and remorse free he shot back with 'you shouldn't be on the pavement'. I considered continuing the battle but decided he had wounded me enough and he might be at least partly right so I gracefully called a truce and slunk away.
It was a 10 mile climb to Shap village, very steady but not too steep. We climbed about 120m but unfortunately James's thigh pulled and was giving him some pain, he's worried about it. Having reached Shap we were wondering what all the fuss was about then just outside the village saw the sign warning of the 6 mile climb to Shap Summit at 434 metres. Oh dear. The only thing you can do is put your head down, hit the low gears and pedal. It was a long hard slog but counting down each metre of the climb and picturing the inevitable descent on the other side keeps you going.
We made it and were disappointed that there wasn't a Shap Summit sign to record our feat. Those who've been over the M6 won't realise that the A6 goes much higher. Don't know who built it (Romans?) but they were gluttons for punishment.
The run down the other side was fantastic, few small ascents but a lovely 14 rolling miles down to Kendal. Recorded our highest speed of the trip so far, me 42mph, James 42.5. He's more of daredevil than I.
Having our pasta in Kendal saw the strange sight of a young girl walking around with her friends brushing her teeth! Is this some strange new fad along the lines of youths having a dummy in their mouth. Reminded us of X-Ray Spex and Polly Styrene singing of the Germfree Adolescent: 'Cleans her teeth 10 times a day/scrub away scrub away scrub away the SR way'.
Big queue outside the bookshop apparently for copies of our blog.
Off now (1.30) for final 36 mile push to Beak's in Preston.
We hit the A6 through Penrith and it's a good road, not much traffic and makes good progress, every mile heads in the right direction.
Avoiding some roadworks we had to go on the pavement. Just as I was passing a post van the postie opened his door on my side, my life flashed before me. Luckily my wheel and foot swerved past but he took out my rear end (of the bike) and ripped the pannier off. A second sooner and me and/or the bike could have been severely wounded. In shock I fired off 'you should look in your mirror before you open your door', unflinchingly and remorse free he shot back with 'you shouldn't be on the pavement'. I considered continuing the battle but decided he had wounded me enough and he might be at least partly right so I gracefully called a truce and slunk away.
It was a 10 mile climb to Shap village, very steady but not too steep. We climbed about 120m but unfortunately James's thigh pulled and was giving him some pain, he's worried about it. Having reached Shap we were wondering what all the fuss was about then just outside the village saw the sign warning of the 6 mile climb to Shap Summit at 434 metres. Oh dear. The only thing you can do is put your head down, hit the low gears and pedal. It was a long hard slog but counting down each metre of the climb and picturing the inevitable descent on the other side keeps you going.
We made it and were disappointed that there wasn't a Shap Summit sign to record our feat. Those who've been over the M6 won't realise that the A6 goes much higher. Don't know who built it (Romans?) but they were gluttons for punishment.
The run down the other side was fantastic, few small ascents but a lovely 14 rolling miles down to Kendal. Recorded our highest speed of the trip so far, me 42mph, James 42.5. He's more of daredevil than I.
Having our pasta in Kendal saw the strange sight of a young girl walking around with her friends brushing her teeth! Is this some strange new fad along the lines of youths having a dummy in their mouth. Reminded us of X-Ray Spex and Polly Styrene singing of the Germfree Adolescent: 'Cleans her teeth 10 times a day/scrub away scrub away scrub away the SR way'.
Big queue outside the bookshop apparently for copies of our blog.
Off now (1.30) for final 36 mile push to Beak's in Preston.
Doris's 90th Birthday
News reports that Newcastle-Carlisle railway line is closed due to landslip and flooding at Brampton. Recognise that place name? You can halt the trains but no obstacle or conditions can stop the formidable JOGLERs.
I'm buoyed by James's positive spirits and physical assessment. Heels and those parts that come into contact with saddle are given as 90% good and his thigh seems just fine. Gears are fixed so it's all systems go.
We've both got slightly numb hands which James tells me is the start of vibration white finger. Have to keep changing our grip more.
Hope the A6 isn't too busy as we're effectively taking that all the way to Preston. Alternative, quieter routes go way off track and would add too many miles to keep to schedule.
The climb up to Shap Summit is supposed to be challenging, those who've been on the M6 up here may recognise it.
Had an interestingly named pint at the Joiner's last night: Doris's 90th Birthday ale. We didn't get the story on the background but we'd like to know - googlers?
Excellent brekkie at Edendale to fortify us for the day ahead.
I'm buoyed by James's positive spirits and physical assessment. Heels and those parts that come into contact with saddle are given as 90% good and his thigh seems just fine. Gears are fixed so it's all systems go.
We've both got slightly numb hands which James tells me is the start of vibration white finger. Have to keep changing our grip more.
Hope the A6 isn't too busy as we're effectively taking that all the way to Preston. Alternative, quieter routes go way off track and would add too many miles to keep to schedule.
The climb up to Shap Summit is supposed to be challenging, those who've been on the M6 up here may recognise it.
Had an interestingly named pint at the Joiner's last night: Doris's 90th Birthday ale. We didn't get the story on the background but we'd like to know - googlers?
Excellent brekkie at Edendale to fortify us for the day ahead.
Thursday, 19 July 2007
Day 6 Stats Selkirk to Kirkoswald
Distance: 69.0 miles
Max Speed: 36.6 mph (new record)
Moving Time: 6hrs 21mins
Moving Average: 10.9 mph
Cumulative Distance: 438 miles
Max Speed: 36.6 mph (new record)
Moving Time: 6hrs 21mins
Moving Average: 10.9 mph
Cumulative Distance: 438 miles
Boscastle style flashfloods in Brampton
Having left our lunchstop in glorious sunshine we headed the 6 miles to Brampton looking forward to a fine couple of hours run to overnight at Kirkoswald near Penrith.
A few drops started to fall.
They became more numeous.
They became larger.
Thunder cracked ominously.
Then we felt the full blast and those throwaway comments about Severe Weather Warning came drenchingly to life. Out in the countryside without any pubs or shops to shelter in we decided to push on as we really are determined to stick to the planned scheduke. Within seconds we were soaked to the bone.
Despite climbing 50 metres we soon came to a village which had a lake 18 inches deep blocking the main street. We had no option but to cycle through 3 of these which totally submerged our shoes. Diving fins would have been more appropriate. I now really enjoy pedalling with soaked feet - not. The Sealskinz socks are definitely on tomorrow.
I would like to acknowledge the brilliant timing of the driver who waited till I was in the middle of an 8 inch deep lake before accelerating past at maximum speed. The sheet of water thrown over me was truly impressive and both refreshing and humourous in a masochistic 'I'm totally soaked through anyway' way. I bear no grudge.
The good news was that due to our earlier diversion over the hills we found we had 7 miles or so less to do (although we paid for it in extra ascent).
A minor disappointment was that because we crossed the border off the beaten track near a village called Penton there was no 'Welcome to England' sign to pose against for posterity.
We arrived at the Edendale B&B wringing wet and Janet kindly offered to do our washing and drying. This is better than home!
Janet came up trumps again giving us a lift to the Joiner's Arms in Lazonby for food as Kirkoswald had nothing to offer. We were not looking forward to the 2 mile walk home (nearest taxi 10 miles away in Penrith) then delightedly found that Robert, our other host, is the chef at the Joiner's and having cooked our (most excellent) tea would drive us home. Priceless.
James did his good deed for the day recovering a child's medical history book from the road and dropping it off at a neighbours.
A 71 miler tomorrow down the A6 to Preston where our old friend from school (my best man and best mate) Mark 'Beak' Moore and Jackie are kindly putting us up. Get the Speckled Hen chilled Beak.
Weather doesn't look great does it - we'll definitely be taking 'Severe Weather Warnings' seriously from now on. Beak, a hot bath and warm towels could be required too, Cheers.
By the way it's great to hear so many people are reading the blogs, please keep the comments coming, we love them even if we can't reply to all of them. Make sure you see James's for the photos (and humour) which I am unable to post due to technological constraints. There is a link on this blog's home page at the bottom.
A few drops started to fall.
They became more numeous.
They became larger.
Thunder cracked ominously.
Then we felt the full blast and those throwaway comments about Severe Weather Warning came drenchingly to life. Out in the countryside without any pubs or shops to shelter in we decided to push on as we really are determined to stick to the planned scheduke. Within seconds we were soaked to the bone.
Despite climbing 50 metres we soon came to a village which had a lake 18 inches deep blocking the main street. We had no option but to cycle through 3 of these which totally submerged our shoes. Diving fins would have been more appropriate. I now really enjoy pedalling with soaked feet - not. The Sealskinz socks are definitely on tomorrow.
I would like to acknowledge the brilliant timing of the driver who waited till I was in the middle of an 8 inch deep lake before accelerating past at maximum speed. The sheet of water thrown over me was truly impressive and both refreshing and humourous in a masochistic 'I'm totally soaked through anyway' way. I bear no grudge.
The good news was that due to our earlier diversion over the hills we found we had 7 miles or so less to do (although we paid for it in extra ascent).
A minor disappointment was that because we crossed the border off the beaten track near a village called Penton there was no 'Welcome to England' sign to pose against for posterity.
We arrived at the Edendale B&B wringing wet and Janet kindly offered to do our washing and drying. This is better than home!
Janet came up trumps again giving us a lift to the Joiner's Arms in Lazonby for food as Kirkoswald had nothing to offer. We were not looking forward to the 2 mile walk home (nearest taxi 10 miles away in Penrith) then delightedly found that Robert, our other host, is the chef at the Joiner's and having cooked our (most excellent) tea would drive us home. Priceless.
James did his good deed for the day recovering a child's medical history book from the road and dropping it off at a neighbours.
A 71 miler tomorrow down the A6 to Preston where our old friend from school (my best man and best mate) Mark 'Beak' Moore and Jackie are kindly putting us up. Get the Speckled Hen chilled Beak.
Weather doesn't look great does it - we'll definitely be taking 'Severe Weather Warnings' seriously from now on. Beak, a hot bath and warm towels could be required too, Cheers.
By the way it's great to hear so many people are reading the blogs, please keep the comments coming, we love them even if we can't reply to all of them. Make sure you see James's for the photos (and humour) which I am unable to post due to technological constraints. There is a link on this blog's home page at the bottom.
Thunderclap
3pm and we've stopped to eat our sandwiches in Hethersgill. James's kind gesture in letting me have the baguette whilst he negotiated 2 rolls for the same price paid off. Since when were baguettes 5 inches long? That's certainly not enough to replace the energy I've expended over the last 50 miles.
The only place in the village to rest was in the churchyard, we felt like pilgrims, it was very tranquil in the sunshine. James then abused the Lord's hospitality by urinating against the back of the church.
We saw a thunderstorm earlier over to the East and apart from the wind it's dragging in we have been lucky to escape it. There were two thunderclaps and I think James's churchyard disrepect was to blame. If the news reports 2 cyclists struck by lightning you will know the reason.
Got to try and fix James's gears now as he can't get into the lowest set and hills are a major struggle for him.
The only place in the village to rest was in the churchyard, we felt like pilgrims, it was very tranquil in the sunshine. James then abused the Lord's hospitality by urinating against the back of the church.
We saw a thunderstorm earlier over to the East and apart from the wind it's dragging in we have been lucky to escape it. There were two thunderclaps and I think James's churchyard disrepect was to blame. If the news reports 2 cyclists struck by lightning you will know the reason.
Got to try and fix James's gears now as he can't get into the lowest set and hills are a major struggle for him.
Day 5 Stats Kinross to Selkirk
Stats Day 5 Kinross to Selkirk
Distance: 65.5 miles
Max Speed: 29.2 mph
Moving Time: 6hrs 26mins
Moving Average: 10.2 mph
Cumulative distance: 369 miles
Distance: 65.5 miles
Max Speed: 29.2 mph
Moving Time: 6hrs 26mins
Moving Average: 10.2 mph
Cumulative distance: 369 miles
Day 4 Stats Dalwhinnie to Kinross
Stats Day 4 Dalwhinnie to Kinross
Distance: 81.3 miles
Max Speed: 30.7 mph
Moving Time: 7hrs 39mins
Moving Average: 10.6 mph
Cumulative distance: 303.5
Distance: 81.3 miles
Max Speed: 30.7 mph
Moving Time: 7hrs 39mins
Moving Average: 10.6 mph
Cumulative distance: 303.5
No need to be allama'd
Selkirk to Hawick was a steep climb then a nice long run down the hill for a total of 10 miles. Stocked up on lucozade and energy bars in Spar then went into an excellent bike shop to replenish inner tube stocks. The owner confirmed that the route over the top was the superior alternative to the A7 so off we went.
The climb out was reasonably steep but went on for about 8 miles. Thankfully we are both feeling strong today and took it in our stride. Views up the top were terrific. The run down the other side was fantastic, better than any fairground ride. We were swooping down through hundreds of S bends through the forest and along the river, the road was smooth, there was no other traffic at all and the sun was shining. Heaven.
Halfway down at 25mph I was leading and startled a red deer that intelligently, and rabbit like, decided that the sensible thing to do would be to leap out in front of James, look startled then eventually get away from the scary beast hurtling towards him. A deer, even stationary, at 25mph is lethal. Having got over the shock James was pleased to be able to tick off one of his major targets in the i-spy book.
We then had a lovely flattish run along the valley and did a double-take brothers look at a field to confirm that yes, there were 4 Llamas! James thinks they're bred for meat but my money is on the fur. Anyone know? Maybe they're just pets. Sent a piccie to Tom as he's been obsessed with Llamas for years. Hi Tom (and Elis and Jack) xxx.
Stopped off for a cuppatea in a lovely village called Newcastleton. Strangely on the map it's called Newcastleton OR Copshaw Holm. As James said we could probably expect to see a lot of people sitting on the fence here. When I asked why in the cafe they just laughed and walked off so we don't know why. If any googlers out there can answer that one please comment. The Olive Tree is highly recommended especially for cyclists, not only do they do great cakes and sandwiches but they also stock inner tubes, pumps etc etc. The Inn at Dalwhinnie could learn a thing or two about marketing from this place.
We've ordered our take-away sarnies for a later roadside lunchstop on the basis that these types of places are rare. Nod to James for kindly letting me have the last baguette and making do with baps.
If we keep pushing at the pace we have we'll be eating today up - average so far of 11.6 mph is very satisfying given the long periods of climbing.
Aiming for a pub at a little village called Penton NE of Longtown. I think that that's where we will cross the border into England. Definitely need to get a piccie of that psychological milestone.
The climb out was reasonably steep but went on for about 8 miles. Thankfully we are both feeling strong today and took it in our stride. Views up the top were terrific. The run down the other side was fantastic, better than any fairground ride. We were swooping down through hundreds of S bends through the forest and along the river, the road was smooth, there was no other traffic at all and the sun was shining. Heaven.
Halfway down at 25mph I was leading and startled a red deer that intelligently, and rabbit like, decided that the sensible thing to do would be to leap out in front of James, look startled then eventually get away from the scary beast hurtling towards him. A deer, even stationary, at 25mph is lethal. Having got over the shock James was pleased to be able to tick off one of his major targets in the i-spy book.
We then had a lovely flattish run along the valley and did a double-take brothers look at a field to confirm that yes, there were 4 Llamas! James thinks they're bred for meat but my money is on the fur. Anyone know? Maybe they're just pets. Sent a piccie to Tom as he's been obsessed with Llamas for years. Hi Tom (and Elis and Jack) xxx.
Stopped off for a cuppatea in a lovely village called Newcastleton. Strangely on the map it's called Newcastleton OR Copshaw Holm. As James said we could probably expect to see a lot of people sitting on the fence here. When I asked why in the cafe they just laughed and walked off so we don't know why. If any googlers out there can answer that one please comment. The Olive Tree is highly recommended especially for cyclists, not only do they do great cakes and sandwiches but they also stock inner tubes, pumps etc etc. The Inn at Dalwhinnie could learn a thing or two about marketing from this place.
We've ordered our take-away sarnies for a later roadside lunchstop on the basis that these types of places are rare. Nod to James for kindly letting me have the last baguette and making do with baps.
If we keep pushing at the pace we have we'll be eating today up - average so far of 11.6 mph is very satisfying given the long periods of climbing.
Aiming for a pub at a little village called Penton NE of Longtown. I think that that's where we will cross the border into England. Definitely need to get a piccie of that psychological milestone.
A hard day looms
Physical update:
James's Achilles on mend due to new 'toe down' pedalling technique, miracle gel from the chemist in Pitlochry and the love from Eon & Biergitte (?) the Norwegian faith healers. His saddlesoreness worsened yesterday so not anticipating great things in that department - expect to see more 'out of the seat' riding today.
Me: feet and toes have lost sensation. Had severe stabbing pains on Day 3 and was quite worried but ditching the really thick Sealskinz stopped the pain yesterday. Pains in knees seem to be getting less.
Weather looks fine, cloudy but sun breaking through and can see little wind.
80 odd miles today to Kirkoswald south of Carlisle and we're both apprehensive. Yesterday's 65m was tiring enough.
Willy suggested we deviate from the A7 at Hawick (pronounced Hoyk) on the B6399 through Liddesdale. It's far more scenic but seems that there's some big climbs initially to Hawick and shortly thereafter but the a long downhill. Which we like.
Mrs MacKenzie had our washing washed and dried waiting for us when we returned from tea - most excellent.
Today we will leave Scotland, we'll miss it but it's a good mental milestone.
Got to go as James is getting stressed about today's challenge.
James's Achilles on mend due to new 'toe down' pedalling technique, miracle gel from the chemist in Pitlochry and the love from Eon & Biergitte (?) the Norwegian faith healers. His saddlesoreness worsened yesterday so not anticipating great things in that department - expect to see more 'out of the seat' riding today.
Me: feet and toes have lost sensation. Had severe stabbing pains on Day 3 and was quite worried but ditching the really thick Sealskinz stopped the pain yesterday. Pains in knees seem to be getting less.
Weather looks fine, cloudy but sun breaking through and can see little wind.
80 odd miles today to Kirkoswald south of Carlisle and we're both apprehensive. Yesterday's 65m was tiring enough.
Willy suggested we deviate from the A7 at Hawick (pronounced Hoyk) on the B6399 through Liddesdale. It's far more scenic but seems that there's some big climbs initially to Hawick and shortly thereafter but the a long downhill. Which we like.
Mrs MacKenzie had our washing washed and dried waiting for us when we returned from tea - most excellent.
Today we will leave Scotland, we'll miss it but it's a good mental milestone.
Got to go as James is getting stressed about today's challenge.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Day 3 Stats Beauly to Dalwhinnie
Stats for Day 3 Beauly (Muir of Ord) to Dalwhinnie
Distance: 79.8 miles
Max Speed: 29.4 mph
Moving Time: 7h:49mins
Moving Average: 10.2 mph
Distance: 79.8 miles
Max Speed: 29.4 mph
Moving Time: 7h:49mins
Moving Average: 10.2 mph
The legend that is Willie Bennett
End of Day 5 - After lunch we had a long 5 mile climb up to Falahill which seemed to go on forever. The fact that it had snow gates to close it off is a good indication that you're climbing to unfriendly places. It's always difficult to get back into the swing after a longish break and I think we are both suffering from accumulated weariness. James is obviously fitter than I and the King of the Mountains dragged us up again. I just collapsed at the top and needed a good rest before even contemplating continuing. It's a good job we don't have a support vehicle as I'd have been in it like a shot. We moved on but were struggling to get above 8/9 mph on the flat. Still 25 miles to go and at that speed it's hard work.
In a car you don't realise the impact road surfaces have on rolling resistance. Maybe they leave it rough to help with traction in snowy/icy conditions or maybe the council can't be bothered to put down proper tarmac. Either way it felt like pedalling through treacle.
One or both of us must be doing a particularly good job of avoiding beetles, slugs, bunnies and any other wildlife that we could possibly have run over as I think we were smiled upon over the hill. The A7 after this point gradually descends at a lovely gentle rate for about 12miles (cue impression of Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally) - it was just awesome. We still had to pedal due to a strong headwind and the treacle spill and because we wanted to finish early but could basically cruise the whole way. This was a life saver and I think I'm going to have to believe in a superior being taking care of us.
Weather was good, generally overcast but dry which is excellent for cycling. Later the sun came through and we could really admire the terrific landscape (easy to overlook when you're cream crackered and just have your head down focusing on the tarmac.
We left the A7 for the last 12 miles or so to avoid Galashiels and take us over the hill via Caddonfoot. Despite this involving what a Selkirk local described, whilst laughing, as a ****** of a route it was pleasingly more scenic and enjoyable than the A7. As mentioned before every other day has left us struggling for the last 10 miles (despite not having any significant inclines) but today's was really good with lots of downhill.
Arriving with glad hearts in Selkirk the town put us in our place with what seemed like a 100 metre climb to the main street and the Ivy Bank B&B.
We first celebrated with a pint in the excellent Cross Keys pub where we met the character of the trip so far, the legendary Willie Bennett. Unusually for a Scot he had outspoken views on everything and a vocabulary that makes Rab Nesbitt sound like Cliff Richard. He trumped our physical and fundraising efforts with a description of the bizarre Selkirk biathlon which combines a fishing competition with a 4 1/2 mile swim. Whilst he didn't win the fishing he apparently won the swim, was dried, changed and supping his first pint of Tennants before the second place guy crossed the line. Seems he then raffled his prize for charity 3 times over. What a guy. He was here at 6 and is still here at 9.30 so the language and stories are getting increasingly more colourful.
Mrs Mackenzie of the Ivy Bank surpassed herself by offering to wash our cycling gear. Despite this magnificent gesture the welcome still is not a patch on the Altnaharra B&B on the first night. Leslay and Mandy you are still head and shoulders above the rest. Blog readers get yourselves up there.
Food in Selkirk was a problem as, in common with most other places so far, everywhere stops serving at 8 or half past. We've just had takeaway lasagna and macaroni cheese from Toni's italian chippy eaten outside the Cross Keys - hit the spot well.
Willie's here and we've made the mistake of asking his advice about tomorrow's route to Carlisle - I think the highway code disagrees with Willie that we should just take the M6.
Joke from Willie: This vampire bat (coincidentally also called Willie) returns to the roost with his face covered in blood and all the other bats get really excited and ask Willie where he's been. Willie says come with me and I'll show you. So they all fly oot of the roost over the hill, down past the burn, over the heather, over another hill then down into a deep dark wood. Willie says 'do you see that big tree over there?', the other bats say yes, Willie says 'well I feckin didne!'. Numerous other Willie jokes available on application suitable only for those without a sensitive disposition.
Well played to David, one of Willie's drinking buddies, for giving us £20 sponsorship. Another suggested we'd make record time to Carlisle just to ensure we shook Willie off. Cheers Willie, you're a mad s.o.a.b. but characters like you make the world more colourful. (postscript: Willie just got poured into a taxi and his mate says he still has the same fiver in his pocket he arrived with sober 5 hours ago)
In a car you don't realise the impact road surfaces have on rolling resistance. Maybe they leave it rough to help with traction in snowy/icy conditions or maybe the council can't be bothered to put down proper tarmac. Either way it felt like pedalling through treacle.
One or both of us must be doing a particularly good job of avoiding beetles, slugs, bunnies and any other wildlife that we could possibly have run over as I think we were smiled upon over the hill. The A7 after this point gradually descends at a lovely gentle rate for about 12miles (cue impression of Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally) - it was just awesome. We still had to pedal due to a strong headwind and the treacle spill and because we wanted to finish early but could basically cruise the whole way. This was a life saver and I think I'm going to have to believe in a superior being taking care of us.
Weather was good, generally overcast but dry which is excellent for cycling. Later the sun came through and we could really admire the terrific landscape (easy to overlook when you're cream crackered and just have your head down focusing on the tarmac.
We left the A7 for the last 12 miles or so to avoid Galashiels and take us over the hill via Caddonfoot. Despite this involving what a Selkirk local described, whilst laughing, as a ****** of a route it was pleasingly more scenic and enjoyable than the A7. As mentioned before every other day has left us struggling for the last 10 miles (despite not having any significant inclines) but today's was really good with lots of downhill.
Arriving with glad hearts in Selkirk the town put us in our place with what seemed like a 100 metre climb to the main street and the Ivy Bank B&B.
We first celebrated with a pint in the excellent Cross Keys pub where we met the character of the trip so far, the legendary Willie Bennett. Unusually for a Scot he had outspoken views on everything and a vocabulary that makes Rab Nesbitt sound like Cliff Richard. He trumped our physical and fundraising efforts with a description of the bizarre Selkirk biathlon which combines a fishing competition with a 4 1/2 mile swim. Whilst he didn't win the fishing he apparently won the swim, was dried, changed and supping his first pint of Tennants before the second place guy crossed the line. Seems he then raffled his prize for charity 3 times over. What a guy. He was here at 6 and is still here at 9.30 so the language and stories are getting increasingly more colourful.
Mrs Mackenzie of the Ivy Bank surpassed herself by offering to wash our cycling gear. Despite this magnificent gesture the welcome still is not a patch on the Altnaharra B&B on the first night. Leslay and Mandy you are still head and shoulders above the rest. Blog readers get yourselves up there.
Food in Selkirk was a problem as, in common with most other places so far, everywhere stops serving at 8 or half past. We've just had takeaway lasagna and macaroni cheese from Toni's italian chippy eaten outside the Cross Keys - hit the spot well.
Willie's here and we've made the mistake of asking his advice about tomorrow's route to Carlisle - I think the highway code disagrees with Willie that we should just take the M6.
Joke from Willie: This vampire bat (coincidentally also called Willie) returns to the roost with his face covered in blood and all the other bats get really excited and ask Willie where he's been. Willie says come with me and I'll show you. So they all fly oot of the roost over the hill, down past the burn, over the heather, over another hill then down into a deep dark wood. Willie says 'do you see that big tree over there?', the other bats say yes, Willie says 'well I feckin didne!'. Numerous other Willie jokes available on application suitable only for those without a sensitive disposition.
Well played to David, one of Willie's drinking buddies, for giving us £20 sponsorship. Another suggested we'd make record time to Carlisle just to ensure we shook Willie off. Cheers Willie, you're a mad s.o.a.b. but characters like you make the world more colourful. (postscript: Willie just got poured into a taxi and his mate says he still has the same fiver in his pocket he arrived with sober 5 hours ago)
Bit boring really
Usual faffing around meant our early start didn't happen and it was 9.15 before we were away.
Kinross down to the Forth Bridge was about 12 miles and very uninteresting, houses and not much landscape. I think we've been spoilt in the Highlands.
I was finding it very tough going as both knees were painful but mainly I think my body needs 10 miles to get into rhythmn. Yesterday's saddle soreness has gone thank goodness. Our friendship doesn't extend to applying cream in such circumstances.
James seems quite okay, the achilles are better today but the saddle also giving him grief.
The Forth Bridge was quite magnificent. We've even got a piccie of it being painted. Today I would liken our journey to that decorating endeavour (or the Augean Stables) in that it seems never ending. I think the uninspiring nature of the journey today so far is the cause.
Edinburgh is a lovely city but we're not here to sightsee and getting through it is a drag with unsympathetic van drivers. The outskirts of Edinburgh took ages to get through. Council Estates did not figure in my romantic vision of our expedition. At least we haven't been bricked, egged or abused yet.
We're having lunch in the Scottish Mining Museum in Newtongrange. Jacket potato w. Cheese/beans is a popular energy lunch (not just for wimps). We're humming a bit after a mornings cycling and have managed to clear the cafe of other diners in 10 minutes flat.
35 miles done, 30 to go, we're feeling okay, James has got two pairs of shorts on and we're hopeful that the scenery will be better this arvo. Selkirk here we come.
Did I mention we got sunburnt yesterday, too overcast today for a repeat.
Kinross down to the Forth Bridge was about 12 miles and very uninteresting, houses and not much landscape. I think we've been spoilt in the Highlands.
I was finding it very tough going as both knees were painful but mainly I think my body needs 10 miles to get into rhythmn. Yesterday's saddle soreness has gone thank goodness. Our friendship doesn't extend to applying cream in such circumstances.
James seems quite okay, the achilles are better today but the saddle also giving him grief.
The Forth Bridge was quite magnificent. We've even got a piccie of it being painted. Today I would liken our journey to that decorating endeavour (or the Augean Stables) in that it seems never ending. I think the uninspiring nature of the journey today so far is the cause.
Edinburgh is a lovely city but we're not here to sightsee and getting through it is a drag with unsympathetic van drivers. The outskirts of Edinburgh took ages to get through. Council Estates did not figure in my romantic vision of our expedition. At least we haven't been bricked, egged or abused yet.
We're having lunch in the Scottish Mining Museum in Newtongrange. Jacket potato w. Cheese/beans is a popular energy lunch (not just for wimps). We're humming a bit after a mornings cycling and have managed to clear the cafe of other diners in 10 minutes flat.
35 miles done, 30 to go, we're feeling okay, James has got two pairs of shorts on and we're hopeful that the scenery will be better this arvo. Selkirk here we come.
Did I mention we got sunburnt yesterday, too overcast today for a repeat.
Off to Edinburgh
Roxburghe Guest House in Kinross gets a thumbs up. Washing willingly dried (couldn't get it dry unfortunately and looks like my waterproof socks would've bee handy today), delivered a printed weather forecast to the table and excellent breakfast. Sandy gives you a choice over when you want it too:
Sandy (to German family): what time do you want breakfast tomorrow?
German dad: oh, about 9 o'clock
Sandy: nooooooo, how about 8 o'clock.
Bless her, she serves till 8.30 but they weren't getting that option.
Thought we were going to have trouble navigating through the fog then realised it was the net curtains.
There is very low cloud and it looks damp.
We've done 300 miles now and feeling very good about that and it's a shortish day today. We want to get to Selkirk early to rest up for a hilly 80 mile day tomorrow so setting off just after 8.30.
Edinburgh here we come!
Sandy (to German family): what time do you want breakfast tomorrow?
German dad: oh, about 9 o'clock
Sandy: nooooooo, how about 8 o'clock.
Bless her, she serves till 8.30 but they weren't getting that option.
Thought we were going to have trouble navigating through the fog then realised it was the net curtains.
There is very low cloud and it looks damp.
We've done 300 miles now and feeling very good about that and it's a shortish day today. We want to get to Selkirk early to rest up for a hilly 80 mile day tomorrow so setting off just after 8.30.
Edinburgh here we come!
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Longest day but spirits high
James was very positive after his joyous experience in the chemists and after lunch we set off towards Perth and Kinross. He says the magic ointment worked immediately but I suspect benefits were largely psychological. It doesn't matter as what was great was that we were both in good spirits. (I've had pains in both knees whilst cycling but by about 5pm today they eased considerably so hope that holds for tomorrow).
We'd only done 30 odd miles by this point and James was bouyed by the fact that we were half-way, HA! I didn't tell him that we actaully still had 50 to go - that might have changed his outlook.
Following last nights puncture I was running on 30psi rather than 80. We found a bike hire place near Blair Castle and they kindly lent me their track pump to put that right. It didn't half make a difference and you can fair fly along with that much air so I was very happy.
Tony' done well to get Blair Castle for his retirement - is that why he got Gords to raid the pension funds to fund it. (think it's actually home of the Lords of Atholl)
To get to Perth the route takes the old B roads. It's only on a bike that you realise how much they rise and fall so not only is the route longer than the near parallel A road but much more hilly.
See James's blog for a picture of the Red Squirrels warning sign - if they're that dangerous we need to be warned about them I don't blame the grey ones for fighting them back up to Scotland.
After 70 miles James insisted we stop for a pint at the Baiglie Inn, in Aberargie south of Perth. He claims it was due to impending rain, which did come on cue, but I'm seeing a pattern.
Each day so far we have struggled on that last 10 miles or so - perhaps the 6pm pub stop isn't helping after all.
Today the cheeky 2 1/2 mile climb straight after didn't help either. We're getting better at them and whilst I kept up more closely with him James still is King of the Mountains - I think he gets to wear the green jersey is it?
Sandy of the Roxburghe Guest seems pleasant and won marks for the first bath available for muscle soaking. Shame we arrived too late to use it properly as we had to dash out for food since everything shuts at 9. Had a curry in the end (bit risky and not sure it's advised in the cyclist's training guide).
We recommend the Salutation Inn in Kinross.
Today was our longest day's cycling at 82 miles and we're both pleased with how we coped.
It's a much shorter route to Selkirk, via Edinburgh, tomorrow and the highlands are largely behind us. We will miss the beautiful scenery but not the unpredictable weather.
We'd only done 30 odd miles by this point and James was bouyed by the fact that we were half-way, HA! I didn't tell him that we actaully still had 50 to go - that might have changed his outlook.
Following last nights puncture I was running on 30psi rather than 80. We found a bike hire place near Blair Castle and they kindly lent me their track pump to put that right. It didn't half make a difference and you can fair fly along with that much air so I was very happy.
Tony' done well to get Blair Castle for his retirement - is that why he got Gords to raid the pension funds to fund it. (think it's actually home of the Lords of Atholl)
To get to Perth the route takes the old B roads. It's only on a bike that you realise how much they rise and fall so not only is the route longer than the near parallel A road but much more hilly.
See James's blog for a picture of the Red Squirrels warning sign - if they're that dangerous we need to be warned about them I don't blame the grey ones for fighting them back up to Scotland.
After 70 miles James insisted we stop for a pint at the Baiglie Inn, in Aberargie south of Perth. He claims it was due to impending rain, which did come on cue, but I'm seeing a pattern.
Each day so far we have struggled on that last 10 miles or so - perhaps the 6pm pub stop isn't helping after all.
Today the cheeky 2 1/2 mile climb straight after didn't help either. We're getting better at them and whilst I kept up more closely with him James still is King of the Mountains - I think he gets to wear the green jersey is it?
Sandy of the Roxburghe Guest seems pleasant and won marks for the first bath available for muscle soaking. Shame we arrived too late to use it properly as we had to dash out for food since everything shuts at 9. Had a curry in the end (bit risky and not sure it's advised in the cyclist's training guide).
We recommend the Salutation Inn in Kinross.
Today was our longest day's cycling at 82 miles and we're both pleased with how we coped.
It's a much shorter route to Selkirk, via Edinburgh, tomorrow and the highlands are largely behind us. We will miss the beautiful scenery but not the unpredictable weather.
Chemist rescues wounded cyclist's spirits.
Now sitting by the River Tummel in Pitlochry having sarnies, doughnuts and lucozade. This cycling is great because you can justify cramming any quantities of rubbish down your throat and claim that it's energy loading. Reckon I can forget about weightloss on this jaunt.
Everyone must go to Davidsons Chemist in Pitlochry as they've saved James from depression. He's been suffering badly from sore Achilles to the extent he thought he may not be able to continue. The most excellent chemist has given him some wonder remedy and he' now a very happy chappy.
The morning has been superb. Weather perfect, scenery amazing and mostly flat to downhill cycling.
Naughty little 1 in 8 hill coming out of Kingussie sapped me a little. To the person in the blue golf who passed us: thanks for slowing down but why then drive past us with 2 inches room, it's very offputting, and it is legal to cross the white line you know. Numpty.
Just sheltering from what looks like hopefully a short shower before tackling the 40 odd miles to Kinross.
This is very sad, we're both sitting under a tree by the river blogging - we should be shot.
ttfn.
Everyone must go to Davidsons Chemist in Pitlochry as they've saved James from depression. He's been suffering badly from sore Achilles to the extent he thought he may not be able to continue. The most excellent chemist has given him some wonder remedy and he' now a very happy chappy.
The morning has been superb. Weather perfect, scenery amazing and mostly flat to downhill cycling.
Naughty little 1 in 8 hill coming out of Kingussie sapped me a little. To the person in the blue golf who passed us: thanks for slowing down but why then drive past us with 2 inches room, it's very offputting, and it is legal to cross the white line you know. Numpty.
Just sheltering from what looks like hopefully a short shower before tackling the 40 odd miles to Kinross.
This is very sad, we're both sitting under a tree by the river blogging - we should be shot.
ttfn.
Kinross here we come
Breakfast today - James stuck with the fry up whilst I went for the energy fuel of granola, honey and banana and cappuchino, lovely jubly.
The sun is shining, no wind and our route appears to have forgotten to include any inclines.
We're in good spirits apart from James's concerns with sore achilles tendons. Hope they hold out, at least he's pleased to be leaving this 'poncey' place.
It's going to be a great day - onwards and ever downwards.
The sun is shining, no wind and our route appears to have forgotten to include any inclines.
We're in good spirits apart from James's concerns with sore achilles tendons. Hope they hold out, at least he's pleased to be leaving this 'poncey' place.
It's going to be a great day - onwards and ever downwards.
Cream Crackered in the Caorngorms
Day 3, Monday. Following a really ropey morning the lunch was excellent and brought us some way back to sanity.
This was always going to be a long day but we diverted by 7 miles or so round Culloden Battlefield. Whilst I was checkiong directions in a pub James thought it a good idea to get the first tumble out of the way and promptly fell off his bike. Someone had to I suppose.
Just before that James suggested we shelter in Tesco's (of all places) to let the torrential rain pass. Roles reversed and it was me pushing us on which was a good job as we'd still be there.
The climb up to Slochd and 2 other severe 1 in 3 (well burning legs felt like it) drained all our reserves of energy and the fuel light was beyond flashing and we were running on vapour. After Slochd it was a relatively easy run, undulating but we'd have eaten it up previously. We were both totally exhausted and it seemed to go on for ever.
The views up here in the Cairngorms are awesome so once it dried out around 3/4pm it was terrific cycling conditions (for someone with a milligram of energy).
Big thanks to Sustrans for making Route 7 to avoid us having to risk life & limb on the treacherous A9. and thanks to Chris (very friendly German who is also of immaculate taste having also selected the same Specialized Tricross bike as me) at Craigdon Mountain sports shop in Inverness for showing us where it was. Unfortunately these can be unkempt and on a section 7 miles from The Inn I got the first puncture of the expedition (not counting my ripping the valve out on Day 1). It's shocking that I've never changed tube before so thankful that James is such an accomplished fixer. Don't you get messy particulary removing a rear wheel. We're both still covered in oil.
Finally made it to The Inn, Dalwhinnie at 8pm completely knackered - this is definitely the most exerting thing I've ever done.
The Inn is an enigma - we expected a traditional walkers type pub but it's all blond wood, designer lamps, millions of candles, Hopi music playing and a giant screen showing Powaanisqatsi (look it up) which is quite bizarre. James doesn't like it particularly when he asked a member of staff if he could have a drink as we were sat down eating and he said 'yes the bar's over there' - nil point for customer focus. James wants to post a review later.
Spent a while talking to Eon & Birgitte (?) fro Norway (gas rig worker and ex-policewoman). The were really friendly and told us a lot about the differences between Bergen and here but weren't remotely interested in our ride. Which is fine. I think I expected a heroes welcome. James made a crack that Norway had less rain because the clouds were empty having dumped it all on the UK - Eon laughed for at least 2 minutes at this and has now added it to his collection of 4000 jokes. James liked this. On hearing of James' painful achilles tendons they suggested he apply Christ's Oil (olive oil it seems) and offered to send him 'Some Healing Love'. James sceptically accepted and we decided it was becoming surreal and went to bed.
This was always going to be a long day but we diverted by 7 miles or so round Culloden Battlefield. Whilst I was checkiong directions in a pub James thought it a good idea to get the first tumble out of the way and promptly fell off his bike. Someone had to I suppose.
Just before that James suggested we shelter in Tesco's (of all places) to let the torrential rain pass. Roles reversed and it was me pushing us on which was a good job as we'd still be there.
The climb up to Slochd and 2 other severe 1 in 3 (well burning legs felt like it) drained all our reserves of energy and the fuel light was beyond flashing and we were running on vapour. After Slochd it was a relatively easy run, undulating but we'd have eaten it up previously. We were both totally exhausted and it seemed to go on for ever.
The views up here in the Cairngorms are awesome so once it dried out around 3/4pm it was terrific cycling conditions (for someone with a milligram of energy).
Big thanks to Sustrans for making Route 7 to avoid us having to risk life & limb on the treacherous A9. and thanks to Chris (very friendly German who is also of immaculate taste having also selected the same Specialized Tricross bike as me) at Craigdon Mountain sports shop in Inverness for showing us where it was. Unfortunately these can be unkempt and on a section 7 miles from The Inn I got the first puncture of the expedition (not counting my ripping the valve out on Day 1). It's shocking that I've never changed tube before so thankful that James is such an accomplished fixer. Don't you get messy particulary removing a rear wheel. We're both still covered in oil.
Finally made it to The Inn, Dalwhinnie at 8pm completely knackered - this is definitely the most exerting thing I've ever done.
The Inn is an enigma - we expected a traditional walkers type pub but it's all blond wood, designer lamps, millions of candles, Hopi music playing and a giant screen showing Powaanisqatsi (look it up) which is quite bizarre. James doesn't like it particularly when he asked a member of staff if he could have a drink as we were sat down eating and he said 'yes the bar's over there' - nil point for customer focus. James wants to post a review later.
Spent a while talking to Eon & Birgitte (?) fro Norway (gas rig worker and ex-policewoman). The were really friendly and told us a lot about the differences between Bergen and here but weren't remotely interested in our ride. Which is fine. I think I expected a heroes welcome. James made a crack that Norway had less rain because the clouds were empty having dumped it all on the UK - Eon laughed for at least 2 minutes at this and has now added it to his collection of 4000 jokes. James liked this. On hearing of James' painful achilles tendons they suggested he apply Christ's Oil (olive oil it seems) and offered to send him 'Some Healing Love'. James sceptically accepted and we decided it was becoming surreal and went to bed.
Monday, 16 July 2007
Not a good day so far
Feeling totally Slochd
Lunchtime in Carrbridge at a lovely cafe called The Bakery. Jacket Potato, cheese qnd beans with a hot chocolate. Need something to try and get us to Dalwhinnie as we are seriously flagging.
First thing were straight into heavy driving rain, headwind and it's cold. Even the 12 miles to Inverness were a struggle.)
We've done a mega climb up to Slochd Summit 405 metres and it was atrocious. The headwind was so strong you could hardly pedal forwards downhill.
Really tired and need to be at our hotel - only the vision of that is driving me on today - I don't want to have to get on the bike again after lunch.
Update later from the inn at Dalwhinnie if we get there before midnight.
Lunchtime in Carrbridge at a lovely cafe called The Bakery. Jacket Potato, cheese qnd beans with a hot chocolate. Need something to try and get us to Dalwhinnie as we are seriously flagging.
First thing were straight into heavy driving rain, headwind and it's cold. Even the 12 miles to Inverness were a struggle.)
We've done a mega climb up to Slochd Summit 405 metres and it was atrocious. The headwind was so strong you could hardly pedal forwards downhill.
Really tired and need to be at our hotel - only the vision of that is driving me on today - I don't want to have to get on the bike again after lunch.
Update later from the inn at Dalwhinnie if we get there before midnight.
False hope
Yesterday's weather was so perfect that even today's forecast of heavy rain hasn't depressed me too much.
Several people yesterday assured us it was due to be fine, even Mrs Peterkin, our hostess last night at the Hillview Park B&B who's a farmer. Should've made your hay yesterday shouldn't you. Her breakfast is going to have to be pretty special to rescue the impression left by our reception last night. Rating 2/5. We're going to send her up to The B&B Altnaharra (rating 5/5). To see how it should be done. Apart from being a little more helpful do you know how disconcerting it is for the bathroom light to automatically switch off after 2 mins. I'll leave you to imagine the scenarios (luminous Andrex?).
The knee is stiff but loosening so after yesterday's pre-breakfast recovery I'm not concerned.
Today we're off through Inverness then a big climb up to Aviemore and through the Grampians. Sea level to skiing resort implies a dramatic ascent so bit nervous about that. We're on the A9 so fingers crossed the cycle path we spotted goes all the way else those killer lorries will have us in their sights. The Inn, Dalwhinnie, (theinndalwhinnie.com) sounds like a lively place so we've got high hopes.
Several people yesterday assured us it was due to be fine, even Mrs Peterkin, our hostess last night at the Hillview Park B&B who's a farmer. Should've made your hay yesterday shouldn't you. Her breakfast is going to have to be pretty special to rescue the impression left by our reception last night. Rating 2/5. We're going to send her up to The B&B Altnaharra (rating 5/5). To see how it should be done. Apart from being a little more helpful do you know how disconcerting it is for the bathroom light to automatically switch off after 2 mins. I'll leave you to imagine the scenarios (luminous Andrex?).
The knee is stiff but loosening so after yesterday's pre-breakfast recovery I'm not concerned.
Today we're off through Inverness then a big climb up to Aviemore and through the Grampians. Sea level to skiing resort implies a dramatic ascent so bit nervous about that. We're on the A9 so fingers crossed the cycle path we spotted goes all the way else those killer lorries will have us in their sights. The Inn, Dalwhinnie, (theinndalwhinnie.com) sounds like a lively place so we've got high hopes.
Sunday, 15 July 2007
Day 2 Stats
Day 2 Stats
Distance: 67.4 miles
Max Speed: 35.9 mph (no fear)
Moving Time: 5h 54mins
Moving Average: 11.4mph
Distance: 67.4 miles
Max Speed: 35.9 mph (no fear)
Moving Time: 5h 54mins
Moving Average: 11.4mph
How fast can flys fly?
Day 2 - Altnaharra to Beauly
Whew. Maybe I'm not such an old crock as I thought, my knee staged a marvellous recovery in time for a 9am departure - deep joy.
So good was it that it coped with an 8 mile steady climb up to the Crask Inn. Thank goodness they were full else we'd have been faced with climb last night - no chance.
Quote from Martin to our B&B hosts last night: so theses German and Dutch visitors, where do they come from then?
On the way down past Lairg to Bonar Bridge stopped off for a chat with Pete who has a team of Siberian Husky's for sled racing. Very nice bloke.
Next stop was Shin Falls to watch the Salmon leaping, quite a sight. Chatted to Betty who was trying to spot one and asked whether they would be leaping up or down the river. DUH! The site is owned by Mohammed Al Fayed so there's this ludicrous sight of coachloads of tourists sightseeing the Highlands buying tins of Harrods biscuits and teddy bears. Lord help us.
Met a few LEJOGers (i.e. Heading North) especially Chris - hope your knee held out mate.
Took a great shortcut to avoid the A9 and save 12 miles, the only payback was a 2 mile 1 in 3 hill which we were proud to pedal all the way. Met a father and son from Derby doing JOGLE on a pre-war tandem which the dad used to have his son in a babyseat on the back of. James thought was very sentimental and sweet. Plain stupid I call it (weighs a ton and only has three gears).
14 miles from the end we needed a break so had an injection of iron (from Dublin served extra cold). On reflecion this wasn't so clever as the last hour was a real effort.
I think my body is only conditioned for 50 odd miles as the last hour or so on both days so far has been a real struggle.
Priory Hotel in Beauly is highly recommended. Great plate of complex carbs (pasta carbonara) just what the doctor ordered, and a dram of Glen Ord from the local distillery. How many pubs do you know that when the local taxi driver is busy have a barmaid who drives you home herself? Stephanie you're a star.
Don't think I mentioned that we're sampling the local whisky at each stopover. Glen Ord quite average (says the connoiseur)but think tomorrows Dalwhinnie is supposed to be pretty good.
So does anyone know how fast a fly can fly? At the shin falls a swarm of them attached themselves to my head presumably because I smelt like a tramp by this stage. Then they proceeded to buzz around me down the hill at 20mph - darned clever if more than a little irritating. Only when we hit our top speed of 35.9mph did I shake them off. I guess the answer is therefore between 20-35.9mph. Fast buggers aren't they.
Lou Reed you were a day too early - this was pretty close to a Perfect Day: fantastic scenery, no rain, bit of sun and what little wind there was came from oop north to push us along. Cheers to The Almighty dude or whoever dictates these things. Any chance of more ofthe same tomorrow?
Whew. Maybe I'm not such an old crock as I thought, my knee staged a marvellous recovery in time for a 9am departure - deep joy.
So good was it that it coped with an 8 mile steady climb up to the Crask Inn. Thank goodness they were full else we'd have been faced with climb last night - no chance.
Quote from Martin to our B&B hosts last night: so theses German and Dutch visitors, where do they come from then?
On the way down past Lairg to Bonar Bridge stopped off for a chat with Pete who has a team of Siberian Husky's for sled racing. Very nice bloke.
Next stop was Shin Falls to watch the Salmon leaping, quite a sight. Chatted to Betty who was trying to spot one and asked whether they would be leaping up or down the river. DUH! The site is owned by Mohammed Al Fayed so there's this ludicrous sight of coachloads of tourists sightseeing the Highlands buying tins of Harrods biscuits and teddy bears. Lord help us.
Met a few LEJOGers (i.e. Heading North) especially Chris - hope your knee held out mate.
Took a great shortcut to avoid the A9 and save 12 miles, the only payback was a 2 mile 1 in 3 hill which we were proud to pedal all the way. Met a father and son from Derby doing JOGLE on a pre-war tandem which the dad used to have his son in a babyseat on the back of. James thought was very sentimental and sweet. Plain stupid I call it (weighs a ton and only has three gears).
14 miles from the end we needed a break so had an injection of iron (from Dublin served extra cold). On reflecion this wasn't so clever as the last hour was a real effort.
I think my body is only conditioned for 50 odd miles as the last hour or so on both days so far has been a real struggle.
Priory Hotel in Beauly is highly recommended. Great plate of complex carbs (pasta carbonara) just what the doctor ordered, and a dram of Glen Ord from the local distillery. How many pubs do you know that when the local taxi driver is busy have a barmaid who drives you home herself? Stephanie you're a star.
Don't think I mentioned that we're sampling the local whisky at each stopover. Glen Ord quite average (says the connoiseur)but think tomorrows Dalwhinnie is supposed to be pretty good.
So does anyone know how fast a fly can fly? At the shin falls a swarm of them attached themselves to my head presumably because I smelt like a tramp by this stage. Then they proceeded to buzz around me down the hill at 20mph - darned clever if more than a little irritating. Only when we hit our top speed of 35.9mph did I shake them off. I guess the answer is therefore between 20-35.9mph. Fast buggers aren't they.
Lou Reed you were a day too early - this was pretty close to a Perfect Day: fantastic scenery, no rain, bit of sun and what little wind there was came from oop north to push us along. Cheers to The Almighty dude or whoever dictates these things. Any chance of more ofthe same tomorrow?
Day 1 Stats
Day 1 Stats
Distance: 75.0 miles
Max Speed: 29.1 mph
Moving Time: 6h:42m
Moving Average: 11.2 mph
Distance: 75.0 miles
Max Speed: 29.1 mph
Moving Time: 6h:42m
Moving Average: 11.2 mph
Good morning Altnaharra
The Good News - the weather looks ideal for cycling, NO RAIN OR WIND, quite bright, NO RAIN OR WIND, bright with sunshine just hidden behind a fair bit of cloud cover and NO RAIN OR WIND. Did I mention that (here at least) there appears to be NO RAIN OR WIND! Things can obviusly change down the road (as James, uncharacteristically negatively, reminds me) but I'm very heartened.
The Bad News - my right knee feels ike it has a poker sticking in it. I woke at 6 and have been working out a) how I'll get home b) how depressed I'll feel c) how to let James down d) how can I return everyone's sponsorship.
It felt bad and initially I couldn't contemplate cycling up and kind of incline. 7am and it is loosening up a bit so I'm going out for a stroll by the loch to see if I can get it bike ready.
Martin (who gave up his weekend to bring us up here) is going home today. BIIIIG thanks to Martin, you've been a terrific support and are a truly wonderful person.
Day 1 final leg to Altnaharra
Well I needed the pasta in the Lasagna thats for sure. The hills out of Melvich towards BettyHill were phenomenal. Both James and I have aching knees to show for it. We could probably have managed a bit better if we hadn't had hurricane Betty trying to blow us back to John O'Groats.
We were however delighted to find that once we turned off the 'main' road at Bettyhill there was the most gorgeous 21 mile ride to our destination along the famous Strath Naver which is a lovely river running down to the sea from Loch Naver. The scenery was beautiful and the best bit was that although our map profile had shown some steep climbs on this run there was none. It would have been perfect except that the wind sussed out that we'd changed direction Southwards and swung around with us to try and push us back into the North Sea.
The last 10 miles were painful with our knees and general weariness but we made it to The Bed and Breakfast, Altnaharra. Theres about 5 houses here, a school and The Altnaharra Hotel to which we repaired after dinner to have a pint of Tennants and a dram of the local Balblair whisky.
Mandy and Lindsay Smith are the most fantastic hosts and I can't recommend this place enough. Lindsay put our bikes away for us and said if we just dumped our wet stuff down he'd get them dry for us. Mandy greeted us with biscuits and coffee and presented us with a lovely chicken dinner. A top place to stay. Except for the killer midges that is. It's a bit worrying when they say they've only 'lost' 12 days to midges, meaning that they basically can't even go outside!
Tomorrow should be an easier ride once we've conquered the 2 1/2 mile climb up towards The Crask Inn.
Fingers crossed the rain is absent, the wind is compliantly behind us and our bodies recover overnight to have some renewed energy.
We were however delighted to find that once we turned off the 'main' road at Bettyhill there was the most gorgeous 21 mile ride to our destination along the famous Strath Naver which is a lovely river running down to the sea from Loch Naver. The scenery was beautiful and the best bit was that although our map profile had shown some steep climbs on this run there was none. It would have been perfect except that the wind sussed out that we'd changed direction Southwards and swung around with us to try and push us back into the North Sea.
The last 10 miles were painful with our knees and general weariness but we made it to The Bed and Breakfast, Altnaharra. Theres about 5 houses here, a school and The Altnaharra Hotel to which we repaired after dinner to have a pint of Tennants and a dram of the local Balblair whisky.
Mandy and Lindsay Smith are the most fantastic hosts and I can't recommend this place enough. Lindsay put our bikes away for us and said if we just dumped our wet stuff down he'd get them dry for us. Mandy greeted us with biscuits and coffee and presented us with a lovely chicken dinner. A top place to stay. Except for the killer midges that is. It's a bit worrying when they say they've only 'lost' 12 days to midges, meaning that they basically can't even go outside!
Tomorrow should be an easier ride once we've conquered the 2 1/2 mile climb up towards The Crask Inn.
Fingers crossed the rain is absent, the wind is compliantly behind us and our bodies recover overnight to have some renewed energy.
Saturday, 14 July 2007
Day 1 - JOG to Altnaharra
Now sittin in the Halladale Arms in Melvich listening to Lou Reed singing Perfect Day. Someone's taking the mickey... It's been tipping it down, we're soaked through and the headwind is ferocious.
Near catastrophe before we'd even left the Seaview Hotel - I ripped the valve out of my tyre due to incompetence so our first task was to change my tube. James was no happy. Had the obligatory piccie taken by the signpost in JOG.
Lasagne for lunch as body feels weary and needs energy.
37 miles to Altnaharra - cul8r
Near catastrophe before we'd even left the Seaview Hotel - I ripped the valve out of my tyre due to incompetence so our first task was to change my tube. James was no happy. Had the obligatory piccie taken by the signpost in JOG.
Lasagne for lunch as body feels weary and needs energy.
37 miles to Altnaharra - cul8r
Ready to go
The obligatory picture at the John O'Groats Hotel signpost. You're only allowed to cross the chain and stand by it if you pay the fella for an official picture. He was just in the process of putting up the direction boards which they meanly remove each night so you can't take your own piccie. We managed to plan an extra 100 miles in over the 874 signed here - think that assumes you go on the motorways. James appears to be smiling but he is actually shivering. It was freezing cold and lashing down with rain so the camera does lie sometimes.Curses
BBC weather forecast main headline at 8.20am 13/7 :- Heavy rain in Northern Scotland in the next few hours. Looks like yesterday was all a dream.
Unfortunately this is one of thoe rare occasions when the Met is right, it's streaking it down. Still they reckon it'll be drier this arvo.
Just waiting for our 'traditional Scottish breakfast before we embark for Altnaharra.
James has decided that, due to the p*ss poor weather, we won't be bothering with visiting Dunnets Head, the Northerly tip of the mainland.
Unfortunately this is one of thoe rare occasions when the Met is right, it's streaking it down. Still they reckon it'll be drier this arvo.
Just waiting for our 'traditional Scottish breakfast before we embark for Altnaharra.
James has decided that, due to the p*ss poor weather, we won't be bothering with visiting Dunnets Head, the Northerly tip of the mainland.
The Seaview Hotel, John O'Groats
Had a good drive up yesterday. Sunshine and no wind - thought we must be dreaming.
Came via Aviemore to see how horrible the hills look and was pleasantly surprised. Mind you they never look bad in a car but any gradient on a bike is worse. The sight of the cycle path alongside the A9 brought joy to our hearts as the lorries steaming along the single carriageway look threatening.
A good meal in the Seaview Hotel, 3 pints of Tennants and a dram of Old Pulteney set us up niceley for a good nights kip. The room is excellent and we watched a lovely sunset over the Orkney Islands on a clear sunny evening. We're feeling very positive. After I destressed during the 10 hour car journey I would say I'm almost excited!
7.30 a.m. Saturday 14th July 2007 - Blummin raining! Well at least our bikes haven't been stolen.
Off to have brekkie then we're away....
Came via Aviemore to see how horrible the hills look and was pleasantly surprised. Mind you they never look bad in a car but any gradient on a bike is worse. The sight of the cycle path alongside the A9 brought joy to our hearts as the lorries steaming along the single carriageway look threatening.
A good meal in the Seaview Hotel, 3 pints of Tennants and a dram of Old Pulteney set us up niceley for a good nights kip. The room is excellent and we watched a lovely sunset over the Orkney Islands on a clear sunny evening. We're feeling very positive. After I destressed during the 10 hour car journey I would say I'm almost excited!
7.30 a.m. Saturday 14th July 2007 - Blummin raining! Well at least our bikes haven't been stolen.
Off to have brekkie then we're away....
Friday, 13 July 2007
The calm before the storm
This is the view of Orkney from the Seaview Hotel in John O'Groats. We'd checked in and had dinner and were dreaming of how lovely it will be to set off in these conditions. If only...
JOG is a pretty dreary place but the view is terrific.
We're on our way at last. Near catastrophe pn M54
Hi, this is Ish , 10.45am on Friday the 13th July - we are on the way! We are now on the M6, only 439 miles to go to JOG. Bit of a scare on the M56 as my bike came off the bike carrier and was dangling by 1 wheel just 6 inches away from the tarmac and catastrophe!
more later. tarra.
more later. tarra.
Thursday, 12 July 2007
Time to panic
Well I've finally managed to book us a room for each of the first 7 nights. (James is responsible for those South of Chester)
I've given up on training - just have to hope my olympian physique is capable, and my padded shorts are effective.
Total failure on the GPS route planning - looks like paper maps or intuition will be required. I can see 950 miles becoming 1,950 as we get lost.
Flippin weather forecast is pants. Anyone want to buy some suncream?
James and his saint of a mate, Martin (who's giving up 3 days to drive us up and bring the car back) arrive tomorrow for the long drive North.
I've given up on training - just have to hope my olympian physique is capable, and my padded shorts are effective.
Total failure on the GPS route planning - looks like paper maps or intuition will be required. I can see 950 miles becoming 1,950 as we get lost.
Flippin weather forecast is pants. Anyone want to buy some suncream?
James and his saint of a mate, Martin (who's giving up 3 days to drive us up and bring the car back) arrive tomorrow for the long drive North.
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