We've done it! 1041 miles in 15 days. No punctures - I can't believe it. Nothing more than minor niggles and one fall each; the bruises are almost gone now.
We've met some great people and there is no one I wouldn't be happy to sit next to at dinner tonight. Bike Adventures have been great throughout to make sure everything runs smoothly.
So how was the last day? Leaving Bettyhill there were some rolling hills and we passed gorgeous looking beaches which were absolutely deserted. This was probably due to the strong wind which was impeeding our progress. But our fitness has improved a lot over the last two weeks and we made good progress into Thurso for lunch.
It's a short distance to John O'Groats so we have plenty of time to divert to Dunnet Head - the most northerly point on the British mainland. Unexpectedly the wind drops and the sun comes out as soon as we turn off the main road and the five miles up to lighthouse are great cycling. Then it's back to the main road and a short sprint to the finish.
We are met at John O'Groats with applause plus champagne and strawberries, then down to the signpost for a photo.
It feels really odd to have finished and not to be getting everything ready for another cycle tomorrow. Long drive home instead, and then work on Monday.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Friday, 25 June 2010
Evanton to Bettyhill 77 miles
Another lovely day riding in beautiful scenery, although we still have the headwind we have ridden into all the way from Lands End. Our first stop of the day is at the Falls of Shin; a spectacular waterfall near Lairg. We saw salmon leaping up the falls and ate great cake in the Visitor Centre. It is owned by Mohamed al Fayed and a startlingly realistic statue of him in highland garb watches over the shoppers browsing Harrods gifts in the shop.
It is amazing how far north we are, and the landscape is very rural and remote. Had lunch in a pub which must be cut off by the snow for half the year. Amused to come across a house miles from anywhere with a number 4 prominently displayed. We did find number 3 eventually a couple of miles down the road. This would be a good place to live if you don't get on well with the neighbours.
Bettyhill is, unsuprisingly, on a hill. The hotel overlooks white sands that could come from a brochure for a tropical resort. But there are still blankets on the beds!
It is amazing how far north we are, and the landscape is very rural and remote. Had lunch in a pub which must be cut off by the snow for half the year. Amused to come across a house miles from anywhere with a number 4 prominently displayed. We did find number 3 eventually a couple of miles down the road. This would be a good place to live if you don't get on well with the neighbours.
Bettyhill is, unsuprisingly, on a hill. The hotel overlooks white sands that could come from a brochure for a tropical resort. But there are still blankets on the beds!
Fort William to Evanton 80 miles
Last night's B&B was teutonically efficient. The best aspect was "you must sit at the table with your room number on" for breakfast. One table almost weren't served because there were the wrong number of people seated, and another couple who didn't notice this instruction were asked to move - because otherwise the walkers would have to sit with cyclists (do we smell?) And porridge was available - but only if you booked the night before. It really was quite funny.
I'm trying not to go on about food but I thought I should report I had haggis for breakfast this morning. Can't visit Scotland and not have haggis.
Didn't see any wild haggis, but riding through the forest this morning we saw a roe deer and her fawn bouncing along like tiggers. They move more like hares than deer, and look like them too with their oversized ears.
There is a price to pay for being out there in nature's midst; in this case a very rough forest track not rideable in places and swarming with midges. This made for slow progress early on and falls and punctures for some.
After a few miles of this we drop down to cycle alongside the Caledonian canal, using cycle paths along the tow path where possible; more communing with nature. I can't work out the zoom on the iPhone camera and nearly fell in the canal trying to get close enough to damselflies for a picture.
Cycle on the busy A82 along Loch Ness and then head north for our overnight stop in Evanton. No signal here, so I'll be posting this blog on Friday when I can find a signal.
More from Delia Smith's Springwatch tomorrow. Can't believe there are only two days to go.
I'm trying not to go on about food but I thought I should report I had haggis for breakfast this morning. Can't visit Scotland and not have haggis.
Didn't see any wild haggis, but riding through the forest this morning we saw a roe deer and her fawn bouncing along like tiggers. They move more like hares than deer, and look like them too with their oversized ears.
There is a price to pay for being out there in nature's midst; in this case a very rough forest track not rideable in places and swarming with midges. This made for slow progress early on and falls and punctures for some.
After a few miles of this we drop down to cycle alongside the Caledonian canal, using cycle paths along the tow path where possible; more communing with nature. I can't work out the zoom on the iPhone camera and nearly fell in the canal trying to get close enough to damselflies for a picture.
Cycle on the busy A82 along Loch Ness and then head north for our overnight stop in Evanton. No signal here, so I'll be posting this blog on Friday when I can find a signal.
More from Delia Smith's Springwatch tomorrow. Can't believe there are only two days to go.
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Inverary to Fort William 70 miles
So how come I get up at 7:15 and don't get on the bike until 9:00? As well as the usual morning wash and dress routine I need to put on suncream (not today), make up drink bottles, go to breakfast (during which we get a briefing on the day's ride), pack and take bags downstairs, and then get the bike out. Does this really take nearly two hours?
Today was another enjoyable ride, 70 miles with no long hills. It was mainly A-roads; out here there are not many roads. But lots of cycle paths have been built in Scotland recently so whereever possible we use those.
Thanks to Hilary for the comment on "never knowingly underfed" - it's my new motto! Great 'Rocky Road' cake at the Cruachan Hydro Visitor Centre and homemade soup at the Sea life centre north of Oban.
Whether it is a 50 miler or an 80 miler the last ten miles always drag. I'm fine until then, but once the B&B seems close I am counting down the miles and putting down the hammer to get home. Today the last ten miles are what the Scots would call "reet dreeck", that is grey, wet and miserable. But amazingly we complete 70 miles in 8 hours - our best average yet. In Fort Wiliiam by 5pm for a relatively relaxed evening - reward myself with fish and chips.
Today was another enjoyable ride, 70 miles with no long hills. It was mainly A-roads; out here there are not many roads. But lots of cycle paths have been built in Scotland recently so whereever possible we use those.
Thanks to Hilary for the comment on "never knowingly underfed" - it's my new motto! Great 'Rocky Road' cake at the Cruachan Hydro Visitor Centre and homemade soup at the Sea life centre north of Oban.
Whether it is a 50 miler or an 80 miler the last ten miles always drag. I'm fine until then, but once the B&B seems close I am counting down the miles and putting down the hammer to get home. Today the last ten miles are what the Scots would call "reet dreeck", that is grey, wet and miserable. But amazingly we complete 70 miles in 8 hours - our best average yet. In Fort Wiliiam by 5pm for a relatively relaxed evening - reward myself with fish and chips.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Motherwell to Inverary 75 miles
A long but lovely day. We crossed Glasgow using cycle paths which were mainly in good condition and so quiet it is a suprise to pop up in the city centre. After coffee at the Peoples Palace palm house we continued on another 20 miles of paths to the foot of Loch Lomond. Then a beautiful cycle along the shore of the loch, on cycle path again with spectacular views. This was the best part of the day, and I could quite happily have checked in at the Tarbet Hotel at the head of the loch.
Can't have a day with no hills though, and after Tarbet we joined the A83 for a steady climb over the Rest and be Thankful Pass.
Caught a glimpse today of the elusive Chris. Starting before breakfast and taking his own route, Chris is usually at the campsite ahead of the van with the bags. No one sees him all day so his rumoured existence was hard to verify. But today his bike broke in Glasgow; it was irrepairable so he took the train home (nearby) and picked up another bike. Debbie and I thoughtfully ensured that he was not the last to finish, he overtook us in the descent from Rest and be Thankful.
Final few miles along the shores of Loch Fyne; tempted to stop at the oyster bar but I doubt that is the best tea to set me up for tomorrow's ride.
If you are wondering why the blogs are always so late in the evening - well so am I! We generally arrive around 7:30 to 8:30 in the evening. I have to: check in, park bike in store, traipse up stairs and through mazes to room (carrying heavy bag), make (and drink) recovery drink, bath and change, procure and eat tea, wash dirty kit and hang to dry, wash drinks bottles and prep for morning, check route for morning, get out clothes and food for next day's ride, blog and email, charge phone and garmin, brush teeth and go to bed. It's almost as tiring as the ride! And to think I brought something with me to read.
Can't have a day with no hills though, and after Tarbet we joined the A83 for a steady climb over the Rest and be Thankful Pass.
Caught a glimpse today of the elusive Chris. Starting before breakfast and taking his own route, Chris is usually at the campsite ahead of the van with the bags. No one sees him all day so his rumoured existence was hard to verify. But today his bike broke in Glasgow; it was irrepairable so he took the train home (nearby) and picked up another bike. Debbie and I thoughtfully ensured that he was not the last to finish, he overtook us in the descent from Rest and be Thankful.
Final few miles along the shores of Loch Fyne; tempted to stop at the oyster bar but I doubt that is the best tea to set me up for tomorrow's ride.
If you are wondering why the blogs are always so late in the evening - well so am I! We generally arrive around 7:30 to 8:30 in the evening. I have to: check in, park bike in store, traipse up stairs and through mazes to room (carrying heavy bag), make (and drink) recovery drink, bath and change, procure and eat tea, wash dirty kit and hang to dry, wash drinks bottles and prep for morning, check route for morning, get out clothes and food for next day's ride, blog and email, charge phone and garmin, brush teeth and go to bed. It's almost as tiring as the ride! And to think I brought something with me to read.
Ecclefechan to Motherwell 70 miles
There was a choice of routes for this day; an 85 mile route diverting east as far as Biggar, and incorporating a seven mile climb, or a more direct and flatter route taking the old A74, now a B road which tracks the M74 north. Guess which one we chose?
This route is cyclepath for much of the length, with some poor road surfaces in places. That's true everywhere since this year's frosts but today was the worst we had seen. Another weather related observation; we crossed several minor rivers and all were completely dry. We saw this in Cumbria and Yorkshire too.
The route was really quiet as most traffic is on the motorway. Saw a buzzard hunting, and a family of oyster catchers.
Hotel is in the lovely Strathclyde Country Park. But no signal, so I'm posting this Tuesday from the shore of Loch Lomond.
This route is cyclepath for much of the length, with some poor road surfaces in places. That's true everywhere since this year's frosts but today was the worst we had seen. Another weather related observation; we crossed several minor rivers and all were completely dry. We saw this in Cumbria and Yorkshire too.
The route was really quiet as most traffic is on the motorway. Saw a buzzard hunting, and a family of oyster catchers.
Hotel is in the lovely Strathclyde Country Park. But no signal, so I'm posting this Tuesday from the shore of Loch Lomond.
Sunday, 20 June 2010
Kirkby Stephen to Ecclefechan 72 miles
A longer day but much easier. You can tell the weather is nicer in the Eden valley as the sheep are all shorn; on the moors they still have their winter woolies on.
The first main town is the lovely Appleby, where church bells remind me it's Sunday - believe me I'd forget my own name by now if it wasn't written on my case. We carry on and stop for great cream cake at Brief Encounter in Langwathby (yes it is on a railway station).
One of the pastimes when cycling is looking at road names and wondering how they got them. Lots are obvious - when it includes the word 'hill' the heart sinks - but some more puzzling. Today I found a new variant - the headlines for local papers. Favourite of the day was "Dog rescued from trampoline"; I thought about this a lot but still can't fathom how this could be dramatic enough to be newsworthy. Eden Valley must be a very quiet place. Also enjoyed "Funeral for killer bird"!
Lunch was a picnic on the Village Green in Wetheral and another snooze. Then continued the mainly gentle rolling ride into Scotland - hooray! Still a long way to go but we are more than half way.
Thanks for all the comments, I look forward to reading them each evening so keep them coming.
The first main town is the lovely Appleby, where church bells remind me it's Sunday - believe me I'd forget my own name by now if it wasn't written on my case. We carry on and stop for great cream cake at Brief Encounter in Langwathby (yes it is on a railway station).
One of the pastimes when cycling is looking at road names and wondering how they got them. Lots are obvious - when it includes the word 'hill' the heart sinks - but some more puzzling. Today I found a new variant - the headlines for local papers. Favourite of the day was "Dog rescued from trampoline"; I thought about this a lot but still can't fathom how this could be dramatic enough to be newsworthy. Eden Valley must be a very quiet place. Also enjoyed "Funeral for killer bird"!
Lunch was a picnic on the Village Green in Wetheral and another snooze. Then continued the mainly gentle rolling ride into Scotland - hooray! Still a long way to go but we are more than half way.
Thanks for all the comments, I look forward to reading them each evening so keep them coming.
Clitheroe to Kirkby Stephen 56 miles
Ended the day with a real sense of achievement - but getting that was so exhausting I was too tired to blog until today.
Late start after visiting a bike shop to get some recovery drink - hopefully this will help to overcome the fatigue.
Long climb up onto the moors, and at the top I had a little nap. The tough headwind that has been with us from the start of the trip makes even the downhill sections difficult.
Great coffee and lunch in High Bentham which we needed for the ordeal ahead.
The long steep climb up to Dent station would be tough enough without freshly laid gravel - first walk of the trip so far.
Late finish but there is a bath at the lovely B&B so we are OK.
Late start after visiting a bike shop to get some recovery drink - hopefully this will help to overcome the fatigue.
Long climb up onto the moors, and at the top I had a little nap. The tough headwind that has been with us from the start of the trip makes even the downhill sections difficult.
Great coffee and lunch in High Bentham which we needed for the ordeal ahead.
The long steep climb up to Dent station would be tough enough without freshly laid gravel - first walk of the trip so far.
Late finish but there is a bath at the lovely B&B so we are OK.
Friday, 18 June 2010
Little Leigh to Clitheroe 68 miles
Another day through familiar roads, skirting Lymm then over the Manchester Ship Canal at Warburton toll gate. Coffee and cakes at Bents Garden Centre. Then through the urban landscape (also known as busy roads) of Leigh, Hindley, Aspull and Haigh, familiar to anyone who has done the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride. Lunch at the excellent Village Green in Rivington before the climb up Winter Hill for a great view. The rest of the day was a series of climbs and descents, as a warm up for tomorrow's day in the Yorkshire Dales. Clitheroe busy with football so stayed in with the telly.
Thursday, 17 June 2010
Wentnor to Little Leigh 70 miles
Should have been an easy day today through gently rolling countryside. But I woke feeling sick and shivery; 5 long days cycling have taken their toll. No breakfast at the hotel as they wouldn't serve until 8:30, so grabbed a bite at the campsite when I picked up my bike. We were away for 8:15 which is our best start yet. I felt better as the day wore on, but still going for an early night.
We were met early on by a friend of Debbie's who has done this on his own, and he helped us through the day. Lunch in Malpas was very long as the cafe were disorganised and not geared up for the numbers, although they had been contacted beforehand. But despite this and a couple of social calls we made it to the Holly Bush for just after 6.
Our route to the north took us past hundreds (literally) of cyclists travelling south on the Across Britain event - they are doing John O'Groats to Lands End in 9 days. Apparently weather in Scotland was awful so glad I got extra waterproofs from home today. Emergency supplies also contained more food and some insect repellent for the Scottish midges.
We were met early on by a friend of Debbie's who has done this on his own, and he helped us through the day. Lunch in Malpas was very long as the cafe were disorganised and not geared up for the numbers, although they had been contacted beforehand. But despite this and a couple of social calls we made it to the Holly Bush for just after 6.
Our route to the north took us past hundreds (literally) of cyclists travelling south on the Across Britain event - they are doing John O'Groats to Lands End in 9 days. Apparently weather in Scotland was awful so glad I got extra waterproofs from home today. Emergency supplies also contained more food and some insect repellent for the Scottish midges.
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Sling to Wentnor 78 miles
Late start today after a large breakfast. Another sunny and breezy day with easy cycling on mainly rolling terrain. Cycled through all the little villages today which was very pretty, crossing the border between Wales and England a couple of times.
Sadly heard that two of the group have dropped out this morning; seems a shame after having done all the hard work in Cornwall and Devon but I think the cumulative effect was catching up with them.
This makes us part of the tail end group - somewhere I am used to being! So we have had the company of Tony on the sweep bike, along with Dave and Adrian from Scotland. A very companionable group, we have enjoyed a long but easy ride. We had our tea at Pembridge so there was no urgency to get back.
I had to press on ahead a little at the end to get to camp so my bike could have a few minor niggles fixed. The gears have been clunking and the front wheel wasn't quite true. Plus my tumble on Sunday knocked the rhs hood out of line. Most were fixed tonight and hopefully the bike will be smoother tomorrow.
Sadly heard that two of the group have dropped out this morning; seems a shame after having done all the hard work in Cornwall and Devon but I think the cumulative effect was catching up with them.
This makes us part of the tail end group - somewhere I am used to being! So we have had the company of Tony on the sweep bike, along with Dave and Adrian from Scotland. A very companionable group, we have enjoyed a long but easy ride. We had our tea at Pembridge so there was no urgency to get back.
I had to press on ahead a little at the end to get to camp so my bike could have a few minor niggles fixed. The gears have been clunking and the front wheel wasn't quite true. Plus my tumble on Sunday knocked the rhs hood out of line. Most were fixed tonight and hopefully the bike will be smoother tomorrow.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Bridgwater to Sling 73 miles
Great breakfast at Brookhayes Farm set us up for the morning. First 15 miles flat and windy over the Somerset Levels. Cheddar Gorge came all too quickly and a very long climb up onto the Mendips.
The route today was a bit different to the one I had mapped, so I managed to take a wrong turn which cut over a mile off the journey, so no bad thing. Finding the cycleway over the Severn Bridge was tricky (as always!) but the ride over was great. Final few miles along the Wye valley started with a three mile fast descent through Tintern and then a short climb up to the hotel.
Meeting some lovely people on our journey; today we chatted to a really nice lady in Olverston who insisted on giving us both sponsorship money and wished us good luck.
The route today was a bit different to the one I had mapped, so I managed to take a wrong turn which cut over a mile off the journey, so no bad thing. Finding the cycleway over the Severn Bridge was tricky (as always!) but the ride over was great. Final few miles along the Wye valley started with a three mile fast descent through Tintern and then a short climb up to the hotel.
Meeting some lovely people on our journey; today we chatted to a really nice lady in Olverston who insisted on giving us both sponsorship money and wished us good luck.
Monday, 14 June 2010
Whiddon Down to Bridgwater 64 miles
Woke in the night with my elbow throbbing and it continued all morning until I gave in and took nurofen. Had the bike checked over this morning and the gears are now worse than before.
Still hilly but lovely scenery, finishing off with a long climb through the Quantocks. Wind against us for the last few hours, so I hope it changes tomorrow for the Somerset levels. Went off course (not paying attention) and climbed a half mile steep hill only to have to come back down.
This is our third 10 hour day, and the fatigue is showing, hills I would have made light of on Saturday are now a real challenge. Too tired and too late to even go to the pub so we are having sandwiches from Sainsburys for tea.
Still hilly but lovely scenery, finishing off with a long climb through the Quantocks. Wind against us for the last few hours, so I hope it changes tomorrow for the Somerset levels. Went off course (not paying attention) and climbed a half mile steep hill only to have to come back down.
This is our third 10 hour day, and the fatigue is showing, hills I would have made light of on Saturday are now a real challenge. Too tired and too late to even go to the pub so we are having sandwiches from Sainsburys for tea.
Bodmin to Whiddon Down 60 miles
A very hilly day. Have worked out the code in the route sheets - 'climb' means you will be out of breath. 'Steep climb' means you need all your gears and 'very steep climb' means weaving all over the road.
After a hilly morning we then climbed steadily up onto Dartmoor; like all moors this is up in the clouds and so very wet and cold. An unenjoyable couple of hours was topped off with a rough and steep descent off the moor, during which a wet cattle grid threw me off my bike :( Bike obviously blamed me as it smacked me in the face too. Had a spectacularly bloody but painless graze on my knee, so got lots of sympathy. In fact yesterday's sunburn was hurting a lot more.
After a hilly morning we then climbed steadily up onto Dartmoor; like all moors this is up in the clouds and so very wet and cold. An unenjoyable couple of hours was topped off with a rough and steep descent off the moor, during which a wet cattle grid threw me off my bike :( Bike obviously blamed me as it smacked me in the face too. Had a spectacularly bloody but painless graze on my knee, so got lots of sympathy. In fact yesterday's sunburn was hurting a lot more.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Lands End to Bodmin 70 miles
The problem with today's route is the flat bits - they are too short and there aren't enough of them. Weather was lovely though, as my sunburned legs can attest. And Cornwall is really beautiful.
Cycled most of the day with Steve and Joe, who really helped us along. We kept a steady pace all day, and although we weren't first in we weren't last either.
Bravest cyclist of the trip must be Ruth, who is doing the whole thing on a folding bike with tiny wheels - and looking like she just stepped off the catwalk at the same time. She has the most stylish looking bike kit I've ever seen from cyclodelic.co.uk; I want some!
Only down of the day is Debbie fell off on the approach to Bodmin and landed quite hard so I think she will be bruised tomorrow.
Cycled most of the day with Steve and Joe, who really helped us along. We kept a steady pace all day, and although we weren't first in we weren't last either.
Bravest cyclist of the trip must be Ruth, who is doing the whole thing on a folding bike with tiny wheels - and looking like she just stepped off the catwalk at the same time. She has the most stylish looking bike kit I've ever seen from cyclodelic.co.uk; I want some!
Only down of the day is Debbie fell off on the approach to Bodmin and landed quite hard so I think she will be bruised tomorrow.
Friday, 11 June 2010
Lands End
Sitting in the Lands End hotel which is very nice, after a tasty and filling meal. We checked in with Bike Adventures first and everyone seemed really nice.
Thanks to Josh for a lift down - I would never have believed one A3 could hold so much though!
Went for a walk outside, scenery is stunning but a bit blustery.
Nervous about tomorrow but it will be good to get started.
Thanks to Josh for a lift down - I would never have believed one A3 could hold so much though!
Went for a walk outside, scenery is stunning but a bit blustery.
Nervous about tomorrow but it will be good to get started.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Sponsorship
I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and colleagues. Sent out an email today, and am already more than half way to my target fundraising for Water Aid. This has given me a boost tonight as I try to finish off the mapping, packing and general admin.
One more day at work :)
One more day at work :)
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Getting Ready
Well, all the stuff is out on the bed - it seems to mainly consist of food!
Booked the haircut - get your priorities right - don't want to end up looking like Mark Beaumont . But I'd quite like to go as fast as him.
No training for the last two weeks due to marathons and triathlons (admin not racing). So I'll be quite glad to get on the bike ride to give my mind a rest.
only 3 more sleeps!
Booked the haircut - get your priorities right - don't want to end up looking like Mark Beaumont . But I'd quite like to go as fast as him.
No training for the last two weeks due to marathons and triathlons (admin not racing). So I'll be quite glad to get on the bike ride to give my mind a rest.
only 3 more sleeps!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
