7 days later

Its a week, almost to the minute as I type that we rode into John O'Groats. But I'm not sure it has sunk in. I have been overwhelmed by the response from people, friends, family and others.

The fundraising total keeps going up, which is fantastic and I can't thank people enough for their generosity. I was touched, embarrassed and taken aback by the round of applause I received when I first went back to work. Its lovely to have such a response and its really these little things that help to make it worthwhile. Paul and Rachel had decorated the house when we got back which was sweet and brought champagne. Loads of people have congratulated me and whilst that's great we shouldn't lose focus on why I did it. In fact I didn't do it, I needed the help of Beth and many others, a real team.

I've been pondering on what I learned from it all. In telling people about the tour I've tended to harp on about the "incidents", characters we met on the way, bad service, road rage, bad weather and lost site of the great things. The fabulous views, the lovely people, the great downhills, nice hotels, generosity. All things we should cherish.

Of course the obvious lesson is fairly cliched. The fact that it is true that, a realistic goal, no matter how hard, can be achieved if you work at it. 12 months ago I hadn't even thought about this (but then I hadn't practically lost the use of one eye either) and here I am with the end to end in the bag.

Its Imogen's birthday party today. I wonder what she'll be doing in 40 year's time, when she's my age and whether I'll be around to share it with her. I'm so lucky to have the people around me that I do. So if there's one lesson that overrides all others. It is: be positive and the world is a much better place.

Vital Statistics

§ Over 60 hours in the saddle
§ Total of 1,539km on the road
§ Overall average speed of 25.3 km/h
§ Maximum speed of 76.4 km/h
§ Daily average ascent of 1,255m
§ Total ascent of 15,063m (approx. twice the height of Mt. Everest).

A couple of pics...

The start 10:30 4th September 2007 Glorious sunshine

The end 13:15 15th September 2007 Arctic storm!

Feels like the end - Dartmoor 5th September

Proof it hasn't affected me!

Day 12 The end!

The end. I did it! I did it! I rode my bike from one end of Great Britain to the other! I haven’t kept rigorous statistics en route, perhaps I should have done, but there were too many other things to think of. I know Werner has kept all the stats from his GPS, so when I get them from him I’ll post them here, but we spent an average of 6 hours a day in the saddle, so that’s about 72 hours in total, 1600km. I’ll check my bike computer for the accurate total mileage later. It’s safely locked up in the hotel Board room at the moment!

September 15th 2007; Imogen's 4th Birthday and I complete my end to end (and happy birthday to Stuart in NYC!).

In my mind I thought the last day would be some sort of grand procession. Cheering crowds, warm sunshine, rose petals cast in front of my wheels as we coasted to the finish line in front of an adoring public. The reality could not be further from the truth. The final ride of 98km involved some tortuously steep hills and treacherous descents, made so by a bitterly cold northerly Arctic wind carrying hail and icy cold rain driven into our faces. It could not be described as pleasurable and it made for a very bleak last day.

We bumped into Beth in Thurso, 32km from the end and begged her to go and buy food. Sausage rolls and rice pudding were consumed eagerly whilst we all shivered with cold. This did set us up for the last blast to John O’Groats though and our spirits were actually quite high despite our discomfort. I counted the kilometres down and we staged a sprint finish whilst Beth and Imogen cheered us on from the car park entrance.

A feeling of enormous satisfaction engulfed me. I hugged and kissed Beth and we men shook hands and clapped each other heartily on each other’s backs. Werner’s parents were there to meet him and looked justifiably proud of him. He has raised nearly £25k for the respite home where his severely disabled brother lives. Good for him.

We took photos and then retired to the café for hot soup and coffee and shelter from the cold and rain. We then drove to Inverness where we met up with Beth’s family, for a celebratory meal and a nice hotel. We pushed the boat out for a big room and some comfort after my labours. We had a great time and retired to bed late for a rest.

Best moment: climbing a tortuous hill on Dartmoor whilst Beth and Mo cheered me on from the summit

Worst moment: riding through Warrington and Wigan

Hardest climb: pick any from Dartmoor. Cheddar and Drumnadrochit, but probably the last was the steepest.

Best descent: a close thing between the ride down from the Shropshire hills into Shrewsbury and the 14km roller coaster from Drumnadrochit, but again the latter takes it for sheer grin inducement

Best day: Kilmarnoch to Loch Fyne; great ride, breathtaking scenery

Worst day: The last unfortunately; hideously cold and wet; we all just wanted it to end

Best hotel: the Mecure Albrighton; do it!

Worst hotel: the Bridge at Bonar Bridge; avoid!

Road rage: the idiot in Whitchurch or the bully that had a go at Beth by Loch Ness

Finally; thank you to all those of you that have supported me in any way, shape or form whether it be practical help, donations or just words of encouragement. The final fund raising figure isn’t yet known, but I’m well on the way to £5 000. A massive thank you to Beth for all her support, help and encouragement, its taken 9 months' hard work that I literally couldn’t have done without her.

And to Tom Barker. In whose memory I undertook and achieved this challenge. I hope I have in some small way helped.


nb. for some reason I can't upload pictures at the moment; check back in a day or so and I'll post the start and end pics.

Day 11

Penultimate stage today, a relatively short 80KM from Bonner Bridge to the Kyle of Tongue. And it was absolute hell! We endured a 30mph headwind with the stage taking 4 hours, our slowest day so far. Still, I'm overlooking the North Sea at the moment and the scenery is fantastic. So much so, it's making Beths eyes ache.
We passed 6 other end-to-enders today as this is the main road up to John O Groats. Worth a mention that nobody has passed us so far. 65 miles tomorrow on the final stage. Bring it on.

A few more images....

North shore of Loch Ness

Day 10

An eventful day. The wind was behind us as we set off along the great glen past lochs Lochy (does that sound like it was named by a 4 year old?), Oich and Ness. Sadly no monster sitings. We covered nearly 45km in the first 90 minutes but were rudely awakened by a 2km 15 % climb out of Drumnadrochit which gained us 250m in just over a mile. This was probably the hardest climb since Dartmoor and nearly beat me, but it didn't. Our reward was a fantastic 14km rolling descent through a drumlin field (for students of glacial geomorphology. For those who don't know http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drumlin_field) averaging 50kph all the way. Nature's rollercoaster and grin inducing indeed. After lunch we rolled on past the seals on the Moray Firth before another long 15km climb and fantastic view of our destination at Bonar Bridge (look it up on google maps!). Sadly Beth took one look at the hotel and walked out. It was disgustingly dirty, but we found a lovely b&b just up the road.
2 days to go. Tomorrow we pass through the most sparsley poulated part of Europe home of red deer and ospreys. I can't wait.

Day 9 Loch Fyne to Loch Lochy

Day 9 was a tough one. 153km in the rain. We started with drizzle which quickly got heavier and a 14km climb over the pass to Loch Awe. We hit cloud cover at the top which is more a sign of how low the cloud is rather than how high we were. I worked up a sweat on the climb and then got cold on the way down. My phone got wet (again) and has packed up (someone tell Kev Rourke to order me a swap out for Tuesday - I've got it on a lampshade trying to dry it out).

A largely uneventful day through lovely countryside that we couldn't see because of the rain and cloud. We bypassed Oban crossing a lovely bridge over raging waters at up the coast to Fort William. Ben Nevis was shrouded in cloud but the sun did break through as we passed and the Nevis range revealed itself. Truly awe inspiring. We climbed over the pass to Loch Lochy and our B&B for the night, Forest Lodge, between Loch Lochy and Loch Ness.

I took the opportunity to clean my bike, Robert the owner chatted away whilst I sank a beer and ran baby wipes over every surface. He's a farmer from Cumbria and I think he thought my behaviour odd until I started spraying degreaser everywhere. He pointed out the mountain top behind us which looks like an up turned face. I took a photo but can't get it on this PC. He then hasted me inside before the midges descend!

Beth and Imogen stayed in the pool at Loch Fyne for a while and then called in at the seal sanctuary on the way. Tomorrow is a shorter day ~137km with one big climb, then two short days to finish. Beth's going to try and find a pony trek for Mo. She's been so well behaved, bless her.

The massage worked wonders I felt fresh today, no soreness, no stiffness, and I feel fine now. Looking forward to my dinner then another early night unless I can find the England match on the local TV.

If you've never been to the highlands then make the effort, it is truly beautiful. 3 days, 204 miles to go, wish me luck!

Day 8

Day 8 – Mighty Fyne

Day 8, 9/11, greeted us with grey clouds, a light drizzle, another puncture for Werner and a serious drop in temperature, requiring extra layers all round. But no wind. Today was the day I’d been looking forwards to most, for a number of reasons. We finally hit the highlands and I know the area from a holiday here 10 years ago when my daughter Amelia was a 6 month old baby. So I knew to expect beautiful scenery. Even in a drizzle I was not disappointed.

The ride to the ferry across the Clyde at Gourock was easy enough and uneventful. The ticket man on the ferry itself declined to charge us because of what we are doing which was nice, he also warned us about a couple of nasty bends just out of Dunoon to be careful off. Apparently a couple of cyclists this year have had to be taken back across the ferry, to hospital, having had accidents there. He told us all motorists are mad, a view I might share if I weren’t one myself.

The ride out of Dunoon to Lock Fyne was gorgeous. Big mountains on either side, placid waters, raging waterfalls, quiet roads and clean air. Unfortunately, today it was Werner’s turn to “bonk”. About 30km from the finish he ran out of steam and we had to coax him home. His mood wasn’t helped by a 4km climb around the head of the loch about 20km from our destination. Which was Inverary. What a beautiful place. And what a great hotel. Another of Beth’s diamond 4* hotels, with pool, Jacuzzi, steam and…a back and leg massage. Deep joy. Sadly Beth was booked in for a facial too but there wasn’t time before dinner.










The Loch Fyne Hotel




Even the first real rain of our trip couldn’t dampen my spirits as we rode past Lochs Eck and Fyne.

127km today in 5 and a half hours. 4 days to go, the massage has set me up for them and I’m raring to go. I couldn’t do it without Beth though. She’s done a super job of supporting us all. I feel like we’re nearly there, but mustn’t lose focus.








The view from the hotel

Day 7 Blow wind, blow

A life in a day. Ride, eat, sleep. Get up about 7am, wash, slather myself in creams and lotions, big breakfast of cereal, porridge , toast, eggs and maybe bacon and sausage with juice and lots of tea. Set off about 8:15am, ride, eat bananas, power gel, nuts and energy bars. Meet Beth. Eat pasta, Muller rice, pastry. Ride, snack. End, bath. Slather myself in creams and lotions. Eat big dinner, steak and chicken potatoes and veg, big pudding. 9pm sleep.
Scotland welcomed us with blue skies and a strong cold headwind. For 150km. All the way. It took us 8 hours to cover what we would normally do in 6. The first hour yielded a meagre 24 km. I'm exhausted. Big dinner then bed. 5* hotel on Loch Fyne tomorrow. Travel Inn tonight in Kilmarnock. Oh the glamour of the long distance charity ride. I'm tired, sore and determined. I still feel strong.
Thanks for all the messages of support, they really help and Hi to Edward, Abi and Amelia. I love you all and miss you loads.

Goodbye England....

Day 6

Halfway. Not quite over the border, we cross 4 miles into tomorrow. We left Preston at 8:20 in a heavy mist. None of us have lights but the roads were quiet on Sunday morning. We passed a time trial heading into town all lycra'd up on their expensive carbon bikes. At Carnforth (home to Brief Encounter) a local club rider joined us for an hour and marvelled at the pace we maintained. 155km today our longest yet at an average 27.8kph which included crossing Shap Fell at 400m high. Shap was nothing compared to Dartmoor nor Cheddar even and we hit a crosswind at the top which slowed our pace.
I'm starting to feel sore now. I have a blister on my right foot and lost the nail off my little toe on my left foot but other than that no problems. We had a bit of rain for the first time today. But nothing to dampen our spirits.

Longtown tonight. Kilmarnock tomorrow.

Day 5 We're in Preston!

Day 5 Shrewsbury to Preston

Possibly the most unpleasant day. We set out in a light drizzle and mild but cold breeze which soon cleared to dull skies. I had to decide whether to wear rainwear or not as I don’t have the kind of lightweight rain coat that I can stuff in my pocket (but it is my birthday soon…), I decided against it because it always makes me hot, which turned out OK.

Yesterday knocked my confidence because I was so tired, but refreshed after a very good nights sleep (falling into the bed at the Mercure was like the scene from Trainspotting where Renton falls into the carpet) and an excellent breakfast I rode through today without problem. 137km of relatively straightforwards cycling but we when we hit Warrington we had pretty much 60km of urban riding through Warrington, Wigan and Preston and their suburbs, all of which were universally horrible (harsh but true – and we even cycled past my mother’s birthplace in Warrington: yesterday we passed nearby Bargoed in Wales where my father was born too). Aggressive drivers abounded, abuse from passers by (have they never seen cyclists up here?) and drunks on their way into Haydock Park for the races.

One guy in Whitchurch tried to run us off the road three or four times, cutting us up (in a cycle lane!) and braking hard to make us stop, before shouting abuse and roaring off. Today I think we’ve seen the worst of Britain. Cycle lanes generally I think are a bad thing. They are often well intended but ill conceived and encourage drivers to think of cyclists as not part of the road. I don’t understand why drivers feel so aggressive. Blimey, I have three cars (and four bikes), I pay enough road tax!

Oh, and we had our first puncture today, Werner picked up a thorn, so we got to play with John’s CO2 inflator gadget.

So, to the Ibis Preston. Functional, clean. Can’t say much more but Mark & Heidi, who we met in Cuba earlier this year are coming over from Liverpool to meet us for dinner, which will be nice.

Tomorrow is the longest day, 170km to Longtown in Scotland. We leave England behind.

Day 4 150km Tintern to Shrewsbury

Day 4

Tintern to Shrewsbury


Today was another long day 150km. We started at 8:30 and arrived at the hotel in Shrewsbury about 3:30pm. The morning was very hilly; we started out along the Wye valley to Monmouth. Then climbed out of Monmouth to Lentwardine. It was mercifully flat from there and just as well because at about 90km I just lost all power. Not strength so much but I was physically and mentally exhausted. We had a bit of a break and carried on for another 20km before I needed to stop again. This time recharged with a banana and a power gel I managed the remainder, over the Shropshire hills into Shrewsbury. But it was a very tired Craig that dragged himself into the hotel. Fortunately tonight is one of the nights we’re in a 4* hotel. The Mercure Albrighton which is fantastic.

There was a wedding on when we arrived which we had to wade through as they’d spilled onto the lawn. We met Beth and Mo, I bathed and changed and then we hit the pool and spa. What a luxury. Beth laughed at a our comical cyclist’s tan lines; from the elbows and knees down we’re all really brown and pasty everywhere else!

I have wifi access here so I can post a bit more. In review, Day 1 was hard but we took our time. We climbed the equivalent of 1500 vertical metres. Day 2 over Dartmoor was the hardest, 2007 vertical metres of climbing. Day 3 was largely flat apart from a 200m rise over the Mendips and today started off rolling hills and then flattened out before the Shropshire hills. There was a fantastic 10km downhill from the top of the hills though. Today has been the most scenic, through the Wye valley and passing by the Long Mynd and the weather has so far been kind to us. Tuesday was hot and sunny, but we started late, then every other day has been largely still and overcast, cool, breaking to sunshine later. Perfect for cycling. Long may it continue.

Apart from Wednesday when we had virtually no flats, it was all up or down, so we all rode at our own pace, we’ve ridden well as a group and today Werner and John pulled me through when I was struggling. John doesn’t seem to tire at all, but than he is only 52kg ns has a full on carbon bike. I’m surprised he doesn’t float away (he does when we hit a hill), but I’ve largely held my own. He did reveal today that he intends to do the end to end again next year, in under 80 hours, the CTC Gold standard.

Beth has been superb as our support. We’ve got into a routine of meeting her about 50km into the ride and she brings pasta pots and bananas and we can refill our water bottles.

Hotel wise, I’d recommend them all except perhaps the Globe at Sampford Peverell. It was nice enough and the staff were friendly, but a bit pricey for what it is and the rooms were full of flies from the farm across the road. Myrtle Cottage at Sennen was great and I’d recommend it to anyone down that way, likewise the Wye Valley hotel at Tintern, where Alan, the chef really looked after us, maybe because his father did the end to end in 79 hours at the age of 55. So maybe he knows how we’re suffering. The Nebula at Liskeard was nice, roomy and comfortable. The Mercure here in Shrewsbury is fabulous and they’ve done us proud. It’s the cheapest stay we’ve got en route and possibly the best. Three cheers for Ian the manager. Definitely recommended.

A third of the way there and its starting to hurt.

Day 3

I ride up hills on the big ring now. And don't even notice. Its amazing how quickly your body adapts.
Long day today 150km. Mainly flat out of Devon into Somerset, briefly into Gloucestershire and then over the Severn bridge into Wales. One massive climb over the Mendips at Cheddar and a climb out of Chepstow followed by a great 7km downhill into Tintern, 50kph+ all the way. My bike computer shows a top speed of 103kph today but that must be a mistake or some kind of record. A quarter of the way there and still going. We've got a 5* hotel to head for tomorrow, that's incentive enough.

Day 2

Big day today. Very hard. We covered about the same distance as yesterday but took 30 minutes longer. From the hotel it was uphill then a series of steep river valleys culminating in Dartmoor which was far and away the biggest and hardest hill I've ever climbed. 23kph average and max 73kph tells the story of the terrain. I'm really pleased with myself for doing it. John and Werner power up most of the hills ahead of me but then I'm carrying 32kg more weight than John and a few kg more than Werner plus 20 years so I don't feel bad. Beth came past two or three times today and shouted support which really helped. She's been so good to me. I love her a lot.

Day 1

122k, 5 and half hours over dartmoor from Lands End to Liskeard. I think that's the hardest thing I've ever done. Some absolute monster climbs (pic of the view back to Lands End from the top of the first climb). My legs really ache. The weather was hot. Not a cloud in sky all day so it was difficult to stay hydrated. Beth met us half way so we could refuel. The b&b at Sennen was good, I'd recommend it (Myrtle Cottage, right on the harbour). Here in Liskeard we're at the Nebula hotel which is also very good, although I don't know why you'd want to come to Liskeard to be honest. Well day one complete 11 to go. Thanks for all the goodwill messages they're all welcome. At 90k today we hit a 5k 10% climb. It was agony but at the top I kissed the St Christopher Beth gave me and thought of her and the pain she must feel having lost Tom. That's why I'm here.

Day 0

Arrived Sennen after 6 hour drive. Beth drove to Exeter where we stopped and had a steak and chip lunch in a pub. Thanks to the good pub guide for the recommendation. The b&b is nice, right on the beach (see pic) and only a mile from our start point but it's at the bottom of a massive hill which all 3 of us have winced at. What a way to start! First impressions of Werner and John are good. We're off to the pub to bond before the off tomorrow.

PLT (Pre lejog tension)

Quiet day today.

I took the kids over to my parents in Birmingham whilst Beth packed (my stuff's been packed for a week!), then the girls cleaned the car out for us and we went out for a family farewell meal at a local Chinese - all you can eat for a tenner. I'll miss the kids whilst we're away. Originally of course I would have been away from Beth and all four kids and I have to say I wasn't looking forwards to that. I think it might have been harder than the ride. Every cloud, as they say.
Beth bought me a St Christopher to wear whilst I ride, which is a really nice thought, I'll cherish it. My mom asked me whether you got them from the AA, because she was given one when she passed her driving test. My dad was pottering in the garden when we got there, which I like to see. I think that's what retirement is all about. The ability to potter, with no particular aim in sight. Bless them both.

My dad is in some way an inspiration for this trip. When he was a kid, him and his mate Johnny Green used to regularly cycle to Wales. Everywhere we went on holiday as kids my dad would chirp up, "I've cycled through here", now I'll be able to pass that on to my own children. My dad knew Johnny right up until his recent death. What a fabulous thing friendship is to endure the best part of 70 years. Although it might have helped that Johnny ran a pub until he retired!

Can you imagine letting 14 year olds cycle that far now? Crazy thought. Its such a shame really. Mom gave me a big bag of energy bars to take with me, I didn't know she knew of such things, I was expecting a packet of hob nobs. I'll think of her each time I eat one.

Away we go!

nb. In response to Beth's defence of Kenilworth, I grew up in Solihull, which in old English means "pigsty on the hill" - how much more history does a place need!?

Last time out

I wanted to ride today just to keep myself loose but didn't intend going far. However I noticed that i needed another 38 miles to clock up 2000 for the year to date. I set that as my target, but the route I chose was only 30km, so I ended up wandering aimlessly round Warwickshire lanes for the sake of clocking up the miles. I ended up doing 42 miles which takes me to 2004 training miles. It would have been pleasing to finish on 2007 I guess.





I sorted myself out with some contact lenses this week and rode in them for the first time (I haven't been able to wear lenses for 18 months whilst my left eye was busy self combusting), with the intention of combating the dreaded rain trauma. Needless to say it didn't rain which is just as well because I also took the opportunity to wear my shades, which I thought would protect my eyes from drying out (not because I wanted to look cool and impress the local sheep, honest. I might be of Welsh descent but I have better chat up techniques than that). Which was great until I started to sweat and they started slipping down my nose, so I ended up peering over them like a knitting granny. Yea, way cool. However it turned out for the best because as I crossed the A34 on my way back a 4x4 driver going too fast passed me and kicked up a stone which hit me on my right eyebrow. Now, if I lose the sight in my right eye I won't be cycling anywhere. So the sunglasses stay.





A nice feeling really, all my training done. Nothing tomorrow then drive to Land's End on Monday ready for the off on Tuesday. Its a six hour drive which makes you realise quite how far we're going (and that's not even half way). Bizarrely, I checked the Lands End website and it doesn't open until 10:00am, so we won't be starting until then at the earliest. At least we'll get a lie in.

Loads of people wished me well on my last day in the office yesterday, which was great. Please post comments (of encouragement) over the next two weeks I'll need them.

I've posted my training schedule below if anyone, other than me, is interested (although I can't work out how to paste excel and retain the formatting so it looks a bit rubbish), 2004 miles in eight months and then half of that again in the next two weeks:

Small world Big ride

There I was last night saying I don’t know the guys who I’m riding with and then this morning Beth’s dad gives me a story from the Kenilworth Weekly News about Werner! It turns out he is an alumni of Warwick Uni, as am I. This led me to his website http://www.end2end.co.nr/ which has told me as much as I need to know about him. It turns out he lived in Kenilworth whilst studying at Warwick. Sadly for me, I also learnt that he, along with John the other rider, is half my age, so I risk a) being left behind and b) becoming some sort of father figure. How scary is that (for them I mean)? Young at heart….

(For our overseas readers: Kenilworth is the next town to Warwick, with a crappy castle because they were on the wrong side in the English Civil War and it got mashed by Cromwell – see previous blog entries on Edge Hill and Naseby).

I must be getting carried away – I’m referencing my own blog!

Another day nearer

Not much to say today, but I want to share the excitement. I'm itching to get on the road. There are so many unknowns despite all the planning. I have route maps, route notes, hotels booked, have to remember to take everything. And don't forget I haven't even met the people I'm going to spend 12 days in close proximity with. What if we hate each other! I'm sure we'll bond whilst watching each other's lycra bound backsides bounce up and down in front of each other.

I started checking the long range weather forecast today. I don't know why. Its a British thing. I can't control the weather, but then its no different to plotting out the route so I can see the profiles each day (although day 12 looks gratifyingly easy, you can see it and the other 11 days here: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/kyle-of-tongue/1080390135 ), its not as if I can move a hill because it looks a bit tricky on the map. Its there to be conquered.

One thing I do want to do is thank Dave Thomas. Dave long ago entered Morris family lore as a gift to mankind sent by some celestial body to make all our lives easier. In attempting to bully him into sponsoring me, we got talking about charity wrist bands (because I was boasting about the Livestrong band personally given to me by Lance Armstrong, well actually personally given to Bryan Gumm who carried it across the Atlantic and gave it to me, but it was still in the bag, so it kinda counts - I thought I might scrape some DNA from the bag and merge it with my own to make a kind of hybrid Lance Armscraig but I might get Bryan's instead and become Craig Morgumm, not that that's a bad thing but you get my point), anyway, Dave volunteered to sell some FSID bands to raise money for me. So 100

bands were duly delivered from the back of an FSID cupboard where they were quietly resting and Dave has the challenge of selling them all to raise £100. I know he'll do it (well he's got to now, the whole world will read this blog and be waiting in expectation for me to proclaim his victory - or shame).

Enough dribble, I did spin today and a few weights. Its not the same as being out in the fresh air but its a good intense workout. I can't wait to pit myself against the British countryside. We pass through England, Wales and Scotland en route. I've just watched Robbie Coltrane (who I once had a drink with in a pub in Clerkenwell) in his travelogue of Britain, pass through Dumfries, where we'll be going. The scenery there is fantastic I've mountain biked a few times up there. I'll try and post pictures if I can get a decent wifi connection, here's one of Birdy from last time we did a MTB road trip. This is Kirroughtree, one of the 7 Stanes http://www.7stanes.gov.uk/.

Exultant

I feel good tonight. After work I picked up my new mountain bike, an Orange G2 with Rock Shox Tora forks, Deore components and Hayes disc brakes front and back - and its British! £700 worth of hardtail MTB for £280 through the cycle to work scheme. Sweet:

"Cross Country is where it all began. Giving riders the opportunity to go beyond roads and experience new places in nature where no one else goes. It is a test of endurance and technical skills where one must climb up steep hills and descend down narrow trails through wandering trees and over rocks. Giving one an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and excitement with one simple ride."

Which is pretty much how I feel now, but I haven't been off road. I didn't get on the bike until 6:20 and it was already gloomy. I don't have lights on my road bike because a) they add weight b) I don't ride in the dark and c) they're a bit girly, so I cut my ride shorter than planned. Still, I managed just over 30km in 1hr 5minutes and thoroughly enjoyed myself. That's nearly 300km in 72 hours and I still feel fresh (although I don't smell it) and its also pretty much the end of my training. I have a spin class and gym session planned on Thursday, a couple of hours at the weekend and that's it. We're off. At the moment I'm buzzing and raring to go.

I'm made up with the the amount of sponsorship I've had. People have been so kind and I can't thank them enough. Now I have to reward their faith by a) completing the end to end and b) really suffering whilst doing it, to make them feel they've had their money's worth! To that end, I plotted a few more days of the route. Just take a look at what the profile does on day 3 at about 40 miles in (click the show elevation tab at the bottom of the map) : http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/sampford-peverell/277736044

That's rock climbing not cycling! Wish me luck. I love it.

Avon calling

I'm guessing that a nutritionist wouldn't recommend 5 bottles of beer and a chicken balti the night before a big ride by way of preparation, but that was what I set off with today after another great night with friends. 136km today pretty much along the Avon valley and back. I went out through Arrow and headed towards Worcester. I was riding into a strong headwind so about 15k short of Worcester itself I turned south from Upton Snodsbury towards Wyre Piddle (I'm not making this up) which took me through Pershore, which was heaving, presumably because of the plum fair (!) that was on in the market square then to Broadway and back through Stratford which was also heaving, presumably because of Shakespeare and home through Charlecote. 5 and half hours elapsed, average 28kph. Not much to report, the weather was good if windy, I stopped and filled my water bottles at a cider mill outside Broadway and ate cherry flapjack (not home made, full of e numbers and preservatives but they'd given me free water so I felt obliged to buy something) and I had a pleasant five minute stop by the Avon in Stratford watching the boats. I also stopped on the green at Inkberrow for an energy bar . Inkberrow was allegedly the inspiration for the village in the Archers, particularly this 16th century pub which features as The Bull. But I resisted a pint. I didn't want my secrets broadcast to the nation on Radio 4 as part of Archers' gossip.

When I get fit

I finally got out to test the new cassette properly last night, 52k to Little Alne and back. This route has two short sharp climbs and a couple of long drags. I made it all without too much trouble (3 cogs spare into Wilmcote, 1 spare into Snitterfield) and again today I went over Avon Dassett, Edge Hill and Loxley (and added Snitterfield hill for good measure) without too much trouble (72k). But it did prey on my mind. I've had to re-learn the bike. I'd made it to that point where I didn't think too much about the mechanics of cycling, more technique. I've covered 2960km this year to date in training and I really don't want to have to re-learn how to ride. My bike and I have a symbiotic relationship. Today I found myself constantly checking gears and mentally trying to compare how difficult a climb was (which I liken to trying to compare pain, is tooth ache more painful than ear ache, is the pain I had in my knee when it shattered worse than childbirth - obviously?). Do you know what I mean? There's no benchmark, no measure, so it feels difficult, but is it more difficult?

On balance I was uncomfortable with changing the setup of the bike so soon before we go, regardless of difficulty, so I rang Evans and asked if they'd change it. The guy I spoke to was very sympathetic and agreed to change it no problem if I took the bike in (we glossed over the fact that they now had the part in stock which apparently they didn't on Thursday and couldn't get in until Tuesday). I grabbed the kids and set off for Milton Keynes. The guy in the shop was not the guy on the phone and he was most suspicious until I explained and produced receipts, even though it was he who had served me 48 hours earlier. Any way they changed it, but not without a parting shot when I went to pick the bike up. As he handed it over he said, "maybe when your a bit fitter you'll be able to swap it back again"! Cheeky so & so. Its not about fitness its about the style of riding I'm doing. I need to be comfortable getting from A to B, not fretting about how quickly I can get there on my big ring 23 tooth cassette. Muppet.

Saw a dead badger today.

Blackberry musings....

Had the bike serviced ready for the off. They didn't have the right cassette so I've had to switch from 12/27 rear to 12/23 which will make climbing harder. Can't wait to get out and try it. Also bought some new tyres and chamois cream (go google it!) so I'm pretty much ready for the off.

Grey day

In the morning I awake, my arms my legs my body ache, so begins another weary day.

I nearly skipped the spin class today because I went to bed with aching quads and woke up with an aching back to match. But I didn't and joy! Tony wasn't there, Nemeka took the class instead, so it wasn't as hard as usual. Although I still had a good work out it had the effect of loosening all my tension. Isn't the human body great (well mine anyway :0).

When I got in tonight I marked the whole lejog route in a road atlas in preparation. Can't wait to get going now. I also got round to mapping the Canon's Ashby route, here: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/warwick/771428684 so I could see the profile, which doesn't look anywhere near as daunting as it is on the ground. We'll just have to see how well it's prepared me. Who's idea was it to pick the wettest summer on record to train for and then ride 1000miles in 12 days. Muppet.

Gloomy Sunday

I awoke this morning with a hangover and too little sleep after a late night with friends (which was worth every pain - a thoroughly enjoyable evening). I left Beth in bed until lunchtime to recover from the same, on top of all the nights she has worked. When she awoke I went out for a ride. I decided to do the Canons Ashby route because without my bike computer at least I knew the distance and its an enjoyable ride. Except it wasn't. It was hideous. The hardest ride I've done. Ever. And that includes some big mountain bike loops in the rain.

I set off in a light drizzle made worse by a cold wind and by the time I returned it was a full on storm. Another drenching and the return journey, about 40k, was into a strong headwind and biting rain. I could have cried. Its the first ride I've done that I just wanted to end. I just wanted to get off and get in a hot bath. It was made worse by a shocking choice of music on my ipod shuffle, meaning I rode up Harbury hill (as regular readers - are there any? will know, my least favourite) listening to a dreadful dirge by Gary Numan and "attacked" Avon Dasset to Lionel Ritchie. If anything is less likely to inspire you to ride 1km up a 10% gradient in the wind and rain I can't imagine it.

By the time I got home I was exhausted and despondent, really questioning for the first time whether I can do this ride. If the weather is anything like today for two weeks I think the simple answer is no. Time will tell. Today, the first doubts crept in.

Body count: 3 pigeons; 2 moles (!), 1 hedgehog, 1 rabbit, 1 ego.

Summer rain. riding on my bicycle

Any one that thinks I haven't suffered for this bike ride should have been out with me today. It poured, stinging rain for the whole two hours I was out and my striking Howies waterproof jacket proved to be as water resistant as Spongebob Squarepants, so I was literally soaked to the skin. Ho hum, at least nature made me waterproof.

The day started so well, Beth had worked last night so a couple of glasses of chardonnay sent me on my way to a relatively early night. When she got home this morning I went off to Leamington. The problem with charity work is that it makes it to easy to "reward" oneself with treats (well it does me). So, in the euphoria of finally nailing down the accommodation list for the ride, and coming in under budget, including the two fabulous 5* hotels with Spas Beth has managed to do a deal with (£35 each bed breakfast & evening meal) in Shrewsbury (day 4) and Loch Fyne (Day 8), I bought a picture. Signed, limited edition print, by Tom Lewis a local artist, which I've hung in the girl's bedroom. Its fab (http://www.tomlewis.co.uk/), similar to Jamie Hewlett of Gorillaz and Tank Girl fame.

Anyway I went straight from the gallery to the gym, dropped Mo in the creche and did an hour (1500m row 6 mins, 7k uphill bike, 15mins, 10 mins crosstrainer + weights). Mo and I then had lunch there and came home to find Beth just emerging from her bed. So I jumped on my bike and off I went. In the rain. Boy it was wet. But fun, even though my bike computer packed up which was a bummer. 56k. Body count 2 hedgehogs.

Oh, and the cherries worked a treat. Not a pain in sight.

No ride

Still no ride. I took Edward to StAndrews last night to see Birmingham play Sunderland in the first home game of the season. A disappointing result but I have no regrets, it was a fun way to spend an evening. Today I did a spin class and some light gym work, which really hurt. I guess because my legs are tightening up because I haven't been exercising quite so much, only two days in the last seven. I hope I don't come to regret this late hiatus in my schedule, but then life has to go on. Beth is really working her butt off at the moment, doing loads of shifts at the hospital so it s going to be tricky to squeeze rides in this weekend, but I really must get out, if I can do it and let her rest too.

Anyway, more positively, I bought a bag of cherries on the way back from the gym which I munched through at my desk. Cherry juice allegedly reduces muscle soreness after exercise. I'll let you know tomorrow.

Trailer park blues

Hmm. No ride today. Beth's working a night shift. Can't get lazy as I leave three weeks today. I know I won't get out again this week. So I bought Imogen a new toy, a trailer for my commuter bike. I trailed it home from work and we went to the park. I took the long route to make me feel better. Its fab. She loves it. I just need to work out where we're going to go in it.

Big girls' blouse

Three day's rest while we partied in Liverpool. Back today to spin. Tony wasn't there so Abi took the class. One thing I like about Tony's class is that its Bike focused rather than fitness. Today's class was more about fitness, so although my biceps and triceps hurt by the time I'd finished I didn't feel like I'd had a great workout; when I got home from work, Beth had taken the kids to the pictures, so I went out and did 37k.

The weather was fabulous although windy, and I raced a pigeon that I startled on a lane. One of those deep English lanes with high bank and hedges, so it was kind of trapped, but I kept pace with it.

At the weekend I expounded my theory about the stupidity of bees which fly straight into your face. Do they not see cyclists? What do they do in a wood, just bounce off all the trees because they're too daft to fly around them? Anyway, Mark's counter theory was that they're not stupid, but very brave. Really they're playing chicken. And never give in!

When I see an adult on a bicycle I do not despair for the future of the human race. H.G. Wells

Spin a hard days night

Spin today. Don't think I'll get chance to ride tomorrow because Beth's working, then we're away for the weekend. Three day's rest won't hurt I've trained each of the last 6 days.

Think of a witty title......

Wednesday 8th August

Another glorious summer evening. Rode with Paul, not too far, about 36k but hilly so that I could play Alberto Contador to his Michael Rasmussen (where has Paul been for the last 10 days?).

I’ve now ridden 5 consecutive days (including spin on Monday) and I’m feeling fresh which makes me think I’m just about on track fitness wise. So fresh that, at the end of the ride whilst waiting for traffic to clear at a junction, a guy went past on his bike. I said to Paul we should catch him, but as we waited we saw he sped off, knowing we would do so. He got away, but when the traffic cleared we shot after him. I hit 53.2kph past the Warwickshire in my pursuit and caught him just past the A46 roundabout, with a cheery wave and rode off into the sunset. Childish. But fun.

Today one of the guys has dropped out of the End to End, “for health reasons”, which leaves three of us. It makes me think that the others may now bail out too on the basis that three isn’t enough. Tough. I’m going anyway, whatever it takes.

The Rider

43k tonight (Tuesday). 90 minutes. Did the Aston Cantlow route, which is one of my favourites. The first 10k is pretty much all uphill, which opens up the lungs, then there’s two short sharp climbs on the way back. All the roads are quiet, its just you and the bike.

The sunshine has tempted all the farmers out to harvest, so the lanes are covered in mud and the air is full of dust and bits of straw and stuff. Which helps with that nice rural smell when I get home. Nice. I don’t include cycling to and from work in my training, but if I did that’d be a nice round 50k today.

Paul & Rachel came round last night after their hols. I leant Paul a book, The Rider by Tim Krabbe, which I’d recommend to anyone with the vaguest interest in cycling. He describes a race and his thought processes before, during and after. It’s the most evocative description of a bike race I’ve read. One thing we talked about that Krabbe mentions is how, when riding, one thought or one emotion can occupy your mind for hours. Lance Armstrong, when asked what he thinks about whilst cycling always says, “Cycling. I always focus on technique and how to improve it”. I don’t. Tonight I thought about farmers and the cycle of farming. And what a mess they make of the roads.

I've run out of spin puns - Spin a busy day

Spin today. Sore quads. We're away next weekend so I'm going to try and get ride (or spin) in every day this week to simulate the tour (although clearly not 90 miles). Then take the weekend off. In Southport.

Sun is shining & the weather is sweet

make you wanna move your cycling feet.

Summer hit with a bang this weekend, 28deg C today and I rode 105km in it, in 3 hours and 45 minutes. That's only 10k short of our first planned day, so I feel pretty good about it. I squeezed in 25km yesterday too before going off to my niece's wedding and leaving that for Tony's 40th birthday party. Both of which were fun.

Anyway, today I retraced my steps, more or less, from the rain soaked ride of a couple of weeks ago, except I made it across Cropredy Bridge which was under 4 feet of flood water last time I tried, to Canon's Ashby where I refilled my water bottles in the National Trust cafe, seen here. How terribly English.

The ride was pretty much without incident, although I hit 70.5kph re-entering Warwickshire from Northamptonshire which is about as fast I've managed and nearly hit a car which reversed out in front of me on a blind bend, fortunately I was doing more like 7kph at the time.

To show the contrast to my last big ride, here's the view to Edge hill from the top of Burton Dassett. Last time I was here, I was in cloud!

When I got back I was earlier than expected and Beth was out. I didn't have a key, so I sat in the sunshine for a while waiting for her (she wasn't answering her phone) before getting bored and cycling off to get a Sunday paper from the local petrol station. I didn't have a lock so I took my bike into the shop with me and stood at the counter, in lycra shorts, sweaty shirt, cycle helmet, bike by my side. The guy looked up at me and said completely deadpan"any petrol sir?". Needless to say this caused much merriment on my side. So I bought the paper and went home, arriving at the same time as Beth...who'd been out to buy me a paper. Bless her. Now, can I sell a duplicate Observer on ebay?...

Friday ennui

Meant to post yesterday but didn't get chance. No ride today but did a spin session yesterday plus a bit of gym work, some weights and 1500m on the rower, my usual. Had intended to ride this evening but got the hotel and route details from Discover Adventure today so need to ring the others and make plans; I'll get up early in the morning and go for an hour before we go to the wedding.

Had planned to do a Sportive (110k) on Sunday organised by Evans cycles in S Oxfordshire, but thought that the hours' drive there and back would be better spent on my bike. So planning a long ride (at least 100k), might repeat the route to Canons Ashby I did in the rain recently, as the forecast looks good.

Time to crack the Chardonnay...

Where have I been?

No training today and to be honest I'm starting to panic a bit about how I'll maintain my fitness over the next few weeks. This weekend we're at a wedding (my God daughter Emma) and a 40th birthday party, next weekend we're away in Liverpool. So it'll be a few early morning rides to maintain some miles, but I can't really do more than 90 minutes before work. I guess that's better than nothing.

Anyway it made me review my progress. I started training on 7th January. I've recorded 49 separate rides since then, a total of 2465km in just under 7 months, an average of about 50km per ride. At my average speed of 28kph that's a minimum of 88 hours in the saddle.

The pink line on the graph shows my cumulative distance and the blue my daily distance. I've also had two lots of major eye surgery this year and two weeks in Cuba, so I've done my best in the time available.

I think the pink line shows a nice concave curve, but its not getting as steep as I'd like in these last few weeks. Riding has been augmented by gym work and spin. I've ridden in snow, frost, sleet, winds, rain, sun, hail, floods and glorious English (and Welsh) country side. And loved it.

Just gotta get out and ride. Cycling is my prozac.

Motivation

Funny old ride today. Not sure what it was but I had no motivation to go and no idea where. So I meandered about a bit, through Stoneleigh, Cubbington, Honeybourne, Southam, Long Itchington and home. A glorious summer's day, 56k. Was a bit bored by it all. I guess its the uncertainty brought on by the cancellation, all of a sudden it all seems a lot of hassle. Still, not long till we go and its days like these, when you're really not up for it, that add up in the end.

Back on my bike

Well I kept my promise and didn't train for 3 days, drank too much and had too many late nights, but a great weekend for Beth's birthday. Back on the bike today 58k at an average of 29kph. Not much to say about the ride other than a) it hurt a lot b) I got quicker!

No real progress on the planning for lejog itself. Discover Adventure have pretty much confirmed they have cancelled and generally behaved in a pretty shoddy fashion and of the other riders 3 have indicated that they are still interested. I'm trying to get us together to discuss options, but my own mind is clear. Beth and Mo will drive and I'll follow on the bike. I think I can do it for roughly the same budget. Let's see if they want to ride with me.

Federation of clean cyclists

Another wet miserable day. Another spin class. I threw in 1500m on the rower and a few weights too.

No more news from Discover Adventure, but I am assuming the worst. We were due to go away camping this weekend, so I had planned in four or five days’ rest, but given the on-going floods we’ve cancelled and we’re just away for the weekend. The proposed cancellation by Discover Adventure has caused me to take stock of how much I’ve done this year so far (and I haven’t started yet!). I can see clear progress, but I can also see that I have made that progress at a cost to Beth and the kids. So I’m not going to get on my bike this weekend. Its family time.

Heaven knows

Miserable ride today. I had a busy day at work, needed to get out, so squeezed in an hour over lunch. Wet, windy, grey, like my mood. Mistook the rain for cold, so I was overdressed and too hot. When your heart's not in it, the ups hurt more, the downs are less fun and the flats are less fast. 37k, 1 hour 20 minutes. Body count 1 hedgehog, 1 sparrow hawk.

Still, at least if I get tired I can borrow a bucket of blood from Astana. They won't be needing it now.

A major disaster!

Well I'm fairly speechless. I took a call at about 4:00pm today from the trip organisers, Discover Adventure, to say they intend to cancel the trip. I was pretty much speechless, which quickly turned to anger. So much so that I had to tell them I'd ring back before I spewed forth more invective and Anglo Saxon than they probably knew existed.

Their reasoning being that they've had some drop outs and now only 7 participants remain, so its not worth their while. But they will have kept the £299 deposit paid by each drop out. They told me a month or so ago that they had 13 names, so that's £1800 they've pocketed for doing nothing. Nice earner.

What am I meant to tell all those people that have sponsored me to the tune of £3700? "hey, guys, guess what, I'm not going now, but thanks for all the money".

I've invested the whole year in this, booked trains and planes, hotels, bought a bike, got up at stupid o'clock to train, been out in snow, frost, rain, hail, sun, wind you name it, I've impinged on my family and friends and begged support and understanding, which has been forthcoming. But its "not in their interests". Oh well tough for me.

I'm going to go anyway. I don't know how yet, but I can't let everyone down. I will speak to Discover Adventure tomorrow, once I've calmed down and see what they have to say. This could yet get interesting. As it stands, I'm at my lowest ebb, I feel so let down. Why do people do this, make promises they can't keep?

Ahhhh. Rest day!

Spin cycle

Wet again today, but I hadn’t planned to go out because of my exertions over the weekend. I must admit to feeling sore this morning, but can’t complain, Beth just worked a 12 hour night shift on a busy hospital ward. Helps to keep it all in perspective.

I did do an excellent spin class, but, boy did it hurt! It turns out that Tony, who takes the class is an old friend of Beth’s from when she did her fitness instructor training. I have actually met him before (he probably thinks I’m a right ignorant so & so), but hadn’t made the connection. It was only when I mentioned about doing the end to end for SIDS and he said he knew about Tom that it dawned on me.

Anyway, top bloke that he is, not only did he say he’d sponsor me, but under threat of extreme physical pain he goaded everyone in the spin class to do likewise and promised to do the same in his other classes. So, if any of you are reading this – Thanks for the support!

Hors Catégorie

My intent this weekend had been three consecutive day's of riding, but the weather put paid to that. Still, a rare sunny day, so I planned a day of hills. Nothing much of note but Edge Hill and Burton Dassett are at least 10% climbs and my quads screamed after my long wet ride yesterday. I crested them both with a whoop.

On the way out I was pootling along, just at the base of the hill into Harbury, I hadn't yet warmed up and was taking it easy after yesterday. I don't like that hill because it steepens significantly as you go up it. Anyway, some guy in full CSC team gear comes past me, helmet on the handlebars without so much as a by your leave. I immediately accelerated, caught him and let him tow me the hill while I sat on his back wheel., then shot past him at the top with a cheery "ciao". Childish, but I enjoyed it.

For the first time I rode with my ipod. Normally I wear it to break the monotony of cycling to work, or at the gym, but tend not to on the road because I'd rather concentrate. Anyway I guessed the roads would be quiet which led to the slightly surreal situation of climbing Edge Hill with David Bowies (All the young dudes) and descending with The Arcade Fire. A nice ride of 66km, 2.5 hours and I only had to turn around once due to a flooded road at Hampton Lucy (where Shakespeare was caught poaching).

To put it into perspective as I type this the Tour is cresting a 14km Pyreneean Hors Catégorie climb for the second time today. I don't think I could do that!

Through a lens darkly

I was determined to ride today after yesterday's washout, but the omens didn't look good when I woke up. There was a heavy drizzle and the news reported that the River Avon had burst its banks pretty much the length of Warwickshire. The emergency services described Evesham, which was on my planned route, as "an island". As the worst flooding seemed to be west of here I thought I'd head east instead, notionally targeting the National Trust house at Canons Ashby in Northamptonshire. The problem with cycling east is that you head out with the wind at your back, but ride back into a headwind, because the prevailing winds come from the south west, hence most end to enders cycle south to north with the wind, but so be it. When I got there it didn't look like this picture, it had a big black cloud over it.

I was well dressed for the weather, my Howies merino base layer (which I would recommend to any cyclist http://www.howies.co.uk/ ), a swobo merino cycling top packed with munchies for the trip (again recommended - http://www.swobo.com/ ) and my race face waterproof, breathable, gore tex type stuff which has seen me through torrential downpours in Scotland and snowstorms in Wales. I opted for shorts because although it was wet it wasn't cold (about 14degC), which proved to be the right decision. So I felt snug and wrapped against the elements. Which was fine for a while, but I hadn't reckoned on rain on my glasses which drastically reduced my visibility. I persevered until the first hill at which point they steamed up reducing visibility to virtually zero, so I gave up and put them in my pocket. My eyesight isn't so bad that this is particularly a problem, but at about 12km disaster struck. My eyebrows stopped working! They must have reached saturation point because stinging rain started to stream into my eyes, causing me to have to stop and wipe it out. I continued warily. Reaching Fenny Compton I had intended to turn east towards my destination but couldn't resist a detour over Burton Dasset hills. Which was fun apart from the fact that when I got to the top it was shrouded in cloud, so not only was it more wet, but my visibility was further reduced. All I needed now was for darkness to fall! Even the sheep gave me funny looks.

My detour took me on a fabulous descent to Farnborough. At the bottom of the hill I braked hard (just as the first car I'd seen for about an hour appeared behind me) because I saw a large pool of brown water blocking the way. Except it wasn't, it was wet tarmac. How the following motorist must have cursed. Still it s nice to get my own back!

I had already cycled through three floods, only one of which had wet my feet, but on reaching Cropredy I was stopped by a full blown flood. About four feet of water covered the road in a torrent, with a pickup truck, with car atop, comically stranded in the middle. Cropredy is famous for two things, the Civil War Battle of on 29th June 1649 (I looked this up: http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/civil-war/battleview.asp?BattleFieldId=2) and the annual music festival for folkies run by Fairport Convention. I retraced my steps, via another impassable flood, to Claydon, not famous for anything that I am aware of, but preparing for a very damp annual fete. I asked three wet stewards which road I should take and was pleasantly surprised by their interest in my bike and what I was doing. We chatted for 10 minutes before they sent me on my way.

A pleasant quiet road took me through to Moreton Pinkney, with only one wet feet wade, but at least it wasn't raining. I passed over another battle field, this time from the Wars of the Roses at Edgecote almost 538 years ago to the day (http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/warsoftheroses/battleview.asp?BattleFieldId=13). The info board described it as a very black day for Wales as the Earl of Pembroke's troops were routed by those of Warwick (the kingmaker) and Pembroke was captured and executed. I tried to imagine the battle as I looked out across the fields and did take a picture for inclusion here, but my phone has suffered with the rain and packed up. Land of my fathers, indeed.

I intended to stop at Canons Ashby for a cup of tea in the cafe there, but as I approached the heavens opened again, so a quick carb stop and I carried on, through Eydon and intended to take the road past Boddington Resevoir (not sadly full of Boddington's Bitter), but it had burst its banks, so I was again forced to retrace my steps, but took a lovely route through Priors Marston and Priors Hardwick to Wormleighton and then back on the same road I came out on.

The only further event of note was the idiot driver who tried to run me off the road in the middle of a flood, causing me to swerve around her and get a soaking from the car's wash as I passed.

So I got home, wet but happy. 111km in 4.5 hours, an average speed of 26kph, a bit less than 10% off my recent averages. Which given the atrocious weather I was pretty pleased with. Because Beth and Mo were still out, when I got back I went straight to the gym for a sauna and jacuzzi, where I drew strange looks as I strolled through reception in tight wet lycra shorts and merino jerseys. Hmm, I have sympathy for those that witnessed it!

I bumped into Dave Mortimer from work and shared a celebratory beer (celebratory for me, he was pondering 2 weeks home alone as his family had just flown out to Spain. I expect to see him doing long hours in the office in their absence!)

King of rain

King of rain - I'd like to think. As Paul said, does Lance Armstrong hide in the kitchen when it rains? Does Craig Morris? No, he pours himself a glass of red wine and sits down with the paper listening to cool jazz (Cassandra Wilson if you're interested).

Today it absolutely poured, flooding many local roads, so it would have been silly to risk a ride. I thought I'd go to the gym instead to assuage my guilt, but I couldn't even get there and its only 2 miles up the road. The main road was stopped solid and the alternate route was under three feet of water with a couple of abandoned cars afloat for good measure. So, I did the honourable thing and came home, plugged in the ipod, poured the wine and read the paper, in anticipation of watching today's stage of the Tour, which no doubt will be played out under a blistering sun. Oh I love the rain. Lance would be proud of me.

Spinderalla

The sun is still shining. Is this summer, at last? Anyhow, I haven't been out to enjoy it, but I did a spin class at the gym and worked up a proper sweat. I'm hoping to get some big miles in this weekend , but the weather forecast is dire, so we'll see how it goes - severe weather warnings for the whole UK.

Day off today

And the sun is shining. Although I have cycled to work, does that count?

Breakfast: Alpen augmented with pumpkin seeds and a banana. Mug of tea.

King of the Mountains

Bring me a polka dot jersey. Absolutely beautiful ride this evening; had a long day of meetings, in Germany, Naperville, India, London and Austin. Phew, I didn't physically attend them all thanks to the wonder that is the internet, however I was shattered by the time I left the office. So I jumped on my bike, shot home, changed from commuter bike wear to bike bike wear (yes there is a difference) and went out with Paul, my on/off training partner.

We had torrential downpours today, but by 6pm the sun was shining a warm breeze whipped our legs and we were away. I absolutely flew round 52k. Paul is a triathlete and took me out on one of my first rides, of about 30 miles, the distance I did tonight and I really struggled. But tonight I found myself waiting for Paul at the top of hills (but not at the bottom because his belly pulls him down faster than me) and at various points. Which is a great benchmark for me because most of my riding has been solo, so this was a revelation and tangible proof that I am getting fitter.

Just as well with six weeks today to the off. Let's finish by looking at tonight's sunset. Isn't nature great, let's look after it.

King of Spain

Ashley Giles Warwickshire spin bowler was christened the "King of Spin" during a recent Test series by the England marketing team. Unfortunately when he played at his home ground of Edgbaston the commemorative mugs turned up in the shops with the motif "King of Spain" by mistake. By which nickname he has been known ever since.

No such luck for me although I did good sweaty spin class at the gym today. I wanted to get out yesterday on the bike, but Beth insisted otherwise and as it lashed down all day, she was (as ever) probably right. We drove down to a fabulous pub in Wales, the Chainbridge; where we treated ourselves to steak and chips.

:http://www.travelpublishing.co.uk/HiddenPlacesWales/Cardiff&Monmouthshire/WAL31275.htm

We met some friends who have also lost a child to cot death, Rob and Alison from Barry, near Cardiff. Despite the torrential rain we had a good lunch and a good chat and we're all looking forwards to see them again, this time with their daughter Megan, who was off on a gym training course in Austria. Good for her!

A quiet week

Been a bit quiet this week, not that I haven't done anything, although I should have done more with 7 weeks to go, but Beth and Imogen have both been ill. Imogen's virus in particular has led to disturbed nights every day this week so we're all a bit shattered.

Anyhow, Tuesday was a rest day, Wednesday I should have been out, but after little sleep Tuesday night I didn't have the energy, so I made the effort to get up Thursday and do 55k around Stratford. I was on the road at 6:15am and back by 8:00. Not much to report other than the fact the predicted drizzle held off and I had a dry ride under admittedly leaden skies. Body count: 1 badger; 1 squirrel; 1 hedgehog; 1 pigeon - pretty much the gamut of English fauna lying dead on the roads and if I hadn't been more alert I might of joined them when a selfish driver, who I know saw me, pulled off his drive in front of me to take his kids to school, causing me to have to break hard and stop inches short of his bumper. I couldn't resist pointing out to him that I thought he'd been "a bit reckless".

So to Friday and again I should have done something but didn't. A long day at work was followed by beer, wine a a lovely evening watching Big Trouble in Little China with all the kids (not Mo who was tucked up in bed).

Then to Saturday (today) 87km in just over three hours which I'm pretty pleased with. Popped over to Solihull to see my parents, stopped long enough for a cup of tea and an energy bar. I have to say I've discovered Dr Gillian McKeith's energy bars which are yummy and really do the trick. So, whilst I find her to be the most patronising and irritating of women, she does appear to know her stuff. Left Solihull and meandered back the long way through the lanes of Warwickshire, goggling at the size of some of the houses in and around Lapworth. There really is some money about, but not in my pocket!

But I don't need it, got my wife, kids & bike(s) and I'm happy!

Spin spin sugar

Not much to report today, did a spin class at the gym which was fun. Other than that, just nursed my cuts and bruises which again paled into insignificance next to the big pile up at the end of today's tour stage. C'est la vie.

Blood on the Tracks

Sunday 8th July 2007. A historic day for many reasons. The Tour departed London, I did my second longest ride and had my first off.

Today I rode 115km in just over 4 and half hours, which I thought was pretty good, given I'm still suffering a bit with this cold, until I got back and caught the end of Stage 1 of the Tour - how fit are these guys? My average speed was 28.5kmh top speed 53kmh, I suspect their average is near my top speed!

Sadly I also fell off in a pub car park in Weston sub Edge. I had pulled over to check the map and have some food, but laziness, tiredness whatever I didn't account for the gravel covering the pub car park I pulled into and the bike slipped from under me, planting me on my backside and giving me a nice gravel rash all down my left leg and backside. Fortunately, as I sat nursing my wounds a stereotypically buxom young barmaid displaying acres of cleavage wandered out holding a foaming hosepipe, presumably to water the plants with, but what better to lift a man's spirits? She hosed the blood and gravel from my leg and off I went. Except I didn't because I had failed to check the bike. The front brake was locked on and the levers at a 45 degree angle to true. A bit of tinkering and I was away. That was at 40km, so I still had a long way to go, through Evesham to Pershore and back.

More embarrassingly, I nearly hit an old bloke in a mobility car on Evesham High Street. He pulled across the road in front of me without looking, but the ignomy would have been mine. Fortunately I braked in time.

Anyway, a fabulous ride, made better by the fact that it was a beautiful English summer's day. Blue sky, cool breeze, fluffy white clouds skipping through the sky and quiet roads. BTW - porridge with honey and raisins for breakfast; baked potato and beans when I got back; 2 bananas, 4 water bidons and a power gel on the way round.

Back on the bike

So yesterday was a washout in reality and metaphorically. I was rough as a dog and Beth worked a nightshift which obviously inhibits my activities whilst she catches up on her sleep. Abi was off school ill too, so a right miserable bunch we all were. Anyway, today Beth went to bed I took the opportunity to escape the house with Imogen and took the VW camper van over to the British Volkswagen festival in Malvern, where I finally got my much sought after finger plates for the doors in the autojumble. Much joy on my part (I know, it's sad) and Imogen had fun on the fair, so much joy on her part. When we got home Beth had arisen from slumber, so I took off for a quick blast up Stoneleigh hill, 24km in 45 minutes, largely uphill. I'm getting quicker. And the sun shone, blimey!

Tomorrow I plan to do about 120km now I feel less lethargic. Watch this space for news.

Sick & ill today

Woke up with a raging sore throat and distinct lack of energy. Evidence I suspect of over training, so I did nothing all day. Great.

Actually that's not quite true I counted up and banked the remaining raffle money. The raffle raised a staggering £1308 in total. Thank you.

Monastic enlightenment

Tuesday

51k ride round the lanes and villages of Warwickshire tonight, through Norton Lindsey, Little Alne, Wilmcote (home to Mary Arden) and Snitterfield amongst others. It was raining and windy when I set off, but after half an hour the sun came out and a beautiful evening ensued.

I have to say I found it tough. Not the ride so much physically, but mentally I felt fatigued. Its 9 weeks today that I start on the big ride, so I need to really focus. I think I’m on target physically. I guess I need to be careful not to overdo it. But I’ve realised that I’ve significantly stepped up the amount of exercise I’m doing over the last few weeks, but I’ve done nothing to mitigate this in the rest of my life. I’m still having late nights, drinking, partying etc If I’m not going to blow this I guess I need to make some personal sacrifices and start having some early nights and moderating my lifestyle.

I can party all I like when its over. I have wondered what my attitude will be when (if) I finish. Will I be so smitten by my achievement that I can’t get enough of the bike or will I wish never to sit astride a saddle ever again? We’ll see.

Welcome to my monastic world!

Another week begins...

Monday

Didn’t get out on the bike today, but I did manage a session in the gym. 1500m warm up on the rowing machine, 20 minutes hill climb on the static bike, 10 minutes on the cross trainer and some weights to tighten my moobs.

I noticed there was a half empty spin class going on whilst I was at the gym. So I’ve signed up for Thursday and next Monday. I think the key to staying motivated is to mix up the training regime. For example I’m planning a spin tomorrow (Tuesday) evening, but where to go that I haven’t already been recently?

No cycling this evening because it’s Beth’s end of year presentation at College. I’m so proud of her.