Saturday, 22 September 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Sunday, 16 September 2007
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.
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.
Friday, 14 September 2007
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
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 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.
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.
Monday, 10 September 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, 8 September 2007
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.
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.
Friday, 7 September 2007
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, 6 September 2007
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.
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
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.
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
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.
Sunday, 2 September 2007
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!?
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!?
Saturday, 1 September 2007
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.
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:
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