Bodmin to Lands End

The day has finally dawned, we have just 60 miles left and as I rashly said on FaceBook I'll walk on my hands and knees to get there. We ate breakfast in silence, smiling, knowing that at the end of today it would be over one way or another. The A30 was rolling slowly to the end of the country, first we would be freewheeling next minute we would be pedaling like mad to get up the other side. After about an hour of this entertainment Colin was trying to tell me his tyre had blown again, and again we would have to fix it. This time Gwyneth wasn't close by and after some inginuity we were back on the road, although we could not get it fully inflated. Gwyn met us further along the road, the tyre was pumped up fully and we were off at full pelt. Eventually we reached Penzance and was met with the news that it was all up hill to Lands End. How could this be possible? Wasn't it at sea level?  The answer to these two last questions are, yes it is possible and it's on top of a cliff. It seems that in Cornwall everything of interest is put on top of a hill and the road to it always starts at the bottom.

And before we knew it we were there, 874 miles, John O'Groats to Lands End.

The final set of stats are here

I will tidy this blog within the next week or two meanwhile,

I have been told many times that we should have done it the other way on, I don't know which way is best but I couldn't help feeling sorry for all those fresh cyclists just setting off, Good luck.

Tiverton to Bodmin

When we left the hotel this morning I think it would be fair to say that we were both tired, this was not through any failing of the proprietors who had served us well. It was the accumulation of the last eleven days cycling an average of 70 miles a day. Three miles of relatively flat (for Devon) A roads rapidly turned into a 15% hill, I have never been sure what 15% relates to as I grew up with the "1 in something" way of showing steepness. My hill walking experience kicked in straight away and as soon as I saw it I climbed off the bike and started to push it uphill. I was mad with myself for not been able to cycle up this hill and turned to apologise to Colin to find him walking as well, this made me feel a little better.
There was several small hills and another savage one coming out of Okehampton, but we were on the A30 now, the road that would lead us to Lands End. It seemed that there was nothing going to stop us now, (spoke to soon) Colin's call could only mean trouble. I stopped, looked back, he was already pushing the bike along the shoulder of the duel carriageway. Fortunatly Gwyneth wasn't far away and the puncture was soon fixed and we were on our way again. A mandatory stop at Jamaca Inn on top of Bodmin Moor was the only further stop to Bodmin town.
Most of the stats are here upto the Jamaca Inn stop, there is a gap near Okehampton which was my fault for not starting the tracker again.
The stats for the part from Jamaca Inn to Bodmin will appear here when I get them From Colin.

Portishead to Tiverton

Torrential rain blited the first 3 hours of today's ride, it was no understatement to say it was dangerous, visibility was down and the spray was hopeless. By 12 O'Clock the sun had started to shine and our new problem was the head on wind, if you don't know a quite moderate head on wind can slow you to a crawl and did so today. We battled through having regular stops and arrived at Tiverton at about 4.30, Colin had to make a quick trip to the local hospital for some anti-biotics for a swollen tongue after this we ate and drunk and now are resting in the Lodgehill Hotel.
All todays details can be found here again the first 7 mile are missing from the log because of operator malfunction.

Craven Arms to Portishead

Today we traveled from Shropshire through Herefordshire into Gloucestershire and on to Avon and Summerset. We dodged in an out of Wales on our way to the old Severn Bridge and the countryside got lusher and lusher. The weather was kind to us today and we only had to push the bikes up one hill that beat us, a well deserved rest at the top gave us opportunity to savour the views which were magnificent. We then navigated the Wye valley towards Chepstow through Tintern with it's abbey and picturesque setting.
All the details can be found here the last mile is missing from the log due to the battery loosing power near the end.

Northwich to Craven Arms

The weather today had forecast showers but in the event it stayed dry, more importantly there was a slight head on wind so not much free wheeling.
67 miles was today's total and after yesterday's long day we were both feeling the effects but we had reached our destination by 3.30 . The countryside has changed from yesterday's industrial backdrop to lush green Shropshire fields and hills. Church Stretton and the Long Mynd were bathed in sunshine.
You can find all the details here

Witherslack to Northwich

Today was a really good day, the roads were perfect, enough up hill to be interesting and enough downhill to give us a rest. We covered nearly 85 miles today and bombed through Lancashire, the height gain was in the region of 4400 feet but was not oppressive. This was the first day I've finished the ride and felt good, Colin seemed to enjoy it as much and now the long day is done we can only look forward to the rest of the trip.
We still need as much sponsorship as we can get so here is a run down of how to donate.
easy peasy Text GRAC63 to 70070 with either £1, £2, £3, £5 or £10 if your flush.
You can click the justgiving link at the side of this post.
You can come to Whitby and enjoy a pint in the Station Inn and hand it over the bar.
Look at the stats for the day by clicking here

Penton to Witherslack

Today was never going to be good, but in the event it was worse than we thought. We knew that we had to make it to Shap, what we did not know is that we had head on winds to cope with to. After Shap (village) we had to go to Shap Summit, the only word I can use is demoralising. I don't know about Colin but I did consider selling the bike several times, (Russ remember this).

The accommodation was nice, Andrew met us and we had a nice meal in the local pub.
The data for the day can be had by clicking here

West Linton to Penton

We left West Linton in a mist that told us it was going to be sunny later and it wasn't wrong. A different day altogether from anything we have done before, We knew it would be a big day for ascent and with about 75 miles to do we hoped it would not be too hot. Most of the day was spent on B roads and this made a refreshing change. These roads were undulating and quiet and we both agreed it was the nicest day so far. There were two or three consistent climbs but these were followed by good runs downhill so it's swings and roundabouts. We arrived at Craigburn Farmhouse exhausted but with a deep sense of satisfaction in two days we have the longest day and then the two demons of height and distance will have been slayed.
We continue to get donations but could do with a few more to reach 50% of our total you can give by texting GRAC63 to 70070 including how much you want to give but there is an upper limit of £10. I know the two charities that we are doing this for are following our progress and would like to thank everyone that has donated. The Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team has had five calls for help while we have been on this ride, these included searching for the vulnerable and despondent. You may be interested to know that the team receives no funding other than donations and the payments we make to be members. So 50% of everything you give will go to helping make sure that service continues. The other 50% will help make sure Grace can obtain the treatment she needs to continue improving the way she is.
So today's route and all the states that have made me ache so much are here
Tonight we reside in ENGLAND.

Dunkeld to West Linton

Today we finally got rid of the A9 this is not a friendly road but as we entered Perth we turned our backs on it for good. The first thing that struck us was that now we were going to have to navigate instead of just sticking to one road and trying to avoid getting run over. The next big event was the Fourth Road Bridge just before Edinburgh, we had our photos taken by the paperazzi (Andrew and Gwyn) that have followed us along our trip. This was the start of an education in how to get out of the city boundaries, the road we wanted was closed to bikes so we had to navigate our way through the housing estates of Edinburgh, enough said. By the time we got to West Linton we were more than ready to stop cycling and partake of a couple of cool ones in the Gordon Arms Hotel.
If your following this and are interested how we got here click here

Aviemore to Dunkeld

This morning dawned wet and rainy, and you may not know but biking in the rain is no fun. It is depressing looking through rain soaked sunglasses and getting hit in the face by spray no matter how considerate the waggon driver is. So the mood this morning was put your head down and get on with it. By dinner time the rain had passed the roads were drying out and our tyres were not sticking to the road any more. Colin was taking regular doses of pain killers for his back but other than that we are in good fettle. With plenty of stops for rest and food we made it to Dunkeld at 2.45 pm.
Small problem with the ride tracker, I turned it off at one stop to recharge the batteries and forgot to turn it back on for 7 miles so there is a gap in the track. You can view it here
We now have a total ride distance of 221 miles

Tain to Aviemore

Today was a day of contrasts, the first half was relatively flat. There were two low bridges over the river estuaries then the main bridge over next to Inverness. After this we climbed and lost height until we had reached Slochd Summit at just over 1500 feet. This left us only 8 miles to go to Aviemore which should have been a walk in the park, but due to the heat and a slight in the face wind we had to peddle right up to the doorstep of the YH. Biggest challenge now is finding somewhere for breakfast, there was one shop that was randomly giving away porridge (discuss). You can see today's fun here New challenge for tomorrow seems to be the weather.

Wick to Tain

OK that was a bit longer, we set off about 9 o'clock this morning, the weather was overcast with occasional drizzle (note to self, don't believe the weather forecast). We mostly followed the east coast which was entertainingly undulating except for two hills which were not entertaining at all, those two we pushed the bikes up, but overall our progress was good. The sun shone in the afternoon as we arrived in Tain crossing the Dornock bridge. We had to go into town for a pint before we booked into the B&B, note the word "had" this is quite true.
So "How are you feeling now?" I hear you ask, well the only slight problem is a numb bum which will either get better or drop off, either way is no matter to me.
The stats for the geeks are
Distance 68 miles
Ascent 2583 feet
Ride time 6 hours 20 mins
You can see the full route by clicking here
More tomorrow as we head for Aviemore

Day 1!

Breakfast in Wick and photos in John O'Groats before we started our shorest day at only 17 miles. Perfect to get our paces in sync and to make any final bike adjustments before we get our teeth into the average 70 mile a day from tomorrow. Drinks and food, followed by an early night!

Cheers

John OGroats to Wick

Today was a good day, we traveled up from Inverness to John O'Groats and then cycled back to Wick. It was the shortest distance of all the days but it was good to get started, have a look here for the cycled route today. Before we set off we enjoyed a nice breakfast in Wick then drove to the coldest place in the world (seemed like it anyway). We had our photos taken by a man in a booth next to the signpost, can't wait to see his brother at the other end. We then cycled the 16 miles back to Wick, the road was nice with gently rolling hills which is just what we needed to get us going. Colin got a small problem fixed with his saddle and in an hour 15 mins it was over, so we enjoyed the hostelries of Wick. We are booked into the Queens Hotel run by Peter and Sharon Sutherland and is very nice indeed.
The donations keep coming in and we both thank you all for that, this is going to make such a big difference to two important charities. You should all be so proud.
We are now going down for dinner then I'm sure there will be some more fluid intake but not too much as tomorrow is 68 miles long, clear heads needed.

Here's us just starting off from John O'Groats

More tomorrow when we've been a bit further.

Whitby to Inverness

Just a quick update today, we have traveled to Inverness by car. The journey itself was uneventfull except for the waitress in the cafe, she seemed genially surprised that I would want butter on my toast.
The weather is set fine here with 20 degrees C, that's unheard of north of the boarder. If the weather holds we are set for a good start to the ride. We have seen some of the hills we will have to cycle up but the more beer we have the smaller they seem, so that's the strategy from now on.
Early start tomorrow for the drive up to Wick then the first part of the ride back to Wick. The question is what do I have for dinner tonight, either FB, Tweet or comment here with your suggestions, but NO PASTA.

24 hours to go

So the bags are packed, the bikes been serviced to within a inch of it's life and the trainings just about killed me but tomorrow we push north for the start. Due to the vagaries of the British transport system we are not allowed to take our bikes on the train so they are going to be transported on the car. The itinerary is tomorrow to Inverness, Monday Inverness to John OGroats then cycle back to Wick. This is just about a hour and a half ride which will give us a chance to stretch our legs and shake down any problems with the bikes.
I would like to thank everybody who has sponsored us up to now the total collected to date is £2018 with more to collect when we finish, that's 40% of our goal.
If you have not donated yet but would like to you can click the justgiving link on this page, you can text GRAC63 £1, £2, £3, £5 or £10 to 70070 and if your a UK taxpayer the tax man has to donate too. As if that isn't a good enough reason to donate on its own. If your planning to come to Whitby during the hols why not pop in to the Station Inn and donate over a pint.
Now I'm going to rest and carb up but will hopefully be posting every night depending on connection availability,

Hi everyone!

Not written anything for a while so here goes.

Only just over two weeks to go and after this weekend there will be no more drinking so I am going to make a good night of it tonight! Training is all going good and have been making the most of the good weather with lots of long walks and cycle rides.

Doing alot of training on stationery bike over the last few weeks too, just because Whitby has been so busy and the traffic has been a nightmare, it is also helpful just to get used to sitting in the saddle for long periods of time without having to worry about planning a route.

Well done to Roger who has set up the justtextgiving which has been really succesful, especially on Facebook and Twitter, we now have 35% of out target spomsorship.

Anyway, pray for nice weather again so we can get out and have a few more last minute rides!!
Cheers, Col xx

Another way to give

This is another easy way to donate to our causes. To help support Grace/Scarborough and Ryedale MRT all you have to do is text GRAC63 £1, or £2 or £3 or £5 or £10 to 70070. Thank you

Catching up

Well I bet you all thought I'd given up posting on here, time is not my friend at the moment but I'm posting this as a catch up. Since the Lyke Wake Walk weekend I've been training most nights and this last weekend have been on duty with the Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team. We have been doing the safety cover for the concerts in Dalby Forest, Simple Minds on Friday Night and Sophie Ellis Bexter and Erasure on Saturday. Fortunately it wasn't too bad, there was some who had enjoyed themselves just a touch too much and one who thought he knew a shorter way home. After some TLC and a couple of hours searching all was safely gathered in. PR for the ride continues to gather pace, both Colin and myself had our photo's taken for the Mountain Rescue mag on Sunday morning, Here is the one we picked for publication.

There's a bit of sad news, I was going to do a live phone in to the Dave Charles show next Sunday Night, this is on Harborough FM at 7 pm. It's a good listen and worth a go anyway, but he has a funeral to go to next week so that now wont go ahead. It may happen after the ride, he's an old friend and it will be nice to catch up. We both served on the same Mountain Rescue Team in the RAF, although at different times. We generally meet once a year at the reunions where we both make fools of ourselves, (Dave leave a comment if you don't agree).

As far as fundraising goes we have nearly reached our first £1000 so please give whatever you can as everything will help both these worthwhile causes. So your all up to date and training is progressing as planed, weekend after next I'm taking part in the Crosses Walk which is 54 miles around the North York Moors in one day then it will only be two week to the big ride.

Thankyou in antisipation from Colin and Myself.

More about Grace

Here's one of the reasons we're doing this ride.

This short video shows Grace walking with the suit that she'll be wearing next time she goes to Poland.

This blog and the bike ride Colin and myself are doing will help Grace directly but it will also raise the awareness of cerebral palsy to everyone that reads it. Whilst we hope you will all give something to help these two worthy causes, if your reading this we have already succeeded in raising awareness.

With less than 6 weeks to go before we set off I'm into the big push for training here is the link to the run I did tonight.