Day 1 Lands End to Camelford
After the day before I thought that the weather would be fantastic again but how wrong I was, It was a very wet and dull Saturday morning as I posed for the photograph that everyone wants who will do the end 2 end, I set off with no fanfare or cheers from the gathering public, basically there was only me there, never mind off I went, 70 miles I had planned for today just a short ride to get used to the Hill Monsters of Cornwall. It was a very quiet day cycling, 2 little incidents to report on 1, Some stupid driver in Wadebridge decide to stop in the middle of the road and the passenger opened the door and just a quick side swerve from me averted a disaster of me splattered over a clio door, some very choice words were said by me and I meant everything that I said so there. 2, The roundabout coming into Wadebridge, 1st car sees me and decides to pull out, thats OK as he judged it properly, BMW driver behind never even looked and pulled out, but it must have been a sixth sense because I had already covered the brakes and started to slow down, the tit then looks and the expression on his face was priceless, I was going slow enough to bump his drivers door but the little angel on my shoulder told me not to, dam it. that was it for day 1, the hills were hard and the down hills were great, top speed today was 46.4 mph, so you can imagine the hill to get up the other side.
After the day before I thought that the weather would be fantastic again but how wrong I was, It was a very wet and dull Saturday morning as I posed for the photograph that everyone wants who will do the end 2 end, I set off with no fanfare or cheers from the gathering public, basically there was only me there, never mind off I went, 70 miles I had planned for today just a short ride to get used to the Hill Monsters of Cornwall. It was a very quiet day cycling, 2 little incidents to report on 1, Some stupid driver in Wadebridge decide to stop in the middle of the road and the passenger opened the door and just a quick side swerve from me averted a disaster of me splattered over a clio door, some very choice words were said by me and I meant everything that I said so there. 2, The roundabout coming into Wadebridge, 1st car sees me and decides to pull out, thats OK as he judged it properly, BMW driver behind never even looked and pulled out, but it must have been a sixth sense because I had already covered the brakes and started to slow down, the tit then looks and the expression on his face was priceless, I was going slow enough to bump his drivers door but the little angel on my shoulder told me not to, dam it. that was it for day 1, the hills were hard and the down hills were great, top speed today was 46.4 mph, so you can imagine the hill to get up the other side.
Day 2 Camelford to Taunton
Well the hill Monster was out and about again today but I managed to beat him into submission, there were some horrendous hills in this leg of the journey and they just went on and on, there is a saying in the army when out tabbing over hills and Mountains, "it just around the next bend or its just over the next hill" well guess what, it wasn't and it went on and on. I kept away from the cadbury hills as I had read that they were a challenge so I decide to cycle along the valley to the south (A396), this was a great road to cycle on with very little hills to negotiate, I decide to have a rest at a really beautiful place, i was a pub that was next to a bridge going over a very picturesque river, whilst resting a bloke came over and said that he had just read the back of my T shirt and was i actually doing the the ride now, he then handed over some money to put towards the charity, I took his name and said that I would put his name on this Blog however the piece of paper has been moved so until I find it all i can say is thank you so much, the pub I believe is "The Fishermans Rest".
A nice lady at a garage tapped me on the shoulder and gave me a couple of quid, thank you whoever you were. I had just gone over the M5 and came to a roundabout, there was me and a car, being lazy I didn't take my feet out of my clics, I then came to an abrupt halt and tilted to left still attached to the bike, yes I looked a right dick as I was splattered at the side of the roundabout, after picking myself up I brushed off the dirt got back on my bike and cycled onto Taunton, I was staying at the Travelodge in Taunton which is at the side of a retail park, thats where the boy racers congragate during the evenings to show off their shitty little Corsas, Puntos and Saxos, you know the ones, they are the cars that have been modified and the little shits havnt told the insurance companies, anyway they were speeding and screeching around the carpark till the early hours of the morning. however it was nice to have a proper bed and shower facility.
Well the hill Monster was out and about again today but I managed to beat him into submission, there were some horrendous hills in this leg of the journey and they just went on and on, there is a saying in the army when out tabbing over hills and Mountains, "it just around the next bend or its just over the next hill" well guess what, it wasn't and it went on and on. I kept away from the cadbury hills as I had read that they were a challenge so I decide to cycle along the valley to the south (A396), this was a great road to cycle on with very little hills to negotiate, I decide to have a rest at a really beautiful place, i was a pub that was next to a bridge going over a very picturesque river, whilst resting a bloke came over and said that he had just read the back of my T shirt and was i actually doing the the ride now, he then handed over some money to put towards the charity, I took his name and said that I would put his name on this Blog however the piece of paper has been moved so until I find it all i can say is thank you so much, the pub I believe is "The Fishermans Rest".
A nice lady at a garage tapped me on the shoulder and gave me a couple of quid, thank you whoever you were. I had just gone over the M5 and came to a roundabout, there was me and a car, being lazy I didn't take my feet out of my clics, I then came to an abrupt halt and tilted to left still attached to the bike, yes I looked a right dick as I was splattered at the side of the roundabout, after picking myself up I brushed off the dirt got back on my bike and cycled onto Taunton, I was staying at the Travelodge in Taunton which is at the side of a retail park, thats where the boy racers congragate during the evenings to show off their shitty little Corsas, Puntos and Saxos, you know the ones, they are the cars that have been modified and the little shits havnt told the insurance companies, anyway they were speeding and screeching around the carpark till the early hours of the morning. however it was nice to have a proper bed and shower facility.
Day 3 Taunton to Bristol
Well after the boy racers keeping me up till the early hours, I am glad that the ride today is not as long, Ive looked at the route and have decided to take a little detour to Weston Supermare, I fancy an Ice Cream on the beach. The route to the beach was very flat with very minor inclines, I seemed to be keeping a fantastic average speed going along the A38 then onto the A370 heading into WSM, I arrived in WSM about lunchtime and the weather was glorious, i have never been to WSM before and yes I was impressed, the beach looked like it is well looked after and the roads and pathways are very clean. i decided against getting an ice cream as I was a little dehydrated, so the money was spent on a couple of cold water drinks to rehydrate me ready for the cycle to Bristol.
The route to bristol headed out of WSM towards the M5 again this route was quite flat but the road surface was not good loads of potholes and a patchwork of tarmac, I had agreed that i would not head into bristol and cycle the streets of the city, instead I would skirt around the western side using roads going through Clevedon and Portishead, once through these 2 towns I headed across to a place called Easton in Gorando, this is where I can get the cycle path going over the Avonmouth Bridge, I didn't realize how high that bridge is, whilst cycling over you can feel the bridge bouncing up and down. As I came off the bridge the other side I ended up in a residential area, my next accommodation is at the Causeway Travelodge by Junction 17 M5, after looking at the map and deciding on the best route to get to the digs I set off, I did not realize Bristol is partly built on a hill, I must have picked the most hilliest way to go, bollocks my route selection needs to improve, but on a map with no contours I can be forgiven. After booking into the lodge, i had a great hot shower and decided to go over to the shopping mall, went into the Apple shop and used their free wifi and did some FaceTime with Elke over the iPhone, even though I have only been away from home for a few days the loneliness is one of the worst parts of cycling by yourself . Morrisons was close by so I decided to stock up on some ready made pasta tomorrow is going to be a heavy day + 100 miles tomorrow.
Well after the boy racers keeping me up till the early hours, I am glad that the ride today is not as long, Ive looked at the route and have decided to take a little detour to Weston Supermare, I fancy an Ice Cream on the beach. The route to the beach was very flat with very minor inclines, I seemed to be keeping a fantastic average speed going along the A38 then onto the A370 heading into WSM, I arrived in WSM about lunchtime and the weather was glorious, i have never been to WSM before and yes I was impressed, the beach looked like it is well looked after and the roads and pathways are very clean. i decided against getting an ice cream as I was a little dehydrated, so the money was spent on a couple of cold water drinks to rehydrate me ready for the cycle to Bristol.
The route to bristol headed out of WSM towards the M5 again this route was quite flat but the road surface was not good loads of potholes and a patchwork of tarmac, I had agreed that i would not head into bristol and cycle the streets of the city, instead I would skirt around the western side using roads going through Clevedon and Portishead, once through these 2 towns I headed across to a place called Easton in Gorando, this is where I can get the cycle path going over the Avonmouth Bridge, I didn't realize how high that bridge is, whilst cycling over you can feel the bridge bouncing up and down. As I came off the bridge the other side I ended up in a residential area, my next accommodation is at the Causeway Travelodge by Junction 17 M5, after looking at the map and deciding on the best route to get to the digs I set off, I did not realize Bristol is partly built on a hill, I must have picked the most hilliest way to go, bollocks my route selection needs to improve, but on a map with no contours I can be forgiven. After booking into the lodge, i had a great hot shower and decided to go over to the shopping mall, went into the Apple shop and used their free wifi and did some FaceTime with Elke over the iPhone, even though I have only been away from home for a few days the loneliness is one of the worst parts of cycling by yourself . Morrisons was close by so I decided to stock up on some ready made pasta tomorrow is going to be a heavy day + 100 miles tomorrow.
Crossing the Severn Bridge
Day 4 Bristol to Shrewsbury (RAF Shawbury)
Today is the day that I get to Cycle with other cyclists, I would like to say a big hello to the following: Simon Sheldon-Wilson, Simon is one of my big bosses within the Highways Agency, Peter Ryan who is a very keen cyclist and Jason Lunn, support car driver and photoragpher both are very good friends of Simon, also turning up today is Nigel Bradley who I have been chatting to on the CTC website, Nigel is also doing LEJOG but started a day after me, he is pushing out a longer distance each day than me, we will be cycling together until Carlisle where we split as he is going up through Glasgow as I go to the West Coast.
We all met up at the services on the M48 just prior to the Severn Bridge, there is a phrase for today "its not a race". The weather for today is supposed to be torrential downpours with strong winds, so as we meet up the sun is shining and there is no wind, fingers crossed and we set off, over the bridge into Wales and a very picturesque start to the day with the Severn bridge and the newish bridge (M4) to the south, the roads were favorable at the beginning but as we went up and through the A466 through the valley the roads become very undulating and the pace began to slow, not much but enough to notice. I think sometimes there was a bit of pushing the pace in the first couple of miles but that soon faded away and all riders settled down to enjoy the ride and countryside. We stopped for lunch at Hereford and sat in the Cathedral grounds, Simon brought some Pasta that he prepared from home which was great fully received, after lunch it was cracking on to Shrewsbury.
Today I was in some pain due to being Saddle sore, I had creamed up this morning with Sudo cream but it was a difficult ride sometimes it was comfy but other times it felt like I was ripping in two, countless of times I had to stop and readjust myself (if you know what I mean). We stopped for afternoon Coffee at a little restaurant at the side of a river, watching someone fly fishing as I was drinking my coffee was great and Nigel picked up the bill thanks mate. Cycling on the route became a lot easier but the roads became a lot busier as we approached Shrewsbury, we were to lose Simon, Peter and Jason just outside Shrewsbury by the A5 as they then had to get home for meetings the day after, I would like to say a great big thank you to the 3 amigos for even thinking about cycling with me today, it was excellent company and the Green Biachi machine sure helped the pace along, thanks guys and I hope your dream of doing the LEJOG next year comes off. We left the 3 guys at the services by the A5 and cycled onto Shawbury, cycling through Shrewsbury brought back some good memories of when I was posted down in Shropshire at Ternhill, the streets were easy to navigate through the town and out the other end to the A53.
As we turned up at the gates to RAF Shawbury I went and spoke to the Guard Commander (MPGS) who informed me that I was not booked in for any accommodation, I thought he was having a laugh, so I asked him to have a check again, so he spoke to the Accommodation lady (Sandra) who said "its tomorrow night" oh shit I thought, its ok I will pop over and get them in she said, so a big massive thanks goes out to Sandra for helping us out.
Today is the day that I get to Cycle with other cyclists, I would like to say a big hello to the following: Simon Sheldon-Wilson, Simon is one of my big bosses within the Highways Agency, Peter Ryan who is a very keen cyclist and Jason Lunn, support car driver and photoragpher both are very good friends of Simon, also turning up today is Nigel Bradley who I have been chatting to on the CTC website, Nigel is also doing LEJOG but started a day after me, he is pushing out a longer distance each day than me, we will be cycling together until Carlisle where we split as he is going up through Glasgow as I go to the West Coast.
We all met up at the services on the M48 just prior to the Severn Bridge, there is a phrase for today "its not a race". The weather for today is supposed to be torrential downpours with strong winds, so as we meet up the sun is shining and there is no wind, fingers crossed and we set off, over the bridge into Wales and a very picturesque start to the day with the Severn bridge and the newish bridge (M4) to the south, the roads were favorable at the beginning but as we went up and through the A466 through the valley the roads become very undulating and the pace began to slow, not much but enough to notice. I think sometimes there was a bit of pushing the pace in the first couple of miles but that soon faded away and all riders settled down to enjoy the ride and countryside. We stopped for lunch at Hereford and sat in the Cathedral grounds, Simon brought some Pasta that he prepared from home which was great fully received, after lunch it was cracking on to Shrewsbury.
Today I was in some pain due to being Saddle sore, I had creamed up this morning with Sudo cream but it was a difficult ride sometimes it was comfy but other times it felt like I was ripping in two, countless of times I had to stop and readjust myself (if you know what I mean). We stopped for afternoon Coffee at a little restaurant at the side of a river, watching someone fly fishing as I was drinking my coffee was great and Nigel picked up the bill thanks mate. Cycling on the route became a lot easier but the roads became a lot busier as we approached Shrewsbury, we were to lose Simon, Peter and Jason just outside Shrewsbury by the A5 as they then had to get home for meetings the day after, I would like to say a great big thank you to the 3 amigos for even thinking about cycling with me today, it was excellent company and the Green Biachi machine sure helped the pace along, thanks guys and I hope your dream of doing the LEJOG next year comes off. We left the 3 guys at the services by the A5 and cycled onto Shawbury, cycling through Shrewsbury brought back some good memories of when I was posted down in Shropshire at Ternhill, the streets were easy to navigate through the town and out the other end to the A53.
As we turned up at the gates to RAF Shawbury I went and spoke to the Guard Commander (MPGS) who informed me that I was not booked in for any accommodation, I thought he was having a laugh, so I asked him to have a check again, so he spoke to the Accommodation lady (Sandra) who said "its tomorrow night" oh shit I thought, its ok I will pop over and get them in she said, so a big massive thanks goes out to Sandra for helping us out.
Day 5 Shrewsbury to Preston (Samlesbury) Night at Home
Today we have another cyclist joining us, Simon Williamson from the Regional Control Centre at Rob Lane Warrington, Simon is one of my work colleagues and asked if he could ride with us from Shrewsbury to Preston, welcome on board Simon.
So this morning I was woken by some bloody wood pigeons that were nesting outside my window, I like birds but they took the piss. When I finally decide to get off my pit it was about 07:00, I got dressed and checked my bike over everything OK with that, Sandra had come in a little earlier to get the keys off us, she said that the cafe on camp would be open to get some breakfast great, I ordered myself and Nigel a full cooked breakfast with coffee and toast, it was excellent food but as I found out later in the day it was a big mistake. We met Simon outside the gates at 08:40 and had a few photos then set off. quite an uneventful ride today the roads were very favorable and we seemed to be making great progress. We stopped in at the RCC for lunch but not many people around so decided to get on and finish the ride. As we rode into Wigan it started to rain for the first time, it wasn't heavy just more like a mist, as we came to a roundabout Nigel and I were on the footpath and simon was cycling along the road when a rather large HGV came up behind Simon and pressed his rather large horn, now at the time simon was right to be on the road and was not doing anything to impede the HGV driver so it was very much uncalled for, a few choice words were said by the driver also, and for those that know me I don't go for that type of behavior on the road, so when I approached the driver he was very aggressive in the way that he spoke, but again I was very calm and collected and tried to reason with him but he wouldn't have it and as he drove away and then stopped in the traffic jam he brought his window down as if he wanted to have confrontation, so i decided to take the phone number of the firm and rang his boss, the boss said he would ring me back, he kept his word and rang back 30 mins later with the biggest apology, thank you. Simon left us in Wigan as the weather was getting a lot worse, not before I fell off my bike, Elke my wife rang me so I stopped the bike but forgot to take my clics out, bang there I was on the A49 in Wigan with a bike wrapped around my head ouch.
I sent a few texts out to let some people know that I would be at Samlesbury shortly, Greg from work was bringing little Charlie over to see me and Keef said that he would come to, Elke my wife was picking me up to take me home for the night and she was going to be there also,as i came to the gates of Samlesbury there was a little meeting party waiting and to all those that did turn up ThankYou it was great to see you, Little Charlie was there with his Mum and Dad, Greg and his wife, Keef Coates and my chick Elke, loads of Photos and talking for a while then it was time to get off home, Charlies Mum came over and give me a big hug and thanked me for what I was doing, this was one of those moments where a piece of dust gets in your eyes (i hope you understand).
Today we have another cyclist joining us, Simon Williamson from the Regional Control Centre at Rob Lane Warrington, Simon is one of my work colleagues and asked if he could ride with us from Shrewsbury to Preston, welcome on board Simon.
So this morning I was woken by some bloody wood pigeons that were nesting outside my window, I like birds but they took the piss. When I finally decide to get off my pit it was about 07:00, I got dressed and checked my bike over everything OK with that, Sandra had come in a little earlier to get the keys off us, she said that the cafe on camp would be open to get some breakfast great, I ordered myself and Nigel a full cooked breakfast with coffee and toast, it was excellent food but as I found out later in the day it was a big mistake. We met Simon outside the gates at 08:40 and had a few photos then set off. quite an uneventful ride today the roads were very favorable and we seemed to be making great progress. We stopped in at the RCC for lunch but not many people around so decided to get on and finish the ride. As we rode into Wigan it started to rain for the first time, it wasn't heavy just more like a mist, as we came to a roundabout Nigel and I were on the footpath and simon was cycling along the road when a rather large HGV came up behind Simon and pressed his rather large horn, now at the time simon was right to be on the road and was not doing anything to impede the HGV driver so it was very much uncalled for, a few choice words were said by the driver also, and for those that know me I don't go for that type of behavior on the road, so when I approached the driver he was very aggressive in the way that he spoke, but again I was very calm and collected and tried to reason with him but he wouldn't have it and as he drove away and then stopped in the traffic jam he brought his window down as if he wanted to have confrontation, so i decided to take the phone number of the firm and rang his boss, the boss said he would ring me back, he kept his word and rang back 30 mins later with the biggest apology, thank you. Simon left us in Wigan as the weather was getting a lot worse, not before I fell off my bike, Elke my wife rang me so I stopped the bike but forgot to take my clics out, bang there I was on the A49 in Wigan with a bike wrapped around my head ouch.
I sent a few texts out to let some people know that I would be at Samlesbury shortly, Greg from work was bringing little Charlie over to see me and Keef said that he would come to, Elke my wife was picking me up to take me home for the night and she was going to be there also,as i came to the gates of Samlesbury there was a little meeting party waiting and to all those that did turn up ThankYou it was great to see you, Little Charlie was there with his Mum and Dad, Greg and his wife, Keef Coates and my chick Elke, loads of Photos and talking for a while then it was time to get off home, Charlies Mum came over and give me a big hug and thanked me for what I was doing, this was one of those moments where a piece of dust gets in your eyes (i hope you understand).
Day 6 Preston to Carlisle
Elke dropped Nigel and me off at the Outstation early so that we could check our bikes over before the long slog up north.
Bikes OK and off we trot, I know a couple of short cuts through Preston which brings us out at the M55 junction 1 area, this area is also called Broughton.
The next couple of hours are like a blur, seriously like a blur, the A6 is so fast today It felt like we were proper motoring up towards Lancaster. Through the centre of the town via the cycle routes which I might add are very good.
Time to cycle out in the country but still on the A6 looking forwards to 'THE SHAP', this is the hill that I have been dreading most for this journey of mine, I have never driven up SHAP because every time I have gone up north I have used the M6.
Nigel and I start to get close to Kendal, this is where we will have a brew stop and prepare for 'THE SHAP", Just as we get back onto the A6 towards Kendal I start to get hit by some green stuff, I realise that this stuff is coming from Nigels rear tyre, oops a flat coming on, I manage to get his attention and let him know whats happening, Nigel was happy to cycle onto Kendal.
Once in Kendal we look for somewhere to eat and drink and find Costco coffee shop at the shopping centre.
30mins for lunch and then its off again, this time its the long long slog up 'THE SHAP", I have a base layer on so I decide to stop at the bottom to take it off, Nigel sets off and says that he will see me at the top, like Hell you will, so I quickly set off again but the hill monster gets me and I have to settle for 2nd place, my own personal view of this large mountain, hill, mole hill or whatever you want to call it was, 'Is that it", there were one or two hard bits but not something to write home about, I was dreading this but actually it was a pussy cat. The usual photos taken and off it was to Shap village, this is where we meet up with Nigels relation who will cycle with us for a while. As we arrive in Shap village there is a lay-by just outside and there like an oasis was a rather large motorhome with Nigel relation stood waiting for us, a little table and 2 chairs waiting, as we stop and sit down we are asked "Coffee or Tea", then would you like an egg and cress sandwich, spot on all i can say and thank you very much. The next part of the journey is some what of a nightmare I loose all my gears as the cables have snapped, Im stuck in a shit gear and can't get any speed up, its all down hill towards Penrith and I can't get going. Eventually I get to Penrith and find a cycle shop who do a great job in fixing my bike 30 quid lighter, this is where I say godbye to Nigel and its back to riding by myself .
Bike fixed now its onto Carlisle where I will be staying with a friend, however a stop at Lowhurst Outstation, this is the most Northern Outstation of the Traffic Officer Service, the lads here have sponsored me so I drop in for a refreshment break.
On to Tanyas for a nice shower and rest for the night, arrived a little later than i had planned to be met by "Make your own brew" thanks Tanya.
Elke dropped Nigel and me off at the Outstation early so that we could check our bikes over before the long slog up north.
Bikes OK and off we trot, I know a couple of short cuts through Preston which brings us out at the M55 junction 1 area, this area is also called Broughton.
The next couple of hours are like a blur, seriously like a blur, the A6 is so fast today It felt like we were proper motoring up towards Lancaster. Through the centre of the town via the cycle routes which I might add are very good.
Time to cycle out in the country but still on the A6 looking forwards to 'THE SHAP', this is the hill that I have been dreading most for this journey of mine, I have never driven up SHAP because every time I have gone up north I have used the M6.
Nigel and I start to get close to Kendal, this is where we will have a brew stop and prepare for 'THE SHAP", Just as we get back onto the A6 towards Kendal I start to get hit by some green stuff, I realise that this stuff is coming from Nigels rear tyre, oops a flat coming on, I manage to get his attention and let him know whats happening, Nigel was happy to cycle onto Kendal.
Once in Kendal we look for somewhere to eat and drink and find Costco coffee shop at the shopping centre.
30mins for lunch and then its off again, this time its the long long slog up 'THE SHAP", I have a base layer on so I decide to stop at the bottom to take it off, Nigel sets off and says that he will see me at the top, like Hell you will, so I quickly set off again but the hill monster gets me and I have to settle for 2nd place, my own personal view of this large mountain, hill, mole hill or whatever you want to call it was, 'Is that it", there were one or two hard bits but not something to write home about, I was dreading this but actually it was a pussy cat. The usual photos taken and off it was to Shap village, this is where we meet up with Nigels relation who will cycle with us for a while. As we arrive in Shap village there is a lay-by just outside and there like an oasis was a rather large motorhome with Nigel relation stood waiting for us, a little table and 2 chairs waiting, as we stop and sit down we are asked "Coffee or Tea", then would you like an egg and cress sandwich, spot on all i can say and thank you very much. The next part of the journey is some what of a nightmare I loose all my gears as the cables have snapped, Im stuck in a shit gear and can't get any speed up, its all down hill towards Penrith and I can't get going. Eventually I get to Penrith and find a cycle shop who do a great job in fixing my bike 30 quid lighter, this is where I say godbye to Nigel and its back to riding by myself .
Bike fixed now its onto Carlisle where I will be staying with a friend, however a stop at Lowhurst Outstation, this is the most Northern Outstation of the Traffic Officer Service, the lads here have sponsored me so I drop in for a refreshment break.
On to Tanyas for a nice shower and rest for the night, arrived a little later than i had planned to be met by "Make your own brew" thanks Tanya.
Day 7 Carlisle to Kilmarnock
A fantastic nights sleep at Tanyas, thanks very much for the hospitality and I will see you back at work.
Onwards and upwards to Kilmarnock, quite uneventful ride for most of the day, had the must have photo as I entered Scotland and quickly rode off towards Dumfries, the ride up towards Sanquhar again uneventful but the calmness of the ride was to be broken. I am a great believer in watching what the weather brings and this ride was no exception, I had seen on the weather the night before that a storm was coming, preparation for the ride had me double bagging my kit and ensuring that my waterproof jacket was ready to deploy. After leaving my brew stop at Sanguhar i noticed a very large black cloud coming from the west, yep thats the storm I thought, I sort of got into a race with myself to try and beat the cloud before it came across my path, it didn't work as I came smack in the middle of probably the worse rain storm i had seen for ages, jacket deployed but after about 2 mins yes 2 mins why did I bother I was pissed wet through and then the cold sets in and the head goes down then the why the hell am I doing this goes through my mind, I eventually snapped out of it and just got my head down and rode like the wind to Kilmarnock.
The last 10 miles were awful as the weather was proper bad, the roads were like rivers with the amount of water and the light was fading fast even though it was only 16:30ish, eventually got to the Travelodge and was a proper drowned rat, little bit of fat boy rub had set in but that was minor. A hot shower and settled down to watch the TV in my room all cosy and warm, and all the wet kit spread out around the room to dry.
A fantastic nights sleep at Tanyas, thanks very much for the hospitality and I will see you back at work.
Onwards and upwards to Kilmarnock, quite uneventful ride for most of the day, had the must have photo as I entered Scotland and quickly rode off towards Dumfries, the ride up towards Sanquhar again uneventful but the calmness of the ride was to be broken. I am a great believer in watching what the weather brings and this ride was no exception, I had seen on the weather the night before that a storm was coming, preparation for the ride had me double bagging my kit and ensuring that my waterproof jacket was ready to deploy. After leaving my brew stop at Sanguhar i noticed a very large black cloud coming from the west, yep thats the storm I thought, I sort of got into a race with myself to try and beat the cloud before it came across my path, it didn't work as I came smack in the middle of probably the worse rain storm i had seen for ages, jacket deployed but after about 2 mins yes 2 mins why did I bother I was pissed wet through and then the cold sets in and the head goes down then the why the hell am I doing this goes through my mind, I eventually snapped out of it and just got my head down and rode like the wind to Kilmarnock.
The last 10 miles were awful as the weather was proper bad, the roads were like rivers with the amount of water and the light was fading fast even though it was only 16:30ish, eventually got to the Travelodge and was a proper drowned rat, little bit of fat boy rub had set in but that was minor. A hot shower and settled down to watch the TV in my room all cosy and warm, and all the wet kit spread out around the room to dry.
Day 8 Kilmarnock to Oban Via Isle of Arran
Well all happy after a fantastic nights sleep, this morning I cycle down to the harbour and catch the ferry across to the Isle of Arran.
The day starts well, all kit dry and the bike in good order, a quick stop at MacDonalds for some pancakes, two blokes in the queue ask me about my Tshirt and question me on what I'm doing, after finding out the reasons why Im cycling they pay for my breakfast and give me 5 quid for the cause, 'Thanks very much guys". After Breakfast I'm off to the ferry, cycling down to the Terminal I see a disaster, my ferry is leaving and yes without me, words to the effect of mass panic leave my mouth, what am i going to do, i look at the train in the station, do i get this and get to Glasgow and go up that way, I am in a right shitty mood now, all my timings have now been put back by at least 5 hours. After speaking to the lady behind the desk I decided to stay for the ferry, I locked my bike up and walked over to the ASDA and had a cup of Tea. Well after what seemed like an age the ferry turned up and the cars and bikes boarded and set off for Arran. The Isle of Arran is a very beautiful place but the road around the island was probably the worst that I have ever rode on, I saw my first ever Red Squirrel, it was dead though a bit of Road kill. the road surface going over the tops was like a patch work quilt and the free wheel down towards Lochranza was a nightmare. On entering Lochranza I was greeted by the site of a deer wandering down the street, you don't get that where I live, but what a great sight to see. This was the next stop ready and waiting for the ferry trip back to the mainland.
After getting my second ferry crossing of the day I was very eager to get on with the slog to Oban, I was well behind time and the winds were not favourable at all, a head wind for the remainder of the day and still had about 70ish miles to go. Today was turning into the worse day of the adventure, the light was fading faster than a faster thing. I had not planned to cycle any of this journey in the dark as I had planned enough time in case of mishaps, what I hadn't planned for was missing the ferry and being now 6 hours behind schedule, so as the light went I decided to put on my bike lights, great lights "WHEN YOU HAVE BATTERIES" school boy error on my part, I cycled the last 21miles with my Iphone light on, not advisable.
Got to the SYHA at 22:00hrs, booked in, bought a packet of Pringles and a bottle of cola and went to bed. It hasn't finished yet, gale force winds throughout the night and the flag pole outside was banging away all night so a Shitttteee nights sleep I had. What a fantastic day I had "NOT", looking back on the journey this was by far the worst day ever.
Well all happy after a fantastic nights sleep, this morning I cycle down to the harbour and catch the ferry across to the Isle of Arran.
The day starts well, all kit dry and the bike in good order, a quick stop at MacDonalds for some pancakes, two blokes in the queue ask me about my Tshirt and question me on what I'm doing, after finding out the reasons why Im cycling they pay for my breakfast and give me 5 quid for the cause, 'Thanks very much guys". After Breakfast I'm off to the ferry, cycling down to the Terminal I see a disaster, my ferry is leaving and yes without me, words to the effect of mass panic leave my mouth, what am i going to do, i look at the train in the station, do i get this and get to Glasgow and go up that way, I am in a right shitty mood now, all my timings have now been put back by at least 5 hours. After speaking to the lady behind the desk I decided to stay for the ferry, I locked my bike up and walked over to the ASDA and had a cup of Tea. Well after what seemed like an age the ferry turned up and the cars and bikes boarded and set off for Arran. The Isle of Arran is a very beautiful place but the road around the island was probably the worst that I have ever rode on, I saw my first ever Red Squirrel, it was dead though a bit of Road kill. the road surface going over the tops was like a patch work quilt and the free wheel down towards Lochranza was a nightmare. On entering Lochranza I was greeted by the site of a deer wandering down the street, you don't get that where I live, but what a great sight to see. This was the next stop ready and waiting for the ferry trip back to the mainland.
After getting my second ferry crossing of the day I was very eager to get on with the slog to Oban, I was well behind time and the winds were not favourable at all, a head wind for the remainder of the day and still had about 70ish miles to go. Today was turning into the worse day of the adventure, the light was fading faster than a faster thing. I had not planned to cycle any of this journey in the dark as I had planned enough time in case of mishaps, what I hadn't planned for was missing the ferry and being now 6 hours behind schedule, so as the light went I decided to put on my bike lights, great lights "WHEN YOU HAVE BATTERIES" school boy error on my part, I cycled the last 21miles with my Iphone light on, not advisable.
Got to the SYHA at 22:00hrs, booked in, bought a packet of Pringles and a bottle of cola and went to bed. It hasn't finished yet, gale force winds throughout the night and the flag pole outside was banging away all night so a Shitttteee nights sleep I had. What a fantastic day I had "NOT", looking back on the journey this was by far the worst day ever.
Day 9 Oban to Fort William
Strong winds were the order of today, luckily its only a short cycle to Fort William today but its still going to be hard.
This was one of those days that you want to stay in bed and chill out because the weather is proper crap, but cycle I must and off i pop to Fort William, well nothing to report or see on the way, wind buffeting me along the road and the odd car went past.
At my accomodation I receive a phone call from my mate Timmy,
"Alright Daz hows it going"
"Great Timmy getting a bit Lonely now though looking forwards to the end.
"How do you fancy me and Twinny coming to see you finish".
Timmy and Twinny have been mates of mine from school, but being in the Army and posted away it was very rare I had seen them, Twinny had a bad cycle accident a number of years ago and he is still recovering from it, I had not seen him since it had happened and I think i have been selfish in not making an attempt to see him, I cant explain my reasons to you but I find it hard to see friends and family who have suffered horrendous injuries.
I was so happy to get this phone call and was well made up that they could find the time to come up from Middlesbrough to see me finish, I arranged to me them at the Travelodge in Inverness late afternoon tomorrow.
Strong winds were the order of today, luckily its only a short cycle to Fort William today but its still going to be hard.
This was one of those days that you want to stay in bed and chill out because the weather is proper crap, but cycle I must and off i pop to Fort William, well nothing to report or see on the way, wind buffeting me along the road and the odd car went past.
At my accomodation I receive a phone call from my mate Timmy,
"Alright Daz hows it going"
"Great Timmy getting a bit Lonely now though looking forwards to the end.
"How do you fancy me and Twinny coming to see you finish".
Timmy and Twinny have been mates of mine from school, but being in the Army and posted away it was very rare I had seen them, Twinny had a bad cycle accident a number of years ago and he is still recovering from it, I had not seen him since it had happened and I think i have been selfish in not making an attempt to see him, I cant explain my reasons to you but I find it hard to see friends and family who have suffered horrendous injuries.
I was so happy to get this phone call and was well made up that they could find the time to come up from Middlesbrough to see me finish, I arranged to me them at the Travelodge in Inverness late afternoon tomorrow.
Day 10 Fort William to Inverness
I have something to look forwards to today, my mates are coming to see me, Twinnys wife is also coming up fanbloodytastic.
Bike checked, breakfast had and off I pop, again nothing to report on the roads leading up Spean Bridge. One memory that will stay with me is the Memorial to the Royal Marines, an absolutely outstanding monument, seeing the 3 commandos looking over the valley and what was their training ground was a memory for ever, then there are the memorials to certain individuals that family, friends and work mates have made, it must have been that wind as my eyes were watering, seeing the names of Marines killed during conflicts and wars throughout the world was so sad, a memory that will last with me forever. Onwards and upwards as the cycle ride is today, next stop Loch Ness, I wonder if she/he will be out today probably not. Stopped in the village of Fort Augustus and had a coffee and a cream cake, had a quick look in the tat shops and then decided to just crack on and get to inverness. The A82 was quite quiet today I had read that this was a nightmare road and the amount of coaches and logging lorries was a nightmare, nothing of the sort today, I must have picked a lucky day. I stopped in the car park of the castle thingy, you know the one thats always on the picture post cards and on the front of Loch Ness Monster stuff, 8 quid to go in no chance. No more events on the way into Inverness, I find the Travelodge easy enough and settle down ready to see the Lads and Lass.
Phone call from Timbo were here so I went outside to see them and went over to Twinny to say hello, inside I was hurting because I did not want to see him like this, I wanted to see him as he was when we were at school, there was nothing to worry about he was still a mate and whatever he has gone through in the past has made him a better person, thanks Twinny, Timmy and Debbie for making the effort for me.
Evening meal at the Golf club next door and a great catch up.
Whilst Cycling today I had this great idea that I would finish tomorrow, yep Inverness to JOG, only 116 miles, thats easy I can do that, I'm supposed to cycle to Helmsdale tomorrow and stay at a B&B that I havn't booked yet, then cycle onto Jog the day after that, no I'm going to finish, thats it when something is in my head I just go for it.
I tell the gang my plans, and I then go into a timeline of the start time rest time and hopefully a finishing time, Im looking about 8 - 9 hours cycling, 12 - 15 miles per hour, yep start at 06:00 on the dot.
The plan is in place and I bid the three goodnight.
I have something to look forwards to today, my mates are coming to see me, Twinnys wife is also coming up fanbloodytastic.
Bike checked, breakfast had and off I pop, again nothing to report on the roads leading up Spean Bridge. One memory that will stay with me is the Memorial to the Royal Marines, an absolutely outstanding monument, seeing the 3 commandos looking over the valley and what was their training ground was a memory for ever, then there are the memorials to certain individuals that family, friends and work mates have made, it must have been that wind as my eyes were watering, seeing the names of Marines killed during conflicts and wars throughout the world was so sad, a memory that will last with me forever. Onwards and upwards as the cycle ride is today, next stop Loch Ness, I wonder if she/he will be out today probably not. Stopped in the village of Fort Augustus and had a coffee and a cream cake, had a quick look in the tat shops and then decided to just crack on and get to inverness. The A82 was quite quiet today I had read that this was a nightmare road and the amount of coaches and logging lorries was a nightmare, nothing of the sort today, I must have picked a lucky day. I stopped in the car park of the castle thingy, you know the one thats always on the picture post cards and on the front of Loch Ness Monster stuff, 8 quid to go in no chance. No more events on the way into Inverness, I find the Travelodge easy enough and settle down ready to see the Lads and Lass.
Phone call from Timbo were here so I went outside to see them and went over to Twinny to say hello, inside I was hurting because I did not want to see him like this, I wanted to see him as he was when we were at school, there was nothing to worry about he was still a mate and whatever he has gone through in the past has made him a better person, thanks Twinny, Timmy and Debbie for making the effort for me.
Evening meal at the Golf club next door and a great catch up.
Whilst Cycling today I had this great idea that I would finish tomorrow, yep Inverness to JOG, only 116 miles, thats easy I can do that, I'm supposed to cycle to Helmsdale tomorrow and stay at a B&B that I havn't booked yet, then cycle onto Jog the day after that, no I'm going to finish, thats it when something is in my head I just go for it.
I tell the gang my plans, and I then go into a timeline of the start time rest time and hopefully a finishing time, Im looking about 8 - 9 hours cycling, 12 - 15 miles per hour, yep start at 06:00 on the dot.
The plan is in place and I bid the three goodnight.
Day 11 Inverness to John O'Groats The Final Day
At 05:30hrs the alarm goes off, cup of tea and the bike checked, butterflies in my stomach and the nervousness sets in, am I going to finish today?????????????.
06:00hrs on the dot and I go for it, cycling out of Inverness there is a silence no birds tweeting, no cars, no Pedestrians, only mad Daz on his bike going to the top of Great Britain. There is not much wind YET, just a bit of drizzle. the first 30 miles go in a flash and I can't believe that I'm actually on route to the end. I arrive at Helmsdale just after 10:00hrs and stop for a brew, the wind is starting to get up now and its a westerly wind so its going to hit me side on. I have read on numerous sites that there is a rather large hill outside of Helmsdale, as I cycle out of the village I start to go up hill, is this it I thought, is it hell, I get to a roundabout and turned left and looked up "Shit this is it" in the very far distance I can see something moving, its like a small ant, it was actually a large HGV coming down the mountain side. Head down and off I go cycling away steeper and steeper then I get to a level bit of road thinking this has got to be the top until I cycle around the bend and the next part of this mountain appears, head down and keep cycling, eventually I reach the top and look down, then a sarcastic comment from me comes out 'is that it".
Now that was hard, the hardest thing that I have done on this journey.
Nothing of interest further into this ride until I come to a very steep free wheel, at the bottom there is a runout lane incase your brakes fail, I then realise that I will have to cycle up the other side and hell was that hard, 2 horrendous climbs not far from each other, this is Berridale Braes, short but very sharp hill, a proper lung buster. Timmy had finally caught up with me at the top and dropped off 2 energy drinks for me, next meeting will be in Wick.
I arrived in wick 14:00hrs ish, On entering the town I was to meet timmy and the crew for some lunch ready for the final push. However my time in Wick was to last longer than I had anticipated. I approached a major junction and the traffic lights had turned red so I stopped and released my left foot from my Clics, a car pulled up behind me with 2 males inside, lights green and off I go, I get half way across the junction then whack I'm on my back with my bike wrapped around my body, pain in my left thigh area with cuts and grazes, some lady shouts to me from the Kerb asking if Im ok, apparently I have just been hit and runned, the car was the one behind me at the lights, as I'm tumbling on the road the car actually stopped and then sped off. Me being me gets off the floor quick check of the bike, I then jump back on the bike and chase after him, I manage to see him reversing into a car space so I go over, as soon as he saw me he tried to shake my hand and was saying "sorry mate I didn't see you" that was before I had said anything to him, I took a photo of his car and him and then left to find the police station, I had to go because I was so angry with him something might have happened and I would have been the one in trouble.
I rang Timmy to tell him what had happened and that I would meet him at the cop shop, police statement taken and we will be in touch. Outside I had a proper check of my Bike and the following damage: Bent front wheel which was manageable, ripped seat, bent bike frame, bent front forks, ripped jacket, damaged catch on my shoes, and then there were numerous cut, grazes and a rather large bruise on the inside of my left thigh where the handle bars were pushed into me, plus my pride had took a battering. We all met up in Tescos next to the airport and had some now late lunch. The final push was now in my grasp and I wanted this more that anything now, so off I go and straight away I am hit with a head wind this is not stopping me. The ride to JOG from Wick seemed like hours every bend I was hoping to see some sort of sign that says welcome to JOG but there weren't any, finally I could see the end so I decide to stop and take the view in. For any one reading this who has been to the Falkland Islands, this view was the Falkland Islands, the small homes with wriggly tin roofs and the smell of burning peat brought the image of Goose Green to mind.
I start my final cycle into JOG and on the way in I stop again and take off my Jacket so that my sponsor Tshirt is on show, as I cycle on I practice my finish, do I cycle with no hands and wave them in the air or do I just punch the air with one hand, or do I scream out loud to let people know that I have just ridden the length of Great Britain, in the end I cycle in and just put one hand in the air.
I look around and theres not many people around Timmy comes over and congratulates me and Debbie cuddles me and I go over to Twinny and we do a manly embrace,
The gift shop is still open so I go over and put my name in the book, I then go over and get my picture taken by Timmy.
JOG has been left to fall apart, Im not sorry to say this but what a shit hole, surely this place should be looked after, if ever I decide to do this again I am starting in JOG and going to Lands End because LE has a lot more to offer.
Now the question is how the hell do I get out of here, Timmy tells me to take my bike apart and we can fit it in the boot, he will drop me in Inverness so that I can get the sleeper back tonight. A long ride to inverness and I can't believe that I have actually cycled that route today, timmy drops me at the train station and I go and speak to the Sleeper people, I can get on the train but there are no cabins left for me tonight as I am supposed to be travelling tomorrow, I don't care i will be home in the early hours.
A very fond farewell to Timmy, Twinny and Debbie, thank you so much for being there for me at the end. I get on the train and settle in for a long slow journey home and to the lady sat opposite me "I am so sorry for the smell" what do you expect, I have just rode form one end of the country to the other
At 05:30hrs the alarm goes off, cup of tea and the bike checked, butterflies in my stomach and the nervousness sets in, am I going to finish today?????????????.
06:00hrs on the dot and I go for it, cycling out of Inverness there is a silence no birds tweeting, no cars, no Pedestrians, only mad Daz on his bike going to the top of Great Britain. There is not much wind YET, just a bit of drizzle. the first 30 miles go in a flash and I can't believe that I'm actually on route to the end. I arrive at Helmsdale just after 10:00hrs and stop for a brew, the wind is starting to get up now and its a westerly wind so its going to hit me side on. I have read on numerous sites that there is a rather large hill outside of Helmsdale, as I cycle out of the village I start to go up hill, is this it I thought, is it hell, I get to a roundabout and turned left and looked up "Shit this is it" in the very far distance I can see something moving, its like a small ant, it was actually a large HGV coming down the mountain side. Head down and off I go cycling away steeper and steeper then I get to a level bit of road thinking this has got to be the top until I cycle around the bend and the next part of this mountain appears, head down and keep cycling, eventually I reach the top and look down, then a sarcastic comment from me comes out 'is that it".
Now that was hard, the hardest thing that I have done on this journey.
Nothing of interest further into this ride until I come to a very steep free wheel, at the bottom there is a runout lane incase your brakes fail, I then realise that I will have to cycle up the other side and hell was that hard, 2 horrendous climbs not far from each other, this is Berridale Braes, short but very sharp hill, a proper lung buster. Timmy had finally caught up with me at the top and dropped off 2 energy drinks for me, next meeting will be in Wick.
I arrived in wick 14:00hrs ish, On entering the town I was to meet timmy and the crew for some lunch ready for the final push. However my time in Wick was to last longer than I had anticipated. I approached a major junction and the traffic lights had turned red so I stopped and released my left foot from my Clics, a car pulled up behind me with 2 males inside, lights green and off I go, I get half way across the junction then whack I'm on my back with my bike wrapped around my body, pain in my left thigh area with cuts and grazes, some lady shouts to me from the Kerb asking if Im ok, apparently I have just been hit and runned, the car was the one behind me at the lights, as I'm tumbling on the road the car actually stopped and then sped off. Me being me gets off the floor quick check of the bike, I then jump back on the bike and chase after him, I manage to see him reversing into a car space so I go over, as soon as he saw me he tried to shake my hand and was saying "sorry mate I didn't see you" that was before I had said anything to him, I took a photo of his car and him and then left to find the police station, I had to go because I was so angry with him something might have happened and I would have been the one in trouble.
I rang Timmy to tell him what had happened and that I would meet him at the cop shop, police statement taken and we will be in touch. Outside I had a proper check of my Bike and the following damage: Bent front wheel which was manageable, ripped seat, bent bike frame, bent front forks, ripped jacket, damaged catch on my shoes, and then there were numerous cut, grazes and a rather large bruise on the inside of my left thigh where the handle bars were pushed into me, plus my pride had took a battering. We all met up in Tescos next to the airport and had some now late lunch. The final push was now in my grasp and I wanted this more that anything now, so off I go and straight away I am hit with a head wind this is not stopping me. The ride to JOG from Wick seemed like hours every bend I was hoping to see some sort of sign that says welcome to JOG but there weren't any, finally I could see the end so I decide to stop and take the view in. For any one reading this who has been to the Falkland Islands, this view was the Falkland Islands, the small homes with wriggly tin roofs and the smell of burning peat brought the image of Goose Green to mind.
I start my final cycle into JOG and on the way in I stop again and take off my Jacket so that my sponsor Tshirt is on show, as I cycle on I practice my finish, do I cycle with no hands and wave them in the air or do I just punch the air with one hand, or do I scream out loud to let people know that I have just ridden the length of Great Britain, in the end I cycle in and just put one hand in the air.
I look around and theres not many people around Timmy comes over and congratulates me and Debbie cuddles me and I go over to Twinny and we do a manly embrace,
The gift shop is still open so I go over and put my name in the book, I then go over and get my picture taken by Timmy.
JOG has been left to fall apart, Im not sorry to say this but what a shit hole, surely this place should be looked after, if ever I decide to do this again I am starting in JOG and going to Lands End because LE has a lot more to offer.
Now the question is how the hell do I get out of here, Timmy tells me to take my bike apart and we can fit it in the boot, he will drop me in Inverness so that I can get the sleeper back tonight. A long ride to inverness and I can't believe that I have actually cycled that route today, timmy drops me at the train station and I go and speak to the Sleeper people, I can get on the train but there are no cabins left for me tonight as I am supposed to be travelling tomorrow, I don't care i will be home in the early hours.
A very fond farewell to Timmy, Twinny and Debbie, thank you so much for being there for me at the end. I get on the train and settle in for a long slow journey home and to the lady sat opposite me "I am so sorry for the smell" what do you expect, I have just rode form one end of the country to the other