Monday 26 July 2010
Friday 23 July 2010
And suddenly it was over
The final day - and true to form it was a good little challenge. 6am
up and out to change the pedals on marie's bike so I could wear my
cleats - but I could not get them off. A guy sharing the room who
writes travel reviews - nice fella - grabbed his bike and was off -
cue some swearing and competitve nature getting to me. So I set off on
the dream ride - a 1980's ridgeback, full pannier's, front and back
mudguards, bell and handlebar basket - I looked like postman pat but
slower -the old girl did not like the hills. I cycled bare feet - my
cleats kept slipping off so I couldn't get any power through. I'd been
told there were some climbs out of helmsdale - which was an
understatement - it was a brutal 35 miles made worse by the fact I
couldn't put the seat any higher so my knees were bent and swelling by
the minute. The scenery on the way was impressive - the sea glistening
in bright sunshine - while I couldn't help buy think what do people do
who live up here? There are no shops, garages or industry - there
seemed to be a lot of people fiddling with their houses, mowing lawns
etc - but nothing that makes Money - it really looked as if
subsistence living is still alive up here. The houses are so small too
- and spaced at about 1 to every 2 fields.
up and out to change the pedals on marie's bike so I could wear my
cleats - but I could not get them off. A guy sharing the room who
writes travel reviews - nice fella - grabbed his bike and was off -
cue some swearing and competitve nature getting to me. So I set off on
the dream ride - a 1980's ridgeback, full pannier's, front and back
mudguards, bell and handlebar basket - I looked like postman pat but
slower -the old girl did not like the hills. I cycled bare feet - my
cleats kept slipping off so I couldn't get any power through. I'd been
told there were some climbs out of helmsdale - which was an
understatement - it was a brutal 35 miles made worse by the fact I
couldn't put the seat any higher so my knees were bent and swelling by
the minute. The scenery on the way was impressive - the sea glistening
in bright sunshine - while I couldn't help buy think what do people do
who live up here? There are no shops, garages or industry - there
seemed to be a lot of people fiddling with their houses, mowing lawns
etc - but nothing that makes Money - it really looked as if
subsistence living is still alive up here. The houses are so small too
- and spaced at about 1 to every 2 fields.
Reached Wick at 11am in serious pain - so stopped at the local bike
shop - and although he didn't hire out bikes I managed to talk the
owner into lending me his for a couple hours. Wick is a very strange
village which is dominated by bakery's - all sellingthe exact same
stuff. Copious amounts of make up is also not an option here but a
necessity.
12 miles to go - various little villages came and went with one
sticking out - positioned next to an oil refinery, where clearly the
wealthy riggers were investing in property - unlike the locals , some
of whom seem to live in converted sheds. The last rise was pretty
uneventful until I saw the 3 mile sign and after a 300 metre climb
crossed the brow of the hill and could see John o Groats and the
islands beyond - it could not have been sunnier. No sobs of joy, just
a good feeling and certain amount of relief! I was gutted not to still
be on my bike - the last few miles were perfect cycling terrain - but
also that it got me so far and would have made the trip if I hadn't
rode it like a mountain bike. Had the photo taken ( it was good to see
fearne cotton had been there ), had a chat with some people about
their trips and next plans - saw a bus and was away - 10 minutes all
done.
Reflection will come In time I'm sure but all very muddled right now -
like it seems strange it's Friday.
Train back to Helmsdale - which even though only 30 miles away takes
1hr40 - fish and chips then 8am train to Inverness before 9.40 am
Sunday train home
All in an incredible 7 days I will never forget
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Winterbotham Darby & Co Ltd
Thursday 22 July 2010
Helmsdale - by the Skin of my teeth
Set off from aviemore 7.30 looking forward to the gentle downhill
cruise to Inverness - or not - as it's 25 miles continual climb until
a 2 mile drop into town. The knees do not like the cold one but while
in my head down state I missed that the flip flops had fallen off the
back - so I now have cycle shoes only. Quick stop in Inverness which
seems quite nice - asked at the train station if any bike space for
Sunday had become available - No and they won't take it unless it's
fully broken down and bagged.
The sun came out and spirits were high - looking forward to the
amazing views I'd heard so much about - it is incredible in the
majority. An hour in and just passing invergordon when the fun started
- spoke 1 going as I swerved a pot hole - I'd been here before and
didn't like it! Stopped at a garage asking for a bike shop- they told
me it was 7 miles back so I decided to bash on..........until 1 mile
later another went and the wheel buckled - so much that the wheel
wouldn't turn - que panic stations. Carried the bike half a mile back
to a pub where Despite walking in in full Lycra, camel toe the lot,
the lady was so helpful. She told me of a legendary local man in his
70's who is renowned for doing 50 miles a day on his bike - he used to
also have a repair shop 7 miles back. I tried calling his number but
it was disconnected, then tried the shop in his village and they
hadn't seen him so took a chance, left the bike at the pub, took the
back wheel and got a lift with a lady who had been lunching in the pub
and took me to his door. His name is Kenny Ross and I was in luck -
his original flying Scotsman roadbike was outside and he was in the
garden - I'd heard he was slightly eccentric and perhaps he is - but
he's first and foremost one of lifes true gentlemen. His garagehas
piles of tyres, bikes, frames and a 100 year old vice - which he
didn't hesitate clamping my shimano wheel into. He's a craftsman -
knows his stuff but he had me in stitches - he was looking for a spoke
nipple in a tin with about 200 in - all different shapes and sizes -
but every time he found one that didn't fit, he'd just put it back in
the tin........then pull the same one out again about 5 mins later.
Anyway - eventually we had two dodgy old spokes in and he'd managed to
straighten the wheel. Said my goodbyes and tried my hand at hitch
hiking for the first time - with no success after 20 minutes I called
a cab for £8. I got back on the road and all seemed to be ok - with 55
miles to go I pushed on - obviously a little too hard as sure enough
the spoke I got in Perth went. Sounds a boring story but for sure
living it was worse. I really thought it may be over at this stage -
so close as well - but I wasnin the middle of nowhere and getting
cold. So I steadied and kept going - 15 miles later another one went
- unbelievable. The last 3 hours were done at 12.5 mph, weight on the
front handle bars, no swerving and watching the pot holes - I made it
to Helmsdale at 9.45pm. Helmsdale is like something out of Monarch of
the glen - i hope to get some good pics tomorrow.
My bike is done - I can't take it any further as it's making some
horrible scraping noises - but luckily marie, who runs the hostel, has
offered me her bike tomorrow - and the trip is saved. Off at 7am - 55
miles - I need some good luck please
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Winterbotham Darby & Co Ltd
cruise to Inverness - or not - as it's 25 miles continual climb until
a 2 mile drop into town. The knees do not like the cold one but while
in my head down state I missed that the flip flops had fallen off the
back - so I now have cycle shoes only. Quick stop in Inverness which
seems quite nice - asked at the train station if any bike space for
Sunday had become available - No and they won't take it unless it's
fully broken down and bagged.
The sun came out and spirits were high - looking forward to the
amazing views I'd heard so much about - it is incredible in the
majority. An hour in and just passing invergordon when the fun started
- spoke 1 going as I swerved a pot hole - I'd been here before and
didn't like it! Stopped at a garage asking for a bike shop- they told
me it was 7 miles back so I decided to bash on..........until 1 mile
later another went and the wheel buckled - so much that the wheel
wouldn't turn - que panic stations. Carried the bike half a mile back
to a pub where Despite walking in in full Lycra, camel toe the lot,
the lady was so helpful. She told me of a legendary local man in his
70's who is renowned for doing 50 miles a day on his bike - he used to
also have a repair shop 7 miles back. I tried calling his number but
it was disconnected, then tried the shop in his village and they
hadn't seen him so took a chance, left the bike at the pub, took the
back wheel and got a lift with a lady who had been lunching in the pub
and took me to his door. His name is Kenny Ross and I was in luck -
his original flying Scotsman roadbike was outside and he was in the
garden - I'd heard he was slightly eccentric and perhaps he is - but
he's first and foremost one of lifes true gentlemen. His garagehas
piles of tyres, bikes, frames and a 100 year old vice - which he
didn't hesitate clamping my shimano wheel into. He's a craftsman -
knows his stuff but he had me in stitches - he was looking for a spoke
nipple in a tin with about 200 in - all different shapes and sizes -
but every time he found one that didn't fit, he'd just put it back in
the tin........then pull the same one out again about 5 mins later.
Anyway - eventually we had two dodgy old spokes in and he'd managed to
straighten the wheel. Said my goodbyes and tried my hand at hitch
hiking for the first time - with no success after 20 minutes I called
a cab for £8. I got back on the road and all seemed to be ok - with 55
miles to go I pushed on - obviously a little too hard as sure enough
the spoke I got in Perth went. Sounds a boring story but for sure
living it was worse. I really thought it may be over at this stage -
so close as well - but I wasnin the middle of nowhere and getting
cold. So I steadied and kept going - 15 miles later another one went
- unbelievable. The last 3 hours were done at 12.5 mph, weight on the
front handle bars, no swerving and watching the pot holes - I made it
to Helmsdale at 9.45pm. Helmsdale is like something out of Monarch of
the glen - i hope to get some good pics tomorrow.
My bike is done - I can't take it any further as it's making some
horrible scraping noises - but luckily marie, who runs the hostel, has
offered me her bike tomorrow - and the trip is saved. Off at 7am - 55
miles - I need some good luck please
This email and any attachments may be confidential and/or subject to copyright or other intellectual property right protection. If you are not the intended recipient of the email, you are not permitted to use or disclose any information contained in the email or any attachments and we request you notify the sender and delete both the email and any attachments. Thank you.
Winterbotham Darby & Co Ltd
Wednesday 21 July 2010
all maps now uploaded for last 4 days
you can see the incline of yesteday over the top......leaving now to get breakfast in Inverness @ 9.30
Yesterday continued
The other morning excitement of yesterday was my wrong tern in Gretna,
which meant I never saw the Scotland sign but did have the pleasure
ofdoing a 4 mile stretch of the m74 hard shoulder - feeling a bit
exposed I managed to get off by jumping a fence and crossing a field
to the correct road. 5 minutes later a police car stopped me - they'd
had several reports of a random loan cyclist on the motorway - it's a
toughjob policing the dumfries and Galloway region!!
which meant I never saw the Scotland sign but did have the pleasure
ofdoing a 4 mile stretch of the m74 hard shoulder - feeling a bit
exposed I managed to get off by jumping a fence and crossing a field
to the correct road. 5 minutes later a police car stopped me - they'd
had several reports of a random loan cyclist on the motorway - it's a
toughjob policing the dumfries and Galloway region!!
So having finally got to south queensferry it was a real boost to have
an hour with family, some food and to offload some of the no longer
needed items - thermal top, pants, helmet, condom and t shirt - and
pick up the worlds best mums flapjack. 6pm was goodbyes and off to
dunkeld - still withsoft tyres and minus a spoke. Quick stop in
Kinross, home of t in the park, where I faced a moral dilema. Five 15
year old girls, wearing more make up than dame edna, shouted 'areet
pal, canyae buy us a 10 pack of regal king size?' - I didn't think she
should be smoking but on a second glance decided it might help to take
a few pounds off her so duly obliged-typical scot she short changed me
20p too.
With 13 miles to go to Perth I lost another spoke - and so decided to
stop in Perth to get repairs in the morning - my bro sorted me out a
treat and his friend rick was too kind- a pleasure to meet such
friendly and helpful people.
Woke up this morning to torrential rain - which even made the news.9am
went to the cycle shop - the chap there was apopleptic almost at my
stupidity for a: touring on a road bike and B: addingso much weight
with the trunk bag - he basically thought I was a tosser - so at least
I knew he was astute. Having worked my ass off to convince him I was
only 50% tossy he did get chattier and did an awesome job of fixing my
bike - making sure I bought some other essentials before I left:
tyre,waterproof shoe covers and some mini air cannisters for flats -
all these were absolute god sends today. On a sunny day i'm sure it's
a fantastic run from Pitlochry to aviemore - the scenery is
breathtaking and makes you feelvery small. The right knee isn't taking
too well to the cold - the first 30 mins after a stop are agony - but
I know something is always going to hurt. It's a good 40 miles
continuous uphill, into head wind and strong rain - on a flat section
the wind was so strong I was down to 1st gear. I saw a cyclist looking
particular Norwegian on his way towards me, I slowed up thinkinghe'd
want to regale tales - but he actually sped up past - oh well. Got a
puncture (that's 11 in 3 days) just as I reached the moorland summit
which is very open - I simply couldn't stop - it was dangerous up
there in terms of temperature - so I headed for a White building about
2 miles ahead which turned out to be a b&b where the kind lady let me
use her shed to repair - the air cannister is amazing - makes the tyre
120 psi immediately - though there's a reason one had a thermal wrap
around it - so it doesn't freeze your hand - of course I'd chosen the
one without. Pushed on down to Kingussie with dead hands making gear
change tricky, along some great cycle paths as to go on the a9 would
be suicide. Now in the aviemore hostel - Arrived 6.30 - it's great,
full of Europeans whose language I can't decipher yet they probably
think I can. It's amazing the people you meet in these places - I'm
thinking how on earth did you end up here - they have a very specific
way about them the euro's -all in the kitchen making their soups and
other crap food.
30 miles from Inverness here - which is at sea levelthankfully - with
next stop helmersdale - 95 miles and last stop before John O Groats -
nearly there.
Random thought recently are why / how did the kinks get on my iPod -
they suck big time - I think it was billo's suggestion. On the other
hand Stevie Wonder was awesome - I had this random picture in my mind
of him cycling with me, in the rain with his shades on..........it's
been a long day!
I've decided the Scottish should adopt the phrase 'if it's edible, fry
it' as their national slogan - sounds too stereotype but on asking
the aviemore chippy if they sold snickers bars was told 'nae love but
I can do you a fried mars bar'......
I'm currently gaining an insight into old age - the chamois cream has
a numbing antiseptic agent in it - and I keep getting it on Mr Frank
Johnson........well he is as dead as dead thing - essentially on
gardening leave - not that he's needed at present anyway.
I was thinking today as I was wet through and getting craggier by the
second, if I'd known every mile that lay ahead when I started and seen
it on video or something, would I have still done it. I really don't
think I would - but when the challenges come as surprises, you take on
that situation there and then - and worry about the next one as and
when. That also relates to asking for other peoples opinions on things
- I do this too much - and more often than not find the actuality
different to the suggestion. It's not about being ignorant but making
your own uninfluenced opinion as everyone's experience willbe different.
My iPhone camera is broken so no uploads and the space button is dodgy
- it's not that I cannae write proper
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Winterbotham Darby & Co Ltd
A tough 48 hours
8 am sat in Perth city centre and just glad to have got here - even if
it is pissing down outside.
So on Monday I left tarpoley, up through Warrington, Wigan, preston
and targeting Lancaster for lunch - until then it was all pretty
uneventful apart from 3 punctures and a gay lorry driver asking for my
number - horrible.
Got to Lancaster cafe Nero just as the heavens opened - you know it's
wet when even the cumbrians are moaning. It then rained for the entire
day - realised I was very underdressed with just a short sleeve
cycling jersey ( it had been blazing sun all morning). Picked up
another 2 inner tubes from the cycle shop and the guy did his beat to
sell me a 89£ waterproof - not buying it being a massive error - I got
soaked but it was more the cold - I 3had to work So hard to keep warm.
Got to Kendal, popping in a 3 mile hilly detour for no reason first
(aaah) then stopped at evans cycles, towelled, bought the rainproof
and had a coffee to pull myself together. I still had 45+ miles to go
- not far short of London to Brighton and more than Alnwick
To Newcastle. It was 6pm,I'd got warm and i had to dig deep to get
back on the bike. Just as well that I hadn't given too much
consideration to the climb out of Kendal up shap - it's a brute but I
really enjoyed getting stuck into it - I passed a jogle'r just at the
start of the climb who looked at me in bemusement - 2 miles and 1hr 15
later I knew why - it just keeps coming and is steep. Shame I couldn't
see any of the scenery as it's amazin around there. The rainproof is
amazing and the best piece of kit I've bought. Trudged to Penrith
enjoying a couple more flat tyres (the toys came out the pram here)
finally getting to Carlisle in the dark at 9.45pm - it was a tough old
day. Couldnt find the hostel so went to an ibis who rippd me off but i
had a bed. Unpacked the trunk bag to find everything sodden - and the
ibis is some sort of 'eco-hotel' so there's no radiators - I turned
every light on an covered them in clothes, took the duvet cover off to
stuff my shorts and cycling top with and dry them - iphone also got we
and died though managed to dry it on a light too. Ate a curry - bad
choice as it was full of MSG and crap and kept me up all night.
Woke up to a text from my Sis saying her, mum and tegan were going to
meet me in edinburgh -2pm seemed achievable and my target was
set.....I can't really describe the day so will use saliant points: 3
flat tyres, tyres constantly soft, lot of swearing, baron wilderness,
hills, hills, hills, head wind, massive strop. I have never ever and
never will work as hard as I did yesterday. I can only describe it
like gettingon the bike at the gym, chossing the level where it's hard
to move the pedals and doin that continuously for 8 hours-I was so
gone that when I stopped at a convenience store in linlithgow and
asked to girl how far to the forth road bridge - she said 40 miles -
and I nearly tore her arm off - poor girl.
Eventually met mum, jules and teegs at 4pm......so good to see them
and very emotional.
Got to dash now as need to get bike fixed and back on the road to
aviemore
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Winterbotham Darby & Co Ltd
it is pissing down outside.
So on Monday I left tarpoley, up through Warrington, Wigan, preston
and targeting Lancaster for lunch - until then it was all pretty
uneventful apart from 3 punctures and a gay lorry driver asking for my
number - horrible.
Got to Lancaster cafe Nero just as the heavens opened - you know it's
wet when even the cumbrians are moaning. It then rained for the entire
day - realised I was very underdressed with just a short sleeve
cycling jersey ( it had been blazing sun all morning). Picked up
another 2 inner tubes from the cycle shop and the guy did his beat to
sell me a 89£ waterproof - not buying it being a massive error - I got
soaked but it was more the cold - I 3had to work So hard to keep warm.
Got to Kendal, popping in a 3 mile hilly detour for no reason first
(aaah) then stopped at evans cycles, towelled, bought the rainproof
and had a coffee to pull myself together. I still had 45+ miles to go
- not far short of London to Brighton and more than Alnwick
To Newcastle. It was 6pm,I'd got warm and i had to dig deep to get
back on the bike. Just as well that I hadn't given too much
consideration to the climb out of Kendal up shap - it's a brute but I
really enjoyed getting stuck into it - I passed a jogle'r just at the
start of the climb who looked at me in bemusement - 2 miles and 1hr 15
later I knew why - it just keeps coming and is steep. Shame I couldn't
see any of the scenery as it's amazin around there. The rainproof is
amazing and the best piece of kit I've bought. Trudged to Penrith
enjoying a couple more flat tyres (the toys came out the pram here)
finally getting to Carlisle in the dark at 9.45pm - it was a tough old
day. Couldnt find the hostel so went to an ibis who rippd me off but i
had a bed. Unpacked the trunk bag to find everything sodden - and the
ibis is some sort of 'eco-hotel' so there's no radiators - I turned
every light on an covered them in clothes, took the duvet cover off to
stuff my shorts and cycling top with and dry them - iphone also got we
and died though managed to dry it on a light too. Ate a curry - bad
choice as it was full of MSG and crap and kept me up all night.
Woke up to a text from my Sis saying her, mum and tegan were going to
meet me in edinburgh -2pm seemed achievable and my target was
set.....I can't really describe the day so will use saliant points: 3
flat tyres, tyres constantly soft, lot of swearing, baron wilderness,
hills, hills, hills, head wind, massive strop. I have never ever and
never will work as hard as I did yesterday. I can only describe it
like gettingon the bike at the gym, chossing the level where it's hard
to move the pedals and doin that continuously for 8 hours-I was so
gone that when I stopped at a convenience store in linlithgow and
asked to girl how far to the forth road bridge - she said 40 miles -
and I nearly tore her arm off - poor girl.
Eventually met mum, jules and teegs at 4pm......so good to see them
and very emotional.
Got to dash now as need to get bike fixed and back on the road to
aviemore
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Winterbotham Darby & Co Ltd
Amazing scenery around Kendal.......if you could see it
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Winterbotham Darby & Co Ltd
The view climbing out of kendal over shap - never seen rain like it
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Winterbotham Darby & Co Ltd
Monday 19 July 2010
8.30 am - first puncture
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Winterbotham Darby & Co Ltd
Sunday 18 July 2010
Day 3 - 13.5 hours deep
Started at 7am from cheddar - planning breakfast in Bristol. Straight
into some climbs - redhill in particular opened the lungs - plus it
was raining so with no gloves it was like trying to hold a wet fish on
the handlebars. Great downhill into Bristol - to find it like a ghost
town - nothing open at all at 8.30 - and what was looked ropey so I
kept going in hope. When they filmed 'the road' they should have just
used the a38 from Bristol to Gloucester - bleak does not describe it -
shops shut down everywhere, holes in the road, derelict garages -
classic signs of a road that used to be the main route before the m5
was built parrallel. In the end had breakfast in Gloucester 50 miles
later at 10.30 (Gloucester is also a dump). At this stage it looke
like a long day - sore knees etc - then set off for Worcester after a
cafe Nero stop and the world changed - sun shone, energy back, road
flatter than a witches teet -I had the most enjoyable hour yet.
into some climbs - redhill in particular opened the lungs - plus it
was raining so with no gloves it was like trying to hold a wet fish on
the handlebars. Great downhill into Bristol - to find it like a ghost
town - nothing open at all at 8.30 - and what was looked ropey so I
kept going in hope. When they filmed 'the road' they should have just
used the a38 from Bristol to Gloucester - bleak does not describe it -
shops shut down everywhere, holes in the road, derelict garages -
classic signs of a road that used to be the main route before the m5
was built parrallel. In the end had breakfast in Gloucester 50 miles
later at 10.30 (Gloucester is also a dump). At this stage it looke
like a long day - sore knees etc - then set off for Worcester after a
cafe Nero stop and the world changed - sun shone, energy back, road
flatter than a witches teet -I had the most enjoyable hour yet.
My realisation was that the saying ' where the head goes the body will
follow' was so so true. By no means is this trip comparable, but they
talk of the guys in the tour de France as having not endurance, but
pain endurance - they are always 3 minutes from quitting, but they go
again for the next 3 and so on - it has to hurt - and accepting that
it will is half the battle I'm finding. But as soon as I felt happy,
everything stopped hurting. Quick stop in Worcester to try and buy the
elusive gloves (having already tried Gloucester) but everywhere shut -
in fact it seems outside London the UK literally shuts down on a Sunday.
Me and the gps fell out today - it just wouldn't pick up a route - so
reverted to iPhone - and set for Kidderminster -made it there just in
time as I boinked big time - dizzy, cold sweat - ate more in m&s than
I ever have - not sure the Lycra went down too well with the locals
though.
The a442 goes from Kidderminster to Telford and I wouldn't send my
worst enemy up there - very dangerous narrow road - and just for good
measure I tagged an unecessary 14 mile detour due to crap navigation.
On realising this I wasn't really bothered - mentally and physically
I'm feeling stronger by the mile - which has been a welcome surprise.
I'd read about the numb hands from riding on bumpy roads and the
pressure on the hands - the vibrations numb the nerves - a strange
feeling but I now know what they mean about lorry drivers getting
'diesel dick' - 79% are impotent - can't feel a thing.
Little things are real lifters - seeing other lejogers, realising I'm
now in the NORTH west, that I'll be in carslisle tomorrow which is a
stones throw from Scotland, the aches are no more and none of the
hills are to be feared.
also now know that 30% of my iPod is crap (u2 in particular have
had some shockers) but my singings coming on heaps.
3 new veins have appeared on my calves - if only my quads would get
bigger
Summary so far:
- 318 miles cycled
- 21000 calories burnt
- 175 miles done today
- 13.5 hours
No photos today - which says a lot.
Finished the day thinking how lucky michael jackson was - at least he
had one glove.
140 miles tomorrow
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Saturday 17 July 2010
Today's route
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Where i spent the first 2 hours today
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Last nights b and b host - some lad
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Day 2 - pain is temporary eh?
Started the day with an unwanted companion - Foo-kin Sohamstreeng -
and the bugger stayed with me pretty much all day. Ground it out on a
very busy a30 through launceston, past okehampton ( managed to hit 48
mph down a hill - well chuffed ) and onto Exeter. Foo-kin was really
getting in my head and slowing me down - I decided I'd rock up to
Exeter chiefs and try and blag some physio. The place was on lock down
so after wasting an hour and 4 miles trying find the place headed out
of town. Moral was very low here - constant pain the only thing I was
thinking - and th only way to relieve it was be up out the saddle -
uphill sections were suddenly a relief.
I met 2 lejogers and 1 jogler. First I met a man from Essex (I'm not
good with names so can't remeber any of the peoples I met shamefully)
- I felt for him - he was about to take on the hills I'd just done but
with the wind in his face - at least he's got his wife with him.
Second was a couple doin a tandem - they were from liverpool and very
friendly - not sure how much she was enjoying riding at the back
though. Sat here I would say this lady saved my day and maybe the ride
- a physio I told about the hamstring - and straight away she
suggested lowering the seat. Within 10 mins the pain had pretty much
gone - helped a little by nurofen - but it made the last 2 hours a lot
of fun. Lastly was a pair of oldish Scotsmen - they weren't keen to
talk - last I heard was them shouting at each other for a wrong turn.
and the bugger stayed with me pretty much all day. Ground it out on a
very busy a30 through launceston, past okehampton ( managed to hit 48
mph down a hill - well chuffed ) and onto Exeter. Foo-kin was really
getting in my head and slowing me down - I decided I'd rock up to
Exeter chiefs and try and blag some physio. The place was on lock down
so after wasting an hour and 4 miles trying find the place headed out
of town. Moral was very low here - constant pain the only thing I was
thinking - and th only way to relieve it was be up out the saddle -
uphill sections were suddenly a relief.
I met 2 lejogers and 1 jogler. First I met a man from Essex (I'm not
good with names so can't remeber any of the peoples I met shamefully)
- I felt for him - he was about to take on the hills I'd just done but
with the wind in his face - at least he's got his wife with him.
Second was a couple doin a tandem - they were from liverpool and very
friendly - not sure how much she was enjoying riding at the back
though. Sat here I would say this lady saved my day and maybe the ride
- a physio I told about the hamstring - and straight away she
suggested lowering the seat. Within 10 mins the pain had pretty much
gone - helped a little by nurofen - but it made the last 2 hours a lot
of fun. Lastly was a pair of oldish Scotsmen - they weren't keen to
talk - last I heard was them shouting at each other for a wrong turn.
Had a pasty for lunch on a bench ina village 20 miles out of Exeter. A
sweet 90 yr old lady joine me and renewed my faith in old age - she
Was completely switched on - and I learnt more about the earl of bath
than I ever thought I would. She's probably walking around the village
now with a new pair of fingerless cycling gloves on - as I left the
bloody things on the bench.
With the hamstring sorted, sun on my back and a few cheeky waves from
the girls of the villages spirits were up and the day finished well -
I'm actually looking forward to 150 miles tomorrow - it's 22 miles to
Bristol so aiming to get there for a pret coffee at 8.30 - incentive
set.
Randomness:
- Chav's are bloody everywhere - and particularly rife in rural towns
- just seen a full family from 14 yr old kids to grandad stumbling
about pissed.
- Most interesting road kill - a decapitated rat
- obesity is a severe problem in Devon
- hostels attract strange people
- horse flies hurt when they fly into your forehead
Time to hit the cheddar night life ....... Dear god
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Friday 16 July 2010
And the wind blows.......
Good train ride down - met a fella called neil on his way to do a
triathlon so we chatte for a while ( good luck in Fiji neil ) reached
our destination and knew we were in depeest Cornwall when I handed the
iPhone to the taxi driver askin him to take a picture and he managed
to turn it off - bless him he was a really decent bloke just he
couldn't drive for shit. I can only alikeb my feeling on the 9 mile
drive to LE as the same as before a rugby match - a bit narky /
nervous - basically wanting to ge on with it. Quick picture at the
sign, got the form signed and set off at 3.43pm. Amazing sunshine made
it postcard stuff - but I wasn't hanging about. I couldn't believe how
the wind literally carried me out of LE an continued to for the next
14 miles - up hills / down hills it was amazing and I count myself
very lucky - also sunny enough to cycle sans top - the tans coming on.
The road surface is pretty good on the a30 - road kill aside. Arrived
at the three quoins at 7.35 - garmin sent me on a random but scenic
route here - I literally could have been in ingram valley. Room is
ideal - sausage and mash for tea. Highlights / thoughts of the day:
- putting my first load of chamois cream on afte 14 miles - it works!!
- using my lowest gear already...... And I don't even think this is
the hilly part
- hitting 43 MPH
- catseyes and drains were created by the devil
- seeing people on the other side of the rode nearly completing their
Jogle, saluting each other and already feeling part of something
- realising that a rucksack was a rubbish idea and that it now has a
new home as it's not coming with me any further
- there's a sport in Cornwall, and in particular on the a30, enjoyed
by the majorityof motorists but in particular hgv drivers called '
drive as close to the cyclistas possible' . Thanks
- strong crosswinds make cycling at speed interesting
- enjoying an awesomely smooth 5 mile stretch of Tarmac, nearly
pushing and not dropping below 30
- wondering why I've got condoms in my rucksack - hardly lejog essential
- appreciating how wild and isolate it is down here
triathlon so we chatte for a while ( good luck in Fiji neil ) reached
our destination and knew we were in depeest Cornwall when I handed the
iPhone to the taxi driver askin him to take a picture and he managed
to turn it off - bless him he was a really decent bloke just he
couldn't drive for shit. I can only alikeb my feeling on the 9 mile
drive to LE as the same as before a rugby match - a bit narky /
nervous - basically wanting to ge on with it. Quick picture at the
sign, got the form signed and set off at 3.43pm. Amazing sunshine made
it postcard stuff - but I wasn't hanging about. I couldn't believe how
the wind literally carried me out of LE an continued to for the next
14 miles - up hills / down hills it was amazing and I count myself
very lucky - also sunny enough to cycle sans top - the tans coming on.
The road surface is pretty good on the a30 - road kill aside. Arrived
at the three quoins at 7.35 - garmin sent me on a random but scenic
route here - I literally could have been in ingram valley. Room is
ideal - sausage and mash for tea. Highlights / thoughts of the day:
- putting my first load of chamois cream on afte 14 miles - it works!!
- using my lowest gear already...... And I don't even think this is
the hilly part
- hitting 43 MPH
- catseyes and drains were created by the devil
- seeing people on the other side of the rode nearly completing their
Jogle, saluting each other and already feeling part of something
- realising that a rucksack was a rubbish idea and that it now has a
new home as it's not coming with me any further
- there's a sport in Cornwall, and in particular on the a30, enjoyed
by the majorityof motorists but in particular hgv drivers called '
drive as close to the cyclistas possible' . Thanks
- strong crosswinds make cycling at speed interesting
- enjoying an awesomely smooth 5 mile stretch of Tarmac, nearly
pushing and not dropping below 30
- wondering why I've got condoms in my rucksack - hardly lejog essential
- appreciating how wild and isolate it is down here
And that was day 1 - 86 miles done, feeling good though I know my legs
will kill tomorrow. A rainbow marked the end of my first day - very
uplifting - and I only got rained on for 5 minutes total
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The 8.06 to newquay
GraemeStandard tourist photo - coffee and muffins for brekkie. You're in for
a treat if you're going to Newquay 7's this weekend - there was a
group of essex finest boarding just before me......they're an
incredible species - they all look the same whether 16 or 60.
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Paddington - just
GraemeIt wouldn't be London if I wasn't rushing my arse off running late -
ended up doing a time trial through Hyde park to make it - not without
the usual two fingered salute to a bus driver
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Thursday 15 July 2010
The final countdown
Quick gym session with Colin last night - then trying to avoid getting soaked through. I had genuinely created a niaive picture in my mind over the first 2 weeks of preparation (its only 3 since i decided to do it so the heedy tmeperatures effected my thoughts) that i'd be cruising around the country, top off, developing a deep mahogany tan............its dawned on me now and I am deesperately scrambling to get a quality rainproof top from Nike (by way of a friend who works there of course).
I've been surprised how much i'm thinking about Friday - not necessarily a bad thing as i feel i'm now going in with my eyes open ready for some battles - mental and physical. Some light distraction was welcome last night - adopting the role of Gok Wan to flatmate James - who has a business golf day today and was worried about getting the chino's and blazer look right.......that look is never great so its making the best of a bad job i say. In the end he was fit for the Hamptons.
Was very excited on the way to work today - partly because i've handed my notice in and that's lifted a weight from my mind - i am now fully commited to my own business start up - while i just cant wait to get started on the trip.
Last things today - get some Chamois cream (the Assos shorts are amazing BTW) and fine tune the ipod. There's everything from 'Reef-Consideration' through to BYOB by System of a Down for when i hit the hills. I also definitely need to delete some 'Our Songs' from girlfriends past - can you imagine them coming on just as i hit a hill in my 9th hour in the saddle...........
I've been surprised how much i'm thinking about Friday - not necessarily a bad thing as i feel i'm now going in with my eyes open ready for some battles - mental and physical. Some light distraction was welcome last night - adopting the role of Gok Wan to flatmate James - who has a business golf day today and was worried about getting the chino's and blazer look right.......that look is never great so its making the best of a bad job i say. In the end he was fit for the Hamptons.
Was very excited on the way to work today - partly because i've handed my notice in and that's lifted a weight from my mind - i am now fully commited to my own business start up - while i just cant wait to get started on the trip.
Last things today - get some Chamois cream (the Assos shorts are amazing BTW) and fine tune the ipod. There's everything from 'Reef-Consideration' through to BYOB by System of a Down for when i hit the hills. I also definitely need to delete some 'Our Songs' from girlfriends past - can you imagine them coming on just as i hit a hill in my 9th hour in the saddle...........
On the way into work....
I'd say this chap is missing a trick........what about all the 95 year
olds who want to do squats an bench press heh!!
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Wednesday 14 July 2010
The final kit
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My fuel for the week
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Fridays Plan - getting to the start
My agenda for Friday is as follows:
8am Cycle to London Paddington
9.06am train to Penzance
2.45pm Arrive Penzance, cycle 9 miles to Lands End, take picture, checkl kit
3.45pm Set off on LeJog - today i'm doing 83 miles so hopefully get to the B&B for a late dinner
8am Cycle to London Paddington
9.06am train to Penzance
2.45pm Arrive Penzance, cycle 9 miles to Lands End, take picture, checkl kit
3.45pm Set off on LeJog - today i'm doing 83 miles so hopefully get to the B&B for a late dinner
Tuesday 13 July 2010
doing my best to ruin it
had a bad 24 hours on Monday - and this is not moaning but a 'note to self' of how not to prepare in future. Really didn't sleep much Sunday night and don't think I've ever been as tired as Monday - so much that i nodded off while driving on the M25......really not clever. I then had a horrendous day in terms of diet - eating all the wrong things - kfc included - yet convincing myself I'd burn it off in a week anyway - in the words of the great band maximo park - ''i fill my body with things that i don't need, until i sink to the bottom'' - and i hit rock bottom today. Went to meet Paul to pick up the Garmin Edge 705 - and i was so glad i did - not just to get the garmin, but also as he had some very worthy advice. Those lonely hours trudging away on my own are when i hope to see what i'm about - and the advice to accept whatever emotion it is i'm feeling - and take it as part of the process i'm sure will help me.
HALT = the situation when anyone is most likely to make irrational or incorrect decisions - and this is when you are
Hungry
Angry
Lonely or
Tired
there's a high chance i'm going to feel all these at once so should be interesting!!!
A big reason for doing this is to test myself mentally - physically barring injury i cant see any reason i wont do it.......though i've done my best to pick one of those up too - going too hard at rugby training on an ankle which has not been right for 14 weeks - and turning it in the process - it does not feel particularly good today - but there's no way i'm not going so will just have to man up - ice all the way.
Managed to load up all my maps - my shorts and protein should arrive tomorrow (thank you Ross Samson for sending the maximuscle too), so bar a little trial run fully loaded there really isn't much more to prepare - some added energy wouldn't go amiss - but i'm hoping a good nights sleep will help.
I've been thinking a lot about the fact i'm not doing this for charity - and whether that is correct - i mean i could probably raise some decent money for a good cause. Ultimately however i left it too late and didnt want to be scrambling around begging friends and family for sponsorship - i also havent told anyone i'm doing this. I feel such activities are things that anyone can and should be able to do (again injury / illness permitting) so i dont really see it as a great feat and one that people should feel obliged to give their money to. As a nation we should all be fit enough to complete a marathon, swim, cycle etc. British health is in decline, obesity is up and heading for American standards - none of us want that.. If i was going to beat the world record time of 44 hours then perhaps i'd ask for money- but i'm not - i'm going to do something many have before and many will after.
I will dedicate this ride to Ali Johnson - a great man i played rugby with and whom tragically died when we hit a scrum and he snapped his spinal cord. Ali was hard as nails, powerful, determined but most of all just an amazingly good bloke. He said to me only days after the incident he would be back on the pitch tomorrow if he could - and for me his attitude was spot on. If i can summon half the strength of Ali i'll be happy.
HALT = the situation when anyone is most likely to make irrational or incorrect decisions - and this is when you are
Hungry
Angry
Lonely or
Tired
there's a high chance i'm going to feel all these at once so should be interesting!!!
A big reason for doing this is to test myself mentally - physically barring injury i cant see any reason i wont do it.......though i've done my best to pick one of those up too - going too hard at rugby training on an ankle which has not been right for 14 weeks - and turning it in the process - it does not feel particularly good today - but there's no way i'm not going so will just have to man up - ice all the way.
Managed to load up all my maps - my shorts and protein should arrive tomorrow (thank you Ross Samson for sending the maximuscle too), so bar a little trial run fully loaded there really isn't much more to prepare - some added energy wouldn't go amiss - but i'm hoping a good nights sleep will help.
I've been thinking a lot about the fact i'm not doing this for charity - and whether that is correct - i mean i could probably raise some decent money for a good cause. Ultimately however i left it too late and didnt want to be scrambling around begging friends and family for sponsorship - i also havent told anyone i'm doing this. I feel such activities are things that anyone can and should be able to do (again injury / illness permitting) so i dont really see it as a great feat and one that people should feel obliged to give their money to. As a nation we should all be fit enough to complete a marathon, swim, cycle etc. British health is in decline, obesity is up and heading for American standards - none of us want that.. If i was going to beat the world record time of 44 hours then perhaps i'd ask for money- but i'm not - i'm going to do something many have before and many will after.
I will dedicate this ride to Ali Johnson - a great man i played rugby with and whom tragically died when we hit a scrum and he snapped his spinal cord. Ali was hard as nails, powerful, determined but most of all just an amazingly good bloke. He said to me only days after the incident he would be back on the pitch tomorrow if he could - and for me his attitude was spot on. If i can summon half the strength of Ali i'll be happy.
Sunday 11 July 2010
Kit
Here is what I am taking - as little as possible and as I go i'll be binning some of it:
Bike: BMC StreetFire 2009 Aluminium frame / carbon forks 21'', Shimano 105 Group Set
Luggage: Topeak MTX trunk bag, Canterbury boot bag, Specialised saddle bag
Tools Topeak puncture repair kit, 3 x Giant inner tubes, Pocket Rocket masterblaster pump, Allen Keys, 2 x water bottles
Clothing Specialised Helmet, Diadora Carbon sole racing shoes, 3 x socks, Assos f1 Uno S5 shorts, dhb cycling shorts,3 x boxer shorts, Oakley short sleeve jersey, Underarmour long sleeve thermal, Altura sleeveless gilet, Stash thermal leggings, 2 x casual t-shirts, Sugoi fingerless gloves, tracksuit pants, Cap, Chamois small towel
Health Toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, moisturiser, deodorant, Chamois cream, ibuprofen
Food 12 x Zipvit Energy bars
Bike: BMC StreetFire 2009 Aluminium frame / carbon forks 21'', Shimano 105 Group Set
Luggage: Topeak MTX trunk bag, Canterbury boot bag, Specialised saddle bag
Tools Topeak puncture repair kit, 3 x Giant inner tubes, Pocket Rocket masterblaster pump, Allen Keys, 2 x water bottles
Clothing Specialised Helmet, Diadora Carbon sole racing shoes, 3 x socks, Assos f1 Uno S5 shorts, dhb cycling shorts,3 x boxer shorts, Oakley short sleeve jersey, Underarmour long sleeve thermal, Altura sleeveless gilet, Stash thermal leggings, 2 x casual t-shirts, Sugoi fingerless gloves, tracksuit pants, Cap, Chamois small towel
Health Toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, moisturiser, deodorant, Chamois cream, ibuprofen
Food 12 x Zipvit Energy bars
Weekend training
Friday was Bikram Yoga at 7.15pm - had the best class i've ever done which i take as a good omen - my flexibility particularly in the hamstrings was better than ever which surprised me given the cycling work of late. ta day off given saturday was going to be anything but. 8am rise then cycle 8 miles to teh rugby club for training @ 9am. after a couple of minutes warm up I go as hard as possible - which is always tiring as its into head wind all the way. Training is brutal - 1 hour non stop - 30 guys crammed into the gym all throwing weights about. Really good atmosphere and a break from the norm of clapham junction fitness first. Then 10.15 to 11.30 is fitness and skills - again very competitive and hard work but the benefits are being felt - everyone looks in good condition leadin into the season. The trade off at the minute is i need to continue adding size ready for rugby, but am slightly reluctant to increase the weight i am taking on LeJog. Its then the return cycle home, stopping at the gym for 40 mins further weights and home. a good 4 hours excercise all in. Went to a friends engagement party where i met someone whom randomly said they were setting off on their LeJog this Monday - we shared stories and planned to stay in touch en route - again the subject of shorts came up and he without flinching told me of the £100+ he had spent...........
Sunday - well after undoing all the hard work of yesterday by drinking last night..........i managed to get on the bike for a good 3 hour spin with Andy. Very hot day again and slightly dehydrated to say the least. Got home and bought some Assos CYcling shorts @ £115 - money well spent i've told myself. Final weekend activity to buy some Zipvit energy bars and we're there.
Sunday - well after undoing all the hard work of yesterday by drinking last night..........i managed to get on the bike for a good 3 hour spin with Andy. Very hot day again and slightly dehydrated to say the least. Got home and bought some Assos CYcling shorts @ £115 - money well spent i've told myself. Final weekend activity to buy some Zipvit energy bars and we're there.
Friday 9 July 2010
Lejog Kit test pack - a success
Having taken the plunge on the Topeak RX Quick release beam rack @ £32.99 & Topeak MTX Trunk Bag @ £42.99 today in Evans cycles (who offer online price matches so I saved £5 referencing wiggle) I was keen to see if my 'things to take' would fit. First slight concern is that with the rubber protectors in the rack clamp, it is not wide enough to fit around my seat stem - so i've taken one protector out and its fine - appreciating it will probably scratch the stem to pieces. I managed to fit in:
3 x underpants, 3 times cycling socks, wind gillet, long sleeve base layer, cycling jersey, 1 x casual t shirt, casual shorts, Skins, 3 x inner tubes, toothpaste, toothbrush, lip balm, moisturiser, sun cream, deodorant. i then stuffed my sunglasses in the top mesh, gloves in the side compartment and strap my flipflops on top. It was bursting at the seams - and i would be travelling very minimal with only this kit (i have a small saddle bag with my phone, camera, puncture kit, allenn keys and wallet in). So i've bunjy cord strapped my Canterbury boot bag to the top which will take a towel, tracksuits bottoms, plasters and protein bars etc - it'll also take the pressure off the trunk bag. I can then strap my helmet to the top of that when not needed. Ill add a picture of how it looks soon - all this does make the bike very light on the front though!
3 x underpants, 3 times cycling socks, wind gillet, long sleeve base layer, cycling jersey, 1 x casual t shirt, casual shorts, Skins, 3 x inner tubes, toothpaste, toothbrush, lip balm, moisturiser, sun cream, deodorant. i then stuffed my sunglasses in the top mesh, gloves in the side compartment and strap my flipflops on top. It was bursting at the seams - and i would be travelling very minimal with only this kit (i have a small saddle bag with my phone, camera, puncture kit, allenn keys and wallet in). So i've bunjy cord strapped my Canterbury boot bag to the top which will take a towel, tracksuits bottoms, plasters and protein bars etc - it'll also take the pressure off the trunk bag. I can then strap my helmet to the top of that when not needed. Ill add a picture of how it looks soon - all this does make the bike very light on the front though!
Thursday 8 July 2010
A week to go
Above: what my colleagues have seen pretty much every morning for the last 2 weeks..........there's always something else needed!I hope I'm opening The paper to the same news for the next 2 weeks - not that the mad gunman is still at large only a couple of miles from my parents house - I'd prefer if that was sorted out soon - but that the temperature is set to be 32 degrees this weekend. I'm realistic though that whatever we're fortunate to have in the south east, Scotland will still feel obliged to throw me a few showers when up there. My thought at present is if it gets cold up there, just cycle harder - I don't want to take lots of kit. On the subject of kit, and after doing an 80km charity ride yesterday, that wearing a rucksack would be a mistake. Just that little added weight on my back is going to cause problems, plus when sweating my back will be cold.
When I said to Andrew, whom I now live with and James his brother, that we should do this, niaivity on my part made me think I could literally book some accomodation, get on a train and arrive back in London 7 days later with the same shirt on my back and maybe £200 deep.........well it may have been possible if I wasn't getting very solid but albeit costly advice from andy and jimmy. In my enthusiasm I was straight on wiggle.co.uk and had bought new gloves, socks, shorts, top, gillet, helmet, handlebar grips, rucksack - as what I saw essentials. Then the chat about shorts with andy - mine cost £27 - when convincingly he told me I HAD to spend about £100 if I wanted to enjoy the ride and ever have children............
To replace the rucksack idea (i now have one for sale at a very good price and definitely never worn - see image below) I'm going with a Topeak MTX trunk bag without side Panniers and a straight stem - picture to follow. All in this is £80 - money well spent i hope.
Just to mention yesterdays charity ride, in aid of prostate cancer and caravan, we rode from Margate to Rochester - one leg of the round the British coast tour the core group are doing until September 5th - a great effort. As it happens the date of my return cycle from Wick to Inverness train station mean I should pass them on the road - that would be great. A pleasure to meet and cycle with Paul Ugo yesterday - a man with excellent taste in roadbikes - and a very generous man to boot. On seeing his brand new Garmin 705 I took liberty of asking if I could hire it - he said yes and a huge weight off my mind. Nowi know cycling traditionalists would slightly scoff at the use of such technology, but in setting a fairly tight schedule and riding solo the last thing I need is a couple of 17k detours. I'll list my planned route later.
When I said to Andrew, whom I now live with and James his brother, that we should do this, niaivity on my part made me think I could literally book some accomodation, get on a train and arrive back in London 7 days later with the same shirt on my back and maybe £200 deep.........well it may have been possible if I wasn't getting very solid but albeit costly advice from andy and jimmy. In my enthusiasm I was straight on wiggle.co.uk and had bought new gloves, socks, shorts, top, gillet, helmet, handlebar grips, rucksack - as what I saw essentials. Then the chat about shorts with andy - mine cost £27 - when convincingly he told me I HAD to spend about £100 if I wanted to enjoy the ride and ever have children............
To replace the rucksack idea (i now have one for sale at a very good price and definitely never worn - see image below) I'm going with a Topeak MTX trunk bag without side Panniers and a straight stem - picture to follow. All in this is £80 - money well spent i hope.
Just to mention yesterdays charity ride, in aid of prostate cancer and caravan, we rode from Margate to Rochester - one leg of the round the British coast tour the core group are doing until September 5th - a great effort. As it happens the date of my return cycle from Wick to Inverness train station mean I should pass them on the road - that would be great. A pleasure to meet and cycle with Paul Ugo yesterday - a man with excellent taste in roadbikes - and a very generous man to boot. On seeing his brand new Garmin 705 I took liberty of asking if I could hire it - he said yes and a huge weight off my mind. Nowi know cycling traditionalists would slightly scoff at the use of such technology, but in setting a fairly tight schedule and riding solo the last thing I need is a couple of 17k detours. I'll list my planned route later.
Quick word on Le Tour de France - Awesome for Mark Cavendish yesterday and an inspiration to see the HTC team working so hard for him to get the win - good to see the emotion from him - he's not everyone's type but he's determined. Team sports have always been my thing - i think you cant top winning ith others. So this individual challenge will be a break from the norm but one that i need to do to find out a bit about myself.
For now it's into the office, a bowl of the worlds best special k - my/your rucksack has arrived - any takers?!
For now it's into the office, a bowl of the worlds best special k - my/your rucksack has arrived - any takers?!
Tuesday 6 July 2010
Time to find out a bit more
So, I've decided to go for a cycle - and in a warm July seems the perfect time - even more perfect as I'm sat here now in my car, in London, stationary traffic all around and I'm reaching the 98th minute of my 17 mile commute. On my bike this takes 40 minutes - and there in lies a small part of the reason I'm doing lands end to john o groats - starting Friday 16th July. Why am I driving then? The £120 parking fine I got last night made me think twice about leaving it parked where it was - the joys of London. But enough - I'm not moaning - just highlightijng the irony of our reliance on vehicles in every day life.
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