Reflecting on LEJOG

A week later…

One week on and unsuccessfully trying to lower my calorie intake back to a normal level, I thought that I would reflect on the whole experience. What have I learned?
– in no particular order…

1. It was tough – particularly the first few days. It does get easier due to a combination of leaving Cornwall behind and your body getting used to what it is being asked to do. I also found my mental attitude changing – no longer trying to “beat the miles” more cycling with them, going fast when I could, happy to just keep the pedals turning on hills.

2. This wasn’t a cycling holiday. On many levels I knew this – the trip was about challenge, the daily mileage ensured this. However, a small part of me was looking forward to seeing the countryside from the freedom of a bike. Hah! That part of me was living in dreamland. Everyday was about the challenge of getting through the miles. If you want a nice cycle touring holiday, my route would be excellent if you did it over 18+ days. Cornwall should be done over two days. Actually sod it – take 3!

3. The Satmap active 10 GPS is fab! It didn’t let me down at all – I always knew where I was and the battery power was pretty good – it went flat on route on only my longest day – it had been on for about 13 hours though. GEEK alert - if anyone wants the GPS files, I am happy to email them.

4. Udder cream works – not at all saddle sore. Although the application of this product is something best done in private and feels decidedly odd.

5. Ibuprofen works. The picture shows my ankle after I stopped taking the tablets (and cycling) on Thursday. The injury was already a week old – the swelling wasn’t. Sorry about the feet

6. The road less travelled – certainly the cycle paths and quiet lanes took me away from traffic and on to picturesque locations. It did also ensure that for the most part I didn’t see any other LEJOGers on route (at least until Scotland) – it may have been nice to have cycled with someone else for a while.

7. Kit – I carried far more than was necessary. There was certainly stuff that I didn’t need and indeed I posted a fair amount home. I still think that having a support vehicle would make continuing on harder when the going gets tough.

8. The “Work division game” – for those of you not familiar with Terry Pratchett – you do find yourself occupying your time on the bike working out milestones e.g. 1 more mile and I’ll be a third of the distance, which will take another 5 minutes, so just another 4.5 hours and I’ll finish. The constant re-calculations during the day become part of the cycling ritual.

9. Cake is a dangerous addiction when you stop cycling.

10. Youth Hostels – if you haven’t used them before or for a long time, then they get my recommendation. If you’re travelling alone, you don’t feel like you are still alone in the evenings (particularly true of the small hostels – Slaidburn was my personal favourite and Helmsdale is an overlooked gem). If there’s a family/group of you they do family /ensuite rooms. Some of them are just fab and cheap! Many of them you can rent out the whole hostel out of season.

11. Would I do it again? The most important question. Well yes has to be the answer, but cycle with a friend – preferably one who is almost as good as you at cycling. Fast enough to keep up the pace, but you have the lift of seeing them struggle slightly more than you. Maybe take more time – 100 miles means the whole day on the road. 80 would give you more time to have a look around during the day. You could also travel lighter with two of you. So I may well do this again in another 15 years if the kids want to do it. (or maybe a different challenge a little bit sooner - sshhh don't tell Tracy…)

lejog day 10

Helmsdale to John O Groats

Today I was mostly regretting the wine last night...
Got a bit too relaxed last night – nice hostel, good company, bottle of wine – kind of forgetting that I still had over 80 miles to do.
30 mins into today I had sweated out the alcohol from the night before – a few hills around 13% does that to you. Mind you I enjoyed the downhill – check out the max speed.

I took a detour north to Dunnet Head – the most northerly point of mainland UK. Guess what’s there – the most northerly point of mainland UK. That’s it.

Continued on to John O Groats. I arrived in the rain to no fanfare whatsoever. I noticed that for some reason everything around JOG smelt of broad beans. I had my picture taken by a funny little man at the signpost. He had a sweatshirt with JOG official photographer written on it – presumably so that he knew who he was and what he was there for. Hurray for care in the community.

After a coffee and the last cake of the trip (Chelsea bun) I headed off back to Wick.
I ran into Andy and Sunny on the road back – they had 6 miles to go. Chatted for a bit, all in good spirits, before passing on our separate ways. You should check out their blog – it’s so funny.

http://endtoend3peaks.blogspot.com

The B + B that I’m in is fantastic. My bike is now in pieces and packed away ready for the flight home, I’ve been out and had a curry and a few beers – I hope that I earned them.

Day 10 – 86 miles covered Average speed - 11.9mph Max speed – 43mph
Ride time 7h12 Total mileage – 1009 miles
State of mind – Job done and really looking forward to seeing the family tomorrow

Lejog Day 9

Loch Ness to Helmsdale

Today I was mostly following the kerb of the A9...

Kind of cool start to the day – got up, packed and made breakfast before anyone else in the Hostel had stirred. Nice view from the hostel.


Left at 8 o’clock and had a nice ride along the shore of Loch Ness (no monster sightings) before heading off to Beuley – up a 15% hill, which came as a shock to my body after 2 days without anything so steep. Continued through Dingwall (banoffee pie), then on the A9 – a long and boring road, with the wind working mostly against me. Stopped at a cafe to continue my investigation of all things cake related – a hazelnut and strawberry Pavlova. Passed the Glenmorangie distillery, which may have been interesting if it wasn’t for the fact that whiskey and I are like Clark Kent and superman - we cannot be in the same place at the same time. If I drink whiskey, it comes straight back out of my nose. If Campbell was still around, I am sure that he would have wanted a sample (of the whiskey, not my nasal contents).

I eventually reached the firth of Dornoch and my first sign to John O’Groats.





Crossing the bridge, there was a massive crosswind and motorists suddenly seemed to start driving like nutters – not sure if it is a local custom or something, but consideration to cyclists suddenly seemed out of vogue. I finally reached Helmsdale – a strange little village where there seem to be more pubs than houses. Helmsdale hostel is lovely – an old school gym converted in the 1960s. Very sociable, with both the residents and staff being really chatty.
I am looking forward to finishing tomorrow, but I am concerned about going cold turkey from my cakes...








Day 9 – 93 miles covered Average speed - 11.8mph Max speed – 38mph
Ride time 7h50 Total mileage – 923 miles
State of mind – looking forward to tomorrow

Lejog day 8

Loch Lomond to Loch Ness

Today I was mostly eating like a Hobbit...

Boy I've stayed in some slums in my time...



I started early today – 6am yet still had time for breakfast of toast and a Snickers bar. I cycled around Loch Lomond which was so pretty.



I met Andy and Sunni on the road again and chatted for a while. They were saying how vulnerable they felt riding on the road last night – they didn’t know about the cycle path! They were to climb Ben Nevis that afternoon. You can follow their madder than a bucket of frogs adventure on http://endtoend3peaks.blogspot.com/.

I stopped on the climb up to rhannoch moor at the Green Welly stop. Had second breakfast of cake and Danish.

Rhannoch moor and Glen Coe were also beautiful. Stopped for pre-lunch of a sandwich which I had bought. I was on a mission to get to Ballaculish to meet Jenny and Mark at 1pm. I got there early at 12.30 and had coffee and cake (do you see where this is going?). I had managed to cover 70 miles in about 5 hours of riding.
It was fantastic to see Jenny and Mark – it gave me a real lift to see them. We had a chat for about half an hour about my trip and their holiday plans before I needed to be on my way.

I continued on through fort William (subway sandwich – proper lunch?) and onto the Caledonian Canal. This part of the ride was also lovely – it was nice to be on the great glen way rather than the A82. Onwards and upwards (more subway and a snickers)

I started to see a few midges. Simon, a cyclist that I met in the hostel in Leominster had asked me what I planned to do about the midges, before telling me about Avon soft and simple, which the army use. Apparently it stops them biting. He then told me that you can’t get it, but he had some. So to recap – he told me about a problem, then the solution, but you can’t do that, and I’m alright – thanks mate! Or am I analysing general chat too deeply?
I told him that I was planning on letting the midges bite me. They don’t seem interested. Perhaps they don’t want a high sugar diet from feasting on the blood of this cake-loving English hobbit. Can midges get diabetes?

Day 8 – 125 miles covered Average speed - 12.3mph Max speed – 30mph
Ride time 10h04 Total mileage – 830 miles State of mind – very relaxed

Lejog - Day 7

Lockerbie to Loch Lomond

Today I was mostly cycling into the wind...

I started late today - 9am, as it was only 99 miles and mostly flat- it meant that I could sleep in a bit and stayed at the hotel for breakfast. I spent the first part of the day alongside the motorway on an old B road. It was mostly deserted, but someone had taken the trouble to paint a cycle lane on it. Seriously, I was lucky if a car passed me every 20 mins - it felt like my road. Actually it was my road. It didn't need a cycle lane - it should have a car lane instead. And they should ask my permission to use it.

The road had a gentle climb until it became moorland at 1000ft. It was very bleak and felt strangely remote despite being next to the motorway. The westerly wind was hampering progress, but I soldiered on.

My headphones finally died completely - I had been using only one earpiece for the past couple of days. I had bought a new pair in Penrith, but being the lanyard type, the wires were too short to have the player in my pocket. I sat in the motorway services pondering this problem. Hey presto, one coin bag from the guy at the till and a plastic spoon and I had a functioning holder for my MP3 player. I can't tell you how chuffed I was - small things I suppose...

I met a couple of young end to enders on road bikes - Sunni and Andy. These lads were also riding for 10 days, but were also climbing the 3 peaks on route. It just goes to show that however big and difficult that you think your challenge is, there is always someone trying something harder. They are due to finish on weds too - and I hope to catch up with them at John O Groats.

I cycled passed the Tunnocks bakery today. Some of you may know how I feel about their teacakes - my fuel for D of E weekends.

I rode through Glasgow along the Clyde - a nice route, except when there is a westerly wind, which was by now seriously hacking me off. You can see where the money runs out as plush new developments give way to concrete blocks of flats. At the same time the landscaped waterfronts becomes a disused railway, strewn with broken glass. Guys hang around them like a scene from the alley in "King of the Hill", only with Pigeon lofts. I decided to stick to the A roads then, it was Sunday and traffic was light.

I rejoined the cycle route as it began to follow the canal - very pretty. Stuck with this all the way to Loch Lomond. I arrived at about 6.30 feeling unexpectedly tired - it's surprising what a headwind can do to a seemingly easy day. I made tea in the communal kitchen - cheese on toast with beans, which to be frank seemed like a massive effort. I ghosted around the kitchen, probably looking very confused. I felt the type of detachment from the world that you only get when you are truly tired. 3 days left!

Day 7 - 99 miles covered Average speed - 12.2mph
Max speed - 30mph Ride time - 8h03
Total mileage - 705 miles State of mind - a bit spaced out

Lejog day 6

Slaidburn to Lockerbie

Today I was needlessly worried and have eaten too much flapjack

I started early at 6.15 on an overcast day, with the constant threat of rain. Started so early as not only was this one of the longest days, it also had the most climbs – over 7000ft, mostly in the morning. Started by climbing the “quiet lane” from Slaidburn to Brentham – seriously wild country, but also a serious 1000ft climb – worryingly slow @7.7mph – calculated my ETA to be 10pm!


A quick re-think of my route and I cut out another 1000ft climb and by 1pm I was in Shap. I was bemused to see lots of middle-aged guys out with cameras waiting for a steam train to come past. I'll never understand some peoples hobbies (like cycling the length of the country)In Shap I knew it was mostly downhill from there – I was no longer worried. In fact I’d already stopped and had breakfast – a first on this trip. This was in a bakery/cafe in Sedburgh (took ages to remember the name) with an aging flamboyant waiter/owner – the staff were stunningly inefficient – lovely, but so flappy. Breakfast was good though. I remembered that I had made sandwiches for lunch – still back at the hostel – damn! I even said to Phil at the time “I’ll probably end up forgetting them in the morning” .


I followed the old A6 all the way to Carlisle – good road surface and quiet as it runs parallel to the motorway. After Carlisle it was, well seriously flat and I can’t believe I’m going to say this – seriously boring because of it! Zig-zagging under the A7 on a pretty featureless plain, just felt so repetitive. Visited Gretna Green – where my sister got married – yay Scotland!

After what seemed like an age I arrived in Lockerbie (6.30pm) – and it finally started to rain. The hotel reminds me of an old comedy sketch – the receptionist is the only one who seems to be doing anything – signing me in, taking my bike to the stables, serving behind the bar, waitressing – she doesn’t stop. Shame the rest of the staff don’t seem to start!

I might stay for breakfast tomorrow – see how I feel – 100 miles to Loch Lomond, but through Glasgow, which could slow my progress.

Day 6 – 114 miles covered Average speed - 11.2mph

Max speed – 36mph
Ride time 10h06

Total mileage – 606 miles

State of mind – tired but relaxed

Lejog day 5

Winsford to Slaidburn

Today I have mostly been taking my time...
Early start again at 7.30am, as I find arriving early more than makes up for a stupid o clock start. I wasn’t in any rush as I only had 85 miles to do, but I knew that the Slaidburn Hostel wouldn’t be open until 4pm. I spent the first part of the day working my way through Warrington and St Helens, before heading on the back roads to Chorley. I was quite surprised that my route passed by a pub that I’d visited with friends before – quite cheering to see something unexpectedly familiar. I also posted some of my kit back home – things that I’d used (washing!) and stuff that I figured out I didn’t really need. I’m happy to be carrying half a stone less, though not as happy as Tracy will be when she receives a package of my laundry. I quite enjoyed the climbs up over the moors and into the forest of Bowland. Then it started raining. When I planned the route, I was hoping for spectacular views from the highest points. I got rain and mist and bemused looking sheep. They were looking at me as if to say “Well I have to be here, I’m a sheep – what’s your excuse?”

I arrived in Slaidburn just in time to catch the village shop – tea of beans on cheese on toast because I had a craving, like on a cold wet day when I was a kid. The hostel proved to be the friendliest that I’ve stayed in so far. It may have been because of the weather – that “we’re all in it together“ feeling. Spoke to Tracy and the kids on a payphone – how long has it been since I used one of them? I am halfway through and feel now that I’m cycling back to my family (though not geographically).
One of my toughest days tomorrow – long and hilly. Phil, another cyclist, has advised me to ignore the cycle route around Carlisle and head on the old A6 through the town. Hopefully this should take some distance and time off the day.

Day 5 – 85 miles covered Average speed - 11.0mph Max speed – 33mph
Ride time 7h43 Total mileage – 492miles State of mind – chilled

Lejog Day 4

Leominster to Winsford

Today I have mostly been eating cake.. and err cycling.

Early start again at 7am as I was looking forward to getting this day done. The weather was overcast and threatening to rain all day. Still waiting for the fabled South Westerly winds to appear - annoyingly from the North today. Spent the first part of the morning on an A road, before following a cycle route through quiet country lanes – most of the day spent having no idea where I was and trusting my GPS. My ankle was sore for the first hour or so but the ibuprofen must have kicked in, so it was just uncomfortable for the rest of the day. A strange day as it was pleasant enough, but I didn’t take many pictures – all too similar to back home and really just focussed on getting it done. Arrived in Winsford at 3.30 and I’m pleased to be staying in a comfy B+B rather than a youth hostel tonight - this definately feels like my rest day (apart from cycling 95 miles).


Day 4 – 95 miles covered Average speed - 12.3mph
Max speed – 32mph Ride time 7h43
Total mileage – 407miles State of mind – positive

Lejog Day 3

Cheddar to Leominster

Started early at 7.15 as I was aiming to finish at a more reasonable time. Started by cycling up Cheddar Gorge – whose idea was that? I’ll tell you – mine 6 months ago when I planned the route and thought that it would be a nice challenge as I sat in front of the PC drinking coffee. What an idiot! Still I got up there and continued on the back roads to Bristol via the Clifton suspension bridge.


A road closure meant that I had to pick my way through Bristol, but the GPS did me proud. I made good progress on the cycle paths, negotiating my way under the motorways, past the burnt out cars and broken TV sets – could have been Beirut rather than Bristol. Still I was happy to be away from traffic. I was cycling up a slope to cross the motorway and warned a dog walker about some broken glass on the path. He asked me if I knew that the bridge was gone. He told me that they were going to build a new one this year – I don’t know if he expected me to wait. This left me stuck on the wrong side of the motorway, but he gave me some excellent local knowledge to get me back on track.

Reaching Severn Beach was a psychological highpoint – partly because it felt like I was making progress crossing from England to Wales, mostly because I met two other end to enders, who were riding 70 miles a day without carrying kit who were struggling more than me.

Crossed over and still had 50 miles to go. Followed the A366 through the Wye valley, which was actually a really nice ride, despite being an A road. My original route had me detouring off onto B roads, but I decided to stick with it. Took the A35 through Hereford in rush hour – again not my original plan, but I felt quite safe as I was going faster than most of the traffic. The last 2 hours I really just ground out the miles – my body was tired and my left ankle was aching. My back is sore from lifting the bike around and I think that the miles are taking their toll. I stopped at a Little Chef for tea – that’s how bad a state I was in. Fuelled and full of sugar and caffeine, I was happy to roll into Leominster at 6.45pm. Job done – for today at least. I managed to speak to my children on the phone and it made me happy and homesick in equal measure. I haven’t heard Rosie speak on the phone for a long time – she was so expressive that it hurt not to see her. Alex asked me questions about my trip like how far have I gone and how much further is it. Luckily he didn’t ask me if I was enjoying it...

Day 3 – 100 miles covered Average speed - 11.1mph
Max speed – 37mph Ride time 9h
Total mileage – 312miles State of mind – homesick

Lejog Day 2

Launceston to Cheddar
Started at 8.45 and took it steady after the exertions of yesterday. Plenty of hills to begin with but I was cheered by the sign for Devon – it meant that I was leaving Cornwall and the gruelling miles behind me.

Devon was a bit hilly to start with, but I got onto a disused railway (Cycle route 27) with stunning views and more importantly flat. I arrived at Oakhampton in good spirits.
Middle part of the day was excellent, got onto the Grand Western canal – really pretty and not a hill in sight. It reminded me of a book I read called “the adventures of the little wooden horse” because of the tow path in the story. I must get this book to read to Alex and Rosie.

I passed the Somerset cricket ground and from the sound of the crowd someone had just been given out. Then followed the Taunton to Bridgewater canal. Beautiful scenery and you guessed it – flat. Along the canal there was an art installation – the solar system to scale. Quite cool really – except in a way it seemed to be mocking my progress.

Finally arrived at Cheddar at 8.15. Today was cool, but tiring.
I’m hoping tomorrow will be better...
Day 2 – 114 miles covered Average speed - 11.8mph Max speed – 35mph
Ride time 9h34 Total mileage – 212miles State of mind – more positive

Monday 26th - Day 1

Arrived at lands end in fog and nobody about – an uninspiring start to the day. The signpost photographer doesn't start until 10am and after yesterday I decided not to hang around - this turned out to be a good decision. On to Penzance and a new SD card for the camera and a quick repair to the bike.




Then hills, hills and yes more bloody hills. The sun eventually burnt through the fog and it then got incredibly hot – I got through about 5 litres of water today, but didn’t eat enough. Breakfast in Hayle was icecream and cake – I treat my body so well. Following cycle route 3 - through all of the abandoned mine workings. Interesting stuff, but no time to stop.



Got to Truro about 1pm and discovered that I’d sat on my mobile and broken it. Had to buy a new one in St Austell - bugger! Quick call to Tracy to let her know that I was OK, then off again. I had to get off and push at Penpillick due to lack of energy and the worlds longest hill – I sat at the side of the road eating loads until I could face the rest of the hill. I Finally crawled into Launceston at 7.15pm – hotel had no record of my booking! Luckily they had a room and after a shower and food I’m feeling human again.
I’m hoping tomorrow will be better...

Day 1 – 98 miles covered Average speed - 10.4mph Max speed – 37mph
State of mind – knackered Ride time 9h26 Total ascents 6800ft

Sunday - start of the adventure

Six hot and slightly depressing hours spent on trains down to Penzance. It is worrying to see the hilly landscape flash past out of the window. Now that I’m on the train it does seem slightly odd to catch a train, just to cycle back again.
I arrived in Penzance to beautiful sunshine and views of St Michaels Mount. I had a chip supper before heading off to the YHA at St Just. These 16 miles felt really hard – 6 hours on a train had turned my legs to jelly and the chip supper felt like a greasy lead weight in my stomach. The atmosphere was incredibly humid and the first hill left me drenched with sweat. That hill should have a sign saying “Welcome to Cornwall foolish cyclist – remember how difficult it is now?” The flat parts of the route all seemed to be into the wind and I’m actually left wondering if I can succeed in this challenge. But that’s the point isn’t it...
Cock up of the day – camera has no SD card in it. Bugger. Ever tried buying an SD card at Lands End at 9pm on a Sunday? One for Ethan Hunt I think.

Day 0 – 28 miles covered Average speed 12.2mph Start weight – 81kg
State of mind – concerned

Update – had a crap nights sleep. Guy across from me was a snorer and the bloke in the bunk above mine was a mouth breather and kept turning over in the night. It sounded like the bunk was going to come down on top of me. This probably explains the dreams of being in an underground mine with a collapsing roof.

Fundraising - Thanks to everyone

So far I have recieved £1400 to give to honeypot. I have been staggered by the generosity of so many of you - thankyou all. I've been told that £500 is enough for a child to have an introductory stay at the Honeypot house and this was what I was originally trying to raise. Honeypot truly is a worthwhile cause and makes a difference to the lives of many young people - so keep the donations coming!

Thanks especially to my family who have paid so much to see the back of me for 10 days...

Am I ready?

Certainly I am prepared.

All of my accomodation is booked.
I have the train tickets to get to Penzance.
My flight back from Scotland is booked.
My routes are planned and on my GPS.

I have averaged 150 miles a week since Easter, including some long rides.

But am I ready? Lets find out. 1 week to go, this time next week I'll be on the road. I just wish that I was at least 10 years younger...

But why really?

I've said stuff about mid-life crisis, which may be true(ish).

Certainly the charity is a worthwhile cause. Incidently I should point out that all the donations go to honeypot, not buying my bike or for my accomodation or anything. Some people were a bit confused by that. I am going on an adventure - the charity doesn't pay for that.

Truth is that I think I just need the challenge. We take kids out to do the Duke of Edinburgh award every year - the ethos of which is challenge. I started questioning myself because of this.

Not really sure when I was last challenged. This is a problem - there seems to be something missing. Don't get me wrong - I love my wife and family. I am blessed with having a job that I don't dread going to on Mondays, but my life is in danger of becoming a cozy, comfortable existence. You need challenge to appreciate living.

So I ask you a simple question - when was the last time in your adult life that you took on something that you were not sure that you could actually do?

Been a while for me too...

Packing Up!

I know that this is all a bit early, but the Echo are doing a piece on my trip, so I needed these pictures earlier than planned. Apparently its going into Saturday's paper - shame I'm not at all photogenic - unfortunately looking exactly as I do in real life.

So does all this stuff fit?



Just about!

Pick and mix fitness

This is what I feel like at the moment...
...as a result of only cycling as training for my trip, my legs are truly toned and looking almost athletic. Still have a gut like a walking bullfrog though.

My legs are sponsored by Nike. Belly by Boddingtons. Still two weeks to go...

The Island Revisited

Saturday 26th June

Stupidly hot day to do this, but the 90 miles to Lymington, round the Isle of Wight and back had to be done - we'd organised a babysitter! I had somehow persuaded Tracy that she wanted to do this challenge and that it would be a nice day out.

The ride to Lymington was beautiful, with birds seemingly racing us through the sunny hedgerows. We managed to catch an earlier ferry than we expected (result) and steeled ourselves for the Island and the dreaded military road.



Tiring stuff, but we generally made good progress to Ventnor. Tracy was desperate for a break by lunchtime in Bembridge - treating me to one of her "What have you made me do?" looks when her legs failed her on a tough hill. As we sat outside the deli eating baguettes I assured her that the North side of the Island is much flatter and wouldn't be all hills.


Now I have cycled round the island twice before. I really should have remembered that people say that the north side of the island is flat, but this is not really based in fact. Yes, there are fewer big hills, but instead you are treated to lots and lots of smaller ones - after 60 miles they hurt - especially if someone has just told you that they aren't going to be there.


However, we made it round, got lucky with the ferry once more and rewarded ourselves with a beer in the Croft garden. Tracy has decided not to divorce me just yet.

90 miles averaging 11.5mph. Pretty happy with my ability to cover the distance with all the kit, at least for one day...

LEJOG - A Mid-life crisis?

Definately not.
No.
Isn't a midlife crisis about recapturing lost youth? Buying a fast sports car and bombing around like a born again boy racer? Don't you have to highlight your hair and act like you're 18 again?

I am happy to say that I do not fall into any of those cliches! oh hang on...

I've never liked cars.

I have no hair to dye.

Acting like I was 18? I wanted to cycle Lands End to John O Groats when I was 18...

Bugger!

So like I said, midlife crisis? absolutely definately probably not. Maybe

Now about that sports car...

Why Honeypot?

As many of you may know Pete Legate died on Everest in April 2002, pursuing his childhood dream of reaching the summit of the highest peak.



Pete was using his challenge to raise money for local charities and since his death many of his friends have continued his work
e.g. http://www.trekforlegate.co.uk/index.html

Fawley Rugby club continue with the traditional Legate versus Legett Charity match.


Honeypot, being based in Blackfield is one of the local charities that has been supported. click here to find out about Honeypot






So I guess it feels like the right time for me to pursue my own challenge. I think that some of the days will be tough, but maybe the memory of Pete slapping me on the back and saying "Well done Dan" will help me up some of the longer hills...

A trip round the island

Not sure about the year of this trip - 1996 I think. Around the Isle of Wight in a day to try and raise money for the (then Esso) Fawley rugby club. Basically a bunch of people who were all the wrong shape for distance cycling on a range of poorly maintained and ill-fitting bikes.

But this time I had a plan.

Pete Legate asked if I was coming on the trip and I knew that he had a tandem - twice the power, not on a crap bike etc, so I said yes - if I could go on the two-seater. Pete agreed and asked me to pick up the bike from the shop where it was being serviced - I didn't even know that you could get bike serviced! Result!

Come the day and Bud McGrane has managed to borrow one of those new fangled mobile phone thingies, as his wife, Caroline, was pregnant and due anytime. Bud was very tight-lipped about the phone number, as he knew that he'd get stitched up by the boys.

Somehow Pete had acquired the number and had a mobile too. Every steep hill, Bud's phone would ring. He'd get off to answer, Pete would hang up, Bud's phone would stop ringing and he'd curse his way up the rest of the slope. Pete didn't tire of this sport all morning and neither did the rest of us.

Anyhow, speaking of slopes, I was on the front seat of the tandem, really struggling, getting to the top all sweaty and breathless. Pete giving me a slap on the back and saying "Well done, Dan" every time we hit a summit. I remember thinking how Pete kept me going with encouragement and thinking how unfit I was and how fit he must be.

It turned out later that Pete had dodgy knees and stopped pedalling every time we hit a hill. I was so knackered because I was cycling both of us up most of the hills. So much for my cunning plan! (or perhaps Pete just had a better one?)

Back at Yarmouth, the hills and aches faded with time (spent in the pub) - what better way to spend a warm summers day with friends?

Why LEJOG?

Why Lands End to John O'Groats?

The idea really started when I was 18 (see picture left, complete with hair!).












During the holidays between upper 6th and university, I was lucky enough to take part in a cycle tour from Southampton down to lands end and back (a really big thanks to Lawrence Herklots from KES for this experience).

Now you have to appreciate that I was 18 - planning and preparation were not part of my vocabularly. My bike for the duration was a raleigh ace 5 gear racer that I'd had since I was 12 - far too small for me and all the wrong gears. I'd borrowed some panniers from my friend Pete and loaded them up with my stuff and cycled around the block the night before. Training over.

On the first day, about 60 miles in, I developed muscle spasms in both my thighs and cramp in both calve muscles. I was well behind the rest of the team and developed my own little ritual. It went like this - cycle about 500m, get cramp and spasms in both legs, fall off on the grass verge, lie there twitching like a dying ant, wait for spasms to stop, then get back on bike and repeat. I do remember several cars stopping and their very kind drivers asking if I was OK, but being an 18 year old lad, my stock answer was always "I'm fine".

Anyhow, things did get better and it was a really excellent trip. I remember seeing a couple of lads on a tandem beginning their LEJOG and thinking "that's a cool idea" and it's been at the back of my mind ever since.

22 years later I'm hoping that I'm less of an idiot than I was then - or at least a better prepared one...

LEJOG Itinery

The LEJOG road less travelled?

26th July Lands End -> Launceston 89 miles
27th July Launceston -> Cheddar 108 miles
28th July Cheddar -> Leominster 100 miles
29th July Leominster -> Winsford 93 miles
30th July Winsford -> Slaidburn 81 miles (almost a rest day)
31st July Slaidburn -> Lockerbie 117 miles (oh dear)
1st August Lockerbie -> Loch Lomond 99 miles
2nd August Loch Lomond -> Loch Ness 122 miles (ouch)
3rd August Loch Ness -> Helmsdale 89 miles
4th August Helmsdale -> John O Groats -> Wick 86 miles
5th August Fly home (back in a few hours!)

If you are around in any of these locations (stranger things have happened) come and say hello!

The joy of cycling

Last couple of days commuting have been pure joy - gentle breeze, sun shining, the bike gliding through drifting blossom and dandelion seeds. On days like this, you become part of the landscape, rather than separated from it inside a tin can. Maybe the price of petrol will force more drivers to revisit their pre-car childhood...

Does it fit?

Yes it does - packed all of the stuff that I intend to take in July. It fits into two rear panniers and comes in at 2 stones. Hopefully I can offset this a bit by losing 10lb before the end of July. But that's another challenge...

Training ride

Went on an 87 mile training ride yesterday. Followed the test valley through Romsey, before heading through Lockerley and the grimsteads to Downton. From there back into the New Forest through Ibsley and bransgore to the Coast and back home through Lymington and Beaulieu.

Some really nice scenery, with Bluebells, Rapeseed and Gorse all in flower. Shame it was cold, wet and windy - still probably excellent training for British Summer Time!

The Challenge

12 weeks to go until I take on this challenge:

To cycle 1000 miles from Lands End to John O groats, alone and unsupported.

Why? probably because I turn 40 this year, but also to raise money for the charity Honeypot, which provides holiday/respite for children who are carers - children who are missing out on being a child.

When - Start on the 26th of July, finish on the 4th of August - about 100 miles a day.