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...