We made it in peloton convoy together over the last 7 miles from Mey. We had begun the day spread out over 17 miles along a single-track B road running south-north on the plateau between snow capped hills. Eleven of us were taxied up from Lairg to the Crask Inn to which we had cycled the day before. It was strange going to this place of isolation: no mains electricity or water supply, but peaty coloured water to drink. We loaded our bikes up and pedalled on another seven miles to where others had stayed at Altnahara, a beautiful paradise of a loch refecting deep blue shimmering light under a cloudless sky. Sheep and lambs moved unpredictably across our path.
We reached the north coast at Bettyhill, and then had a further 25 miles of undulating hills to urge our machines over as we were warmed by the sun, but chilled by a cool headwind breeze from the east. Lunch taken, the undulations eased, but the wind did not abate. We passed Dounreay under its decommisioning resolution plan. We broke our journey at Tesco in Thurso to quench our thirst with a cup of tea. Graeme (Scottish - previously spelt the English way) and I were the last to reach that rendez-vous in Mey, not too long after the rest of the Peak Tours Group.
In John o'Groats we passed the Seaview hotel, turning left down to that signpost that points back to Land's End; for us a whole fortnight in the dim, but remembered distance. Team photos were taken, and individual and paired ones, mainly on mobile phones. The Orkney Isles shimmered in the clear evening light. The sun was behind us at this photoshoot finale.
We will be seen in silhouette more than in delighted but weary faces. But we were really there, thanks to that back-up support team that had seen us though our highs and lows, fixing us up when we had failing steeds; when the punctures hit in the hailstorm, when the brake-blocks burnt up on long hard descents, when spokes loosened over innumerable bumps and vibrations. We had been kept going by our group and our supporters around the country.
Down at breakfast this morning, we learnt that another Michael (Dad to an Ian on the tour) who had mainly travelled in the vans during the second week as he was receiving antibiotics for a chest infection, had been taken unwell again at midnight and had been taken to Wick hospital, where he was now responding to IV medications. So our coach to Inverness had Michael & Ian left behind at Wick. A sobering sadness as we drove south. Our reflections included the 20,000 miles that we had cycled without accident, through the vagaries of the UK weather in May 2013.
I have kept well. My asthma has not bothered me. Hayfever has not materialised. My left lower shin hurt on walking after rushing on foot to an eating house in Inverness. What a difference a choice of road and travel group makes! Taking the western route, supported through a wind-swept wintery blast, we had got through to Glencoe and then Inverness. My unsupported friend taking on greater daily distances with no on-the-road support, were hit by snow and hail on the high reaches of the A9 near Aviemore, and when energy levels were low, hypothermia stopped them in their tracks and thwarted their ambitions after >700 miles in 5 days. A huge accomplishment on its own, but a bitter-sweet pill for his 60th birthday challenge.
From texts and emails one senses that there is amazement at the achievement. But we are part of a growing group who have done LEJOG, by whatever means we choose to tackle the journey. We saw more pain on the faces of the Windermere marathon runners at the 4-hour mark, than I think we felt. We witnessed the elation of today's Edinburgh marathon runners in their blue T-shirts at Waverley station on their way home. I think of our Eaton Bray milkman setting six weeks aside to walk the walk. I think we had it easy.
But we needed your support.
Thanks so much.
Michael
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Friday, 24 May 2013
Day 13: Inverness to Lairg/Altnahara
Well, we had it bad on Tuesday and Wednesday on the West side of Scotland. The English weather has deteriorated as ours has improved today. However, a Text from a 60 year old fri,nd who was planning to do LEJOg in 7 days on major roads came to a halt on Tuesday after >700 miles in 5 days with a single companion, and friends and family by the way. On the A9 into Cairngorm territory, they were hit by a hail and snowstorm and my friend went hypothermic. Rescued by an occupany of an isolated house, they recovered in Inverness for two days before flying back via Manchester to Exeter.
So although our weather in the glens was fierce, we had supporting vans and a nearer destination. I am glad that I signed up with this crowd.
Cool and cloudy at the startit was sunny and warm by the time we arrived at he Crask Inn where our bikes were left. Eleven of us were ferried ten miles back (minus our bikes),to a beautiful town of Lairg beside a lake. It is still light at 2215hrs! The slower cyclists actually cycled firther to Altna harra, so they have a later start and a shorter ride tomorrow. I think it's a fair arrangement. We get bussed up to the Crask Inn to be reunited with our bikes. Thenn it's off to JOG!
I may not send another blog tomorrow. If not, I'll compose it on the train. If you need to know, I hope Sue will have heard before 2000hrs that I'm safely stabled with food and drink n front of me
Thanks for following me in thi fashion. More later.
So although our weather in the glens was fierce, we had supporting vans and a nearer destination. I am glad that I signed up with this crowd.
Cool and cloudy at the startit was sunny and warm by the time we arrived at he Crask Inn where our bikes were left. Eleven of us were ferried ten miles back (minus our bikes),to a beautiful town of Lairg beside a lake. It is still light at 2215hrs! The slower cyclists actually cycled firther to Altna harra, so they have a later start and a shorter ride tomorrow. I think it's a fair arrangement. We get bussed up to the Crask Inn to be reunited with our bikes. Thenn it's off to JOG!
I may not send another blog tomorrow. If not, I'll compose it on the train. If you need to know, I hope Sue will have heard before 2000hrs that I'm safely stabled with food and drink n front of me
Thanks for following me in thi fashion. More later.
Thursday, 23 May 2013
Day 12: Glen Coe to Inverness. A Scottish Coast-to-coast or Estuary to estuary.
Drawing the curtain at 0630, I took a photo and emailed it home. The mountains around Glen Coe had snow down to about 1500feet. I put on all the cycling layers I could. The weather turned out better than expected. No snow or ice, scatterings of rain, mainly dry and not too much headwind.
How about 3 different rainbows before 0900. One in front of a mountain covered in snow, another arising out of the sea infront of an island, and one further one, without looking for them! By0930 we were in Fort William, with a major Trauma Centre for mountain accidents and possessing a helipad. Glen Coe MountainRescue had been located 200 yards from our B&B. we certainly have been in a popular outward-bound area.
Lunch at Fort Augustus at the other end of Loch Ness after we had been beside the Caledonian Canal which joins the Western Seabord with the Eastern end at Muuray Firth by Inverness. So i have done a coast to coast of sorts within one day! After lunch we climbed on foot and bike up to 1000ft on the south side of Loch Ness and then a quiet lane all the way to Inverness, arriving at the huge B&B before 1800 hrs. 82 more miles done. 150 left to do in the next two days. 65 tomorrow, finishing with 85 on Saturday. Good weather please!
I keep getting notification of donations on the two websites. Thank you if you have. I plan to acknowledge any named ones later. My journey home on Sunday will take all day, my bike being couriered to my Edlesborough bike shop for service and reassembly. I have a spare bike to use until I have the Raleigh back in the garage. Sue will pick me up from Stevenage late on Sunday, and I don't have to be back at work till a further two weeks have elapsed.
How about 3 different rainbows before 0900. One in front of a mountain covered in snow, another arising out of the sea infront of an island, and one further one, without looking for them! By0930 we were in Fort William, with a major Trauma Centre for mountain accidents and possessing a helipad. Glen Coe MountainRescue had been located 200 yards from our B&B. we certainly have been in a popular outward-bound area.
Lunch at Fort Augustus at the other end of Loch Ness after we had been beside the Caledonian Canal which joins the Western Seabord with the Eastern end at Muuray Firth by Inverness. So i have done a coast to coast of sorts within one day! After lunch we climbed on foot and bike up to 1000ft on the south side of Loch Ness and then a quiet lane all the way to Inverness, arriving at the huge B&B before 1800 hrs. 82 more miles done. 150 left to do in the next two days. 65 tomorrow, finishing with 85 on Saturday. Good weather please!
I keep getting notification of donations on the two websites. Thank you if you have. I plan to acknowledge any named ones later. My journey home on Sunday will take all day, my bike being couriered to my Edlesborough bike shop for service and reassembly. I have a spare bike to use until I have the Raleigh back in the garage. Sue will pick me up from Stevenage late on Sunday, and I don't have to be back at work till a further two weeks have elapsed.
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Day 11: Balloch to Glen Coe
To cycle on the west side of Loch Lomond in the sunshine with a great bunch of like-minded folk is great. I hope the video camera on my helmet will have come out well. The battery ran out, and even though I had charged both batteries last night, a change-over of battery at lunchtime didn't work. So i put it away as the head-wind strengthened, the cloud looked more ominous, and we wondered what was lining up for us.
Ten minutes before tea-stop on a steep ascent, we caught the ege of the storm. Leaving the van, it was blue sky! Fifteen minutes later in the sunshine, we passed a sign "Welcome to the Highlands". The second lot of rain started. Soon it was horizontal, almost sleet from the left. Two hours after reapplying the suncream, it was wiped off by the chilly blasts. The road swung left into a real headwind. The scenary of mountains around Glen Coe and Glen Etive are fabulous. Snow capped many including Ben Nevis. We didn't stop for photos; it was too cold. We headed down to the village on A82. On the busy road we had to exert ourselves to make progress even on a steep downhill.
We have seen varieties of quality of restaurant service. The best was at the Star Hotel in Moffat. They wanted our orders a couple of days in advance, and our main courses were served to 23 people in less than five minutes by three waitresses. I won't bore you again with my 100 minute wait at the Hundred Monkeys in Glastonbury. Graham' landlady had told him the lasagna portions were small, but the steak and ale pie was a good choice. We arrived at 1900 and starters were served at 2015' thirty minutes later our mains were in front of us, and my pie had one large chunk of meat in it. When the plates were cleared, the dessert menu came round with further delays. how long for service? I couldn' t wait to eat two of my sister's flapjacks back at the B&B, rather than be disappointed with an apple crumble and custard. The hotel did publicise their WiFi access, so last night's blog got published.
I gather there may be snow on the Chiltens tomorrow. We expect more of today's weather tomorrow, but with more oomph. Will we have the stamina for 82 miles, than today's moderate 66 miles?
Time will tell.
Ten minutes before tea-stop on a steep ascent, we caught the ege of the storm. Leaving the van, it was blue sky! Fifteen minutes later in the sunshine, we passed a sign "Welcome to the Highlands". The second lot of rain started. Soon it was horizontal, almost sleet from the left. Two hours after reapplying the suncream, it was wiped off by the chilly blasts. The road swung left into a real headwind. The scenary of mountains around Glen Coe and Glen Etive are fabulous. Snow capped many including Ben Nevis. We didn't stop for photos; it was too cold. We headed down to the village on A82. On the busy road we had to exert ourselves to make progress even on a steep downhill.
We have seen varieties of quality of restaurant service. The best was at the Star Hotel in Moffat. They wanted our orders a couple of days in advance, and our main courses were served to 23 people in less than five minutes by three waitresses. I won't bore you again with my 100 minute wait at the Hundred Monkeys in Glastonbury. Graham' landlady had told him the lasagna portions were small, but the steak and ale pie was a good choice. We arrived at 1900 and starters were served at 2015' thirty minutes later our mains were in front of us, and my pie had one large chunk of meat in it. When the plates were cleared, the dessert menu came round with further delays. how long for service? I couldn' t wait to eat two of my sister's flapjacks back at the B&B, rather than be disappointed with an apple crumble and custard. The hotel did publicise their WiFi access, so last night's blog got published.
I gather there may be snow on the Chiltens tomorrow. We expect more of today's weather tomorrow, but with more oomph. Will we have the stamina for 82 miles, than today's moderate 66 miles?
Time will tell.
Day 10: Moffat to Balloch.
Day ten is labelled as the day of grumpy men. It's been the best day so far!
Why should we be grumpy? Fatigue possibly, but it's the roads to Hamilton are so bumpy. if you use a road bike you may not like the riverside paths either which went for 30 miles.
Today we have been on the best of tracks and roads; and the worst! A cycle path in red asphalt laid as if for a photo-shoot for Prince William! In contrast a dual carriageway where the tarmac was damaged as if by heavy industrial haulage. The first is so smooth; the second is uncomfortable for every degree of grip placed on the handlebars, and weight placed on the saddle.
The route was the simplest so far. The cycle routes 75 and 7 around Glasgow are really good quality. The only reason to dismount today was when you saw no way through the broken glass behind some of the old housing estates. Glasgow is glorious in the sunshine on the route we took, all the way to Loch Lomond. The old and new architecture and housing estates on the edge of the Clyde are worth a visit. To travel with my Aberdeen companion who knows some of the history and places was the icing on the cake. It made 80 miles seem easy. We were in beautiful Balloch by 1730. The lovely landlady is doing our washing.
Grahan also knows Balloch very well since he visits here each year. So he showed me the sights before taking me to a favourite eating venue. We will ride up on the western side of Loch Lomond tomorrow on what is regarded as the most scenic of all the days. And the forecast is as good if not better than today. It was comfortable in a short-sleeve top from lunchtime.
Thought for the day: What are the essential requirements for a Minister of Transport?
I think they should keep a log of how much time they spend on each form of transport, and express it as percentages to be available under the Freedom of Information Act. So you would know if they walked, cycled, used buses or trains, travelled in cars, planes and boats.
If a member of the Royal Family, or Alec Salmond, were to do the End-to-End, you can bet all the surfaces would be pristine and swept from stone chippings and glass. Prince Harry was talking about bringing the USA Warrior Games over to the UK. Those modified bikes/trikes could do a significant part of this course, but the surfaces would have to be freer of blemishes.
When everything else is considered, most of the route could not be faulted. After all the worst surface around is Eaton Bray High Street northbound. Unless you know otherwise?
Onward and upwards into the Highlands.
Why should we be grumpy? Fatigue possibly, but it's the roads to Hamilton are so bumpy. if you use a road bike you may not like the riverside paths either which went for 30 miles.
Today we have been on the best of tracks and roads; and the worst! A cycle path in red asphalt laid as if for a photo-shoot for Prince William! In contrast a dual carriageway where the tarmac was damaged as if by heavy industrial haulage. The first is so smooth; the second is uncomfortable for every degree of grip placed on the handlebars, and weight placed on the saddle.
The route was the simplest so far. The cycle routes 75 and 7 around Glasgow are really good quality. The only reason to dismount today was when you saw no way through the broken glass behind some of the old housing estates. Glasgow is glorious in the sunshine on the route we took, all the way to Loch Lomond. The old and new architecture and housing estates on the edge of the Clyde are worth a visit. To travel with my Aberdeen companion who knows some of the history and places was the icing on the cake. It made 80 miles seem easy. We were in beautiful Balloch by 1730. The lovely landlady is doing our washing.
Grahan also knows Balloch very well since he visits here each year. So he showed me the sights before taking me to a favourite eating venue. We will ride up on the western side of Loch Lomond tomorrow on what is regarded as the most scenic of all the days. And the forecast is as good if not better than today. It was comfortable in a short-sleeve top from lunchtime.
Thought for the day: What are the essential requirements for a Minister of Transport?
I think they should keep a log of how much time they spend on each form of transport, and express it as percentages to be available under the Freedom of Information Act. So you would know if they walked, cycled, used buses or trains, travelled in cars, planes and boats.
If a member of the Royal Family, or Alec Salmond, were to do the End-to-End, you can bet all the surfaces would be pristine and swept from stone chippings and glass. Prince Harry was talking about bringing the USA Warrior Games over to the UK. Those modified bikes/trikes could do a significant part of this course, but the surfaces would have to be freer of blemishes.
When everything else is considered, most of the route could not be faulted. After all the worst surface around is Eaton Bray High Street northbound. Unless you know otherwise?
Onward and upwards into the Highlands.
Monday, 20 May 2013
Day 8: Condor Green to Keswick. Come on the scenery!
We have seen beautiful places so far, and wonderful gardens with combinations of spring and summer blooms. The wind and rain hadn't removed all the blossom. Today promises to be warmer than anything so far and our route notes encourage us to enjoy the scenery. Most of today's climbing will be at the end of the day after we have done 50 miles. Time to get the cameras clicking, while we go slower.
The Mill at Condor Green is a place to consider for a midweek stay. I think they spoil us at the mid-point of the tour. I don't know what it would cost. We pay Peak Tours Ltd up front, three months ahead, and then everything except our lunchtime drinks, and eveningmeals is paid for. Why not a weekend at the Mill? Well there was a wedding party! So noise down below woke me at 2330. And I can turn my good ear to the pillow and hear nothing. My fellow travellers if light sleepers can struggle. Then at 0300 hrs, a knock on the door! Did the tour need a doctor? No: an older lady in her pyjamas, looked at me, and said "sorry, wrong door!", and wandered down the corridor to speak loudly to A N Other male in the next doorway.
So my sister and I enjoyed a superb dinner at a reasonable price in a lovely atmosphere overlooking a canal lock.
The conversation at breakfast was about the nocturnal lady visitor "in her cups" looking for her husband locked in one of the rooms in a worse state than her. On descending to our breakfast, it was our turn to disturb her as she was curled up on a sofa. She remained looking disoriented when we passed by to pack our bags.
Our journey took us out on a pleasant track beside the estuary. Today was a reminder of my wife, Sue's history in her teens. First we climbed through Carnforth where the Mother House of the Benedictine Nuns who ran the Convent School in Westcliffe on Sea. She had a good education, with long-lasting contacts maintained with some of the nuns. As we approached Keswick, we shared the narrow roads in Windermere with a marathon. Not a great combination. The next reminder of Sue's special events was Castlerigg, where she had special Christian Camps run by leaders back in Southend. As I got to know Sue back in 1975, i met several of these leaders and special friends from the Castlerigg camps. Today would have been a goog day for Sue to be in Carnforth on a retreat.
Meanwhile we continue going forward. We will cross the border at Gretna, and then expect the road surfaces to wreak havoc with our tyres. That's some reputation for the Scots to remedy. We have become connoiseurs of road surfaces on this holiday. Holiday? Yes, and it's good to be travelling with this group of 20 Peak Tour clients and the three leaders.
The Mill at Condor Green is a place to consider for a midweek stay. I think they spoil us at the mid-point of the tour. I don't know what it would cost. We pay Peak Tours Ltd up front, three months ahead, and then everything except our lunchtime drinks, and eveningmeals is paid for. Why not a weekend at the Mill? Well there was a wedding party! So noise down below woke me at 2330. And I can turn my good ear to the pillow and hear nothing. My fellow travellers if light sleepers can struggle. Then at 0300 hrs, a knock on the door! Did the tour need a doctor? No: an older lady in her pyjamas, looked at me, and said "sorry, wrong door!", and wandered down the corridor to speak loudly to A N Other male in the next doorway.
So my sister and I enjoyed a superb dinner at a reasonable price in a lovely atmosphere overlooking a canal lock.
The conversation at breakfast was about the nocturnal lady visitor "in her cups" looking for her husband locked in one of the rooms in a worse state than her. On descending to our breakfast, it was our turn to disturb her as she was curled up on a sofa. She remained looking disoriented when we passed by to pack our bags.
Our journey took us out on a pleasant track beside the estuary. Today was a reminder of my wife, Sue's history in her teens. First we climbed through Carnforth where the Mother House of the Benedictine Nuns who ran the Convent School in Westcliffe on Sea. She had a good education, with long-lasting contacts maintained with some of the nuns. As we approached Keswick, we shared the narrow roads in Windermere with a marathon. Not a great combination. The next reminder of Sue's special events was Castlerigg, where she had special Christian Camps run by leaders back in Southend. As I got to know Sue back in 1975, i met several of these leaders and special friends from the Castlerigg camps. Today would have been a goog day for Sue to be in Carnforth on a retreat.
Meanwhile we continue going forward. We will cross the border at Gretna, and then expect the road surfaces to wreak havoc with our tyres. That's some reputation for the Scots to remedy. We have become connoiseurs of road surfaces on this holiday. Holiday? Yes, and it's good to be travelling with this group of 20 Peak Tour clients and the three leaders.
Day 9 reflections; facts and feelings
I asked Sue if there were ways to improve the blogs, and the request to attach photos came from her. My technophobia and ignorance prevents me doing that. On the converse, Sue says it's easy for people to make comments on the blog, but Stephen commented that he hadn't managed to! So ask Sue how she does it if you wish to add your comments. Stephen responded that I was conveying facts on the trip but not my feelings; Sue answered him that that's how I write. From our 120 or so air letters when we were engaged and I was in Nepal for a year writing three times a week, she understands my usual style! From the age of 7 years, I was at boarding school n Sussex, while my parents were in Africa serving in the Colonial Service; each week I had to write a letter to my parents. I didn't express emotions in those letters. The letters were vetted (I think), but the necessary family lifestyle didn't lend itself to closeness, but did my parents' generation express feelings? The British "stiff upper lip" ruled in our home.
I will endeavour to add this blog as an expression of my feelings. You may wish to avoid the next section and jump to Keswick to Moffat. I don't normally talk much about my faith, but I can't mention one without the other.
Trepidation is how I felt as I made my booking with Peak Tours and paid my deposit, and the balance three months before the start date. Would my health and strength be up to it? Then as the winter worsened in March, the lack of preparation counted in miles on the saddle began to be a concern. Meanwhile the 60th birthday in March led to charity links being set up, and with the publicity, came more impetus to training.
As a teenager I cycled round East Anglia with my older brother, Ian. We youth-hostelled, and stayed with relatives in Norwich. Another time, the longest distance I did was 92 miles from Ross-on-Wye to Gerrards Cross along the A40, and home to Hornchurch the next day across London. From school at half-term exeat I cycled from Godalming to home up the A3. So in mid-April 2013, a training weekend in the Peak district of 65 and 35 miles over steep hills was an encouragement since I hadn't done the distance since my teens, and I had certainly not done hills of this nature.
My worst cycling experience occurred ten years after my Father's death. I cycled into St Helier in Jersey on his old road bike with drop handlebars, and on the long descent on Grouville hill, the rear wheel got wobble. If you applied the brake the wobble worsened. There were two roads entering at the foot of the hill, and a right angle bend to the left at the bottom. I was not dressed for a tumble on the tarmac. In the end I just took that corner at reduced speed without coming off, but these bikes can go fast, and I do not enjoy speed when I feel vulnerable. I am a plodder, and feel safe.
The week after the Sheffield weekend I was back at work but was more than usually tired. Could I handle 14 days without a break? I had chosen the Peak Tours through chatting to Tim Isitt who I work with on Friday mornings. He had done the End-to-End last September and shared his experience with me.
Why did I want to do it? What sort of retirement lifestyle did I contemplate? How could I stay healthy?
My Best Man's eldest boy is our Godson. Aged 15, Lewis and another friend cycled it unsupported. A few years later, Lewis' younger brother, Ben, (6ft 8 inches and parkour fan) wanted to do it in reverse. Lewis went with him and gave up after a day, since Ben was too fast! Last year Ben rode across the USA in 13 days unsupported (3,500 miles). He is now training in the Marines.
Graham, my Best Man, in a Skype at Christmas from the Isle of Man, expressed an interest in joining me. Stephen, our son also said he would ike to. But when my month-off after retirement dates were set, May worked for me, but not for the others. Perhaps Sue will come if there is a next time?! Today she cycled 9 miles in 54 minutes. That's about the speed we are doing!
Retirement is a huge event, and although I expect to be back at work in June, our lifestyle will change, and when Sue retires we might spend more time overseas again, if there was a place our gifts and skills could be used, even in short, regular visits. People who vegetate in retirement get depressed and often die young. Is there a work one gets called to? I think so.
As a teenager, i had a couple of narrow escapes from death. I had anaphylaxis on one occasion, and another time I tried to extinguish the boarding house fire at school. It was the main fuse box on fire, and in the dense smoke I turned a water extinguisher at the root of the fire. Don't try it! Water and electricity is a bad combination. I happened to have thick rubber gym shoes on when this antic happened. Although from a Christian family, I had to question what I believed, and make that step of faith myself in response to the finished work of Jesus.
Behind life is love, not chance. Love hurts. it is commitment. Giving love hurts. Those who love will be hurt. We need to love those who are hurting. But our own morality values, we fail to keep. That's where an Almighty, Creator God reveals Himself as Redeemer. It leaves us with questions on evil and suffering, but Jesus has been right to the depths for us, to lift us up.
There are books and stories which move me to tears. "Dogger" by Shirley Hughes, and "Treasures of the snow" by Patricia St John are two that come to mind. Both childrens' books but both with a redemptive message. Real life situations too. In my valedictory lecture I dedicated my talk on Patient Safety to Mel & Craig. Ten years ago Mel became paralysed from the neck down just months after Sue had assisted at her second boy's birth. To celebrate Mel's 40th birthday was an amazing experience, as she speaks through blinking her spelling of the alphabet. Love conquers suffering.
In our work, we often find the folk with the greatest suffering are the most positive people. One of the huge privileges of our job is to stand or sit alongside these folk at critical times of their lives.
A couple of months ago I came across a poem by Anne Johnson Flint which I had heard years ago. It became well-known in WWII. (I was born a few years later!).
***
Anne Johnson Flint 1866-1932
Orphaned at 6, arthritic from teens, in great pain and loss of independence she focused on Jesus.
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labours increase.
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
chorus:-
His love has no limit,
His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary
Known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth,
And giveth again.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
*******
As I stepped up to do this End-to-End at the start of my retirement, and the next phase of our lives, I don't expect life to be easy. But I don't tackle it alone. Spiritual pilgrimages often have a degree of physical hardship. I don't chat much in the saddle because my hearing isn't up to it. My eyes are mainly focused on the road ahead. With the physical limitations I have, which won't diminish, I want my life to count. The charities are a part of that. We can each make a difference.
For me, Jesus Christ turned my life around 45 years ago and more. In my life i want to live in His love, and serve and obey. He is the Risen Lord, and eternity is where He reigns. First, I have received. I am in a position to give, while continuing to receive. That's why I value the church community I belong to. And I've missed them for three weeks doing this End-to-end. But I know folk are praying for me, and making that difference for me.
I will endeavour to add this blog as an expression of my feelings. You may wish to avoid the next section and jump to Keswick to Moffat. I don't normally talk much about my faith, but I can't mention one without the other.
Trepidation is how I felt as I made my booking with Peak Tours and paid my deposit, and the balance three months before the start date. Would my health and strength be up to it? Then as the winter worsened in March, the lack of preparation counted in miles on the saddle began to be a concern. Meanwhile the 60th birthday in March led to charity links being set up, and with the publicity, came more impetus to training.
As a teenager I cycled round East Anglia with my older brother, Ian. We youth-hostelled, and stayed with relatives in Norwich. Another time, the longest distance I did was 92 miles from Ross-on-Wye to Gerrards Cross along the A40, and home to Hornchurch the next day across London. From school at half-term exeat I cycled from Godalming to home up the A3. So in mid-April 2013, a training weekend in the Peak district of 65 and 35 miles over steep hills was an encouragement since I hadn't done the distance since my teens, and I had certainly not done hills of this nature.
My worst cycling experience occurred ten years after my Father's death. I cycled into St Helier in Jersey on his old road bike with drop handlebars, and on the long descent on Grouville hill, the rear wheel got wobble. If you applied the brake the wobble worsened. There were two roads entering at the foot of the hill, and a right angle bend to the left at the bottom. I was not dressed for a tumble on the tarmac. In the end I just took that corner at reduced speed without coming off, but these bikes can go fast, and I do not enjoy speed when I feel vulnerable. I am a plodder, and feel safe.
The week after the Sheffield weekend I was back at work but was more than usually tired. Could I handle 14 days without a break? I had chosen the Peak Tours through chatting to Tim Isitt who I work with on Friday mornings. He had done the End-to-End last September and shared his experience with me.
Why did I want to do it? What sort of retirement lifestyle did I contemplate? How could I stay healthy?
My Best Man's eldest boy is our Godson. Aged 15, Lewis and another friend cycled it unsupported. A few years later, Lewis' younger brother, Ben, (6ft 8 inches and parkour fan) wanted to do it in reverse. Lewis went with him and gave up after a day, since Ben was too fast! Last year Ben rode across the USA in 13 days unsupported (3,500 miles). He is now training in the Marines.
Graham, my Best Man, in a Skype at Christmas from the Isle of Man, expressed an interest in joining me. Stephen, our son also said he would ike to. But when my month-off after retirement dates were set, May worked for me, but not for the others. Perhaps Sue will come if there is a next time?! Today she cycled 9 miles in 54 minutes. That's about the speed we are doing!
Retirement is a huge event, and although I expect to be back at work in June, our lifestyle will change, and when Sue retires we might spend more time overseas again, if there was a place our gifts and skills could be used, even in short, regular visits. People who vegetate in retirement get depressed and often die young. Is there a work one gets called to? I think so.
As a teenager, i had a couple of narrow escapes from death. I had anaphylaxis on one occasion, and another time I tried to extinguish the boarding house fire at school. It was the main fuse box on fire, and in the dense smoke I turned a water extinguisher at the root of the fire. Don't try it! Water and electricity is a bad combination. I happened to have thick rubber gym shoes on when this antic happened. Although from a Christian family, I had to question what I believed, and make that step of faith myself in response to the finished work of Jesus.
Behind life is love, not chance. Love hurts. it is commitment. Giving love hurts. Those who love will be hurt. We need to love those who are hurting. But our own morality values, we fail to keep. That's where an Almighty, Creator God reveals Himself as Redeemer. It leaves us with questions on evil and suffering, but Jesus has been right to the depths for us, to lift us up.
There are books and stories which move me to tears. "Dogger" by Shirley Hughes, and "Treasures of the snow" by Patricia St John are two that come to mind. Both childrens' books but both with a redemptive message. Real life situations too. In my valedictory lecture I dedicated my talk on Patient Safety to Mel & Craig. Ten years ago Mel became paralysed from the neck down just months after Sue had assisted at her second boy's birth. To celebrate Mel's 40th birthday was an amazing experience, as she speaks through blinking her spelling of the alphabet. Love conquers suffering.
In our work, we often find the folk with the greatest suffering are the most positive people. One of the huge privileges of our job is to stand or sit alongside these folk at critical times of their lives.
A couple of months ago I came across a poem by Anne Johnson Flint which I had heard years ago. It became well-known in WWII. (I was born a few years later!).
***
Anne Johnson Flint 1866-1932
Orphaned at 6, arthritic from teens, in great pain and loss of independence she focused on Jesus.
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labours increase.
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
chorus:-
His love has no limit,
His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary
Known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth,
And giveth again.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
*******
As I stepped up to do this End-to-End at the start of my retirement, and the next phase of our lives, I don't expect life to be easy. But I don't tackle it alone. Spiritual pilgrimages often have a degree of physical hardship. I don't chat much in the saddle because my hearing isn't up to it. My eyes are mainly focused on the road ahead. With the physical limitations I have, which won't diminish, I want my life to count. The charities are a part of that. We can each make a difference.
For me, Jesus Christ turned my life around 45 years ago and more. In my life i want to live in His love, and serve and obey. He is the Risen Lord, and eternity is where He reigns. First, I have received. I am in a position to give, while continuing to receive. That's why I value the church community I belong to. And I've missed them for three weeks doing this End-to-end. But I know folk are praying for me, and making that difference for me.
Day 9: riding into Scotland: Keswick to Moffat via Gretna.
We took minor roads over the hills out of Keswick. On the open unwalled wild areas it was amazing to hear the songs of so many birds that were hiding at ground level. It was quite a descent into Scotland on a road running parallel to the M6.
The old wedding office looks derelict now at Gretna. We had lunch next door to it before pressing on. Pressing on expresses it. The rain in Keswick stopped at 0830 as we got our bikes out. We saw no blue sky all day. It was the humidity later in the day that got us to shed the top layer for the first time on the journey. But I did find the last hour hard on the rougher surfaces. The roads were not as bad as I had expected, apart from in Lochmaben. During the day my spokes began to make "chiming, twanging " noises. Arriving at the B&B, Lee checked and tightened several on what was a new wheel ten days ago!
80 miles will take us through Glasgow tomorrow. I just had a text from a friend from Exeter who is also doing the journey by the shortest route with another medical colleague. They plan to do it in a week, started after us, will probably finish before us, and clocked up 162 miles in one day from Shrewsbury northwards. That's not for me; i hope they enjoy the scenery! Our route is beautiful. Moffat is surrounded by lots of rolling hills. We have to go over one of them on the way to Glasgow. My SatNav and maps are working, but at the end of the last two days the battery is down to < 15%. How do those keenies cope who are on the saddle for longer than 8 hrs in the day? Do they carry a spare?! I suppose if you keep to the major non-motorway routes, you probably don't need the OS map picture up the whole time.
The leaders are honest with us. If you get to Glastonbury, you will be likely to finish the course. But at day ten you could have a bunch of grumpy men. Fatigue is setting in for many, but spirits are high as we will face northerly breezes in two days time! I'm grateful it's not been too hot.
The old wedding office looks derelict now at Gretna. We had lunch next door to it before pressing on. Pressing on expresses it. The rain in Keswick stopped at 0830 as we got our bikes out. We saw no blue sky all day. It was the humidity later in the day that got us to shed the top layer for the first time on the journey. But I did find the last hour hard on the rougher surfaces. The roads were not as bad as I had expected, apart from in Lochmaben. During the day my spokes began to make "chiming, twanging " noises. Arriving at the B&B, Lee checked and tightened several on what was a new wheel ten days ago!
80 miles will take us through Glasgow tomorrow. I just had a text from a friend from Exeter who is also doing the journey by the shortest route with another medical colleague. They plan to do it in a week, started after us, will probably finish before us, and clocked up 162 miles in one day from Shrewsbury northwards. That's not for me; i hope they enjoy the scenery! Our route is beautiful. Moffat is surrounded by lots of rolling hills. We have to go over one of them on the way to Glasgow. My SatNav and maps are working, but at the end of the last two days the battery is down to < 15%. How do those keenies cope who are on the saddle for longer than 8 hrs in the day? Do they carry a spare?! I suppose if you keep to the major non-motorway routes, you probably don't need the OS map picture up the whole time.
The leaders are honest with us. If you get to Glastonbury, you will be likely to finish the course. But at day ten you could have a bunch of grumpy men. Fatigue is setting in for many, but spirits are high as we will face northerly breezes in two days time! I'm grateful it's not been too hot.
Saturday, 18 May 2013
Day7: half-way! Runcorn to Condor Green
The Holiday Inn was busy with two weddings so the sweaty cyclists mixing didn't work so well. The receptionists didn't pass on to the managers, requests like "can we have breakfast before 0730?". Graham had his daughter's young family to see at our evening destination, so he wanted to arrive early; you can't arrive early from a 70 mile trip unless you start early! I decided to keep him company as our legs seem capable of similar feats, and his navigation is good. So we left at 0745 about 45 minutes before everyone else.
We reached the Black Dog at Belmont for lunch having ascended into chilly cloud. They unlocked the place for us and the road bike folk were there five minutes later. Graham and I kept ahead the whole time, and still got our morning and afternoon van-stops. Graham says he could manage without: I couldn't! Standard fare for me is hot chocolate followed by water, with a banana or apple, dried fruit and nuts, fig roll, and perhaps a biscuit or two...! - morning & afternoon!
Lunch was sandwiches and pasta with a litre of orange and bitter lemon, and now I'm anticipating my sister driving from her home in Clitheroe to join me for dinner. The specials look very tempting.
We passed about 8 miles from Clitheroe. As we descended to Blackburn, we passed Ewood Park where as a family almost 20 years ago we watched Rovers play Man United. The city was much warmer than the hills.
I've been thinking about metabolism as we've journeyed. Both Graham and Philip make do with much lighter meals than me. Philip is slight of build, but Graham is taller than me with a slimmer large frame. I don't know how they start energetic days without more intake.
My sister did arrive before 1800 and we have had a delicious meal. There is a wedding party here tonight too!
My legs have stiffened up more tonight so i'm going to bed, to be fresh for tomorrow,'s venture north into Cumbria. Good night!
We reached the Black Dog at Belmont for lunch having ascended into chilly cloud. They unlocked the place for us and the road bike folk were there five minutes later. Graham and I kept ahead the whole time, and still got our morning and afternoon van-stops. Graham says he could manage without: I couldn't! Standard fare for me is hot chocolate followed by water, with a banana or apple, dried fruit and nuts, fig roll, and perhaps a biscuit or two...! - morning & afternoon!
Lunch was sandwiches and pasta with a litre of orange and bitter lemon, and now I'm anticipating my sister driving from her home in Clitheroe to join me for dinner. The specials look very tempting.
We passed about 8 miles from Clitheroe. As we descended to Blackburn, we passed Ewood Park where as a family almost 20 years ago we watched Rovers play Man United. The city was much warmer than the hills.
I've been thinking about metabolism as we've journeyed. Both Graham and Philip make do with much lighter meals than me. Philip is slight of build, but Graham is taller than me with a slimmer large frame. I don't know how they start energetic days without more intake.
My sister did arrive before 1800 and we have had a delicious meal. There is a wedding party here tonight too!
My legs have stiffened up more tonight so i'm going to bed, to be fresh for tomorrow,'s venture north into Cumbria. Good night!
Friday, 17 May 2013
Day: Clun to Runcorn.
I slept well for 4.5hrs, then lay awake thinking of things to write in the blog! Oh dear! I did get back to sleep and got further rest. The mileage today is over 80 miles, and we are heading for the Holiday Inn next to the motorway. We don't intend to join it! But there is lots of traffic at the end of the day in the Friday rush hour when we will be tired. I have to remember to disengage my SPD shoe from the left pedal at every junction. It should be 2nd nature now after 2 weeks and 500 miles of riding. Hopefully the habit will stick.
If you think this cyclist knows alot about bikes, you are wrong! I am a non- DIY mechanic, and an ignoramus about bikes. I haven't discovered what SPD stands for; there is a huge variety of clip-on pedal/shoe combinations even amongst those on the tour. I have a raised metal "triangle" on the ball of each shoe which is laterally and medially shielded by the plastic of the sole, so I can walk up the steep inclines and elsewhere without damaging the mechanism. Just walk carefull across cattle-grids if you have to! I push-off with my right foot which is great where we drive on the left of the road. I would be uncomfortable and "cack-handed" with my feet in Europe. I engage my right shoe so it is clipped in, and on pedalling i have to get the SPD side of the pedal on top for engagement. Sometimes it's a bit of a fiddle. The advantage is that pedalling is no longer power on the downstroke, but also in the forward and backward parts of each pedal rotation. It's a cyclist's version of fuel-injected turbo charge! Am I going faster? Maybe. Do I do better on the steep ascents? I think so. In wet weather my shoes don't slip unpredictably. That's a huge plus. The underside of the SPD pedal for me is flat, so I could use trainers. Some have double-sided SPDs. How do you disengage the SPD? You swing the ankle outwards about 25 degrees, and it unclips. The mechanism can be adjusted for snugness. I have the right firmer than the left. At dismount I have to remember what to do with the right ankle, or the whole bike moves with my right leg-raise - panniers and all!
Well at 1645 Graham and I turned into the Holiday Inn at Runcorn, having added a couple of miles to the route when we got lost near Horseman's Green. Today was a much flatter day after we had climbed north out of Clun. I cycled down Hope Valley at >30km/hr for 11 minutes on a continous down slope - a good three mile descent, and not as hairy as the Corfe one a few days back. It was cold enough to need to keep cycling than free-wheeling. Then the van was there at 18 miles for the first drinks stop of the day.
Got to the pub for pre-orderd lunch of vegetable linguine, followed by sticky toffee pudding. Neil was photographing each tour cyclist as we returned to our bikes. Graham and I set off for the last 40 miles. The speedy ones set off after us, and shot past us soon afterwards.
When we took a wrong turn and asked for help at a nearby B&B, I swept my hand across the Garmin, and suddenly found myself staring at an Ordinance Survey map with an arrow in centre screen of where we were! You understand I do technology by trial and error! One of the leaders has said he will upload the Garmin route maps onto the Edge 800 Garmin I have. We tried to do it at home, but think we failed, but we may discover it did load before, and it is a question of finding them on the gadget that clicks firmly on my bike's handlebar stem.
I thought i'd write a little about the tour group, in case you want to join one or send a relative on one! There is a 22yr old who is a frustrated racing cyclist. His job interferes with training and competing is expensive and a commitment, but he is fast. He is from the North East, so I misunderstand what he tells me. I roomed with him in Glastonbury. I've done alot of travelling with Graham from Aberdeen, a retired business entreprenour, and I shared a room at the Galleon Inn at Fowey. He lost his mobile there, but it has been recovered since. He has had leg injuries but cycles and hikes a fair bit. I have shared lodgings most often with Philip, who is about ten years younger than me, and a road bike speed merchant. There is a hospice nurse from Staffordshire, a married couple celebrating his 50th on tour, and another turns 60 today. The women are outnumbered 18:2 in this group. Both the ladies are faster cyclists than me, but the nurse leads out some of the slower cyclists.
Forecast for tomorrow; grit the teeth and put on the wet weather gear! We fit into the north forecast now! We are making progress. Sunday's weather sounds dry. Thanks for journeying with me.
If you think this cyclist knows alot about bikes, you are wrong! I am a non- DIY mechanic, and an ignoramus about bikes. I haven't discovered what SPD stands for; there is a huge variety of clip-on pedal/shoe combinations even amongst those on the tour. I have a raised metal "triangle" on the ball of each shoe which is laterally and medially shielded by the plastic of the sole, so I can walk up the steep inclines and elsewhere without damaging the mechanism. Just walk carefull across cattle-grids if you have to! I push-off with my right foot which is great where we drive on the left of the road. I would be uncomfortable and "cack-handed" with my feet in Europe. I engage my right shoe so it is clipped in, and on pedalling i have to get the SPD side of the pedal on top for engagement. Sometimes it's a bit of a fiddle. The advantage is that pedalling is no longer power on the downstroke, but also in the forward and backward parts of each pedal rotation. It's a cyclist's version of fuel-injected turbo charge! Am I going faster? Maybe. Do I do better on the steep ascents? I think so. In wet weather my shoes don't slip unpredictably. That's a huge plus. The underside of the SPD pedal for me is flat, so I could use trainers. Some have double-sided SPDs. How do you disengage the SPD? You swing the ankle outwards about 25 degrees, and it unclips. The mechanism can be adjusted for snugness. I have the right firmer than the left. At dismount I have to remember what to do with the right ankle, or the whole bike moves with my right leg-raise - panniers and all!
Well at 1645 Graham and I turned into the Holiday Inn at Runcorn, having added a couple of miles to the route when we got lost near Horseman's Green. Today was a much flatter day after we had climbed north out of Clun. I cycled down Hope Valley at >30km/hr for 11 minutes on a continous down slope - a good three mile descent, and not as hairy as the Corfe one a few days back. It was cold enough to need to keep cycling than free-wheeling. Then the van was there at 18 miles for the first drinks stop of the day.
Got to the pub for pre-orderd lunch of vegetable linguine, followed by sticky toffee pudding. Neil was photographing each tour cyclist as we returned to our bikes. Graham and I set off for the last 40 miles. The speedy ones set off after us, and shot past us soon afterwards.
When we took a wrong turn and asked for help at a nearby B&B, I swept my hand across the Garmin, and suddenly found myself staring at an Ordinance Survey map with an arrow in centre screen of where we were! You understand I do technology by trial and error! One of the leaders has said he will upload the Garmin route maps onto the Edge 800 Garmin I have. We tried to do it at home, but think we failed, but we may discover it did load before, and it is a question of finding them on the gadget that clicks firmly on my bike's handlebar stem.
I thought i'd write a little about the tour group, in case you want to join one or send a relative on one! There is a 22yr old who is a frustrated racing cyclist. His job interferes with training and competing is expensive and a commitment, but he is fast. He is from the North East, so I misunderstand what he tells me. I roomed with him in Glastonbury. I've done alot of travelling with Graham from Aberdeen, a retired business entreprenour, and I shared a room at the Galleon Inn at Fowey. He lost his mobile there, but it has been recovered since. He has had leg injuries but cycles and hikes a fair bit. I have shared lodgings most often with Philip, who is about ten years younger than me, and a road bike speed merchant. There is a hospice nurse from Staffordshire, a married couple celebrating his 50th on tour, and another turns 60 today. The women are outnumbered 18:2 in this group. Both the ladies are faster cyclists than me, but the nurse leads out some of the slower cyclists.
Forecast for tomorrow; grit the teeth and put on the wet weather gear! We fit into the north forecast now! We are making progress. Sunday's weather sounds dry. Thanks for journeying with me.
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Day 4: to Wales and better weather.
The Pilgrims B&B in Glastonbury was excellent. The couple had about 12 of us arrive soaked, and our wet things were washed and dried overnight. The breakfast table was a lovely spread after the fiasco the night before at Hundred Monkeys. Three of our party of 25 had their food orders forgotten by the kitchen. I ordered my pasta at 1915 and got it at 2100. So don't go there in a big party. A small group will probably enjoy their food.
The day's cycling was listed as moderate; the forecast suggested rain. It started cool, the sun started to appear by the time we went round three sides of the cathedral, and cooled down for the long ascent afterwards. By the time we were in Bristol the weather was pleasant. Buffet food was at The Plough in Pilsning. Then it was on to the old Severn Bridge. No toll charge! Wales welcomed us with a gentle upward gradient into the wind, then a fabulous descent to Tintern Abbey and a glorious ride up the Wye valley to Monmouth.
I had new rear brake blocks this morning and a longer brake cable. The bike is going well. Wales has welcomed us with sunshine.
The King'sHead (Weatherspoons!) is our pad and I' sharing with John P. out to Pizza Express after i've pulled my washing out of the launderette which shuts down before my wash has had a full cycle. Loads of wet clothes tomorrow!
£7.37 to my charity from the Launderette man who apologised that the water and electricity switched off after my load had only done the pre-wash, wash and rinse. He manually moved the dial round to spin, so they aren't quite so wet. The hotel man at the desk showed me the leaning cupboard and I have ten hangars draping my wet clothes over a brass curtain rail tonight. i hope John, my room-mate doesn't mind! The launderette proprieter walk twice a year for an animal charity and a children's one. My cycle cost £4.. So I think we were both being charitable tonight.
What do you think?
The day's cycling was listed as moderate; the forecast suggested rain. It started cool, the sun started to appear by the time we went round three sides of the cathedral, and cooled down for the long ascent afterwards. By the time we were in Bristol the weather was pleasant. Buffet food was at The Plough in Pilsning. Then it was on to the old Severn Bridge. No toll charge! Wales welcomed us with a gentle upward gradient into the wind, then a fabulous descent to Tintern Abbey and a glorious ride up the Wye valley to Monmouth.
I had new rear brake blocks this morning and a longer brake cable. The bike is going well. Wales has welcomed us with sunshine.
The King'sHead (Weatherspoons!) is our pad and I' sharing with John P. out to Pizza Express after i've pulled my washing out of the launderette which shuts down before my wash has had a full cycle. Loads of wet clothes tomorrow!
£7.37 to my charity from the Launderette man who apologised that the water and electricity switched off after my load had only done the pre-wash, wash and rinse. He manually moved the dial round to spin, so they aren't quite so wet. The hotel man at the desk showed me the leaning cupboard and I have ten hangars draping my wet clothes over a brass curtain rail tonight. i hope John, my room-mate doesn't mind! The launderette proprieter walk twice a year for an animal charity and a children's one. My cycle cost £4.. So I think we were both being charitable tonight.
What do you think?
Day 5: Monmouth to Clun; an easier day up the Wye valley
Room 304 at the King's Head, Monmouth was a good room at this Weatherspoons. My wet washing dried fairly well, and is now getting its 2nd drying opportunity in Clun. Reception for WiFi was useless, so day 4 still awaits publishing. I hope to get the password at Thomas cottage, because my mobile has no signal. Perhaps Peak Tours ought to warn us about availability and connectivity of communications in our various accommodations en route? When.you haven't conveyed arrival after crossing Dartmoor, you can understand the family's concern.
North out of Monmouth we had 30 minutes of ascents, and then undulations. The sun came out and it was pleasant; the clouds then cooled us down again.
Our lunch was in an amazing Ye Olde Teashoppe in Pemberton - highly recommended! Enough said! If Sue is worried about our calorie intake being sufficient you have to see the lunch spreads we enjoy, and the elevenses and tea stops at the Peak Tours van, where we wolf down dried fruit, nuts, biscuits and bananas, as well as a hot drink and a top up of our water bottles. The organisation looks after us so well.
The day started just before 0900 with bike maintenance and checks before the briefing outside the King's Head. I had my front brakes tightened. I led the entourage uphill for the first few minutes. I'm the only one with a pair of panniers, but I have anything necessary for a weather change or emergency- typical or not?!
The forecast was for heavy scattered showers. As we left the lunch stop we had light rain for 10minutes and then cloud and sun with a following wind on the shortest distance day. I was at my billet by 1545 having missed the tea-stop. I have a single room tonight with ensuite, in a tiny cottage where you have to duck your head even if you are only 1.5m tall (5ft-ish).
Tomorrow is a longer day to Runcorn so we start at 0830.
Enjoy the last 2 days of blogs.
North out of Monmouth we had 30 minutes of ascents, and then undulations. The sun came out and it was pleasant; the clouds then cooled us down again.
Our lunch was in an amazing Ye Olde Teashoppe in Pemberton - highly recommended! Enough said! If Sue is worried about our calorie intake being sufficient you have to see the lunch spreads we enjoy, and the elevenses and tea stops at the Peak Tours van, where we wolf down dried fruit, nuts, biscuits and bananas, as well as a hot drink and a top up of our water bottles. The organisation looks after us so well.
The day started just before 0900 with bike maintenance and checks before the briefing outside the King's Head. I had my front brakes tightened. I led the entourage uphill for the first few minutes. I'm the only one with a pair of panniers, but I have anything necessary for a weather change or emergency- typical or not?!
The forecast was for heavy scattered showers. As we left the lunch stop we had light rain for 10minutes and then cloud and sun with a following wind on the shortest distance day. I was at my billet by 1545 having missed the tea-stop. I have a single room tonight with ensuite, in a tiny cottage where you have to duck your head even if you are only 1.5m tall (5ft-ish).
Tomorrow is a longer day to Runcorn so we start at 0830.
Enjoy the last 2 days of blogs.
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Day 3: moretonhampstead to Glastonbury. Wetter as we went!
Last night was a struggle to communicate. WiFi and mobile reception was rubbish and I was frustrated walking up and down High Street and floors of the B&B searching for an elusive signal. Overnight I got six messages; from Sue, Hannah, and Mercy Ships' team Caroline who is based in Exeter.by the time I attemted to text back, the signal was lost!
Caroline knew our route and arranged to meet at 1030 opposite a bike shop after 14 miles. I let one group go, and chatted for ten minutes, before attaching to a later duo who knew where they were going! Caroline fortified me with two portions of flapjack. So,so welcome in the cold and wet at 1500 and 1600 hours. We had stopped for an early lunch near Honiton, and the chilli con carne tasted great. Then there was a steep hill to climb, a broad plateau to cross, than a long descent to Corfe. The longest free-wheel on brakes ever for me at over two miles. My rear brake effectiveness and noise was altered, and in the rain the brake rubber was wiping off as grey slime! It needs fixing tomorrow.
The tea stop was a moment to put on the fleece and regain some body heat. I was ready for a shower in Glastonbury at 1800, and supper at the Hundred Monkeys at 1900. My order went astray, and later arrivals had eaten their food before mine arrived!
Tomorrow we go through Bristol, over the Severn Estuary and up to Monmouth. Will the Welsh weather be better? Today was the third hard day. Tomorrow is labelled as moderate.
We shall see!
Caroline knew our route and arranged to meet at 1030 opposite a bike shop after 14 miles. I let one group go, and chatted for ten minutes, before attaching to a later duo who knew where they were going! Caroline fortified me with two portions of flapjack. So,so welcome in the cold and wet at 1500 and 1600 hours. We had stopped for an early lunch near Honiton, and the chilli con carne tasted great. Then there was a steep hill to climb, a broad plateau to cross, than a long descent to Corfe. The longest free-wheel on brakes ever for me at over two miles. My rear brake effectiveness and noise was altered, and in the rain the brake rubber was wiping off as grey slime! It needs fixing tomorrow.
The tea stop was a moment to put on the fleece and regain some body heat. I was ready for a shower in Glastonbury at 1800, and supper at the Hundred Monkeys at 1900. My order went astray, and later arrivals had eaten their food before mine arrived!
Tomorrow we go through Bristol, over the Severn Estuary and up to Monmouth. Will the Welsh weather be better? Today was the third hard day. Tomorrow is labelled as moderate.
We shall see!
Day2: Fowey to Moretonhampstead. 62 miles later
We met on the brodnick ferry at Fowey at 0845, and immediately had a hill and sharp turn. My chain came off, and this iPad jumped out onto the concrete! One graze to the technology and I'm writing on it now. No more bike antics today.
Before 1200 we had reached the Edgecumbe Arms beside the Cremyll ferry to Plymouth. We had a carvery to fortify us; perhaps I should have had 2nd helpings, but i had a large cooked breakfast 4 hours earlier. The ferry was £1.45 for an adult and 50 p for the bike. It left very 30 minutes, so it suddenly had its foredeck littered with 15 or so bikes.
We meandered around the Plymouth shoreline then got Sustrans routes 2, then 27, up the Plymm valley on a gentle gradient for miles on quality surface. That was the best cycling of the day. It then got tougher at the top as we moved towards Dartmoor. I had applied suncream this morning: To no value! Arriving near our destination the sun took its hat off, then it was spitting with rain as I arrived at the B&B.
I was hot from my exertions and cold from the wind that kindly followed us. I walked up several ascents as the energy sapped. They said today was one of the harder days. I agree on the route so far!
One of the group turns 50 tomorrow. Celebrations tomorrow night.
Before 1200 we had reached the Edgecumbe Arms beside the Cremyll ferry to Plymouth. We had a carvery to fortify us; perhaps I should have had 2nd helpings, but i had a large cooked breakfast 4 hours earlier. The ferry was £1.45 for an adult and 50 p for the bike. It left very 30 minutes, so it suddenly had its foredeck littered with 15 or so bikes.
We meandered around the Plymouth shoreline then got Sustrans routes 2, then 27, up the Plymm valley on a gentle gradient for miles on quality surface. That was the best cycling of the day. It then got tougher at the top as we moved towards Dartmoor. I had applied suncream this morning: To no value! Arriving near our destination the sun took its hat off, then it was spitting with rain as I arrived at the B&B.
I was hot from my exertions and cold from the wind that kindly followed us. I walked up several ascents as the energy sapped. They said today was one of the harder days. I agree on the route so far!
One of the group turns 50 tomorrow. Celebrations tomorrow night.
Sunday, 12 May 2013
Day 1: st Just via Land's End to Fowey
I'm writing from a room overlooking the river harbour at the Galleon Inn. It is still overcast, but the view is splendid. I'm sharing with Graham from Aberdeen who I have teamed up with for most of the day. When the ascent was too steep he would dismount, and I often took that as my cue to stretch my legs and rest my posterior!
The day started with me waking at 0530. Typical for me in the summer, and the room and bedwere comfortable. I shared with Philip, from Andover, who is younger and rides a road bike. I wasn't in his league. Breakfast at 0730 with John from Preston, Graham, and another John. We cycled up to the centre of St Just for team brief before cycling 5miles for Group photo at Land's End signpost. We started our epic minutes after 0900. We retraced a couple of miles, and then headed for Penzance harbour, then along the seafront to Marazion for first tea stop. Both Peak Tours vans were at the Rendez-vous point opposite the beautiful St Michael's Mount -shrouded in the Cornish sea mist. That was the easy cycling part of the day!
1100hrs and the mist turned to rain, which got heavier as we stopped for a buffet lunch at the Royal Oak in a remote village. Leaving there, my chain fell off twkice on the next couple of hills! Easily corrected, but dirty hands from then on. Moved on to one of only five chain ferries across the Fall at the King Harry Ferry. You descend to it on a steep hill, and adjust your gears for the steep ascent on leaving the car ramp. I had teamed up with Graham before lunch, and we stuck together until the 1515 teastop. I say tea, but my favoured drink currently is hot chocolate.
As I turned my bike to leave, Lee, the senior tour guide, examined my front tyre, that was deflating as we listened. 15 minutes later my thrice-holed inner tube was replaced from my own supply, and Lee had pulled a new outer tyre from his van's supplies, and fitted my replacement. Service with a smile and loads of expertise. I caught up with Graham ten miles further on, for the final climb into Fowey.
Now for calorie replacement: i learnt that my estimates from the Garmin are for a cyclist pedalling continously, like Bradley Wiggins & Co. when I am on a descent, I'm often free-wheeling, and taking my saddle position resting postures- off the seat for a wriggle!
Now for food. Rendez-vous at ferry at 0845 tomorrow.
Thanks agian for travellin with me
The day started with me waking at 0530. Typical for me in the summer, and the room and bedwere comfortable. I shared with Philip, from Andover, who is younger and rides a road bike. I wasn't in his league. Breakfast at 0730 with John from Preston, Graham, and another John. We cycled up to the centre of St Just for team brief before cycling 5miles for Group photo at Land's End signpost. We started our epic minutes after 0900. We retraced a couple of miles, and then headed for Penzance harbour, then along the seafront to Marazion for first tea stop. Both Peak Tours vans were at the Rendez-vous point opposite the beautiful St Michael's Mount -shrouded in the Cornish sea mist. That was the easy cycling part of the day!
1100hrs and the mist turned to rain, which got heavier as we stopped for a buffet lunch at the Royal Oak in a remote village. Leaving there, my chain fell off twkice on the next couple of hills! Easily corrected, but dirty hands from then on. Moved on to one of only five chain ferries across the Fall at the King Harry Ferry. You descend to it on a steep hill, and adjust your gears for the steep ascent on leaving the car ramp. I had teamed up with Graham before lunch, and we stuck together until the 1515 teastop. I say tea, but my favoured drink currently is hot chocolate.
As I turned my bike to leave, Lee, the senior tour guide, examined my front tyre, that was deflating as we listened. 15 minutes later my thrice-holed inner tube was replaced from my own supply, and Lee had pulled a new outer tyre from his van's supplies, and fitted my replacement. Service with a smile and loads of expertise. I caught up with Graham ten miles further on, for the final climb into Fowey.
Now for calorie replacement: i learnt that my estimates from the Garmin are for a cyclist pedalling continously, like Bradley Wiggins & Co. when I am on a descent, I'm often free-wheeling, and taking my saddle position resting postures- off the seat for a wriggle!
Now for food. Rendez-vous at ferry at 0845 tomorrow.
Thanks agian for travellin with me
Saturday, 11 May 2013
Ready for anything?!
Our Bank Holiday Monday continued with beautiful weather. I didn't get to West Moors or Verwood as planned because I went shopping in Christchurch first. I got as far north up to the west end of Hurn Airport, and returned to Bransgore to complete household jobs that always need doing.
For the May Fair, Sue and I took the tandem out for our first ride together since it was overhauled with its original livery! It is so heavy to steer after riding a hybrid bike, and our co-ordination means that we wobble left and right at the same time at different ends of the 2-person bike, giving the movement quite a swing. We circumnavigated the village, and really enjoyed the fete. the Community Church's band "Disfunction" were superb, and the Bournemouth Brass Band men were amazing in their Spidermen outfits in their various shapes and sizes. Catching a glimpse of 3 more active ones at the top of the mobile climbing wall was a sight for sore eyes!
The bike with its handlebar mirror removed fitted into Sue's MPV, and came back to Eaton Bray. On Tuesday I went over to Wendover Hill which was an amazing circuit of Hale Road, Hale Lane and Aston Hill. 14% hill with poor surface needed me to dismount, and I had the head camera videoing 10 minutes of the best bit. The Wednesday I took the A4146 road down to Hemel Hempstead, cut acros the north of HH to A4147 to St Albans, and had soup and bread with Hannah & grand-daughter Josie. I returned via Harpenden and Caddington. All in all the Garmin informs me that I have managed 220 miles in the last week. thursday's weather is wind followed by rain, so I'm anticipating rest days.
i spent the sunny morning weeding the patio and front drive as the wind began to pick up. in the afternoon the gusts were impressive, and I was glad not to be on the EndtoEnd trip already!
On Friday Janes, my local cycle shop, had it's keen cyclist repairer, Marcus, back in action, and I took the Raleigh Urban 5 in for a service, thinking nothing was wrong.
At the end of the day the bike bill was £164! 4,000 miles of commuting on the bike has saved me lots of petrol and parking bills! that's my way to view that expense! The chain set on the back wheel had worn out after 4,000 miles in the last 2 years, and had welded solid to the back wheel. The chain was so loose the measure device almost fell into the next link hole! The brake cables were replaced, along with back wheel and chain set and chain, and I have those spare inner tubes.
In Thursday morning's post, the fixing kit from Evans cycles had arrived so I now have a detachable front pannier secured on my handlebars, which I can take off when at stop-overs. So all I need now is to be at Paddington Station for the midday train to Penzance, and then be taken across the Cornish peninsular to St Just where we will be billetted on Saturday night.
Sunday will begin with a 6-mile ride to Land's End, team photos and the Set-off. The weather looks good for the first three days till rain might catch us in Bristol area.
Thanks for reading this far. Please keep journeying with me. Remeber Sue as she has the fortnight without me.
Michael
For the May Fair, Sue and I took the tandem out for our first ride together since it was overhauled with its original livery! It is so heavy to steer after riding a hybrid bike, and our co-ordination means that we wobble left and right at the same time at different ends of the 2-person bike, giving the movement quite a swing. We circumnavigated the village, and really enjoyed the fete. the Community Church's band "Disfunction" were superb, and the Bournemouth Brass Band men were amazing in their Spidermen outfits in their various shapes and sizes. Catching a glimpse of 3 more active ones at the top of the mobile climbing wall was a sight for sore eyes!
The bike with its handlebar mirror removed fitted into Sue's MPV, and came back to Eaton Bray. On Tuesday I went over to Wendover Hill which was an amazing circuit of Hale Road, Hale Lane and Aston Hill. 14% hill with poor surface needed me to dismount, and I had the head camera videoing 10 minutes of the best bit. The Wednesday I took the A4146 road down to Hemel Hempstead, cut acros the north of HH to A4147 to St Albans, and had soup and bread with Hannah & grand-daughter Josie. I returned via Harpenden and Caddington. All in all the Garmin informs me that I have managed 220 miles in the last week. thursday's weather is wind followed by rain, so I'm anticipating rest days.
i spent the sunny morning weeding the patio and front drive as the wind began to pick up. in the afternoon the gusts were impressive, and I was glad not to be on the EndtoEnd trip already!
On Friday Janes, my local cycle shop, had it's keen cyclist repairer, Marcus, back in action, and I took the Raleigh Urban 5 in for a service, thinking nothing was wrong.
At the end of the day the bike bill was £164! 4,000 miles of commuting on the bike has saved me lots of petrol and parking bills! that's my way to view that expense! The chain set on the back wheel had worn out after 4,000 miles in the last 2 years, and had welded solid to the back wheel. The chain was so loose the measure device almost fell into the next link hole! The brake cables were replaced, along with back wheel and chain set and chain, and I have those spare inner tubes.
In Thursday morning's post, the fixing kit from Evans cycles had arrived so I now have a detachable front pannier secured on my handlebars, which I can take off when at stop-overs. So all I need now is to be at Paddington Station for the midday train to Penzance, and then be taken across the Cornish peninsular to St Just where we will be billetted on Saturday night.
Sunday will begin with a 6-mile ride to Land's End, team photos and the Set-off. The weather looks good for the first three days till rain might catch us in Bristol area.
Thanks for reading this far. Please keep journeying with me. Remeber Sue as she has the fortnight without me.
Michael
Sunday, 5 May 2013
Retiring to the gardens.
I proposed going to Exbury gardens for the next trip. It seemed it wouldn't happen. Those phone calls went unanswered till after midday. Then after lunch I set off across the New Forest to get to Exbury, south of Beaulieu. Sue drove up minutes before me, having gone by the major roads.
The gardens were respendent with magnolia, rhodedendron, azalea and peiris; even some daffodils were still swaying in the breeze off the estuary. We had a slow leisurely walk for two hours around this stately home's garden. Then i hit the road for the return. I chose the B3054 from Beaulieu to Lymington, and it was a straight road on a gradual ascent into the prevailing wind! Hard graft! I followed the main road back to Highcliffe, and then the country lanes back to Bransgore. A 40 mile round trip, following the 50 miles to Swanage yesterday.
Naomi came down from Winchester for lunch today, and we then travelled to Furzey Gardens, winner of a gold medal at the Chelsea flower show last year. For the young at heart, there are lots of fairy houses to find in the central area of the garden. Naomi took delight in catching the images on her camera, for when she might return with a young niece! We enjoyed the variety of colours and the bird songs. Furzey Gardens is hidden in the back lanes of the centre of the New Forest, but my route there worked well to get me to Minstead. My return was more leisurely through Newtown, and the Boldoverwood arboretum, which I can recommend. So a Sunday of 20 miles or so, as the distances clock up.
There's a Fun Day in Bransgore tomorrow afternoon, so i plan a morning ride, to go via Hurn to Verwood, and back via Ringwood. So four days of variety, before we head home to Eaton Bray. The family think I'm fit enough for the End-to-End; will my stamina be up to the extra 6000 calories each day for 14 days? I wonder what the bathroom scales will say on Tuesday morning, after Sue's attempts to stop me getting thin!
The gardens were respendent with magnolia, rhodedendron, azalea and peiris; even some daffodils were still swaying in the breeze off the estuary. We had a slow leisurely walk for two hours around this stately home's garden. Then i hit the road for the return. I chose the B3054 from Beaulieu to Lymington, and it was a straight road on a gradual ascent into the prevailing wind! Hard graft! I followed the main road back to Highcliffe, and then the country lanes back to Bransgore. A 40 mile round trip, following the 50 miles to Swanage yesterday.
Naomi came down from Winchester for lunch today, and we then travelled to Furzey Gardens, winner of a gold medal at the Chelsea flower show last year. For the young at heart, there are lots of fairy houses to find in the central area of the garden. Naomi took delight in catching the images on her camera, for when she might return with a young niece! We enjoyed the variety of colours and the bird songs. Furzey Gardens is hidden in the back lanes of the centre of the New Forest, but my route there worked well to get me to Minstead. My return was more leisurely through Newtown, and the Boldoverwood arboretum, which I can recommend. So a Sunday of 20 miles or so, as the distances clock up.
There's a Fun Day in Bransgore tomorrow afternoon, so i plan a morning ride, to go via Hurn to Verwood, and back via Ringwood. So four days of variety, before we head home to Eaton Bray. The family think I'm fit enough for the End-to-End; will my stamina be up to the extra 6000 calories each day for 14 days? I wonder what the bathroom scales will say on Tuesday morning, after Sue's attempts to stop me getting thin!
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Dad's lost his bottle!
Upgrade, upgrade!
The last week has seen me moving forward in equipping and training. The weather has permitted the padded shorts and lycra tops to be worn without flourescent weatherproof coverings. A slimmer Michael is revealed!
The panniers have seen the light of day, and the backpack has been relegated to the garage. A front pannier was purchased from Evanscycles in Milton Keynes, but they didn' t include the fixing kit to secure it to the handlebars. Hopefully the package will fit through our letterbox on a first class delivery. It is cooler cycling without the extra layer and the backpack. So that was a 40 mile round trip to MK. Some of their cycle tracks were great (the red route to town centre), but the others had lost their signposts to vandals and graffiti, which doesn't help the visitor to get around. Cyclepaths can be short cuts, but they can also be the long way round too! I went up on the A5, and returned through Woburn Sands and Hockliffe. I try to do cyclical routes for variety and experience of navigation.
SPD pedals fitted on very easily, the shoes are comfortable, and i have managed to engage and disengage from the foot clips with relative ease. I need to remember that action when I am tired. Ivinghoe and Tring were my first jaunt with the pedals and my hamstrings ached a bit more than usual afterwards. Yesterday we travelled to Swanage from Bransgore. Sue drove 58 miles in the car, but my routes amounted to 50 miles, going via Wareham, and returning over the Studland Sandbanks ferry. A beautiful sunny day to wait on the sea-shore for Sue looking at Old Harry's rocks and the Needles. I feel great after burning off 3500 calories on some pleasant roads and paths.
So we had a fish dinner at the Cliffhanger in Highcliffe at the end of the day after soup in Swanage. I also had a spinach and feta cheese pasty there which had a high salt intake; Sue showed me that feta is made as a brine cheese. We both leant something!
The weather today is not so inviting. Cool and blustery. Sue mentioned the tandem, but I'm not sure it's a good day for that. Exbury gardens appeals, but I haven't looked at a map.
Men's breakfast at Bransgore Community Church this morning was a full English with all the trimmings. A good speaker too. So now to see what the day holds as I adjust to retirement. That happened last Tuesday, and 30 of the department came to a wonderful send-off meal at the Cafe Masala in Eaton Bray on the Wednesday night.
And the lost bottle? I have two clips for water bottles on the bike frame, and on the bumpy Christchurch causeway to Burton, the water bottle jumped off and went for its own burton. So Dad lost his bottle. I do have another down here, and spares back home in Eaton Bray.
Here's to cycling and safety.
The last week has seen me moving forward in equipping and training. The weather has permitted the padded shorts and lycra tops to be worn without flourescent weatherproof coverings. A slimmer Michael is revealed!
The panniers have seen the light of day, and the backpack has been relegated to the garage. A front pannier was purchased from Evanscycles in Milton Keynes, but they didn' t include the fixing kit to secure it to the handlebars. Hopefully the package will fit through our letterbox on a first class delivery. It is cooler cycling without the extra layer and the backpack. So that was a 40 mile round trip to MK. Some of their cycle tracks were great (the red route to town centre), but the others had lost their signposts to vandals and graffiti, which doesn't help the visitor to get around. Cyclepaths can be short cuts, but they can also be the long way round too! I went up on the A5, and returned through Woburn Sands and Hockliffe. I try to do cyclical routes for variety and experience of navigation.
SPD pedals fitted on very easily, the shoes are comfortable, and i have managed to engage and disengage from the foot clips with relative ease. I need to remember that action when I am tired. Ivinghoe and Tring were my first jaunt with the pedals and my hamstrings ached a bit more than usual afterwards. Yesterday we travelled to Swanage from Bransgore. Sue drove 58 miles in the car, but my routes amounted to 50 miles, going via Wareham, and returning over the Studland Sandbanks ferry. A beautiful sunny day to wait on the sea-shore for Sue looking at Old Harry's rocks and the Needles. I feel great after burning off 3500 calories on some pleasant roads and paths.
So we had a fish dinner at the Cliffhanger in Highcliffe at the end of the day after soup in Swanage. I also had a spinach and feta cheese pasty there which had a high salt intake; Sue showed me that feta is made as a brine cheese. We both leant something!
The weather today is not so inviting. Cool and blustery. Sue mentioned the tandem, but I'm not sure it's a good day for that. Exbury gardens appeals, but I haven't looked at a map.
Men's breakfast at Bransgore Community Church this morning was a full English with all the trimmings. A good speaker too. So now to see what the day holds as I adjust to retirement. That happened last Tuesday, and 30 of the department came to a wonderful send-off meal at the Cafe Masala in Eaton Bray on the Wednesday night.
And the lost bottle? I have two clips for water bottles on the bike frame, and on the bumpy Christchurch causeway to Burton, the water bottle jumped off and went for its own burton. So Dad lost his bottle. I do have another down here, and spares back home in Eaton Bray.
Here's to cycling and safety.
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