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.
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