The pressure is on and James and I are starting to grasp the enormity of the task ahead...
Preparations include becoming bloggers - all for a mere £10,000.
We are looking forward to sending you daily news, some phone pics too but also to read your much needed messages - hopefully of support and constructive advice!
We'll also check how much we raise for the Papworth Trust as we go along, to boost our morale and make us pedal ever harder.
You support us, we cycle.
Thank you.
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A stupid idea over one too many glasses of wine, to cycle 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats. Just two of us, unsupported, carrying our spares, tools and luggage. Why oh why? To raise at least £10k to help Papworth Trust support people who have less opportunities than the rest of us.
106 comments:
eeek. The hayfever related asthma seems to have cleared up along with the weather. So at least I can breathe. Question is, can I breathe and pedal at the same time? We'll find out in 10 days. James
Having cycled with a full load of 11kg of luggage I was struggling to breathe without hayfever.
This is gonna hurt!
Great sponsorship day with the total tipping over £6k. Plus Giftaid we've clocked £7.3k. All we've got to do now is earn it!
Anxiety levels at almost unhealthy levels, causing a high desire for most bad foodstuffs - and alcohol. Oh dear, hardly a fitness regime.
And as if to make things worse the forecast for next week is "wet and windy", NOT what we want at all.
Off for a beer now . . .
The Lesters,
Just remember 'It's not the taking part it's the winning that counts!' (I'm sure that's what my dad said when I was a boy!). Wishing you all the best on your quest and looking forward to the updates as you go. Great to see that the anxiety levels have hit an all time high...means you're going to breeze it!! Anxiety...Hayfever...asthma...bad foodstuffs...an entertaining time to be had no doubt,
Well done on the sponsorship levels,
Kind Regards,
Mike Yates
www.121business.co.uk
Oh dear
Met Office website forecasting heavy rain for Saturday in Cornwall.
OK, I've packed - again. I now know why all those people raised their eyebrows when we said we are going unsupported - I'll be hauling 12.5 kilo - 2 stone in old money.
Feeling extemely anxious about the ride - keen to get stuck into it to establish just how much of a struggle it will be!
Rain - I'm expecting wet and windy. That way anything better will be a real pleasure.
Anyway, the forecast is notoriously inaccurate this far out.
Yahoo - stripped luggage down to "only" 10kg - I pity anyone downwind of me after a few days as I've dumped liquids - shampoo, travel wash etc.
Sadly also parted with my electric toothbrush.
All I need to do now is try to concentrate on work for a day then get on the train tonight.
Unhelpfully a "friend" said yesterday that we are unlikely to make the hill out of Penzance - v steep with cold legs. Not what I wanted to hear.
Don't forget the sunscreen lads. Looks like yr going to have the weather for it. Have a great adventure. Looking forward to hearing all about it. Fran
Go Guys Go.
I notice Matthew has gone for the steamlined approach with the haircut! No need for the shampoo now anyway.
Remember I'll be thinking of you all the way as I count the money you are raising back in the comfort of my nice warm office.
Really, really good luck us all in the Development Team. You're stars!!!!
Good luck - really proud of both of you. Take care, be safe and most of all - have fun ( if you have the energy that is after all the pedalling)
mornin doll and dollbro
Miss you like mad and so proud of what you are about to do.
love you so much
MX
OK here we are at Penzance station - feeling uber anxious!
Decided to cab to Lands End - save 10 miles and the psychological barrier of coming back along the same road - yuk!
I can strongly recommend NOT shaing a small sleeper cabin with my brother after two pints of bitter and a pizza!
Just done a Radio Cambridgeshire interview, setting us off - surreal!
Miss max like crazy
Good luck!
Will be thinking of you from my deckbed next week.
Pedal power for Papworth :)
Hi hope your first day went well? Confirmed my belief that you really are mad! Hope you both managed the hills with cold legs? Just think only another 13 days to go ha ha.......
Hope you are leading Matthew after all it's only fair to take turns and it doesn't sound like James will want to be down wind of you by next week.
Take care and be safe, still think you should have support vehicle!
Jude
OK – end of day 1 – OMG!!!
We thought the hills would be bad, and the fist half of today was OK, but the second half HURT. We spent most of our time in lowest gear, and struggled with many hills with 1:6 gradient. OUCH OUCH.
What’s really daunting is tomorrow we have 10 more miles (James cannily arranged day 1 to be “just” 60 miles. Neither of us had much left in our legs at the end of today, and we reckon tomorrow could all be like this afternoon.
Managed to upload a picture from the start, just for the cynics who don’t believe – please, believe!
However we have now bathed (v necessary) and currently have a cheeky ice cold beer on the go – so except for the worry about tomorrow, the evening looks not so bad.
Thanks to you all for your postings – some of you are naughty people – keep the comments coming, the really help.
ttfn.
Not surprised the second half was bad especially if you had a fist in the first half,sounds painful!
Jude
Thanks for the comment Jude - I thought I did really well to wangle access to the hotel's computer (sitting on their reception!) - I also was careful to spell-check, but the prospect of a cheeky beer meant I did not read it through – that said, there are parts of my anatomy . . .maybe not!
Sunday Night – Day 2
So we expected today to be really bad, and up till 50 miles we were reasonably pleasantly surprised. We had a climb first thing from sea level to 300 metres (1,000’ in old money), then down again to 90m before climbing back up to 300 – tough but a big breakfast seemed to sort us out.
We then turned of and discovered a rather helpful tailwind had obviously been helping us. Sadly that did not help us after about 50 miles, we had hill after hill of between 50-100m climb – so one minute you’re freewheeling at 35mph with brakes on, the next you’re using every last bit of energy and not even doing 4mph. Killer.
We then had the “fly in the ear” incident – James picked up a passenger which spent the next two hours buzzing deep in his ear. We eventually got to the B&B – both v tired and frustrated by the constant hills, for James to spend ages on the phone to NHS direct, during which the buzzing stopped – we figured the phone irradiated it.
That said the route today was beautiful – the landscape stunning and there were two 10miles stretches where we saw no cars – wonderful. Weather also v kind – looks like that may continue tomorrow – Tuesday looks wet with gale force winds – swell!
Off now to enjoy the finest cuisine Crediton has to offer – or, frankly, anything with carbohydrates and beer!
Hi Guys. Just started my second glass of Pinot Grigio and realized the fatal flaw in yr plan - gojel would have been all down hill - but no matter. Hope things are going well.
Thank you both for doing something so wonderful and restoring my faith in human nature. wishing you a pain free but joyful journey, continuing to learn about yourselves and each other. Sending mountains of support!
Hope that all is going well guys!
Make sure that you stock up with some DEET to fight of the bugs when you get north of the border!
Best wishes
Well done on getting this far! Sounds like it hurts a lot. Trusting that the beer at the end of each day dulls the pain... eventually.
Returned to work and have caught up with your progress to date... fingers crossed the weather remains kind and that there are no more insect incidents!
Having just returned from Cornwall I envy you the scenery and the weather - even if you are experiencing it the hard way. I'm sure the first few days are the worst so stick with it boys!
Glad to see Phil is offering H&S advice re bugs north of the border - my advice would, of course, be 'don't do it!'
Wendy
Hope the peddling is going well - giggles to help you on your way.....
You Know You're Addicted To Cycling When...
Your surgeon tells you you need a heart valve replacement and you ask if you have a choice between presta and schrader
A measurement of 44-36-40 doesn't refer to the latest Playboy centerfold, but that new gear ratio you were considering for your Cobra.
A Power Bar starts tasting better than a Snickers.
Take care - have lots of fun and peddle hard!!!!!!!!
Pam :)
Can't believe that James is doing the whole thing on what looks like a Shopper - best of luck mate!
Hi Matthew and Bro, glad to see that you have survived the first couple of days. You look remarkably well in the photos!
Keep up the good work. I cycled once, down to my local pub, which is where my bike remainded for the next 3 months due to the walk/cycle home being up-hill!
Just in case, Matthew, I have put your out of office to say you will hopefully be back in the office by the end of the this year!!!
Happy Peddaling!
I hope that Matthew's absence won't be that long, Louise - otherwise we might have to consider whether he has frustrated his contract of employment! (Only joking Matthew....)
Wendy
Wow – loads of blog comments, lucky us. Once again availing ourselves of a computer on reception, so must be quick! Have printed blogs. Will read later – however on quick scanning I can assure you all that we are selfishly managing a beer and/or wine at the end of each day so far, just to add to the punishment! I will send the story from today, and pix (bv slow connection so we may fail!) to go on the web ASAP
Highlights thought are we’ve done 88 miles today, 223 total. We were v v v tired, and tomorrow looks like really windy and wet. Swell!
Hi Guys
Guess you will be wet and cold after todays cycle.
Abraham Lincoln said
"good things come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who peddle" OK he did not say peddle he said hussle, but you get the idea. Keep on going
I remember staying with a friend in Bristol and then travelling to Plymouth the next day. I was amazed just how far it was!
I'm really impressed that you've got as far as Bristol in 3 days - well done! And the weather forecast this morning said the further North you go, the better the weather becomes - so keep pedalling!
Now I fully understand the wearing of lycra outfits at the end of the working day. Look forward to seeing you modeling the Beano ( before its too grubby!) If your anywhere near Hereford on Wednesday night I'll buy you a post-cycle beer. Good luck for the rest of your journey.
Anwen
Just thought i'd let you know that I met someone in Italy last week who managed to complete LeJog a couple of years back. He said he had huge respect for anyone brave/stupid enough to take on the challenge. He chucked 20 euros into the kitty and asked me to wish you both the very best of luck. Keep it going!
GB
Just returned to work too, looking at trees being bashed by the wind out of your office window Matthew ... Hopefully wind is blowing in the right direction for you and you've been free-wheeling all the way to the pub (wishful thinking).
Well done guys (you've already raised over £6000) an take care of yourselves.
Hi to you both,
Hope all is going to plan and the weather is being kind to you. Just been catching up with all the comments and so sorry but the insect buzzing incident did make me giggle :-)
I wish you both the best of luck in your journey and hope you have some great adventures.
Julia Clough
test
Note from Matthew as no phone or web coverage.
Day 4 - Very hard day and both very tired. No power left in legs. 84 hard miles cycled, avoding climbs. Brakes worn bare.
- End-
Keep up the good work guy!
You should have sponsoroed the longest weblog too - you could have made some money on that! Congratulations for getting this far - impressive indded! Do you think JK Rowling invented 'cruciatus' while bike riding?
Don't worry about the brakes - most of the journey is up hill. :)
You're doing a fab job - I hope your enjoyment is as high as your socks must be by now!
It's bucketing it down here as I type, I'm hoping it missed you on its way here.
Hi Matthew and James
Well done guys - keep going.
If it seems bad for you, have a look at the kit the guys going from John 'O Groats to Lands End are using!
http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd149/jonathanw_01/?action=view¤t=SquareBike.jpg
Keep up the good work.
Jonathan
Note from Matthew.
Day 5, 78 miles across Shropshire into Cheshire. We started later than planned, stiff and tired from yesterday. A tough morning with 2 big climbs. I asked for directions in a shop and when the lady worked out where we were headed, she gave us a pitying look. It was a big climb. The second one, near Minsterley, involved lashing rain at the top. A much better afternoon though as once the 2 big hills were done, we had fastish, flatish dry miles across N Shropshire. All was well until Matthew got a puncture which delayed us a bit. No towns since Monmouth yesterday lunchtime, no web access and little by the way of phone signal - so unable to blog or send any pictures. The good afternoon has boosted our spirits.
- End-
Radio int sounded good Matthew. Well done!
Hi Matthew and James,
The westher is gorgeous here in Ipswich today... we're all wishing we were outside to enjoy it... hopefully you can enjoy it for us?!
Keep up the good work, we're all routing for you!
James
Great news on your progress!
Heard about the radio interview, they do say all publicity is good publicity!
We're thinking of you,
Julia
Great interview on the radio this morning Matthew.
I'm amazed that you have got to Cheshire already (yes, I know that's what you had planned but it's quite a distance). Well done! We will have that bucket of cold water ready for you....
Wendy
Blog Response
Thanks for your comments one and all – very heartening, and great to see after two nights denied web access or even mobile signal!
Some responses to various postings:
Fran – Gojel?? I think the Pinot had really kicked in, doing John O’Groats to Lands End is Jogle
Shelly – glad our pain has restored your faith in Human nature – sorry it needed restoring! If you work at Papworth, it is clearly there every time you look at the work my colleagues do every day.
Phil VW – cripes! Need to get some insect repellent – other than the “fly in ear” incident we’ve only had a couple swallowed/in eyes etc.
Wendy – re H&S advice - done it already, and quite enjoyed it thank you, but thanks anyway!
David- perversely James “shopper” is a bike of envy, with experienced cyclists drooling over it. If you must know it’s a Moulton and despite appearances every bit as effective for the job – even though I agree it looks daft!
Pam – thanks – laughs well needed – our power bars are fruitcake – we’re connoisseurs now!
Lou – leaving the bike at the pub seemed very sensible!
Anwen – we were in Tilston near Malpas Cheshire last night – Tuesday night we were about 15 miles from Hereford, but in no condition to “receive company”
Adrian – JKR must have done this – I am sure she modelled the Death Eaters, sucking all the goodness and warmth out of you, on the feeling you get having completed 40 miles, you’re tired, and you know you have at least 40 miles left, and it is already 4pm.
Some facts we have discerned
1. All Citroen Saxo’s have big exhausts and sound systems
2. All busses are run by Stagecoach or First
3. Almost all fruitcake and tea tastes good after 30 miles
We have also made it through
Cornwall without a pasty
Devon without a cream tea
Somerset without any cider
Thursday 16 August - Day 6 Update
We started early to try to finish early – we failed. The 69 miles cycled should have been easy, with relatively flat terrain – it was wet for the first 25 miles, and I lost my waterproof yesterday (entirely careless stupidity on my part), then James got a puncture – his turn – so we stood shivering in a barn for an hour whilst he fixed it. Then on to Warrington (where waterproof duly purchased). We had nothing left. No pictures today – could not muster the energy – the whole focus is to cycle to the destination – every mile is a mile forward – the enormity of the task ahead is really biting, and hurting. When we stop, we refuel (tea and cake) and talk about miles, hills, routes, or nothing. We know how tired we are, flat roads can be a challenge.
Toward the Lakes tomorrow, back to hills – can’t say we are looking forward to it, however at least we will have the scenery to help/distract us – today was generally urban/suburban sprawl. The last few days scenery have been magnificent – we can’t think of a more effective way to see some beautiful parts of our country.
Both you guys amaze us!! Sounds like you are enjoying the trip regardles of the few minor?? problems. We want to see all the pictures and hear all the details next time you are in Dallas (McKinney). Take care of each other and be safe. We are off to Vegas until Monday. Will check back and see how you are doing then.
LOL
Lyndon & Judy
J&M,
Sooo proud of you boys! Wish we (Max, Hugo and I) could be with you - ok admittedly not for the pedalling part, but at least for the carrying you pints of beer at night after the pedalling part!
Miss you so much, J. LYT
Tamara
Friday Aug 17 - Day 7
Great day!! Contrast to yesterday could not be greater. We’re back, and pedalling! 72 miles through the Lakes, scenery to knock your socks off. A 6 mile push in the rain to Lancaster up the A6, not pretty but the alternate bridle paths had proved to be mud. Then the beautiful Lancaster canal toward the looming hills ahead. The sun came out, then before we knew it we had arrived at Milnthorpe where the lovely ladies in the memorial hall fed us with high octane fruit cake and their last piece of Rhubarb and Strawberry crumble, with custard.
We then pushed a hard 14 miles to catch the 13:25 ferry from Bowness up lake Windermere to Ambleside, which we did with 1 minute to spare. We were to take the ferry across Windermere, but we figured we could take the ferry to the top of Windermere, thereby saving 5 miles of cycling. We fully accept the real pedants may lodge a protest – we have no defence, we were weak willed!
From Ambleside we knew we had a hard pull up toward Thirlmere, but we managed it much better than expected, then we had a dream trip round Thirlmere, and along wonderful roads to Threlkeld. Perfectly stunning scenery. A great late sandwich in the Salutation at Threlkeld supplied by “Mother”, who kindly threw £10 toward the sponsorship – so kind.
Finally another climb toward Calderback ending, earlier than most previous days at Heskett Newmarket, with legs to spare and our smiles wholeheartedly restored. The day was spoiled when we discovered the pub next to the guest house is a micro brewery – oh dear!
If the other days are half as good as these we will be fine, as this is the first day we feel we have cycled rather than suffered!
No pix yet from today as the internet point (in said pub) has no USB ports to upload from the camera – hopefully tomorrow as we have some great shots.
t of the day
The world record for Lands End to John O’Groats on a bike is something like 37 hours. We’re not sure if that includes or excludes the one hour sleep the guy had. He also broke the 24 hour distance record and, because he could, he added an extra 50 miles on to get the 1,000 mile record too. We reckon an average speed of about 26mph – and the biggest will power you can imagine!
Saturday 18 Aug – Day 8
Started wet with a 15 mile “undulation” in the rain into Carlisle, which we both struggled with, leaving us both feeling concerned about the rest of the day. After refuelling in Longtown we crossed into Scotland at 11:45, having completed just over 550 miles in total. 10 miles after the Longtown stop we had more tea (and tried to warm up), and were pleased to note the accents of everyone had changed in such a short distance!
The climbing then began. There were four major climbs through the Lowlands and Moorfoot hills and, we soon discovered we prefer these hills to others we’ve encountered. It is worth noting that our lives are now only full of cycling, so we spend a great deal of time analysing hills. To put this into perspective I recall the Eskimos have 42 words for snow – something I did not previously comprehend!
We like the hills because they are long and slow, meaning a 3-4mile grinding climb, followed by freewheeling or flying for 3-4 miles.
We had anticipated there would be times today when the necessary fuel of tea would be hard to come by, and after 50 miles stopped at Eskdalemuir to eat the sandwich and cake we had carried since Longtown. After 5 mins munching, and getting cold, as it had not really stopped raining all day, James looked at the map to discover a Tibetan Centre (Don’t ask why, we don’t know) with tea room 1 mile up the road – we knew we were tired when we were laughing too much to get there.
We finished the 82 miles today with a sweet 5 mile decent into Innerleithen. That’s two days with acceptable pain levels and reasonable miles – the end is looking hopeful. Not saying I am missing home, and Max in particular, but the lady who washed my clothes last night used the same conditioner as we use, and I spent half the day sniffing my gloves to remind me of home.
Fact of the Day
All B&B showers are made by Mira
Pan Pipe music at breakfast with chintz crockery and random knick knacks is not our natural choice of how to start the day!
Hello Chaps,
What can I say? I'm full of admiration for you. And a small amount of guilt. You both have hidden resolve that us more modest cyclists can only dream of. Each night I think of you forcing down the beers and pizza, the women in the B&Bs forning over two southern blokes in Lycra. Steady......
All the best and don't forget,the further north the smaller the mozies. Mick Burpitt
Oh dear you rumbled me on the old Pinot thing! You are doing great. I am enormously impressed with what you are doing. Especially glad the Lakes were kind to you. Truly lovely aren't they.
Blog Update
Sunday 19 Aug – Day 9
James’ tyre had developed an unattractive blister yesterday which meant it needed changing. After some calls the Edinburgh Cycle Co-op said they could get one of his strange, small tyres in for Sunday so we pushed hard through stiff headwinds and very cold rain for the 30 miles to Edinburgh. By the time the right tyre had arrived and been fitted (and we had bought dry, warm shoes, etc and more brakes)we’d lost 3 hours. We really felt justified in calling it quits and taking the train to Perth as we still had 45-50 miles to do, in head winds, and we felt tired. However we did not succumb!
We pushed to the Forth Bridge and stopped for tea at Inverkeithen – we would not recommend it, but the road out is good! We ignored the scenic, straight-ish route James had carefully planned (over some hills),and opted for main roads to cover miles. Good call, it was hard for 15 to Kinross, then on to Perth having done 76 very quick miles.
Tomorrow promises large tracts with nothing resembling settlements or civilisation – very different from today!
Mick - thanks for the comment - Mossies may be sammller - but still go down the throat!
Guys you are simply fantastic - you are clearly digging very deep in order to keep going - well done. I'm sure you'll be able to live on the stories of this trip for many years to come - and deservedly so! Keep it up. Adrian.
Matthew and James,
What a pheonominal journey so far! My knowledge of the UK is not the best but doesn't Perth mean you are on the home straight?! Big jar of vaseline and comfy bottom cushions await...
Celli J (Papworth)
Wow - really really impressed. Keep up the Lester peddling power!!
Pam :)
Seriously awesome achievement so far Team Lester - keep up the good work and watch out for the low flying haggis
Morning Matthew,
Returned to the office this morning - not done any work yet as it has taken all morning to catch up on the Lester gossip. Really proud of you both - beats my sitting in the sun for 2 weeks, with a bit of gentle exercise and excessive french wine tasting!Matthew - all well at the office, but will have the comfy cushions arranged on the chair for your return. Keep up with the peddle power and continued good luck.
Helena
Hi chaps
Well done for reaching the borders of Scotland - just eat lots of porridge - that will help. Pictures are great.
Keep up the good work.
Hi
All I can say is "You must be mad!!!".
Matthew, I've changed the blog link so that it directs as you requested. (Only just returned to the office myself so done at first opp :-)
Take care both of you!
Webmistress!!!!!
Hi Guys
Just returned to the office after a week off and can't believe you are on the last leg. You are doing great so keep it going.
Mandy
Hi Matthew,
Have decided the comments are all too positive and encouraging. Given you've been at it 20 days I'm assuming you're doing the end to end and back again.....
Hope the Grampians were'nt too hard.
Let me know when you've finished and we can compare stories.
All the best
Steve Scott
Remploy
Hi Matthew
Great to read your blog very entertaining. I am just recovering from a round trip Midlands to Perthshire by car (740 miles over 3 days) but no comparison with you guys. I am seriously impressed and can't wait to hear all about it when you are back in circulation (or is that with circulation returned!!).
take care
Karen
Blog update
Monday 20 August – Day 10
What a day!?
Apart from being Max and my 19th wedding anniversary (Max, I hope the little giftie partly made up for my absence) – we knew we had 75miles, mostly uphill, with a head wind. Not good. Soon after leaving Perth we realised the hard push catching up n time yesterday took it’s toll on the legs. We had a hard grind of short sharp hills for the first 15 miles, and no amount of tea seemed to help!
After another 15 we were at Pitlochry, and the wind was getting stronger. 7 miles later we were at Blair Athol, pretty much the last settlement till Dalwhinnie, about 2 miles on. For good measure we also had to climb 30 metres over the first 15 of those miles. All I can say is it is somewhat soul destroying to push as hard as you can for an hour and cover little more than 5 miles.
15 miles in to the climb, when we were almost at the Drumochter Summit when the dangly bits at the back of James’ bike (we think they’re called gears) broke off and wrapped themselves around his wheel. It was just gone 4:30 and we had at least 20 miles to go. A few phone calls and hard decisions later and we’d arranged for James and his dead bike to get to Inverness, our stop for Tuesday, so a bike shop can try to nail the necessary pieces back on. I pushed on to the B&B, where I arrived at 7:15, frankly unable to do much at all.
Therefore tomorrow I will ride alone, but carry James’ standard with me and, hopefully, we will carry on together on Wednesday.
Thanks for the comments one and all – very heartening! I look forward to cushions and Vaseline!
Hi Matthew and James
You guys are just doing so well and what's even more amazing is that your blogs have got more enthusiatic the further you have ridden!
Hope you fix 'Mr Shimano' OK and are back on track for Wednesday.
Regards
Jonathan
I thought I had the two best sons in the world - now everybody knows I was right. I am so proud of you both - but as your mother I reserve the right to worry about you both until you are safely home.
I thought Scotland had midges - not mozzies - but maybe I'm thinking of Oz - too much algerian bellywash can rot the brain. Love you both and Sara says I've had too much wine and of course, she's right. Been enjoying the blogs. Happy Anniversary Matthew. x x
Fantastic progess. Go Matthew go! Hope James gets the bike sorted and you have his company again tomorrow.
Wendy
I am so impressed with your amazing progress guys, keep up the hard work!
Phill :-)
Hey you guys
Many congratulations, hope you cycling like demons??!!!
may the force be with you ! n your bottoms!!! hope they are not toooo sore
Soory Mathew that was Me who posted you the the last blog ( der) did'nt put my name on it
Gina
Blog Update
Tuesday 21 August - |Day 11
Weird start to the day with James in Inverness and me in Newtonmore. Having re-read yesterday’s blog I was clearly less sentient than I thought – climbing 30 metres over 2 miles does not sound quite as robust as the 300metres over 20 miles. If I say “I ate something which disagreed with me”, you’d get the picture. In truth, on any other day I would not have tried to cycle, so with me feeling less than the full shilling and James cheesed off because of the dead bike and missing today, a bad start!
On the good side it was only 53 miles, but I felt most of them. The first 14 to Aviemore were flat, then a climb to the Slochd Summit at 410 metres, a re-run of yesterday, but shorter and no bike explosions! Also the trip down did not require pedalling into head winds. Shortly after 32 miles I came across Les from Attleborough who is doing LeJog, and camping. He is cycling from 07:00-20:00 daily, and carrying all his stuff. How grateful are we to have clean bed, shower and clothes each night. James joined us, keen to test the new gears (much respect to Bikes Of Inverness who heated his frame to straighten it, rebored and tapped one of the important attachment bits, and fitted new gears, all for £60!).
We cycled together for the last 20, which felt strangely normal. James’ planning is impeccable as we have a “rather pleasant” hotel tonight, and only 50 miles each of the next 2 days. We find our selves in the strange position of having a couple of hours just sitting. Since starting we have cycled, eaten, arranged for clothes to be cleaned, updated the blog and slept. We have had no time to do, think or talk about anything but the ride.
The end is now in sight, and frankly, I will be pleased to be done. Tomorrow we head for Brora, with flat most of the way, better weather and winds, who knows, we may enjoy it!
Fact of the day
My landlady at the Ard-na-coille B&B last night was “the toilet seat lady from Dragons Den”
I am still seriously cheesed off. The broken bike was not fun but Bikes of Inverness moved heaven and earth to get me back up and running and I cannot thank them enough. Less fun was missing the miles with Matthew. Although thhey don't sound like easy ones.
I had said in Perth that "barring catastrophic bike failure we've broken the back of this now". So that was my hex!!
Thanks for the support!
James
Matthew and James
Well done, logged on to check that you were both sorted, so delighted that it's 'Game on' again.
I watched that edition of Dragons Den, quite a lady and I bet you boys have been raising the seat!
Enjoy the last bit, you have really earned it and I'm only sorry that the end isn't Bora Bora!
Regards
Jonathan
PS Bring back James's broken bits and auction them?
Hi Matthew
Sorry have been away so have missed most of your journey, sounds like it has been a bit hard at times. Good job you are not the kind of person to give up. You and James should be very proud of your selves I know I am proud to know someone who is prepared to put themselves through something like that.
Keep up the good work and take care.
Jude
Good to see that you are back on the road in full swing. Keep it up - nearly there - brilliant effort!
Nearly there - hope you can hear us cheering you on. What will we talk about when it's all over?!
Blog Update
Day 12 - Wednesday 22 August
A nice day of cycling with no disasters! 58 miles from Inverness to Brora, which we "knocked out" quite quickly (by recent standards that is!). The ride from Inverness across the Black Isle was lovely, with weather alternating between clear, warm sunshine and cold wet mist. Before we knew it we'd got to Cromarty for the 12 minute ferry across Cromarty Bay to Nigg. After that we were mainly on the A9 main road, which was busier than we'd been led to believe, but not a major problem, and smooth cycling. A "jolly nice" tea break at Tain, before crossing the beautiful Firth of Dornoch, with the mist/sunshine mix making a magnificent view. There we saw our first roadsign saying John o'Groats 86 miles - the end is in sight!
However today there was only 25 miles left and, frankly, nowhere really to stop, so we kept going. Apart from a minor "unclipping incident" just as we arrived in Brora (I forgot to unclip my feet from my pedals when stopped at a junction, resulting in an embarrassing pile of large person and bike sitting in the middle of the junction - main damage, my dignity, which, as those who have seen me in lycra will testify, was lost long ago!).
All in all the best actual cycling day we have had, also one of the shortest and flattest - mmm, maybe there's a correlation. James thoughtfully arranged a massage for this afternoon - off now to see how much it hurts!
Matthew,
Have been catching up on your news with Amy - we love the comment from your mum - we are very proud of you also and will buy you a very well deserved pint on your return.
Keep up the hard work - the end is in sight!
Amy and Helena
Jonathan. I actually retrieved the broken bits from the bin in the bike shop and bagged them, just like on CSI. Then I left them in the hotel. Do you KNOW how much a rear mech and chain weighs? That's a lot of fruitcake!!
Tomorrow is scary. An easy 53 miles, half up, half down. Trouble is, for 35 miles of that we are in wilderness. NOTHING. Draw a line north from Brora/Lothbeg to Melvich on your map (or google map it...) and you will see precisely nothing but an empty single track road and one railway crossing. So I am praying that the bikes....
Oh and the massage was great until my thighs got touched, at which point the screams were probably heard in Inverness
James
Oh, and we added another £10 to the pot today. Do Scottish notes count the same or is there some sort of weird exchange rate? Someone dropped us a fiver over breakfast and the massage lady also subbed us a fiver. Typical of the interest, kindness and generosity we have encountered all the way.
Dear Lycrists
well done, you are nearly there! I have just checked the weather forecast in it GOOOOOD. At last, just to trick you for your old days when you will reminisce over the "sunny easy ride" you once took ....
Please please get someone to film your big arrival ... Pics are very enjoyable by the way (see www.Papworth.org.uk everyone, they're all there)
Hope you are enjoying today's stretch. We still are in bad weather, so at least there is a consolation for you.
Soooo pleased for you - nearly there. Keep pedalling (as if you have a choice!).
Hi Matthew
Just reading the blog and as promised I will leave you a note. Hope you guys are ok. You are very brave to be undertaking such a challenge. We are proud of you.Have a Pernod or three for Phil and myself. Hope you are having good weather. Don't forget Matt I have the oil ready to massage the pins! Don't break a leg and hope to see you soon. Regards Trish xx (and Phil)
Glad to know you are neary there. Many, many congratulations. Just remember the last push is always the most important!!!
How much would it take for you to cycle back to Land's End then? A brilliant achievement boys - enjoy the finale. David M
Blog Update
Thursday 23 August – Day 13
Started today with 12 miles on the A9 from Brora to Helmsdale – not fun with the traffic, and pleased to get off it. The main journey today was on the 40 mile A897 from Helmsdale to Melvich, not the major highway the name suggests – mainly a single track the whole way with few cars, or settlements. Magnificent scenery, albeit worrying, if a bike broke we’d have no realistic chance of getting the support we’ve enjoyed earlier in the trip. Mercifully bikes were fine, but we were flagging, both physically and emotionally. We had a bizarre stop at the Forsinard Hotel – we think we were his only customers today; or maybe this week!
Once leaving there we were really scraping the barrel energy wise. The end is in sight and now we want this to end, but the legs won’t push us fast enough to get it over with quickly.
However as we only had 62 miles today, we managed to reach our hotel before 3:30 (nice choice James, well done), and now have the prospect of nailing this tomorrow. Another BBC Radio Cambridgeshire interview at 8:20 tomorrow, then off to hit John O’Groats by about 11:00, get the photos done, then a cab to Wick for the train home.
The train holds extra appeal, we have followed it’s route for the last 5 days and could have got on at any station to take us to Wick – you can not imagine the willpower it has taken to keep cycling!
Hopefully next blog entry will be after the end and en route to our loved ones, who we miss terribly. Tomorrow’s 25 miles feel like a huge journey, hopefully they will go quickly.
Blog responses
Thanks to everyone for your comments – some of the miles have been long, and lonely, and your comments have genuinely been helpful!
Trish – after James and I both experienced the pain of our thighs being touched (let alone massaged) yesterday, I must respectfully decline your offer as my eyes are watering at the thought! However I hope you don’t mind if we transfer your pernod suggestion to another beverage of our choice!
David – there is not enough money to get us to head back on our bikes. Now, if you could arrange for Max to be here, the journey to be shorter each day, missing the hills, and no pressure to finish, then it may be considered, but then it would not be the same would it . . .!
Fact of the Trip
If doing this, use Sudocrem. 970 miles of cycling can't be wrong!
I wondered what this was...a google search revealed...developed over 70 years ago, Sudocrem is the market leader in the cyclist rash sector. Cyclist rash can be a cause of unhappy, crying men (or women, but much less so I'm told), with as many as one in four suffering from the condition at one time or another.....
So guys the end is in sight and those last few miles will really fly by. Everyone at Papworth is really looking forward to congratulating you both in person.
Meantime, all the very best, a safe journey home and I just hope that Sudocrem doesn't smell like linament!
Jonathan
Brilliant slot on the raido this morning - well done Matthew. Good publicity for Papworth. Here's to getting 100% of the way there and 100% of the funding target!
The Lester Pedallos,
Very well done chaps!! On the feat and the money raised so far. Assuimg you now both have thighs like 'emu' drumsticks??
Very Best Wishes,
Mike and Helen xx
Blog update
Day 14 Friday 24 August
Phew! Done it. 26 mile push, unwelcome and not forecast headwind meant the final miles were not given up easily, but we arrived after a 2 hour frenetic pedal, with both of us keen to get it over and done with.
Finished in 13 days and 2 hours and arrival was, frankly, an anticlimax – but a relief. We knew we could finish, it was simply a case of willpower and patience to keep pedalling to the actual finish line at John O’Groats (Or John o’Groats, as it appears to be known locally).
A “charming” photographer at John O’Groats (not) took the obligatory shots and we relished a final tea and cake before taking the cab to Wick, with the aim of catching the earlier train to Inverness, where we felt 4 hours may be more pleasurably spent. Sadly the delights of the train system are such that we need to wait till our 16:00 train as they can only cope with two bikes on each train – so here we are in Wick library giving the update.
Home by the morning, and looking forward to seeing our loved ones!
Thanks to everyone for your support – more updates and stories on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire breakfast show on Tuesday, in the meantime – TTFN!
We survived. Arrived in one bit, with bikes also in one bit. No time spent in verges courtesy of buses and trucks, and no visits to hospital. yay!
Well done to Matthew for doing the Cairngorm bits on his own while I got the bike fixed. 970 miles...13 days 2 hours. 2 Bikes, 2 blokes, lots of sweet tea and fruitcake. I'll miss that
Many, many congratulations both of you. A fantastic achievement. May you have lots of hot water waiting for you at home!
Congratulations to you both on an epic journey. Loved reading your blogs and am alomost inspired to get a bike. Almost.
Anwen
Well done guys!
Cheque book at the ready!
Well done lads on completing your epic adventure.You certainly brightened up our day when you passed through the sleepy village of Milnthorpe in our lovely lycra!Glad the fruit cake came in handy.Hope you both aren't too saddle sore!!!
Thanks for the picture of the well travelled fruitcake sitting at John O groats!Have stuck it on our pinboard to prove how well our food travels!!!Once again well done , love all the girls at sandham's tearoom milnthorpe xx
To the Milnthorpe Girls - thank you - the thought the high octane fruitcake was available to us at any time was a great comfort - but as it survived uneaten till JOG we had to get a picture - glad to know it's available for all to see.
Matthew
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