Wednesday, 1 August 2007
Sunday, 15 July 2007
Well you asked for it.
This post is for everyone who has asked to see a picture of my bruises. This was taken a week after the accident and the colour had developed nicely.
My advice would be don't collide with a car. I think the shape of the bike wheel is quite elegant. As JT said, not so much a bike as a piece of modern art.
I have been watching the Tour de France this week. They make it look so easy even after they fall off. Just so impressive.
Hope you all enjoy the pics.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Day 17: Helmsdale to John O'Groats (Thank you)
Alan - What can I say apart from thank you. I wasn't really sure what to write in this post. The more I thought about it the more it started to seem like an Oscar acceptance speech. In the end I decided that I should just stick to the point and talk cycling (I have a feeling at this point that everyone is pressing PgDn to get to Matt or Elayne's section ).
A few people at the beginning of the holiday asked what weather I would like. The strange thing was that I didn't want perfect cycling weather (not too hot, dry, very light breeze) instead I wanted a complete mix and that is what we got (The moral is be careful what you wish for). Down south we got burned (see the stripy blog), in Bath the heavens opened (see blog), on Rannoch Moor, the full works which in my opinion left only one thing which was a full on head wind. The wind was pretty strong yesterday, but today it was mad. The day started with good old fashioned hills. The plus point was that when going up you were shieilded from the wind by the hill, but then coming down the other side you had to cycle just as much to keep moving. After 15 miles of hills, I was told that it flattened out which on any other day would be great. Today this was just an opportunity for the wind to really get a hold of you. Just keeping the bike moving forwards was an effort, whilst at the same time fighting to keep on a straight line. Then on one stretch I manged to get to 13 mphwhen a gust of wind grabbed the bike and said No! and I came to a sudden stop,
I got to lunch at about 22 miles in and met with Matt and Elayne had a sandwich and set off. I decided then that it was time to just get finished. The next 32 miles were a case of just grinding out the miles watching them tick away on the cycle computer. Only stopping to put my jacket on when the rain got too much or take it off when the rain stopped for a minute. With 6 miles to go, the final climb started and went on and on and finally with 3 miles to go I crested the top of the hill and as met by the sight of the Orkneys .... fantastic. Took the bike up into top gear put my head down and set off downhill into the wind and rain into JoG. Going at full pelt putting in all the strength I had using every gear I managed to get over 16mph, pathetic. If I had stopped I'm sure I would have been blown back up hill and most of the way to Land's End (If there are ever the promised south westerly winds, people must sprint to the finish and find themselves across on Stroma before they realise.). An eternity later I arrived. Then realised that the end was further on, got there, was directed towards the sign by Matt and Elayne and fell off. After all these miles I didn't wamt to disappoint my loyal audience.
So that's it. Not yet for the blog since we want to write a few summary blogs and post some more photos in the next couple of weeks, but that is it for the ride. Would I do it again. Yes. Not the same route, but I would. I will also be revisiting various parts of the country and would recommend it to everyone. If you can afford the time, do it over a longer period and use the extra time to see more of this great country.
Finaly, I will spend a couple of lines thanking everyone for all the calls, comments, emails, sponsorship (we can't check from here but apparently it's gone up massively), support along the route,champagne at the end (hic), cakes and everything. So now the question is what next ... ouch !! .... I've just been hit.
Matt- Well an odd day for me. It was great to make it from one end of the country to the other even though I could not finish on my bike. The sight of the Orkney's appearing as we crested the last hill was fantastic.
I did enjoy being out of the wind and rain in the car and to see Alan cross the line after all the effort against the wind today was fantastic..
I would like to add my thanks to everyone for their support, comments , texts, emails and of course sponsorship. It really helped me get through the days when the cycling was tough i.e. hilly..
Many thanks to Elayne for her excellent support and help. Particularly when I need ed to visit the hospitals. We could not have done the trip without her.
Finally thanks to Alan for persuding me that this trip was a good idea. It really was great and I have enjoyed the challange and I would reccomend it as fantastic way to see the UK.
I will be back to fill in the gaps on the bike and maybe add in a trip to Orkney to round things off.
Elayne: Final B&B report. Sea View Hotel has not ever heard of customer service. Think they could do with some training. I guess I could offer to do it when we come back with Matt. Checking in was a bit of an effort and getting someone to open the champagne (thanks very much, greatly appreciated!) took forever.. Room is OK, but small, and shower tray installed the wrong way round, so it fills with water and overflows when you have a shower. There is a suggestions box in reception, which might not be big enough.
Matt is now asleep in the bar. Neither he nor Alan have mentioned our new friends - met Ian today and Matt and I did a sideways trip to Wick to try to find him a new tyre, without success. Note to fellow end to enders, do not have anything wrong with your bike when you get to Wick, as the only bike shop still there is mostly a toy shop and completely useless.
We also met Eric and Robert, two lovely cyclists from around Manchester, who are due to finish tomorrow. Also watched another cycllist finish, who's done the trip on his own in just 10 days - amazing!
Time for bed now. Sorry we haven't called everybody - have tried everywhere in the hotel to get a signal without success, but will catch up with you all tomorrow when we start the journey south. Will be in Edinburgh tomorrow night and then travelling home on Wednesday.
Monday, 25 June 2007
Trip Photo: Wick
Trip Photo
Not the greatest location for a photo. It was either a backdrop of a graveyard or one of some out of town retail outlets. Not much choice.
Morning of Final Day
Just thought I'd do a quick blog on what our morning routine is, by describing this morning's preparations.
Got up at 7:15 which seems to be our standard start to try and get away just after 9am (after rushhour) and had a bath. Makes a nice change from a shower and eases the aches a bit. The list of aches and pains include, feet ache and are sore since they have been in cold water for the last few days (Waterproof overshoes are a must and will go on our top tips.). Hands are bruised after days of holding the bars. I bought new padded mits before we left and these have been good, but are now trashed. Other normal aches and pains include shoulders, knees and then later there will be the morning saddle experience. (This now all pales into insignificance against what Matt is feeling this morning. Bruising is coming out well and he's hobbling around ok, but really just wants to be on the bike.)
Just had breakfast. An excellent bacon sandwich (we stopped full fry ups a while ago. Not good for cycling.), cereal, oat cakes, toast and bananas. Now time to check the panniers and make sure all the wet gear is there and tools etc. Also need to add a lock today. We had taken them out on day 2, to save weight when we decided that one of us could always watch the bike.
Then the final steps are to Assos, fill the water bottles (We're now running on undiluted Sport when we can get it. When in Scotland buy in bulk when you see it.) and cover the mechs etc in the last of the GT85 (It's been great. The bike is a complete mess, but still running smoothly).
Now ready for the final 55 of the trip, and hopefully see some puffins at the end. Today has some climbs at the start and the forecast 25mph headwind will not be great, but it's only 55miles.
Blog again later.
Day 16: Muir of Ord to Helmsdale via Invergordon Hospital (Don't go breaking my bike)
Matt - It's been a funny day. All was going well. Excellent breakfast at last nights B&B (Porridge) whcich I had just about worked into my system after a slow start. We were just passing Morrisons in Alness when a kind gentlemen pulled out in front of us. I was in front of Alan and could not stop. So I hit the car at about 12 mph. I was helped up by a very kind lady called Dawn who worked at the local hospital and made sure that I had no broken bones, sat me in her car and tended to my wounds.
An ambulance was called and the Police also arrived. Everyone was very kind and helpful and I am very grateful to them especially Dawn.
The ambulance arrived and took me to Invergordan Hospital (Rather than Inverness). Got checked out and as supected just cuts and bruises. I have managed to bruise my shoulder and both sides of my right thigh but am basically OK and feeling very lucky.
Incidentally, I broke the guy's wing mirror and left him with a dented door and wing. My bike however is mangled. the front wheel is broken the forks cracked and the headset damaged (see picture). As JT said the bike is more a piece of abstract art now rather than a bike.
Alan and Elayne have been brilliant and very kind. Alan is continuing with the ride and was late in tonight partly due to the hospital delay but also due to a whisky stop (see Al's blog).
Alan - Met a tiger, drank whisky, cycled into head wind, got wet, eat homemade cake, met lots of nice people and one idiot, watched a crash in slow motion, visited a distillery, went to hospital and saw the place where the last wolf probably wasn't killed. Just a standard day on the LeJog.
What can I say. Overall it was a sad day. about 80 miles from the end Matt's trip finished because an idiot in a car, pulled up to a junction, looked (but I'm not really sure what at) and then pulled out right in front of Matt. It was horrible to watch and no doubt worse to be involved in. Not done the waiting in hospital for someone else before. Not keen really. In my opinion, Matt has completed the LeJog. All the tough bits are behind us. He's shown the mental toughness to get through all of the troubles along the way, inclusing exhaustion, losing the use of a few fingers and knee injuries. With all of these type of endurance events, it's not really a physical challenge, it's a mental one and one that Matt passed with flying colours.
Once Matt decided to crash test his bike we then agreed that I would go on. It was raining from the start of the day up until about 5pm. There was also the promised head wind to contend with and crossing the bridges was an interesting experience, being exposed to the full force of the wind and traffic. After Matt left I continued onto Brora where I decided I would visit Sandy and Lily (see photo). I didn't have any directions (they were in Matt's pannier), just what I had remembered and after a couple of turns a car rolled up and I was asked if I was "Alan", Sandy had found me. He'd also found Elayne about 20 minutes earlier in a similar way. Elayne and I were then fed with great homemade cakes and Sandy opened a new bottle of Clyneleish, most excellent. With another 12 miles to go I stopped at one and I set off for the final miles of the day. This is Scottish hospitality at its best. We may have to return with Matt on the way south.
Tomorrow, 55 miles with all the climbs in the morning. On my own though which just won't be the same :-)
Elayne: Full details of B&B and, of course, the hospital, tomorrow. Just wanted to say that Mrs Polson at Torbuie B&B was just what the doctor ordered. Enormously warm welcome and she sorted Matt out while I retraced my steps to meet up with Alan in Brora. Delighted to have found her, as she has now taken herself off the tourist information website, as she's 72 (Alan - You wouldn't guess it) and wanting to do a bit less!
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Trip Photo: Where the last wolf was killed - A9 between Brora and Helmsdale
Trip Photo
Apparently this stone was actually moved when the current road was put in, so this isn't actually the place where the last wolf was killed.
Trip Photo: Brora
Trip Photo
It really does have a great beech and ice cream shop (didn't have time for those though).
Trip Photo: Cromarty Bridge
Trip Photo
First sign with John O'Groats on it just before the Cromarty bridge on the A9 and also the last pic of Matt before the accident.
Saturday, 23 June 2007
Day 15: Fort William to Muir of Ord (It's Raining Cyclists)
Alan - We started later today after a good night out with Heather and Andy. We haven't seen H&A for over a year even though they live down the road and now we meet at the other end of the country. Since we last met we have cycled about 800 miles, but H&A have trumped that by travelling around the world. Cool. Andy is now planning an End to End ride with the three peaks as an added challenge. Gulp.
The lie in did mean that the weather cleared for the start which was good, since we had only just finished drying out from the day before. Then we were off along the lochs. Today we turned and headed north east and crossed the country. The first part of the day along Loch Lochy..... ok, I can't let this go. Apparently it means "Lake of the Dark Goddess", what rubbish. What really happened was that some civil servant was given the task of establishing names for all of the lochs, since saying "I want to have a clan war by the loch" without being more specific, was leading to all sorts of problems. So off he set working from West to East. First couple were fine and then came the first blunder. "Wow that looks big, I'll call it Loch Long". This was fine until he cossed into the next valley. "Doh". He probably considered "Loch Longer", but then settled on Loch Lomond. Fine. Few weeks later,back at the office he thought alll was sorted until his boss noticed he had missed one. With the budget gone they needed a name so they came up with Loch Lochy and then thought of the above definition. Let's face it this is like calling a lake "Lake Lakey".
Anyway, back to the trip, after Loch Lochy, we moved onto Loch Oich and then Loch Cloud decided to burst its banks and we were soaked for the last 45 miles of the day. Past Loch Ness, where we just had time to take a photo of the monstor before moving onto Loch Mountain. I was starting to think that I could complete the trip without using the lowest set of gears and then we hit a mountain. Wow this was like a Cornish hill on steroids. It didn't help that it was the end of the day and that there was a river runnning down the road, but even so it was a monster. With that over after many attempts, we then sped down to the B&B in yet more rain.
It looks like it'll probably be rain until the end now and the prevailing South Westerly that was meant to help us along looks like it'll now be a North Easterly head wind. But on the trip tomorrow, providing we don't drown en route, we have a detour to visit Alison's uncle Sandy in Brora.. I hope he's ready for a couple of drowned rats.
Matt- Wet wet wet. Not just a Scotish group but a desciption of Scotland and the two of us. Still it was bound to happen sometime on the trip.
The day became a bit of a slog to get to the end but we did manage to get mistaken for competitors in the Highland Cross. A 20 mile run followed by a 30 mile bike ride. Still the applause and cheers were very welcome.
Laying off the Scotch at the moment but I can review the beer I had last night. It was callled Kelpie and is made using seaweed (funnily enough). It tasted like a cross between a Guiness, Old Peculier and a good dark mild. Sounds dreadfull I know but it is actuallly very nice.
Elayne: Last night's meal at the Alexandra Hotel was a bit of a disappointment. I went for one of the 'Healthy Options' (thought I should make an effort). Curiously, this involved a large mound of mashed potato with smoked haddock on top. Not the best meal we've had, but relatively cheap. However, the live act, a very scary blonde woman playing the organ and singing a mixture of classics, was quite possibly the worst we've seen. Still, the locals seemed to like her. Tonight's meal at the Ord Arms Hotel, next to B&B - Chestnut Villla in Muir of Ord, was extremely good and has restored my faith in Scottish cuisine. Very friendly service too, although we didn't stay to join in the kareoke.
Pleasant rooms and good shower in B&B. Landlady met Alan and Matt with towels at the door and has taken soggy things to spin dry, so hopefully they might be able to start the day in dry clothes tomorrow. Note to future end to enders - however hot it is in Cornwall, you do still need to take jumpers - you will need them in Scotland.
Trip Photo: Loch Ness Monster
Trip Photo
Couldn't believe that I was lucky enough to get a good photo of the monster and that he didn't seem to mind me resting my bike so close.
Actually taken here : http://www.lochness-centre.com/
Day 14: Arrochar to Fort William (Surfing USA)
Alan - Absolutely fantastic. There are some days (two so far in my opinion) that you just have to get through on the end to end tour and then there are others that make the whole trip worthwhile and today was one of those with bells on.
We started the day retracing our steps for a couple of miles to rejoin the A82 back on the Loch for another 10 miles. This part of the A82 was quieter and close to the Loch side which made the ride a lot more interesting. Just as we were approaching the end I spotted a sign that I thought was worth a photo (see photo) so asked Matt to stop. He thought I was stopping beecause we had just passed Ardlui station, apparently he has a friend who has made a model of this station...... I'm starting to get worried. We had planned to meet Elayne in Ardlui itself, but seemed to miss it and before we knew it we were climbing into the Highlands.
The first downpour hit as we swept down towards Bridge of Orchy and we got drenched. This though provided an ideal excuse to have lunch in the pub and accompany it with a local brew. Half an hour later the rain eased, we changed ino dry socks and rain gear and set off. After another ascent we approached the border with the highlands and in the background could see what we were in for. The scene was spectacular. The sky was black and briefly illuminated by fork lightning. Counting the time to thunder, in true school kid fashion, revealed that it was coming closer and coming closer fast. So we set off. Fortunately when the storm hit we were crossing Ranoch Moor which is pretty flat. The scenery here, combined with the storm was awesome. Cycling became a bit more like surfing and at stages the only thing you could see was the white line at the edge of the road to let you know you were still on the road. We were drenched within minutes and from that point on it was head down, pedal hard, try not to worry about the traffic, look up every now and then to take in the location and keep going..... weeeeeeee
Today was something else. I was expecting today's ride to be good. I expect that crossing this section is great in any weather, but the storm added something and not just adrenalin, although with low visibility, no brakes and traffic did add a fair amount of that. If you don't fancy doing End to End, get a bike and come up and cycle from Ardlui to Glencoe. If you're lucky, you'll have a storm and driving rain, if not you're not so lucky and the sun is shining, you'll still have a great ride. Even driving this section is good.
Finally (before today's comedy moment) there are now three sounds I like whilst cycling. The first is the click of a cleat locking into a pedal (even better when you are leaving traffic lights in heavy traffic). The second is the clunk as you change up after cresting a hill. The last one is the sound of pipes in the hills as you cycle along the side of a Loch. Yes it really did happen.
Comedy Moment 7: Split shorts. Mine. If you know what a cyclist wears under his shorts (the same, or so I have been told, as what a Scotsman wears under his kilt), you'll understand whhy some people might consider this funny. Personally, I just can't see anything funny in what was a very traumatic experience. Anyone laughing at this point needs to add some more sponsorship and penance.
Matt - What a day, Sunshine in the morning, thunderstorms in the afternoon and pleasant sunshine in the evening (well nearly). They say in Scotland if you don't like the weather wait half an hour.
Rannoch Moor yesterday was a sight to behold with the water running off the hills and swelling the rivers. I will have to come back and go across in sunshine.
Fort William is interesting in that the main road runs right along the lochside. Very strange.
Re comedy moment 7 above. I was cyclying behind Alan at the time. Not pleasant.
A big thank you to John and Barbara for the sponsership and the indecipherable comment! Glad you got the French www to work.
Elayne: B&B from night before last wins 'most lovely room' award of the trip. Looked like something out the glossy magazines thoughtfully provided in the room. Met Reg after his trip to Lusaka - he was only there for a day and a half but still managed to fit in a safari and fulfill the dreamm of a lifetime. Had breakfast in a lovely room overlooking the loch. Wished we could have stayed longer and will be back. Thanks Reg for the donation!
Last night's B&B, Guisachan House much more traditional. Rooms a bit small, but friendly welcome and wet gear taking off for drying in the boiler room - much appreciated, as it's raining again this morning. Did not enjoy being woken at 1.30 this morning by loud Australian neighbours (no, not Kylie and Jason) crashing around next door.
Friday, 22 June 2007
Thank you - part 3
Just a short post from us to say thanks to everyone who has sponsored us so far. If you would like to and haven't had a chance to yet, the links on the right will allow you to sponsor securely online, or else just let either of us know and we'll make a note of it and collect the funds after the ride.
The online total has reached £1545 and with money we have raised on the trip and other pledges it's getting very close to the £2K mark, so as an added incentine I will agree to ride the extra miles to make up 1000 miles for the trip on the last day if the sponsorship reaches £2K. Come on that's got to be worth a few quid.
Now a few responses to some of the comments on the sponsorship pages:
Jon and Tara - Do you mean the Whiskey that Matt's drinking or the cycling?
Jayasiddhi - Done. Or how about the L to C?
Lynne & Patrick - I really don't think you do. Blisters are caussed by friction and rubbing, and with a cyclist most of this happens with contact with saddle. It's really not pretty.
Ruth - Are you sure !!!
John & Barbara - We have absolutely no idea how to reply to this comment, but thanks very much for the sponsorship.
Finally thanks to Kate and Anna and also to everyone who has sponsored us on route. We'll be more specific when we're home.
Thank you all very much.
The online total has reached £1545 and with money we have raised on the trip and other pledges it's getting very close to the £2K mark, so as an added incentine I will agree to ride the extra miles to make up 1000 miles for the trip on the last day if the sponsorship reaches £2K. Come on that's got to be worth a few quid.
Now a few responses to some of the comments on the sponsorship pages:
Jon and Tara - Do you mean the Whiskey that Matt's drinking or the cycling?
Jayasiddhi - Done. Or how about the L to C?
Lynne & Patrick - I really don't think you do. Blisters are caussed by friction and rubbing, and with a cyclist most of this happens with contact with saddle. It's really not pretty.
Ruth - Are you sure !!!
John & Barbara - We have absolutely no idea how to reply to this comment, but thanks very much for the sponsorship.
Finally thanks to Kate and Anna and also to everyone who has sponsored us on route. We'll be more specific when we're home.
Thank you all very much.
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Day 13: Fenwick to Arrochar (The Stripiness Of The Long Distance Cyclist)
Matt - Interesting day today. Left Fenwick with some reluctance. Great B&B and Nancy's homemade bread and cakes. Superb.
The day's riding started off ok and we found the canal-side cycle path which was great. Only problem was we lost it again in Dumbarton and so had to go back on the A82. This did mean that we made good time as the artics thundered by!
We did cross the Erskine bridge over the Clyde which was huge.
There is the beginning of an end feel to the days now which I think will get more pronounced when we get to Fort William.
Alan - Not my favourite day today. I started the day tired and didn't really recover. Added to that the roads and "cycle paths" were atrocicous. For Matt "I've got tractor tyres" Foster, this was not such an issue, but my road bike didn't like it. The highlights of the day were the first 10 miles from the B&B which passed through some great countryside on pretty quiet roads, crossing the Clyde on the Erskine bridge and finishing.
We also passed quite near Dunlop, which is named after the inventor of the pneumatic bike tyre (actually he seems to have "borrowed" this idea from another Scot) and just outside Dumfries is the birthplace of the inventor of the pedal bike. As much as it pains me to admit it the modern bike is another Scottish invention. I can only imagine that the English engineeers were all sitting at home looking at the wall waiting for someone to invent the TV so that they could watch East Enders. After the pedal bike was around for a while, an Englishman did get involved and used his knowledge of gearing to enhance the bike in a desperate attempt to get the Scots to finish it off so that they could then get on with inventing the TV. Although his solution was to just put a really big wheel at the front and a small one at the back, this seems to have been enough for the Scots to sort it out and then move onto TV, which satisfied the English, since this meant they could get on with inventing the TV soap.
At this stage I expected to ache. In fact certain places have been painful since the second day (Top Tip: Choose your saddle well. Find a bike shop that will allow you to try before you buy and then put in some serious miles. Don't pick your bike up a couple of weeks before and say "Any one will do. Just something to cover that post."). As various part start to hurt such as feet, ankles, knees etc, you then start to compensate which then triggers another pain. Generally, these all just disappear as you cycle along and enjoy the surroundings. What I wasn't expecting was stripes. With fingerless gloves, shorts, short sleeved tops and being very pale (I guess bluey-white would be a better description) I have now developed stripes. I'm just hoping this will become the new fashion....
Looking forward to tomorrow. We move from the Lowlands to the Highlands. It's going to be a tough day, but I'm hoping that the climbing will be rewarded with some staggering sights. Best get back to the beer.
Elayne: B&B review - last night West Tannacrieff near Kilmaurs - fantastic. Huge rooms, immaculate shower rooms and great breakfast. Even a little TV lounge to sit in. Nancy is a wonderful hostess and there are lots of little touches that make it a great place to stay. I was very tempted just to let them get on with the cycling on their own and stay there for the rest of the week. Go visit! Rob, Nancy says hi and we say thanks for the recommendation!
Tonight's B&B, Braemor in Arrochar is also very nice. Beautiful rooms and amazing views over Loch Long. We haven't yet met our hosts, as they are returning tonight from a couple of days in Lusaka (as you do!) but were made very welcome by Brenda. The whisky on arrival was a very nice touch, although none of us have managed to drink it yet. Dinner in the Village Inn quite good, although not quite up to last night's standard - haven't checked out the toilets yet - Matt just off to do so..
Matt - Toilet report- ordinary run of the mill fare. Not even a court.
Day 12: Auldgirth to Fenwick (Happy Birthday !!)
Alan - Today started with the sound of neighing horses outside the window and rain, rain and more rain. Had breakfast and tried to refrain from the fried options, but failed again. We then took our time getting things together (see photo) hoping that the weather forecast was correct and that the weather was going to move rapidly north. Since our cycling doesn't involve the word "rapid", we knew that if we started in the dry then we should stay dry and apart from a brief shower at the end, we were dry.
The first part of the ride was FANTASTIC !! It was a slow climb along the B729 and then a loooooonnnnggg sweeping drop through some fantastic senery. Personally, I don't think that the Scottish scenery is better than other parts of the UK, but they have soooo much of it. Other parts of the country are a bit like Dulux tester pots for Scotland.
"I'm thinking about doing some scenery, but I'm still not sure about the outdoors stuff. What would you suggest?"
"Well sir rather than going all out, how about a tester. For example, you could try Cumbria, for some lakes and hills, Cornwall for some coast line or how about Devon, Cotswolds or Herefordshire."
"That sounds good. What if I really like one of them and fancy taking it a bit further."
"Well sir, for that we have Scotland. It's like the testers, but 1000 times more."
"That sounds excellent. You've thought of everything. I'll go back to the couch and have a think about it whilst I watch East Enders."
(I think I might be in big trouble when Elayne notices that I've used a decorating analogy.)
I also think this helps to explain Lancashire. I don't think the people in Lancashire were unfriendly, just a bit depressed. To the north they have Cumbria and Scotland, to the south they have Herefordshire, the Cotswolds and to the south west there is noth Wales. Then to the east, they have Yorkshire, which probably doesn't bother them that much but you get the picture. To top it all, they are nowhere near Essex, so don't realise how bad things could be. So I have a solution. Scotland has bags of scenery. So if a bit of this could be moved to Lancashire, just think how happy they would be. Maybe one of the mountains, which will also save the Scots some cash since they won't have to rescue ill equipped tourists from it each summer. It's a win win.
Finally back to today. After the morning run we had a great lunch at the friendliest cafe and I rediscovered square sausage ... hmmmmmm, which is when things went downhill. Matt's knee gave out (see his entry below), which left me on my own for a while before he rejoined. When Matt is away, the trip changes and becomes much less of a holiday and a chance to see the sights and just a challenge. Both Rob and Frances (both end to enders) said that once you enter Scotland, 500+ miles of cycling will turn you into a machine. I can now sort of see what they are talking about. My legs just want to push the pedals, which is very unlike me. I probably wouldn't go quite as far as calling myself a machine, unless it is the sort of machine that Willy Wonker might invent to create lard based snacks, but I have noticed a change. Bring on the rest of Scotland and with Matt back a chance to see some great sights and maybe sample the odd dram.
Matt - What a day. Its my Birthday - thank you to everyone for presents,cards,texts and calls. It made the day very enjoyable. Elayne and Alan had brought a cake with candles and a most excellent poloshirt with the route and Le Jog 2007 embroidered on it.
Kate, my sister, had sent a great selection of goodies which will be enjoyed with guilty pleasure over the next few days.
Back to the cycling, I agree with Alan regarding the downhill stretch on the B729 It was tremendous. Unfortuntely after that my knee started to play up. No amount of pills /pain relieving gells (Alan - He even borrowed my Nora Batty stocking) could stop the problem. So I had a break and looked at a few villages with Elayne (which were closed). Cycling resumed with 14 miles to go and I made it to the end despite the odd twinge. Will get strapped up and see how we go tommorow.
Right, the promised whiskey review. Lagavulin 16 year old. This is an Islay malt. Lots of malt, seaweed and very slightly salty. Smooth with a good aftertaste. One of my favorites.
Elayne: Just finished eating in the weirdest place. Don't come to Scotland on a Wednesday - it's closed. Having failed to find somewhere open in Kilmaurs, the nearest village to West Tannacrieff B&B (fab, full review tomorrow) (Alan - Thanks to Rob for the recommendation) we followed directions from friendly locals to Kilmarnock. That was also mostly closed. We found one restaurant who said they couldn't give us a table until 9.00pm and they stopped serving at 9.00. We didn't wait. We eventually found a restaurant called September 31 - very smart, but bizarrely showing Arabic TV on screens all around the place, However, staff were charming and food very good. And as for the toilets! Ladies pink and silver, gents purple and huge fish tank (see through) between the two.
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Day 11: Greystoke to Auldgirth (Chicken Run)
Alan - Cycling played second fiddle to the main event today, so you may want to skip down to Elayne's entry to find out what really happened. Whilst that was going on we did do some cycling and crossed into Scotland (see photos).
We started the day with a flat fast run (well fast for us) into Carlisle and went straight to the train station (see photo). "Why ?" I hear you ask. To be honest I'm still not sure. Matt tried to explain over breakfast why he wanted to visit the station, but as soon as he got to the second sentence I had dozed off. After 3 attempts, we agreed that the only way to convey the reason was for Matt to leave out the detail and try and explain in a short sentence. It works out that the reason for the visit was because "It's big"..... I still don't understand.
After a walk around Carlisle and visit to cathedral and castle, we headed out on the A7 which wasn't that bad, not a lot of traffic and a very flat road. Before we knew it we were in Scotland and Gretna. We thought about making it official, but decided that they probably wouldn't allow us to marry our bikes. Found a bakery in Gretna and got some sausage rolls, which proved without doubt that Scotland is the undisputed king of pastry based meat products. Most excellent. Not sure that it's good cycling food, but it seemed good at the time..... hmmmm....
Then onto Dumfries which was cool. Very nice river front. Great public conveniences, best 20p I've spent in ages. As the trip goes we are taking on more and moe fluid with the inevitable consequence that we have experienced a number of toilets on the way and this is the best. Probably not a reason in itself to travel 600 miles, but if you happen to get caught short, aim for the River and mention my name (I'm not sure if that's come out right).
Matt wouldn't let me visit Robbie's house (even though we went to a railway station), so we left and started the only climb of the day. It seems that Scotland has a unique approach to hills. They have taken the Cumbrian idea of having a really long climb and made use of the extra space and flattened it out, so the climb never becomes steep, but goes on forever with the added bonus that the descent also goes on forever. Personally, i think this is a much more civilised approach to hills than either Cumbrial, Devon or Cornwall. They should take note. I realise they don't have the space that Scotland has, but is that really an excuse. Come on, get your act together.
Tonight's Beer: Black & Tan. Good beer. Takes a bit of supping, but after the first quarter pint it's very good. A very dark, but quite thin beer. 7/10.
Matt should be startng his whisky review today. Watch this space.
Elayne: Well, I've made a willow chicken (see photo). Highlight of mytrip so far. Greystoke Cycle Cafe is one of the best places I've been to. Annie, who runs the place, deserves a medal for services to cycling. The cafe is officially open only on Fridays and Saturdays (and second Sunday of the month) but if she's in, Annie will do you tea and cake at any time. She even has a barn with kettle for people to help themselves when she's out. The cafe also runs a vast range of courses, from bike maintenance to belly dancing. Today was willow weaving - chickens. So I am now the proud owner of a willow chicken. Phil, who ran the course, is a star basket maker and a very nice man. The food at the cafe is also fantastic - home made biscuits and coffee on arrival, huge salads and bread at lunch and a choice of 3 home made puddings, then tea and scones in the afternoon. I've put on about a stone, particularly as I had all of the above after a very good cooked breakfast at Brathen B&B last night. Room good, but strange, as we had to go up and down stairs to get over the beams and into the bedroom. Fun to start with, but would get on your nerves after a bit. Matt's twin room was very nice.
Just finished eating at the Auldgirth Inn. Another excellent meal. Have now consumed about 5000 calories today. Must stick to mineral water and salad for the rest of the trip.
Tonight's B&B really is a farm, out in the middle of nowhere. We have a family room - the Cheese House, which is great. It even has a washing machine, so the room now resembles a Chinese laundry.
Matt - Well here we are in Bonnie Scotland. I have to say there was something about crossing the border. Not sure if it's just Scotland or that we have travelled the length of England and are 600 or so miles in.
I am afraid the Whisky review is on hold until tomorrow. Need more fluids of other kinds at the moment. But we all know that the best Whisky is Pops' (Alan's Dad)! So don't forget to ask for a dram when you see him.
Today's ride was good, ticking along at a good pace with no mechanical dramas. Some great views and Carilse and Dumfries proving to be surprisingly attractive places. The station at Carlise was interesting if you like railways. I have promised to put the anorak away for the rest of the trip.
All: Finally we would like to say thanks again for all the comments so far, please keep them coming. Matt is taking your advice Jon about the hand positions and that seems to be helping. Paul, please tell Zoe that the Jelly Babies are all now living happily in Wales (see earlier blog). There are rumours about a private equity buyout of thier business, but I think their jobs will be safe.
Monday, 18 June 2007
Day 10: Milnthorpe to Greystoke (The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Groaning)
Alan - Jennings is good. I've gone for the Cumberland Ale and Matt has gone for the Bitter. The Ale is a really golden colour and a very easy drink. The Bitter is surprisingly bitter for a best and doesn't taste like it is the weaker beer.
That's it I guess for today, pretty good beer all round. Not sure there is much else to mention..... oh, cycling. Almost forgot we did some cycling. Today was the shortest day at 42 miles, but included the longest climb of the trip up Kirkstone Pass from Windermere to the top which was 1500 feet. The views were fantastic. I was very close to blogging pictures of every twist and turn in the road, but if you've been to the lakes then you already know how great it is, and if you haven't then pictures wont do it justice. Get in your car next weekend and come up to the Lakes. Drive, cycle, walk or swim, you'll experience some great sights (just try and avoid Windermere).
The book said that one climb first thing was so steep that people with "touring bikes" might have to walk. The good news is that mine isn't really a touring bike, bad news is that it doesn't have the range of gears that a touring bike has. It was steep, probably the steepest so far but we got up even though my front wheel only made infrequent visits to the ground, but I'm getting used to that.
We also had another mechanical moment. It might be safer if we throw away the tools we are carrying. We stopped to pump my tyre up and Matt decided to use the time to make a small adjustment to his rear brake (see photo). Half an hour later our combined talents resulted in a trashed brake cable that is barely holding together. It's on the list of things to replace.
Finally I apologise for the earlier photo taken by Matt. There is a good chance that Google have removed it to maintain some decency. I had planned to swim in Ullswater rain or shine. Unfortunately it was rain. I have to say it was great and extremely cold. Some things just have to be done.
Battle of The Bikes - Part 1: This is the start of a series of notes about bikes and bike kit. Myself and Matt have very different kit, so we are going to compare choices which may help future End to Enders decide what to take. Today, cleats. First off we both think you should go for clipless pedals. But which sort. I opted for SPD-SL and Matt's are SPDs. The tour involves quite a bit of walking, to and from B&Bs, through pedestrian parts of some cities which after seeing how my cleats were completely trashed today, SPD is the way to go. Lose a bit of power transfer whilst cycling, but walking is easier and the cleats last longer.
Matt - Definitely SPD's for the cleats. I think overall I would still go for the tourer for the comfort and granny gears although getting the weight (including the tub of lard riding it) up the hills is hard work.
A good day today. The climb was a challenge but it did end evetually. A swift half (Alan - "half" !!!!!) at the top and then it was down the other side. No pedalling for two miles - bliss ;-).
Views today have been superb. I will come back and have another look around. So that's most of the country I'm coming back to then.
Now about Alan and that swim. Brave,yes, mad, definitely but he is a frood who really knows were his towel is. If you don't know where your towel is go and find it now!
Elayne- Last night's B&B was a hotel - good rooms, although up two flights of stairs which was bad. Enormous bathroom with corner bath. Typical pub food last night in the corner with 4 old boys playing cards (this is what Merv, Paul, Sep and Alan will look like in 30 years' time (Alan - Actually, more like 5)). Breakfast, despite the availability of black pudding for the first time this trip,was a bit disappointing. Have been visiting friends today (Hello, Kath and Alec) and then met the cyclists part way up Kirkstone Pass. They've done over 500 miles and I've driven over 1000. Next stop Scotland!
Sunday, 17 June 2007
Day 9: Eccleston to Milnthorpe (The wrong and winding road)
Alan - I really enjoyed today. It was a nice short (52) flat day which took us through Lancashire and just into Cumbia. There were a couple of hills, but nothing that required moving out of the middle set of gears (I think that might be a first).
We took a few detours along the way, one intentional and two that were accidental. The first was in Preston where I missed a slip road which then meant we had to wind our way through some less than scenic parts of town. The second was in Lancaster when I directed us through Sainbury's car park and missed the road we were after. The good news was that this took us to the water front and over a cool foot/cycle bridge. I imagine that a few years ago this was very rundown, but now it's well worth a visit. Our final side trip was onto an aqueduct which was cool, although very neglected (see photo).
Now for a sweeping statement. In my opinion the people in Lancashire have been the least friendly of the trip. As we go along we've been nodding, waving, saying hello to pedestrians and cyclists and most of the time we get a friendly greeting in return. Lancashire ..... nothing. If you are from Yorkshire think that the war is not really over, you may not be surprised. You may also think that the sensible reaction to being waved at by us would be to reach for a mobile and call the authorities, but personally I was a little disappointed. I still think people are great, but it took a dent today. It's almost like being back in the south east..
Finally, I know that everyone is waiting for another motorway report and I had hoped to share my essay about the M6. and how it finally killed the Black & White canal trade in the north east, but unfortunately I'm in talks with a publisher about the series of books I've been writing on the trip "Motorways - Britain Divided ( a study in 14 parts)" and have been advised not to reveal more until the deal is done. With what I've blogged so far, the BBC2 series deal fell through, so I don't want to take a chance. Sorry.
Comedy Moment 6: I had the first puncture of the trip. That wasn't the funny bit, the real comedy moment was watching us two try and sort it out. It took ages. How many cyclists does it take to fix a puncture? One competent one or the two of us.
Matt - Good day today overall. Got off to a slow start and did not really get into the ride until after Lancaster and we could see out over Morecombe bay in the sunshine. Lots of memories of coming this way on holiday as kids.
I should apologise to Elayne for changing my cycling top in public without warning her! Poor girl.
Elayne: B&B report - Parr Hall Farm in Eccleston (the Chorley one). Less personal than some of the B&Bs we've stayed in, because more rooms and more guests, but very smart rooms and bathrooms and excellent breakfast this morning. Continental, but proper continental, with cereals, fresh fruit, freshly cooked porridge, meats, cheese, bread, croissants and even olives. Definitely worth a visit.
Pub last night (Original Farmers Arms) - don't know where the fake one is - was very much a meat lover's paradise. Enormous portions and judging by the size of some of the other diners, a popular venue for a Saturday night. You know you're in the north west when you go into the ladies and find 3 girls having a chat - two in the loos and one sitting outside smoking a fag. Apparently, the best place to go for a wee when you're caught short whilst out is always a sun bed salon. Now you know.
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Day 8: Ellesmere to Eccleston (Return of the Matt)
Alan - I've not been looking forward to today. The main part of the route was on dual carriageways and through the suburbs of Runcorn, Widnes and St Helens. No worse than the suburbs of any other part of the country, but after days of rolling coutryside it wasn't pleasant. The high points were, passing through Wales, walking through Chester, even though my navigation skills let us down again and we ended up actually on the old walls (see photo), crossing the Mersey and of course the return of Matt. I'm not quite sure what really happpened at the hospital yesterday, but Matt was flying along today, which meant I had to concentrate on keeping up and didn't see much of the urban sprawl. See Matt's report for an update on the hand.
Finally for me, yesterday I had a rather menacing call from the JBLF. As a result I would like to publicly assure everyone that no Jelly Babies were harmed when the photo was taken the other day. Also in response to concerns that have been brought to my attention, we asked the Jelly Baby family mentioned in the earlier blog whether they wanted to continue on the trip or if they would like their freedom. They opted for freedom and left us when we crossed the Welsh border to join a small community of Jelly Babies and other assorted Jelly based life forms who get by in North Wales by running an outdoor activity centre which specialises in team building courses for many blue chip companies. We wish them well and they have promised us a good rate if we decide to attend a course in the future. Personaly I think this is just a way of raising funds for the JBLF, so I wont be signing up any time soon.
Matt - Well I'm back in the saddle and enjoyed the ride today. The hand is sort of working but not perfect. Trying to sort that out with Nurofen, support and a pint of Landlord. Should be no problem with riding tommorow. ;-)
I'm sure that I was only flying along because I had a day's rest and had found a way to ease the saddle sores!
We went through a flood about 6 miles into the ride today that came at least half way up the wheels of the bike. I did manage to get a gear change in half way through which was quite cooll! (see picture).
Elayne - B&B update - Black Lion in Ellesmere definitely worth a visit, New owners, brothers Matthew and Issac are doing a grand job, despite the fact that neither of them look old enough to drink, let alone own a hotel. Warm welcome, huge sprawling suites for both of us (Matt even had a four poster bed and a good meal for £10 per head. Ellesmere itself is a nice friendly little place with a shop selling daleks, Star Wars stuff and model railways, Picture to be posted later.
Tonight's place newly converted barn (Parr Hall Farm) in Eccleston (the second one we've been to today - this is the one near Chorley). Very smart with good bathrooms.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
