Day 19: after the scrambled eggs and updating the blog we had to ease ourselves away from Pat and Richard's; Richard had given us excellent instructions and Alison and I applied them differently; no doubt Alison correctly followed the route as I not only was slower than her (nothing to do with pedalling) but I watched a series of signposts go by that seemed to place me closer to Farway the further I cycled, the best being at my cycled distance of 6.5 miles being only 3 miles from Farway. Eggs no doubt can be heavy, especially when free range home hens have handed them in, which must have been the reason that I had my second walk of the trip up one of the early hills. Sad though I was to leave the area I locked on to the main road to Sidmouth with a little relief. My next excitement was not long to come, I got to Budleigh Salterton; not only is this where Giles Wembbley-Hogg (if I spelt his name right) is from but it was first sight of the south sea (since the 'north sea' at John O Groats). From here I went straight on to meet up with Alison at Exmouth to cross the estruary; Alison hastened me to catch the ferry but I got so enthusiastic that I went past it and she had to keep phoning me to come back while she held the ferry back by engaging repartee. Once on the ferry I ate the eccles cake she had given me and chatted to a young man cycling from Dover to Land's End; he started out with a mate but he had injured. We helped each other with the bikes, and his panniers, across the railway tracks at the other side and then he seemed to feel under some sort of obligation to cycle at my pace; I soon suggested that he be on his way, the road was too busy to chat much further, and away he went; I was then searching for a cup of tea and more to eat; Dawlish was not much to my taste and cycling up the, long, hill out of there I was surprised to see the young man walking his bike at the top; this gave me an extra lift to get over the hill before he did. His panniers were really heavy. He soon overtook me and disappeared. I enjoyed apple pie and ice cream with a pot of tea in Teignmouth where I got a reply text from Alison that she was in a car park at the top of a hill the other side of the estuary; finishing my repast I set off and finding signs to a car park after climbing for a while I went back down to sea level to see Alison at the car park; it was the ferry car park; Alison really was at the top of the hill; I now could really appreciate the extent of the hill as I did not have an interruption to the climb before I saw her. I did not stop long to chat to Alison, she was off to find the camp site for the night and my legs were so eager to get going again that they were shaking. I obviously got so much into the cycling on the next part of the day, again, that I subconsciously felt a need to cycle some bits twice; Torquay saw quite a bit of me, going round / taking the odd short cut and seeing Babbacombe again (north of Torquay) before getting a proper run at it and getting out the south end to get to Brixham. Alison had been having a similarly successful time and found that the camp site she had chosen had closed (a while back) and had to find another; this soon done we reached the site pretty much together in the rush hour (though I doubt it lasted that long; it was busy and people seemed well focussed on getting away from work and back to their homes). 52 miles average 11.1 mph.
Day 20: dawned wet and windy; I decided that I wanted to go with Alison to visit her aunt Winifred in Brixham; I realised that this would mean a late start, maybe even prejudice my setting off at all for the day; I thought I could live with this, the forecast being to rain and adverse strong winds all day. It was a rest day; Alison made sure that I did not stiffen up too much by setting us exercises of going up and down to the sea at various places (101 steps down and 101 back from where we parked the van just to get lunch in Brixham being one of them).
Day 21: Wednesday; was still first thing though the breeze got up before I set off. It was sunny pretty much all day. Alison thought we might meet up at the ferry across the Dart; we did not as I took the 'higher' one and she the 'lower'. Mine used the chain ferry (as on Windermere); Alison's used a tug to shove and pull the ferry about; her's had narrow roads to approach and depart by. I think we think that I was the luckier. We met at Kingsbridge for a bowl of soup and a chat before agreeing to meet for the night at Looe where Alison has friends. Before we could get to Looe we had to go through Plymouth and we thought we might try for the same ferry (another chain ferry); signposting for the ferry is for those how know the way in Plymouth. I got a long text from Alison with some directions and sense of despair that I would ever be seen again (she does not have much confidence in my following directions even now). I did not even try to follow her directions; I did not even read her text until after I was on the ferry as I had asked my way; 3 people came to my aid from the one request; the first said he did not know and the second not only stepped in to help but walked me across the footbridge (I must really have looked incompetent, or he might have been going that way anyway) and when I got to the other side a cyclist was waiting for me, he having passed us as we walking and talking our way across the bridge; the cyclist was 76 and showing the benefit of so many years training; I managed to tuck in behind him and kept up with his rapid pace round the Hoe, through the traffic, ignoring various signs to the ferry (I did not have breath, inclination or time to ask why) and arrived at the ferry to be waved off with instruction to go the right side of the ferry as you get off first. I was and am most grateful to him. From there it was a simple matter of making my uncomplicated way to Looe, a little wearily as I had not had anything to eat since Kingsbridge; I got another text from Alison saying that she was in a cafe at the top of another hill at Looe; I was about 9 miles away and had been hoping for something before I got Looe; instead I ate the second, I think, banana of the trip; they are good. So fortified I cycled the rest of the way through to Looe. Alison was out of signal so I went along the top road putting off the descent into the town; it was a steep descent; having noticed that the front brake blocks looked a lot thinner that morning I had been favouring the back brake when I could that day; I started down the narrow, steep descent, with a little front brake and heavy back grip. Fortunately a car came up and I had to get off to make room for him; the rear brake was making disturbing sounds. Alison rang me when I got the bottom of the hill; we met up and I cycled up a lesser hill to our night's accommodation. Very generously Graham and Gill put us up in their hotel 'Barclay House'; very sumptuous; wonderful food; excellent company. Wined and dined we slept well. 62.5 miles average 10.8 (slowest of the trip thus far)
Day 22: third week on the road. After a little test I was much relieved that the back brake had had a good night too and recovered. Graham had commended using two more chain ferries (leaving the Poole one as the only one in England I have not been on). Well breakfasted I set out; the Fowey ferry is picturesque as is King Harry's ferry. There are hills associated with ferry crossings and I was 'fine' with the exits to both; I got suckered by signs after the King Harry ferry cutting off a corner to go through 'Come to Good'; I went and had to get off, one hill too many / too many riches together ? I walked a bit of a hill. Then I joined the busy dual carriageway and it was to be A roads to meet up with Alison; Alison had found a site to the west of Helston; we met up on a hill out of Helston and pedalled the last 5 miles to the van together. Another dry and sunny day. 62.5 miles 11.5 mph average
Day 23: Friday 17.9.10: only 18 odd miles to do; it went remarkably quickly; the usual sunny dry morning to set off with; I met Alison again cycling towards me about 2 1/2 miles out and we cycled in together. Having just got over the 'finish' line a shower of rain came in. Who cared then? 18.2 miles average 13.5 mph.
Total distance JOG /LE 1,205
We have come on to the Isles of Scilly for a few days (maybe even to cycle them)
Alison has been fantastic; she has driven nearly all the roads, little and big that I have; she has had the stress of finding us somwhere to stay and the additional stress of wondering whether I would find it when she had. If she had not gone to John's funeral I do not think I would have carried on the trip. Just a big 'thank you' to her.
I am also most grateful to everyone else who has encouraged and guided me along the way.
If any of you felt that you would like to give some money to a charity as a result I would divide any received between Alzheimers and 1st Responders (Gamblesby, Melmerby and Unthank).
I may add a note of our Isles trip when we are back home
Sunday 19 September 2010
Monday 13 September 2010
days 14 to 18 (8.9. to 12.9.10)
Day 14: after posting my last entry I was a little tardy in getting going but it was a 'not to worry' as we were not planning a big day. I set off from the site at 1050 and had my first stop at Whitchurch (not in the town to Alison's sadness but at the Little Chef); here I met a man who was undertaking a similar exercise, he cycling north, his wife driving ahead of him and setting up camp; he was travelling 80 miles a day (i.e. much more than I) and looked remarkedly relaxed; we had similar rituals of texting partners on arrival / departure. Alison came and joined me for lunch. It had been an easy ride, 21 miles at average 14.7 m.p.h. From there I went to Shrewsbury and got a better impression of the town by getting lost in it (the sun must have been getting to me). Eventually released from the the pleasures of the place I set off to join Alison at Church Stretton. 58.3 miles average for the day 13.3 mph. Settled with a mug of tea we were entertained by the arrival of a hot air baloon, Land Rover and customers; it is not a quick process getting in the air; quite a sight as it took off. Quite a time after dark people returned to collect their cars. We had a planning evening which plans have turned out to be implemented.
Day 15: another quiet night. Sunny to rise to; mysteriously the back tyre had deflated a little and I thought of replacing the inner / checking it generally but it had stayed up over breakfast and so I deferred this. I set off and did the first 10 miles at 18.5 mph before Alison caught me up; the tyre was still up so we decided to meet in Hereford, I stopping on the way (Alison expected at a Little Chef) for a break. I did not stop. I reached Hereford (40 miles) averaging 16.3 mph and surprised Alison who had gone on to get the van parked and cycle back. We met up, lunched and tried unsuccesfully to arrange accommodation for me for Friday night through the Tourist Information Office; sadly the office was due to close early that afternoon probably to close completely. We went into the Cathedral where my great uncle had been a bishop; we found he held office there from 1949 to 1961 and that the renovation of a small chapel had been dedicated to him; I think I had met him only once, a tall man (not just from height) who was said to be very kind. An occasion. From there we went to replace the old, now broken, tool saddle bag at a helpful cycle shop which undertook repairs, a facility we were hoping we would not call upon. After a little excitement with a bus driver we arrived at the railway station to buy Alison's ticket to travel to Edinburgh and back the next day (from Shrewsbury); this done we cycled out to the site at Tarrington, pausing at Longworth Lane, leading to Longworth, at a cross roads. The back tyre had not deflated but seemed marginally down so I gave the bike a treat of a wash and new rear inner. Mileage for the day 48.6 average 14.1
Day 15: started early with the alarm at 0500; Alison was all packed up and off at 05.45 driving back to catch the train from Shrewsbury in comfortable time. I decided to wait until it was almost light to set off for my free range day. Off at 0620 the wind was behind me, for the only session of the day. It threatened to rain, the roads were wet from the heavy fall in the night but as it got lighter it seemed to be drying up; I took off my cag and a mile later put it back on with the first spots of rain; those were the last spots of rain for the day whilst I was peddling; how many times in life have done this and other times when I have postponed the addition of the cag until its function became the retention of the rainwater. I arrived sweatily wet at Tewkesbury for breakfast at 0820, 22 miles average 11.6 done. Jelly Roll Cafe can be commended, welcoming and good scrambled egg and smoked salmon. A proper hour's stop (with a wee sketch). After this it was into the wind for the day; the character of the hills changed, long pulls up one after another. Stroud was reached after another voyage of discovery, this time round and through and back again in Cheltenham; I was pleased with myself when I actually recognised that I was pedalling the road I had come into town in the opposite direction; sadly this was not an early recognition and it stimulated me into asking my way out; a wonderfully helpful lady gave me very clear directions and walked me a deal of the way on her way to the hairdressers. I was feeling a little weary by Stroud and it was only 12.20 (51.38 miles average 11.5) and enjoyed a soup at an organic cafe 'Woodruffs'; there is a lot more to Stroud than I had realised and I took the precaution of asking directions for the way out before charging about; the directions were good, again. The wind had not eased up and the way to Bath began to get very tiring; I had not set up where I was going to stay the night. I came down the hill into Bath with one thought in mind, 'if there is a room available it would have to be very expensive to deter me from taking it'; it was pretty expensive, it was welcoming and I took it - Bailbrook Lodge 1540. 80 miles 11.3 average. The evening involved tracking Alison in her return from Edinburgh; her train was late so she missed her connection to Shrewsbury from Crewe and had to wait for a later train; on arrival she had to collect the van and then she drove back to Church Stretton to spend the rest of the night.
Day 16: I set the alarm and it was helpful; breakfast was enlivened by a couple over from the USA who had lived (not for a long while) near Newcastle; the lady was going to do the Great North Run as well as attend her niece's wedding. Getting ready to leave Alison texted me to say she was, already, at Stroud; this hastened my preparations and I was away for 1000. Alison overtook me on the hill, one of the hills between Batheaston and Bradford on Avon; she relieved me of my little sack and let me pedal light weight again; we met up by the canal in Bradford, where we had been 15 months before on one of Alison's 'family doos' (do's ?). Alison had breakfast and I had an unnecessary piece of carrot cake, good though it was. Getting ready to leave and go the Moulton home, in the belief that it being Saturday no one would be there, I met another cyclist also riding a Moulton; he did not seem as surprised as I was to see another; he told me this weekend was the meet there of the owners' club the 'Moultoneers'. I went, joined, was made most welcome and was asked to say something about my trip; I explained that my arrival was the success of imcompetence, which had a consistency - pedalling from the 'wrong' end / my refusal to plan beyong JOG to LE, which even that I had got wrong in that we had pedalled North to South of the Orkney islands before we started from JOG ... I watched Sir Alex cycle into the yard and round it, tight turns before his relaxed talk through various elements of his cycles; 90 years old.
I did not leave until about 1540 (lunchless) and applied myself to the 30 odd miles to the site where Alison had set up with the van; I met Alison about 7 miles from the site and pedalled the last bit back with her. 40 miles average 11.4; the site was at Lydford on Fosse was behind a pub so it was courtesy and cosy to eat there; quite a day.
Day 17: Sunday; we had set up to land upon Richard and Pat at Farway; it was not far but had the deterrent of being well defended by narrow lanes and hills. I felt I was not eating the right stuff as I met up Alison to a first stop at Ilminster; I thought I was really labouring along. Some of the feeling might have been as a result of the wind being against me a little; when I checked I had done 20 miles at average of 13.3. I lost my excuse for some heavy eating. The day kept sunny and I reached Pat and Richard's shortly after 1500; 44 miles average 12.4
And so we have been wonderfully housed and fed (perhaps not watered unless fortified versions count) and another delayed start to the day (Monday)
Day 15: another quiet night. Sunny to rise to; mysteriously the back tyre had deflated a little and I thought of replacing the inner / checking it generally but it had stayed up over breakfast and so I deferred this. I set off and did the first 10 miles at 18.5 mph before Alison caught me up; the tyre was still up so we decided to meet in Hereford, I stopping on the way (Alison expected at a Little Chef) for a break. I did not stop. I reached Hereford (40 miles) averaging 16.3 mph and surprised Alison who had gone on to get the van parked and cycle back. We met up, lunched and tried unsuccesfully to arrange accommodation for me for Friday night through the Tourist Information Office; sadly the office was due to close early that afternoon probably to close completely. We went into the Cathedral where my great uncle had been a bishop; we found he held office there from 1949 to 1961 and that the renovation of a small chapel had been dedicated to him; I think I had met him only once, a tall man (not just from height) who was said to be very kind. An occasion. From there we went to replace the old, now broken, tool saddle bag at a helpful cycle shop which undertook repairs, a facility we were hoping we would not call upon. After a little excitement with a bus driver we arrived at the railway station to buy Alison's ticket to travel to Edinburgh and back the next day (from Shrewsbury); this done we cycled out to the site at Tarrington, pausing at Longworth Lane, leading to Longworth, at a cross roads. The back tyre had not deflated but seemed marginally down so I gave the bike a treat of a wash and new rear inner. Mileage for the day 48.6 average 14.1
Day 15: started early with the alarm at 0500; Alison was all packed up and off at 05.45 driving back to catch the train from Shrewsbury in comfortable time. I decided to wait until it was almost light to set off for my free range day. Off at 0620 the wind was behind me, for the only session of the day. It threatened to rain, the roads were wet from the heavy fall in the night but as it got lighter it seemed to be drying up; I took off my cag and a mile later put it back on with the first spots of rain; those were the last spots of rain for the day whilst I was peddling; how many times in life have done this and other times when I have postponed the addition of the cag until its function became the retention of the rainwater. I arrived sweatily wet at Tewkesbury for breakfast at 0820, 22 miles average 11.6 done. Jelly Roll Cafe can be commended, welcoming and good scrambled egg and smoked salmon. A proper hour's stop (with a wee sketch). After this it was into the wind for the day; the character of the hills changed, long pulls up one after another. Stroud was reached after another voyage of discovery, this time round and through and back again in Cheltenham; I was pleased with myself when I actually recognised that I was pedalling the road I had come into town in the opposite direction; sadly this was not an early recognition and it stimulated me into asking my way out; a wonderfully helpful lady gave me very clear directions and walked me a deal of the way on her way to the hairdressers. I was feeling a little weary by Stroud and it was only 12.20 (51.38 miles average 11.5) and enjoyed a soup at an organic cafe 'Woodruffs'; there is a lot more to Stroud than I had realised and I took the precaution of asking directions for the way out before charging about; the directions were good, again. The wind had not eased up and the way to Bath began to get very tiring; I had not set up where I was going to stay the night. I came down the hill into Bath with one thought in mind, 'if there is a room available it would have to be very expensive to deter me from taking it'; it was pretty expensive, it was welcoming and I took it - Bailbrook Lodge 1540. 80 miles 11.3 average. The evening involved tracking Alison in her return from Edinburgh; her train was late so she missed her connection to Shrewsbury from Crewe and had to wait for a later train; on arrival she had to collect the van and then she drove back to Church Stretton to spend the rest of the night.
Day 16: I set the alarm and it was helpful; breakfast was enlivened by a couple over from the USA who had lived (not for a long while) near Newcastle; the lady was going to do the Great North Run as well as attend her niece's wedding. Getting ready to leave Alison texted me to say she was, already, at Stroud; this hastened my preparations and I was away for 1000. Alison overtook me on the hill, one of the hills between Batheaston and Bradford on Avon; she relieved me of my little sack and let me pedal light weight again; we met up by the canal in Bradford, where we had been 15 months before on one of Alison's 'family doos' (do's ?). Alison had breakfast and I had an unnecessary piece of carrot cake, good though it was. Getting ready to leave and go the Moulton home, in the belief that it being Saturday no one would be there, I met another cyclist also riding a Moulton; he did not seem as surprised as I was to see another; he told me this weekend was the meet there of the owners' club the 'Moultoneers'. I went, joined, was made most welcome and was asked to say something about my trip; I explained that my arrival was the success of imcompetence, which had a consistency - pedalling from the 'wrong' end / my refusal to plan beyong JOG to LE, which even that I had got wrong in that we had pedalled North to South of the Orkney islands before we started from JOG ... I watched Sir Alex cycle into the yard and round it, tight turns before his relaxed talk through various elements of his cycles; 90 years old.
I did not leave until about 1540 (lunchless) and applied myself to the 30 odd miles to the site where Alison had set up with the van; I met Alison about 7 miles from the site and pedalled the last bit back with her. 40 miles average 11.4; the site was at Lydford on Fosse was behind a pub so it was courtesy and cosy to eat there; quite a day.
Day 17: Sunday; we had set up to land upon Richard and Pat at Farway; it was not far but had the deterrent of being well defended by narrow lanes and hills. I felt I was not eating the right stuff as I met up Alison to a first stop at Ilminster; I thought I was really labouring along. Some of the feeling might have been as a result of the wind being against me a little; when I checked I had done 20 miles at average of 13.3. I lost my excuse for some heavy eating. The day kept sunny and I reached Pat and Richard's shortly after 1500; 44 miles average 12.4
And so we have been wonderfully housed and fed (perhaps not watered unless fortified versions count) and another delayed start to the day (Monday)
Wednesday 8 September 2010
Days10 to 13
Day 10 Saturday started with a Bakery breakfast, meeting up with Graham and Helena (again); sadly Andrew and Heidi had a puncture and arrived just as we were going. Alison rang a campsite in Richmond when she was told that we had to be there by 1700; Alison had an appointment in Penrith at 1530 so it looked like I was going to have to get a move on; I had planned to leave for 1100 and I was only a little late.Up over Hartside got the heart going and then it was head down, down the hill and through to Alston (walk up the cobbled hill it being their fair day) and through, eventually, to Middleton in Teesdale; time being pressing I stopped just for a swig and banana here and then on again, Barnard Castle, Winston and Richmond, 3 miles out the other side and arrived for 1630; I registered and Alison arrived a few minutes later, she having had her appointment cancelled. The wind had helped me between Barnard Castle and Winston, otherwise it had not exactly been favourable. 63 miles average 12.8 mph. Somewhere along the way the back wheel had started making a bump sound on every turn but it spun freely so I did not stop; on arrival, proper check, I found that the tyre had bent out of shape so the rim was straight but it had a kink in the tyre; I tried deflating and reflating the tyre but it would not go back to shape; new tyre replaced it; it had done over 2,000 miles and did not come off whenever it was I hit the pot hole (there were one or two). The evening was lovely meeting up with Hannah and Ed (just married)
Day 11 Sunday: I expected this to be a bit of a push not least because of crossing the Penines again but also there was a Southerly wind forecast, gale force. I set off in practically still conditions and gradually the wind came up from the east; first stop was Hawes where I was finishing my coffee when Alison arrived and had a coffee too. The wind continued to help me over to Ingleton and even along to Caton near Lancaster; flushed with the the ease I stopped for a soup (55 miles 13.6 mph); I came out to find the sun still out but the wind had turned round and I was fighting straight into it. Whichever way I turned it greated me; up to Quernmore, over the hill; I did get off for a short while on a climb which made me feel pathetic as a bike suddenly appeared from behind me and he pushed on past; I met him at the top and he said he had driven through to Lancaster and was waiting for his mate on a bike behind; i.e. he was fresh and the other lad had not overtaken me; you seek your solace where you can find it. The road over to Ingleton had been closed, for cars, bikes were squeezing round; Alison had waited for me there; she had just got a text through that John Young had died that morning. The evening was spent with my aunt, very pleasant catch up. Back in the van Alison and I had our chats about where we went from there; we did not know when the funeral was to be; we both wanted to go; I did not think I would want to go north and then come south again and try and pick up where we left off.
75 miles average 12.2
Day 12: Monday; very strong wind blowing from the south east. I had not had a rest day so we thought we would treat this as one. We went to see my cousin who always has a bright word then back to the van and cycle through to Garstang where we thought we would meet up with Penny and stay on her site for the night. We finally met up in Garstang, not Alison's favourite place (she doesn't like getting lost), and set up the site and route to get there; I went past as did Alison; I found it first. The wind had been strongly behind me (except when I overshot the site) all day. We went to the pub with Penny; she had wisely eaten before; we had not; it was Monday and they were not doing food; crisps and left over chips from the pool game held the gap till we had cheese on toast back at the van. By the time we came out of the pub it was pouring with rain and we went to sleep with the drumming on the roof. I did not know whether I was going to carry on, there hardly seemed point in going south to come north again. 23 miles
Day 13: Tuesday; dawned clear and still; dew on the grass; birds singing; Penny's hens clucking about; Alison prepared scrambled eggs (Penny had given a box); decided to press on south, but go directly south rather than via Yorkshire and Derbyshire. I had not particularly wanted to cycle through industrial Lancashire but I set off and felt relieved to be going again. Preston was a little interesting perhaps not least because I came out on the road I had planned to. It really was not at all bad until about St Helens; by this time I was a little used to cycling in a cycle lane with a dual carriageway beside; I wanted a cafe to stop and thought I had found one at BIllinge where I stopped (34 average 13.3) only to find that I could eat / drink my packet of soup and a bun at the table outside; no loos, not much fun. The day did not improve from there; the roads got bigger and faster and the clouds came closer to the land; the main part of the thunder storm had happened before I got the puncture; I was wet through (not wanting to stop on the fast roads); the lightening had appeared to be overhead and the thunder immediate. I had a bit of glass in the front tyre and replaced the inner quite quickly, not aided by my mutterings. Back on the bike (the front tyre not as hard as usual with the little pump) and through to Widnes; I stopped for a cup of tea here (they served full lunchs or just drinks) feeling somewhat overpowered by all the lanes of traffic and wet roads. Alison had texted me that she had a site near Frodsham which lifted the day, it was just a few miles away. I got lost in Runcorn (I think it was) but excellent directions including such things as 'you have to stay in the outside lane and just follow this through ...'. fortunately there was a foot path over the river (2 bikes coming the other way, no pedestrians) and then I stuck pretty much to the plan. The traffic had eased off a little and I got through to Frodsham unscathed. I rang Alison from Frodsham to check where the site was and learned it was only another 8 miles. Alison cycled back to join me and later went for another run. A fish and chip van was on the site until after 1915 (end of the Archers) so there was the food. 63.95 miles average 12.9 m.p.h. For the present the plan is to push on south; Alison is coming back for the funeral on Friday.
Day 11 Sunday: I expected this to be a bit of a push not least because of crossing the Penines again but also there was a Southerly wind forecast, gale force. I set off in practically still conditions and gradually the wind came up from the east; first stop was Hawes where I was finishing my coffee when Alison arrived and had a coffee too. The wind continued to help me over to Ingleton and even along to Caton near Lancaster; flushed with the the ease I stopped for a soup (55 miles 13.6 mph); I came out to find the sun still out but the wind had turned round and I was fighting straight into it. Whichever way I turned it greated me; up to Quernmore, over the hill; I did get off for a short while on a climb which made me feel pathetic as a bike suddenly appeared from behind me and he pushed on past; I met him at the top and he said he had driven through to Lancaster and was waiting for his mate on a bike behind; i.e. he was fresh and the other lad had not overtaken me; you seek your solace where you can find it. The road over to Ingleton had been closed, for cars, bikes were squeezing round; Alison had waited for me there; she had just got a text through that John Young had died that morning. The evening was spent with my aunt, very pleasant catch up. Back in the van Alison and I had our chats about where we went from there; we did not know when the funeral was to be; we both wanted to go; I did not think I would want to go north and then come south again and try and pick up where we left off.
75 miles average 12.2
Day 12: Monday; very strong wind blowing from the south east. I had not had a rest day so we thought we would treat this as one. We went to see my cousin who always has a bright word then back to the van and cycle through to Garstang where we thought we would meet up with Penny and stay on her site for the night. We finally met up in Garstang, not Alison's favourite place (she doesn't like getting lost), and set up the site and route to get there; I went past as did Alison; I found it first. The wind had been strongly behind me (except when I overshot the site) all day. We went to the pub with Penny; she had wisely eaten before; we had not; it was Monday and they were not doing food; crisps and left over chips from the pool game held the gap till we had cheese on toast back at the van. By the time we came out of the pub it was pouring with rain and we went to sleep with the drumming on the roof. I did not know whether I was going to carry on, there hardly seemed point in going south to come north again. 23 miles
Day 13: Tuesday; dawned clear and still; dew on the grass; birds singing; Penny's hens clucking about; Alison prepared scrambled eggs (Penny had given a box); decided to press on south, but go directly south rather than via Yorkshire and Derbyshire. I had not particularly wanted to cycle through industrial Lancashire but I set off and felt relieved to be going again. Preston was a little interesting perhaps not least because I came out on the road I had planned to. It really was not at all bad until about St Helens; by this time I was a little used to cycling in a cycle lane with a dual carriageway beside; I wanted a cafe to stop and thought I had found one at BIllinge where I stopped (34 average 13.3) only to find that I could eat / drink my packet of soup and a bun at the table outside; no loos, not much fun. The day did not improve from there; the roads got bigger and faster and the clouds came closer to the land; the main part of the thunder storm had happened before I got the puncture; I was wet through (not wanting to stop on the fast roads); the lightening had appeared to be overhead and the thunder immediate. I had a bit of glass in the front tyre and replaced the inner quite quickly, not aided by my mutterings. Back on the bike (the front tyre not as hard as usual with the little pump) and through to Widnes; I stopped for a cup of tea here (they served full lunchs or just drinks) feeling somewhat overpowered by all the lanes of traffic and wet roads. Alison had texted me that she had a site near Frodsham which lifted the day, it was just a few miles away. I got lost in Runcorn (I think it was) but excellent directions including such things as 'you have to stay in the outside lane and just follow this through ...'. fortunately there was a foot path over the river (2 bikes coming the other way, no pedestrians) and then I stuck pretty much to the plan. The traffic had eased off a little and I got through to Frodsham unscathed. I rang Alison from Frodsham to check where the site was and learned it was only another 8 miles. Alison cycled back to join me and later went for another run. A fish and chip van was on the site until after 1915 (end of the Archers) so there was the food. 63.95 miles average 12.9 m.p.h. For the present the plan is to push on south; Alison is coming back for the funeral on Friday.
Friday 3 September 2010
days 6, 7, 8 and 9
Day 6: well before I start on day 6 I realise that I did not complete day 5; Alison waited for me to arrive at the hotel and then set out on her bike for a ride - some 18 miles; she enjoyed it. Did I not report this because I was not aware she had gone out ? Of course not, though I may have been a bit dosy at the time. Dosy it certainly was of me not to mention her ride. She is always on the catch up and then trying to get ahead to let her get some exercise in the day; it is not very fair to her.
Day 6 did start well; poached haddock and egg for a start; a walk round Arduaine Gardens, looking very good at the moment. Started out on the bike at about 1200 just as a young man cycled down the hill to the hotel; he was notable not only for having a loaded bike but the extent of the load which included a surf board, in a cover with 2 small wheels; whether it was because he was towing this that he did not reply was not clear at the time.
First stop of the day was Kilmartin Museum for lunch / coffee; only about 10 miles but at least I could plead the hills climbed. Met Alison there and had some pleasant soup. We met again at Tarbert to complete plans; by the time I arrived Alison had established that we had to book to get on the ferry from Brodick and the first one to go in the morning was at 0820. We booked and Alison set off for Claonaig; actually I set off first but she soon overtook me. There is some good climbing to get to Claonaig. By the time I had arrived Alison had set off on her bike to look at the castle at Skipness; I packed the bike carrier in the van and put my bike in; Alison put her bike in when she got back; memories of Ron saying he and Lorna had done this with his van when going on ferries, reducing the length of the van to the lesser charging rate.
As we were waiting for the ferry the man with the surf board came cycling along; he had set out from Oban in the morning (and from John O Groats a week Friday before that 'just following the coast'). He was quite chatty. He was not looking forward to the climb over to Brodick in the morning, reckoning that he would not catch the first ferry.
We had a calm crossing but when we got to the camp site at Lochranza the gate was closed and a notice on it said it would be locked from 2200 to 0800; the people at the Restaurant, just outside the gate, said that the proprietors never locked the gate and that they were out having a golf lesson; Alison and I did not think that we wanted to be stuck in the morning either behind the gate or with problems over payment. We opted for parking up away; Alison found a quiet layby on the Brodick side of the hill; just as the Archers was coming on I arrived. I was fairly efficient in pulling out Alison's bike and the carrier, focussed no doubt by the midges who also felt it was time for food. The hill over was nowhere near as steep as the road over to Claonaig but I was pleased to have it behind me for the morning. We ate as did the midges who had come in with me; we felt the better for eating and I expect the midges felt the same up to the point when we felt they had overstayed their welcome.
48 miles average 13.8 mph
Day 7: the plan was to be up at 0545 to be in Brodick for 0750 with the bikes and carrier in the van. The plan worked. We were not strong on conversation in the morning; I set off down hill with my rear light on and riding wet roads, wet from the mist. Getting down to Sannox Bay the sun angrily levered herself from the water, red faced at being raised so early, until she saw the view whereupon she spread her light for all; for a moment this was nice for us until we realised that welcome had extended to the midges; the sun must have been upset as well as she disappeared again for an hour or two, either back into the sea or up into clouds. Nearing Ardrossan the rain started. We came off the ferry and the traffic flow is clearly set to get you away from the terminal; we parked in Asda's car park and I changed and set up my bike very slowly, an effective strategy as by the time I had drawn it out the rain had stopped and I set out on wet roads now on a dry morning.
I was not looking forward to having such a choice of roads; Alison said she would see me at Mauchline, I think with little confidence in my getting there; the plan was to camp at the site at Douglas, as shown on the map. I was quite proud of myself when I reached the outskirts of Ardrosssan (again) having been to Saltcoats first; at least I knew where I was; Alison went off to see Freddie who said he would have waved me by had he known my route; Alison's reply had been 'not even Nigel knows his route'; right she may have been, but after various types of cycling, including on a fast dual carriageway, I think it was the A78, I found myself heading for, and actually crossing the boundary into Kilwinning, where I thought Ian to be and where I thought I ought not to be. Turning round I did a faultless find of Irvine town centre and out on the B road even passing the end of the road where Freddie stays, if only I could remember how to find his house. Then it was to be on to Kilmarnock followed by Mauchline; unfortunately at Kilmarnock the road to Mauchline was said to be closed so I went off on the A71 and then headed off there to Sorn which is to be found after quite a bit of climbing, which by now I was of course really enjoying. Texts were exchanged with Alison as to her having eaten in Mauchline and her having no trouble getting through there and me saying I needed to stop; I stopped in the village just after Sorn where I had a lovely white onion soup and the chance to see some interesting art work; a local explained that there were several artists in the village and one of them came in whilst I was there (he had left his jacket and the proprietor said he could let him have it back until he let him have another painting, not that I was listening). The more significant problem was that the Douglas campsite was no more (we must get some new maps). Alison retraced her steps as commended and found a site at Muirkirk; being closer to me I was not upset as the alternative was at Abington, a further 17 miles. Whilst I finished my repast Alison set off cycling back towards me; as I was again cycling towards her a local, young to my eyes, cyclist drew up and cycled easily along with me until we met up with Alison. We had a pleasant run into Muirkirk, a look at the totempole and a chat with a dog owner, and of course, the dog.
The day had stayed sunny, really hot. 51.55 miles average 13 mph
Day 8: Muirkirk to Annan. Lovely still, sunny morning; I was away for 0930 and enjoyed the run through the varied landscape, open cast mining, running rivers and moorland (spattered with further open cast mining). I turned on to the B7078 to run parallel with the motorway; there is a wide cycle lane for most of this road; sadly the lane is very rough surfaced and in places covered in debris; the main carriageway was not much smoother in places; it is a road for the mining vehicles. For the first bit there is such a climb that my left hand went to sleep and was surprised when asked to change gear once the gradient lessened. I had hoped to stop for my first break in Abington village but was too slow to catch Alison there; I was welcomed at the hotel with 'you've just missed her, by 5 minutes; she says she will see you in Annan ...'. I had a pleasant, if quiet, pot of tea with some choice biscuits. My next stop was just south of Johnstonbridge where a quiet country hotel made me some delicious scrambled egg, with cream. Before I had finished there Alison confirmed that she had got the van in the park at Annan and was cycling back to join me. After some doubts about which road who was on we met at Ecclefechan and had an ice cream before Alison led the way to Annan, by a more interesting route than I had had plotted. In the evening we went to an Italian restaurant and were well fed.
70 miles 13.8 average.
Day 9: a little ride home; the plan is to visit Hannah in Richmond tomorrow so it as easy to spend a night at home as elsewhere. Felt a bit odd pedalling familiar roads from Gretna. Again a still and sunny day. I was back for 1315 after a 0940 start. 42 miles average 13 mph
Day 6 did start well; poached haddock and egg for a start; a walk round Arduaine Gardens, looking very good at the moment. Started out on the bike at about 1200 just as a young man cycled down the hill to the hotel; he was notable not only for having a loaded bike but the extent of the load which included a surf board, in a cover with 2 small wheels; whether it was because he was towing this that he did not reply was not clear at the time.
First stop of the day was Kilmartin Museum for lunch / coffee; only about 10 miles but at least I could plead the hills climbed. Met Alison there and had some pleasant soup. We met again at Tarbert to complete plans; by the time I arrived Alison had established that we had to book to get on the ferry from Brodick and the first one to go in the morning was at 0820. We booked and Alison set off for Claonaig; actually I set off first but she soon overtook me. There is some good climbing to get to Claonaig. By the time I had arrived Alison had set off on her bike to look at the castle at Skipness; I packed the bike carrier in the van and put my bike in; Alison put her bike in when she got back; memories of Ron saying he and Lorna had done this with his van when going on ferries, reducing the length of the van to the lesser charging rate.
As we were waiting for the ferry the man with the surf board came cycling along; he had set out from Oban in the morning (and from John O Groats a week Friday before that 'just following the coast'). He was quite chatty. He was not looking forward to the climb over to Brodick in the morning, reckoning that he would not catch the first ferry.
We had a calm crossing but when we got to the camp site at Lochranza the gate was closed and a notice on it said it would be locked from 2200 to 0800; the people at the Restaurant, just outside the gate, said that the proprietors never locked the gate and that they were out having a golf lesson; Alison and I did not think that we wanted to be stuck in the morning either behind the gate or with problems over payment. We opted for parking up away; Alison found a quiet layby on the Brodick side of the hill; just as the Archers was coming on I arrived. I was fairly efficient in pulling out Alison's bike and the carrier, focussed no doubt by the midges who also felt it was time for food. The hill over was nowhere near as steep as the road over to Claonaig but I was pleased to have it behind me for the morning. We ate as did the midges who had come in with me; we felt the better for eating and I expect the midges felt the same up to the point when we felt they had overstayed their welcome.
48 miles average 13.8 mph
Day 7: the plan was to be up at 0545 to be in Brodick for 0750 with the bikes and carrier in the van. The plan worked. We were not strong on conversation in the morning; I set off down hill with my rear light on and riding wet roads, wet from the mist. Getting down to Sannox Bay the sun angrily levered herself from the water, red faced at being raised so early, until she saw the view whereupon she spread her light for all; for a moment this was nice for us until we realised that welcome had extended to the midges; the sun must have been upset as well as she disappeared again for an hour or two, either back into the sea or up into clouds. Nearing Ardrossan the rain started. We came off the ferry and the traffic flow is clearly set to get you away from the terminal; we parked in Asda's car park and I changed and set up my bike very slowly, an effective strategy as by the time I had drawn it out the rain had stopped and I set out on wet roads now on a dry morning.
I was not looking forward to having such a choice of roads; Alison said she would see me at Mauchline, I think with little confidence in my getting there; the plan was to camp at the site at Douglas, as shown on the map. I was quite proud of myself when I reached the outskirts of Ardrosssan (again) having been to Saltcoats first; at least I knew where I was; Alison went off to see Freddie who said he would have waved me by had he known my route; Alison's reply had been 'not even Nigel knows his route'; right she may have been, but after various types of cycling, including on a fast dual carriageway, I think it was the A78, I found myself heading for, and actually crossing the boundary into Kilwinning, where I thought Ian to be and where I thought I ought not to be. Turning round I did a faultless find of Irvine town centre and out on the B road even passing the end of the road where Freddie stays, if only I could remember how to find his house. Then it was to be on to Kilmarnock followed by Mauchline; unfortunately at Kilmarnock the road to Mauchline was said to be closed so I went off on the A71 and then headed off there to Sorn which is to be found after quite a bit of climbing, which by now I was of course really enjoying. Texts were exchanged with Alison as to her having eaten in Mauchline and her having no trouble getting through there and me saying I needed to stop; I stopped in the village just after Sorn where I had a lovely white onion soup and the chance to see some interesting art work; a local explained that there were several artists in the village and one of them came in whilst I was there (he had left his jacket and the proprietor said he could let him have it back until he let him have another painting, not that I was listening). The more significant problem was that the Douglas campsite was no more (we must get some new maps). Alison retraced her steps as commended and found a site at Muirkirk; being closer to me I was not upset as the alternative was at Abington, a further 17 miles. Whilst I finished my repast Alison set off cycling back towards me; as I was again cycling towards her a local, young to my eyes, cyclist drew up and cycled easily along with me until we met up with Alison. We had a pleasant run into Muirkirk, a look at the totempole and a chat with a dog owner, and of course, the dog.
The day had stayed sunny, really hot. 51.55 miles average 13 mph
Day 8: Muirkirk to Annan. Lovely still, sunny morning; I was away for 0930 and enjoyed the run through the varied landscape, open cast mining, running rivers and moorland (spattered with further open cast mining). I turned on to the B7078 to run parallel with the motorway; there is a wide cycle lane for most of this road; sadly the lane is very rough surfaced and in places covered in debris; the main carriageway was not much smoother in places; it is a road for the mining vehicles. For the first bit there is such a climb that my left hand went to sleep and was surprised when asked to change gear once the gradient lessened. I had hoped to stop for my first break in Abington village but was too slow to catch Alison there; I was welcomed at the hotel with 'you've just missed her, by 5 minutes; she says she will see you in Annan ...'. I had a pleasant, if quiet, pot of tea with some choice biscuits. My next stop was just south of Johnstonbridge where a quiet country hotel made me some delicious scrambled egg, with cream. Before I had finished there Alison confirmed that she had got the van in the park at Annan and was cycling back to join me. After some doubts about which road who was on we met at Ecclefechan and had an ice cream before Alison led the way to Annan, by a more interesting route than I had had plotted. In the evening we went to an Italian restaurant and were well fed.
70 miles 13.8 average.
Day 9: a little ride home; the plan is to visit Hannah in Richmond tomorrow so it as easy to spend a night at home as elsewhere. Felt a bit odd pedalling familiar roads from Gretna. Again a still and sunny day. I was back for 1315 after a 0940 start. 42 miles average 13 mph
Tuesday 31 August 2010
up date days 3 to 5
Day 3: Before leaving Lairg we met a couple who were cycling the end to end, from the south; they had cycled over Kirkstone and called in at the Spit at Glenridding; John had been taught sailing by Tony, my brother. Their project was a 3 week trip, with loaded bikes; this seems a common plan and leaves me, cycling very light, in awe. I was even more in awe of a man we met at Bettyhill who was cycling as part of a group; he had a bad knee and damaged leg; he had managed one day of 98 miles, with a fully loaded bike.
The route from Lairg to Inverness was not at all bad; aided by a following wind I made good progress to Bonar Bridge and then turned right to join the B9176; a bit of a climb; I stopped just before the top, there was a viewpoint and a man waiting there; he had joined a group travelling up from Lands End half way through the trip; he lives (stays) in Temple Sowerby.
I got in over 30 miles before my cofee stop at a services just off the A9; I had ordered and was making myself comfortable when Alison appeared. She gave me the excellent news that she had made a wrong turn; I know she only says she did this to make me feel comfortable; probably she did not do it all.
It was then on to Inverness, or the campsite at Dochgarroch; Alison texted me later to say that it was no longer there; well it was when we were last there 10 years ago; we stayed instead on the Inverness site by the Sports Centre; all fenced in but very convenient. Arrived at 1515, just over 63 miles.
Day 4: wet and windy was forecast; Alison came with me walking across the river before setting off on the south side of the loch; my 'plan' was to stay on the lochside, there would not be any hills on this route then. As the day progressed I learned why this is not the most cycled route; it was a bit wet and there were hills, magnificent ones you might say; I enhanced my enjoyment by retarding my progress by dislodging the back wheel a little on a cattle grid till I came to a halt on a hill with the gear slipping; inverting the bike lost me the mileage for the day but lead to the cure and much faster progress. I had my first stop at 19 miles and the 2nd at the bottom of Loch Oich where Alison joined me having had coffee with friends in Inverness. After this the day greatly improved with a strong wind behind me I 'flew' along Loch Lochy and through to Fort William; I think I might have seen George and David driving up the hill towards the monument but as I was going down and they up I decided not to try and chase them to check. Wonderful road to cycle (down) to Gairlochy, not good to go up judging from the lack of expression from the cyclist I met coming up.
Arrived at the campsite just out of Corpach at 1615 from a start at a little after 0930. We reckon the day was about 63 miles.
Day 5: very cold night, or it would have been had we not been in the van; I had thoughts of how cold it would have been if I had been travelling light. Ben Nevis was so clear in the early morning light. Alison was doing some washing and we had to top up with water; did not get away until 1010; Alison caught me up just before Ballachulish bridge; I stopped for the banana I had been carrying round for days and a sip and then set out again for Stalker Castle for the first proper stop; Alison got there ahead of me and cycled back meeting when I had done 25 miles of sunny, still cycling (average to that point 15.6 mph). 28 miles, Stalker Castle Cafe a good point for a lengthy stop; I am finding that if I go over 20 miles before the first stop it becomes a 1 stop day; on with the lovely day, sun and flat roads at least until Oban whereafter (cannot leave all my language behind) there were a few 'inclinations'. 66.4 miles average speed 14.4 (as for the day before).
It being Alison's birthday (along with several others' we know of) we have spent the night at the Loch Melfort Hotel; on arriving met Anne and Robin who were having a birthday family gathering; we did not know they were going to be here and I guess they did not know any better than us that we were (we having only decided to come the night before). Going to mean a late start (already 1030) but only intending to get to Claonaig for the ferry to Arran by the end of the day.
The route from Lairg to Inverness was not at all bad; aided by a following wind I made good progress to Bonar Bridge and then turned right to join the B9176; a bit of a climb; I stopped just before the top, there was a viewpoint and a man waiting there; he had joined a group travelling up from Lands End half way through the trip; he lives (stays) in Temple Sowerby.
I got in over 30 miles before my cofee stop at a services just off the A9; I had ordered and was making myself comfortable when Alison appeared. She gave me the excellent news that she had made a wrong turn; I know she only says she did this to make me feel comfortable; probably she did not do it all.
It was then on to Inverness, or the campsite at Dochgarroch; Alison texted me later to say that it was no longer there; well it was when we were last there 10 years ago; we stayed instead on the Inverness site by the Sports Centre; all fenced in but very convenient. Arrived at 1515, just over 63 miles.
Day 4: wet and windy was forecast; Alison came with me walking across the river before setting off on the south side of the loch; my 'plan' was to stay on the lochside, there would not be any hills on this route then. As the day progressed I learned why this is not the most cycled route; it was a bit wet and there were hills, magnificent ones you might say; I enhanced my enjoyment by retarding my progress by dislodging the back wheel a little on a cattle grid till I came to a halt on a hill with the gear slipping; inverting the bike lost me the mileage for the day but lead to the cure and much faster progress. I had my first stop at 19 miles and the 2nd at the bottom of Loch Oich where Alison joined me having had coffee with friends in Inverness. After this the day greatly improved with a strong wind behind me I 'flew' along Loch Lochy and through to Fort William; I think I might have seen George and David driving up the hill towards the monument but as I was going down and they up I decided not to try and chase them to check. Wonderful road to cycle (down) to Gairlochy, not good to go up judging from the lack of expression from the cyclist I met coming up.
Arrived at the campsite just out of Corpach at 1615 from a start at a little after 0930. We reckon the day was about 63 miles.
Day 5: very cold night, or it would have been had we not been in the van; I had thoughts of how cold it would have been if I had been travelling light. Ben Nevis was so clear in the early morning light. Alison was doing some washing and we had to top up with water; did not get away until 1010; Alison caught me up just before Ballachulish bridge; I stopped for the banana I had been carrying round for days and a sip and then set out again for Stalker Castle for the first proper stop; Alison got there ahead of me and cycled back meeting when I had done 25 miles of sunny, still cycling (average to that point 15.6 mph). 28 miles, Stalker Castle Cafe a good point for a lengthy stop; I am finding that if I go over 20 miles before the first stop it becomes a 1 stop day; on with the lovely day, sun and flat roads at least until Oban whereafter (cannot leave all my language behind) there were a few 'inclinations'. 66.4 miles average speed 14.4 (as for the day before).
It being Alison's birthday (along with several others' we know of) we have spent the night at the Loch Melfort Hotel; on arriving met Anne and Robin who were having a birthday family gathering; we did not know they were going to be here and I guess they did not know any better than us that we were (we having only decided to come the night before). Going to mean a late start (already 1030) but only intending to get to Claonaig for the ferry to Arran by the end of the day.
Friday 27 August 2010
days 1 and 2
Arrived at John O Groats on Wednesday evening; checked the bikes to find that I had a broken spoke in the back wheel; was my fault - trapped with strap on the carrier. Acknowledging that the mistake was mine did not mend it. We rang Mark MacDonald (as advertised in the window of the Information shop) and he could not help but commended 'The Bike Shop' at Thurso' as having every spoke under the sun.
Thursday morning found us door stepping the Bike Shop; incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and effective; new spoke in, the cassette re-built and bike tested; we even had a recommendation as to which cafe to get our breakfast at.
Day 1: the start was then a little delayed; set out about 1245 and had first stop at Thurso - c 20 miles later, same cafe, not carrot cake but ginger cake was not at all bad. After this through to Bettyhill meeting Alison cycling towards me about 7.5 miles out, which she had to turn back to, climbing the hills she had wizzed down minutes before.
The day was pretty still and sunny. How did that happen ?
In the site for 1730; not exactly modern but it has running water and a hot shower i.e. much to commend it. Miles 50.94
Day 2: started out at 0940 from Bettyhill. Alison said 'B' roads would be sign posted; I soon thought I had proved her wrong as I was bowling along a single track road which I had pretty much to myself; it was much the same when I turned round and rejoined the A road before correctly turning off on to the B871. It really pleased me to know that I had Alison's confidence in her judgement to share with her later.
Later turned out to be sooner as I met her coming out of the Altnahara Hotel having had an early scone and tea as I was coming in for my early lunch (1150). Alison came back in and watched me eat a lovely chicken soup before she set off to find the site in Lairg, where we now are. Alison met me a couple of miles out of town and cycled back (for her) with me. We were on the site 1400.
The wind was with me to start, against for a bit and back with us from Altnahara; what a lovely long descent it is on such a day to Lairg. Another day of dry cycling. Miles 48.5
Thursday morning found us door stepping the Bike Shop; incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and effective; new spoke in, the cassette re-built and bike tested; we even had a recommendation as to which cafe to get our breakfast at.
Day 1: the start was then a little delayed; set out about 1245 and had first stop at Thurso - c 20 miles later, same cafe, not carrot cake but ginger cake was not at all bad. After this through to Bettyhill meeting Alison cycling towards me about 7.5 miles out, which she had to turn back to, climbing the hills she had wizzed down minutes before.
The day was pretty still and sunny. How did that happen ?
In the site for 1730; not exactly modern but it has running water and a hot shower i.e. much to commend it. Miles 50.94
Day 2: started out at 0940 from Bettyhill. Alison said 'B' roads would be sign posted; I soon thought I had proved her wrong as I was bowling along a single track road which I had pretty much to myself; it was much the same when I turned round and rejoined the A road before correctly turning off on to the B871. It really pleased me to know that I had Alison's confidence in her judgement to share with her later.
Later turned out to be sooner as I met her coming out of the Altnahara Hotel having had an early scone and tea as I was coming in for my early lunch (1150). Alison came back in and watched me eat a lovely chicken soup before she set off to find the site in Lairg, where we now are. Alison met me a couple of miles out of town and cycled back (for her) with me. We were on the site 1400.
The wind was with me to start, against for a bit and back with us from Altnahara; what a lovely long descent it is on such a day to Lairg. Another day of dry cycling. Miles 48.5
Monday 23 August 2010
23 August 2010
Starting the week when our trip is to commence. The idea is start the cycle from John O Groats and finish at Lands End; the route is not set.
Advice has generally been 'I would not start from there' followed by commentary on how hard the cycle out of Cornwall had been for them. Following my firmly held belief that the British Isles slope to the south I can understand why people had difficulty getting out of Cornwall.
One day I will wake up to doubt some of my beliefs (and will I respect myself then in the morning ?).
I am expecting Cornwall to be hard; I am not expecting any of it to be easy.
Advice has generally been 'I would not start from there' followed by commentary on how hard the cycle out of Cornwall had been for them. Following my firmly held belief that the British Isles slope to the south I can understand why people had difficulty getting out of Cornwall.
One day I will wake up to doubt some of my beliefs (and will I respect myself then in the morning ?).
I am expecting Cornwall to be hard; I am not expecting any of it to be easy.
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