Here we go

It's 10.45am on Saturday 23rd July 2011 and I'm just about to set off from John O'Groats, I'm alone but have Nat and Marc as my spiritual companions - let's go chaps.

 I left the B&B at 9.15am and reached John o'Groats by 9.45am, the head wind, travelling north, was stronger than yesterday, I was glad I would soon be changing directions.

Whilst riding to JOG I decided that even though yesterday I had a photo of me in front of the 'signpost' today I would have one done with 'In honour of Nat Lofthouse' written on the post. Unfortunately when I got to JOG there were lots of cyclists but no sign or man with the sign. I therefore emailed yesterdays photo + a mini blog to my mate Frank (the chief blog editor), I then got ready to set off but noticed the sign man had arrived.

I rang Frank to ask him to hold the 'press' and proceeded to arrange the photo with 'sign man', he said there were 3 groups in front of me and I would have to wait. 45 minutes later and on the verge of hypothermia, I finally got the shot, emailed it to Frank and with great relief and anticipation set off.

The first 30 miles were much as I expected, quiet roads, relatively flat and a gusty cross wind making progress challenging.

I felt a little soreness in my right knee, which is a bit concerning considering I've only just started. Anyway, I was ignoring it until a car passed me, travelling in the opposite direction, a little old lady was driving and she was gripping the steering wheel with all her strength, her nose was almost touching the screen and she was travelling at about 60 mph. As she passed a stone chip shot out from under her wheel and with the accuracy of an Olympic gold medal winning archer the stone hit me on my knee at exactly the spot where it was sore! I had to laugh .... at least now, if my knee let's me down, I can blame Penelope Pistol's grandmother.

After the 1st 30 miles the terrain changed, significantly. Long steep hills followed by fast descents followed by long steep hills, repeatedly. Combined with the cross winds and 10kg of weight I was lugging around in my panniers, my energy levels were dropping faster than a fast thing. The remaining sandwich from lunch, an Energy bar, a gel tube and Electrolyte drink were all consumed to ward off the fatigue.

After 50 miles I was surprisingly 'knackered', I had been sailing through 50 miles in training but now my sail was wailing.

Fortunately at about this point, soon after reaching Bettyhill, the route turned to a southerly direction and at last I had a tail-wind + the terrain became a series of gentle rolling hills, with a definite trend downwards. This remained the same for the last 20+ miles, happy days.

I'm now showered, fed and watered and about to go to the only drinking establishment in the village for a well earned pint, with 2 or 3 fellow guests.

To be continued.

Statistics

Distance cycled:             76 miles                      Total distance cycled since start:   76 miles

Average speed:               14 mph

Maximum speed:           36 mph

Average heart rate:       138 bpm

Maximum heart rate:   158 bpm

Motorist watch (Quantity)

Considerate motorists (The good):     All of them

Inconsiderate motorists (The bad):   O

Lunatic motorists            (The ugly):      I don't think they exist up here

Scores (out of 100)

Scenery:                 80

Road surfaces       67

Weather:                40

Cancer Survival rates have doubled in the last 30 years and Cancer Research UK are proud to say that thanks to the support of people like you, their work has been at the heart of that progress.

 Yesterday was tough, it felt like riding up a steep hill on a 6 inch bed of congealed treacle, with 100's of eels writhing in the glupiness and dozens of ferocious wolves lining both sides of the road, snapping at you ankles, with a hurricane force wind battering you into submission and dark leaden skies emitting deafening thunder with bolts of fork lighting striking the spokes of my wheels with every flash. Then, just as the top of each hill approached an extra gust of wind would bellow forth and if that wasn't enough, when the hill had been breached someone would appear from behind a large rock and throw a bucket of slimey frogs at me (the slimey frogs were the worst bit).

After surviving that and in need of some rest and recuperation, I couldn't have wished to have chosen a better place to stay for the night. I can highly recommend "The Bed and Breakfast" in Altnaharra (where the lowest ever recorded temperature in the UK, -22.5 deg. C, was witnessed). The hosts, Mandy and Lindsay, make you feel right at home. Mandy's cooking is sublime and nothing is too much trouble for them. They let me hang my hand washed clothes in their shed overnight and when one of the items wasn't dry in the morning it was swiftly placed into the tumble drier.

After slaving over my phone, writing my blog, I followed my fellow guests (Pete and Geoff + Kevin and Loise) to the hotel bar (2 minutes walk away) for a couple of Magners. They were all in the area to conquer some Munro's (Mountains higher than 3000 foot). After some convivial conversation they bestowed some cash on me saying "put that towards your charity", top people all of them.

Anyway, on to today; after a magnificent and hearty breakfast, including real Scottish porridge, I set off wondering what was in store for me.

If yesterday was tough today was easy, embarassigly so, I feel like I have cheated!

Within 200 yards of leaving the B & B I was climbing a hill, it was a reasonably steep hill and whilst not being miles in length it was a significant distance, but this was a good hill, with fantastic scenery, farmed dear in fields at the side of the road, a meandering river kissing the roadside before twisting away and back again. It was a single track road and vehicles were sparse, sawn timber logs were stacked high on one side of the road and when I reached the top of the hill the view was sublime. From this point on, I kid you not, with the odd insignificant exception, it was downhill for over 30 miles!

On one section of this road I could hear a vehicle behind me, I was riding at about 20 mph and I didn't sense that he was impatient but at the next passing point I slowed slightly and waved him past, but when he got level with me he matched my speed. I was wondering what was happening when an arm came out of the passenger window and some coins were held out for me to collect.

The week before I left home I had knocked together a sign with the words "John o'Groats to Land's End, for Cancer Research UK" and I fixed this to the back of my bike, I'm not sure what I expected but certainly not this ..... how cool was that.

Not long later, thoroughly enjoying my wind assisted, scenic, downhill ride, I came across a retired couple, from Canada, who were doing LEJOG (The opposite way to me), we stopped to chat and take photos and agreed that the wind was a pain in the neck for them but a blessing from heaven for me.

After Bonar Bridge (where I had lunch) there was a serious climb, overlooking Durnoch Firth, but one where it was easy to build up a good rythem, followed by more long downhills. This is when, for the very first time since leaving JOG, the sun started to make an appearance, so it was off with 2 layers and off with the leg warmers.

Just before crossing Cromarty Firth I stopped in a layby for a slurp of electrolyte and there were a group of cyclists who were at JOG at the same time as me. They had a support van and some of them were taking it in turns to ride. The sun was now blazing down, it was 2.15pm and I was nearly at Beauly (todays destination).

I arrived before 3.30pm so had time for a strole in the hot sunshine before having a nice cool pint of Guiness.

When I was planning the JOGLE I imagined days like today ..... cycling heaven!

Having had my evening meal I went to the chippy ........ for an icecream! Maybe they would have deep fried it if I had asked.

I wonder what tomorrow holds in store? no buckets of frogs please! I'm heading to Fort William where it always rains, but we'll see.

Keep reading.

Statistics

Distance cycled:         68 miles                  Total distance cycled since start:        144 miles

Average speed:                 15 mph

Maximum speed:         36 mph

Average heart rate:        128 bpm

Maximum heart rate:        155 bpm

Motorist watch (Quantity)

Considerate motorists  (The good):        Dozen’s

Inconsiderate motorists (The bad):         0

Lunatic motorists             (The ugly):          0

Scores (out of 100)

Scenery:                 90

Road surfaces:       70

Weather:                 60

Cancer Research UK’s work on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has already led to advances in treating cancer that have saved millions of lives and Cancer Research UK scientists and doctors are always discovering more about cancer, and how it grows and develops.

 ....... for some reason I can't get that song out of my head.

The weather today was great, when I set off from Beauly at 8.50 am it was warm enough for just 2 layers rather than the 3 I have been wearing.

From Beauly there is a steady climb, for over 12 miles (apart from a couple of short downhills), but it wasn't difficult to make progress and the scenery was stunning making the effort more than worthwhile. After the final summit it is a short and very steep drop down to Drumnadrochit. A third of the way down this hill my satnav was suggesting I make a left turn, I didn't see any turn, not because I was going too fast (although I wasn't exactly pottering), but because I was fully concentrating on braking and steering. It was a very steep hill but also had numerous sharp bends, making it impossible to negotiate at high speed. I can only imagine how steep the alternative route was as that took a more direct path and I suspect it was partly 'off road'.

At Drumnadrochit the A82, alongside Loch Ness, is the route I had to take to get to Fort William. This is a fast but narrow road, undulating with the odd relatively short steep sections. The traffic demands that you give your full attention to keeping close to the left. I did encounter a few motorists who passed me too close when there was room to allow more space, but the vast majority gave ample clearance, slowing and waiting behind me if necessary, until safe to pass.

I passed Urquhart castle, took some photos and continued to Invermoriston where I had a snack, took onboard some liquid and also got rid of some. By now it was really hot so off came the 2nd layer.

I then continued to Fort Augustus where a large cruiser was negotiating the locks at the north end of the Caledonian canal. I had already planned to stop here for lunch so the slowly moving cruiser kept me entertained whilst I ate my sandwiches and banana in the glorious sunshine.

As I set off from Fort Augustus a couple on a tandem had set off just before me so I caught them, had a quick chat, then I overtook them to give them some shelter from the wind, which incidentally was not strong today, but after 4 or 5 miles they came past me. I obviously wasn't going fast enough for them, oh well I tucked in and got a very nice wind break for the next 10 miles, before they decided to stop ..... I think the man was jealous of me staring at his wife's bum :-).

Next up was Loch Oich, followed by Invergarry, then Loch Lochy, where a Tornado flew past a few feet above the water.

Two thirds of the way past this Loch I had the option to turn off the main road and follow the edge of the loch, I was concerned how my thin road tyres would cope on the loose surface and I was making good progress on the road, so I decided to stay on the road. This route was longer and involved negotiating a steep hill but it was worth it because at the top was the Commando memorial where I stopped off for some photos.

After that it was Spean Bridge before the last leg past Ben Nevis and on to Fort William.

Another good day, fantastic scenery and weather + the 1st time I've riden on 3 consecutive days since I was 18.

On to Inverary, via Glencoe, tomorrow, I hope the weather holds out.

Pass the Sudocrem Nat.

Statistics

Distance cycled:               67 miles                  Total distance cycled since start:        211 miles

Average speed:                 13 mph

Maximum speed:             ? mph (it says 56 but I know its telling lies)

Average heart rate:         134 bpm

Maximum heart rate:      164 bpm

Motorist watch (Quantity)

Considerate motorists         (The good):         100's

Inconsiderate motorists (The bad):               5

Lunatic motorists             (The ugly):              0

Scores (out of 100)

Scenery:                 90

Road surfaces:      70

Weather:                 90

Every day Cancer Research UK is working hard on all aspects of cancer – from understanding the causes to developing and testing better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat it.

 What a day! Incredible scenery, fantastic weather and over a quarter of the way now cycled to my final destination.

Before I left Fort William I called at the local bike shop to ask if I could use their pump to top up the air in my tyres, they swiftly brought me their pump and I inflated them from 80 to 110 psi.

The sun was shining with barely a cloud in the sky, I left my accomodation wearing only one layer because I knew that Glencoe was early in todays itinerary and the effort needed for that would keep me warm. What I hadn't taken into account was the road leading away from Fort William was in the shadow of the mountains at that time of day but rather than delve into my carefully packed panniers I continued for a chilly 8 miles, until the sun escaped the influence of Ben Nevis.

I then headed towards North Ballachulish and the scenery, combined with the now warm early morning sun, was stunning.

I passed a private road to my right, leading down to the edge of Loch Linnhe, so I doubled back, took the road and asked a couple of locals if it was okay, I then asked them to take some photos, which they did whilst enquiring about my journey.

Just before crossing Ballachulish bridge a cycle path becomes available, and unlike most, this one was well designed and in good condition so off the road I went. I continued on it until after Glencoe village where the surface became 'rural'.

Back onto the road, the climb had now begun in ernest, the road surface was excellent, the traffic fairly light and the incline was more than comfortable to deal with, in fact it was never too steep all the way to the top.

My progress was regularly disturbed though due to the breathtaking views that kept unfolding before me. I have travelled this route numerous times in a car but it was always in poor weather and you can never appreciate the views as much when you are 'inside'. It is also virtually impossible to stop and take photos when driving due to the lack of places to stop, but on a bike you can stop anywhere.

About half way up the 'hill' I could hear the sound of a jet behind me and, sure enough, a Typhoon whistled past, at low level, between the road and the mountains on the far side of the valley. This was closely followed by a 2nd Typhoon but just as this got level with me the pilot dipped his left wing then his right. Now I'm not naive enough to believe this was for me, but I did have a little 'moment' just then.

A Tornado flypast yesterday, 2 Typhoon''s today, who ever's organising them, considering that I am now alongside the sea and will be for a large part of tomorrow, how about a submarine making an appearance? A view of a periscope will suffice :-).

I took some photos of the 3 Sisters but I'm not sure I got the right ones as I counted at least 5 of those bad boys. I think their mother had been moonlighting since the mountains were named.

I continued over Rannoch moor (more outstanding scenery) then down to Bridge of Orchy where I had a very pleasant alfresco lunch in the baking sunshine. 3 other cyclists where also there and they were nearing the end of their LEJOG.

After lunch I continued downhill and stopped at one of the viewing points, there was a kilted bagpiper there and lots of tourists. As I munched on my energy bar a lady (Carol Wells) came over to ask if I was taking donations for the charity, having confirmed that I was she gave me some cash, her husband then took a photo of us. I have loads of photos on my camera but I'm unable to download them until I get access to a PC (probably not until Sunday) so the only photos I can get onto the website at the moment are the ones from my phone. Anyway, thanks for your donation Carol.

It really has been a pleasure to witness first hand the sincerity and generosity of my fellow Brit's.

After Sundays mobile donation, I have been wondering if I should fix a collection box to my bike to make 20 mph donations a little safer, one of those desk-top recycling caddies from work would be ideal :-).

There was a sting in the tail towards the end of todays ride in the form of a couple of tough climbs in baking heat, although that was followed by a 6 mile downhill finish. A really excellent day, but I'm shattered now .... give me food, drink and a bed.

Over to the Isle of Arran tomorrow, does anyone who went on the ale train think i'll miss the ferry?

Thanks to everyone for your messages and support, I really look forward to reading them each night.

Statistics

Distance cycled:               69 miles                  Total distance cycled since start:        280 miles

Average speed:                 13 mph

Maximum speed:             33 mph

Average heart rate:        130 bpm

Maximum heart rate:     154 bpm

Motorist watch (Quantity)

Considerate motorists         (The good):         100’s

Inconsiderate motorists    (The bad):            3

Lunatic motorists                (The ugly):            0

Scores (out of 100)

Scenery:                    100

Road surfaces:        80

Weather:                   95

P.S. There was no 3G signal in Inverary so I couldn't forward this to Frank CBE for him to upload onto the website, hopefully that will be rectified on Wednesday morning.

Cancer Research UK carries out work in more than thirty towns and cities across the UK, employing their own scientists as well as supporting grant-funded researchers in UK universities, medical schools and institutes. Ninety percent of the population lives within thirty miles of their research sites.

 I could not have asked for better weather, if I relate it to a really important football match where your team doesn't score and they lose, that's the equivalent of it raining every day and, for any football fan, that is so frustrating. You end up thinking, if only my team had scored just one goal, at least we would have had something to cheer.

Well, I've had no rain, 1.5 days when it was cold and 3.5 days of glorious sunshine. That's the equivalent of being 3 goals up (and hitting the post), so even if it rains every day for the rest of the trip at least we scored! Maybe I've had too much sun :-).

I left Inverary just before 9.00 am, cycling alongside Loch Fyne, with the occasional foray uphill into pine clad hills, smelling sweet in the early morning air. The views across the loch to the mountains beyond made it difficult to concentrate on the road ahead, but the traffic was light and I made good progress.

The 1st, and only, significant town I passed through was Lochgilphead, a pretty little town where I stopped for a while at the edge of the loch for a drink, a photo, a short rest and a chat with an old man who was out walking his dog.

In the far distance I could see a series of mountains and I wondered if the furthest, and highest, were the mountains on the Isle of Arran where I was heading, I was later to find out that they were.

I was expecting to get to West Tarbert for lunch, but the route I had pre-planned, unexpectedly didn't take me there. My satnav kept tempting me, making me think I would soon be there, but I ended up at Claionaig, where the ferry leaves for Arran, without passing through any other town.

That meant I had done over 50 miles without eating since breakfast, except for a sachet of gel which I had when I was flagging and new West Tarbert had 'gone west'.

There was nothing at Claionaig except a ramp into the sea! So I asked a motorist, waiting for the ferry in the scorching mid-day sun, if there was anywhere to get food and drink at Lochranza the point of arrival for the ferry on Arran.

I was told yes, at Brodick, I explained that I would be cycling anti-clockwise then over the mountains to Brodick, not going the direct route. He said "when you get there eat in Brodick", I said "but I'm hungry now and I have 20 miles and a mountain range to cross, I need some fuel". He said "there's no Petrol stations if you go anti-clockwise, you will have to go to Brodick"! Grrrrrr, I asked him if he was the chief tourist officer for Brodick then delved into my bag for a life-saving energy bar.

As it was there was more than one place in Lochranza to purchase food and drink so I had an alfresco sandwich, vimto, packet of crisps and bag of Maltesers, mmmm much nicer than Petrol.

Whilst eating my fuel, a couple of cyclists arrived and we chatted and discovered we were all staying in BRODICK tonight, I was promised a free drink if we see each other later ..... I hope I don't see the chief tourist officer.

The route around the west coast of Arran is quite challenging, especially after 50+ miles and I had a strong head wind, the 1st for a couple of days, which reminded me of that well known Bolton phrase: Too much wind against bikey ...... No flippin likey!

 Turning off from the coast road the climb over the mountains commences, quite gentle at first and before I hit the serious section I came across a couple of cyclists at the side of the road with one of their bikes upturned. I stopped to ask if I could assist them but was informed one of the wheel bearings was 'knackered'.

We discussed options and agreed that as soon as I got to Brodick, where they knew there was a bike shop (come to Brodick it has EVERYTHING .... I didn't ask if they knew the chief), I would ask about the availability of wheel bearings and also if they would stay open until one of the stranded couple arrived.

So off I set with renewed vigour, having given them my mobile number and told them to ring it so I would have their number. The road got steeper and steeper and the surface was bone-shaking. In the heat, sweat was pouring from every pore, so much so that I had a million flies following me. These were big flies, probably from Brodick on a day trip to the mountains, if I stopped they stopped, if I squated them they came back for more. At one point I thought the sun had gone in there were that many surrounding my head and face, but I had to press on in order to get to the bike shop before it closed.

I was also motivated knowing that I would be doing over 30 mph down the other side of the mountain and then it would be Asta la Vista Brodick flies. As it turned out I set a new record for me of 46 mph, you should have seen those pesky flies flounder!

Unfortunately when I arrived in Brodick I couldn't spot the bike shop so I got my phone out to ring the couple and ask directions, but there was no missed call and therefore no number to ring!

Slightly deflated, I headed for the B&B where I had a shower then checked my phone again. This time there was a missed call so I rang back to explain but got no answer.

Brodick, the place that has everything, except a good phone signal. Actually its really nice, all my points are purely jocular.

Back to the mainland tomorrow morning then down to Dumfries. England is calling.

Statistics

Distance cycled:                71 miles                  Total distance cycled since start:        350 miles

Average speed:                 13 mph

Maximum speed:             46.24 mph (New record)

Average heart rate:         130 bpm

Maximum heart rate:     161 bpm

Motorist watch (Quantity)

Considerate motorists         (The good):         100’s

Inconsiderate motorists     (The bad):           1

Lunatic motorists                  (The ugly):          0

Scores (out of 100)

Scenery:                   88

Road surfaces:       70

Weather:                   100

I knew today's route would not be the most scenic so to compensate I invited a few star guests along; Simon & Garfunkel, The Mama's & the Papa's, Adele and James Blunt all travelled with me.

Using earphones whilst riding is not something I do very often but on days like today they certainly have their benefits. From a safety point of view it is often impossible to hear traffic behind, without earphones, due to the overriding noise of the wind rushing past + the noise of traffic coming in the opposite direction. In any event it is always safest to assume there is traffic behind you unless you know there isn't by taking a look.

When I arrived at the B&B yesterday I was informed that breakfast would be 'from 8.30 am', considering that the ferry leaves at 8.20 am, and the next one is not until 11.05 am, I had no choice but to plump for an earlier 'cold' breakfast consisting of cereal, toast, coffee and yogurt. Not ideal for the forthcoming 75 miles.

Anyway, cold breakfast consumed, it was round the corner (literally 500 yards away) to the ferry terminal to purchase a ticket and board the ferry.

After opening my big mouth yesterday about how good the weather was, today was cold and damp!

The ferry started moving and I noticed the 'distance' on my satnav was increasing so I swiftly turned it off (No cheating allowed! When I get back home on Saturday I will download yesterdays data, work out the ferry crossing distance and subtract it from my total).

There were 3 other cyclists on the ferry who were also doing a JOGLE.

55 minutes later I arrived in Androssan to commence the days cycling with satnav turned back on. Not that I needed the satnav for guidance; apart from the 1st and last mile all the journey was done on the A76, the first 15 miles of which were dual carriageway, the remainder being almost as unpleasant on fast trunk roads.

Pleasantly, the wind was also going to Dumfries, apart from a couple of occasions where it must have got lost and headed back towards Androssan. It's help was greatly appreciated and during the last 5 miles into Dumfries there is a gentle and consistent uphill section, even with 70 miles in my legs I was cycling at over 20 mph without any real effort .... very satisfying.

After leaving Androssan I skirted Kilmarnock and passed through Mauchline before arriving in New Cummock where I was hoping to find a cafe to have a warming bowl of soup, unfortunately there was a shortage of such establishments throughout the whole day, so when I spotted a Spar I decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth and purchased lunch which I ate at the side of the road a few miles later.

Just as I set off from the Spar a couple of cyclists came from behind, they were also doing a JOGLE and were also heading to Dumfries, after a brief chat I left them behind and never saw them again (This JOGLE business is incredibly popular).

14 miles north of Dumfries I did find a cafe (I cannot remember the name of the village) so I stopped for a coffee and a cake.

When I left the cafe it had started to rain, it was very light rain so I decided against putting my waterproof top on but 500 yards later I realised I would soon be very wet so changed my mind, then as I slowed down and turned onto the very wide and very low pavement to get away from the traffic I had an 'off', I wasn't going fast enough for my weight burdened rear wheel to mount the 1 inch high pavement and I ended up on the pavement with the bike on top of me. Apart from some scratches to one of the brake levers and a couple of scuffs on my legs the only damage was to my pride.

Waterproof top on, I set off and a couple of miles later the passenger in a passing car waved at me through an open window, another mile further and the same car had stopped and the driver was waving at me to stop. When I did some cash was thrust into my hands!

After a brief chat, where I discovered they were from Westhoughton, we both went on our way.

One or two people have expressed concern about my knee, well, I'm still experiencing a little pain but nothing much and importantly its not getting any worse. However, this morning I decided to use the Ibuprofen gel that I brought with me to see if that would remove all the pain, so I liberally applied the gel to my knee before I left Brodick.

Having cycled all day I have to report that it had no affect, the pain is just the same, no more no less. It worked incredibly well on my fingers though, removing all the feeling in my finger tips! I had no sensation of how hard I was applying the brakes today, maybe that contributed to me coming off.

I tried to wash the gel off but it was too late and I think I spread it to the palms of my hands. 35g of wasted weight i've been carrying around!

Actually I don't mind pain ...... until it starts to hurt :-).

I considered throwing the gel away but decided to keep it in case I hurt my fingers.

The only other noteworthy incident today was when I was riding along listening to Simon & Garfunkel singing 'America'. I cannot sing to save my life, but if I am totally alone I sometimes like to have a go and I happened to be joining in with this and I was beating out: TOSS ME A CIGARETTTE, I THINK THERE'S ONE IN MY RAINCOAT' when I spotted 2 ladies chatting behind a bus shelter, their jaws dropped to the floor when they heard me! I don't know who was more shocked, them or me, but it was too late so I carried on 'singing', YOU HAD THE LAST ONE AN HOUR AGO.

England tomorrow, the country of my final destination, also territory I'm very familiar with, albeit mainly from a car rather than a bike. Kirkstone pass here I come!

Statistics

Distance cycled:              75 miles                  Total distance cycled since start:        425 miles

Average speed:                16 mph

Maximum speed:             34 mph

Average heart rate:        129 bpm

Maximum heart rate:     150 bpm

Motorist watch (Quantity)

Considerate motorists         (The good):         100’s

Inconsiderate motorists    (The bad):            2

Lunatic motorists                 (The ugly):          0

Scores (out of 100)

Scenery:                              50

Road surfaces:                 70

Weather:                             50

Cancer Research UK take scientific research all the way from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside.


Cancer Research UK funds the work of more than 4,800 scientists, doctors and nurses throughout the UK.


 

 I was made to feel very welcome at The Lindean guest house in Dumfries by Carol and Steve, Carol washed and dried my clothes, refusing payment because of my fund raising trip.

After a very nice breakfast I left Dumfries just after 9.00 am to an overcast sky but at least it was dry. The first few miles were on the traffic laden A75, the road was 'hilly' and after 5 miles whilst cresting one of the hills I could see the lake district mountains in the distance.

The road continued to be heavy with traffic until Gretna Green where the border with England was soon to be reached.

The length of Scotland in less than a week, and not the most direct route, but it doesn't feel like nearly 7 days since I started.

Photos duly taken at the border sign, the road then immediately runs parallel, and right next to, the M6 as it heads towards Carlisle. My route took me directly through the city centre, where I had an exploratory ride around for 15 minutes. The cool morning air was now warming up and a layer of clothing was removed.

Up and out of Carlisle, past Carlisle race course, the traffic then became increasingly light, in fact from here until just before reaching Lake Ulswater, these were the quietest roads I had been on for the whole trip.

Carlisle came too soon in the day for lunch but after a further 10 miles I was looking for somewhere to eat or at least purchase sandwiches.

Typically there was nowhere to be found, just very quiet rural roads passing fields of crops and farm animals. After a day and a half of poor scenery, as I approached the lake district the views improved significantly, as did the weather which was now very warm.

Pressing on I did eventually come across a pub, where I eagerly stopped and ordered sandwiches and a cool glass of orange, which I consumed in the company of Ernest, a fellow cyclist who was already enjoying a drink in the now hot sunshine.

From here it was a very pleasant ride to Ulswater, the last mile of which was an exhilarating down hill ride to the edge of the lake followed by a short stop at Glenridding, next to the lake, for a quick snack and drink in preparation for the looming Kirkstone pass.

After Paterdale the undulating road starts to climb, but deceivingly gently at first! Progressively the steepness increases and the challenge opens up ahead.

This is one almighty climb to a height of 1500 feet, not only is it high but it is also incredibly steep for most of its length.

I cycled all the way to the top, but am not embarrassed to admit, carrying 10kg of weight in my rear panniers and 2kg in my front bar bag, I stopped for a breather quite a few times, 7 I think.

At the top I stopped for a couple of photos before taking the 2 mile decsent, named the Struggle, into Ambleside.

On Sunday one of the 2 press-stud fasteners on my bar bag failed, so upon arriving in Ambleside I went to Ghylside cycles, where I purchased my bar bag and panniers, to ask if they would replace the bag under the terms of the 1st years warranty, this they did, without quibble and without seeing any proof of purchase. Well done Ghylside cycles.

Homeward bound tomorrow and I'm being joined by a couple of guys from work (Carl and Ron) + Ron's wife, who will be cycling with me for part of the journey, heading to Garstang for lunch, so I'm looking forward to their company.

I won't be writing Saturday's blog until Sunday ..... after a night spent with my family and friends.

Statistics

Distance cycled:                 73 miles                  Total distance cycled since start:        498 miles

Average speed:                    13 mph

Maximum speed:                40 mph

Average heart rate:            131 bpm

Maximum heart rate:        160 bpm

Motorist watch (Quantity)

Considerate motorists         (The good):         100’s

Inconsiderate motorists     (The bad):           2

Lunatic motorists                  (The ugly):          0

Scores (out of 100)

Scenery:                   70

Road surfaces:       70

Weather:                   70

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 No, I didn’t have my music playing, today I had the pleasure of cycling with some friends.

I would have preferred to stay in a B&B at Ambleside but when I tried to book everywhere required a minimum 2 nights stay, I was therefore left with little option but to book-in at the YHA.

When I arrived at the YHA, and after I had showered & unpacked, I went outside to sit in the glorious late afternoon sun overlooking Lake Windermere to write my blog. However a young lady and her father kept me occupied with 2 hours of conversation, during which time we also ate. Making my excuses in order to write my blog I departed for the centre of Ambleside where I headed for a pub, once inside and having purchased obligatory pint of Black Sheep, I sat down to commence blogging.

A couple then soon engaged me in conversation and it was another 2 hours before I could finally start writing.

Ambleside YHA has lots of positive’s, the lakeside aspect being one of its main attributes, but sleeping in a dormitory with up to 5 other strangers, accommodated on 3 bunk-beds, is not ideal, especially when 2 of them snore & 3 of them cannot last more than 4 hours without needing to go to the toilet, to say nothing of the ‘odours’. Added to which the bedrooms overlook the lake, which is very nice, but with the sun shining on this aspect of the building for approx. 8 hours the bedrooms (dormitories) become extremely hot and to compound this, the sash windows could not be opened more than 3 inches. I wasn’t sure if this was to keep illegitimate guests out or legitimate inmates in. Suffice to say the room was too hot to sleep & for me 7.30 am could not come soon enough.

Today I was joined by some colleagues from work, the first to join me was Carl Wareing, Carl had caught the train from Preston to Windermere then cycled up to the YHA at Ambleside. We set off from the YHA before 9.00 am on the narrow roads that join Ambleside to Windermere & beyond. It was pleasant to have some riding company &, as stated elsewhere, it does make cycling easier (especially when you are riding behind someone). I was comfortably keeping pace with Carl until the steep hills arrived, when the weight of my panniers hampered my speed.

We continued on, with Carl slowing for me at the top of each hill until I caught him up, and when we reached Levens Hall we stopped so that I could ring Ron Jackson to find out where on the road he & his wife Sue where. Whilst we were stopped a lady came up to me and gave me some  cash for the charity. Shortly after passing through Milnthorpe we met up with Ron & Sue who had cycled from their home near Broughton. I had never met Sue before but learnt she used to be a triathlete & was once the 9^th ranked female triathlete in the world!

All 4 of us rode together on the A6, passing through Carnforth, Bolton le Sands and Lancaster until we reached our planned lunch time destination of Garstang where we had a refreshing drink & something to eat. Whilst placing our order at the bar a man who was stood next to me gave me some cash for the charity.

It was great to ride in a group especially along the busy A6, the pace was exhilarating, thanks to you all for your company and for reducing your pace to allow me to keep up.

We were joined in Garstang by Mick Sowerby and Chris Walmsley, Mick was going to join us on his bicycle but an unforeseen event prevented that, Chris came on his newly acquired sparkling Harley Davidson.

Thank you all for taking the time to meet up with me, I really appreciate you spending some of your weekend with me.

After a very pleasant lunch sat outside The Royal Oak in Garstang, Carl departed whilst Ron, Sue & I continued along the A6, leaving Mick & Chris at The Royal Oak. Ron & Sue departed at the Broughton junction & as I continued on I looked at the data on my satnav. We had travelled 51 miles from Ambleside in 3 hours 8 minutes cycling at an average speed of over 16 mph which is the fastest average I’d achieved for the whole trip. I’m afraid the overall average dropped without the help of my friends although the last few miles included the highest hills of the day.

It was then on through Preston, the largest city or town I have passed through since I started and also, inevitably, the busiest. From there it was via Abbey village and Belmont where I met up with my mates Richard and Frank CBE for a couple of refreshing drinks at our favourite watering hole, the Black Dog, then off again for the last 6 miles to home.

On Saturday evening some of my family; Sue, Jemma, Craig, Betty & John and my mate Richard went for an evening out where we met up with my niece Siobhan and friends; Frank CBE, Bill, John and Norman.

At the Black Dog in Belmont the landlord & landlady Sean & Nicola had laid on an unexpected buffet, thanks Sean/Nicola, a very enjoyable night was enjoyed by all.

Half time is now over and it’s ‘bike’ on the road again on Monday, from Bolton to Frodsham then on small country lanes to Criggion, west of Shrewsbury.

Statistics

Distance cycled:                74 miles               Total distance cycled since start:    573 miles (corrected)

Average speed:                 15 mph

Maximum speed:              36 mph

Average heart rate:          135 bpm

Maximum heart rate:      160 bpm

Motorist watch (Quantity)

Considerate motorists     (The good):         100’s

Inconsiderate motorists (The bad):            2

Lunatic motorists             (The ugly):           0

Scores (out of 100)

Scenery:                              70

Road surfaces:                  75

Weather:                            95

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Rest Day