 |
 |
| Personalize your own photo slideshow |
Thursday 16 September 2010
Tuesday 14 September 2010
The end...why am I still tired?
So it's Tuesday, just after lunch, in Accenture's Fenchurch Street office, and I could do with a sleep! I have a few minutes until my next appointment and was musing on the last 10 days.
What an absolute ball, with some great friends (some weren't before but I consider them that now), but boy do I feel tired. I think I am missing out on the calorie intake and the relative solitude of sitting in front of a PC, rather than cycling with the wind rushing through my hair, has left me lacking energy.
To name my high points is difficult as there were so many, but there were 3 low points:- 1) when Skanny and Alan left us in Hereford, 2) when I left on Thursday for the day as the team headed to Loch Ness and 3) sitting in the Thai restaurant at the end of the trip (we were all a little empty). Luckily the night then took off and we had a great after trip party in Inverness thanks to Baron Von PJ's negotiation with the bouncer and local bobby's.
For anyone contemplating a trip of this kind....do it!!! You really don't need much preparation, just a few miles in 6 weeks leading up to it and a couple of long rides at the weekends. Your body does remarkable things when properly fuelled (note copious amounts of carb gels worked for me - although a little sickly). Also get yourself a great support crew - Stewart and Rachel did a great job for us and (I think) thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
So to some thanks:
Tim: for starting the idea and convincing us to go for it over the past 6 months - I was looking for excuses to pull out, but your commitment kept me aligned. Also for your superman impression near Craven Arms - Mr Incredible.
Baron Von PJ: for being a caricature of yourself through the trip and the endless moments of humour (usually at your expense). It was great to get to know you and even better to see your dad dancing!...now for the motor driven challenges in the Cotswolds!
Paul: what navigation and memory skills, only surpassed by your incredible snoring skill. I was amazed at your tenacity after struggling through 2 days of injury to complete the trip - top man.
Stanno: nothing left to say; humorous, relaxed, yet strangely competitive (as you realised your hill climing had improved)....Top bloke!
Hawk: sad to see you leave after day 3, but I couldn't have coped with lunch time Guinness drinking through the whole trip!....
Skanny: like a dog with a bone who couldn't wait to get back with the team for the final push. Always a top tourist, but great to see you get past midnight on our night of celebration.
Rachel and Stewart: shouldn't really do a combined tribute, but what a team! We all told you privately how much we appreciated your support, relaxed attitude, thoughtfulness and superb carb laden lunches. The trip wouldn't have worked without you..so thank you and we all hope you enjoyed it as much as us.
So, it's all over; it exceeded expectations, gave us fabulous scenery, provided some dangerous moments, created plenty of laughs, and bonded 9 people over 10 days. What more could you ask for? All capped off by a fantastic welcome from our families on arrival into Birmingham - thanks for the banner's to the Brown and Whiting children - that was a special surprise!
Back to work and to dream of upcoming adventures.
And here is a latin phrase that I came across that I thought was apt for what we've just achieved. "adde parvum parvo magnus acervus erit" [add a little to a little and there will be a great heap]
What an absolute ball, with some great friends (some weren't before but I consider them that now), but boy do I feel tired. I think I am missing out on the calorie intake and the relative solitude of sitting in front of a PC, rather than cycling with the wind rushing through my hair, has left me lacking energy.
To name my high points is difficult as there were so many, but there were 3 low points:- 1) when Skanny and Alan left us in Hereford, 2) when I left on Thursday for the day as the team headed to Loch Ness and 3) sitting in the Thai restaurant at the end of the trip (we were all a little empty). Luckily the night then took off and we had a great after trip party in Inverness thanks to Baron Von PJ's negotiation with the bouncer and local bobby's.
For anyone contemplating a trip of this kind....do it!!! You really don't need much preparation, just a few miles in 6 weeks leading up to it and a couple of long rides at the weekends. Your body does remarkable things when properly fuelled (note copious amounts of carb gels worked for me - although a little sickly). Also get yourself a great support crew - Stewart and Rachel did a great job for us and (I think) thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
So to some thanks:
Tim: for starting the idea and convincing us to go for it over the past 6 months - I was looking for excuses to pull out, but your commitment kept me aligned. Also for your superman impression near Craven Arms - Mr Incredible.
Baron Von PJ: for being a caricature of yourself through the trip and the endless moments of humour (usually at your expense). It was great to get to know you and even better to see your dad dancing!...now for the motor driven challenges in the Cotswolds!
Paul: what navigation and memory skills, only surpassed by your incredible snoring skill. I was amazed at your tenacity after struggling through 2 days of injury to complete the trip - top man.
Stanno: nothing left to say; humorous, relaxed, yet strangely competitive (as you realised your hill climing had improved)....Top bloke!
Hawk: sad to see you leave after day 3, but I couldn't have coped with lunch time Guinness drinking through the whole trip!....
Skanny: like a dog with a bone who couldn't wait to get back with the team for the final push. Always a top tourist, but great to see you get past midnight on our night of celebration.
Rachel and Stewart: shouldn't really do a combined tribute, but what a team! We all told you privately how much we appreciated your support, relaxed attitude, thoughtfulness and superb carb laden lunches. The trip wouldn't have worked without you..so thank you and we all hope you enjoyed it as much as us.
So, it's all over; it exceeded expectations, gave us fabulous scenery, provided some dangerous moments, created plenty of laughs, and bonded 9 people over 10 days. What more could you ask for? All capped off by a fantastic welcome from our families on arrival into Birmingham - thanks for the banner's to the Brown and Whiting children - that was a special surprise!
Back to work and to dream of upcoming adventures.
And here is a latin phrase that I came across that I thought was apt for what we've just achieved. "adde parvum parvo magnus acervus erit" [add a little to a little and there will be a great heap]
Saturday 11 September 2010
Day 9 looking back...
We left the fab Mary and Tramps
In Drumnadrochit aiming to do 60 by one pm to lunch, and golf in Dornoch...
Relying on the clockwork running Cromarty Ferry, we had to make the 1100. Running slightly late because of Tim nature call, we tootled up the only hill of the day...Tim springs to the front with a call of "3 miles, 10 minutes" and all sorts of Lycra explosions happened, legs pumped and we hit Cromarty at 30... A missed turn, urgent last second chase thro' narrow streets to arrive at a stone covrered, unused slipway.... The local dog walker advised "the ferries late lads" we sigh with relief "..it'll be delivered in 2 or 3 months." No ferry = 35 mile round trip to bridge = missed tee times.... The hissy fit was microseconds away when our saviour Ronald, the harbourmaster, who first laughed at DB then stepped forward offering to take us in his tub. 2 trips later we shored in Nigg. Superhero Ron!!
Then DB tumbled after riding into the kerb at 1mph whilst looking at his feet...first member of 1mph club!
The ride to Dornoch was gorgeous, scenery superb, studded w mountains and firths. Sun guided our way thro' the day and onto the golf course.
Dornoch round summary: DB - driving wayward, short game sweet; TW all limbs and clubs sent the ball miles with authority; GS relaxed, teasing. squeaked it at the end; Piccy and Redders hit the Occ pearl yet ended with fewer balls than the av. eunuch.
Booze in the eve...full of regret day 10 morning.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
In Drumnadrochit aiming to do 60 by one pm to lunch, and golf in Dornoch...
Relying on the clockwork running Cromarty Ferry, we had to make the 1100. Running slightly late because of Tim nature call, we tootled up the only hill of the day...Tim springs to the front with a call of "3 miles, 10 minutes" and all sorts of Lycra explosions happened, legs pumped and we hit Cromarty at 30... A missed turn, urgent last second chase thro' narrow streets to arrive at a stone covrered, unused slipway.... The local dog walker advised "the ferries late lads" we sigh with relief "..it'll be delivered in 2 or 3 months." No ferry = 35 mile round trip to bridge = missed tee times.... The hissy fit was microseconds away when our saviour Ronald, the harbourmaster, who first laughed at DB then stepped forward offering to take us in his tub. 2 trips later we shored in Nigg. Superhero Ron!!
Then DB tumbled after riding into the kerb at 1mph whilst looking at his feet...first member of 1mph club!
The ride to Dornoch was gorgeous, scenery superb, studded w mountains and firths. Sun guided our way thro' the day and onto the golf course.
Dornoch round summary: DB - driving wayward, short game sweet; TW all limbs and clubs sent the ball miles with authority; GS relaxed, teasing. squeaked it at the end; Piccy and Redders hit the Occ pearl yet ended with fewer balls than the av. eunuch.
Booze in the eve...full of regret day 10 morning.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
It's been emotional!
Yes we have arrived!! 965 miles, 9.5 days, 90,000 calories burnt, and over 450,000 turns of those lovely pedals! Six bikes now sitting at the bottom of John o'groats harbour. A great day, wet and windy, and that was just baron rpj, bit of a late start after sampling a few single malts with db!! Wonderful dinner in dornoch, after a challenging day of golf, can't quite remember who won? but the 200 yard approach shot to the 18th within 10ft, probably gives you a clue!!
So back to the challenge, 80 mile final day, over the worst climbs of the trip, didn't think it would be as bad as it was.... tough day. Skanny decided to join the 1mph crash crew, another cleat cockup, my bike developed a very clunky noise after 5 miles, thought it could be curtains with Skanny riding the "red baron", I was nearly heading for the quitters!! The problem seemed to go when I changed a puncture, think the back wheel was not properly secure!! Whoops.
Arriving at the town voted the worst in Scotland, we had finish tape and champagne, skanny decided not to duck, and was garotted and brought down for the second time today! unfortunately the man who owns the sign had finished for the day! Didn't stop us from celebrating, lots of hugging in skin tight Lycra, it was emotional!!! A quick impromptu strip show for the local Swedish tourists with their "spiky tyres" (that's for you tc), and into the cars to get warm and have a quiet drink in Inverness. Several people arrived at the same time as us, of note some young fit lads from Cambridge uni, it was great rpj had been rumbled, it was clear he never actually went to the light blues, as he thought the shirt was from Emmanuel college, and in fact it was his house top from school!! The baron was very impressed that they managed the whole trip without staff in attendance!
Truly a great experience, great guys, including the quitters, great challenge, and raising several thousand pounds for charity. Thanks for all your support. The photos will be loaded later!
So back to the challenge, 80 mile final day, over the worst climbs of the trip, didn't think it would be as bad as it was.... tough day. Skanny decided to join the 1mph crash crew, another cleat cockup, my bike developed a very clunky noise after 5 miles, thought it could be curtains with Skanny riding the "red baron", I was nearly heading for the quitters!! The problem seemed to go when I changed a puncture, think the back wheel was not properly secure!! Whoops.
Arriving at the town voted the worst in Scotland, we had finish tape and champagne, skanny decided not to duck, and was garotted and brought down for the second time today! unfortunately the man who owns the sign had finished for the day! Didn't stop us from celebrating, lots of hugging in skin tight Lycra, it was emotional!!! A quick impromptu strip show for the local Swedish tourists with their "spiky tyres" (that's for you tc), and into the cars to get warm and have a quiet drink in Inverness. Several people arrived at the same time as us, of note some young fit lads from Cambridge uni, it was great rpj had been rumbled, it was clear he never actually went to the light blues, as he thought the shirt was from Emmanuel college, and in fact it was his house top from school!! The baron was very impressed that they managed the whole trip without staff in attendance!
Truly a great experience, great guys, including the quitters, great challenge, and raising several thousand pounds for charity. Thanks for all your support. The photos will be loaded later!
Day 10 the final push!
So we've left the golfing Mecca of Dornoch, a few post celebration ibuprofen...Guey for a rare golfing victory; Skanny for rejoining the team.
60 odd miles and one steep hill between us and the crappiest town in Scotland....
Looking good, feeling good!
Thanks to everyone for texts of support...
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
60 odd miles and one steep hill between us and the crappiest town in Scotland....
Looking good, feeling good!
Thanks to everyone for texts of support...
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday 10 September 2010
End of Day 8, Loch Ness
...and tomorrows a short day, only 60miles followed by a round of golf! Cracked idea, and lots of energy behind it!!
Today was a day of glorious Glens, Lochs and Moors (Rannoch, Coe, Ness, Lochy, The Great...). Grand scenery hung broodingly about us, laced with black clouds punctuated by blue pockets...stunning, defies words. The best 90miles cycling so far...
The diminished team is holding up well. Tim had a strong day, RPJ' continued with a litany of aches, Guey carries on regardless and I'm exhausted and lovin' it!!
Redders redeemed as accomm tonight is just fine...Tramps B&B, Drumnadrochit. Welcomed by Mary with tea & scones and homemade jam...
DB rejoins and hears the days doings; good to have him back... Provides a marvellous target for quitter jibes.
And still the stories of the bunkhouse return; Tim being complemented on his buns by the proprietor; Piccy flirting with Nardia to try and secure a flat away from the bunkhouse; Tims offer to buy the hotel; Reddy sleeping like a log - what snoring; Stanno and Piccy on the rail platform outside the room getting the giggles about sore bits; Tim sleeping with his noise cancelling headphones; blah.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Today was a day of glorious Glens, Lochs and Moors (Rannoch, Coe, Ness, Lochy, The Great...). Grand scenery hung broodingly about us, laced with black clouds punctuated by blue pockets...stunning, defies words. The best 90miles cycling so far...
The diminished team is holding up well. Tim had a strong day, RPJ' continued with a litany of aches, Guey carries on regardless and I'm exhausted and lovin' it!!
Redders redeemed as accomm tonight is just fine...Tramps B&B, Drumnadrochit. Welcomed by Mary with tea & scones and homemade jam...
DB rejoins and hears the days doings; good to have him back... Provides a marvellous target for quitter jibes.
And still the stories of the bunkhouse return; Tim being complemented on his buns by the proprietor; Piccy flirting with Nardia to try and secure a flat away from the bunkhouse; Tims offer to buy the hotel; Reddy sleeping like a log - what snoring; Stanno and Piccy on the rail platform outside the room getting the giggles about sore bits; Tim sleeping with his noise cancelling headphones; blah.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday 9 September 2010
Fully refuelled
Now fully laden with a full stomach of carbs! And ready to take on another 60 miles in the am, nipping for a cheeky round of golf at royal dornoch, hard times!! Db has returned claiming his meeting was worthwhile?? Doubtful, but still a quitter all the same!! He's claiming all sorts of rights, but all have been rebuffed. Accommodation is great, and even allowed a hair dryer, however even this struggled with rpj's mighty quiff!! There was a power cut to the village at the same time, coincidence? Tim offered his can of mr sheen, but only appropriate for those more foliccaly challenged, and unfortunately hawk has already left!! Redders just realised that being inside pj was a litle warm.....i think he means pyjamas? On that topic, redders has taken to wearing a rather fetching sarong, very interesting in a bunkhouse with fellow guests from the league of gentlemen....he claims it's a homage to David beckham? There was an emergency stop for a certain serious date that was missed, i won't divulge who, i leave readers to guess which member of the landed gentry this was....any guesses?
Anyway enough we wish sweet dreams to Nessie as we head back up loch ness, very nearly there!!
Good night
Anyway enough we wish sweet dreams to Nessie as we head back up loch ness, very nearly there!!
Good night
End of Day 8, Loch Ness
...and tomorrows a short day, only 60miles followed by a round of golf! Cracked idea, and lots of energy behind it!!
Today was a day of glorious Glens, Lochs and Moors (Rannoch, Coe, Ness, Lochy, The Great...). Grand scenery hung broodingly about us, laced with black clouds punctuated by blue pockets...stunning, defies words. The best 90miles cycling so far...
The diminished team is holding up well. Tim had a strong day, RPJ' continued with a litany of aches, Guey carries on regardless and I'm exhausted and lovin' it!!
Redders redeemed as accomm tonight is just fine...Tramps B&B, Drumnadrochit. Welcomed by Mary with tea & scones and homemade jam...
DB rejoins and hears the days doings; good to have him back... Provides a marvellous target for quitter jibes.
And still the stories of the bunkhouse return; Tim being complemented on his buns by the proprietor; Piccy flirting with Nardia to try and secure a flat away from the bunkhouse; Tims offer to buy the hotel; Reddy sleeping like a log - what snoring; Stanno and Piccy on the rail platform outside the room getting the giggles about sore bits; Tim sleeping with his noise cancelling headphones; blah.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Today was a day of glorious Glens, Lochs and Moors (Rannoch, Coe, Ness, Lochy, The Great...). Grand scenery hung broodingly about us, laced with black clouds punctuated by blue pockets...stunning, defies words. The best 90miles cycling so far...
The diminished team is holding up well. Tim had a strong day, RPJ' continued with a litany of aches, Guey carries on regardless and I'm exhausted and lovin' it!!
Redders redeemed as accomm tonight is just fine...Tramps B&B, Drumnadrochit. Welcomed by Mary with tea & scones and homemade jam...
DB rejoins and hears the days doings; good to have him back... Provides a marvellous target for quitter jibes.
And still the stories of the bunkhouse return; Tim being complemented on his buns by the proprietor; Piccy flirting with Nardia to try and secure a flat away from the bunkhouse; Tims offer to buy the hotel; Reddy sleeping like a log - what snoring; Stanno and Piccy on the rail platform outside the room getting the giggles about sore bits; Tim sleeping with his noise cancelling headphones; blah.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Le Quitters
Hmmm on what basis is it ok for brownie to quit because of work but not me and skannoire?
Also check that DBs golf clubs still in van, he probably checked himself into Loch Lomond last night to avoid youth hostel bunk beds and is driving his buggie up the 18th as I type.
- Posted from my train
Also check that DBs golf clubs still in van, he probably checked himself into Loch Lomond last night to avoid youth hostel bunk beds and is driving his buggie up the 18th as I type.
- Posted from my train
Location:Le train again
'Be Prepared'
Guey - I've just heard that I might be rooming with you tomorrow night so have been into the test lab at work to get some 'togs' old bean !! Tally Ho !
Very jaded day 8
Firstly, can the quitters stop blogging on the real mens cycling trip. We would kindly request you establish your own blog, "quitters.blog" has been mentioned over lunch. Bad luck for brownie, but the good thing is he knows he will get no ribbing for not completing the trip!!
The bunkhouse was a remarkable experience, with 9 bodies, 7 that were snoring, several visits to toilets attempted, not sure all made it, there was some wet kit this morning??
Tim lead the charge through the stunning glencoe, passed ski resorts??? Reddy and baron von pj, took the slower route, but we all caught up at the glencoe visitor centre. We were snapped by a Japanese tourist who thought we looked very cool?? Even me in my orange top. Anyway now at lunch after 60 miles, need refuelling big time, hit the wall for the first time, thankfully not the Tim whiting variety!! Of course my three remaining colleagues steered me to the food stop, with helpful comments, like hurry up slacker!!
Now off to tramps (not a nightclub) but booked by our new accommodation expert,reddy, so what it will be like, who knows??? Drumma drochit here we come. 750 miles complete
The bunkhouse was a remarkable experience, with 9 bodies, 7 that were snoring, several visits to toilets attempted, not sure all made it, there was some wet kit this morning??
Tim lead the charge through the stunning glencoe, passed ski resorts??? Reddy and baron von pj, took the slower route, but we all caught up at the glencoe visitor centre. We were snapped by a Japanese tourist who thought we looked very cool?? Even me in my orange top. Anyway now at lunch after 60 miles, need refuelling big time, hit the wall for the first time, thankfully not the Tim whiting variety!! Of course my three remaining colleagues steered me to the food stop, with helpful comments, like hurry up slacker!!
Now off to tramps (not a nightclub) but booked by our new accommodation expert,reddy, so what it will be like, who knows??? Drumma drochit here we come. 750 miles complete
Weight loss - good news / bad news
Guys
Virtually there now - v jealous seeing great photos and knowing that days 4 - 8 were a bit if a doddle compared to 1 - 3, and the gruelling ride over the malverns that skannoire and I had on Sunday. Good news on 'weight loss' is that ali and boys all thought I had lost weight, reality was I had put on over 3 pounds - suspect put on about 6 on legs, and lost 3 round waist. So you've all probably put on a stone but will look like Robert Sands and his mates - though stanno probably lost half stone from his head with the constant sweating under his ridiculous bandana. Enjoy the final push to JOG. Better go, Noel on the line.
- Posted from my iPhone
Virtually there now - v jealous seeing great photos and knowing that days 4 - 8 were a bit if a doddle compared to 1 - 3, and the gruelling ride over the malverns that skannoire and I had on Sunday. Good news on 'weight loss' is that ali and boys all thought I had lost weight, reality was I had put on over 3 pounds - suspect put on about 6 on legs, and lost 3 round waist. So you've all probably put on a stone but will look like Robert Sands and his mates - though stanno probably lost half stone from his head with the constant sweating under his ridiculous bandana. Enjoy the final push to JOG. Better go, Noel on the line.
- Posted from my iPhone
Day 8 am
Morning! Best nights sleep yet! Seems there was some snoring going on....,ho hum, then off to breakfast and then to find Nessie. X
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Bridge Of Orchy,United Kingdom
Wednesday 8 September 2010
Leaving with a sad heart to a comfy bed
So, here I am in a London hotel, lying on a comfy bed catching up with the news (it's amazing that we haven't read 1 paper over the last 7 Lejog days) and yet I wish I was shacked up in the bunkhouse with the others.
Today turned out to be a mixed day for me, but without doubt this afternoon gave us the most fantastic scenery of the trip so far. After crossing the Erskine Bridge, the mountains rose up to meet us and Loch Lomand kept us company as we pushed through 70 miles.
After a morning of frantic phone calls to work, planes and taxi's being booked, clothes being sourced (Rachel and Stewart my personal shoppers did a great job) the stunning scenery returned my mood to it's natural cheery state ( sorry guys if I was mute this morning).
With time running out, a last push at high speed ( up and downhill) to get to the Bridge of Orchy to meet my taxi at 6.30
Then it dawned on me, the taxi journey to Glasgow airport took 1hr 40mins. It was a long way, as it has been every day, so the team should be really delighted with their efforts! This is not easy and takes mental fortitude. Keep it going tomorrow guys.
Right: sleep, gym action, work,plane and back to the road in Friday.
Sleep well in the bunkhouse. :)
Db
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Today turned out to be a mixed day for me, but without doubt this afternoon gave us the most fantastic scenery of the trip so far. After crossing the Erskine Bridge, the mountains rose up to meet us and Loch Lomand kept us company as we pushed through 70 miles.
After a morning of frantic phone calls to work, planes and taxi's being booked, clothes being sourced (Rachel and Stewart my personal shoppers did a great job) the stunning scenery returned my mood to it's natural cheery state ( sorry guys if I was mute this morning).
With time running out, a last push at high speed ( up and downhill) to get to the Bridge of Orchy to meet my taxi at 6.30
Then it dawned on me, the taxi journey to Glasgow airport took 1hr 40mins. It was a long way, as it has been every day, so the team should be really delighted with their efforts! This is not easy and takes mental fortitude. Keep it going tomorrow guys.
Right: sleep, gym action, work,plane and back to the road in Friday.
Sleep well in the bunkhouse. :)
Db
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Hounslow,United Kingdom
Day 7 ... And it didn't rain!
A stunning day taking the rolling beauty of Ayrshire, suburban sprawl of Glasgow, Paisley and the Clyde, thence into the inspiring valleys, Lochs and mountains...superb!
So, the scenery was good, the cycling knackering...aches and pain, sore knees, necks backs. Lunch on the Banks of Loch Lomond was our first real taste of the stunning Scottish scenery( bloody midges!).
Tonight we have arrived at the bunkhouse. Small, full for the night..a good indication you'd have thought! Read Gueys review for a less rosey perspective...more wimping and whinging I'm afraid.
Told from blog reviews that we've all lost weight...concerned Piccy checked out his rowers pecs...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
So, the scenery was good, the cycling knackering...aches and pain, sore knees, necks backs. Lunch on the Banks of Loch Lomond was our first real taste of the stunning Scottish scenery( bloody midges!).
Tonight we have arrived at the bunkhouse. Small, full for the night..a good indication you'd have thought! Read Gueys review for a less rosey perspective...more wimping and whinging I'm afraid.
Told from blog reviews that we've all lost weight...concerned Piccy checked out his rowers pecs...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Bridge Of Orchy,United Kingdom
You would not believe!!
So 9 in a room and the little one said rollover!! We have arrived at bridge of orchy, and redders has selected the finest establishment in gods country. The 4star hotel you are all thinking? No, the mild mannered assistant? No, a 9 bunk room, triple bunks, with some other random people!! It is truely the worst accommodation in gods earth! But never mind! I will blog later when we have calmed down!!
D7, why do midges live in Scotland
How far north have we come already?!!
As I sit by L Lomond being knawed by midges watching an amusingly exhibitionist couple canoodling and caressing, I reflect on life and sore bits....my saddle caresses not!
Knowing we have a mere 230 ish miles left to ride and 'short' days of 90, 60 and 88 to ride...things are positive in the camp.
Brownie has some major client negotiation Thingy which means he's flying to London tonight (and sleeping in a comfy bed- sans snoring)..and we all know just how important work commitments are. Personally I think it very important Dave does the right thing and I know it's nothing to do with a tough 90 tomorrow day 8...and then there were 4 'stayers'...
Leaving Stair this am, great pub, better service, excellent massage...all in all a superb call by Mr W.
Talking of Tim, we have been privileged to hear his repeated rendition of "I'll take high road...."
Singing of the first order, pin your ears back...flatter than Norfolk, a sheet of fresh paper, banned from singing at home, yes he's given us a real treat massacring number after number. Even the birds go quiet in awe as he passes.
Piccy, a glorious sight...if you hang around long enough for him to stop faffing and arrive!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
As I sit by L Lomond being knawed by midges watching an amusingly exhibitionist couple canoodling and caressing, I reflect on life and sore bits....my saddle caresses not!
Knowing we have a mere 230 ish miles left to ride and 'short' days of 90, 60 and 88 to ride...things are positive in the camp.
Brownie has some major client negotiation Thingy which means he's flying to London tonight (and sleeping in a comfy bed- sans snoring)..and we all know just how important work commitments are. Personally I think it very important Dave does the right thing and I know it's nothing to do with a tough 90 tomorrow day 8...and then there were 4 'stayers'...
Leaving Stair this am, great pub, better service, excellent massage...all in all a superb call by Mr W.
Talking of Tim, we have been privileged to hear his repeated rendition of "I'll take high road...."
Singing of the first order, pin your ears back...flatter than Norfolk, a sheet of fresh paper, banned from singing at home, yes he's given us a real treat massacring number after number. Even the birds go quiet in awe as he passes.
Piccy, a glorious sight...if you hang around long enough for him to stop faffing and arrive!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Alexandria,United Kingdom
Day 6 lunch
Glad Piccys computer Is more accurate than the weather forecast. Left Penrith with heavy heart, feeling knackered, sore and wanting to go home!!' it was supposed to rain...3 miles in, back road bliss...no cars, no rain, less pain for our 18 mile cruise into Carlisle.
Glamourously Guey dressed to kill...
Thence more flat, wind fuelled (in all senses) miles...before hitting Scotland, yippee, great weather, excellent roads...Reddy got too excited, singing rubbish about Yogi bear.
In pm rain and a tiring push to Stair thro' rainbows and more stunning scenery.
An evening massage had the Boys squealing like girls as Ian (forearms like Popeye) and Dawn(thumbs like iron) stripped every painful knot...
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Glamourously Guey dressed to kill...
Thence more flat, wind fuelled (in all senses) miles...before hitting Scotland, yippee, great weather, excellent roads...Reddy got too excited, singing rubbish about Yogi bear.
In pm rain and a tiring push to Stair thro' rainbows and more stunning scenery.
An evening massage had the Boys squealing like girls as Ian (forearms like Popeye) and Dawn(thumbs like iron) stripped every painful knot...
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Loreburn St,Dumfries,United Kingdom
Day 6 and 7, back to reality.
Apols for no post last night, in a beautiful secluded hotel, enjoying a very well earned sports massage!!
111 miles yesterday, through some wonderful countryside along solway firth, then onto our final destination stair.
Today swift 90 miles, and currently enjoying the sunshine on the banks of loch lomond. Great creativity from Alan and Skanny to digitally create fergie!! Great job quitters!!
Will report on more shortly.
111 miles yesterday, through some wonderful countryside along solway firth, then onto our final destination stair.
Today swift 90 miles, and currently enjoying the sunshine on the banks of loch lomond. Great creativity from Alan and Skanny to digitally create fergie!! Great job quitters!!
Will report on more shortly.
Tuesday 7 September 2010
Skanny did it!
OMG - Skanny has only gone and done it - king gift of the gab, next up Cheryl! Respect Skanny respect man.
Location:GQ awards
Arrived in scotland
Bit surreal, arrived in gretna green, Scotland, it only seems like yesterday that we were at lands end. Quick lunch stop and 55 to goto get to stair. Another 100+ day, 4 in a row, pretty tough going.
Day 5 looking back..thank god
Amazing day yesterday...climbing to Shap summit after 90 miles cycling focused the mind...and we all breezed up ( wheezed in my case!).
Our tangerine twins bonded on the roll...wierder and wierder!
Another famous lunch c/o. the Irish and his squeeze. Wonderful setting in a little residential park in Lancasters burbs. Stars both.
The most amazing gale driven run into Penrith 13 miles fast...20+ mph with no pedalling on the flat.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Our tangerine twins bonded on the roll...wierder and wierder!
Another famous lunch c/o. the Irish and his squeeze. Wonderful setting in a little residential park in Lancasters burbs. Stars both.
The most amazing gale driven run into Penrith 13 miles fast...20+ mph with no pedalling on the flat.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Loreburn St,Dumfries,United Kingdom
Monday 6 September 2010
Day 5 over and out!!
We finally arrived at penrith after 10 hrs on the go, 113 miles and 9000 calories! Highlights, none! Shap pass was all it was cracked up to be with gale force winds swirling round the mountains, it was like twickers on a bad day! We have been through the depressed north, preston, widens etc on the a6, hard, fast cycling with a lot of traffic which made for some interesting moments.
We arrived in penrith, unfortunately too late for RPJ's valet who had turned in for the night, so ones cycle will be prepped in the am. Tim was missing his 18-25 party at Celtic manor, but received 200 texts from staff asking whether his "bum was sore". Reddy was at his usual best, and thankfully we all missed a cunningly disguised double decker bus, thanks only to the hand gesture of Paul "lam Kwai fong" redwood! Db rose early and gave me his best freddie mercury impression with a rather fetching bib! Photos to follow when I work out how. Me of course another uneventful day!!
Tonight the rain has set in, so 105 miles to stair will be much fun! Tim has a massage booked, and I hope RPJ 's valet pitches in so we can all get a well earned rub??
Blog tomorrow
We arrived in penrith, unfortunately too late for RPJ's valet who had turned in for the night, so ones cycle will be prepped in the am. Tim was missing his 18-25 party at Celtic manor, but received 200 texts from staff asking whether his "bum was sore". Reddy was at his usual best, and thankfully we all missed a cunningly disguised double decker bus, thanks only to the hand gesture of Paul "lam Kwai fong" redwood! Db rose early and gave me his best freddie mercury impression with a rather fetching bib! Photos to follow when I work out how. Me of course another uneventful day!!
Tonight the rain has set in, so 105 miles to stair will be much fun! Tim has a massage booked, and I hope RPJ 's valet pitches in so we can all get a well earned rub??
Blog tomorrow
Chez Skan (2)
I am now an IT Guru !!! You don't know what this means to me ! If anyone needs any help, support,assistance, training in the IT dept......I'm your man !!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow I'm going to try my hand at Twatter. Must be a doddle !!!
'Chez Skan' - Arriving home yesterday with my new best friend 'AL' was one of mixed emotions. Sorry to have had to break off but very happy to see my 'fair lady' and the nippers ! The easterly wind (That's where the wind was coming from Guey not where it was going to), the sheeting cold rain, the 14lb rucksack on my back and the wee hillock called 'Great Malvern Hills' was pretty tough going. It felt like I had the brakes on most of the way (Al did have his brakes on for 80 miles on day 3 but asked me not to tell anyone !!!! ) It has come to light that the 'non-waterproof' waterproof I was wearing yesterday had been borrowed, and washed, by my good lady wife and hence is now the said non-waterproof waterproof !!!! (Woke up with a bit of a 'chest' this morning !)
The banter has just been phenominal, with some great 'give and take' and I am itching to find out if anyone has had to do a Mutley impression yet (forfeit for having a 'Stropper').
Highlights for me:-
Stew and Rach's blinding sideswerve of 'Room (Shack) 25' at dumpsville in Herefordshire.
After Al and I refused to stay in the Shack, Al left the negotiation to me and I was confronted with a sour looking version of 'SUBO'!
There was light at the end of the tunnel and 'Brockington Hall' provided much amusement and great sport !!!!!
Guey - 3 b*ll*ckings in one day was great going bud. No overtaking now...........!
DB - Please keep up the b*ll*ockings ! Ligths out on Day 2, DB's first breath was 'Night Skanny' second breath was ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !! That's got to be a world record !!!!
Tim - Driver is coming for you at Brum Airport as we've booked you on a cycling profficiency course. (Glad you're OK really.)
Redders a.k.a 'HOLE' - The guy I lovingly mended with my healing hands when he was reeling with pain on a verge in North Devon, only to blog that I was a q*****r ! Keep them all smilling bud !
RP-J - Remember....Get your retaliation in first !! By the way do you ride ?????
Al - You just 'Da Maaaaaaaan !'
Stew - You should have been an inside centre mate ! Many thanks for the support.
Rach - Top Gal !! Top Sport !!
Got to get back to my customers now so good luck Boyz and Gal !
P.S Hawk and Jimmy have got me a ticket for the GQ awards on Tuesday night. Apparently Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas is sitting next to me (Probably not for long !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ). Ooops....Al asked me not to tell you this one either !!!
Skanerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs !
'Chez Skan' - Arriving home yesterday with my new best friend 'AL' was one of mixed emotions. Sorry to have had to break off but very happy to see my 'fair lady' and the nippers ! The easterly wind (That's where the wind was coming from Guey not where it was going to), the sheeting cold rain, the 14lb rucksack on my back and the wee hillock called 'Great Malvern Hills' was pretty tough going. It felt like I had the brakes on most of the way (Al did have his brakes on for 80 miles on day 3 but asked me not to tell anyone !!!! ) It has come to light that the 'non-waterproof' waterproof I was wearing yesterday had been borrowed, and washed, by my good lady wife and hence is now the said non-waterproof waterproof !!!! (Woke up with a bit of a 'chest' this morning !)
The banter has just been phenominal, with some great 'give and take' and I am itching to find out if anyone has had to do a Mutley impression yet (forfeit for having a 'Stropper').
Highlights for me:-
Stew and Rach's blinding sideswerve of 'Room (Shack) 25' at dumpsville in Herefordshire.
After Al and I refused to stay in the Shack, Al left the negotiation to me and I was confronted with a sour looking version of 'SUBO'!
There was light at the end of the tunnel and 'Brockington Hall' provided much amusement and great sport !!!!!
Guey - 3 b*ll*ckings in one day was great going bud. No overtaking now...........!
DB - Please keep up the b*ll*ockings ! Ligths out on Day 2, DB's first breath was 'Night Skanny' second breath was ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !! That's got to be a world record !!!!
Tim - Driver is coming for you at Brum Airport as we've booked you on a cycling profficiency course. (Glad you're OK really.)
Redders a.k.a 'HOLE' - The guy I lovingly mended with my healing hands when he was reeling with pain on a verge in North Devon, only to blog that I was a q*****r ! Keep them all smilling bud !
RP-J - Remember....Get your retaliation in first !! By the way do you ride ?????
Al - You just 'Da Maaaaaaaan !'
Stew - You should have been an inside centre mate ! Many thanks for the support.
Rach - Top Gal !! Top Sport !!
Got to get back to my customers now so good luck Boyz and Gal !
P.S Hawk and Jimmy have got me a ticket for the GQ awards on Tuesday night. Apparently Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas is sitting next to me (Probably not for long !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ). Ooops....Al asked me not to tell you this one either !!!
Skanerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs !
Chez Skan
I.T has never been my strong point ! Wrote a nice long blog entry this morning 'pre-brecky' only to be given 2 fingers by a nice little box saying that I don't have 'Java script' (Not that type of box Guey !). If I knew what 'Jave script was I might have a fighting chance %$£&****£$**& grrrrrrr !
Al then told me I need to follow 'a procedure'. With our annual ISO audit on Thursday I can assure the world that I don't need any more 'procedures'. If this works I'll try and remember my blog of this morning and 'Post again' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ciao
Al then told me I need to follow 'a procedure'. With our annual ISO audit on Thursday I can assure the world that I don't need any more 'procedures'. If this works I'll try and remember my blog of this morning and 'Post again' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ciao
Day 5 nervous prep
110 miles, Shap summit at 90 and the curry last night could all make riding interesting today. Strong wind up the bum and rain later all makes for a cocktail of fun.
Kili boys making the final push as I write...goodluck team!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Kili boys making the final push as I write...goodluck team!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Back Home
Hi all – back home in leamington. Great to see Ali and the boys – biggest hug ever from Harry – well apart from the three goodbye hugs from Guy in Hereford. Bit gutted that not still cycling with you lot – especially hearing that today went well and you have a top hotel tonight with a gale behind you tomorrow. A few thank yous…
Tim – for initial invite and the chance to have a great few days with top bunch of guys. Having cycled with you for three days, seen the photos of the damaged fence today, and played darts with you at Brockington Manor games room – you are clearly more Phil Taylor than Lance Armstrong.
RPJ – what an experience – never really met any posh people– so to meet you - a sort of polo playing combination of Hugh Grant and Boris Johnson was a great and unexpected bonus. Will never forget your quote!
Dave – our third tour I believe – terrific fun as always. Thanks for showing me how to pump up my tyres - proved quite handy.
Redders – as with RPJ – didn’t know you before all this and a real pleasure to spend a few days with you. Great team member – looking out for others all the time – suspect you made more hand signals in the last three days than a Hong Kong traffic cop. Not one pot hole, man hole cover, slightly bad bit of tarmac or ‘car back’ missed!
Skanny – thanks for stopping me getting a train back today and keeping spirits extremely high despite weather and leaving the team. Also for no doubt taking all the ‘quitter’ jibes in my absence at Tim’s do in October.
Rachel (top girl) and Stewart (definitely not white van man – but certainly white man in a van) for everything you have done so far for this trip – far too many things to list here – but seven MAMILs will never forget the huge contribution you have made to the smooth running and success that it has been and will be.
Guy –for being great room partner (despite all the noises). An extra big thanks for breaking the news to Alison on the internet that I was going to the GQ awards on Tuesday night!!! Thankfully it’s all fine (maybe you can you text her about the Ryder Cup).
Keep going guys – may the roads rise before you and the wind be always on your backs. x
Tim – for initial invite and the chance to have a great few days with top bunch of guys. Having cycled with you for three days, seen the photos of the damaged fence today, and played darts with you at Brockington Manor games room – you are clearly more Phil Taylor than Lance Armstrong.
RPJ – what an experience – never really met any posh people– so to meet you - a sort of polo playing combination of Hugh Grant and Boris Johnson was a great and unexpected bonus. Will never forget your quote!
Dave – our third tour I believe – terrific fun as always. Thanks for showing me how to pump up my tyres - proved quite handy.
Redders – as with RPJ – didn’t know you before all this and a real pleasure to spend a few days with you. Great team member – looking out for others all the time – suspect you made more hand signals in the last three days than a Hong Kong traffic cop. Not one pot hole, man hole cover, slightly bad bit of tarmac or ‘car back’ missed!
Skanny – thanks for stopping me getting a train back today and keeping spirits extremely high despite weather and leaving the team. Also for no doubt taking all the ‘quitter’ jibes in my absence at Tim’s do in October.
Rachel (top girl) and Stewart (definitely not white van man – but certainly white man in a van) for everything you have done so far for this trip – far too many things to list here – but seven MAMILs will never forget the huge contribution you have made to the smooth running and success that it has been and will be.
Guy –for being great room partner (despite all the noises). An extra big thanks for breaking the news to Alison on the internet that I was going to the GQ awards on Tuesday night!!! Thankfully it’s all fine (maybe you can you text her about the Ryder Cup).
Keep going guys – may the roads rise before you and the wind be always on your backs. x
Sunday 5 September 2010
A final note
Just meant to add a big thank you to the brown family for putting us all up for lunch and a much needed dry off in shrewsbury. David, Anne, Emma, Anthony and wonderful kids.
Day 4 closes in Cheshire
What a day! 100 miles, wind at our backs and flat(ish) terrain. At times we flew... But back to the beginning of the day...
The Merton Hotel in Hereford...good breakfast dodgy accomm...so it was dry as we prep'd. ...
Farewell to the quitters, who headed off into a strong headwind and 70 odd miles...blow wind, blow!
We turned our mind to making Northings...hadn't counted on precipitation of the damp variety... So a magnificent 3 miles into the day we hid under a tree waiting for The Van! Brain dead Red somehow left his skid lid behind..more miles and waiting...finally turning at 0930, 1 hour behind schedule!
A wet, but fast ride thro' country I'd like to have seen! We stopped after 25 in for the best cuppa and bacon buttie.
Setting off again apace and Tim clipped a twig and went AWOL up the kerb, across verge before acquiring 4 faults as he broke the fence! A few shocked moments as the bike came under mechanical scrutiny...don't worry, it was fine...oh and Tim, plucking ferns from his helmet was off again at 18!
Then on to Shrewsbury and a fantastic lunch at DB's bro's house, with several Browns on show. A wonderful reception and grub for our swift touchdown. Tks Ant, Emma (who even massaged RPJ' shoulders, tho' refrained from doing the same to his glutes.!), Mr & Mrs B senior and the kids. (Still think their swimming pool won't work...)
Then a fast, relatively uneventful pm pedalling at pace thro' Shropshire and Cheshire to the hotel.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The Merton Hotel in Hereford...good breakfast dodgy accomm...so it was dry as we prep'd. ...
Farewell to the quitters, who headed off into a strong headwind and 70 odd miles...blow wind, blow!
We turned our mind to making Northings...hadn't counted on precipitation of the damp variety... So a magnificent 3 miles into the day we hid under a tree waiting for The Van! Brain dead Red somehow left his skid lid behind..more miles and waiting...finally turning at 0930, 1 hour behind schedule!
A wet, but fast ride thro' country I'd like to have seen! We stopped after 25 in for the best cuppa and bacon buttie.
Setting off again apace and Tim clipped a twig and went AWOL up the kerb, across verge before acquiring 4 faults as he broke the fence! A few shocked moments as the bike came under mechanical scrutiny...don't worry, it was fine...oh and Tim, plucking ferns from his helmet was off again at 18!
Then on to Shrewsbury and a fantastic lunch at DB's bro's house, with several Browns on show. A wonderful reception and grub for our swift touchdown. Tks Ant, Emma (who even massaged RPJ' shoulders, tho' refrained from doing the same to his glutes.!), Mr & Mrs B senior and the kids. (Still think their swimming pool won't work...)
Then a fast, relatively uneventful pm pedalling at pace thro' Shropshire and Cheshire to the hotel.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Mornant Ave,,United Kingdom
Day 4 and the weather turns
Crikey what a day, 100 miles of relatively flat cycling, at quite a pace. Tale of two halves, first half absolutely soaking wet, and windy, tim had to bring out the gore Tex, of course RPJ had even better than gore Tex, his words not mine. Quote of the day came from db, who claimed his butt cheeks were as hard as nails and had zero fat?? Mmm check out the photos!
We did have a small drama on the way, tim was bored with the road riding and decided to take the scenic route, complete with a triple salko (spell), the fence can be repaired!! Very dramatic but thankfully no injuries, and amazed by the 13 cars that stopped to offer assistance. We have since fitted stabilisers to tim 's bike to prevent reoccurrence!
Great hotel tonight, the coachman in Hartford, well recommended if your up these parts. Tomorrow, 110 miles and the mighty shap pass, rising 1400 ft in a couple of miles, not a problem? It is when you have cycled 90 miles to get there!!
Anyway sublime to ridiculous after last nights debacle. Hope your enjoying blog, will update later!!
We did have a small drama on the way, tim was bored with the road riding and decided to take the scenic route, complete with a triple salko (spell), the fence can be repaired!! Very dramatic but thankfully no injuries, and amazed by the 13 cars that stopped to offer assistance. We have since fitted stabilisers to tim 's bike to prevent reoccurrence!
Great hotel tonight, the coachman in Hartford, well recommended if your up these parts. Tomorrow, 110 miles and the mighty shap pass, rising 1400 ft in a couple of miles, not a problem? It is when you have cycled 90 miles to get there!!
Anyway sublime to ridiculous after last nights debacle. Hope your enjoying blog, will update later!!
Meet the team. Part 2
Piccy, RPJ, satnav owner. Lightest bike, most hair (liberally quaffed). Known for laid back approach and occ hissy fit! Best quote so far "we've got 7 more days of this sh..."
Rachel, Fraser keeper, video bod, charming, generous and permanently sorting stuff selflessly. The attractive half of the backup duo!
Reddy, grandad, all round great guy. He maybe the elder member of the group, but he certainly punches his svelte slimline figure, above his weight!! Known as the medic, reddy carries more drugs than Howard marks, but it seems to do the job!
Last and most there's Stu. The laid back NI twang hides the purposeful, thoughtful and hard working patience. Nice bum too...although he does show it off a little too often.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Rachel, Fraser keeper, video bod, charming, generous and permanently sorting stuff selflessly. The attractive half of the backup duo!
Reddy, grandad, all round great guy. He maybe the elder member of the group, but he certainly punches his svelte slimline figure, above his weight!! Known as the medic, reddy carries more drugs than Howard marks, but it seems to do the job!
Last and most there's Stu. The laid back NI twang hides the purposeful, thoughtful and hard working patience. Nice bum too...although he does show it off a little too often.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The morning after the night before
Waking up day 4, feeling very stiff an tired. I think we are all in the same boat, today will be very tough mentally and physically!!
Saturday 4 September 2010
Hereford??? A night out!
The Thai was excellent, and tonight we bid farewell to two faithful quitters, skanny (30%) and Alan "the hairpiece" Hartin. Although sad to see them go back to their 4 star opulence, I took comfort that the hotel we had chosen was adjacent to the largest night club in Hereford, so lying here in the black hole of Calcutta I feel quite smug that I can update my vast vocabulary with the latest "street language"! I have cancelled my 6am massage in case I get mistaken for a curb crawler.
On a genuine note, which at this stage of the proceedings I find hard, we have lost two members of the team tonight who are integral, how we will carry on will be a true test. Perhaps a couple of spa hotels will help dull the numbing pain if their departure? Who knows. We love them to bits. In fairness to Alan, he has got the gq awards on Tuesday, and skanny has a vital hair appointment, so I do understand their predicament!!
Good night bloggers
On a genuine note, which at this stage of the proceedings I find hard, we have lost two members of the team tonight who are integral, how we will carry on will be a true test. Perhaps a couple of spa hotels will help dull the numbing pain if their departure? Who knows. We love them to bits. In fairness to Alan, he has got the gq awards on Tuesday, and skanny has a vital hair appointment, so I do understand their predicament!!
Good night bloggers
Meet the.team
Tim, who thought up the whole stupid idea in the first place. Good to slipstream except when he's been beering for lunch! Just quoted as "my bike's worth more than your F'ing hotel" and he's not joking!
Stanno, Guey, pengy or big fella, even better to slipstream. Funny, punchy and acerbic wit...has a thing going w DB???...
DB, Dave, wingnut. Strong (prob why Stanno likes him!) and father figure for the team. Sorts stuff, relentlessly. Fancies himself as a bit of engineer, proud of his old bike...which is the only one to break so far!
Part 2 to follow....
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Stanno, Guey, pengy or big fella, even better to slipstream. Funny, punchy and acerbic wit...has a thing going w DB???...
DB, Dave, wingnut. Strong (prob why Stanno likes him!) and father figure for the team. Sorts stuff, relentlessly. Fancies himself as a bit of engineer, proud of his old bike...which is the only one to break so far!
Part 2 to follow....
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Broad St,Hereford,United Kingdom
Hereford, mmmmm
What can I say, the rich folk have arrived from the shires, shuttled in to town in their stetched hummer! Photos of outdoor chess and the pool room did wonders for morale. I've managed to evacuate the cockroaches and wash the important bits! Some of us are here for charity and self fullfillment, others ?? Well couldn't possibly comment! Whiting has just demanded his food to be served on Rose petals! I refused, but we are eating sushi off a lovely young lady!! Hey hum life is really tough. Apologies to any of my young family who are reading, you'll sleep better than me. Love you all xxxx
Hereford, mmmmm
What can I say, the rich folk have arrived from the shires, shuttled in to town in their stetched hummer! Photos of outdoor chess and the pool room did wonders for morale. I've managed to evacuate the cockroaches and wash the important bits! Some of us are here for charity and self fullfillment, others ?? Well couldn't possibly comment! Whiting has just demanded his food to be served on Rose petals! I refused, but we are eating sushi off a lovely young lady!! Hey hum life is really tough. Apologies to any of my young family who are reading, you'll sleep better than me. Love you all xxxx
Day 3 draws to a close with accommodation troubles
So we made Hereford. Seemed like a long 75 miles.
As I rub cream where it's needed and wash my kit, I ruminate on a fab day.
We worked well as a team, climbing and whizzing along well. Some sparky words and attitudes as we chatted about stuff too! All good stuff.
The Wye valley between Cheppy and Monmouth was a treat, so much so that took the liberty of bimbling along at a gentle pace, a treat.
Enjoyed a contretemps between DB and Stanno on an uphill corner..funny for all to see, they're like a married couple.
So tonight we say farewell to Skanny,
the irrepressible positive energy ball, and Alan,
the hawk. Northern Irish, taciturn, sharp of wit...and I think he'd really like to do the whole thing! Bet he'll be pleased to be sleeping without the snoring beast Stanno. Xx farewell for now pedalling friends. We'll play paste the lube with you again soon.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
As I rub cream where it's needed and wash my kit, I ruminate on a fab day.
We worked well as a team, climbing and whizzing along well. Some sparky words and attitudes as we chatted about stuff too! All good stuff.
The Wye valley between Cheppy and Monmouth was a treat, so much so that took the liberty of bimbling along at a gentle pace, a treat.
Enjoyed a contretemps between DB and Stanno on an uphill corner..funny for all to see, they're like a married couple.
So tonight we say farewell to Skanny,
the irrepressible positive energy ball, and Alan,
the hawk. Northern Irish, taciturn, sharp of wit...and I think he'd really like to do the whole thing! Bet he'll be pleased to be sleeping without the snoring beast Stanno. Xx farewell for now pedalling friends. We'll play paste the lube with you again soon.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Here we are 3 days in 270 miles done, arrived at the biggest shit pit in history. Four of the rich boys have booked out, in a big huff, I didn't think the camp bed was that bad? Hereford is an interesting town!!! Personally I think creating your own jacuzzi is much more fun!! I think you know what I mean! Reddy wants to take my iPad down town to view the blog, my view? We'll get mugged!!
Apart from that, great day, suffering in the derrier department, bikes working well, touch wood! Tomorrow 105 miles and hopefully a better rest spot. Off for a thai meal, not too many chillis,could cause a problem with the shorts. Anyway enough blogging, until later, will review Herefords night out.
Ps the rich folk have moved to brockington hall, I trust they choke on their down feathers!! Me I will be heading to my broom cupboard, just realised the. Wifi may not be working!!!! Right
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Apart from that, great day, suffering in the derrier department, bikes working well, touch wood! Tomorrow 105 miles and hopefully a better rest spot. Off for a thai meal, not too many chillis,could cause a problem with the shorts. Anyway enough blogging, until later, will review Herefords night out.
Ps the rich folk have moved to brockington hall, I trust they choke on their down feathers!! Me I will be heading to my broom cupboard, just realised the. Wifi may not be working!!!! Right
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The bake bean tin rides again
So to Chepstow, lead by reddy in the figure hugging bake bean tin top, the in built pillow at the front is very fetching. Steady miles today, some great scenery. Great lunch in Chepstow, pie and pint and off to Hereford. The answer was Ronin, Sean bean and Robert de Niro! Everyone very tetchy this morning, think someone had tampered with our bum cream? Everyone seems ok now.
Day 3 lunch
Having left the Webby Hotel that treated us well...
We headed for Bristol and Reddies memories of a bygone era! Views of Brunels masterpiece from below, Cornwallis Cres and Clifton.
Then on past a lovely landfill site and to the fabbo Severn Bridge cycle path. Awsome space and power of this massive river was a sight to behold!
And now a Chepstow lunch in Wales (why do you pay to enter and not to leave, weird...). See Alan in training below.
Only incidents to report this am was a pride denting fall by Skanny and Alan playing balancing games. A hissy fit from Piccy about pace and the next 7 xxxx days. And Stanno's toys all over the place with "I know there's a B car Alan!"
What Fun!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We headed for Bristol and Reddies memories of a bygone era! Views of Brunels masterpiece from below, Cornwallis Cres and Clifton.
Then on past a lovely landfill site and to the fabbo Severn Bridge cycle path. Awsome space and power of this massive river was a sight to behold!
And now a Chepstow lunch in Wales (why do you pay to enter and not to leave, weird...). See Alan in training below.
Only incidents to report this am was a pride denting fall by Skanny and Alan playing balancing games. A hissy fit from Piccy about pace and the next 7 xxxx days. And Stanno's toys all over the place with "I know there's a B car Alan!"
What Fun!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:High St,Chepstow,United Kingdom
Day3 warming up'
What is it about that Blue thing?
We're off to Weston, 7 bridge and Chepstow to Monmouth via River (tks Bill!) and thence to bed in Hereford.
Hi to the Reddie boys who are following. I'll tell you the story of being locked in the van last night!
Comments pls.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We're off to Weston, 7 bridge and Chepstow to Monmouth via River (tks Bill!) and thence to bed in Hereford.
Hi to the Reddie boys who are following. I'll tell you the story of being locked in the van last night!
Comments pls.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Mendip Rd,,United Kingdom
Morning glory
Wakeing up on day 3, 85 more relaxed miles ahead today. The team have been up early, as we have just realised that chains need the occasional clean, and we found the miracle liquid in launceston. So Everyman now fully lubed and raring to go. See you in Chepstow.
Friday 3 September 2010
Day 2 ends
I thought this would be my last post. But I am quite amused by the fact that 7 grown men, all with hardy reputations are snoring by 10.30! I am with hawk who is reading stieg larsson, and me trying to cool my butt cheeks out of a second floor window!! Tough times as we head north out of the west country into Dave's homeland, beautiful Wales. Bring on Chepstow, then Hereford for a few pints with the SAS. Dave tells us the boathouse is green? Name that film?
Enjoy
Enjoy
Devon and Cornwall tamed
The nervous energy has been replaced tonight by a more relaxed excitement as two very tough days have been completed. Still the first of us has already hit the sack and the rest of us will not be far behind. Enjoyed relaxed dinner watching the football. Easier day tomorrow in terms of hills as we head through Chepstow to Hereford .
Rpj and skanny
My final blog of the day. Rpj and skanny have gone off menu with duck and venison, rpj is dining in a nursing home chair and looks very much at home! The rest of us are carbed up on chips and burgers, who's the fool???
Fun and games on day 2
Well what a day, 102 miles, 6000 ft climbed!! 1 pot of sudocrem finished, but sitting comfortably in a lovely best western hotel, webbington spa.
You thought that cycling would through up some interesting events, but tonight reddy has surpassed all cock ups. Whilst getting kit from the van, on his own, he managed to lock himself in, with no phone, and no hope of rescue, he had to bang the sides of the van to attract the attention of a passing lady in a cocktail dress!! Clearly he is suffering from severe heat stroke!! On a final note RPJ is dining on his own, as we watch the football, in eat loads of carbohydrates!
Just to thank all of you for the continued donations, over 4k already and climbing by the day, like us!!
Good night
You thought that cycling would through up some interesting events, but tonight reddy has surpassed all cock ups. Whilst getting kit from the van, on his own, he managed to lock himself in, with no phone, and no hope of rescue, he had to bang the sides of the van to attract the attention of a passing lady in a cocktail dress!! Clearly he is suffering from severe heat stroke!! On a final note RPJ is dining on his own, as we watch the football, in eat loads of carbohydrates!
Just to thank all of you for the continued donations, over 4k already and climbing by the day, like us!!
Good night
Day 2 ends on a high
A pacey pm helped us make up some lost time.
Leaving the A38 to smaller lanes for the last few miles was a tonic! Twisting through the Somerset flats in the evening sun, up to the hotel with a ridiculously steep drive!
Indeed it's a hotel you know...M5 S of Bristol after the dramatic bit and there's a big hotel perched on the hill...Webbington Spa.
At one point a buzzard standing sentinel in a field eyed us as we slipped by. Must have been odd for him with 14 eyes peering out of Lycra and helmets!
And of all the luck, Best Western have kindly donated our accom, booze and meals. V generous.
It's been a tough but rewarding day. The hills of Devon and Cornwall slip from our collective memories and the relative flatlands await. Yipppeee.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Leaving the A38 to smaller lanes for the last few miles was a tonic! Twisting through the Somerset flats in the evening sun, up to the hotel with a ridiculously steep drive!
Indeed it's a hotel you know...M5 S of Bristol after the dramatic bit and there's a big hotel perched on the hill...Webbington Spa.
At one point a buzzard standing sentinel in a field eyed us as we slipped by. Must have been odd for him with 14 eyes peering out of Lycra and helmets!
And of all the luck, Best Western have kindly donated our accom, booze and meals. V generous.
It's been a tough but rewarding day. The hills of Devon and Cornwall slip from our collective memories and the relative flatlands await. Yipppeee.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Axbridge,United Kingdom
Day 2 90 miles done and now this!
After a day of mechanical malady, we thought respite was at hand until Skanny picked up glass.
Long day so far. Spirits good and looking forward to the Hotel and Spa.
Fraser bear is enjoying drinking and being hugged by Rachel too...envious, moi?!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Long day so far. Spirits good and looking forward to the Hotel and Spa.
Fraser bear is enjoying drinking and being hugged by Rachel too...envious, moi?!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Old Main Rd,,United Kingdom
Well well,70 miles down on day 2, some even steeper longer hills, but pleased to report that Devon and Cornwall. Shocking start as Dave kicks his wheel and buckles it!! So 1 Hr and many pounds lighter we set forward. Numerous peleton offences were reported,and dave was swift to punish any offenders. The last debacle was Pauls chain becoming very stuck, another 30 mins, and we were off again. Lunch now starting, and chilli flakes at hand!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
3 miles in.. 2 spokes in
102 miles to go and Dave "my 5 year old bike
has never gone wrong" has a broken back wheel and is getting a new one! Or maybe 2!! It's really bad luck for the engineer!!
We're off for coffee. And Dave is watching his bank balance diminish as wheels come in pairs. Stanno has revenge.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
has never gone wrong" has a broken back wheel and is getting a new one! Or maybe 2!! It's really bad luck for the engineer!!
We're off for coffee. And Dave is watching his bank balance diminish as wheels come in pairs. Stanno has revenge.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Launceston,United Kingdom
Day 2 prep
Everyone busy lubing, creaming, loading and stretching... Not to mention buttock care.
We're off on a longy today. 1000 m climbing and 110 odd miles riding- gulp!
We have a massage to look forward to from the Webbington Best Western just S of Bristol overlooking the M5...nice.
Few aches and pains grumbling but spirits high.
Nervous energy lots of chat at this time in the morning. Strange it is very quiet by about 11.30 .......
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We're off on a longy today. 1000 m climbing and 110 odd miles riding- gulp!
We have a massage to look forward to from the Webbington Best Western just S of Bristol overlooking the M5...nice.
Few aches and pains grumbling but spirits high.
Nervous energy lots of chat at this time in the morning. Strange it is very quiet by about 11.30 .......
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday 2 September 2010
Fraser at Lands End
Fraser, the team mascot, enjoys lands end, perched on gueys saddle!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
First day
Well that's was tough, only 85 miles but some hills to test the best!! Great lunch, great weather, and Fraser bear has been spotted in various new locations! Will post pictures later!
Day 1 evening relaxation
Fab, just caught piccy doing something odd with some blue foam roller.... Claims it was to help his muscles! Suspicious I thought.
Update on the day later.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Update on the day later.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Day 1 lunch
A sound mornings work done. Relentless sun, hills and stunning scenery have slipped by steadily.
43 miles in, sitting beside a boating lake, Stu and Rachel have excelled with the carbonara, besting Gino's in Penzance by a country mile (avoid if in the West!).
This am included 1 Stanno puncture and a few uneventful chain slips. Nav proving interesting...
We're not talking about being knackered or this afternoons hills....
Ttfn
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
43 miles in, sitting beside a boating lake, Stu and Rachel have excelled with the carbonara, besting Gino's in Penzance by a country mile (avoid if in the West!).
This am included 1 Stanno puncture and a few uneventful chain slips. Nav proving interesting...
We're not talking about being knackered or this afternoons hills....
Ttfn
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Trevemper Rd,Newquay,United Kingdom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)