This morning was not a good morning to be me! I woke up with an even worse head-cold than I had yesterday and was rushed to get out of bed and to breakfast... From here we mounted the support wagon and picked up Ian....
Ian's uncle was very kind to cycle with us to the North of Junction 27 and by coincidence upon saying our good-byes, George's friend's Ronnie and Mike turned up on their rather fetching Trek Madones (I was very jealous!). Ronnie and Mike kindly agreed to be our guides to negotiate the perils of Preston. We cycled following them (with one section becoming very similar to a down-hill mountain bike section) but we were extremely grateful for their assistance as without it, we would have been in a right old mess!
We had the enjoyable prospect of a day of quite flat terrain which would be then interupted by the inconveneince of a rather large hill known as Shap!
After ridden through Carnforth, we stopped just outside Kendal which we made our base camp just before mounting the assault on probably the biggest climb of the ride! At the 68mile mark we started embarking on a climb which lasted to a summit at 1,400 feet over what turned out to be 15 miles! We were treated to some spectacular views before Andy and I became rather competitive and tried to see who would reach the summit first... Something that I won and then proceeded to celebrate over the final brow in a celebration reminiscent of a Tour De Framce Winner cycling with no hands and punching the air (on video I hope) but no prize.....
Here we took some photographs and met some fellow LEJOG'ers who were following a very similar route. From Shap to Penrith it was mostly down hill and we had a little bit of a race with the fellow LEJOG'ers which once again, Andy and I won - who says that we're competitive?!
We reached Penrith having sent Gerald and Anne forward to locate some establishment where we could rest out heads. We had lost 20 miles on our target yesterday due to the wind but unfortunately had no opportunity to recover some of the lost mileage, therefore we would have to try and make up for this tomorrow. Gerald and Anne found a corking B&B which has got the world's tiniest shower! For an individual who has a slightly larger "build" cleaning yourself in this over-grown sardine can became a rather comical event which lead to me standing outside the shower and showering my legs completely seperately! The toilet and bedroom also had some technology which I have never seen before including a light which switches on and off at the waft of a hand and a toilet seat which shuts itself without slamming down - A-Maz-Ing!
Today marked the half-way point of the ride and with only 4 days remaining, we are breaking into Scotland tomorrow... I have my passport ready and my immunisations done as we are going "abroad"!!!
Take care,
TK x
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Monday, 30 August 2010
Day 4 - Andy's Sprinker, Wind and Cheshire and a Day at the Races...
Today was a day where I awoke to the start of a head-cold of man-flu proportions! We started teh day awaking in the room of the Croft Hotel in Bridgnorth after completing the previous day's last 15 miles with a flurry of climbs and falls!
Breakfast was a affair whereby I was defeated at the first hurdle after only being able to manage a sausage and a half wih some bacon and scrambled egg! The day got off to an even worse start by the fact that we didn't get going until 10am and in the rain!
The rain lasted only in short bursts but following Andy's bike was a bit like following a garden sprinkler with a large rooster tail covering me in muddy water at sporadic intervals..... The main obsticle of the day was facing a 35-40mph head wind for the duration of the day! As we entered Cheshire the wind did not receed and we ended up fighting it all the way to Bridgnorth. This is a battle that I lost and ended the day mentally defeated.
Ian had arranged for his Uncle George to meet up with us late in the afternoon to guide us through the minefield that was Wigan but we weren't to make Preston and therefore only made Ashton-In-Makerfield (20 miles short). George very kindly took us back to his abode (via a ride over Haydock Racecourse) where he and his good wife (Eileen) accomodated us very hospitably and with great generosity!
Our home for the night was to be the Premier Inn in Ashton-In-Makerfield (Ian stayed at his Uncle's) who were very accomodating but I was a bit narked by the fact that they demanded £10 for 24 hours non transferable interent access - a rip-off if you ask me!!!!
I shall let you know of tomorrow's dealings as they arise, but until then, I bid you good night!
TK x
Breakfast was a affair whereby I was defeated at the first hurdle after only being able to manage a sausage and a half wih some bacon and scrambled egg! The day got off to an even worse start by the fact that we didn't get going until 10am and in the rain!
The rain lasted only in short bursts but following Andy's bike was a bit like following a garden sprinkler with a large rooster tail covering me in muddy water at sporadic intervals..... The main obsticle of the day was facing a 35-40mph head wind for the duration of the day! As we entered Cheshire the wind did not receed and we ended up fighting it all the way to Bridgnorth. This is a battle that I lost and ended the day mentally defeated.
Ian had arranged for his Uncle George to meet up with us late in the afternoon to guide us through the minefield that was Wigan but we weren't to make Preston and therefore only made Ashton-In-Makerfield (20 miles short). George very kindly took us back to his abode (via a ride over Haydock Racecourse) where he and his good wife (Eileen) accomodated us very hospitably and with great generosity!
Our home for the night was to be the Premier Inn in Ashton-In-Makerfield (Ian stayed at his Uncle's) who were very accomodating but I was a bit narked by the fact that they demanded £10 for 24 hours non transferable interent access - a rip-off if you ask me!!!!
I shall let you know of tomorrow's dealings as they arise, but until then, I bid you good night!
TK x
Saturday, 28 August 2010
Day Three - Get 'Yer Bristols Out.....
Day three started at 7.15am and we were ready and down at breakfast at 8.00am (this time should not be legal on a Saturday!). Once a very big breakfast had been consumed we set out on the road. We were hoping for some nice even terrain to get the averages up!
We started the day with just what we had asked for and we came into Bristol. At one point we ahd a bizarre scenario of heading uphill at 26mph courtesy of the wind! The centre of Bristol was busy and we had to negotiate some rather insideous bus drivers who only had a care forthemselves which led to a number of near misses and encountered some colourful language from yours truly!
The good going lasted until we hit the edge of the Malvern Hills. From here we had a head-wind all the way to Gloucester and Tewkesbury but made very good headway! Special mention has to be made to the catering for cyclists in Gloucester with designated cycling pavements which made navigation very easy!
We headed to Worcester and then at Stourport-on Severn headed to Bewdley (which is an amazing picturesque town)! The route we chose followed the River Severn and we went through some amazing scenery and then all the way to Bridgnorth took roads which were exceptionally undulating and a tough test of endurance and stamina. We finished the day with a total of 115 miles, 2,800 fete climbed and 5,708 calories burnt!
We were staying at the very nice Croft Hotel and headed to the Castle for a meal! Andy and I both demolished two 22oz steaks between us which were most welcome after a hard day's slog!
Well I'm now defnitely up for bed and so will inform you of our adventures on the way to Preston!
Adios amigos!
TK x
We started the day with just what we had asked for and we came into Bristol. At one point we ahd a bizarre scenario of heading uphill at 26mph courtesy of the wind! The centre of Bristol was busy and we had to negotiate some rather insideous bus drivers who only had a care forthemselves which led to a number of near misses and encountered some colourful language from yours truly!
The good going lasted until we hit the edge of the Malvern Hills. From here we had a head-wind all the way to Gloucester and Tewkesbury but made very good headway! Special mention has to be made to the catering for cyclists in Gloucester with designated cycling pavements which made navigation very easy!
We headed to Worcester and then at Stourport-on Severn headed to Bewdley (which is an amazing picturesque town)! The route we chose followed the River Severn and we went through some amazing scenery and then all the way to Bridgnorth took roads which were exceptionally undulating and a tough test of endurance and stamina. We finished the day with a total of 115 miles, 2,800 fete climbed and 5,708 calories burnt!
We were staying at the very nice Croft Hotel and headed to the Castle for a meal! Andy and I both demolished two 22oz steaks between us which were most welcome after a hard day's slog!
Well I'm now defnitely up for bed and so will inform you of our adventures on the way to Preston!
Adios amigos!
TK x
Day Two - Clotted Cream County....
Day two started with a bleary eyed awakening following a restless night disturbed by snoring and a over efficient duvet cover! It started with a breakfast consisting of both cooked and cereal elements! Andy started the day with a flat tire but this was quickly resolved!
We were on the A30 at 9.30 and were soon negotiating the climbs and the traffic of a very fast road! It wasn't long until we were on the B road coming out of Okehampton and quickly made headway to Crediton. After negotiating some dodgy drivers and roadworks we took a road with a 700ft climb we were treated to some fantastic scenery and a great ride! This was punishing at times but we soon overcame it and stopped for lunch.
From here we headed to Taunton which we hit at nigh on rush hour and took great peril negotiating the traffic and road systems! We finished the final 30 miles with pretty much even terrain all the way to Weston!
Once at Weston we showered and hit the local Yates for some grub with the Henery clan! We ate very well until the staff asked that we move once we finsh so they could erect "the pole"! It's at this point we left! 102 miles, 3,230ft climbed, 5,500 calories burnt but due to a charity sweepstake taking place at work, I can't divulge the time cycled but can confirm the breaks taken were prolific!!!
Tomorrow is 110 miles and a daunting task.... I shall let you know the tales tomorrow!
Enjoy!!!
TK
We were on the A30 at 9.30 and were soon negotiating the climbs and the traffic of a very fast road! It wasn't long until we were on the B road coming out of Okehampton and quickly made headway to Crediton. After negotiating some dodgy drivers and roadworks we took a road with a 700ft climb we were treated to some fantastic scenery and a great ride! This was punishing at times but we soon overcame it and stopped for lunch.
From here we headed to Taunton which we hit at nigh on rush hour and took great peril negotiating the traffic and road systems! We finished the final 30 miles with pretty much even terrain all the way to Weston!
Once at Weston we showered and hit the local Yates for some grub with the Henery clan! We ate very well until the staff asked that we move once we finsh so they could erect "the pole"! It's at this point we left! 102 miles, 3,230ft climbed, 5,500 calories burnt but due to a charity sweepstake taking place at work, I can't divulge the time cycled but can confirm the breaks taken were prolific!!!
Tomorrow is 110 miles and a daunting task.... I shall let you know the tales tomorrow!
Enjoy!!!
TK
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Day One - Antisocial Starts and A Breakdown....
Day one got off to a very antisocial start as my alarm went off at 5.15am! Caroline very kindly gave a lift to my chariot that was Ian and his daughter... By 6.15am we were packed and leaving Warminster! We had breakfast just outside Honiton at an imitation grotty Little Chef which served us a hearty breakfast for the day ahead! I wish that I could say that the rest of the journey was uneventful but that would be lieing! At our chosen overnight spot of Launceston the support wagon lost power and we were struggling to find garage that was open! Eventually we stumbled upon one and the very kind Cornish gents sorted us out and we were on our way!
We got to Land's End 2 hours late but managed to get the obligatory picture taken and off we set! The A30 was our chosen route for the day, a very fast and dangerous road! A light bit of rain and 77 miles later we arrived at our destination! Tommy-two dinners lived up to his name and demolished a steak and a half!!!
This is only half a blog as i'musing my iPhone but as soon as I have wi-fi again,I shall fill you in on the details
Tomorrow- Weston beckons!
Take care and please keep donating!!
TK x
The full blog!
I finally have internet and here's the backdated blog!
We started off from Land's End at around 2pm and cycled along the very dangerous A30. Andy and I stopped to wait for Ian and whilst were weren't looking Ian cycled past. We kept waiting for a while and then decided to cycle back a half mile and look for him. After not finding him, we phoned him to find that he was several miles in front! It took us some time but we finally caught up with hime and we took to the dual carriageways!
Whilst on the dual carriageway we were negotiating roadworks and Ian did a decent David Attenborough impersonation by heading up the embankment but thankfully at no cost to his health.
After numerous hours cycling it slowly started raining and we finished the day in dark and rainy conditions.
We finally made our over-night stop and very quickly found Jim Morrison of Kidney Research UK who was there to find out a bit more about us. He was a very nice guy who kindly bought us a drink each and provided us with advertising paraphanalea. A nice steak followed and an early bed.....
We got to Land's End 2 hours late but managed to get the obligatory picture taken and off we set! The A30 was our chosen route for the day, a very fast and dangerous road! A light bit of rain and 77 miles later we arrived at our destination! Tommy-two dinners lived up to his name and demolished a steak and a half!!!
This is only half a blog as i'musing my iPhone but as soon as I have wi-fi again,I shall fill you in on the details
Tomorrow- Weston beckons!
Take care and please keep donating!!
TK x
The full blog!
I finally have internet and here's the backdated blog!
We started off from Land's End at around 2pm and cycled along the very dangerous A30. Andy and I stopped to wait for Ian and whilst were weren't looking Ian cycled past. We kept waiting for a while and then decided to cycle back a half mile and look for him. After not finding him, we phoned him to find that he was several miles in front! It took us some time but we finally caught up with hime and we took to the dual carriageways!
Whilst on the dual carriageway we were negotiating roadworks and Ian did a decent David Attenborough impersonation by heading up the embankment but thankfully at no cost to his health.
After numerous hours cycling it slowly started raining and we finished the day in dark and rainy conditions.
We finally made our over-night stop and very quickly found Jim Morrison of Kidney Research UK who was there to find out a bit more about us. He was a very nice guy who kindly bought us a drink each and provided us with advertising paraphanalea. A nice steak followed and an early bed.....
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
The Plan......
On Thursday 26th August 2010, Andy Wheeler, Ian Henery and Tom Kyte from Goodman Nash will don the Lycra and cycle the 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’ Groats in only ten days!
Cycling for charities which are close to our hearts, the aim is to raise £10,000 which will be pooled (after reasonable expenses) and then split equally amongst them. These include:
The Multiple Sclerosis Society Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland
CALM - Childrens Cancer and Leukaemia Movement
Leukaemia Research
Kidney Research UK
After leaving Land’s End the schedule takes us:
Launceston – Thursday 26th August
Weston-Super-Mare – Friday 27th August
Bridgnorth – Saturday 28th August
Preston – Sunday 29th August
Carlisle – Monday 30th August
Glasgow – Tuesday 31st August
Fort William – Wednesday 1st September
Bonar Bridge – Thursday 2nd September
John O’ Groats – Friday 3rd September
For more information e-mail us at gn-lejog@hotmail.com or contact us on 01380 739 112
Please sponsor/donate at http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/gn-lejog
Tom will be keeping a daily blog with updates of photos, maps and comments of anguish along the route. Please subscribe and donate to keep us going......
Cycling for charities which are close to our hearts, the aim is to raise £10,000 which will be pooled (after reasonable expenses) and then split equally amongst them. These include:
The Multiple Sclerosis Society Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland
CALM - Childrens Cancer and Leukaemia Movement
Leukaemia Research
Kidney Research UK
After leaving Land’s End the schedule takes us:
Launceston – Thursday 26th August
Weston-Super-Mare – Friday 27th August
Bridgnorth – Saturday 28th August
Preston – Sunday 29th August
Carlisle – Monday 30th August
Glasgow – Tuesday 31st August
Fort William – Wednesday 1st September
Bonar Bridge – Thursday 2nd September
John O’ Groats – Friday 3rd September
For more information e-mail us at gn-lejog@hotmail.com or contact us on 01380 739 112
Please sponsor/donate at http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/gn-lejog
Tom will be keeping a daily blog with updates of photos, maps and comments of anguish along the route. Please subscribe and donate to keep us going......
Ian, Andy and Tom
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