Wednesday, 28 September 2011
26/09/11 - Day 13(12th riding day) No "Good Morning Shithead" no tea, no sandwiches no Paul! Today we leave the comfort of our motor home at Hebden Bridge and ride out unsupported until Thursday when Mike joins us well actually late on Wednesday evening. Got our own breakfast, washed up, tidied up, locked up and set off at what seems our normal time, despite getting up at sparrows fart, 8:30. No rain as we ride up a never ending hill out of HB then along another reservoir, there's a lot of water up here it must be all that rain, but not today so we keep climbing and shed some of our winter woolies. Keep going up over Widdup moor then it was on our way down off the Moor that Joh realised he had no front brake, not a good time to find this out. We safely arrived in Colne googled bike shop and lo and behold the only Ghost Dealer (make of John's bike not a purveyor of the supernatural) in the north, how cool was that! Wicked bikes did a wicked job, thanks guys and off we went. Stopped in a park for lunch in the sunshine. Set off again and trying to avoid a puppy fell off bike! Picked myself up and went on to Barndleswick making for the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Great ride lovely scenery. Left the canal and found more hills. Then outside Malham chain came off, while fixing a couple taking a tandem bike for a test ride stopped to ask if they could help. We then met up with them in tea shop in Malham, lovely couple from Blackpool, Haley & Simon who again gave us a donation for the Hospice. It's surprising how generous people are, handing over money to two random strangers - seems to happen more t'up north. Thank you Haley & Simon. Left M struck out up yet another long steep hill to Langscliffe Scar across more beautiful scenery and a great off road ride down in to Settle. Booked in at the Harts Head Inn at Giggleswick great choice, great food, beer and a real bed, first one since leaving Sussex!! 45.11 miles (644)
The Journey Continues..............
22/09/11 - Day 9(8th riding day) - After much discussion about rest days, two half days decided to clean bikes up so at 7am washed down steads oiled chains and set off to Telford in the hope the bike would be OK if not there was a bike shop at Telford. Set off gears better but not right. Stopped at a bike shop in Ironbridge who suggested a service but couldn't do it for us - thank you. Carried on to Telford and Buzz Cycles, v helpful and diagnosed a new cassette (that's the cog things) and the rear pads looked low so replaced them at same time, took some 3 hours to fix in the meantime Paul arrived with the motor home and prepared lunch then blagged a free motor home wash courtesy of Telford Council as their bus yard was next door and had a jet was for the buses - thank you Phil Bennett. 3pm set off clean home and serviced bike to revised destination of Upper Teen (near Uttoxeter). Got as far as Lillyshall and rear brake seized new pads causing the problem. Tried to sort out, failed so took out pads and ran on for c30 miles no rear brake - arrived in Upper Teen in the dark, knackered (sorry Mum if you're reading this) and pissed off (sorry again Mummy) and no showers! But the motor home shower came to the rescue and was brilliant as was Paula's evening meal. 52.98 miles (488) SPURS 4 - liverpool 0 - just thought I'd remind Dan and of course any other Liverpool fan out there!!
23/09/11 - Day 10 (9th day riding) - 6:15 got up had a go at sorting the brakes still no good so set off towards Aldingbourne to another bike shop. Passed JCB World HQ on route v impressive especially the statue of a transformer made from JCB buckets and fings. Met Paul at Aldingbourne and had a piece of Marion's fruit cake and a cuppa while the guy at Peak Bikes checked over the problem. After some adjustments which improved me lot we cycled the Tissington Trail in fantastic weather with glorious views. Then guess what the bike started playing up again and had to stop in Tideswell, the Cathedral of the Peaks. Bought Paul a special prezzie; a fidgety pie. Adjustments helped and carried on but had to take footpath which offered a lovely ride great views but v steep out had to walk it! Called yet another bike shop called 18 at Hope which was our destination. Got there at 5:20 they had a look and sorted it yehaa!!!! Then went to campsite and met Paula who now wears a lovely frock and just a bit too much make up for me but John seems to like it......Paul is definitely doing a great job supporting us. Met up with Dave Broddle, the guy who planned the route, we only hit him once each then bought him a beer, met Helen, Dave's wife and Ian who has also done the ride. Had a Chinese meal then on way back thru campsite stopped off with the neighbours for a night cap and some renditions of Doris Day classics. 53.43 miles (542)
24/09/11 - Day 11 (10th riding day) - 6:30 up after night before surprisingly chirpy. Rode out to Bamford found the trail to the reservoirs at Upper Derwent Valley. Lovely ride by water though woods then up and over Cut Gate on Midhope Moors. Before big climb sat and had a cuppa a guy rode up and sat chatting for a while. He was checking trail out for a ride tomorrow, Rowan Barrow gave us a donation - thanks Rowan Barrow. Really nice guy - hope you had a good day on Sunday.Onwards and upwards across Mickleson Edge to Thurlston Moor then across the Pennine Way fabulous ride and really lovely people. Started to rain on final run in to Marsden and Paul got us in to a camp site 2 miles out of town and uphill in a pub car park. Thanks Dad!! Now wearing pinny and skirt less make up - But not well.....John and I went to the pub and met really nice people again but did not have a go at the karaoke, one chap Gary gave a donation really kind thanks mate. 35.48 miles (577)
25/09/11 - day 12 (11the day riding) 6:20 up, Paul a lot better but leaving us today, boo, we have so enjoyed your help Paul v much appreciated and we will miss our early morning wake up calls (shithead). It was a dark rainy, windy morning but Paul thought nothing of chucking us out the door by 7:30 so he could rush off to Hebden Bridge, a train south and civilisation. We in the meantime found the Pennine Way again but then promptly lost it once more and had to work our way across the moor to catch up with it again then had an up and down ride in wind rain and cold to the M62, which we went under not on and carried on to Littleborough and the start of the Rochdale Canal which we rode all the way in to Hebden Bridge. Where thanks to Karen at Bronte Boats we found our motor home parked in their car park, where Paul had left it when he left us this morning to catch his train outta here. Don't you just love it when a plan comes together. Thank you Karen you really helped us. We then loaded up the bikes and drove out 2 miles to our campsite and a well earned afternoon off - cleaning our bikes and ourselves then sleep. 21.93 miles (599)
23/09/11 - Day 10 (9th day riding) - 6:15 got up had a go at sorting the brakes still no good so set off towards Aldingbourne to another bike shop. Passed JCB World HQ on route v impressive especially the statue of a transformer made from JCB buckets and fings. Met Paul at Aldingbourne and had a piece of Marion's fruit cake and a cuppa while the guy at Peak Bikes checked over the problem. After some adjustments which improved me lot we cycled the Tissington Trail in fantastic weather with glorious views. Then guess what the bike started playing up again and had to stop in Tideswell, the Cathedral of the Peaks. Bought Paul a special prezzie; a fidgety pie. Adjustments helped and carried on but had to take footpath which offered a lovely ride great views but v steep out had to walk it! Called yet another bike shop called 18 at Hope which was our destination. Got there at 5:20 they had a look and sorted it yehaa!!!! Then went to campsite and met Paula who now wears a lovely frock and just a bit too much make up for me but John seems to like it......Paul is definitely doing a great job supporting us. Met up with Dave Broddle, the guy who planned the route, we only hit him once each then bought him a beer, met Helen, Dave's wife and Ian who has also done the ride. Had a Chinese meal then on way back thru campsite stopped off with the neighbours for a night cap and some renditions of Doris Day classics. 53.43 miles (542)
24/09/11 - Day 11 (10th riding day) - 6:30 up after night before surprisingly chirpy. Rode out to Bamford found the trail to the reservoirs at Upper Derwent Valley. Lovely ride by water though woods then up and over Cut Gate on Midhope Moors. Before big climb sat and had a cuppa a guy rode up and sat chatting for a while. He was checking trail out for a ride tomorrow, Rowan Barrow gave us a donation - thanks Rowan Barrow. Really nice guy - hope you had a good day on Sunday.Onwards and upwards across Mickleson Edge to Thurlston Moor then across the Pennine Way fabulous ride and really lovely people. Started to rain on final run in to Marsden and Paul got us in to a camp site 2 miles out of town and uphill in a pub car park. Thanks Dad!! Now wearing pinny and skirt less make up - But not well.....John and I went to the pub and met really nice people again but did not have a go at the karaoke, one chap Gary gave a donation really kind thanks mate. 35.48 miles (577)
25/09/11 - day 12 (11the day riding) 6:20 up, Paul a lot better but leaving us today, boo, we have so enjoyed your help Paul v much appreciated and we will miss our early morning wake up calls (shithead). It was a dark rainy, windy morning but Paul thought nothing of chucking us out the door by 7:30 so he could rush off to Hebden Bridge, a train south and civilisation. We in the meantime found the Pennine Way again but then promptly lost it once more and had to work our way across the moor to catch up with it again then had an up and down ride in wind rain and cold to the M62, which we went under not on and carried on to Littleborough and the start of the Rochdale Canal which we rode all the way in to Hebden Bridge. Where thanks to Karen at Bronte Boats we found our motor home parked in their car park, where Paul had left it when he left us this morning to catch his train outta here. Don't you just love it when a plan comes together. Thank you Karen you really helped us. We then loaded up the bikes and drove out 2 miles to our campsite and a well earned afternoon off - cleaning our bikes and ourselves then sleep. 21.93 miles (599)
Thursday, 22 September 2011
another day in the office (saddle)
18/09/11 - Day 6(5th riding day) We watched the rugby, well done England at least the last 20 minutes! Then having set off and got to the top of the biggest hill in North Zummerzet or wherever we are I realised I had forgotten the cycle compooter so had to ride 5 miles back to get it in the pouring rain! We should have known then and decided to call it a day but no we went on and eventually got to the summit of the Quantocks still persistently raining and blowing a gale and in cloud, we met several other idiots up there all wondering why they were there, but when we came down a little the views were fantastic nearly making the effort worthwhile. Out of the Quontacks and the terrain flattened out to Cheddar a quick cuppa then tackle the Gorge not up the road but up the side of course! Another mistake had to walk trails washed out took hours then we had to get over the Mendips which by comparison a doddle but by now it was getting dark and we struggled to find our way in to Bristol and at 25 miles an hour in the dark and rain is not the time to come off. but I did hurting the same leg again but added my hands to the growing list of injuries! We eventually found the campsite at 9pm. So far the worst day. 67.97 miles (283) SPURS 4 - liverpool 0!!
19/09/11 - Day 7(6th riding day) Had a lie in after yesterday started at 08:30 and guess what no rain! Plus lovely breakfast as we enjoy the delights of our new supporter Mr Gwaham. Great job Paul. Ride of of Bristol fantastic along estuary to Avonmouth (not fantastic) then over the old Seven Bridge into Sheepland. We rode up and down the valleys then had lunch in Usk, bought some chips and they kindly sponsored us on our trip. Then on to the Goetye canal and on in to Abergavenny by 4ish. So decided to carry on a little longer, wrong we should really learn. More unrideable stuff over Sugar Loaf, Black Mountains in the Brecon Park so steep and steeper and we would have fallen off backwards! 3 hours later arrived in Pandy and a lovely site with a lovely meal, popped out for a nightcap at the Pandy Inn to buy the chef a well earned glass of ale. 67.89 miles ( 349)
20/09/11 - Day 8 (7) Paul drove us back to where we left off last night in the Black Mountains - bit of a wake up call with a long climb up to a reservoir - beautiful country side but guess what - still raining! Got to dam at reservoir took the wrong track realised when we ran in to the water! Hiked up and out dragging bikes over barbed wire fence on to correct track only to find this was unrideable as well due to rain and erosion. Now in cloud and rain and wind again (there's a theme here me thinks) In the end we found a trail to Painscastle and arrived at about 3pm instead of noon. So carried on to meet Paul at Walton Court campsite. Arrived about 6 still raining cold wet and miserable but then met Glyn the farmer who owns the site who let us stay for free and gave us £20, suddenly felt better about things, thanks Glynn. Bike compooter had given up today but fixed it. 35 miles (384)
21/09/11 - Day 9 (8) 7:30 lovely clear skies start from Forest Inn climbed up and up to summit unbelievable views and the tracks all rideable, stunning countryside, no rain and we found our way, funny what you can do when you can see! However gears started playing up. Got to Craven Arms for lunch strange town but we found a bowls club and had lunch with the green keeper who was great and met a bloke from Croydon who wanted to talk about cycling! Left Craven Arms good climb out for long runs through woods then up to a ridge for a long ride again through trees to Wenlock Edge. Then after repairing a puncture made our way in to Much Wenlock found the campsite the motor home and Paul, now wearing a pinny and light make up. We think he's taking this home making a bit to seriously. John needs to have a word. 55.4 miles (440)
19/09/11 - Day 7(6th riding day) Had a lie in after yesterday started at 08:30 and guess what no rain! Plus lovely breakfast as we enjoy the delights of our new supporter Mr Gwaham. Great job Paul. Ride of of Bristol fantastic along estuary to Avonmouth (not fantastic) then over the old Seven Bridge into Sheepland. We rode up and down the valleys then had lunch in Usk, bought some chips and they kindly sponsored us on our trip. Then on to the Goetye canal and on in to Abergavenny by 4ish. So decided to carry on a little longer, wrong we should really learn. More unrideable stuff over Sugar Loaf, Black Mountains in the Brecon Park so steep and steeper and we would have fallen off backwards! 3 hours later arrived in Pandy and a lovely site with a lovely meal, popped out for a nightcap at the Pandy Inn to buy the chef a well earned glass of ale. 67.89 miles ( 349)
20/09/11 - Day 8 (7) Paul drove us back to where we left off last night in the Black Mountains - bit of a wake up call with a long climb up to a reservoir - beautiful country side but guess what - still raining! Got to dam at reservoir took the wrong track realised when we ran in to the water! Hiked up and out dragging bikes over barbed wire fence on to correct track only to find this was unrideable as well due to rain and erosion. Now in cloud and rain and wind again (there's a theme here me thinks) In the end we found a trail to Painscastle and arrived at about 3pm instead of noon. So carried on to meet Paul at Walton Court campsite. Arrived about 6 still raining cold wet and miserable but then met Glyn the farmer who owns the site who let us stay for free and gave us £20, suddenly felt better about things, thanks Glynn. Bike compooter had given up today but fixed it. 35 miles (384)
21/09/11 - Day 9 (8) 7:30 lovely clear skies start from Forest Inn climbed up and up to summit unbelievable views and the tracks all rideable, stunning countryside, no rain and we found our way, funny what you can do when you can see! However gears started playing up. Got to Craven Arms for lunch strange town but we found a bowls club and had lunch with the green keeper who was great and met a bloke from Croydon who wanted to talk about cycling! Left Craven Arms good climb out for long runs through woods then up to a ridge for a long ride again through trees to Wenlock Edge. Then after repairing a puncture made our way in to Much Wenlock found the campsite the motor home and Paul, now wearing a pinny and light make up. We think he's taking this home making a bit to seriously. John needs to have a word. 55.4 miles (440)
We're off
13/09/11 - 0800 - Day 1 - Arrived Lands End in anticipation and frustration thanks to a car park attendant!! joined the End to End club, took some pictures in bright sunshine then set off at 08:30. 08:32 stopped to put on wet weather gear as the heavens opened and we got soaked - is this the sign of things to come? Weather cleared during the morning the maps worked quite well only took a couple of wrong turns! Went over Seven Maidens just outside LE and fell off on heather - she was a bit prickly! Some very difficult sections quite boggy in places but easy into Truro along on mine trail - had puncture. Finished Sainsbury's car park. 49.5 miles.
14/09/11 - 0800 - Day 2 - back in Sainsbury's car park. 08:30 set off 08:31 stopped in trolly park under cover as heaven opened up again - hope this isn't gonna happen every day! 08:50 riding thru Truro, fell off bike embarrassing but no injuries. Followed National Cycle Route 3 (NCR 3) there are no flat roads in Cornwall it's either up or down. Lovely ride over Bodmin Moor no real tracks so easy to get lost & v boggy. Great ride in to Launceston then on to Lifton for the night. 64.42 miles (113 miles)
15/09/11 - 0800 - Day 3 - No rain blustery but sunny. Rode out thru soggy field with a guillotine at a bend in the river - not sure why it was there no Frenchmen around. Lovely off road start on Two Castles Trail to Oakhampton. John's brakes failed so replaced disc pads. Then out of O on Tarka Trail a disused railway line for c30 miles into Barnstable arriving 4pmish so decided to carry on. Mistake! Next 6 miles took 3 hours and was very tough with impossible climbs and navigation. Fell off again this time over handle bars and this time gashed leg - oops! Following a puncture to John's front tyre we eventually got to sanctuary of the motor home, Jane and Marion. waiting patiently in Bratton Flemming. Ran over spare wheel at campsite - lost water filler cap - good day! 67.9 miles (181)
16/09/11 - 0900 - Day 4 - later start as campsite at Coombe Martin and had to get back to BF. Started ride as day 3 ended tough unrideable climbs out of deep almost ravines. Got up on to Exmoor only to find peat bogs again virtually unrideable, arrived Simonsbath @ 1300 v tired having travelled only 10 miles. Caught up a bit on next section, John had another puncture, then up on to ridge running thru forest above Minehead. Took trail thru deer park at Dunster then on to Blue Anchor for the night and a well earned rest day. 34.31 miles (215)
17/09/11 - Day 5 - rest day and change over day. Marion & Jane off home today and Paul arrived with new water filler cap - all went in to Minehead for lunch then girls left taking back the second spare bike with bent wheel!
18/09/11 - Day 6(5th riding day) - Gales, rain cold oh well England are playing Georgia so good excuse to delay start then off to Bristol.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
WE NEED HELP this time we need another person to drive the support vehicle from Sunday 25/09/11 untill Sunday 02/10/11. This will be from Manchester to Glasgow. Any takers please contact Peter at peter.bowman007@btinternet.com. It will be great fun and be travelling through great countryside...................
Thursday, 1 September 2011
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