WE DID IT

DAY 13



Distance
30.4 miles
Cycling Time
2 hours 26 minutes
Average speed
12.6 miles
Distance
968 miles

A short run to finish off! The wind had changed direction over night and finished as it had started 13 days ago – straight at us! But with only 30 miles to go - who cares!

Jan and Linda passed us with 2 miles to go and were in John O’Groats in time to cheer us over the finish line.

What a great trip! Thoroughly enjoyable - we’d recommend it to everyone.

We will be in the Squash Club bar from 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday. Everyone’s welcome to join us for a pint – we would love to see you there.

Many, many, many thanks to everyone who has sponsored and supported us.

If you would like to sponsor us and have not done so yet, please visit www.justgiving.com/philgeoffsbigadventure or see us on Wednesday in the bar.

FIDO AND BONZO

DAY 12

Distance
67.9 miles
Cycling Time
5 hours 19 minutes
Average Speed
12.6 miles
Total miles
938


Our landlady said that Cromarty Firth is the deepest natural harbour in Europe. As we sat outside the pub at 11.00 p.m. last night, having our last pint in broad daylight, we studied the oil rigs parked there waiting to be towed away but when we woke up in the morning a ruddy cruise ship also arrived. Our landlady said they are frequent visitors so that the passengers can head off for a day trip to Loch Ness. We woke to another glorious sunny morning and miles after miles of stunning scenery. Thankfully the A9 was quiet on the Sunday morning and we made rapid progress. So much so that we reached our target destination, Helmsdale, just after midday with only 50 miles left that we decided to push on and take on the much written about and daunting “Berriedale Braes” that day. This is the last really testing stretch of the ride, allegedly.

We were told before we left that we would be as fit as butchers dogs by this stage of the ride well, we don’t know if butchers dogs have beer bellies and man boobs, but we gave ourselves the names ‘Fido’ and ‘Bonzo’ and kicked on. The last challenge turned out to be two very long and very steep climbs coming down to Helmsdale. (Today’s picture is the harbour there and Berriedale itself). Tough but not a match for Fido and Bonzo so we decided to stop at the Porland Arms at Lybster – only 30 miles to go.

Jan and Linda are on their way to see us finish and they will get to John of Groates around lunchtime. Until then we will hang back like a couple of coiled springs or crouching butchers dogs ready to leap forward for the finish line as soon as the girls give the instruction to go.

A PORTION OF GRUEL

DAY 11

Distance 90.8 miles
Cycling time
6 hours 41 minutes
Average speed
13.4 miles
Total miles
870



Woke up and read Don’s description of the coming day and a word leapt out “gruelling” -nearly went back to bed.

First stop we visited Brunel’s Neptune’s Staircase – a series of locks linking the Caledonian Canal with Loch Linnhe. We enjoyed the pleasant cycling of the first part of the Great Glen Way along the Canal.

We visited the statue for the Commandos Regiment at Gairlochy. It coincided with a visit from a bus load of German tourist but we managed not to mention the war.

From there we had a comfortable ride to Fort Augustus, a very attractive place. Then on to a long ride alongside Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit. At this point the gruelling word kicked in and we turned straight uphill. A very difficult climb but after this the day took an easier turn and we raced to our intended destination Dingwall with a following breeze and warm temperature.

We decided to carry on for a further 15 miles to Invergordon. We passed our first signpost for John of Groats – only 104 miles to go. Hopefully an easier day tomorrow.

Dizzy heights

DAY 10

Distance 61 miles
Cycling time 4 hours 47 minutes
Average Speed 12.8 miles
Total Miles 779

A funny day lined up today, we were on the one road only – the A82 for as long as we could keep gong. It turned out to be a day of two halves.

The first half was hard. For 30 miles we climbed and climbed, at last we reached the sign proclaiming ‘Welcome to the Highlands’, another sign read Rannoch Moor Summit 1042ft - gradually the road began to level out.

The countryside was stunning and only slightly spoiled by a steady flow of cars going past.

After 35 miles we started to descend and what a descent!!!!! Ten miles all downhill at speeds of up to 40 mph, right down to Glencoe where we had a quick lunch and back on the road.

From Glencoe to Fort William the road was really flat running for 15 miles alongside Lock Linnhe. We raced the passenger ferry along the Loch and won with ease!!

We arrived in Fort William at 3.30 pm with storm clouds building up around us. As thunder storms where forecast we decided not to push our luck and call it a day there – one of the shortest days yet, but we deserve a treat.

Next update Monday

ON THE BONNY BANKS

DAY 9

Distance
83.8 miles
Cycling time
6 hours 47 minutes
Average Speed
12.4 miles
Total Miles
718

We started the day with a 15 mile slog through the rush hour traffic on the A76 to Kilmarnock. We felt quite heavy legged after yesterday’s harder day.

We worked our way through minor roads to Glasgow and were rewarded with a great panoramic view of the city before we plunged downhill to Paisley.

We skirted around Glasgow and crossed the Clyde on the Erskine Bridge. Once over the river we took up the Lochs and Glens cycling route. We followed this for 11 miles along a disused railway line through Dunbarton and up to the south shore of Loch Lomond at Balloch.

The one discipline we have stuck to over our journey is not to drink alcohol during the day. We have, therefore, drank a lot of pints of lime and soda and we have kept a league table of prices – Loch Lomond has just shot into the lead at an eye watering £2.38 a pint (the best was only 30p at a Wetherspoons pub).

We then had 25 miles left to cycle along the A82 on the west side of Loch Lomond. The sky got darker and darker as we went with thunder and lightning all around. Unfortunately with 2 miles to go the sky opened.

We arrived looking like drowned rats but fortunately we were allowed into the hotel. We were feeling weary but only 4 days left to go.

DAWDLE AND THEN DASH

DAY 8

Distance 75.6 miles
Cycling time 6 hours 5 minutes
Average Speed 12.5 miles
Total Miles 634

Another hot almost windless day. Alan and Sue joined us again on their tandem for the first 25 miles to Dumfries.

This part of the journey was great – very flat and through some of the best countryside we have seen so far.

In Dumfries we said goodbye to Alan and Sue, after a cup of tea and a cake of course. We then picked up the KM Trail (named after Kirkpatrick Macmillian the inventor of the bicycle who is buried nearby). We followed the trail for 30 miles and it was stunning. We hardly saw a sole for 3 hours. It was quite hilly and hard work in the high temperature but we took our time and really appreciated our views.

After 30 miles we rejoined the A76. Back to loads of cars whizzing past at great speed for the next 20 miles. We stopped dawdling and got our heads down.

We arrived in Cumnock just before 5.00 p.m. Not a lot of accommodation around but Phil managed to negotiate a good deal at the Royal Hotel.

This is the best hotel by far we have stayed in and for the first time on the trip we had a bath! (Independently that is not together). It was great to soak our aching legs. We will be raring to go tomorrow as we cycle around Glasgow and head up to Loch Lomond

WHO ATE ALL THE PIES?

Day 7



Distance

74.9 miles
Cycling time

5 hours 31 minutes
Average Speed

13.5 miles
Total Miles 560


The hotel did not do breakfast so we left at 7.00 a.m. and walked to the local café. One bacon and egg sandwich later at 7.30 a.m. we were on the road to Kendal.

A lovely warm morning and a slight following breeze hurried us along and we were in Kendal by 9.00 a.m.

At Kendal we had a nice cup of coffee and a Kitkat while we contemplated the long drag to the top of Shap Fell. Some trepidation we set off on the 10 mile uphill crawl.

It turned out, however, not to be as bad as we thought and we sailed into Shap by 11.00 a.m. Windemere is the official half way point of the ride but we had decided to pick a different route and we therefore declared Shap our unofficial half way point and had a flapjack to celebrate.

We continued up the A6 marvelling at the great views and how quiet the road was. We flew through Penrith and reached Carlisle for lunch by 1.00 p.m. While munching our sandwiches Alan Harper rang to say he, Sue and their motorhome had arrived in Gretna. We arranged to meet them, on their tandem, in Longtown for a cake and a cup of tea. We were in Gretna comfortably by 4.00 p.m. – a very satisfying day. We found a hotel next to Alan and Sue’s motorhome park and joined them for a few pints.

In the evening John and Frances Harwood came down from Moffat and joined us all for dinner. A great evening and a big meal later we retired to bed. As we lay in bed sipping our coffee and eating our shortbread we observed that despite our exertions we appear to be putting on weight and we can’t think why.

MIXED EMOTIONS

Day 6

Distance 86.3 miles
Cycling time 6 hours 42 minutes
Average Speed 12.8 miles
Total Miles 485ish


Personal blog from Geoff:

I woke this morning to a phone call telling me that my grandmother had died during the night. She was 97 years old but had been in failing health for a while, physically deteriorated but mentally sharp. It was sad rather than bad news as I knew she wanted to go. She said to my mother the previous evening “How come Michael Jackson gets to go and I am still here?” on the ball to the last.

It was a strange day on the ride today as well. We travelled along main roads between a series of Lancashire towns from Warrington to Wigan to Chorley to Preston and beyond. Along stretches of carriageway followed by the chaos of built up suburbia.

We had an advantage of no luggage to carry in the morning as the girls had arranged to meet us at Jane and Eric Thompson’s house outside Wiggin for lunch. What a difference it makes especially going up hill.

We had a lovely lunch (thanks to Jane) before heading north again. We travelled on main roads before we got to Bambrugh Bridge where we found a cycle track along a disused railway line leading to a big park in the centre of Preston. We enjoyed an ice-cream while we watched the police chasing a hoody on a moped around the park.

In Lancaster we happened across a cycle path along the river. We asked another cyclist which way to go to Carnforth which was our stop for the day. He took us with him along the track to Morecombe sea front and then along the promenade for a few miles until we joined the Lancaster Canal for the last 4 miles to Carnforth. What a great end to this ride.

Off to see the girls!

Day 5

Distance 81.9 miles cycling time 6hrs 17 mins average 13.0 miles

Total so far 400 miles!

We had a big day today - off to Chester to meet up with Jan and Linda at Jenny's house in Chester. We got up early and were on the road by 8am. We decided to try and get as many miles as we could under our belts as early as possible before the roads got busy. We followed the A49 to Shrewsbury alongwith loads of bikers travelling at obscene speeds. We covered the 35 miles in good time and were in Shrewsbury by 10.30am. Shrewsbury is a pretty town and we took time out to cycle along the river and take in some of the town.

We then moved on a quieter road for the 20 miles to Whitchurch. The road was flat, no wind and very hot but pleasant as we continued to make good progress. We had lunch at Whitchurch and were pleasantly surprised to find it was only 20 miles from Chester. We set off at 2pm on minor roads through some stunning Cheshire villages and arrived at Jenny's by 3.30pm. So much easier when the land is flat and the wind is with you!

We then had a great BBQ at Jenny's with the girls and Geoff's brother over from Wales. Plenty of booze but some restraint, we think the hills will be back tomorrow.

The night ended on a happy note when Nurse Jan declared that Geoff's backside was healing nicely and that the suspected bruising was in fact dye from his new shorts. If only Phil had made a closer inspection earlier!

WD40 works wonders!

Day 4

Distance: 93.6miles Cycling time: 7hrs 40 mins Average 12.1 mph

320 miles so far

The Stoke Inn at Chew Stoke was very basic with nowhere inside to leave the bikes. In the morning we discovered that someone had nicked Geoff's water bottle. The landlord washed out an empty cider bottle to replace it. A touch of class attached to the bike !

We followed the Avon Cycleway to Nailsea, Clevedon and Avonmouth all the way to the Old Severn Bridge. Some great scenery topped by crossing the bridge - stunning view and a bracing breeze.

The only problem was that, after getting soaked yesterday, the bikes were creaking and groaning even more than we were. We stopped at a garage in Chepstow for a liberal application of WD40. The transfomation was amazing - the bikes were back to their best!

The road from Chepstow to Monmouth was easily the most ejoyable stretch of road so far. The temperature soared to over 30c. But the road was flat, shaded and we had a following wind. We flew along through stunning countryside.

At Monmouth we mistakingly turned onto the A40. It was flat and fast but cars constantly whizzed passed us at 100 mph. Fortunately we got off after 6 miles and turned towards Hereford.

We reached Hereford in time to see the end of the 2nd Lions Test but couldn't find a pub with Sky. Phil took it well as Dennis talked him through the vital last few minutes on the mobile.

We then moved on to Leominster and our next B&B, The Roebuck Inn, at Brinfield. We arrived at 6pm - a great day's cycling. The WD40 worked magic, long may it continue.

An easier day!

Day 3

Distance: 71.4 miles cycling time 6hr 33 min. Average speed 10.8 mph.

We woke early at 5am, to the sound of torrential rain outside. But, at least, no wind.

We switched on the news. By 7am we were both experts on the life and times of Michael Jackson. The good news from the weather forecast was that the rain was moving north and had stopped by the time we went to breakfast.

Our original intention was to follow the 'West Country Way' all day from Tiverton to Bristol. This is a national cycle route. Very pretty and quiet but very winding and circuitous.

After yesterday's struggle, we decided to modify our route to make it shorter. We decided to stop 10 miles south of Bristol at Chew Stoke and followed some main roads along the way.

The first part of the day was from Tiverton to Taunton. Initially along canal tow paths then country lanes. Very pretty.

At Taunton we came off the NCR3 onto A361 all the way to Glastonbury along the Somerset levels. No sign of the festival!

We then rejoined NCR3 to Wells and passed Wookey Hole then up an enormous climb onto the Mendips. We stopped at the viewing point and watched two Red Kites soaring majestically above us.

Then a very easy 10 miles cycle down hill to Chewstoke. A nice easier day - we took our time and really enjoyed it.

Raw Hide!

DAY 2 - 25/06/09

Distance: 83.2 miles
Cycling Time: 7hrs 52min
Average Speed: 10.5 mph


We spent our first night at Restormel Farm near Lostwithiel, it’s part of the Duchy of Cornwall’s Estate. The building next door is Restormal Manor it’s just been restored by the Duchy as luxury holiday accommodation. Princes William and Harry where the first guests last weekend and Charles and Camilla are coming next week – we felt very much at home!!!

Meanwhile back on the road the easterly wind was still howling straight at us, the hills where also steeper and longer than the day before. Again up, down, up, down…… no flat bits.

Outside Liskeard we asked for directions from a postman, he appeared to greet us with a ‘Heil Hitler salute’. It turned out however, that he was just describing the gradient of the next hill we had to climb.

We moved on from Liskeard to Tavistock and then we turned north to Okehampton. We picked up the Granite Way, Sustrans route, this was very pleasant and relatively flat and quite sheltered. At Okehampton one of Geoff’s spokes broke, luckily we found a bike shop in Crediton where they were very helpful and fixed it, plus sold Geoff some luxury biking shorts (Geoff was in some discomfort having become an early run-away leader in the sorest backside competition).


Calorie Burner Counter – Day 2 (to date)

Phil says that we shouldn’t count the calories consumed on the way down to Lands End, so 7 pints of beer, 2 bottles of wine and 2 pork pies have been deducted from the running total.

Pints of Beer = 14
Bottles of Wine = 2
Pies = 3

And we're off.....

DAY 1 - 24/06/09

Distance: 70.1 miles
Cycling Time: 6hrs 33min
Average Speed: 10.6 mph


Woke up this morning to glorious sunshine and a howling Easterly wind! And we’re heading east!!

We left Lands End at 8:30am and arrived at Lostwithiel at 5pm, in between the wind battered us all the way.

We took a mixture of major and minor roads today. The major roads were very open, windy and busy with cars whizzing past every second, but they were much more direct. The minor roads were more scenic, lovely hedgerows, quiet but very circuitous and hilly.

We did a bit of the Cornish Way from Lands End to Penzance (great views of St. Michael’s Mount), some main roads around St. Truro and St. Austell and bits of other minor roads elsewhere.

Everyone says Cornwall is hilly, and it is! We don’t think there are any flat bits - you are constantly going up and down, up and down! The hills are not particularly steep, they just keep coming….

Overall, a very pleasant day made hard by the wind. Tomorrow we have to get over Dartmoor, which should be a challenge, all be it a scenic one!


Calorie Burner Counter – Day 1 (to date)

Pints of Beer = 13
Bottles of Wine = 3
Pies = 3

Well and truly battered!!!

We finished our training on Thursday with a 90 mile round trip to Whitby and back. We think this will be a tougher day, in terms of miles and climbs combined, than any day we will have on the big trip. It passed off ok, although we did get lost at one stage and Phil fell off his bike when he failed to anticipate me stopping somewhat abruptly. And as he couldn’t get his feet out of his pedal straps in time it was a bit painful. Still, ever the trooper, he completed the ride undaunted but slightly bloodied.

The biggest problem was the wind. Very strong and behind us all the way there (3hrs 40 mins) and even stronger into our faces coming back (5 hours). What a nightmare! Still at least we got back just before the heavens opened.

We can recommend the cakes at Danby Tearooms and great fish and chips at Silver Street Fisheries in Whitby. We have been told that we will need to increase our calorie intake by at least 2000 per day to cover what we will be burn off. We think this is great news and have decided, therefore, to increase our alcohol consumption by 10 pints of beer each per day. We’re sure Chris Hoy would approve.

Next stop Land’s End!

THE CUNNING PLAN!


We have finally agreed a route from Lands End to John O’Groats as indicated below. We want to keep it fluid though so we have decided not to book accommodation in advance. If we’re having a good day we might crack on further and if we’re having a bad day (surely not!) we might want to stop a bit earlier.

We have acquired a good book called Beer, Bed & Breakfast (apparently there isn’t a book called Beer, Pies, Bed & Breakfast unfortunately) which appears to fit the bill, and we aim to stay in as many pubs as possible.

Our first day’s cycling is 24th June and we hope to start blogging the next day!


Start point Land’s End

Day Date Target Finish Point Estimated Mileage
1 24th June Lostwithiel 70 miles
2 25th June Tiverton 70 miles
3 26th June Bristol 100 miles
4 27th June Ludlow 80 miles
5 28th June Chester 90 miles
6 29th June Carnforth 80 miles
7 30th June Gretna 80 miles
8 1st July Cumnock 75 miles
9 2nd July Ardlui 85 miles
10 3rd July Spean Bridge 70 miles
11 4th July Dingwall 65 miles
12 5th July Helmsdale 65 miles
13 6th July John O’Groats 50 miles
___

980 miles
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