Day 16: Brora - John O' Groats (67 miles)

We were very excited as today proved to be our last. I had light panniers and Sicknote had none. We knew that it was going to be a hard day, especially the first 30 miles.

Ever since we embarked on this crazy journey, I have been warning about "Berriedale Braes". "Can't be that bad" "we'll see".

We had a gentle warm-up with the hill at Helmsdale, 10 miles in. Then we met a couple of JOGLErs who had just climbed Berriedale (13% and 1.5 miles long) and warned us about the crazy descent and then worse climb.

We were both delighted to conquer this beast and then the climb at Dunbeath (10%). We sailed into Lybster where Helen suprised us and took us to lunch at the Portland Arms (highly recommended). Who was also there? The two lady fellow end-to-enders and their rather large entourage.

It seemed to be only a few moments later we cycled into Wick and, just when we thought that our record of having had a donation every day would be broken at the last, a mystery lady donated to Sicknote as he waited outside TESCO's in Wick (other supermarkets are not available....not here anyway).

On our cycle in from Wick, Hamish McLean (soon to be father-in-law of mine) was at various points along the road to take action photos of your two intrepid saddle-sore 40-somethings. We were determined to ensure that the supported bikes of the fellow LEJOGers wouldn't pip us to our destination so we put the feet down and sailed along the Caithness coast to.......JOHN O'GROATS!!!!

What a feeling it was to cross the line and to discover that we had just broken the 1000 miles cycled barrier (1002.5 miles in the end). We were met by a reception party, my much-missed son Aiden being guest-of-honour.

We also were delighted to meet Fathead and Pinhead who had just finished before us. There was also a group of 8 others who also just finished...with a pipe band to lead them in! Shortly afterwards, the two ladies arrived to the pipe band also.

A well-earned botle of bubbly was shared with our reception party and Fathead and Pinhead (who, incidently, dubbed us 'Richard and Judy' as they couldn't remember my name!). Those boys still had 16 miles to do to their destination of Castletown, before cycling to Dunnet Head the next day, the true most Northerly part of Scotland.

A lady who was around at the finish also spotted our vests and donated to our cause.

Our bikes were loaded up and we headed back to Reiss where my future parents-in-law treated us to a welcome cup of tea and home comforts prior to a celebratory curry that night!

Day15: Inverness - Brora (62 miles)

We set off in the rain feeling good after a restful sleep and a great brekkie. We cycled over three picturesque bridges (Kessock, Cromarty, Dornoch) and the scenery was fabulous. We stopped off in Evelix for a warming cup of tea and met another 2 end-to-enders who (supported) were cycling for the injured soldiers of Afghanistan. We also met Joyce and Margaret who donated.

We decided to stay off the A9 as much as possible, so we made a detour to Evanton to have a cup of tea. Much to our surprise, we met Fathead and Pinhead. We shared our accommodation in Sennen with them and also started out on the same day. Those guys were cycling for Multiple Sclerosis Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support. They stood out as they both had colourful mohicans in their cycle helmets. They had planned to do the ride in 16 days, one less than us, so were a bit suprised to see them. They were with a bunch of lads doing the ride in 10 days with some VERY expensive looking bikes and a support minibus.......with spare bikes in! We were all a bit soaked and so we invaded one pub where the boys had arranged hot drinks and cakes and kindly invited us to join them.

They came from Inverness and the Central Belt, so were raising money for charities in those areas and had raised over £20000!!!! Well doen them. As they departed, they said: -
"see you at the finish?"
"What time will you be there?"
"About 2 o'clock"
"You'll no' be seeing us at 2, more like 6 for us"

I lifted one of their bikes......weighed about the same as my right shoe.
"It's a bit heavy 'cause it has full water bottles on it" was a remark
"Riiiiiiggghht. I thought it felt a bit wieghty to me"

We left all the boys and lunched across at Invergordon in THE cafe. Not much choice here apart from, eat here or don't eat!

We had a pretty flat day today so it was easier and enjoyable for it. We arrived in Brora and had dinner with Helen (my beautiful fiancee, as I'm instructed to call her)who had come down from her parents house in Reiss, 3 miles north of Wick.

We stayed at the Sutherland Inn at Brora and, as we arrived, we got talking to Lesley, a waitress arriving for work, who donated. Helen then took the majority of our luggage as tomorrow is our last day!

Day 14: Fort William - Inverness (71miles)

We got off to a great start today...downhill. We both then realised that we had worn our brakes down. We popped off to see Ben at Nevis Bikes (honest!!). Radar got his brakes tightened and Sicknote asked for his front brakes to be tightened. After this had happened, his front wheel sligthly caught but he was reassured that it would be alright later. 42 miles later, Sicknote is complaining of tiredness, then checked his brakes and his front brake had increased its grip during the day.

So, he'd been cycling with his front brake on. But he never mentioned it once after that.........EVERY 10 MINUTES!!! We did not have the correct-sized spanner, so we were lucky enough to meet Helen and her colleague in the Loch Ness Youth Hostel who had everything we needed.

Sicknote without front brake on, what difference in his speed? Negligible.

We reach Inverness late on and Radar find it very difficult to find his sister's house. In all fairness, he'd never approached her house from the West before and there was a completely new road layout and complex. Was Sicknote sympathetic? Not really, when I reminded him that she lives up a huge hill in Milton of Leys. That's about right.

We had a welcoming committee awaiting for use, where Catherine Collins (my sis), Lesley and Emma (neighbours) all donated.

Home comforts were gratefully received and we appreciated seperate rooms. Bliss!

Day13:Arrochar - Fort William (72miles)

We had a brilliant stay in Arrochar. Mandy at reception, decided to cancel our booking and give us a 50% discount on our DB&B stay AND a couple of free drinks!!! Very generous and it was an excellent hotel with wonderful views and great grub. Thanks to all concerned.

We set off from Arrochar to Fort William and had a very tough run. High winds (meteorological) made it a slog of a day. We followed the A82 through Glencoe pass and the beautiful, but desolate, Rannoch Moor. Any time we paused from peddaling, we almost came to a complete halt, no free-wheeling.

We stopped for lunch at Crianlarich and we met Sheila Garman from Crianlarich who donated. After a hearty lunch we took deep breaths and set off to Fort William when, oh no!, my phone eventualy collapsed due to frequent soaking. So, nothing from it...zip...nada...no Google Maps/internet/blog posts etc. This proved to be a real pain and I had to recruit my beautiful fiancee(as I'm instructed to call her) to book us our accommodation.

We eventually trawled into the 'Lochview' B&B in Fort William, meeting the lovely Denise who discounted our stay (thanks Denise). We thoroughly appreciated Helen's work, but she managed to find a B&B on the steepest hill in Fort William!!

We popped out to the town (alive with tri-athletes) and caught a taxi back uphill. John, the taxi driver, asked about our trek and doanted the majority of the taxi fare. A TAXI DRIVER......WOW!

Day12: Cambuslang - Arrochar(45miles)

So, after an evening of milking his "bad knee", Richard 'Sicknote' Frost decided to grace us with his not inconsiderable presence and we are heading back to Cambuslang to continue our epic journey. I will continue tonight (if 'Sicknote' can stop his whining for 5 minutes!)

UPDATE....

Sicknote & I embarked upon our re-started journey in Cambuslang and met Stuart who donated after stopping on the Dumbarton rd. Getting through Glasgow was a real pain as I dont know the S.E. at all and my "google maps" went down for the duration. Much scratching of heads and wrong turnings later, Sicknote then dubbed me "Radar" for getting lost. (In my defence, he believes if you are Scottish, you obviously have streetmaps of the entire country lodged in your head!)

On a positive note, after we escaped Glasgow and its smooth roads (check for dislodged fillings later!), we had a smooth run along the West coast of Loch Lomond to Arrochar.

Beautiful scenery (although NOT 6 feet in front of me!) and Sicknotes' knee held up. Long hilly day tomorrow, we hope the team stays together and in good shape. Spirits high after much needed confidence boost.

Day 11:Abington - Cambuslang (36miles)

So, after a sunny start (for the first 30 foot), we turned right at a roundabout and hit the after-effects of Hurricane Igor!!! After peddling for 15 minutes uphill and not moving anywhere, we decided to put some effort in and completed our first mile when it was dark!

We have come to the conclusion that, whilst English rain is very wet, Scottish rain actually hurts! We were cycling at an sideways angle of 30 degrees with our left eyes shut and the left side of our face stuck (worryingly so) in a sort of painful grimace as we braced ourselves against Scotland's finest autumnal weather!

Frosty nearly crashed his bike in amazement as he saw some old boy walking up the high st, in howling gales and rain, with inly a pair of joggers and a t-shirt on!!!

Aye, the breed 'em hardy up herel

Dave's hands now resemble rigid claws and he had to have them prised from his handlebars by a pleasant burberry-sporting local with a crowbar. Frosty, meanwhile, was blessing his decision to take waterproofs. Although he was bemused as to how he could overtake Dave.....downhill.....while braking ("something isn't right here!!").

DISASTER!!!!!

As we started to defrost coming into Cambuslang, Frosty felt his knee ache and then..POW!...he couldn't bend it. Bugger! After some roadside osteopathy, we felt it was better to call it a day and take the train back to Stirling for some home comforts and R&R. All in all, we will see how his knee recovers. We are, effectively, 2 days ahead of schedule, so we may take what we need to let his knee recouperate. Watch this space.....

Day10: Carlisle-Abington(62miles)

After a good night in the hotel (makes SUCH a difference to get good service-thanks Rachel) today started wet......got more damp and THEN the heavens opened!

We gratefully crossed the border, leaving the Southern colonies. We stopped at Gretna Costa (other coffee shops are available). Frosty remarked how much he loved Scotland when he was "bloody soaking and I haven't even left the car park!".

Frosty's hitherto undiscovered passion for botany was unearthered when he was amazed at the propensity for the trees to grow parallel to the ground!

Horizontal rain and howling gales ALL DAY. We mean ALLLLL DAAAAYYYYY!

Abington felt like the end of the rainbow. Always just out of reach. Lunch at Lockerbie where we met Ian Smith, an escapee from the Rat Race, who kindly donated.

We met another couple of LEJOGgers. Although they were doing it fully supported (i.e. back-up vehicle and no panniers!). So, not REAL adventurers then!

Looking forward to some home comforts tomorrow, although the staff at Abington hotel were very welcoming.

Day9: Morecambe-Carlisle (72miles)

Today was a toughie. We followed the A6 from Morecambe to Kendal, Shap and then Carlisle. Very hilly, as expected over the Lake District, and very windy too. Lovely combination as any touring cyclist will tell you. During onee of our frequent Water stops, we witnessed the beautiful sight of a WWII Lancaster bomber from the "Battle of Britain Memorial Flight" pass low overhead. Bit disappointed that it didn't drop of any much-needed first aid parcels! We also saw some teenagers in an organised junior motor cross in the hills. Dave was delighted to repeatedly prove his theory that, in every flock of sheep, there is one called "Brian". Try it.....every time you shout it, the one that looks up is Brian. I could tell that Frosty was impressed as he repeatedly shook his head in amazement!

We stopped off in Shap where lunch was inhaled and 3 lads (Mark, Mark and Craig) donated. We have had donations every day so far. A record we'd like to maintain.

The strong wind tried to blow both of the boys off their bikes, causing resultant alarm and strong braking with hand cramps as a result. Two very tired boys rolled into Carlisle to a lovely hotel (Angus in Scotland St) abley found by Louise (our emerfency accommodation co-ordinator....thanks sis).

From a personal point of view, very much looking forward to leaving our cousins in the "Southern Colonies" and returning to God's country tomorrow. Entering the country of our destination makes it more real almost and our goal is nearly in sight after 9 days. Makung great progress and we'll pass our 600 mile mark tomorrow. COME ON!

Day8: Runcorn - Morecambe (67miles)

My stabilisers were put back on today! I managed to do another slow-motion fall without getting my feet out of the pedals in time. At least I've evened it up, that's 2 falls on each side now! Intermittent showers and sunshine today. meaning Frosty had his waterproofs off and on lots. We had some great problems getting out of Runcorn, 6 miles before we start making any real progress. The good citizens of Runcorn did their best to help me dismount from my bike, whilstI was riding at speed! Luckily I managed to evade their early Saturday morning efforts. We managed to get out of the rain in Billinge. Jason Freece donated half way up a big hill. Two ladies stopped us at traffic lights to donate. One called Frosty "Honey-bun". Sure made his day. We made great time and stopped off in Morecambe (I think we lowered the average age - and that's saying something!). ps the dodgy photo is Frosty doing his best Eric Morecambe in Morecambe impression. Sigh, I've got to travel with this. Lord, help me!

Day7: Shrewsbury to Runcorn (60miles)

A shorter day was needed, so we took some fairly flat Bnnroads into Wales and back out again. Beautiful day and stoppped in the quaint village of Ellesmere for lunch. Got some very generous donations; particularly from David Newdell (Newdell Computers). A lovely couple called The Haywords donated. As we stopped to check our directions, a little girl called Emily came running up to donate after her mum and she spotted us on the road. Moments like that are, amazingly, commonplace and hugely encouraging. Frosty keeps telling me "Scotland's got a lot to live up to". Here's hoping the residents of God's country can rise to the challenge! Arrived at our accommodation, found by my beautiful fiance (as I am instructed to call her!). A great place called Camoanile Hotel. Good day today AND Frosty told me that, because I've stayed on my bike for 5 days, I can........TAKE OFF MY STABILISERS! Woo-hoo!

Day6: Newent - Shrewsbury (73miles)

Today was a long ride. We stopped for lunch in Tenbury Wells and met lots of nice people. Pippa Gerber offered us a place to stay the niight! She's part of a network called "Warm Showers" who help touring cyclists who need a bed and a shower for a night! Cool! We ppoliely declined and were treated to a lovely lunch at "Tabs Tearooms". David & Ness Snape; Lynne Rins; the staff at Tabs, Emma Helyer and Marviin from the adjacent bike shop all donated (the latter also donated a spare inner tube - hopefully not needed!). We collapsed into our respective beds and had an early night.

Day 5 Bristol-Newent (54 miles)

Today we gave ourselves an easy day to reward the efforts of the tough start. Lots of minor roads/cycle paths and lunch by the river (appropriately called Slimbridge!). Met an old salt called Roger who told us his tragic tale of losing his 17yo son to a drunk-driver who only got 6years, he kindly donated too

Arrived in Newent after enjoying cycling along canal. probably best day so far (all set up by Nadine's magnificent breakfast!)

Day 4: Taunton-Bristol (65miles)

So, weather is better (only way was up, really!) and legs were pretty tired for all the boys. Cycled to Glastonbury for lunch where a kind chap called Ian donated as did an elderly couple (Mary and Barry Parfitt). Despite the strong pull of the "free Glastonbury soothsayer", we decided to push on to see our friends (Alex and Nadine with their new child, Jake - and Gunner!).

On the road, we were tooted at lots and one lady even stopped to donate (Cecilia). Once we got to Bristol (which is Latin for hilly), we called Alex as David's phone had died therefore no Google maps. He then sent us 3 miles in the wrong direction downhill!!!! So, after the navigation error was discovered, we went back uphill to meet Alex etc. Fantastic spag-bol meal and trimmings with all home comforts....ahhhhhhhhhhhh. "If we stayed here and got the train...would people know?" They would??? Oh, bugger!.

Frosty's knee held up well today and apart from a few "raw areas" and very tired legs, all is well. We are in good spirits as we have completed the tough first 4 days.

Day 3: Okehampton-Taunton (57miles)

Set off in a downpour and it changed soon...to worse weather! The lunch at Launceston was well received where Steve Smith donated kindly. The climb from Credition to Tiverton was mighty and everlasting, so a great sense of achievement when that was done. A joy to the soul was a kindly neighbour in a village called Bow took pity on us and offered us a cup of tea and a biscuit with welcome shelter for 30 minutes (thanks to Liz and Rex). On our way again and finally reach our destination in a little village called Hillfarrance just outside Taunton. Nice little Inn (The Anchor) with a bath (ahhhhh bliss!).

We dried out and the day took on a brighter light with good food and sticky toffee pudding (Richard: Do you know how they make this?) and apple crumble (David) to finish. Yum!

3 hard days and....drum roll please........Dave STAYED ON HIS BIKE!!!!!!!Woo-hoo

Day 2: Newquay - Okehampton (72miles)

Today, weather was raining in the morning (Frosty:torrential Dave:summer's day as its coming straight down!). Both boys doing ok although very tough going with some monster hills. After lunch they made their way to Launceston when Frosty's knee played up. A quick bit of roadside osteopathy was administerd and they were off again! Went along A30 for convenience but it was not enjoyable and mostly scary! Dave managed to stay on his bike for 72 miles. At 72.01 miles he turned round to salute the fact they'd reached their destination and that he hadn't fallen off when he fell into the youth hotel's ENTRANCE FLOWER BED!

Nice accommodation (Frosty: It's a twin en-suite!) what that actually meant was.....BUNK BEDS! 43/45 years old and in bunk beds!!!! Marvellous!

Day 1: And they're off! Land's End-Newquay (57miles)

Travelling to the start...

So on the train, we met a lovely lady who decided to help by giving her details and arranging a charity event through her work (Pampered Chef). Hopefully another success story.

Arriving at Penzance.....

So it was fairly dark when we arrive and we had to travel to the overnight accommodation on Sennen. Cycling in the dark is NOT a good idea around Cornwall. No street lights, cars on full beam and no night vision with steep hills! Blind steering is lovely for the constitution!

We arrived at the Sandybank hotel, told that we didn't order food so cant have any. But if we speed off to this particular pub, they'll do us a sandwich and chips.
Very steep hill and two very unfriendly bar staff ("The Old Success") later, we can "only have chips". A slow ascent afterwards, we stay the night and get ready for the big day.


Dave and Frosty left Land's End this morning and have made it to St Ives already. There has been one fall already but everybody is fine! I'll give you all a full report on their first day in the saddle this evening.

A hard day's ride today. Weather was hot and it was difficult to get a rhythym as it was constantly uphill/downhill/uphill/downhill etc. Lovely lunch at St Ives where the girls of "On Shore" cafe donated.

David's tumble was as a result of the grass verge not having the common decency of being flat and easy to ride on!

Pulled into Newquay and only waited 45 minutes for our meal at the pub.....and those of you who know me know how I love to wait in a queue!

From small acorns.......

So it began......two gents who (at the moment) are on relative speaking terms decide to traverse this mighty island of ours. They couldn't do it for pride alone....oh no.......a worthy cause had to be sought.

After many trials and tribulations (not even sure what a tribulation is?) the decision was reached. A wee lassie (English translation: little girl) who suffers from a genetic condition meaning she doesn't experience peripheral pain needs a soft room to play in so she doesn't damage herself.
Log onto http://understandingalyssa.blogspot.com to see why.

We need to raise £2500. We have been helped by the generous patients of Back2Life Clinic, Surrey-Osteopathy, Cupar Osteopathic Clinic, South Inch Osteopaths, Safequip (cheers Marty) and Cumbrae Tae Kwon Do so a huge thanks to all who have donated so far.

Do Alyssa a favour and ask yourself........what can I do to help? Now I know that there are loads of worthwhile large charities out there with causes....but with this, you can actually see what your money does! Every penny will be going to build this soft room. Like this film says: "If you build it....she will come ...and play safely" (I know it's not an exact quote but it' s close enough!)

Together....we can make a big difference to one special little girl. Please help!

18.07.10 Charity Bike Ride 4th September - whenever we get there!

Ok, so it seemed like a good idea at the time.....

Picture the scene......a busy restaurant in Surrey on a Friday night.......full stomachs......wine-filled cheeks...two 40-something blokes waxing lyrical about physical feats of the (distant) past....

Frosty: "So, I fancy doing a bike ride"
Dave: "Cool, where to?"
Frosty: "John O'Groats"
Dave: "Eh!.........Where from?"
Frosty: "Land's End"
Dave: "Great idea....see you when you get there! Need anything? Puncture repair outfit? Water bottle?"
Frosty: "Company...what you got planned for September?"
Dave: "Uh oh......!"