Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Friday, 9 October 2009
Day 17 - 9th Oct - Lands End
THE END!!!
Lou and I arrived at the final destination at 11:30am, with Mum waiting for us. We successfully managed a proper full English breakfast (no being sensible today!) and even made the 39km to Lands End before the threatened rain arrived. (For the record, I didn't see Lou pushing up any hills, though I always seemed to have a little bit of time at the top!). And this End did have the famous sign post waiting for us. Unfortunately no cyclists starting today to wish good luck...
The total distance, 992 miles, 1,596 km over 17 days and managed to finish on time.
Its time for the cliches...there were highs, there were lows - some tough cycling days and some fabulous ones too. There was the inevitable point of not knowing whether I would make it (thank you Dumfries GP!). I really enjoyed the planning, the anticipation, the seeing new places and meeting new people, most of the journey (!) and the challenge itself. It was great having the family at either end and in the middle and that Duncan and Louis could join me for parts. Just not sure about the beard!
Thank you so much for those that sponsored me (www.justgiving.com/chrismichaelbrooks), the total stands at £2,800 which I am really pleased about. Street Child Africa will be very appreciative.
Lastly, but most importantly, a huge thank you to Claudia for supporting this 3 week trip away, as well as the planning and training time leading up to it.
It was great, but I'm looking forward to going home!
Lou and I arrived at the final destination at 11:30am, with Mum waiting for us. We successfully managed a proper full English breakfast (no being sensible today!) and even made the 39km to Lands End before the threatened rain arrived. (For the record, I didn't see Lou pushing up any hills, though I always seemed to have a little bit of time at the top!). And this End did have the famous sign post waiting for us. Unfortunately no cyclists starting today to wish good luck...
The total distance, 992 miles, 1,596 km over 17 days and managed to finish on time.
Its time for the cliches...there were highs, there were lows - some tough cycling days and some fabulous ones too. There was the inevitable point of not knowing whether I would make it (thank you Dumfries GP!). I really enjoyed the planning, the anticipation, the seeing new places and meeting new people, most of the journey (!) and the challenge itself. It was great having the family at either end and in the middle and that Duncan and Louis could join me for parts. Just not sure about the beard!
Thank you so much for those that sponsored me (www.justgiving.com/chrismichaelbrooks), the total stands at £2,800 which I am really pleased about. Street Child Africa will be very appreciative.
Lastly, but most importantly, a huge thank you to Claudia for supporting this 3 week trip away, as well as the planning and training time leading up to it.
It was great, but I'm looking forward to going home!
Day 16- 8th Oct
Cornwall fully redeemed itself today with my first clear blue skies. On the road at 7am with a magnificent sun rise behind me and I was even happy with the hills to warm me up (6C start!).
Made good progress and Lou joined me from Truro (and on to the last page of my map) and we had a very pleasant cycle across to Porthleven.
Tea and cake in front of our Harbour Inn in the afternoon sun completed the rather idylic destination (together with a good pub for dinner).
Feels rather strange not having to think about provisions and washing, and not so easy to justify the 4 large pieces of cake I had, with only 40km left to go tomorrow morning!
99km today, with Lou in good form for the 35km from Truro.
Made good progress and Lou joined me from Truro (and on to the last page of my map) and we had a very pleasant cycle across to Porthleven.
Tea and cake in front of our Harbour Inn in the afternoon sun completed the rather idylic destination (together with a good pub for dinner).
Feels rather strange not having to think about provisions and washing, and not so easy to justify the 4 large pieces of cake I had, with only 40km left to go tomorrow morning!
99km today, with Lou in good form for the 35km from Truro.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Day 15 - 7th Oct
Started the day with a very pleasant cycle from Okehampton down to Tavistock across the edge of Dartmoor. Cornwall then gave me a not uncommon greeting - pouring rain and a nice steep hill (Gunnislake). But spirits cannot be dampened - I have crossed the last border! After a modest celebratory hot pasty at Callington the rain then turned torrential and I added a new experience to my list, cycling up and down rivers of water. Fortunately the day was not a long one (67km) and I knew tea, cake, a hot shower and drying facilities (and Mum with camera!) were guaranteed at Mum and Lou's.
It was good to be "home", and another milestone, although it didn't seem quite right yet - the mind is still focused on finishing the trip.
As well as seeing the country, it has been interesting hearing all the different accents as I've travelled through. The standard southern accent only more common after Shropshire and I didn't hear a eastern european accent until as far south as Stroud (the hotel)! (can you believe I had to explain what a post box was?!). It's been good to hear the west country accents.
Last big day tomorrow, cycling through most of Cornwall, so early start planned and Louis will join me from Truro to Porthleven.
It was good to be "home", and another milestone, although it didn't seem quite right yet - the mind is still focused on finishing the trip.
As well as seeing the country, it has been interesting hearing all the different accents as I've travelled through. The standard southern accent only more common after Shropshire and I didn't hear a eastern european accent until as far south as Stroud (the hotel)! (can you believe I had to explain what a post box was?!). It's been good to hear the west country accents.
Last big day tomorrow, cycling through most of Cornwall, so early start planned and Louis will join me from Truro to Porthleven.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Day 14 - 6th Oct - news extra!
I can now talk about my other news during this trip. As some of you know, I took advantage of my knee "rest day" in Dumfries to fly down to Heathrow to meet Cable & Wireless. My appointment as Corporate Affairs Director, Worldwide (the division) was announced in the company this afternoon. I was going to take the rest of the year off, but it was too good an opportunity to miss. It's an exciting move and I start later in October. Suffice to say Claudia is being extremely understanding!
Day 14 - 6th Oct
Hills, the hills! LEJOGers do say that Cornwall and Devon are the toughest counties and I can see why. The morning from Taunton to Tiverton, Crediton along A and B roads (avoiding the dual carriageways) was a real slog. Well at least I'm not moaning about my knee! (which is behaving, meaning I can cycle pretty normally now).
The Scottish weather seems to be following me - or is that Cornish mist? Although a shower every now and again is quite refreshing.
Stopping at Okehampton tonight, 96km for the day, and well into Devon.
Last night on my own! I've been looking forward to going home and spending my evenings with Claud again, and seeing the kids, for quite some time as you can imagine. Fortunately each day has been much busier than I expected - the cycling each day is a series of missions and then each evening means check in, sort out the bike, unpack, washing, buying supplies, phone calls, dinner and route planning (the fun bit), blog, bed etc etc, (so no papers or TV at all, which is a bonus). You just get on with it.
Looking forward to a bit of Dartmoor tomorrow before entering the final county. Not far now.
The Scottish weather seems to be following me - or is that Cornish mist? Although a shower every now and again is quite refreshing.
Stopping at Okehampton tonight, 96km for the day, and well into Devon.
Last night on my own! I've been looking forward to going home and spending my evenings with Claud again, and seeing the kids, for quite some time as you can imagine. Fortunately each day has been much busier than I expected - the cycling each day is a series of missions and then each evening means check in, sort out the bike, unpack, washing, buying supplies, phone calls, dinner and route planning (the fun bit), blog, bed etc etc, (so no papers or TV at all, which is a bonus). You just get on with it.
Looking forward to a bit of Dartmoor tomorrow before entering the final county. Not far now.
Day 13 -5th Oct
Really satisfying day on two counts. Firstly have now caught up with the original plan - Taunton Monday night!
Secondly I visited old childhood haunts around Peasdown St. John and Carlingcott, just outside of Bath. I had lunch with no.4 Splott Villas (our old house), lunch with former no.3 (Rick and Janet) and a chat with Eric "I'm an Octogenerian" at no. 2. I hadn't seen these places or most of the people for 26 years since we left for Cornwall. Of course everything was smaller than the memories, but things were in the right place and it was suprising to see many of them still there...
People keep getting mixed up between me and Dad, and Jess I do think "you could be brothers" is a little harsh. The beard has got to go!
I paid the price of my route through Bath and Radstock and on to Wells, far more hills than I remember.
My destination of Taunton wasn't entirely intentional - I was going to find accommodation once I got past Street/Glastonbury, but there wasn't any until I hit Taunton, 22 miles later, in the dark!
So a useful 139km over 12 hours including stops means I can start to relax, well, just a little. Mum's for Wednesday night, Lands End Friday lunchtime is the plan.
Secondly I visited old childhood haunts around Peasdown St. John and Carlingcott, just outside of Bath. I had lunch with no.4 Splott Villas (our old house), lunch with former no.3 (Rick and Janet) and a chat with Eric "I'm an Octogenerian" at no. 2. I hadn't seen these places or most of the people for 26 years since we left for Cornwall. Of course everything was smaller than the memories, but things were in the right place and it was suprising to see many of them still there...
People keep getting mixed up between me and Dad, and Jess I do think "you could be brothers" is a little harsh. The beard has got to go!
I paid the price of my route through Bath and Radstock and on to Wells, far more hills than I remember.
My destination of Taunton wasn't entirely intentional - I was going to find accommodation once I got past Street/Glastonbury, but there wasn't any until I hit Taunton, 22 miles later, in the dark!
So a useful 139km over 12 hours including stops means I can start to relax, well, just a little. Mum's for Wednesday night, Lands End Friday lunchtime is the plan.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Day 12 - 4th Oct
Big day, 144km, made up some distance today. Duncan and I were on the road by 7am to get to Duncan's pick-up at Worcester at 12:30pm having passed through Ironbridge (I thought quite magical in the morning mist and it being deserted), Bridgnorth (nice), Kidderminster (er, good Cafe Nero). My legs seemed to have more energy today (and Duncan set a good morning pace!) and knees improving further and so I took advantage of the early start and good weather and pushed on to Stroud, seeing Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire countryside today. It was great having company for the weekend!
I have to say I have been hugely impressed by the iPhone on this trip. The map function, search and directions and compass are excellent for finding accommodation or the way out of towns. Together with the mobile Internet it gives confidence in just turning up in towns or booking the night before. The tracker app Instamapper works really well too, so Claudia and the kids can watch my route live. It does all make the trip easier, although at the expense of interacting with the local population more (a good thing in some of the places I've passed through!).
Somerset next....
I have to say I have been hugely impressed by the iPhone on this trip. The map function, search and directions and compass are excellent for finding accommodation or the way out of towns. Together with the mobile Internet it gives confidence in just turning up in towns or booking the night before. The tracker app Instamapper works really well too, so Claudia and the kids can watch my route live. It does all make the trip easier, although at the expense of interacting with the local population more (a good thing in some of the places I've passed through!).
Somerset next....
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Day 11- 3rd oct
To spare the local population Duncan and I decided not to hit the town last night or join the 70's Boogie Night in the hotel, but concentrate on the task in hand.
After failing to avoid the cooked breakfast we covered 104km from Warrington down to Wellington (Telford). Bit breezy and wet at times but quite a pleasant run through rural Cheshire and Shropshire.
Rather unimpressed with Wales I'm afraid - rained the whole time we were there and no pubs for lunch - after 20 mins we gave up and returned to England.
Staying at a nice old coaching inn for the night, a nice place to be too tired to leave the hotel. Duncan very much enjoying joining me to eat large amounts all day "for energy" (not sure that cheese and red wine actually helps but anyway).
Another milestone reached today, 1,000km, with 600km in the next 6 days the target. Early start tomorrow, pick up for Duncan is Worcester at 1pm, 65kms ish, we should make it...
After failing to avoid the cooked breakfast we covered 104km from Warrington down to Wellington (Telford). Bit breezy and wet at times but quite a pleasant run through rural Cheshire and Shropshire.
Rather unimpressed with Wales I'm afraid - rained the whole time we were there and no pubs for lunch - after 20 mins we gave up and returned to England.
Staying at a nice old coaching inn for the night, a nice place to be too tired to leave the hotel. Duncan very much enjoying joining me to eat large amounts all day "for energy" (not sure that cheese and red wine actually helps but anyway).
Another milestone reached today, 1,000km, with 600km in the next 6 days the target. Early start tomorrow, pick up for Duncan is Worcester at 1pm, 65kms ish, we should make it...
Friday, 2 October 2009
Day 10 - 2nd Oct
That was my first time in Blackburn, Wigan and this eve Warrington today, and although I also skirted footballer's wife territory I'm afraid the highlight of today's tour was a Big Mac meal and two hot apple pies in Wigan. 84km today but legs a bit tired and rain probably didn't help.
Looking forward to welcoming Duncan to Warrington this evening. Perhaps a crazy night of clubbing in full Lycra beckons, or maybe not... Oh dear, have just spotted as i write this that it's "70's Boogie Night" in the hotel (and I thought I'd finally found a nice boring quiet business hotel) - cannot say I packed the suggested platforms, flares and Afro wigs, though I think Duncan generally carries them around just in case...
Looking forward to welcoming Duncan to Warrington this evening. Perhaps a crazy night of clubbing in full Lycra beckons, or maybe not... Oh dear, have just spotted as i write this that it's "70's Boogie Night" in the hotel (and I thought I'd finally found a nice boring quiet business hotel) - cannot say I packed the suggested platforms, flares and Afro wigs, though I think Duncan generally carries them around just in case...
Day 9 - 1st Oct
What did I say about avoiding the scenery? Fortunately it was impossible to avoid the very pretty Penrith to Kendal road, before heading south east along the edge of the Yorkshire dales and sister Jess' house. It was good to read some bedtime stories, eat home cooking, use the washing machine and chat again (thanks Jess and boys!) The sun even came out so a very nice ride indeed.
Knee held up well again on the longest day at 111km, it continues to improve with care and medication!
Now, what about the beard? Well it's a fine specimin, indeed I really must stop stroking it in public. Alas, as feared, it's not entirely black, yes there are White patches on the chin and neck - rather badger like.
Contrasting day next - industrial waste land of the north west and heavy rain!
Knee held up well again on the longest day at 111km, it continues to improve with care and medication!
Now, what about the beard? Well it's a fine specimin, indeed I really must stop stroking it in public. Alas, as feared, it's not entirely black, yes there are White patches on the chin and neck - rather badger like.
Contrasting day next - industrial waste land of the north west and heavy rain!
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