Steve's final thoughts on the ride

Not sure how many people are still checking out our blog, but I did promise to put up my final thoughts on the ride, so here goes.
11 days that included a roller coaster of emotions and highs and lows, thankfully many more highs than lows. To be honest I completely loved the physical/mental challenge and just being with two of my closest mates, doing an activity that I absolutely love.
First disaster was avoided at Penzance, where Kev and I met Lee off the London train. He had the skewer off his turbo trainer still on his wheel and didn’t have his wheel skewer with him (middle of his wheel in laymans terms). But the spare wheel came to the rescue.
Day 1
It started off with a rainy, damp and miserable day, starting at Lands End. Full of nervous energy, lots of apprehension for what lay ahead. Although the strangest feeling of all for me was putting my bike on top of the support car and thinking that the next time I step on my driveway I will have got there all the way from the other end of the country by using my own pedal power.
The first day passed by without any major mishaps and the finniest thing happened when we entered a pub to eat in St Agnes. Denis had arrived an hour or so before and had told the whole pub that three heroes where about to enter and they deserved a round of applause when they walked in. That’s what we got!!!! Highly embarrassing and I wanted to crawl under the seating. I turned to Lee and said that my postman had cycled further on that day than I had.
Day 2 was full of steep hills, terrain that I usually go backwards on. But once we hit Newquay and some steep inclines I found myself tackling them comfortably and somehow enjoying it all. We took an alternative route near Padstow, a cycle path called the Camel Trail. This was a change of plan, it put us somewhat off course and behind schedule. We stopped for lunch on a hilltop, on the outskirts of Dartmoor and ensured that we had Cornish Pasties, seeing we were about to leave the county in the afternoon. We rode on the busy A30 for about five minutes as we approached Launceston and it was like navigating a motorway. Saw our first few end to enders and actually overtook one. The weather was glorious throughout the day, we entered Devon and soon after found our accommodation. That night we ate at a great pub called the Harris Arms, where all customers and staff gave donations towards the charity.
Day 3 didn’t get off to a great start, as Kev fell off his bike before we had gone anywhere. He was okay though and the funny thing was that he thought he was bleeding as he felt his back pocket. It was an energy gel that had burst in his pocket!!!
Great rolling course and fantastic weather yet again. Unfortunately, Lee had another mechanical, his back block/cassette broke, resulting in him freewheeling as he pedalled. Spare wheel on and a few unsuccessful visits to bike shops, but we reached Meare (Glastonbury) after a hard, but good day in the saddle. The Somerset Downs were stunning as we rode through them late afternoon. Lee had come up trumps again with the accommodation, a manor house, his PA was doing us proud!
Early start for day 4, knowing that we had 121 miles to cover (which turned out to be 132). Error one was opting to ride through Cheddar Gorge, not because it was a tough climb, but because it wasn’t on our intended route and took us a good 7 miles off course. We hit the suburbs of Bristol and then couldn’t find the way onto the Avonmouth bridge. Then we could see the Severn Bridge, but got lost in the huge industrial estate near the docks. We reached Chepstow at about 2.30pm and ate at a grotty hotel. The drop down to Monmouth was stunning and almost all downhill. But error two (or four if you ignore the bridge navigations) was made as the bike sat nav went off as we reached Monmouth. Lee stepped in and used the maps we had, but the route was gruelling and although we hardly saw any cars, we hit steep hills, one after another! We weaved around the countryside for hours without getting nearer to the days destination. This sapped our energies and we carried on with heavy legs for the rest of the day. By 7.15pm we had to stop and eat at a pub. We sat outside and ordered steaks all around, but hardly a word was spoken. Tempers were really frayed at this point. I was very quiet because I felt like I had let everyone down by failing to navigate accurately and it also had something to do with the fact that Jen had taken me to one side and told me how many miles were left to the B and B (over 35 miles and it was 8pm). I didn’t have the heart to tell the lads, who seemed dead on their feet.
We set off from the pub, with greasy, iffy food in our stomachs and within 100 metres we hit a hill, that headed to a place called Arthur’s Stone (near Haye on Wye). It was a killer and we were all cursing, barely able to turn the pedals. What made it worse was a dog that was zigzagging between us, undecided as to who’s leg to taste first. So strange how when you are at your lowest point and something unexpected happens to lift you. Firstly, as the light started to fade we passed a pub in the middle of nowhere and all the locals had obviously spotted our support car and knew why we were riding, because as we passed they all got up off the stone steps at the front of the pub and gave us a round of applause (this one was welcomed). Then a buzzard flew above us for a good few hundred metres. We all commented on this and picked up the pace. The support car was behind us with lights on for the last few miles, which enabled us to spot an owl sat at the side of the road, taking off as we approached. I’m no Bill Oddie, but these things gave us a huge boost. Day 4 was 132 miles in total and we reached the B and B at 10pm.
Day 5 was filled with apprehension due to the fact that on paper it was a longer mileage route that the day before. But we knew that each pedal rev meant a bit closer to reaching home and that was incentive enough. All went well and some sunning countryside, in fact we took a route that meant we didn’t see a car for almost the whole morning.
We reached Tarporly in Cheshire late afternoon and stopped for coffee, we seemed bombarded with messages asking what time we were due past certain points, impossible to predict. Getting to the Runcorn Bridge was horrific, as Lee was drained and in a bad way. He zig zagged through the road cones on the bridge, slowing down with every mile ticked off. The bad news about Eze must have also been affecting him badly. It seemed to take an age to reach St Helens. Lee appeared to pick up as we rode down the Rainford bypass. But news that night was that after all his tremendous efforts to hang in, he had no choice but to go to see his little fella the following morning.
Day 6 started with me feeling subdued as a result of Lee not being on the ride anymore. I felt for him and was also eager to see Eze better. But he was like my wingman on the ride. If the Sat Nav failed, I would grab the maps from his pocket and between us, we would work out where we should head.
I got a great boost though as we met H.Middleton CC club riders, about 40 odd. We all headed out to the café in Scorton and having them alongside us will be a lasting memory for me. After Scorton the club left us and when Steve B eventually found the café we were off again, but this time facing our first rain of the ride. Kev’s back kicked off and my feet were screaming with stabbing pains. But we managed to reach Grassmere in good time, wet and a little tired after the long previous two days efforts still in our legs. The whole dynamic of the group had changed overnight. It would have been strange having lost Denis and Jen, who had been brilliant support for five days. But the absence of Lee made the adjustments even greater. But it was welcome onboard Steve B and two left on bikes.
Day 7 started with fine drizzle and low clouds. We were into our first climb up Dunmail Raise within two miles of the B and B. At the precise moment we reached the summit a Harrier Jet thundered directly over our heads. Kev let out a yell and I actually ducked, grabbing my handlebars as tight as I could. It’s so strange, the book we based our route on warns of the approach to the summit of that climb and Harrier Jets!
The route through the West side of Thirlmere was stunning and we took our time, taking loads of pics.
Then it was onto a busy A road heading towards Penrith. We then took another stunning route through to Hesket Newmarket, a tiny place where we stopped for tea and got a donation from a bloke who had read the car livery.
Carlise was navigated without hitting the busy parts and we found a wonderful road that ran alongside the motorway for a few miles, great surface and no traffic on it. Kev struggled around this point, I think it was a combination of his back pain and hunger knock. But from this point on he seemed to have a tough time.
Gretna was a photo opportunity and nothing else. There was nowhere decent to eat, so we rode on to Annan. Kev and I pulled a great stunt after Annan, let’s just say it had something to do with full moons as he approached in the support car.
Our B and B in Dumfries was a farmhouse and we got the converted cow sheds, which was the run of a whole house. But we were far too tired and that was an early night.
Day 8 was another poor day weather wise, rain and more rain. We had a race on to catch a ferry at Androssen and 75 miles to cover before 3pm. The route to the ferry was unspectacular and we had to deal with a few busy roads, especially after Irvine.
We were both soaked and drained in the ferry, but the break allowed us to grab some food and get a change of kit. I wish we had seen Arran without the low cloud and rain because it looks like a stunning place. Off the ferry and about 17 miles to the hotel on Lochranza, but a big mountain to get over first. After the tough climbs we had triumphed over in Cornwall this bump in Arran didn’t pose too much of a challenge.
We were unfortunately met by the least accommodating and helpful host of the whole trip, DON’T STAY IN THE LOCHRANZA HOTEL if you ever stay on Arran. He wouldn’t dry our kit, he wouldn’t give us an early breakfast the next day and best of all, he wouldn’t lock up our bikes. He was quite stubborn on this last point and claimed that nothing is ever stolen in Arran (apart from his personality). I took matters into my own hands and carried my bike to my room when the staff weren’t looking.
Day 9 a very early start. The ferry was 100 metres from our hotel, but we still didn’t get a breakfast. Ronny B’s flapjacks came to the rescue though and we filled our faces with a few pieces each. The ferry was only 20 mins, but I felt really sick. It was a ride of 15 miles to the fishing village of Tarbert on the other side. Kev and I were lifted by the news that Lee was about to join us a bit later that morning. Eze was better and Denis was a star, he had set off early that morning to drop Lee back on route.
We were starving by the time we reached the café in Tarbert, but despite this I was up for some practical jokes. I placed my fart machine in my coat on the back of Steve B’s chair and you can picture what I did to amuse Kev and myself for the next 30 mins. The girls in the café were startled a few times. But Steve eventually stormed out of the café and stood outside near the harbour wall. I only later found out that he was angry because he thought I was actually passing wind!!!! This made it all the more amusing. Twenty odd miles down the road Denis caught us up and Lee was back on the ride. It was superb to have him back on, but got to be honest, our average speeds dropped dramatically, sorry Lee!
The road from Oban was a main road, but some stunning places and bridges were passed. We reached Ballachulish in good time and a great hotel in an amazing spot.
Day 10
A day of contrasting emotions, with a superb, breathtaking ride through the Caledonia Canal and East side of Loch Ness. But contrast that with the ugly, hard slog out of the back of Inverness and the seemingly never ending route to Tain.
We had superb weather, although it was nowhere near as warm as down South, hence the long sleeves all day. Ben Nevis was crystal clear and we found ourselves stopping every few minutes to take pics of the breathtaking scenery.
We were soon given a reality check once we opted for the Easterly route through Loch Ness, hitting very steep and very long ascents, one after another. Lee fell off the back on the first half hour of this part of the route. Then suddenly, out of the blue he came sweeping past Kev and I at the foot of another steep climb. It was even funnier because of the fact that he looked left at us and laughed in our faces. All we could do was watch, as he soon became a dot on the landscape. He was to pay for that big time later in the day when fatigue kicked in.
We stopped late afternoon at a pub at the top of the Loch and were surrounded by other people who’s attire was on a par with ours. It turned out that we had stopped next to the site of the Rock Ness music festival.
Inverness was navigated easily, but the roads out North were very busy and we found ourselves dicing with HGV vehicles.
It seemed like we were struggling to get any closer to that nights stop in Tain and seeking a ‘shorter’ route, we headed through Invergordon, a really run down and backward town. As we rode along the estuary we passed giant Oil Rigs that had been towed in for repairs. I had a car swerve in needlessly towards me on this road, so I greeted this with a suitable hand signal and various expletives. I had only picked the local psycho, who decided to continually follow me for several miles, waiting for his opportunity to fill me in. I looked behind for back up and both Kev and Lee were nowhere to be seen. I know I was riding strongly throughout the ride, but was the fact that I was so far ahead something to do with the Hill Billy on my case?
We reached Tain totally shattered and starving. The hospitality of our hosts was second to none, keeping the restaurant open for us and also washing all of our grotty kit. DO STOP AT THE CARNEGIE LODGE Tain if you are ever in that area.

Day 11
The final push, a strange feeling and atmosphere hung amongst us as we prepared to head off. We had a few alternatives for the route and a decision had to be made about 30 miles into the day. The road was the main artery to the North coast, classed as an A road, but quite narrow in places. We found it relatively quiet as we hit a few patches of rain. This was the day that we spotted more end to enders than in the previous 10 days combined. We even saw 6 soldiers in a line running the route south bound. I had to pause and sit up to applaud them. Others on bikes were shouting across the road to us and encouraging us, as they too headed south, probably on day two, or three of their challenge.
We stopped for coffee in Helmstead at a run down hotel, where the owner told us she was from Warrington. Kev took the opportunity to go to the Halifax bank when we were there and the girls behind the counter laughed and doubted he would make it over the Berredale Braes! He came out looking very concerned and we discussed the alternative, which was to head inland and across the mossy wilderness towards Thurso. It looked extremely bleak in that direction as the rain fell more heavily and there was also now a strong headwind. So we opted for the Breas and stayed on the main A road towards Wick. Mind over matter, the Berredale Braes were a test, but we had coped with all sorts off steep ascents this past week or so and these were just another obstacle to cross.
We were overtaken on the way toward Wick by three younger and fitter lads, who it turned out were doing the journey in 7 days. They were Edinburgh Uni students, originally from Aberdeen. Their overtaking manoeuvre niggled me (silly of me really), so I decided to dig in and catch them up. I went past 2 of them, but the third was a lot faster than his mates and it took more effort, but I eventually got onto his wheel. I don’t think Kev appreciated my efforts as he sat on my wheel as I hunted them down one by one. Eventually, I ended up doing a two up (alternating, each rider takes turns on the front) with the Jock. He was a good lad and I ended up riding through Wick and on towards John O’Groats with him. Eventually, we decided to pull over near our respective support vehicles and wait for our own groups before riding into JOG. Kev came through the driving rain first, then a while later Lee made it. We then rode together for the final 5 or 6 miles and rolled into John O’Groats. We had sent Steve B ahead to film us riding in and over the finish line. However, as we approached he drove past up out of the town!!!! We had to do a U turn and hang around and it was freezing cold. 10 mins later we tried again, only for him to botch up the filming. But this made it funnier and the resultant footage we have is priceless.
There was an anticlimax as we crossed the line and onto a derelict hotel and barriers. Hugs around, very emotional, but quiet strange that it was all over. I must admit though, as I walked into the café to get a warm drink to thaw me out, I felt an overwhelming sense of achievement. Lots of the customers were those who were about to head off on their end to end the following day and several asked questions about our ride.
We waited at the finger post for pics and the photographer was a bad tempered cockney bloke, he acted and even looked like the miserable children’s entertainer on the Punch and Judy on the TV show Hi Di Hi.
Bikes onto the car and a race back to the hotel in Tain, an hour or so drive away. The hotel gave us a room each and greeted us as we arrived, congratulating us. There was no desire to have a boozy night with high spirits celebrating. We had a relaxed meal and a few drinks in the hotel bar, knowing that we didn’t have to prepare bikes, kit, route, nutrition and hydration etc… for the following day. I actually felt sad that the challenge was over, but that great sense that we had achieved something significant will stay with me, along with some special memories.

Highlights of the trip
Camel Trail
Denis’s Linen jacket and Panama hat
Harris Arms meal and customers generosity
Cheddar Gorge
Back lanes in Devon, Somerset and Herefordshire
Severn Bridge
Buzzard flying with us
Cheers and applause at pub in Herefordshire
Welcoming at the Cockbeck from family and friends
Ride out with H.Middleton CC
West side of Thirlmere
Applause off cyclists in Lake District
Pass on Arran
Falls of Laura Bridge
Loch Levin Hotel
Caledonia Canal
The blur Lee speeding past Kev and I up a steep hill on the East side of Loch Ness
Carnegie hotel hospitality and generosity (twice)
Accommodation at St Agnes, Meare and Ballachulish (thanks Lee’s P.A.)
Ronnie’s Flapjacks
Steve B’s video editing antics at John O’ Groats
0 punctures
The ride was dedicated to my great friend Kev’s beloved Carla and the money raised is going to a wonderful cause. I would like to thank everyone who showed amazing generosity by donating and also to Matt at Cyclexpress, Terry Dolan and Mr Jones of Halliwell Jones.
I would also like to dedicate the ride to my mum, who bravely fought breast cancer a few years ago and showed incredible courage throughout difficult times.
Would I do it again, definitely. But I would take two weeks or even more to take in the places that we ride through. A wonderful book was the inspiration behind the route. If you ever do this ride read Phil Horsley’s book first.
So, onto the next challenge, watch this space!

All our pics

Take a look at all our pics from our ride last month. Will embed a link to videos soon and look out for Kev falling off his bike!
Paste the URL into your address bar to see slideshow.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47265390@N07/show/

Thank you

Not put my (Steve) final thoughts on the blog yet, I have been trying to keep my head above water battling to meet deadlines in work. It's all what I missed during the half term holidays when I was meant to do reports, assessments etc.... It was much more enjoyable climbing those steep hills and battling against driving rain and headwinds in Scotland than the boring bit of my job.
Specail thanks to my wonderful neighbours for their kind donations and the CONGRATULATIONS banners and balloons. Thanks to all the children and their parents at Queens Park who donated and all the staff who showed incredible generosity. Thanks to my family who also dug deep and all my mums friends.
Thanks to H. Middleton CC riders and also the customers of the Cockbeck Tavern who backed us during our mid journey night at home. Thanks to our wonderful support team of Denis and Jen, who not only gave up a week of their time, but also gave a very generous donation. Thanks to Denis's golf buddies at Ashton golf club too.
When my admin work is completed I will put together my thoughts on the whole ride, the emotions, the ups and downs (there were many more ups than downs, just ask Lee!).
I will also put a link on here to view all of our pictures from the ride, most of which I have already uploaded onto flikr.
The kindness shown by so many people has blown me away.

Reaching John O Groats

The day started early with a choice of route, either to go up the A9 or go inland at Helmstead and tackle the winderness. The rain started to fall about 30 mins in and the temps dropped dramtically. We pulled on our capes and then reached Helmstead. Stopped for coffee in Helmstead and decided to carry on the A9 and A99. It was a road that we had been warned about, but we found it quite quiet. Kev went into the Halifax bank in Helmstead and the girls laughed at him warning him that the climbs ahead would challenge us to the max. Berridale Braes awaited. These hairpin bends that climb to 500ft are a challenge to any cyclist. But the three of us flew up them, something to do with all the previous climbs that we have conquered in the previous 10 days.
The rain increased in intensity and the wind got stronger, changing to a headwind by the time we reached Wick. I (Steve) rode with one of three lads from Aberdeen, who were doing the end to end in 7 days. We took turns on the front until the final 8 miles of our journey. I pulled into a lay-by and waited for Kev (who's back was troubling him) and Lee, who was going at his own pace (paying for his breakaway from the previous day on a tough climb).
The last few miles were tough, so cold and such a bleak place. We rode into John O Groats as a three and were met at the finish line by Steve B with vedeo camera in hand. He made us do about 3 takes, until we were sick of riding back and forward over the finish line (there was a danger of clocking up another thousand miles).
At the finger post we had the grumpy fella from Hi Di Hi, who did the Punch and Judy show taking our pictures. He even got the date wrong on the post (we finished on 11th June). Total miles clocked was 1037 miles. More stats to follow when I can upload the Garmin.
Then it was back to the Carnegie Lodge to enjoy their wonderful hospitality. A few beers sank and a huge meal, trying to take in what we had all achieved.
Thanks to everyone who has supported our ride with sponsorship, words of encouragement and kindness.
We hope next weeks charity night carries on raising lots of money for the fund.
Pics - The finger post at a freezing John O Groats and the end of the Braes.

Penultimate day

Great hotel last night and hit the road at 9ish this morning. There were 7 fellas staying in our hotel and we had a target of trying to catch them, even though they had set off an hour before us. Lee's face dropped when I said what my intentions were. Luckily they were on a different route.
Hit Fort William and Ben Nevis in good time. I (Steve) opted for a minor road that took us along the Caledonian Canal and stunning views that were jaw dropping.
Loch Ness next and a mad route to the right of the lake, which took us away and up a few mountains. Crazy climbs sapped us. But it was strange when Kev and I battled up yet another steep hill, Lee rocketted past us!!!!! This was the first and only time that this has happened on the whole ride. But the mere fact that he did it amused Kev and I for a while.
Stunning views and roads again took us along the side of Loch Ness. We had to stop for food next to the RockNess music festival in Inverness. At least we were not the only ones in strange clothes in the pub.
The drag on the A9 through and out of Inverness was a nightmare, busy roads and energy sapping surfaces. Over the Spean and Cronarty Bridges, then on a silly detour along the river Firth towards Tain.
In total we covered 115 miles and rode from 9am until 8.30pm.
The final push is tomorrow and another long day in the saddle.
The Carnegie Lodge Hotel staff have done everything for us and the owner Heather has been fantastic. She has kept the restaurant open for us, washed our kit and also offered a free nights stay tomorrow if we want it. I would highly recommend this place, amazing hospitality.
Pics include Ben Nevis, the three of us climbing at the Eastern edge of Loch Ness, outside the beautiful Loch Leven Hotel with Glen Coe behind. Steve on top of the WW2 Commando memorial and Kev and Lee descending towards the Caledonian Canal crossing.

Day 9 Then there were 3 (again)

Early start to catch the ferry back to the mainland. DON'T STAY IN THE LOCKRANZA HOTEL IF YOU ARE EVER ON ARRAN. Got my own back though by sleeping with my bike in the room. He refused to give an early breakfast so after the 30 min ferry, we had to climb a load of hills on an empty belly. Arrived in Tarbert fishing harbour and grabbed breakfast, the runniest scrambled eggs Kev has ever experienced (Beginning to sound like Chinook here).
Had a call from Lee via our support (Ste B) and he later caught us up on route. It was also nice to see Denis and Jen (week 1 support) and have lunch with them. Lee was quite bright and cheerful, probably due to baby Eze perking up and also having a few days rest and mountains of food. It has rained constantly since Lee left to join Ell and the baby. But as soon as he jumped back onto the ride it started cracking the flags!!!!
Once we started hitting a few hills he (Lee) was back into his usual pace, Eg sloooooow! Joking Lee.
We passed through Oban during peak time and crossed the Connel Bridge.
Suddenly, we were faced with strong headwinds for the next 36 miles, not pleasant when you are running on empty and are desperate to get to your hotel. But it was worth the huge efforts, as a beautiful place met us. The sight of Glen Coe over the bridge to Ballachulish was breathtaking and the Loch Levin Hotel is equally wonderful.
Three course dinner and watching the sunset (yes sun!!!!) at about 10.30pm, coupled with being back to a 3 has given us a much needed boost for the final push through the Caledonian canal/ Great Glen towards the East coast. Kev and Ste B met up with Karen Aspinall (old diving buddy) at the hotel. Kren told us that her husband had seen us on the road up here before, but we were travelling so fast (except Lee) that he never had chance to shout us.

day 8 arran

We left our B+B after another great breakfast and headed towards Lanarkshire in heavy rain. We had to push hard to make the 3.30pm ferry over to Arran. Got lost in traffic in Irvine, but car sat nav saved the day. Not the best day on the bike as most of the journey was through heavy traffic and towns.
Arrived at ferry terminal with only 5 minutes to spare. Arrived in Brodrick on Arran, headed out to Lochranza again in more heavy rain, this time up a steep pass around 750 feet. Looked daunting from the bottom, but Steve and I (Kev) managed the climb ok. Enjoyed the decent into Lochranza. Found the hotel. Some of the staff were far from helpful.
Heading towards the mainland on the 8.15 ferry tomorrow, hoping for better weather.
Meeting Lee in Oban.
Keeping this blog update short, as we are all totally knackered. Need some sleep!
Pics include Sudocrem applied to feet, Androssen Ferry and Steve's bike tucked up in his room (The hotel owner refused to lock the bikes up), Lochranza Castle and the skyline in Arran at 10.30pm.

Day 7 (Chilly Jockoland)

Had a good feed last night and met up with our old buddy from home Little Ally. He's up in Kirkby Lonsdale now and it was great to see him. We were both on a high still after the fantastic send off from the club in the day.
Stayed in Nab Cottage and Tim Melling and his wife were very welcoming. They only charged £30 for the three of us, a donation towards the charity. On the road for 9am and hit Dunmail Raise straight away. This long climb almost saw a reappearance of breakfast. As we got to th summit in driving rain a fighter jet screamed over our heads. This gave Kev and I such a buzz and the noise was incredible. We thought it may be Lee catching us up!
Thirlmere lake next and a great route around the West bank. Onto Keswick and out to Hesket Newmarket with a few naughty climbs. We were spurred on by cheering at he edge of a mountain by cyclists sat on a wall, another much needed boost. At Hesket Newmarket we stopped at a cafe, where Martin (a local) donated £10!! A lovely gesture. Then Diane, who served us toast and coffee also donated. The peopl we have met and have shown kindness on this epic journey have all made the trip so memorable.
We left the cafe in torrential rain and rode on for a few hours, skirting Carlisle and on towards Gretna. Kev was beginning to suffer hunger knock around Annan, so we stopped for food at about 3pm. The weather brightened up and capes were thrown back in the car. There was a great route through the edge of the Solway Firth. Dumfries next and through to this beautiful valley here in Auldgirth, where we are staying on a farm.
Tomorrow is a tough route through to Androssan, where we will catch a ferry over to Arran. Both Kev and I are quite shattered after a few tough days.
Lee has contacted and is planning to join us somewhere near to Fort William on Wednesday. Little Eze is much improved, great news.

Day 6 (Home to the Lake District)

Start with a huge thank you to all who kindly donated at the Coey last night and all those who have donated from the H. Middleton CC.
Set off with our fresh driver onboard, welcome Ste B and a great first day in support.
We arrived at the shop at 8.20am and people came to see us off. The club all started arriving and I think the numbers were round 40 riders. Kev and I were asked to lead out towards Scorton and although Kev should have sat on wheels, he st the pace with Matt on the front. Got to th cafe in no time, think it was less than two hours.
Big feed of jacket potatoes and coffee. Ste caught us up and the three of us headed out towards Lancaster, Carnforth and Milnthorpe, all on the A6, which wasn't too bad.
The heavens opened aroun Levens and we got a bit of a soaking alongside Windermere. Sat here in Nab Cottage alongside Rydal Water, great place and Tim has welcomed us.
Just off for food into Ambleside and to meet up with Little Ali.
Thanks again to all the club for your support and it's give us a huge boost for he journey into Scotland.
If any of the Queens Park children are following, we rode past school last night at 7pm. Looked out for you, but ddn't spot anyone at that time. Keep following and the miles are clocking up for our competition.

Eze does it.....

As you have probably read I (Lee) have had to drop off the ride due to Eze being admitted to hospital with a suspected case of Ecoli. As Kev and Steve were riding off with the Cycling Club from Middleton's thismorning I was in hospital with Eze. The poor fella is not happy although the doctors have hopefully found the cause and the particular bug that has infected his system. It means he's going to be in hospital for a while as they treat it and see how he responds. I know Kev and Steve totally understand why I made this decision to drop off. My thoughts are with you boys. Here's a few photos I had on my camera. One enterting Wales at some point yesterday, or was it the day before? And another couple from the Seven Bridge. I'd like to add my thanks to my Dad and Jen for their support over the last 5 days. They are very much part of the team, and good luck Steve B, you've got some big boots to fill, but I've got no doubt you'll do it perfectly....especially the rubbing in of cream in delicate places. Good speed, stay mechanically sound and remember to do what Steve D suggested, look around and enjoy and if you can't whistle up hill you're working too hard. If Eze responds well, start looking over your shoulder for a bloke bent over the handle bars chasing you up the road.

Day 5

Writing blog (Steve) after another looooong days riding. We clocked 131 miles yesterday and 131 miles today very strange coincidence. It's so mad thinking that we were setting off from Glastonbury at 8.30am yesterday and we are here at home two days later.
We are going to be down to two riders tomorrow. I'm totally gutted to be losing Lee. He will post his own blog when he can. We pray that he can join us en route asap. What a great ride to date mate, proud of you. It goes without saying how much you are going to be missed. We have become a tight bunch.

In a bit of a daze here, so tired and lots to do to get ready in the morning for the push up North.
Today was really tough, all running on empty for much of the day. But the good ting was that it was relatively flattish. Look up Aymestrey on a map and take in that it's south of Birmingham. A long trek up to home.
Really looking forward to getting out of here, a strange sensation being home, but also looking forward to riding out to Scorton with the club on our way to Grassmere.
Big mention to Denis and Jenny, who we have had giving the most amazing support in the first half of our epic journey. Drivers, navigators, masseurs, medics, pa's, organisers, the list is endless. We will be forever indebted to you both and will miss the pampering that you have given us. Welcome on board Stevie B, a great addition to our group.
Time for some shut eye and hope to update from the Lake District tomorrow.
X

Day 4

131 miles! Set off from Glastonbury at 8:30am arrived at B&B at 10pm with two 30min breaks! (blog updated via phone call to Amelia). Long day tomorrow. Pics of cheddar gorge, 7 bridge etc to follow. Off to sleep!!!!!
Pics of Cheddar Gorge and 7 Bridge (England to Wales).
Pics include Much needed drinks north of Monmouth Wales.
Setting off from Meare (Glastonbury).
Lee and Kev shattered after 131 tough miles of climbing.
Lee and Denis arriving at the accomodation in Herefordshire 10pm.
Kev and Steve tackling Cheddar Gorge.
Lee and Kev on the Severn Bridge crossing into Wales.

It's hot and no amount of linen will help....

We stayed in a great place last night and dined at the local eatery, the Harris Arms, which, as we have more or less found with everyone we encounter, we received a friendly and warm welcome. In fact the four people sitting close to us in the restaurant gave us £20 and the owners of the pub another £10. We woke up this morning really looking forward to the day but it started badly, 1 hour of pure hills followed by Lee's cassette on the back cog breaking. Thankully Matty M had provided a spare back wheel otherwise we'd have been in a right state. Things got better and going through a beautiful village called, well who knows, there are so many, a little old lady and her husband stopped their car where we were parked getting supplies and handed us £4 out of her purse. We also met a bloke called Rob in a big yellow jacket and a bike laden with two huge saddle bags who is doing the ride on his own. Hello Rob if you are reading. The country side is beautiful and we've had our best day yet...93 miles today and considering we've got over 100 miles to do tomorrow as well as negotiating Bristol and one of the bridges....who knows which one the sat nav will take us over...we'd better get some kip.

Me in Denis's gear

He still does't know I had his Safari outfit on! I look like Jom Carey in The Mask, smokin!!!!

day 2 (more pics)