I couldn't resist that title.
This trip started when Jon mentioned to Liz at swimming that he was thinking of riding from John O'Groats to Lands End. Liz mentioned it to me and I said I might be interested. Liz passed that on to John. It meandered for a bit. I was uncertain. Then 22nd August last year - my birthday, Liz bought me a book on riding from Lands End to John O'Groats and gift vouchers for Swinnerton's bike shop because I had been concerned with the cost. I knew I wanted to do it - I needed to know that Liz would support it. She did and she has. The last 9 days she has been amazing. 6 hour training rides take a lot out of family life. On rainy mornings she's nudged (in the way Liz nudges!) me out the door. I really couldn't have done this without her.
The ride has been a great adventure. I looked back at the blog posts and they capture something of the journey but my memories are even greater. Drafting down that hill with Jon will live long in the memory as a moment of great freedom. The borders were shockingly beautiful. Riding into Alton and seeing the kids (and parents!) cheering was moving. Seeing people (Grouts and Barriclough's were at Lands End) waiting for us as we road down to the sign at Lands End was a great feeling and seeing the emotion on Liz's face will live in my mind for a long time. Shaking Jon's hand at the end - great stuff.
I've been very lucky to have had the chance to do this and the reaction of others has been so positive. So, to everyone who donated, texted, commented (thanks Mum!), arranged a reception, rode with us (hills were steep weren't they Iain!), followed the blog or just patiently listened to me talk about the ride over the last year. I thank you.
To Neve and Euan - you are amazing; I'm sorry I was grumpy when I was tired and thank you for being such an amazing part of the trip.
Brendan
Brendan Walsh is riding from John O'Groats to Lands End starting 24th July 2010
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Monday 2 August 2010
A good feeling
I'll write something properly tomorrow. For now we're off for dinner. Hope this picture sums up a feeling.
Location : Sennen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7AU,
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No need for words
Location : Sennen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7AA,
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Back here soon
Location : Sennen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7AD,
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Last stop before you know what
Location : 1-22 Wharf Rd, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 2,
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Small sign, big moment
Location : Treswithian Rd, Camborne, Cornwall TR14 7,
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Late, late lunch
Long stretch on a30. Shattered but good, good news.....less than 30 miles to go. Having lunch in redruth before final push. Target finish of 6:00. Vodafone poor here but will try to blog on arrival. Starting to Believe. :-)
Brendan
Location : 1-2 Alma Pl, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 2,
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Fusion food
Running out of meal times, so combining requests
Location : Perranzabuloe, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9DH,
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50 miles done.
I like Cornwall and it has shown us its favourable with glorious weather. Struggling to get enough liquid but cycling is great. Up and down, up and down but beautiful. Lunch in an hour.
Brendan
Location : Perranzabuloe, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9DH,
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a long way from wick
Location : Lawhitton, Launceston, Cornwall PL15,
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Sunday 1 August 2010
Right, here we go...
Odd feeling. Last day. Can't jump ahead with the thoughts too far as we have 100 miles to go. People who have completed the ride all report Cornwall as the toughest section due to the relentless hills.
Plan is to leave a little earlier - 8:00 and allow some more rest time. we're aiming to arrive netween 6 and 8 this evening...7 being the scheduled finish.
Risk of becoming all gwyneth paltrow at the end, so a quick note on Jon before I start. He is a fitter, stronger, better cyclist than me. Each day at some point he has had to slow for me to catch up. 80% of the time he has led, often sheltering me from the headwind. Not a hint of complaint. I think we both gained a deal of respect for each other on the night that we had to cycle the last hour flat out. He is a top, top bloke.
Right, cornflakes are in. Drink powder to be mixed. Weather looking okay. Bring it on!!
Brendan
Location : Sourton, Okehampton, Devon EX20 4LY,
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In okehampton
Day 8 done. 124.5 miles. The first 78 miles on the a38 were hard on the mind. Not much to look at or distract thoughts.
As we got near to and then entered Devon the scenery lifted the spirits. An inspiring moment came as an older Guy joined us for a few miles. We were going a fair clip at the time...about 18,19 mph into a wind. Chatted away and just before he left he casually mentioned he was 79 tomorrow!
The last 20 miles were hilly. Hardly any flat, just steep up and downs. A taste if what tomorrow will bring.
Most texts ask "how are your legs?". In general they are stronger than when I started. They're just very tired after halfway each day. My knees hurt at night but free up in the day. Yesterday I was particularly saddle sore...wincing with pain. Today was better. The most pain today came from my triceps ... should have done some weight training.
Food is another big topic....I know my blog posts are like Jamie goes cycling. Today I ate... 2 bowls of cornflakes, a banana, and croissant for breakfast. I had the massive carvery for lunch. During the ride I ate 4 energy bars, a banana and a peanut butter sandwich. I am now eating pate starter followed by lasagne and chips. I've drunk 6 liters of energy drink and a litre of recovery drink.
And that lasagne has arrived. Thanks for everyone's messages....tomorrow lands end.
Brendan
Location : Sourton, Okehampton, Devon EX20 4LY,
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Hills are back
Can see Dartmoor in distance. 10 miles to go. Liz has advised there is a little chef where we are staying. Olympic breakfast is served all day isn't it? Weary but going to make it.
Location : North Tawton, Devon EX20,
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Tea
People at thurverton cricket club made us a cup of tea.
31 tough miles to go, mostly hilly from what I remember. Hoping to be done by 8:30. Tank nearing empty.
Location : Hulk Ln, Thorverton, Devon EX5 5,
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Dreaming of cream teas
Location : Holcombe Rogus, Wellington, Devon TA21 0LX,
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Past half way
Short break them trying to hit 90 miles before tea. Legs tiring but ok. Hoping for cream tea.
Location : West Buckland, Wellington, Somerset TA21 9HX,
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Past half way
Short break them trying to hit 90 miles before tea. Legs tiring but ok. Hoping for cream tea.
Location : Redcliffe Way, Bristol, City of Bristol BS1 6,
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Couldn't resist
Made good time. Saw a carvery over the road. Embarrassed myself.
Location : Redcliffe Way, Bristol, City of Bristol BS1 6,
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Yesterday
couldn't upload this image yesterday
I was proper tired.
Location : Redcliffe Way, Bristol, City of Bristol BS1 6,
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At bristol
Making good time. Refreshed.
Location : Redcliffe Way, Bristol, City of Bristol BS1 6,
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