John O'Groats to Lands End July 2010

The last post

2010-08-03T00:44:00.000-07:00

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

A good feeling

2010-08-02T12:13:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-02T10:16:00.001-07:00

Location : Sennen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7AA,

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Back here soon

2010-08-02T09:59:00.001-07:00

Location : Sennen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7AD,

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Last stop before you know what

2010-08-02T09:04:00.001-07:00

Location : 1-22 Wharf Rd, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 2,

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Small sign, big moment

2010-08-02T07:58:00.001-07:00

Location : Treswithian Rd, Camborne, Cornwall TR14 7,

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Late, late lunch

2010-08-02T06:59:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-02T06:08:00.001-07:00

Running out of meal times, so combining requests

Location : Perranzabuloe, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9DH,

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50 miles done.

2010-08-02T06:07:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-02T01:09:00.001-07:00

Location : Lawhitton, Launceston, Cornwall PL15,

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Right, here we go...

2010-08-01T23:19:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-01T13:40:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-01T11:44:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-01T09:37:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-01T07:58:00.001-07:00

Location : Holcombe Rogus, Wellington, Devon TA21 0LX,

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Past half way

2010-08-01T07:19:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-01T07:18:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-01T04:19:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-01T02:19:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-01T02:18:00.001-07:00

Making good time. Refreshed.

Location : Redcliffe Way, Bristol, City of Bristol BS1 6,

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Groundhog day

2010-07-31T23:28:00.001-07:00

Alarm gone off. Food stuffed inside. Shower.

123 miles. First 100 is flat and then we start to climb up to edge of Dartmoor to finish at okehampton.

We lose the support crew today as they are staying at friends after dropping our bags at the hotel. Hopefully next time we see them will be at lands end.

They have been amazing. Kids have been getting to bed very late and then like today they've been woken early and marched out the door. Liz has pulled off miracles, in particular last night when after us getting in at 10:30 she went back out again to buy breakfast as it wasn't served til 8 here. Contador's support crew was no better than ours.

Please note I can't see blog comments now as I don't have access to laptop. Not fishing (much) but texts still work and have been appreciated.

Time to ride again!

Brendan

Location : Stratford Rd, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4,

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Dog tired

2010-07-31T15:10:00.001-07:00

Very long day. Finished at 8:30 after a massive push on the bike. Flat out for about 15 miles so we could get last food order. as hard as I have pushed for that length of time. Stats for day. 115 miles. 8 hours pedalling. 14.4 mph average.

Absolutely shattered. Start again in under 12 hours. 123 miles tomorrow. Lights will be required.

Brendan

Location : Stratford Rd, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4,

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Tea for two

2010-07-31T10:25:00.001-07:00

Going up in the world...somewhere.

23 miles to go at 6:20. Kids' dinner will be late tonight.

Brendan

Location : Eldersfield, Gloucester, Worcestershire GL19 4LZ,

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The finishing post

2010-07-31T08:21:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately this is at Worcester racecourse. Going to be a late finish.

Location : Grand Stand Rd, Worcester WR1 3,

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Lunch with family

2010-07-31T06:48:00.001-07:00

Lovely lunch....bit behind schedule.

Location : Kidderminster Rd, Kinver, Staffordshire DY7 6,

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Ready for the off

2010-07-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

Lovely night at home (although ended up cleaning bike as it went dark in an effort to stop the chain falling off).

116 miles today - farthest I've ever cycled. That record will be broken tomorrow!

Looking forward to lunch with family, and then a planned "tea and scones" somewhere after Worcester before heading past Gloucester to somewhere near Stroud tonight. Weather looks ok, cross wind by the looks of things.

Oh, and I've gained weight. Unbelievable (well, perhaps that last brownie didn't help). 3 pounds gained over the week!

Brendan

Saturday

2010-07-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's route is the first of the two long rides. It should be flat tomorrow but at 116 miles and our current rate of knots it will be a late finish and probably require over 8 hours of pedalling.

The route is at this link

Meeting family for lunch - planning to also stop for afternoon tea before stopping in Dursley (near Stroud).

Brendan

Accrington to home

2010-07-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

An odd day. Shorter than usual and odd to be cycling some of the roads we know. Iain (from Alton) joined us from Longnor and shared 3 of the toughest hills we've done. Training in the peaks has been useful! For those that know it, we cycled from Longnor along to Onecote and then on to Ipstones. There were a couple of "all out" hills in there.

We then came into Alton. The photo below says it all. I'm very grateful to the people who stood out in the rain to welcome us (and I understand to Judy for organising it). I suspect I didn't get over how welcoming and uplifting sight it was. To all of the kids (I won't name them 'cos I'll mis one of them out .... many thanks - you helped a lot).

Bath has been had. Beer in hand (thanks to whoever bought those!), newspaper bought and other than the need to clean and lube the bike (chain fell of 3 times today) a quiet evening is planned.

Again, thanks to everyone who clapped us in to Alton.

Brendan

Home!

2010-07-30T10:05:00.001-07:00

Got home to a welcoming party. Thanks Judy!

Eating and resting. Full blog post later.

Brendan

Location : Alton, Stoke, Staffordshire ST10 4DA,

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Lunch in buxton

2010-07-30T06:32:00.001-07:00

Hopefully we misread the map and the buxton hill was before rathet than after buxton as we've just gone over 1400 feet on a loooong hill.

27 miles to home. Might be there for crackerjack.

Bee hungry all day despite large bowl of cornflakes, croissant, banana and 2 liters of smoothie for breakfast.

Brendan

Location : 80 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester M3 2,

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A change of scenery

2010-07-30T03:11:00.001-07:00

Later we go through the peaks including the hill out of buxton but for now things look a little different. Having a cappuccino and Brownie in Manchester.

Location : 80 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester M3 2,

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First mechanical failure

2010-07-30T03:08:00.001-07:00

Bottle cage broke. 2 minutes later...

Location : 71 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester M3 2,

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Sweaty man

2010-07-29T13:07:00.001-07:00

This was supposed to show Lancaster university in the background. It is there but it is hard to ignore the bloke who's just climbed a big hill.

Location : 1-33 Windsor Ave, Great Harwood, Accrington, Lancashire BB5 4,

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Changed route to Alton

2010-07-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Made some changes to the route to try and get us back through the peaks without unnecessary pain.

Check out the route on this link

We're guessing at arriving in Alton between 4 and 5. That said, we haven't been within an hour of our target time yet!

Brendan

Big day done

2010-07-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

104 miles, 7200 feet of climbing (who am I to argue with Garmin), 7 hours and 40 minutes in the saddle, 10 hours elapsed.

Ride went well - with some big milestones. First, we went past Lancaster University - I could see Bowland college... I'll put up a snap but suspect it is a bit too far in the distance. Lunch at Kirby Lonsdale was odd having spent some Uni days there before.

We then moved on and started to hit the hills. For the first time, I had to do the full effort. At mile 74 a large climb into the Trough of Bowland brought granny gear (my easiest gear). And then I was out of the saddle. Could have done it for longer than I had to but glad I didn't need to. Suspect legs will feel it tomorrow. The trough of Bowland is amazing scenery again which certainly helped.

Jon's parents met us in the Trough, found some water for us and directed us to Dunsop Bridge. Dunsop Bridge is the nearest village to the exact centre of the British Isles. It is also our best guess as to the half-way point of the ride. Yup - we're past half way :-)

Tired, sore legs, but in a good place mentally. Tomorrow, we go home - shorter day (74 miles) through Manchester and then the peaks. Home cooked food and my own bed. Lovely.

Brendan

Done it.

2010-07-29T11:06:00.001-07:00

According to Jon's Garmin we climbed 7200 feet.....all of it behind us

Location : 1-33 Windsor Ave, Great Harwood, Accrington, Lancashire BB5 4,

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Kirkby lonsdale

2010-07-29T05:55:00.001-07:00

Some of the people reading this have jumped off this bridge. The rest can laugh at my pose.

Location : Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Cumbria LA6 2AJ,

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New max speed

2010-07-29T05:54:00.001-07:00

Clearly not an important statistic but we hit 47 mph today. Family members reading should note it was very safe and I have no intention of beating It.

Brendan

Location : Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Cumbria LA6 2AJ,

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I spot hills

2010-07-29T05:38:00.001-07:00

Hour and half done. Going well, hills in the distance

Location : Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Cumbria LA6 2DF,

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Big day today - Thursday

2010-07-28T23:15:00.000-07:00

Most "ascent" of any day today.

Check out the "summary" on this.... link

The map page shows our route which looks like another fantastic day.

Brendan

How the day breaks down

2010-07-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

This has fascinated me so I hope it is of interest to someone else.

The foolishness of how I get through the day is surprising. Here is what I do.

We start the day by riding for 1 1/2 hours before our first break. I often need to stretch after 20 minutes, but my first target for the day is that break. I can honestly say I hardly think at all about the rest of the ride. I know I can ride that 1 1/2 hours, so I do.

We then look at how far we have ridden, take a view on when lunch is, and break up the time. Let's say we are going to break in 75 minutes this time. Relieved that it is less than the last one, I ride for that 75 minutes. I start to have an eye on lunch. Note, I hardly look at all at distance on my cycle computer - that would be horrible - I just cycle for time.

Lunch we like to take at over half way, so next we ride to lunch and that is normally a physical place that we are aiming for - which is refreshing change on the mind.

After lunch, I consider how far I have to go. Let's say it is 45 miles. Now, I know I can ride 45 miles. I've done it loads of times so I feel a sense of relief and confidence. We tend to break 2-3 more times, so now I'm doing less than 15 mile rides which is around an hour a go. Which is ok.

Clearly there is some horrible logic in this but I have done this on each of the last 4 days. And it is easy on the mind and if something is hurting then there isn't too long to go before you get to stop.

Madness really.

Brendan

Slow up hill, drafting down hill

2010-07-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

Another amazing day.

We left Edinburgh, through Princes Street, past the castle and picked up the A7.

Rather than follow the A7 all day we detoured off on a "rural" route. It was stunning right through the Borders. It was however a day of climbing for 6 or 7 miles (not steep, just long, steady hills) followed by long winding down hills. The climbs were ok - legs are tired but the hills didn't test them too much. The borders was a mix of high moorland and then heavily forested areas. We rode often for an hour or so without being passed by a car and seeing few houses.

Now, the main fun for the day was breaking our drafting and overtaking record. We can draft each other down hill by one of us riding quite close behind the one in front and so being shielded from the wind (there is never a doubt that we have a headwind!). The one behind, without pedalling, will accelerate and can then pop out the side and overtake (imagine formula one but with two tired blokes trying to find an excuse for not pedalling all the way down hill).

Today, we manage to - remember without pedalling or using brakes - overtake each other 20 times down a hill. This provoked much giggling and punching of the air. We would have hit 25 if the sheep hadn't kept getting in the way.

As you will see from a previous picture, we crossed the border into England today. We had a celebratory wee in no-mans land (having marked our territory through much of Scotland), took a picture and then made our way to Carlisle.

Tomorrow is our hilliest day - through the Trough of Bowland.

Thanks for texts/messages - much appreciated.

Brendan

Yes!

2010-07-28T09:13:00.001-07:00

Location : Carlisle, Cumbria CA6 5XP,

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5 miles to england

2010-07-28T08:27:00.001-07:00

No signal all day. Going well plenty to post tonight.

Brendan

Location : Arniston, Midlothian EH23 4,

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Off to england

2010-07-27T23:48:00.001-07:00

Not getting much luck with internet connections so another phone post.

Carlisle today with big moment as we cross border. Can't remember route but recall a slightly hilly day ahead.

We had a great moment yesterday as we crossed the forth road bridge. I'll try and post a photo.

Aerobically I've been fine each day. Legs are tight and sore at times but better than I was expecting. Sudocrem is doing a reasonable job on pressure points!

We head south for most of the day. Weather forecast for rain...not a big deal as waterproof and overshoes working well.

Brendan

Location : 1-4 Station Rd, Bridge Of Earn, Perth and Kinross PH2 9,

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In pizza express

2010-07-27T12:30:00.001-07:00

Great ride today but bit of a rush getting ready to go out..so short post for now.

All good, tired but not overly so. 7 hours ride today 15 Mph average, 104 miles total...one more than expected thanks to a detour! We appear to need 2.5 hours of lunch/stops so days are longer than expected but breaks work well.

Pizza has arrived!!

Brendan

Location : 1-4 Station Rd, Bridge Of Earn, Perth and Kinross PH2 9,

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Already forgotten where this is

2010-07-27T07:10:00.001-07:00

Location : 1-4 B935, Bridge Of Earn, Perth and Kinross PH2 9,

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Late lunch day 3

2010-07-27T07:07:00.001-07:00

Amazing ride so far. Route took us on bike trail for much of the time.....some a bit rough but mostly perfect.

Sun out we peaked at 1500 feet before a long long downhill.

Had a snack by Blair castle ( is that where Madonna got married?) Then came down through pitlochry. Stunning scenery. Best bit of route so far.

Trusted route took us via the top Perth scenes...the bus station, train station, two charming blocks of flats and the local park before we headed out to bridge of earn where we are lunching.

Somehow late for lunch, this may have to do with regular stops required as liquid takes its normal path back out.

40 miles to go...pizza express already booked for dinner.

Brendan

Location : 1-4 B935, Bridge Of Earn, Perth and Kinross PH2 9,

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Starting day 3

2010-07-26T23:39:00.001-07:00

Good night's rest and prepping for day 3. Off to lube the bike....rain and chains are not a great combination.

Route reset last night to avoid a9. Jon could have shaken hands with a lorry driver as he thundered past at 70mph yesterday so we've minimised that exposure.

Lunch is planned for a farm shop in bridge of earn, just the other side of 60 mile mark.

Weather looking okay with some showers forecast. Gusty wind should be across us rather than into us.

About to eat porridge and full cooked breakfast. We may be rewriting the nutritional manuals at the end of this.

Brendan

Location : Curley's Ln, Newtonmore, Highland PH20 1,

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Day 2

2010-07-26T11:03:00.001-07:00

Left aviemore after lunch into a storm. Teeth chattering we cut our powder for our drinks bottles in front of two confused locals. Not sure that cocaine is usually mixed with lemon and lime so I think we would have survived a stop and search.

We went off route to avoid the a9 dual carriage and got onto a wonderful route through lakes and forests with mountain backdrop. Rain stopped, sun came out and we then baked on the climb to dalwhinnie.

Stats for the day.... 60 miles, 13.5mph (them hills), 3000 calories out and thanks to a Brownie at lunch time a similar amount in.

Terrible 3g connection so can't upload photos on laptop. Hopefully better in Edinburgh.

100 miles tomorrow via Perth.

For family readers....kids doing great, climbed a mountain today.

Brendan

Location : Curley's Ln, Newtonmore, Highland PH20 1,

Posted via Blogaway on phone....please forgive typos.

Cairngorms

2010-07-26T05:42:00.001-07:00

three attempts at an action shot and I finish up looking like I'm falling.

Location : 11 Grampian Rd, Aviemore, Highland PH22 1,

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Lunch in aviemore

2010-07-26T05:38:00.001-07:00

After a full breakfast at tesco (we declined to join the locals in drinking irn bru with it) we set off from sea level to climb into the cairngorms. Hills were not too steep, so fairly long climb to the summit at 1330 ft. Got off the busy a9 and took in some wonderful scenery.

Still raining but wind has dropped. Forecast for tomorrow looks good.

Lunching In aviemore which is only at 700 ft. 25 miles to go which has left today feeling very short.....not a bad thing.

Brendan

Location : 11 Grampian Rd, Aviemore, Highland PH22 1,

Posted via Blogaway on phone....please forgive typos.

Dornoch firth

2010-07-25T11:19:00.001-07:00

Location : Golspie, Sutherland KW10 6RS,

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Day 1

2010-07-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

Having woken Friar Tuck (remember Mardi Gras from last night) to let us into his room where our bikes were we set off for the day. (2 bowls of conflakes and a full scottish breakfast had been consumed by this stage).

A nagging headwind for what seemed like 90 of the 103 miles made it a toughish day but we made good progress - averaging 15 mph, so cycling for around 7 hours. I will try and upload a phone snap to give some feel for the terrain. Truly stunning with some time passed trying to spot dolphins while not running into the back of Jon's bike.

While proud of the day's achievements we passed people who appeared to be carrying their life's belongings to Land's End. One woman in particular was riding with a tent, two panniers, a front bar bag into a headwind up a 13% hill.

A very pleasant lunch (steak pie!) was had while watching the grand prix. Food is becoming ever more important in my life.

Tomorrow, a short day up into the Cairngorms. Lunch to be taken in Aviemore.

We're now off to have dinner looking out at Loch Ness.

Brendan

6 months of planning and....

2010-07-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

Well, a suprising start to the trip. Our arrival at John O'Groats led to a buzz of activity. Having been in the car for 11 hours, we darted to the toilets to perform our Wonder woman impressions and change into lycra. The toilet attendant (20p to go the loo at John O'Groats) advised us that the signpost was not there as it was owned by the photographer and he took it down as it used to get nicked.

We improvised in front of a cafe sign.

We then met some guys who were driving to Lands End in an Ocado van in 24 hours. He went to the back of his van "I have something for the kids" he said. Offering two model Ocado vans to Euan and Neve he advised these were now "as rare as hen's teeth". Jon asked him if he could have one for his two kids....and two more hen's teeth arrived.

We set off. 17 miles, bit of a headwind, amazing scenery. Lovely.

We arrived into Wick at 9am to be received by a bagpipe band marching up the street. I have no idea how they knew we were coming.

We then proceeded to weave in between Robin Hood, the Grim Reaper, the bloke from the GoCompare adverts most of whom were walking backwards with a camera in their hands. Turns out last night was the inaugural Wick gala - imagine a Mardi Gras in the Highlands. Alcohol had been consumed. One suspects alcohol had started to be consumed at roughly the time we left Alton. Most people appeared disappointed in our costumes.

Fine athletes that we are, we had a chinese takeaway and that was the end of day 0.

Today, we're off to Inverness. 100 or so miles and as we had to drive the whole route here yesterday, I know we have two long 13% climbs and one 10% climb.

Plenty of photos have been taken - i'll get some up this evening.

Brendan

The start

2010-07-24T11:51:00.001-07:00

12 hours of driving and then...

We're off!

Location : John O' Groats, Wick, Highland KW1,

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The route with links...

2010-07-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

Here is the route in detail. This is the precise route we intend to follow with maps.
You can click on the course name to see a map and summary (profile) of the route.

Course Name	Distance	Amount of climbing
Day 0 JOG to Wick	17.03 miles	574 feet
Day 1 Wick to Inverness	104.13 miles	3,845 feet
Day 2: Inverness to Dalwhinnie	58.30 miles	2,700 feet
Day 3 D'w to Edinburgh	100.08 miles	3,094 feet
Day 4 Ed to Carlisle	93.75 miles	4,373 feet
Day 5 Carlise to Accrington	101.19 miles	5,299 feet
Day 6 Accrington to Alton	77.55 miles	4,491 feet
Day 7: Alton to past Dursley	116.04 miles	2,838 feet
Day 8: Dursley to Okehampton	123.72 miles	4,721 feet
Day 9: The end	98.72 miles	4,544 feet

The current exercise is one in thinking about day 1 rather than look at the profile of day 8.

Brendan

Day 3 - Dalwhinnie to Ediburgh

2010-07-18T13:11:00.001-07:00

I have high hopes for the 30-40 miles of downhill shown on this route.

http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=151574

I'll post day 2 up when John changes the route to not add 45 miles on for a detour around Loch Ness. :-)

You can imagine that day 2 involves the pain that gets the 30 miles of downhill on day 3.

Brendan

Plan for day 1

2010-07-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

We may have already ridden from John O'Groats to Wick on day 0 (after the 10 hour drive!). We now plan to ride through to Inverness on that first day. Our detailed route is here....

http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=151557

That should show you the map - click on summary to see that this is a non-hilly day.

As I know detailed plans, I'll put them on the site.

Brendan

Posting from phone

2010-06-24T11:47:00.001-07:00

It's going to be handy posting from the phone. Then I can show the hills as I hit them. So testing that now.

Brendan

Location : 2 Bedford St, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5,

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The basic route

2010-06-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

Here is our basic plan - detail to be completed, but hotels booked so not many changes!

25th July : John O'Groats to Alness 100 miles
26th July : Alness to Dalwhinnie 73 miles (mostly up hill!)
27th July : Dalwhinnie to Edinburgh 107 miles
28th July : Edinburgh to Carlisle 102 miles
29th July : Carlisle to Accrington 108 miles
30th July : Accrington to Alton 75 miles (and a sleep at home)
31st July : Alton to Dursley 110 miles
1st August : Dursley to Okehampton 115 miles
2nd August : Okehampton to Lands End 105 miles

If anyone wanted to say hello en route - or even join us for some of the route that would be very welcome.

Brendan

Just over 4 weeks to go

2010-06-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog of my ride from John O'Groats to Lands End.

There won't be too many updates over the next four weeks but I will keep the blog up to date each day on the route so if you'd like to know how we are doing and send in encouragement then subscribe to the blog now!

A number of people have asked for information about the route. I'll put the overall "where we will be each night" into the next post. We're just finalising the exact route and I'll get that posted in the next week or so.

To those of you who have donated - many, many thanks - it has been highly motivational during the training. If you haven't yet donated and have stumbled on this site - then there is a link on the right if you did want to donate.

Brendan