Crawling up the Cheviots.

There is nothing worse than trying to get to the top of Cheviots on a bike.    I left the Bay Horse Inn at a little after 08.30 and with the Inn nestling in a valley it was climbing from the word go.  Nice and easy does it on the legs and slowly but surely we climbed up.  The weather was set fair for the day. Light winds, sunny and clear.   I could now see the sheep that I could only hear before now.  Brought to mind the J.S. Bach "Sheep May Safely Graze".  They took no notice of me as I went by and for the first time in three days it was possible to enjoy the wildness and beauty of the scenery. 

The slog went on and I took a break short of 15 miles at the Last Cafe in England  which I found out later that is wasn't     Spoke to the owner who discussed conditions and I remarked how good it was to to see the sun, "Has is been raining?" she enquired.  I thought she was trying to be funny. Three days trussed up in the wet gear.  It was so good to be in just my shirt and leggings.  Talking of leggings, I caught sight of myself in a mirror the other day and I look nothing like a cyclist in his racing gear, just a poor version of Max Wall. I can dream. I do not think my body was built to be wrapped in lycra. After the short rest and an Earl Grey tea I pushed up the Cheviots to the top. It took a short while but it was worth getting to the top and the Scottish border at Carter Bar.  All calm with visibility at over 30 miles.    I was welcomed to Scotland by my own personal piper.    I struck a deal with him that if he played The Black Bear I would buy a copy of his cd.   Before long a coach full of Japanese Tourists arrived on tge scene and it was pandemonium as they struggled to get a picture in front of the Scottish sign.   My friendly piper informed me that this was the best conditions he had witnessed at the border this year. How lucky was that and after the last three days my luck was in.  I took a few pics. 

The next bit of luck to make my day was that the ride down of nearly ten miles to Jedburgh was downhill all the way.       This sort of luck does not last.  Just as I was to descend it was apparent that I had a slow puncture, my third of the trip.  After a pump up I started on my way.  I hoped to get to Jedburgh without a problem however it did need more air before I arrived.   I had planned the previous night to stop for the day at Jedburgh to give my legs a chance to recover a little.  At lunch they felt good and so I pushed on but not before stopping to repair the puncture on the back wheel. I had run out of spare tubes so I would to get the puncture repair kit out.  Whilst I was at it I decided to repair two tubes so I had another spare on board. Cycling to France last year I did not have one puncture in the thirteen days. 

After a successful repair I pushed further up the A68 towards the capital Edinburgh. Through St. Boswells. After speaking with John A who confirmed three hotels at Lauder I decided to call it a day there after 53 miles. Not a record day but do not forget the Cheviots!  My legs were good and I wanted to keep them that way.  I arrived at the Hotel Lauderdale at just after 16.00   I took a stroll around the town before going to my room for a rest before dinner.     Dinner was Sea Bass and very good it was too.  Got back to my room in time for a FaceTime with my brother Michael in Canada.  Good to chat and report on progress.    It had a been the best conditions of the trip so far.  The legs had improved and I was well set for lunch in Edinburgh on Saturday, now less than 30 miles away and I was still over a day ahead of my original schedule. 

The view from the Scottish Border. 

Last Cafe in England

First break of the day in the last Cafe in England. Going abroad in a few miles! Legs good so far. 

Hard Day at the Office

 Just when you think that it can't really get any worse..........  Set off from the Manor and back on the A68. No need to leave the road all day. No turning just straight ahead. The Manor Hotel had been a good spot but a little shabby and creaky with staff in short supply it would appear.  My sleep had been disturbed by a helicopter flying overhead the town at 03.00 for a good half an hour. Perhaps they had heard a cyclist had gone missing?     The weather, despite forecasts, was worse.  Though not raining when I departed I was fully togged up within ten minutes.   The rain got heavier and heavier and progress up the A68 was slow and the road had plenty of challenging hills in it.    In addition my legs were tired despite the rest. It took a while to get them warmed up and moving.  In discussion with my training manager Naomi it could be the build up of lactic acid.   I kept at it and although slowly I made it to Corbridge for lunch with a not un-respectable 30 miles covered.  I cannot tell you about the scenery as the cloud was on the deck and with wind and rain there was little to see.  I could hear the sheep! As I took my lunch  I considered then the possibilities of finding a place to stay and resting up.  I had time and distance in hand.   On the very next section of road I could not afford to be caught out with no accommodation  as there were few settlements in the Northumberland National Park.   After a visit to the Tourist Information I was able to book in at the Bay Horse Inn some 18 miles up the route.  A helpful member of the public gleefully told me how up and down the road was! Thanks.    I pressed on.  The weather improved. When I say improved it stopped raining and I was able to take the waterproof leggings off.    Through the rest of the afternoon this improvement continued and as I arrived at West Woodburn and the Inn the sun shone for the first time in three days. What a shock it gave me. Long may it last. Cyclists seem to always be complaining about something. It will be the heat next. Also encouraged by a couple of bikers giving me the thumbs up for the ride.  I think it was the thumbs up.  Good to arrive and settle in after a warm welcome.  Reassuring to know that people are keeping an eye on me with the tracker.  The hostess informed me that she had received a call from a friend asking whether I was staying there.   Better not put a foot wrong or catch a bus!     With a couple of recovery drinks in the bar I went to rest my weary legs.  I also took a snooze!  Dinner taken and some route planning together with telephone calls on strategy for the coming days.  The story of the hare and the tortoise.  I think I need to take on the role of the latter.    

North North North

One reason for going Lands End to John O 'Groats was to have the benefit of the prevailing wind, a south westerly and out of eight days this has occurred once. The other reason was not to have the sun in your eyes.  I have seen very little of the large orange ball in the sky.  For the second day in a row it was wet weather gear all day.  What fun.   Joseph was up and away early to work and I was not far behind him. He had prepared me a packed lunch which I could enjoy on route. On the road by 07.45 battling around the ring road to find the A61 which would take me to Harrogate and Ripon etc. On a bike the last thing you want is misinformation. I get a sign which tells me Harrogate is 12 miles and after four miles cycling the next sign tells me 11 miles.  And before anybody suggests it, I did not get the navigation wrong.   It does nothing for moral at the start of the day.  Harrogate road was busy with plenty of hills to keep me entertained.  The last hill into the town was a killer.  Stopped in town to have a last drink with brothers David and Kieran. Not at the famous Betty's Tea Rooms but a a very pleasant deli.  If one was organising a picnic, which I wasn't,  this was  the place to be.   After the short stop they departed for Norfolk and I carried on to Ripon.      Thanks to all who have helped on route to date. From here to John O'Groats I would be on my own.     That is not a problem but  it has been so good to see, meet and stay with friends and family on the way.   I caught a glimpse of Ripon Cathedral as I sped by. I have a confession to make. I stopped at McDonalds on the edge of town.  Don't panic I only had a cup of tea and a warm up. I was wet through and the temperature was dropping.  No big mac.  Lou and Jenny might have worried to read that.     By the way the gel packs are doing there job I like to think.  I am still a day ahead and despite the weather on schedule for this leg.    I took a detour into the countryside to avoid the A1 and Scotch Corner.  I had lunch in a small village pub. I will not name it as it was the most miserable unwelcoming place you could visit.     On the door there was a notice which instructed people not to enter with muddy boots on.  I wondered if wet cyclists were included in this warning.  I went in and ordered soup of the day from Mr. Happy behind the bar.  He was not pleased to see me but i got the feeling he wasn't pleased to see anybody.   After lunch my route took me through Catterick Garrison.  I felt my resolve was being tested today. My second puncture of the trip.  I went into Lloyds Bank not to ask them to change the tube for me but to get permission to shelter under their veranda area whilst I dealt with the latest challenge. Kindly they agreed.  I was disappointed that not one young soldier stopped to ask if I needed a hand.    I coped.  Before long I was up and running. Slowly we had climbed and the temperature dropped further.   The end was in sight but the headwind was strong and progress was slow coupled with a very tired rider. The temperature was 8 degrees. I have to say that moral was dropping too. My destination was not that far but the going was so slow.  At last I pulled into West Auckland at 17.45 Nothing booked I asked at the local shop and they pointed me in the direction of  a  hotel and country club just a little way up the road.  The Manor House Hotel.  I had the last room or so they told me. I was in there.   To be fair they offered a very good rate for the night which included the use of the Health Club. Before long I was in the pool unwinding.  An hour before I was in the depths of despair chugging up the hills.   Then it occurred to me that if I went out for a short jog I could call it a triathlon.   I resisted that temptation, made some calls and went for dinner.    What can I say. A day of contrasts but then all is well that ends well.       Please say a prayer for the weather to get just a little like summer.  Before  I left I packed the factor 30 and my mankini.  Quite frankly they could both be jettisoned.  

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Leading to Leeds

I looked out of the window of the Chesterfield Hotel and realised it was going to be a day for the wet weather gear. The forecast was bang on. Breakfast was excellent.  The poached eggs were very tasty and would set me up for a wet ride.  Go to work on an egg! Now that dates me.   Bike was packed and the panniers covered. Rider in wet weather gear.  Nobody I asked seemed to know the best route for Rotherham. All claimed they had not been there.    Without too much trouble I found the old Sheffield road which would take me straight there.  Rotherham  the town of my birth.   Just after 09.00 and with a few miles done I contacted brother David and Kieran who were meeting me in order to join the ride.  They had camped at Peterborough and were making their way steadily north.  I arrived in Rotherham without fanfare.  No civic reception. Maybe it was the fact that I was a full day ahead of schedule.  Never mind,  next time!   With the rain coming down it did nothing to improve the route to Barnsley and then on towards Wakefield.  There were one or two areas that a bulldozer could improve.  Just before Wakefield I met up with Kieran and David on the main A61 and yes still raining.  We enjoyed a great cup of tea and lunch in the camper van and a well earned rest.  Following this down time brothers Simington formed a convoy for the ride into Leeds.  With David and myself on the bikes and Kieran on a mini monkey bike.   We got a number of cheers as we went along the route. Earlier in the day a a couple had stopped to ask about the ride and took the web address for Just Giving.  It was a generous gesture.      Most of the route to Leeds was gently downhill.  By mid afternoon the convoy was approaching the outskirts of Leeds.  I made contact with my sons Joseph and Thomas to make sure they had the flags out!    Kieran returned on his motorbike to fetch the camper and take it to the site for the evening. David and I continued on looking for a cafe to take a break.   There is an investment potential here as all the way on the A 61 not one cafe.  Through the centre of Leeds was confusing and out towards Joseph's house.  We were early and had some time to kill.  After a long search and a grind up the road out of the city,to the north, we found a very small Italian cafe.  Water, chocolate, coffee and cakes were ordered and the well earned rest was enjoyed, so much so that I dropped off to sleep much to the amusement of the other customers and and owners.  My brother David kindly got this on record! So kind.    I look like an old man taking his afternoon nap!   I am an old man taking a nap.   David left to join Kieran at the campsite.  We  were having a family meal later so he needed to have a wash and brush up.   I eventually made my way to Joseph's house. A great welcome. The last time I had seen Joseph was a week ago at Diss station.   My son Thomas arrived and after a shower and change out of wet clothes we all made our way to the campsite to pick up Kieran and David.   Not before my son demonstrated his domestic skills by putting some of my clothes in the washing machine.  Most impressive.  David had achieved his personal best distance on the bike. Some steep  hills to make it more interesting.    Great meal, good service and company. Half way celebration.   Back at the house we watched or tried to watch the Apprentice.  The old man fell asleep again. Joseph went off to pick up Louise from the station who had returned from working all day in Manchester.   Bed came soon and I took no rocking!  

Charge to Chesterfield.

With 84 miles under our belts yesterday we were well ahead of our expected point.   We would have to make the most of the weather and head north.   I had agreed to meet RD for breakfast at 07.00 but at that time I found out that we had been misinformed about the breakfast start time.  Being bank holiday the breakfast did not start until 08.00.  I left Mr.D to sleep in, in the hope that his bottom would have recovered a little more ready for the ride.  I packed my bike up and at 07.45 still no sign of my riding partner. I decided that I would have to telephone him. He had overslept.   Breakfast was a good feast but being a little behind our ETD we rushed with indigestion the result.    At 08.45 we were on the road heading for Burton on Trent.  RD was a  little jstiff and had not been able to make himself comfortable for the day if you know what I mean.   We communicated with Chris and Lou Brown from Eccles who wanted to cut us off at the pass on route and share a coffee.  With a fair bit of texting through the early part of the morning we managed to meet up on the edge of Burton.   Before long we were sitting in a Costa Coffee bar.  Most enjoyable and once again I am so grateful for the support from so many people for this ride.  Lou and Chris had left Eccles very early in order to meet us.  Well beyond the call of duty and well out of their way. They were really on their way to Reading.    Just a little detour. Thanks guys it meant so much to me. Thank you for the drink too. Over the previous two days I had noticed RD was looking enviously at my bike and sensing that he felt that his was a bit  of a plain looking thing.  We had seen a Halfords open and Richard decided he was going to pimp his ride!  He decided on a new bag for his handlebar and a pink, yes pink, drink holder and also a gel seat to improve the ride  comfort. Over the last twenty four hours this last purchase had become a must.  I am not too sure if it all made the bike go any faster.  He still spent most of the time ahead of me with the occasional overtake from my good self in true Cavendish style.  I think he kindly let me pass him. We headed for Derby on a quiet road which later turned into a major A road.  Not good.  Lunch was purchased  in Burton Tesco and devoured in a lay-by shared with many rubbish bags and a dead badger.   Not as pleasant as yesterday.    We moved on past Derby and then on towards Chesterfield.  RD had decided to make his way home this evening. We got to Chesterfield and followed the signs to the railway station.  Tickets purchased we retired to the Chesterfield Hotel opposite the station for afternoon tea.  I decided to book in as the hotel was well positioned for the following day.  RD caught his train. What a great time we had on the three days he was with me.  Good laughs and plenty of mileage.  Thank you Richard I was honoured to have you as a riding partner.  Hope the nether regions recover and that there is no permanent damage. Keep using the cream.  I had meant to be staying with Andy and Maggie Rawson but good conditions and fast peddling had taken me too far north.  Instead Andy came to the Hotel Chesterfield to join me for dinner.  It was great to chat about so many things, the ride, Shirley, ballooning and much much more.    I hope to visit soon once I get back safely  to base in Norfolk. Fingers crossed after a successful completion of the ride.    Tomorrow should be an interesting day. The weather is closing in for one thing and I have new riding partners for my trip to Leeds. Brothers David and Kieran are joining me along with my brother Michael in spirit from Canada.   Time for bed said Zeberdee.  Thank you for all the texts and comments on the blog.   If you want to comment on the blog you just need to set up a google account. It is free!   The more the merrier. If you have donated to Big C thanks and if not it is so easy. The address is at the top of the blog. 

Cruising to Coventry and Beyond.

What great hosts John and Debbie are.  We were up in good time and the breakfast choices seemed endless. Not only that a quite magnificent packed lunch.  Spoilt or what?   After a bit of fiddling about and checking of brakes etc we pulled out at 08.35 with a general heading of north. We had a quiet first hour in the back lanes heading up to Northleach. Villages that look like film sets and houses to dream for.  At Northleach we turned on to the Fosse Way. What a road, busy and with plenty of hills to challenge the legs. Richard D was in fine fettle and most of the time I was watching him disappear into the distance.  Would he pay for it later?   True to form I left something at J and D's. This time my small map book.  Kindly they tracked us down on the Fosse Way and returned it to me.   Shortly afterwards we took our morning break at Bourton on the Water.  Even early it it was crowded with tourists and us of course.   Before long with ideal conditions we were through Stow on the Wold and Moreton in Marsh.   The miles were mounting up.    After three sharp hills in succession we took Debbie's lunch.  Still on the Fosse Way by the middle of the afternoon we were at the top of the Fosse Way at Princethorpe tired and in need of a drink.  There is a distinct lack of watering holes on the FW but we found a pub and replenished bottles etc.   The energy gels are working and in the latter part of the day give that much needed boost. RD is starting to loose the feeling in his nether regions.  Stopping is great but getting back on the bike and moving again is always a challenge.    We decided to go through Coventry and look for a place to stay. Not easy in Coventry.  Stopped at the Holiday Inn and tried to have a deal for two rooms. No could do and so we moved on.  We took stock in the centre of Coventry. What a place.  The central precinct topped of by the Lady Godiva Clock.  What great taste the planners had! Still no place to stay having checked out the central Travel Lodge! Who actually stays there?  Out on the A444 be guided by RD to a Hotel he knows from his touring experiences.  We booked and if we made it it would be a record ride.   We had all night.   We did make it and the mileage at the end of the day totalled 84    At 18.30    There is always a downside, the numbness in RD's backside wad spread.  Maybe something to do with his riding style.

The Millers Hotel at Sibton was a there to welcome us.  All facilities apart from mobile coverage. In order to get a signal we had to go to the car park.  Never mind we coped.  Hot baths did not solve the numbness for RD but I reassured him by telling him the morning would bring an improvement. Maybe? It could be worse. Time will tell.  Dinner was taken and we indulged ourselves.   Bed in good time exhausted.     Many thanks to J and D who prepared us well for the records day.  6 miles off my record ride on last year of 90 miles but I was riding till 8 at night.  Great job. 

And so to Ampney St. Peter.

It had been decided that an early start was not required today as the journey to Ampney St. Peter was shorter than the previous rides. A gentle start writing the blog in bed!  This was followed by a very healthy breakfast taken with my hosts. Luxury.  We left Bath a little after 10.00 to return to the pick up point of the previous evening.  There was an overlap just in case the Ride Police questioned us closely later in the day.  Steve helped me put the bike together.  Slight problem with the front brakes but after a quick adjustment all seemed well.  The ride for the day started a 10.40. Felt strange with blue skies and no wind.  It was pretty chilly and I was glad that I had not dispensed with too many layers.  The route took me to Trowbridge and then towards Devises.  I must say that I could not get that schoolboy limerick out of my head!  There was a young man from Devises..........!    Our host for the evening did complete the limerick but the female version.     Back to the ride please.    Legs felt heavy this morning and the going tough. Started to look for things to blame. Maybe the front brakes  were sticking on.  Checked this out and the front wheel was certainly not turning free and after a stop for adjustment the situation improved.   At Devises the mandatory hot chocolate was taken with water and a rest.  I then set the dial for Swindon and off we went on a great route gently down hill for mile after mile.    This could not last. Memories came flooding back as I rolled through the village of Avebury.  Years ago Shirley and I had retrieved John and Debbie in their balloon after a meet at Longleat.  On that flight they flew over Avebury.   Great days.    The village was crowded with visitors. I had forgotten just how large these standing stones were.    Carrying on and up a slight hill to the top of a ridge from where you could view the historic town of Swindon.   I long ride downhill ride to the old town.  Managed to locate the railway station without a problem fifty minutes before the arrival of the train which was bringing great friend and guitar maestro Richard Durrant to join the ride with me for three days.    Whilst waiting a Costa shop provided me with a light lunch.  I also loaded up with a gel to make sure that my energy levels for the afternoon ride would be high.   RD arrived ten minutes ahead of schedule and we set of at speed in the direction of Cirencester.   Richard is as fit as a fiddle and managed to show me for most of the way to Ampney St. Peter a clean pair of peddles.  I am the tortoise to his hare I hope. Little did we know that the tracker battery was down and it was assumed that I was stuck in Swindon with a problem. A fate worse than death.   Thanks to all for their concern.  The main road to Cirencester was frightening and a more than a little dangerous.  Not helped by a white van man who appeared to aim his vehicle at  the riders.  Richard responded with a gesture or two.  Drivers like that should have their vehicles confiscated for a few days and made to ride a bike on the very same road.   Had been informed that the distance to our destination from Swindon was 12 miles.  It turned out to be 16. Off the main road we soon found ourselves at Down Ampney where directions were needed for Ampney St. Peter. Two ladies out jogging were no help but a gentleman in his car encouraged us with the news it was a further four miles and to keep left. John A guided us in and before long we were there off our bikes and enjoying tea and beer and all the comforts and hospitality from John and Debbie.  This is the second time in a little over a year that I have arrived on my bike.  Last year i was on my way from Norfolk to St. Bonnet in the Auvergne. That trip took thirteen days. Nothing was too much trouble and like the previous evening it was good to be in the company of such good friends. So supportive and nothing too much trouble.  Arrival photographs were taken and after a wash and brush up, dinner.  We were joined for the evening by none other than Steve and Polly.  I am sure they are starting to get sick of the sight of me!    We had a great evening and much chat and laughs on routes, chaffing and other important matters.    We planned a long ride for Sunday and the hopes of reaching Tamworth.    A chance to get ahead of the scheduled Royal Leamimgton Spa.  Who knows! 

Tiverton to Beckington

The bike was loaded and I was on my way at bang on 08.00   I felt well rested at the Bridge House Inn  An important thing to remember at breakfast, should you stay there, is that when you order your cooked breakfast you need to be specific.   I enjoyed my cornflakes and ordered poached eggs but failed  to mention "on toast" so the two eggs appeared on a large plate sliding about every which way. I had, stupidly, already turned down the toast on the side.    So the eggs had to slip down on their own.  I have to say I felt cheated.  Having already asked for a favour of having my washed riding shirts dried I did not have the nerve to mention the lack of toast with the eggs.    That might have pushed  Basil over the edge.   I did mention the sea view!     I feel I must, in the interests of completeness, also bring you up to date with the chaffing problem which has developed.   I remember my brother discussing this problem on his long bike ride with family and friends from Bilbao to St. Bonnet in the Auvergne  and that was not to wear underclothes as the movement of the materials against each other can cause the chaffing.   So I left off the underpants.  Things seemed to be better and with plenty of Zinc and Castor Oil on the comfort level was much improved.    I need to take care of this otherwise it could hold up progress.  Keep your fingers crossed,    I will of course keep you fully in the picture.  Not literally. Not a very scenic view!!! The ride from Tiverton to Taunton was steady and without incident.  Good progress made and before long I found myself rolling into the centre of Taunton and on the corner was a Costa Coffee shop.    I took advantage.  No coffee as that drink is banned but I did indulge myself with a large hot chocolate and  a large glass of water.    A proper recharge!   Costa also offer free wifi.  I say free but you can go on line but only after you have filled in their registration form giving up very detail of yourself, name, address, DOB, e mail etc etc. In the end I gave up on the offer.   Back on my route towards Glastonbury.  Again with the early start,  progress on the road was encouraging.   I had pumped up the front tyre at the start of the day however as I sped into Glastonbury it became clear that the tyre was not holding the air.  As I pulled off the busy road I heard somebody shout.  I thought, wrongly that it was abuse from a fellow road user.  It was in fact  Steve and Polly on the way back from their holiday and they had happened upon me again.  That is the second time in three days.   No coincidence we thought. Maybe Shirley was looking after me!!  We chatted on the side of the road and pumped up the tyre again.  Very kindly Steve and Polly offered me a bed for the night.  I was on route to Frome which was near enough for them to pick me up and return me to the stopping point at the start of the Saturday ride.    The concept of this would be difficult for John A to take on board and there would be accusations of cheating!   I was prepared to manage this problem on arrival at Ampney St. Peter on Saturday.    I agreed that when I arrived in Frome I would give Steve a call and set up a rendezvous point.     Before that I had to take lunch which was in Glastonbury itself at the Abbey Tea Rooms. A delightful place where I enjoyed hot crumpets and marmite together with

Earl Grey tea and in addition I had a freshly baked scone, not with jam and cream though.    Up the hill and out of Glastonbury and the Vale of Avalon. The road to Frome was narrow hilly and busy with lorries.   I took my life in my hands and legs.  Managed to see the start of the build for the Glastonbury Festival and passed by the famous Tor.      Got to Frome in good time, about 16.30 and telephoned Steve.  Ŵe agreed I would peddle on towards Trowbridge and meet up on the road.  Eventually we met at Beckington.   Steve whisked myself and the bike back to his beautiful home on the edge of Bath.  Sorted the puncture on arrival and enjoyed a cup of tea, nectar.     The most luxurious facilities to date added to which I was with friends for the night.   How spoilt I felt.   All part of the adventure.  After a wash and brush up it was out for a meal at a local hostelry.   A wonderful meal and once again Shirley's Big C Appeal received a donation. Such generous people at the Longs Arms at South Wraxall.  If you are nearby try this restaurant you will not be disappointed.      Back home and some I depth route planning before bed.    Thank you so much Polly and Steve. You made my day! 

Bodmin to Tiverton

MThe departure from Bodmin,after a hearty breakfast, was up a steep hill and on to the A30   The main road going through the west country.  Frightening with lorries thundering past in addition to  a strong headwind.  The morning session took me through Launceston where  a morning break of hot chocolate and a donut and then on to Okehampton  after forty miles for lunch. Off the A30 at last and on a quiet road towards Crediton.   Arrived at my destination at 15.00. Too early to stop.  I enjoyed a lovely chocolate drink and a cake at Ashton's Coffee Lounge. Not the way a true athlete should recover but never mind.  When I came to pay they refused to take anything and asked me to donate the amount to the Shirley's Big C Appeal.   So generous.  If on your travels you happen to find yourself in Crediton then try the Ashton's Coffee Lounge.  being too early I decided to push on to Tiverton.  The road to this one horse town is up and down like no other.  It caused a considerable amount of chaffing on my backside which had to be dealt with later with the Zinc and Castor Cream, for nappy rash and other ailments such  as mine. Usually works like a dream. Arrived in Tiverton at at 17.00 with another 73 miles under my belt, despite wind conditions.    Tiverton sounds like it should be an interesting place.  Avoid it please. It has very little to draw you back for a second visit.  I ended up in the Bridge Inn Guest House.    It was like going into a time warp.   Comfortable and that is enough though. Looked for a pleasant restaurant in the town.  There isn't one!    I ended up in a small Thai restaurant just over the bridge from the Hotel having scoured the centre of the town. It was at this stage that I regretted moving on from Crediton.  Thank the Lord that it is Tiverton for one night.  Good to hear from John R and Richard N. feels less like being on your own.  Thanks for reading.   Weather looks pretty gloomy for tomorrow.  Frome is the target destination.  

The Start. Lands End to Bodmin

The Blue Seas B&B provided a peaceful night and a splendid breakfast. I can recommend this place. Perfect in every way. It would win Four In a Bed hands down.   Taxi arrived at 0815 and with twenty five minutes I was standing on my own at Lands End. Nobody about even to take a picture. I eventually stopped a chap emptying the bins and he took the shots for me.  By 09.05 I was on my way back to Penzance having dedicated the ride to dear Shirley and to the Big C. Centre. It took me hundreds of miles last year before I overtook another rider.  This morning I had passed three riders in the first half hour.  Was I fitter or was it just luck?I think it was the latter for as I came into Penzance a guy flew passed me on his way to John O'Groats.  I don't think I will be seeing him again.  It put me in my place. Pride before a pass!!    Carried on on back roads to Camborne for my first break. Most welcome.  Decided to keep off the A30 and so headed towards Truro and thence to St. Austell.  Stopped on a steep hill for my dinner and for the sake of my legs.   Following the break I encountered the worst possible hill which went on and on.    Tired by this stage and the detour from the A30 had cost extra miles.  Tired and ready to finish.  After Bugle and a break I was cycling up the road when I noticed somebody aiming a camera at me.  As I was almost on top of him it turned out to be a great friend Steve Budd and Polly.  They had found the needle in the haystack.  Luckily I was cycling and not sitting at the side of the road.  A great effort and so good to see a familiar faces and as a surprise. The support from everybody on this ride is so much appreciated and moving.  Thank you. 

After I finally pulled into the rather unassuming town of Bodmin. Checked into the Westbury Hotel. Very pleasant.  75 miles on the clock.   Took a hot bath to settle the legs down and washed the kit.  No laundry service!!   Dinner in the hotel. Salmon and very nice it was too.    Back to the room to catch up on the blog.  I hope the legs will be in good shape in the morning when I set out towards to Crediton. 

Bon nuit. 

Lands End. Here we come!

Up early to get the packing finished and to ensure that nothing is left behind.  Got to Diss station in good time.  John R and my son Joseph came to see me off.  Train on time. Off at Liverpool Street in London and then I took my life in my hands or on my bike and rode through the centre of London to Paddington for the Penzance train.  Down Oxford Street to Marble Arch and then Edgware Road.  Not too bad. Chance to test how well I had packed the gear on the bike.  Nothing fell off, a result. Just the one driver who needed some in depth training from me using my finest sign language. Penzance train on time too! Is that a record? After over five hours on the train pulled into Penzance. Sun shining and a gentle breeze.  Found the B and B without too much trouble located just off the promenade. I did not order the sea view from Basil so the back courtyard could be seen from my room. Dinner taken at the Assay House restaurant following a quick shower to freshen up. Tasty lamb dish.  It was then that I found that it was the toiletries I had forgotten. Touched base with my weekend riding  partner Richard Durrant.  Swindon is to be the joining point. Taxi is booked for 08.15 to take me in the morning to Lands End.    Should be on the road to John O'Groats at the latest 09.30 Time to get my head down. 

Last Long Ride.

Took the last long training ride today. At 9.15 I set off with Sourhwold the chosen destination. Lovely day for a ride.  Made good time and at 12.05 I was standing next to the pier waiting for my son Joseph with a further 39 miles on the clock. The legs felt good as did the rest of my well toned body. Joseph was only five minutes behind.  After a well earned drink we loaded the bike in the back of the land rover and went for a bite to eat. Fully restored we set off for home.   Back at base we finished off the gardening. Later we went to Diss to pick up the pre booked tickets to Penzance.   Everything falling into place. The next ride will be for real on Wednesday although I may have to ride between Liverpool Street station and Paddington on Tuesday.   

New Kit for the Ride

Naomi and Lisa visited Saturday 18th May to deliver the new kit for my ride. What a great deal of trouble they have both gone to make sure that whilst I may not ride like Cavendish I can look as though I do.    Spent the morning in the garden making sure all is done before departure. Joseph came down from Leeds to help.    Had a rest day from training. Going for a last long ride on Sunday.  Need to choose a destination to aim at.    

MOT for the Bike.

In readiness for departure next Tuesday I cycled to Diss to drop the bike off at Madgetts  bike shop for a service And a tightening up, new chain, brake blocks, cogs etc. Having dropped the bike off I decided to run back home, eleven miles. So in fact two thirds of a triathlon. Good for the fitness  level. I could feel my legs too. Also tested out the tracking device which was working well.  Madgetts is a bike shop to be recommended. Excellent service every time. Don't throw the old bike away they can fix it up!! 

Donate to Ride On Line here!!!!!!!! Thanks

Like me you may feel that the Big C drop in centre for those with cancer and also for those looking after them is a great cause.  The truth is that you do not know you need the resources of the centre till you actually need them. That sounds silly but it is so true.  To find out more about Big C. go to www.big-c.co.uk      

If you wish to donate to my ride in memory of Shirley go to. 

www.justgiving.com/seansimington   

One big thank you for reading and for giving!     

Send me a message on this blog and follow the ride. 

John and Anne make up Welcome Party!

Great friends of both Sean and Shirley have volunteered to be at John O'Groats at the end of the ride.   What an effort. I am delighted that there will be some familiar faces at the end waving an odd flag or two.   Thanks J & A your support for both Shirley and I has been so very much appreciated. I cannot thank you enough. Much love.