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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.