Start Date 10/06/2011
This page will be update daily when the charity event commences. You will be able to follow me and experience my trials and tribulations. Feel my pain and and enjoy my success. There will be photos and stories from both myself and the support driver, so you can get an all round feel of the experiences of my JOURNEY.
Please keep checking my training progress until then. Thank you.
Please keep checking my training progress until then. Thank you.
Day 1 John O'Groats to Dingwall.
We arrived in JO'G at about 10:20 on Thursday night! The sun was just setting and the temperature was alot cooler than in my home town Hebburn. Driver Davy was tired and cold and wanted to get his head down. So we took a couple of photos and sorted the the van out as we had no where else to stay.
Freezing was an understatement and we struggled to get any sleep at all. The last time we looked at the clock was 01:49 then sleep. The alarm seemed to ring as if 5 minutes had passed and we were up and at it for 6am.
Firstly a bit of breakfast and something warm. Then ready for the off. There were a few other people setting of and we were all standing under the famous sign to get our pictures taken.
I left at about 07:20 and as I couldn't get my live tracking to work. Eventually though I got it sorted and I had my head down to make up for lost time.
I was riding through Wick before I knew it the first town for a while and then off to the first stop off point. But no sign of Driver Davy? I stopped as planned called him and he was still in Wick about 10 miles behind me! I decided to keep going until he caught up.
The second leg was a little tougher with a long drop from the hills which seen me reach about 40mph then a steep climb up for about 1.5 miles. the roads in general were quite flat once I had climbed the hills and this was a pattern that continue all the way through to my second stop in a small town called Brora. This time though my driver was waiting. We had a spot of lunch and a restocked on fluids before setting off for Tain. The weather was beautiful and the wind was slight. However, this changed and the wind picked up and was in my face for a while. My pace was still good though as the roads were leveling out anfd the hills had shortened. I was soon in Tain just past the Glenmoranjie Distillery. Yet again ahead of time and a chance to refuel with water and a 30min break. Then onto Dingwall.
It seemed to take forever and my legs were hurting. The wind had picked up and the sky was clouding over and there was rain to the left of me. I was thinking the day was about to end in a soggy way but luckily for me the showers held off and the hills covered the wind for a while and the milage signs for Dingwall were lessening. Soon enough I was there at 16:28 and Driver Davy was waiting at the road side to take me to our over night stay.
We travelled the short distance along the road to Strathpeffer to where we were geated by Gordon and his lovely wife Margeret who welcomed us into their home. So tonight its been a hot shower, Steak pie with mash and veg and a lovely bed to look forward to.
Total time moving 6hrs 51 minutes total distance 117.6 miles average speed 17.1 miles.
Freezing was an understatement and we struggled to get any sleep at all. The last time we looked at the clock was 01:49 then sleep. The alarm seemed to ring as if 5 minutes had passed and we were up and at it for 6am.
Firstly a bit of breakfast and something warm. Then ready for the off. There were a few other people setting of and we were all standing under the famous sign to get our pictures taken.
I left at about 07:20 and as I couldn't get my live tracking to work. Eventually though I got it sorted and I had my head down to make up for lost time.
I was riding through Wick before I knew it the first town for a while and then off to the first stop off point. But no sign of Driver Davy? I stopped as planned called him and he was still in Wick about 10 miles behind me! I decided to keep going until he caught up.
The second leg was a little tougher with a long drop from the hills which seen me reach about 40mph then a steep climb up for about 1.5 miles. the roads in general were quite flat once I had climbed the hills and this was a pattern that continue all the way through to my second stop in a small town called Brora. This time though my driver was waiting. We had a spot of lunch and a restocked on fluids before setting off for Tain. The weather was beautiful and the wind was slight. However, this changed and the wind picked up and was in my face for a while. My pace was still good though as the roads were leveling out anfd the hills had shortened. I was soon in Tain just past the Glenmoranjie Distillery. Yet again ahead of time and a chance to refuel with water and a 30min break. Then onto Dingwall.
It seemed to take forever and my legs were hurting. The wind had picked up and the sky was clouding over and there was rain to the left of me. I was thinking the day was about to end in a soggy way but luckily for me the showers held off and the hills covered the wind for a while and the milage signs for Dingwall were lessening. Soon enough I was there at 16:28 and Driver Davy was waiting at the road side to take me to our over night stay.
We travelled the short distance along the road to Strathpeffer to where we were geated by Gordon and his lovely wife Margeret who welcomed us into their home. So tonight its been a hot shower, Steak pie with mash and veg and a lovely bed to look forward to.
Total time moving 6hrs 51 minutes total distance 117.6 miles average speed 17.1 miles.
Day 2 Dingwall to Ballachulish to Tarbet
So day 2 started at Gordon and Margaret house with a lovely breakfast of porridge and toast with fruit. With a quick shower and a great nights sleep I was ready for the day ahead. Looking forward to the day ahead after the great 1st day myself and Dad jumped in the van and headed into Strathpeffer a place he and mam had spent some time together a few years back. Then off to the start point where yesterdays journey ended.
First destination was Drumnadrochit a good 24.5 mile trip with a pretty deceptive climb into the Highlands and some lovely scenery. I was aching tops of my legs and middle of my back but this eased off as my body warmed up. Drumnadrochit was a tiny little village based on the edge of Loch Ness. A short stop and then a climb up the hill where I got my first view of the famous Loch. Huge in size and truely spectacular to see.
I travelled along the Loch on the A82 a road that was to take me all the way to Glasgow eventually. Loch Ness was about 14 miles long and the road was quite flat with some rolling hills thrown in a good quick stretch. However, slowly but surely the hills became longer and more frequent and as I made my way through the woodland passing from Loch to Loch the ride slowed down. Next stop was on the side of Loch Laggan in South Laggan and the scenery again undescribable.
The next stretch after lunch was supposed to be the last of the day and as we ate dad spoke about mam and said wouldn't it be good if we could get into Tarbet today. I didn't say any thing to him but had alreadyu made up my mind we would end up there. Why? Well mams ashes were scattered there back in March and as I rode in the long winding hills my thoughts had been with her. I won't lie to you when I say I rode with tears in my eyes! The reason for the tears was I was in pain with riding and the distance and hills was tough. My thoughts drifted to mam and I thought about the pain she must have felt at the very moment she realised she would never see her family again. That pain was never shown until the day she died and all she said was she wasn't ready to go. That was enough for us all to know how she was feeling. The people who were there that day will understand where I am coming from.
Again the journey continued and I headed to Ballachulish at the foot of Glen Coe, passing the impressive Ben Nevis before going through Fort William. In the distance clouds were gathering around the mountain tops and rain was on its way. I hadn't encountered rain yet so thought well be sooner than later. I headed from Fort William to Ballachulish and then rain came. But I was finished for now. By this time I had travelled about 94 miles and was feeling ok. Tarbet was only 50 miles or so away and I sat in the van talking to dad who again unaware of my intentions said "are you pressing on then"? I said we'll see while I surveyed the weather and took in some fluids. About 20 minutes passed and the sky started to clear. I got my self together and said to dad we would press on to the next town which was 30 miles away.
The next part of my journey was through the mountains of Glen Coe! Now after 94 miles of steady riding through rolling hills a 7 to 8 mile climb to through the roads and mountains of Glen Coe was not the easiest thing to do. At this stage I climbed about 1300 feet over the 7 or 8 miles then over the top the road dropped suddenly but again climbing for several miles steady but hard on the legs never the less. I was tired the time was getting on and the tiny town of Tyndrum seemed along way away. We didn't have any where to stay that night so I asked dad when we eventually dropped down steeply into Tyndrum if he would head off to Tarbet and find a B&B. I could tell he was pleased. I am glad I decided to go on, it was half 7 at night and Tarbet was 21 miles away. I headed for my final destination and was elated to find it was almost all down hill. I done the journey in just 1hr 35 mins and entered Tarbet just after 9 when dad came along to say he found us a B&B not too far away. That night we visited mam and slept weel before visiting her again in the morning.
Total milage for the day 146.5
First destination was Drumnadrochit a good 24.5 mile trip with a pretty deceptive climb into the Highlands and some lovely scenery. I was aching tops of my legs and middle of my back but this eased off as my body warmed up. Drumnadrochit was a tiny little village based on the edge of Loch Ness. A short stop and then a climb up the hill where I got my first view of the famous Loch. Huge in size and truely spectacular to see.
I travelled along the Loch on the A82 a road that was to take me all the way to Glasgow eventually. Loch Ness was about 14 miles long and the road was quite flat with some rolling hills thrown in a good quick stretch. However, slowly but surely the hills became longer and more frequent and as I made my way through the woodland passing from Loch to Loch the ride slowed down. Next stop was on the side of Loch Laggan in South Laggan and the scenery again undescribable.
The next stretch after lunch was supposed to be the last of the day and as we ate dad spoke about mam and said wouldn't it be good if we could get into Tarbet today. I didn't say any thing to him but had alreadyu made up my mind we would end up there. Why? Well mams ashes were scattered there back in March and as I rode in the long winding hills my thoughts had been with her. I won't lie to you when I say I rode with tears in my eyes! The reason for the tears was I was in pain with riding and the distance and hills was tough. My thoughts drifted to mam and I thought about the pain she must have felt at the very moment she realised she would never see her family again. That pain was never shown until the day she died and all she said was she wasn't ready to go. That was enough for us all to know how she was feeling. The people who were there that day will understand where I am coming from.
Again the journey continued and I headed to Ballachulish at the foot of Glen Coe, passing the impressive Ben Nevis before going through Fort William. In the distance clouds were gathering around the mountain tops and rain was on its way. I hadn't encountered rain yet so thought well be sooner than later. I headed from Fort William to Ballachulish and then rain came. But I was finished for now. By this time I had travelled about 94 miles and was feeling ok. Tarbet was only 50 miles or so away and I sat in the van talking to dad who again unaware of my intentions said "are you pressing on then"? I said we'll see while I surveyed the weather and took in some fluids. About 20 minutes passed and the sky started to clear. I got my self together and said to dad we would press on to the next town which was 30 miles away.
The next part of my journey was through the mountains of Glen Coe! Now after 94 miles of steady riding through rolling hills a 7 to 8 mile climb to through the roads and mountains of Glen Coe was not the easiest thing to do. At this stage I climbed about 1300 feet over the 7 or 8 miles then over the top the road dropped suddenly but again climbing for several miles steady but hard on the legs never the less. I was tired the time was getting on and the tiny town of Tyndrum seemed along way away. We didn't have any where to stay that night so I asked dad when we eventually dropped down steeply into Tyndrum if he would head off to Tarbet and find a B&B. I could tell he was pleased. I am glad I decided to go on, it was half 7 at night and Tarbet was 21 miles away. I headed for my final destination and was elated to find it was almost all down hill. I done the journey in just 1hr 35 mins and entered Tarbet just after 9 when dad came along to say he found us a B&B not too far away. That night we visited mam and slept weel before visiting her again in the morning.
Total milage for the day 146.5
Day3 Tarbet to Strathaven
Today was a hard day. I woke at 07:15 and to be honest was in pain my body ached all over and I was tired. My only saving grace was a shorter day than the day before. A shower and a hearty breakfast set me up for the day and a visit to where mams ashes were before setting off at 10:30. I was feeling demotivated and quite emotional at the thought of leaving mam behind once again but some kind words from friends and family over facebook perked me up and I managed to stay focussed.
I had a journey to the edge of Glasgow before crossing the Clyde on the Erskine Bridge. The section of the A82 was quick quite flat and it didnt take me too long to arrive in Old Kilpatrick. I was feeling confident that todays ride would be a quick one as it was only about 60 miles. I couldn't have been more wrong.
After the stop off and crossing the bridge I found myself at almost sea level near the River Clyde heading towards East Kilbride. This was unexpected a climb that continued for what seemed like forever. I travelled the next 28 miles climbing constantly from the Clyde up and through East Kilbride and then a small drop into Strathaven. I cant tell you too much about this part of my journey in all honesty as all I could do was keep my head down and my legs turning. I was staggered by the amount of time the road went from hill to steeper hill back to hill then a comforting drop only to be followed by a steeper hill. This was discomfort and the journey ended with a huge sigh of relief. Then a stop over at a fantastic home belonging to Mr and Mrs Raphael who made us welcome fed us and and gave us a fantastic donation of £90 from the memebers of the local church. I was gobsmacked and with this genourosity my pains left me.
61 miles.
I had a journey to the edge of Glasgow before crossing the Clyde on the Erskine Bridge. The section of the A82 was quick quite flat and it didnt take me too long to arrive in Old Kilpatrick. I was feeling confident that todays ride would be a quick one as it was only about 60 miles. I couldn't have been more wrong.
After the stop off and crossing the bridge I found myself at almost sea level near the River Clyde heading towards East Kilbride. This was unexpected a climb that continued for what seemed like forever. I travelled the next 28 miles climbing constantly from the Clyde up and through East Kilbride and then a small drop into Strathaven. I cant tell you too much about this part of my journey in all honesty as all I could do was keep my head down and my legs turning. I was staggered by the amount of time the road went from hill to steeper hill back to hill then a comforting drop only to be followed by a steeper hill. This was discomfort and the journey ended with a huge sigh of relief. Then a stop over at a fantastic home belonging to Mr and Mrs Raphael who made us welcome fed us and and gave us a fantastic donation of £90 from the memebers of the local church. I was gobsmacked and with this genourosity my pains left me.
61 miles.
Day4 Strathaven to Carlisle
Today brought better things no negative thoughts and no aches or pains. I got up at about 05:30 and was eating a fantastic cooked breakfast supplied by Mr Raphael. We thanked them for their support and kindness and I was on the road by 7am.
I thought its going to be a good day and found myself struggling along for the first 15 miles or so until my body warmed up and then I was in my stride. The first leg to Cumnock was still quite tough with long frequently rolling hills but my pace was good and I found myself 30 minutes ahead of schedule after my first stop off.
On I went to Thornhill on the A76 and at this point the roads started to work in my favour I had already travelled through Ayrshire and into Dumfries and Galloway the roads stopped rolling and started falling and soon enough I was in Thornhill where we stopped for lunch. I had received a call from BBC Radio Newcastle and when I called them back I arranged to speak on air at 16:30 later in the day. This was good news. A quick call home to speak to Suzanne who was busy at this point booking a hotel room for us for the night as she was coming to see me with James. Again, ahead of schedule by almost an hour I headed off towards Annan. I was moving quickly and reached dumfries 14 miles away in 50 minutes and then onto Annan well ahead of time. A short break and pressing on I was in Carlisle before 4 o'clock the time I should have been entering Annan. I must say it was a welcome change from the hills of the previous 2 days. Tonight has been nice spending some time with Suzanne and James I've been missing them loads.
112 miles
I thought its going to be a good day and found myself struggling along for the first 15 miles or so until my body warmed up and then I was in my stride. The first leg to Cumnock was still quite tough with long frequently rolling hills but my pace was good and I found myself 30 minutes ahead of schedule after my first stop off.
On I went to Thornhill on the A76 and at this point the roads started to work in my favour I had already travelled through Ayrshire and into Dumfries and Galloway the roads stopped rolling and started falling and soon enough I was in Thornhill where we stopped for lunch. I had received a call from BBC Radio Newcastle and when I called them back I arranged to speak on air at 16:30 later in the day. This was good news. A quick call home to speak to Suzanne who was busy at this point booking a hotel room for us for the night as she was coming to see me with James. Again, ahead of schedule by almost an hour I headed off towards Annan. I was moving quickly and reached dumfries 14 miles away in 50 minutes and then onto Annan well ahead of time. A short break and pressing on I was in Carlisle before 4 o'clock the time I should have been entering Annan. I must say it was a welcome change from the hills of the previous 2 days. Tonight has been nice spending some time with Suzanne and James I've been missing them loads.
112 miles
Day 5 Carlisle to Chorley
Today started a bit later than normal after Suzanne and James came to visit in Carlisle. We went out for some breakfast before I set off at 09:30. The ride started well and the sky was clouded over slightly. Heading out of Carlisle the traffic was busy but and the roads were still hills and troughs some quite steep and long. I was heading towards Penrith for my first stop which was a short run of only 18 miles. This run took about 1 hour 10 minutes and warmed me up nicely after the aches and pains I was feeling from the previous days riding.
Stage 2 took me along the A6 over Shap. Leaving Penrith the road was fast but soon slowed as the hills set in. Shap is a long climb of about 8 miles or more and over 1400ft. There were several cyclists about and passing in the opposite direction were 3 lads doing the opposite route. I kept pressing and passing Driver Davy with James in the van and Suzanne following in the car as they sat in the Lay by waiting for me to catch up. Dad even had the cheek to start clapping his hands as I slowly went past. However, undetered by the sunbathing followers I cracked on up the roads which, were starting to become steeper in place followed by quick drops and eventually ending with an unforgiving climb for a few miles before reaching the summit. I didn't stop at any point otherthan to take a photo of a signsaying how high the summit was. As I did this an old spitfire airoplane flew around above which was unusual but interesting.
Stage 2 took me along the A6 over Shap. Leaving Penrith the road was fast but soon slowed as the hills set in. Shap is a long climb of about 8 miles or more and over 1400ft. There were several cyclists about and passing in the opposite direction were 3 lads doing the opposite route. I kept pressing and passing Driver Davy with James in the van and Suzanne following in the car as they sat in the Lay by waiting for me to catch up. Dad even had the cheek to start clapping his hands as I slowly went past. However, undetered by the sunbathing followers I cracked on up the roads which, were starting to become steeper in place followed by quick drops and eventually ending with an unforgiving climb for a few miles before reaching the summit. I didn't stop at any point otherthan to take a photo of a signsaying how high the summit was. As I did this an old spitfire airoplane flew around above which was unusual but interesting.
Once at the summit I didn't stop as I knew exactly what was coming a drop into the valley below which, continued for about one and a half miles I was reaching speeds of up to 36mph with a slight head wind. At the bottom the the road turned with a bend to the right and a short 10% climb and that was it. I was finished with the big hills for the rest of the day. I headed along the road to Kendal keeping a good steady speed of around 20mph most of the way. A short stay here and some refreshments and off again to our next destination Galgate. I managed to encounter my first flat tyre on this leg but it didn't take oo long to sort out.
The town of Galgate is about 7 miles south of Lancaster and the roads were all pretty much flat. I had started to notice more and more the heat and sun were becoming more intense and I was starting to burn quite bad. I changed my cycle jersey to one with long arms to protect me but my face and legs were left exposed. Suzanne stopped off to get me some sun block but it was already too late. I kept riding and entered int Lacater where the traffic became heavy and I took adventage of my mode of transport by cycling on the pavements to dodge the traffic and keep good time. On the way through the town I stopped at some traffic lights where I couldn't use the pavement and spoke to another cyclist doing the same event for Help for Heroes. We wished each other well and off I went getting to my destination before my support crew. It was here where I soaked myself with Sun Cream and again restocked with refreshmenrs and snacks before heading off again to Chorley about 8 miles south of Preston.
The journey to Chorley was a hard but quick one I still had about 30 miles to go to get there but didn't stop as I wanted to make some time up. The traffic was getting busier as we travelled through more and more towns. Some of the roads were getting a bit dangerous so I kept the pace good and pusshe on through. As I entered Preston I was well ahead of the support vehicle because of the traffic and they didn't catch up until I was half way to Chorley. They went on ahead to the accommodation, which this time was a beautiful 5 bed house with a huge garden and belongs to my uncles sister in law. I hadn't seen her for over 20 years and she made us all feel so welcome and had prepared a lovely meal for us arriving. Later I had a bath and some food before chilling out for a few hours. It was lovely to have Suzanne and James there and I was pleased they had a chance to share part of my experience. Total distance travelled toady was 102 miles.
Day 6 Chorley to Cannock
So after a great nights sleep and a lovely breakfast I was ready for the off. I was feeling pretty fresh and had spent some of the morning planning the first stage of my route. Suzanne and James ere heading home after there extended stop over and I was sad to leave them but they seemed to be in good spirits and seen me off at 07:30. My first stop off point was knutsford and it was a tricky place to get to from Chorley. I had left the country side behind and the towns were coming quicker al of the time with signs for Manchester, Wigan and Bolton appearing every where. I made my way through each town making several turns and taking lots of different roads and found myself in a very busy Knutsford almost 3 hours later and 43miles travelled. I had received a call from Driver Davy saying he was lost and was just finding his way in so had to wait almost 20 minutes for him to arrive.
After a refreshment stop I headed off again, feeling quite good at this stage, I headed towards Newcastle Under Lyme I carried on keeping an ok pace before being slowed by an increasingly strong head wind. There was a little rain starting to fall but not heavy and the hills had started again some quite steep and others just long and steady. The head wind certainly made a difference andit started to sap my energy fast. I was struggling to stay comfortable on my seat and I was even having to pedal down the hills so when I reached my second stop off at Newcastle I was feeling tired. Some food and drinks were taken on board before heading off at 14:00 for my destination Cannock.
I headed off still feeling tired and tender on the saddle but with only another 28 miles to go I kept a positive mind. The hills kept coming and some more steep than before, which I reckon is going to become a pattern now I'm heading further down the country. I was through Stafford within 50 minutes so the head wind wasn't slowing me too much. But I was feeling really tired now and with about severn miles left to go I approached some traffic lights and forgat my feet were clipped in and over I went onto the pavement. I was ok and just my pride was hurt. The drivers on the roads were decent enough to stop and see if I was ok though!! Embarasement! Any way on I pressed and I got to Cannock at 16:30 to see Bob and Joan who have made us very welcome. They have taken us for some food and made us feel very comforatable in their home. Total distance covered 96 miles
Day 7 Cannock to Hawkesbury Upton
There was a nice litttle feeling coming over me on day 7, firstly it was apparent the great people who had offered to put us up on our travels were truely genuine and wanted to help in every way they could. None less than Bob and Joan in Cannock who set us of with a nice breakfast, and Bob even offered me his chair massage machine to use whilst eating it. I declined of course or I might not have ever got on my bike this day. So breakfast finished we headed off to our start point for the day and it became apparent quite quickly how busy the roads in the Midlands were.
I had a good start although a bit concerned over the roads I started the journey towards the City of Wolverhampton. This was only about 9 miles from where I started from and was a lot easier to get through than expected. With my support driver still with in my sights I was confident we were heading in the right direction and sure enough the signs for Kidderminster started to appear. We had spoken about the route and had agreed to meet at a small place about 2 or 3 miles past Kidderminster town center called Torton and as I passed my support vehicle my dad was reading the map and I headed off in the direction of Torton. I travelled for another few miles and no sign of my support so I called to see if he was ok! He said he was lost and was currently sitting innKidderminster Town Center asking for directions. Well running out of water and the sun shining I had 2 choices wait where I was or continue. Now bearing in mind the previous day where I waited for 20 minutes for him to catch up I decided to continue on until he caught me. So off I went conserving my fluid intake and ended up just outside of Worcester City center when he turned up.
I had a good laugh at him and said nice for you to join me and then took some much needed fluid on board with an isotonic drink and a couple of mars bars before heading for the next destination, which originally this was supposed to be a picturesque little village called Severn Stoke but as I had traveled an extra 13 miles to where I was supposed to be I decided to go to Tewkesbury. If I'm honest it probably worked out better time wise and broke the journey up nicely. I really shouldn't have laughed at my Dad for getting lost because I did the same thing going through Worcester but I realised quickly and doubled back on myself only my second wrong turning in 7 days not bad I reckon. Worcester is a nice place by the way worth another visit I think. So the journey contiued and although the weather was fine the wind was picking up a bit. And out of all the ellements it is most definately a head wind I dislike the most. Tewkesbury came along and a lunch stop was needed to re fuel my energy. We stopped on the bridge over the canal and took in the beauty of the place and as I spoke to Mike Cheskin my host for the forth coming evening I felt confident we were going to looked after.
Next destination Hawkesbury Upton and a good journey but on a busy road with a head wind. I jumped back on my bike and headed off down the high street in Tewkesbury. I reckon out of all the towns I've travelled through Tewkesbury is the nicest looking by far. So old but still very clean and fresh looking. The local people might disagree but that is my opinion. The journey took me through Gloucester and a road closure threw my map reading but I soon got through and onto the Busy A38. On my approach to Gloucester I had been caught in the edge of a rain storm and the winds kicked up really strong I was soaked but once it past the sun came out and dried me off pretty quick of course with the help of that wonderful headwind!! So the A38 and then onto the A419 to Stroud a quick stop for fluid then straight onto Hawkesbury. I got there on time as planned but would have been there alot earlier if not for the wind. I spoke with Mike again cleaned my bike up and prepared it for the next day and headed off in the van to Charfield where Mike welcomed us into his home.
Mike and his family were fantastic and his lovely wife Evie had prepared a wonderful Lasagne with some salad and a goat cheese crumble, which was nice but the name of the dish escapes me. Firstly of course I was given the opportunity to freshen up and then we ate. The conversation was good and Mike being Mike was full of questions relevant of course to the ride and the reasoning behind it. He is simply a great guy! After eating we took the opportunity to take in the Cotswold country side via the fantastic selection of wildlife at view in Mikes back garden. Ducks, Squirrels and a variety of birds and then we sat in a nice little sun trap at the end of the garden where Mike who is a railway enthusiast like to sit and watch the trains go by. We spoke about many things and got to know each other a little. It became very apparent that Mike and his family had suffered a sad loss in their lives and appreciated the efforts I was making to put a little something back. The next day I found out Mike and Evie made a generous donation. Mike also was very accurate with his weather forcasting and set me off the next morning of course with a full stomach but also safe in the knowledge I would encounter headwinds and a good soaking.
Total distance for the day 98.6 miles.
I had a good start although a bit concerned over the roads I started the journey towards the City of Wolverhampton. This was only about 9 miles from where I started from and was a lot easier to get through than expected. With my support driver still with in my sights I was confident we were heading in the right direction and sure enough the signs for Kidderminster started to appear. We had spoken about the route and had agreed to meet at a small place about 2 or 3 miles past Kidderminster town center called Torton and as I passed my support vehicle my dad was reading the map and I headed off in the direction of Torton. I travelled for another few miles and no sign of my support so I called to see if he was ok! He said he was lost and was currently sitting innKidderminster Town Center asking for directions. Well running out of water and the sun shining I had 2 choices wait where I was or continue. Now bearing in mind the previous day where I waited for 20 minutes for him to catch up I decided to continue on until he caught me. So off I went conserving my fluid intake and ended up just outside of Worcester City center when he turned up.
I had a good laugh at him and said nice for you to join me and then took some much needed fluid on board with an isotonic drink and a couple of mars bars before heading for the next destination, which originally this was supposed to be a picturesque little village called Severn Stoke but as I had traveled an extra 13 miles to where I was supposed to be I decided to go to Tewkesbury. If I'm honest it probably worked out better time wise and broke the journey up nicely. I really shouldn't have laughed at my Dad for getting lost because I did the same thing going through Worcester but I realised quickly and doubled back on myself only my second wrong turning in 7 days not bad I reckon. Worcester is a nice place by the way worth another visit I think. So the journey contiued and although the weather was fine the wind was picking up a bit. And out of all the ellements it is most definately a head wind I dislike the most. Tewkesbury came along and a lunch stop was needed to re fuel my energy. We stopped on the bridge over the canal and took in the beauty of the place and as I spoke to Mike Cheskin my host for the forth coming evening I felt confident we were going to looked after.
Next destination Hawkesbury Upton and a good journey but on a busy road with a head wind. I jumped back on my bike and headed off down the high street in Tewkesbury. I reckon out of all the towns I've travelled through Tewkesbury is the nicest looking by far. So old but still very clean and fresh looking. The local people might disagree but that is my opinion. The journey took me through Gloucester and a road closure threw my map reading but I soon got through and onto the Busy A38. On my approach to Gloucester I had been caught in the edge of a rain storm and the winds kicked up really strong I was soaked but once it past the sun came out and dried me off pretty quick of course with the help of that wonderful headwind!! So the A38 and then onto the A419 to Stroud a quick stop for fluid then straight onto Hawkesbury. I got there on time as planned but would have been there alot earlier if not for the wind. I spoke with Mike again cleaned my bike up and prepared it for the next day and headed off in the van to Charfield where Mike welcomed us into his home.
Mike and his family were fantastic and his lovely wife Evie had prepared a wonderful Lasagne with some salad and a goat cheese crumble, which was nice but the name of the dish escapes me. Firstly of course I was given the opportunity to freshen up and then we ate. The conversation was good and Mike being Mike was full of questions relevant of course to the ride and the reasoning behind it. He is simply a great guy! After eating we took the opportunity to take in the Cotswold country side via the fantastic selection of wildlife at view in Mikes back garden. Ducks, Squirrels and a variety of birds and then we sat in a nice little sun trap at the end of the garden where Mike who is a railway enthusiast like to sit and watch the trains go by. We spoke about many things and got to know each other a little. It became very apparent that Mike and his family had suffered a sad loss in their lives and appreciated the efforts I was making to put a little something back. The next day I found out Mike and Evie made a generous donation. Mike also was very accurate with his weather forcasting and set me off the next morning of course with a full stomach but also safe in the knowledge I would encounter headwinds and a good soaking.
Total distance for the day 98.6 miles.
Day 8 Hawkesbury Upton to Exeter
After leaving Mike and Evie there was a few miles to travel in the support van to where I had finished the day before. It was apparent from leaving the wind was going to be strong and the sky looked ominus with heavy looking clouds quickly moving across the sky. I managed to set off relatively quickly leaving my start point at about 07:20 and true to Mikes words the wind was strong and unfortunately in my face. I had studied the route on my next stage and had found a route which would take me to my first stop off at Wells in 35 miles. But I had been given advice earlier from Mike to go a different way which was slightly longer. I didn't follow the advice mainly down to the head winds as the less miles to travel was more time to recover. And in all honesty on the eigth day with a head wind I needed all the time I could find to recover.
So the Cotswolds are a beautiful part of our country with out a doubt but they were just warming me up in all honesty for the hills of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. And as I head of on the15 mile or so through to Bath I seemed to climb hill after hill some easier than others. Once I reached Bath however, I came to a great long drop into the valley below on an 8% decent. It was just as well my support driver was just behind me as I managed to take the wrong road heading east instead of west. So a quick u turn over the central reservation put me back on course. Heading into Bath there was a bit of traffic to contend with and it was a bit of a climb through the main streets before heading out of the other side onto the A39. Staying on this road until my first stop off at Wells. This was to include a great climb up and over the Mendips where the weather turned cooler and a little rain fell. Blind summits and hidden dips in the roads were my memory from this part of my journey but these only made the ride more interesting. A long drop on the other side and into Wells for first stop off and some much needed refreshments.
Next stage seen us heading on to Taunton and although the countryside was nice loneliness set in and my journey was becoming harder. I seen many cyclists along my route on a daily basis and not many were cycling alone. This was something I knew would happen at some point. Any way leaving Wells seen me my second puncture of the journey and this on top of my lonely feeling, was making the day a little frustrating. I pressed on regardless after fixing the puncture. So the roads in that familiar pattern of hill after hill kept coming. And soon enough I ended up in Taunton to have a well needed lunch stop. I realised on my stop my in car charger was not working and as I was in a town center I would get a new one from Argos. Asking a local lady she told me where the nearest store was and it wasn't to far away. So after lunch I headed of to get one. The next thing was unexpected as we had been going quite well other than the puncture and time was on schedule, but it took us 45 minutes to find our exit road out of Taunton and my time was out of my control. I found the road eventually after asking several people who never had any idea where they were never mind where I needed to be. I t was at this point the heavens opened and for the next 4 hours I had hills headwinds and tourential rain. I found myself in Exeter and a quick chat with my Dad I gave him the exit road number to get us where we needed to be starting the next day.
I travelled through the rainy streets of Exeter and found where I needed to be before getting a call from my Dad to say he didn't know where he was. I took me ages to answer his call as my soaked hands could not answer the touch screen. Eventually he found his way and we travelled along the B3212 to Longdown where we were to start on the last day.
We then found our way to our over night stop in a little place called Nadder Water with a lovely family with Lee and Carole and there girls. I was offered the opportunity to freshen up before being given some food and shown to my over night sleeping point of a caravan in the front of their home. It was a comfortable place and had been stacked with breakfast cereals and juices for us the next morning. I spoke with them for an hour or so and then headed in to bed for what was expected to be very much a long day ahead. I lay in bed after speaking with Suzanne telling her of my difficult day and was boosted by the comfort my online fundraising target had been reached. I slept soundly and woke early the next morning to find my clothes had been dried and my shoes almost dry as promised by my hosts from the night before.
Total milage 111.2 miles.
So the Cotswolds are a beautiful part of our country with out a doubt but they were just warming me up in all honesty for the hills of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. And as I head of on the15 mile or so through to Bath I seemed to climb hill after hill some easier than others. Once I reached Bath however, I came to a great long drop into the valley below on an 8% decent. It was just as well my support driver was just behind me as I managed to take the wrong road heading east instead of west. So a quick u turn over the central reservation put me back on course. Heading into Bath there was a bit of traffic to contend with and it was a bit of a climb through the main streets before heading out of the other side onto the A39. Staying on this road until my first stop off at Wells. This was to include a great climb up and over the Mendips where the weather turned cooler and a little rain fell. Blind summits and hidden dips in the roads were my memory from this part of my journey but these only made the ride more interesting. A long drop on the other side and into Wells for first stop off and some much needed refreshments.
Next stage seen us heading on to Taunton and although the countryside was nice loneliness set in and my journey was becoming harder. I seen many cyclists along my route on a daily basis and not many were cycling alone. This was something I knew would happen at some point. Any way leaving Wells seen me my second puncture of the journey and this on top of my lonely feeling, was making the day a little frustrating. I pressed on regardless after fixing the puncture. So the roads in that familiar pattern of hill after hill kept coming. And soon enough I ended up in Taunton to have a well needed lunch stop. I realised on my stop my in car charger was not working and as I was in a town center I would get a new one from Argos. Asking a local lady she told me where the nearest store was and it wasn't to far away. So after lunch I headed of to get one. The next thing was unexpected as we had been going quite well other than the puncture and time was on schedule, but it took us 45 minutes to find our exit road out of Taunton and my time was out of my control. I found the road eventually after asking several people who never had any idea where they were never mind where I needed to be. I t was at this point the heavens opened and for the next 4 hours I had hills headwinds and tourential rain. I found myself in Exeter and a quick chat with my Dad I gave him the exit road number to get us where we needed to be starting the next day.
I travelled through the rainy streets of Exeter and found where I needed to be before getting a call from my Dad to say he didn't know where he was. I took me ages to answer his call as my soaked hands could not answer the touch screen. Eventually he found his way and we travelled along the B3212 to Longdown where we were to start on the last day.
We then found our way to our over night stop in a little place called Nadder Water with a lovely family with Lee and Carole and there girls. I was offered the opportunity to freshen up before being given some food and shown to my over night sleeping point of a caravan in the front of their home. It was a comfortable place and had been stacked with breakfast cereals and juices for us the next morning. I spoke with them for an hour or so and then headed in to bed for what was expected to be very much a long day ahead. I lay in bed after speaking with Suzanne telling her of my difficult day and was boosted by the comfort my online fundraising target had been reached. I slept soundly and woke early the next morning to find my clothes had been dried and my shoes almost dry as promised by my hosts from the night before.
Total milage 111.2 miles.
Day 9 Exeter to Lands End
So here I was awake on my last day lying in the caravan provided with an assortment of fruit juice and cereal from Lee and Carole. I lay for a while still reveling in the comfort of the late online flourish of donations from the night before. The donations took me beyond my target of £1000 and gave me that little bit more of a push just knowing people were out there routing for me. So comfortable I was in my thoughts I hadn't realised the rain was still falling heavily outside. Then as my thoughts came back to riding I started to survey the day ahead.
Now even though my dad was my support driver he had little else to do other than drive ahead and keep a journal. But his support through out was good and his company and humour were second to none . I woke him to say I think it might be a good idea to get an early start and gave him his breakfast. I had been out to check the weather and there were patches in the cloud but the rain was heavy when it came. It was also backed up by a strong wind of which I couldn't tell the direction of because of the surrounding trees. We set off at around 06:15 to get to my start point of Longdown and it soon enough became apparent where the wind was blowing and it wasn't great news for me as it was coming straight into my face. I got out of the van and gave my bike the quick once over, chain check and tyre pressure then headed off along the B3212 and towards the Dartmoor National Park.
I had been contemplating changing my route due to the head wind and had 2 options. The first was to follow my route as planned and ride out the hilly Dartmoor stretch to Tavistock or the second. Take the A30 all the way from Exeter to Lands End and in all honesty it was a tough call. However, I took my experience from the previous couple of days into account and opted to go over Dartmoor and stick with my plan. The reason for this was as follows, previously whilst riding with strong winds I had been helped slightly on the smaller roads by the cover of hedgerows and trees only to be slowed down when hitting the more open busy A-roads. It was for this reason I chose to go this way hoping that the villages and towns were linked by narrow roads. Unlike the more exposed long 125 mile stretch of the A30.
I found myself once again in the familiar scenario of rain and head wind only this time at the beginning of the day and better prepared. I had made sure I put on my water proofs and long cycling leggins and thermal jersey I even put on my over shoes, which last made an outing sometime in winter. Sure enough this was a good move as the wind was strong and the rain was driving. I travelled the long road through a couple of towns and up and down the severe climbs and drops through the moors. I could feel myself having to pedal down the hills just to keep the average speed as high as I could. I was expecting this stage to be tough before I started but in this weather it was taking its toll and sapping my energy fast.
I had little time to take in the scenery but what I did see was nice and when I got the chance I would take a pic or two and in the most severe places I stopped to take some video footage on my phone trying to sample the experience for the people back home. I even at one point took a video of me coming down hill at about 37mph to give a good indication of the severity of the hills. I stopped also a couple of times to speak with my dad about the weather and he was concerned over the safety due to the wind as the van he was in was moving around pretty badly. Anyway I was almost there and the rain was becoming less frequent but there was no let up in the wind.As I travelled the last few miles through Dartmoor I passed my dad on a decline and looked back at him. When I did this I seen another cyclist about 20 meters behind me and was suprised. I hadn't passed any towns for a while and there was only one other road I had passed several miles back. My thoughts immediately started. You see I had so far travelled the whole country to this point with out a cyclist over taking me. Probably because they were mostly sensible and went the other way with the prevailing winds behind them. So seeing this cyclist bearing down on me gave me a sense of urgency. I tucked myself into the smallest shape possible and let gravity do the rest I was hitting speeds around 33/35mph then as I hit the bottom of the slope it was straight back up into a long steep climb. My support passed me on the way up the hill as I dug deep and selected a good gear and pushed as hard as I could head down and legs burning I didn't look back. I thoght as long as he doesn't pass me it doesn't matter. Then the top arrived and my dad waved me down to tell me the camera run out memory. He then added "mind you left him for dead I thought he was going to pass you". I looked back and the cyclist was about quarter of a mile back still climbing. I told my dad I would sort the memory in Tavistock and headed off again. The next stretch of road was a huge steep drop down the other side of Dartmoor and into Tavistock where I hit my top speed of the trip 47.7mph. Absolutey wonderful to be going downhill then to see the sign for Tavistock at the foot of this slope was the best feeling I pulled over and found a safe place for the van to pull into then jumped in as the rain started to fall again.
The next stop after refueling my tank was to be Lostwitheil another 30 mile stint or so. I ate well and set up my fluids for the next stretch, always with one eye on the weather, The rain passed and after about 25 minutes I was back on the roads and looking to be out of the town and onto the A390. This road was to take me all the way to my next destination and was filled with small towns and villages and was obviously one of the busier through ways. The traffic was heavy and the hills kept coming one imparticular stays in my mind and it was as I approached the bottom, it rang a few bells in my head. A road sign on the side of the road saying welcome to Cornwall! Now then the last time I seen one for Somerset I had a huge hill to climb and this hill made that one look small. It went on and on with blind summits appearing and the road turning tightly. The traffic built up behind me as I dug in deep to climb to the peek and then it was over, quickly followed by the steep drop a pattern which occured cocstantly for mile after mile. The best thing about the hills was less wind but my speed was suffering due to there severity and once at the top the winds re appeared to slow me down on the declines. I couldn't win and my energy was starting to faulter. I was glad to get in to Lostwitheil where I was able to re stock on food and energy drinks and water. I checked the map again and surveyed the A30 option as I knew there was a turn off at Truro to take me on to there. I told my dad we would stop at the entrance of Truro next to survey my options again as I needed to try to get some time back as the conditions had me about a half hour behind. I changed into a wind breaker as the rain had stopped and took my gloves off as they were soaked and cracked on through the miles. Out of Lostwitheil straight back into the constant up down up down! And then the road opened out and the cover from the trees and hedge rows was gone a long climb for about 2.5 miles and no cover was not what I needed my coat was giving me too much drag and I was starting to feel pain for the first time that day. I was simply tired and still miles away from my destination. I kept going at a slow pace with my head down and eventually after almost 30 minutes was back onto a more narrow stretch. My support vehicle waiting in a lay-by for me to pass. I stopped and tapped on the window to tell my dad I was starting to hurt and he said he could tell and he encouraged me to keep going. When the road opened up like that it might have been a good thing. As it made me realise before we got to Truro that the open roads were deadly and I quickly made my decision to stay with my original route.
I got to Truro yet further behind schedule and had some quick refreshments. I told my dad that my journey was almost complete and this was to be my final stop. He looked at me and looked suprised. I said I'm stripping down into just shorts and a light weight cycling top and I'm not stopping until Lands End.
By this time I had conquered all the hills and knew the terrain was harsh I could see the rain had well and truely passed and that the wind wasn't going to let up for me. So it was just me against the elements with around 38 miles left to go and already travelled 100 miles I was going to dig deeper and go for it. So I left my phone in the van to re charge for a while and told my day I would only stop to pick it up 10 miles further down the road so I could switch on the Live tracking device I had used all the way from John O'Groats. I knew there were a load of people back home watching me as I had been picking their messages up on an evening before sleeping. So I crunched through the miles and up and down the never ending hills. And kept looking for the signs for the A30 at Penzance off the A394 which, I had come onto after leaving Truro. Passing Helston I knew it wasn't much further around 20 miles or so and then the signs appeared! A little boost to keep me going. I was now starting to hurt even more and the pain and grimace was becoming apparent as I grunted and groaned on the steep slopes. The A30 was ahead of me and I got there to feel the next step of grueling harsh head wind as the roads opened up and the sea was in my sights. I pulled over on the A30 to take a video of the first sign post with Lands End on and then called Suzanne back home as my pain was intense I was almost in tears here voice broke as she heard me speak. I told her I was hurting and she said there were so many people back home routing for me and to think of my mam. This I had been doing for a long time but to hear Suzannes will for me to get there gave me my last and final piece of focus. She had supported me in all of my training and all of the way through the stressful times following my mam passing away. How could I stop now I was only 14 miles from success.
I pushed on and on and the road signs became less important as there were only a few miles to go, all on one long road. I focussed again on those thoughts that carried me 146 miles on day 2 to mams resting place in Tarbet. And of the pain she must of felt when she realised she would never see her family again. And from that moment on the wind disappeared from my thoughts, the hills were just there and the distance I had travelled was no longer relevant and the pain was no longer mine. Because mam was with me in my thoughts as I approached the last few hundred metres to the finish of my journey. I took my phone out of my pocket whilst still riding and started a video off to take me over the finish line. My dad was already there and took a video of me as well. I got there and off my bike my body hurting more than ever before and a sense of confusion as I tried to cope with my exhaustion. I had travelled 134 miles and it had taken me 12.5hours in the saddle to get there. My dad walked to me and grabbed me first putting his arm around me and then hugging me. He could clearly see my feelings were raw I was emotional and he said "Ian that was awesome I really don't know how you did that. I'm proud of you and your mam is too" I felt numb and responded with few words other than thank you. My phone started ringing almost immediately as people could see on live tracking I was there. Well wishes and support came flooding in from all over. I must mention a call I received from my sister who left a voice mail as she couldn't get through. she didn't have the live tracker but got a warm feeling and felt she needed to call me. She said it was mam giving her a sign and who am I to take that thought away from her after what I had just experienced.
It was time for some photos and the wind on the cliff tops was something else almost carrying my dad off across the car park. Then it was off to our over night stop at St. Just. Here we met William and Elise Hall who had prepared wonderful food and comfortable beds and offered me the use of their shower to freshen up. They made us feel welcome and gave everything we needed to be comfortable. They also donated which was more than I expected and very generous too. I slept soundly that night and woke early in the morning. I couldn't rest once awake so woke my dad and asked if we could leave asap. It took us 9 and a half hours to get from Lands end to Hebburn and when I drove into the street we were welcomed by all of my family and some friends holding banners. I got out of the van to a really wonderful welcome and people shook my hand and hugged and kissed me. I felt happy in myself that these people cared about what I had done and I felt happy for my dad to see his family together like this.
In all honesty I wish my mind had a memory stick so I could remove it and let you all see and feel what I have over these past 9 days. I had many great experiences on my journey but none as important as the time spent with my dad. I lost my mam suddenly to illness and time was limited. The time I spent with my dad was not limited it was priceless!
Now even though my dad was my support driver he had little else to do other than drive ahead and keep a journal. But his support through out was good and his company and humour were second to none . I woke him to say I think it might be a good idea to get an early start and gave him his breakfast. I had been out to check the weather and there were patches in the cloud but the rain was heavy when it came. It was also backed up by a strong wind of which I couldn't tell the direction of because of the surrounding trees. We set off at around 06:15 to get to my start point of Longdown and it soon enough became apparent where the wind was blowing and it wasn't great news for me as it was coming straight into my face. I got out of the van and gave my bike the quick once over, chain check and tyre pressure then headed off along the B3212 and towards the Dartmoor National Park.
I had been contemplating changing my route due to the head wind and had 2 options. The first was to follow my route as planned and ride out the hilly Dartmoor stretch to Tavistock or the second. Take the A30 all the way from Exeter to Lands End and in all honesty it was a tough call. However, I took my experience from the previous couple of days into account and opted to go over Dartmoor and stick with my plan. The reason for this was as follows, previously whilst riding with strong winds I had been helped slightly on the smaller roads by the cover of hedgerows and trees only to be slowed down when hitting the more open busy A-roads. It was for this reason I chose to go this way hoping that the villages and towns were linked by narrow roads. Unlike the more exposed long 125 mile stretch of the A30.
I found myself once again in the familiar scenario of rain and head wind only this time at the beginning of the day and better prepared. I had made sure I put on my water proofs and long cycling leggins and thermal jersey I even put on my over shoes, which last made an outing sometime in winter. Sure enough this was a good move as the wind was strong and the rain was driving. I travelled the long road through a couple of towns and up and down the severe climbs and drops through the moors. I could feel myself having to pedal down the hills just to keep the average speed as high as I could. I was expecting this stage to be tough before I started but in this weather it was taking its toll and sapping my energy fast.
I had little time to take in the scenery but what I did see was nice and when I got the chance I would take a pic or two and in the most severe places I stopped to take some video footage on my phone trying to sample the experience for the people back home. I even at one point took a video of me coming down hill at about 37mph to give a good indication of the severity of the hills. I stopped also a couple of times to speak with my dad about the weather and he was concerned over the safety due to the wind as the van he was in was moving around pretty badly. Anyway I was almost there and the rain was becoming less frequent but there was no let up in the wind.As I travelled the last few miles through Dartmoor I passed my dad on a decline and looked back at him. When I did this I seen another cyclist about 20 meters behind me and was suprised. I hadn't passed any towns for a while and there was only one other road I had passed several miles back. My thoughts immediately started. You see I had so far travelled the whole country to this point with out a cyclist over taking me. Probably because they were mostly sensible and went the other way with the prevailing winds behind them. So seeing this cyclist bearing down on me gave me a sense of urgency. I tucked myself into the smallest shape possible and let gravity do the rest I was hitting speeds around 33/35mph then as I hit the bottom of the slope it was straight back up into a long steep climb. My support passed me on the way up the hill as I dug deep and selected a good gear and pushed as hard as I could head down and legs burning I didn't look back. I thoght as long as he doesn't pass me it doesn't matter. Then the top arrived and my dad waved me down to tell me the camera run out memory. He then added "mind you left him for dead I thought he was going to pass you". I looked back and the cyclist was about quarter of a mile back still climbing. I told my dad I would sort the memory in Tavistock and headed off again. The next stretch of road was a huge steep drop down the other side of Dartmoor and into Tavistock where I hit my top speed of the trip 47.7mph. Absolutey wonderful to be going downhill then to see the sign for Tavistock at the foot of this slope was the best feeling I pulled over and found a safe place for the van to pull into then jumped in as the rain started to fall again.
The next stop after refueling my tank was to be Lostwitheil another 30 mile stint or so. I ate well and set up my fluids for the next stretch, always with one eye on the weather, The rain passed and after about 25 minutes I was back on the roads and looking to be out of the town and onto the A390. This road was to take me all the way to my next destination and was filled with small towns and villages and was obviously one of the busier through ways. The traffic was heavy and the hills kept coming one imparticular stays in my mind and it was as I approached the bottom, it rang a few bells in my head. A road sign on the side of the road saying welcome to Cornwall! Now then the last time I seen one for Somerset I had a huge hill to climb and this hill made that one look small. It went on and on with blind summits appearing and the road turning tightly. The traffic built up behind me as I dug in deep to climb to the peek and then it was over, quickly followed by the steep drop a pattern which occured cocstantly for mile after mile. The best thing about the hills was less wind but my speed was suffering due to there severity and once at the top the winds re appeared to slow me down on the declines. I couldn't win and my energy was starting to faulter. I was glad to get in to Lostwitheil where I was able to re stock on food and energy drinks and water. I checked the map again and surveyed the A30 option as I knew there was a turn off at Truro to take me on to there. I told my dad we would stop at the entrance of Truro next to survey my options again as I needed to try to get some time back as the conditions had me about a half hour behind. I changed into a wind breaker as the rain had stopped and took my gloves off as they were soaked and cracked on through the miles. Out of Lostwitheil straight back into the constant up down up down! And then the road opened out and the cover from the trees and hedge rows was gone a long climb for about 2.5 miles and no cover was not what I needed my coat was giving me too much drag and I was starting to feel pain for the first time that day. I was simply tired and still miles away from my destination. I kept going at a slow pace with my head down and eventually after almost 30 minutes was back onto a more narrow stretch. My support vehicle waiting in a lay-by for me to pass. I stopped and tapped on the window to tell my dad I was starting to hurt and he said he could tell and he encouraged me to keep going. When the road opened up like that it might have been a good thing. As it made me realise before we got to Truro that the open roads were deadly and I quickly made my decision to stay with my original route.
I got to Truro yet further behind schedule and had some quick refreshments. I told my dad that my journey was almost complete and this was to be my final stop. He looked at me and looked suprised. I said I'm stripping down into just shorts and a light weight cycling top and I'm not stopping until Lands End.
By this time I had conquered all the hills and knew the terrain was harsh I could see the rain had well and truely passed and that the wind wasn't going to let up for me. So it was just me against the elements with around 38 miles left to go and already travelled 100 miles I was going to dig deeper and go for it. So I left my phone in the van to re charge for a while and told my day I would only stop to pick it up 10 miles further down the road so I could switch on the Live tracking device I had used all the way from John O'Groats. I knew there were a load of people back home watching me as I had been picking their messages up on an evening before sleeping. So I crunched through the miles and up and down the never ending hills. And kept looking for the signs for the A30 at Penzance off the A394 which, I had come onto after leaving Truro. Passing Helston I knew it wasn't much further around 20 miles or so and then the signs appeared! A little boost to keep me going. I was now starting to hurt even more and the pain and grimace was becoming apparent as I grunted and groaned on the steep slopes. The A30 was ahead of me and I got there to feel the next step of grueling harsh head wind as the roads opened up and the sea was in my sights. I pulled over on the A30 to take a video of the first sign post with Lands End on and then called Suzanne back home as my pain was intense I was almost in tears here voice broke as she heard me speak. I told her I was hurting and she said there were so many people back home routing for me and to think of my mam. This I had been doing for a long time but to hear Suzannes will for me to get there gave me my last and final piece of focus. She had supported me in all of my training and all of the way through the stressful times following my mam passing away. How could I stop now I was only 14 miles from success.
I pushed on and on and the road signs became less important as there were only a few miles to go, all on one long road. I focussed again on those thoughts that carried me 146 miles on day 2 to mams resting place in Tarbet. And of the pain she must of felt when she realised she would never see her family again. And from that moment on the wind disappeared from my thoughts, the hills were just there and the distance I had travelled was no longer relevant and the pain was no longer mine. Because mam was with me in my thoughts as I approached the last few hundred metres to the finish of my journey. I took my phone out of my pocket whilst still riding and started a video off to take me over the finish line. My dad was already there and took a video of me as well. I got there and off my bike my body hurting more than ever before and a sense of confusion as I tried to cope with my exhaustion. I had travelled 134 miles and it had taken me 12.5hours in the saddle to get there. My dad walked to me and grabbed me first putting his arm around me and then hugging me. He could clearly see my feelings were raw I was emotional and he said "Ian that was awesome I really don't know how you did that. I'm proud of you and your mam is too" I felt numb and responded with few words other than thank you. My phone started ringing almost immediately as people could see on live tracking I was there. Well wishes and support came flooding in from all over. I must mention a call I received from my sister who left a voice mail as she couldn't get through. she didn't have the live tracker but got a warm feeling and felt she needed to call me. She said it was mam giving her a sign and who am I to take that thought away from her after what I had just experienced.
It was time for some photos and the wind on the cliff tops was something else almost carrying my dad off across the car park. Then it was off to our over night stop at St. Just. Here we met William and Elise Hall who had prepared wonderful food and comfortable beds and offered me the use of their shower to freshen up. They made us feel welcome and gave everything we needed to be comfortable. They also donated which was more than I expected and very generous too. I slept soundly that night and woke early in the morning. I couldn't rest once awake so woke my dad and asked if we could leave asap. It took us 9 and a half hours to get from Lands end to Hebburn and when I drove into the street we were welcomed by all of my family and some friends holding banners. I got out of the van to a really wonderful welcome and people shook my hand and hugged and kissed me. I felt happy in myself that these people cared about what I had done and I felt happy for my dad to see his family together like this.
In all honesty I wish my mind had a memory stick so I could remove it and let you all see and feel what I have over these past 9 days. I had many great experiences on my journey but none as important as the time spent with my dad. I lost my mam suddenly to illness and time was limited. The time I spent with my dad was not limited it was priceless!