Story
LANDS END to JOHN O'GROATS (Le JoG) CHARITY CYCLE RIDE
Yes I have finally lost it - 10 days at 100 miles and 10 hours a day in the saddle - not to mention the 1000 miles of training before the start.
I have had to buy a 'new' bike I'm told it was new when it fell off the lorry on the way to the market.
Padded shorts, bar bag, energy food - cycling glasses (£3) - all the gear - no idea!
I lined my bike up with the others at the School Fete where we were fundraising.
Scotts cost £2500 - Trek - carbon Fibre
Ians' was next - Giant - Aluminium
Mine - Welly market - recycled steel girders
I wanted to cycle with plenty of back up and all the organisation done - heard about it through the Lions when the organiser asked if he could borrow the minibus to add to the fleet of vehicles transporting us to Lands End.
It hasn't quite worked out that way - I think there will be 8 of us - as long as Scott's broken arm mends in time for the start.
Anyone would have fallen off - it wasn't his fault - these lightweight bikes are so unstable when stationary - of course having his feet clipped to the pedals made it difficult (or perhaps easy) to fall over.
A few longish training rides to Wales (assisted by Mr Branson and a virgin) have toned me up and its only 2 weeks to go and I'm nowhere near ready.
Off to my 'day' job now - I will add to this later
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Sunday 11th July
Training run planned with Steve Peoples, Tachbele Adam and Ian Oliver. Starting from the shop at 9.00 am - Scott is going to wave us off with his good arm
Monday 12th
Only 11 days to go now - Four of us did the bike ride on Sunday - Edge Hill nearly claimed a few more lives - it is seriously steep - but we all survived. Thanks to those who have donated to CRUK so far - either on my sponsor forms or through Just Giving.
Friday 16th
Collected trailer for bikes from Fire Service.
Setting off this afternoon cycling to Rhayader, camping overnight, then on to Cardigan tomorrow. Strong S.W.. wind and heavy showers forecast. 170 miles in 2 days
Hope to report on this next week.
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Tuesday 20th
Made it to Wales and back - didn't like the wind and rain or the hills, but the sheep are friendly (so I am told!).
Picture of my overnight stop on the page now - Hopefully the Youth Hostels and Travel lodges will be more comfortable.
Thanks to all the people who have donated through Just Giving - it will keep me going for the next 2 weeks - well that and the mars bars.
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Saturday 24th 4.30 a.m. WE'RE OFF!
Saturday 24th 9 p.m.
Made it safely from Lands End to Padstow, the tent is erected and we're now off to the pub to re-fuel.
Tuesday 27th
Arrived at Telford. Ingrid and Jenny (Ian's wife and daughter)
paid us a visit and brought supplies of beer etc. Also Angus came to join us for the rest of the ride.
Thursday 29th
Carlisle. Over half way and the knees are still holding out.
Tomorrow we'll be crossing the border into Scotland.
Monday August 2nd
Nearly there. We are at Carbisdale, the last stop before John o' Groats, and staying in a youth hostel that seems to have once been a medieval castle. The scenery has been spectacular the last couple of days (when it hasn't been raining)
We're all getting rather tired and sore now but only one more day to go!
August 3rd
WE DID IT!
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