Finally, Rob, John and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who's supported us through-out and to everyone that made a donation.  It will make a huge difference to the children and parent's that use PARC, and it really gave us an incentive to carry on. 

 

Day 14: Going home!!

We had driven from J.O.G's to Yorkshire and stayed at Rob's brother-in-law's, Steve's, house.  He was on holiday so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to make a few alterations to the interior decor.

John drove us home while Rob and I slept.  It was emotional saying goodbye to the good old boy when we dropped him off.   I left my car at Rob's, so we went back to his.  As we pulled in to the drive the first thing we noticed was a big banner, then the balloons.  The girls had thrown us a welcome home party!!

Todays mileage 328

Average speed 74mph

 

 

Day 13; Helms Dale - John O'Groats

The End was in sight and we were thinking of home, wives and clean clothes.  We had been told of some big hills on the way to Wick and the stories were true.  Our legs were screaming on the upage but the downage compensated.

There was a strong headwind and a wind chill factor of -12 but nothing could stop us now.

Pausing in Wick for a final coffee, the sun came out.... which in Scotland means it's about to rain!

There was a last bit of upage we rounded and then could see the village of J.O.G's.  The road curved to our right so we had the wind at our backs as we entered.  We rode through with huge grins and a feeling of pride and elation.  There is a long straight down to the harbour and as we topped a small rise we could see John waiting for us.  He also had two girls with a ribbon!!

It brings a smile even now just thinking about it.  So many great memories and a huge sense of achievement but definitly a once in a lifetime challenge.

Todays mileage 54.7

Total mileage 1028.7

Average speed 13mph

 

 

Day 12; Fort Augustus - Helms Dale

We struggled to get up and took ages to pack the gear.  Finally getting on the road for 08.30.  Deciding our morning warm up phase was only in our head.  We road the length of Loch Ness in 1hour 20min, 32miles.  We shot through Inverness and over a great bridge but hit a long stretch of 'upage' (our name for a hill) which slowed us down.

Stopping for lunch, we received a £15 donation from Diane and Lucy, the marine biologists.  The road to Tain was another fast stretch, but all this speeding was taking it's toll.  We hit more 'upage' and only a little bit of 'downage' over the last stretch.  Helms Dale was our destination but it seemed to move further and further away.  Thinking we were only a mile or two away, we started racing each other.  Rob has the flats but i have the hills!  We both called a truce when we realised we had 4miles still to do.

We arrived in Helms Dale exhausted but John had a run sorted in the local tavern.  We all looked forward to tomorrow, our final day.

Today's mileage 105.8

Total mileage 974

Average Speed 16.5mph

 

 

Day 11; Loch Awe - Fort Augustus

We groan like two old arthritic men when we get up, but once on the bikes everything just works.  Setting off in the rain again, we were slow to get into our rythem.  Our training rides used to be 25miles but that's how long it takes us to warm up now.  More amazing scenery and we were really starting to crank it up.

After 57miles we were approaching Fort William.  The sun came out, the road was smooth and we had a tail wind.  Our speed over 3miles was 28mph and in Fort William, we hit 30mph on the flat.  We stopped for supplies and a bite to eat but we had 30miles to go so got a shift on to Fort Augustus.  Setting up the tents was a real chore and we experienced the dreaded midges before climbing into the tent.

Today's mileage 92

Total mileage 868.2

Average Speed 16.2mph

 

 

Day 10; Kilmarnock - Loch Awe

We had a great 7 miles into the rain and Irvine, but at 7.30am disaster struck... My back tyre blew out.  We quickly repaired it, but discovered the tube bulgeing through.  With no spare we had to wait 2hrs for a bike shop to open, so we had a full english at Asda.  The tyre was replaced and Rob and I were back on the road by 10.  Once again, having John as our support was priceless. 

We got to the coast.  The sea air and views really spured us on to Largs.  But then, our second disaster struck....  A demented hairy haggis leapt out from the side, with one leg shorter than the other, and stole Rob's phone.  We only discovered this on the ferry to Dunoon so John turned around and got straight back on the ferry to try and hunt down the Haggis.  Rob and I carried on North along Loch Eke, and a new ashphalt road really spolit us.  When riding a bike, you notice every bump on the road, but this was like silk.  The mileage clocked up as every bend in the road bought us a new vista.  Unfortunately, John could not find Rob's phone so we lost many of our photos (if the police find it, we'll deny all knowledge).

We got to Inverary and had a snack.   Although we'd already covered 82miles, we were determined to clock up another 100 miler.  Although we had a hard climb, the 4miles desent into Loch Awe, was like a rollercoaster.  The only hotel was fully booked and the only accomodation was fully booked.  Not even John's charms could get us a discount and the silver fox struck out.

We got our 100miles, and a quick meal at the only pub.  Brian, Marie, Anna and Andy at the 'Tight Line' pub donated lots of chocolate to our cause.

Todays mileage 100.1

Total mileage 776.2

Average speed 16.2

 

 

Day 9; Annan - Kilmarnock

As it was Sunday, we almost convinced ourselves to stay in bed but as we had some time to make up we were up at 6am as usual.

Tents and gear was stowed, so the three of us set off.  We had been warned the A76 was a nasty busy road with lorrys and no room for bikes.  It was more by luck than judgement we travelled it on a Sunday, so we could enjoy the scenery.

Annan to Dumfries was a pleasent 17miles and an omelette at 'Little Chef' was a great breakfast.  Unfortunately the weather and wind had turned against us.  The rain held off but leaden skies and bitterly cold head winds made for heavy going.  The terrain was becoming lumpy.  It was a hard slog to Sanquhar mainly due to the wind.  The owners of the garage, Evylen and Mary, donated £4 to the fund.

It was cold and windy as we entered New Cumnock.  The only thing missing was tumble weed.  There was evident of former glory but cars on blocks and boardered shop fronts hold a story of their own.

We were warned of a road closure at Mauchline and John was diverted 40miles.  We elected to ignore all diversions and ploughed on.  As we approached the worksite, we were waved through so felt lucky.  7 miles out of Kilmarnock we got a second wind so blasted the final leg to our digs.  John decided to treat us to a hotel and we didn't have the strength to argue.  We couldn't do the trip without him.

Today's mileage 76

Total mileage 676.1

Average speed 14.8

 

 

Day 8; Kendal - Annan

Strangely, Rob didn't sleep too well but he was up before me and a £15 donation from Rose reminded us why we were riding.

Setting off from Kendal on the A6 towards Shap was 6.5miles of incline, but we thought it was really easy... especially John.  Working our way north we gradually left the Lake District behind us and could see Scotland in the distance.

We pulled over for a short break and a local farmer (Raymond) pulled up in his tractor, so we spent half an hour chatting to him.  It's great not feeling like we have to rush.

We stopped in Carlisle for photos by the castle and headed north on the A7.  We couldn't help ourselves, and spent 2miles overtaking cars.  We then took a quiet road to Gretna.  WE MADE IT ALL THE WAY TO SCOTLAND!!

We stayed a while to take photos on the border, then as we set off the rain started.  We got our heads down for the 9miles to Annan.  In the distance we noticed some hazard lights and road up on a RTC.  One car on it's roof, and a motorcycle 30ft down a bank.  The car driver was out and walking so Rob and I went to the motorcyclist.  He had query fractured right leg and was repeating himself (and he was repeating himself) but the worst thing was the nettles he had landed in.  Rob and I got really badly stung (why do you always land in nettles?).

Once the Scotish ambulance service arrived, we quickly discovered our protocols and clinical practices differ so we left. 

Arriving in Annan, John had a camp site sorted.  While Rob and John got food, I pitched the tent.  The camp site owner Margaret let us stay free and added £10 to the fund, and we were finally able to do some washing.

Today's mileage 71.1

Total mileage 600.1

Average speed 14.9

 

 

Day 7; Wigan - Kendal

Riding North out of Wigan, we got on the A6 which was our road for the day.  It's a natural route for 'End to Ender's' so we met and saw many cyclists.

We hit lots of traffic in Lancaster which provided us with a goodly shot of adrenaline, then stopped for lunch near Carnforth.  The great thing about riding is the extra height and the views you would never see from a car. But no-one could fail to notice the majestic Yorkshire dales and Cumbrian mountains as we carried on north.

We got into Kendal, and planned to carry on to Shap but this time the traffic we hit, hit Rob!!!  A car pulled out from a side road and side swiped Rob.  The vision of him on the road, sitting up shouting 'you've snapped my f"@king finger in half' will stay with me forever!  The goos people of Kendal came to our rescue.  Sarah Harker got out of her car and offered Rob a lift to A&E.  I stayed with the bikes and got details from the distraught driver that hit Rob.  John had driven north of Kendal but drove straight to the hospital to look after Rob.  At West Morland General Hospital, Doctor Simon Wilson relocated Rob dislocated finger and Clinical Support Worker, Paula Grabek, splinted the digit and dressed the road rash on Rob's knee.

Rob was an inspiration as we rode our bikes back through Kendal to Brucies bike shop who gave Rob's bike a free once over.  Tony, at the bike shop, told us about a great B&B.  The B&B had actually close a week ago, but Rose gave us a bed for the night at a discounted rate.  Not content to lick his wounds, Rob insisted we go out of a meal.  We wiped our feet on the way out of the first pub, then had a good meal and a laugh at Wetherspoons.  Rob was determined this episode would not spoil the fundraiser and dispite his painful knee and splintered finger, we prepared for an early start in the morning. 

Today's mileage 65

Total mileage 529

Average speed 17.2

 

 

Day 6; Ludlow – Wigan

Having rested, we set off at 7am.  We planned to do 100 miles which was a long standing aspiration for both of us.  We kept to B roads to avoid traffic but paid the price with hills and poor surface.  Once at Church Stretton we decided to hit the A49 and boy were we glad we did.  We flew to Whitchurch with an average speed of 26mph.

We slowed down a bit for the push to Shrewsbury and once there, stopped for bacon and sausage sandwichs and hot chocolate.  Heading north toward Wem, the heavens opened but we are hardcore and this is what we do.  Exhilarated but cold we stopped for coffee in Wem and pushed on.  But when the rain started again our core was decidedly less hard and we waited it out under a tree.

It was still before noon but I really began to struggle. As our pace slowed, Rob took point and I discovered the joys of drafting.  Tucked in behind Rob, with my front wheel inches from his back wheel, it almost felt like cheating.

We stopped for lunch and got talking, and more donations came in.  Pat and Vin £10, Josie and Joan £10, Pam and Peter £5.  After working in Police custody’s for 5 years, this trip was really restoring my faith in human nature. 

We got a second wind and before we knew it Warrington was upon us.  Riding hard through heavy traffic really is a rush.  Rob’s ankle was niggling him so we covered the last 10 miles at a steady pace, arriving in Wigan at 5.30pm having covered 100.2 miles.  STONKING!  Another donation from Adele at the Bellingham arms £5.

Today’s mileage 100.2

Total mileage 464

Today’s average 15.1

 

 

Day 5; Gloucester to Ludlow.

We were both feeling worst for wear with very sore legs and a few niggles in knees and backs.  With no clouds in the sky, the call of the road was like sirens song.. Beaconing us to our doom (or that’s what my knees thought)

We got off the main road and onto a national cycle route which took us through country lanes.  Then we crossed the M50 and stopped for a breakfast bun and received some donations...Mick and Susan - £10, Terry and Karen £3, Marcus £3.70, and our breakfast bun chef £5. 

We stuck to the country roads to Tenbury wells and stopped for hot chocolate, muffins, Cornish pastys and two milkshakes. 

After Tenbury Wells we kept to country lanes but discovered the farmers often used these to herd their cows.  Unfortunately cow poo sticks to bikes, and legs, and drink bottles and eyebrows.  What a sight we must have been as we entered Ludlow.  We had to force ourselves to stop at 60miles and recover from yesterday but it was the best decision we made.

John had the tents dried and wherever we stopped had let people know what we were doing which guaranteed us a warm welcome.

Today’s mileage 60.2

Total mileage 363.8

Average speed 14.8

 

 

Day 4; Cheddar Gorge to Gloucester

Four is my lucky number, but what a day the gods had in store for us. 

Setting off from Cheddar we readied ourselves for the gorge... That’s not a gorge, that’s practice!  John picked our course through the lanes and of course what goes up must come down, that’s the fun part. 

In bath we stopped at the Archway Cafe for bacon and egg sarnies, and were treated to free water and kit kats in support of PARC. 

Riding fast through city traffic has its own appeal but 4.8miles of hill climbing in heavy traffic holds no appeal at all but its all part of the journey.  Once north of the M5, the traffic was calmer and we began to enjoy ourselves again however we suffered our second puncture, rob’s front again.. 4min 36secs using the track pump.

In broad daylight, a stag ran across our path which we discovered was bad luck.  We stopped in Stroud for lunch and after a long break got back in the saddle for the last leg up to Gloucester.  We got so carried away that we didn’t realise we took a wrong turn.  At Cirencester we figured out we had just gone 15miles in the wrong direction.  Realising our mistake we got our heads down on a busy dual carriageway.  After 70miles of hills and heat, we piled it on for the last 20. 

Today’s mileage 89.2

Total mileage 303.6

Average speed 15.4mph

 

 

Day 3; South Molton – Cheddar Gorge.

After another full English breakfast, we set off once more under sunny skies. 

We opted for a B road and never looked back.  The scenery was beautiful and the miles flew by.  We travelled up the Exe valley and what a glorious three mile downhill stretch.  Took us to the river exe and some high jinks (photos to follow).  Rob and I surprised ourselves with how quickly we reached the Somerset border, stopping in Taunton for a small adjustment on the bike. 

Travelling north on the A38 was too loud and the traffic too busy.  Bridgewater offered a small rest bite and a KFC.

Soon after getting back on the road, rob had the first ‘off’ of the trip.  Nothing major but why are there always nettles where you land!

We soon found our way onto another B road and settled in to an average speed of 22mph for ten miles.  This bought our average for the day up to 14.9mph as we entered Cheddar Gorge.  The cheddar bridge camping ground gave us a half price discount and we made good use of the shower and facilities. 

Both Rob and I caught the sun.  Noses, shoulders and knees all lobster red and radiating... like a radiator.

Having John in the car is a God send.  He has been a fantastic support.

Todays Mileage 74.8

Total mileage 214.4

 

Day 2; Wadebridge – South Molton.

After a windy night under canvas, we were woken at 5.30am by the cockerel.  Under concrete grey skies, we ate and packed hoping for a change in the weather. 

The first 15 miles flew by, the weather closed in and we got wet.  We got to Camelford and what can only be described as a legendary stretch to Bude.... had us buzzing.  Hills were all down and we topped 50mph.  This was only half way for our day but we were both having fun and our average speed of 15mph saw off many a mile. 

We made it to Barnstable, and decided to push on to South Molten.  Little did we know the next 11 miles was virtually all uphill!  Although not steep, the hills went on and on but then we had the first puncture of the trip.... Robs front Tyre.  Wheel off, old tube out, new tube in and inflated in 5mins 26secs.  We decided on a B&B and the Coaching inn was very friendly and supportive of our cause.

Todays mileage 77.6

Total mileage 139.6

 

Day 1; Lands End – Wadebridge.

An early start from the youth hostel after a full English.  We meet some interesting characters, which we hope never to meet again.  Setting off was fun with teams of riders before us and behind us, we had to be quick to get our calendar shot.

We had really built up the hills in our minds but when it came to it we were pleasantly surprised.  It seemed as though there was more downhill than uphill, and the first 40 miles flew by.  We had a short rest and forged on to Wadebridge.  Getting off the A30 was nice as traffic was heavy and noisy.  We had time to appreciate the scenery and decided to stop for the day at 60 miles.  No sooner had we found shelter, the heavens opened for a ten minute drenching.  Then the sun returned and we made camp.

Hats off to John our support driver, he kept close and it was a comfort to know he was always in the next lay-by.

Next stop Barnstable, if the chuffing isn’t too bad, South Molton.

Todays mileage 62

Thanks to Trewince holiday park.

 

 

CRIKEY!

This time next week and we will be driving down to Cornwall!!

 

The bikes have been serviced, the route has been planned, logistics have been detailed, if it's not sorted now it's not going to be!!!

There is one niggling question that keeps haunting me... Have we trained enough? Rob and I did a great 90 mile ride on the 4th all around the Cotswolds. Stow on the Wold was especially nice as we stopped off for cider and an omelette!

Apparently most people lose weight on this endeavour, but if we carry on like that I'm not sure the bikes will take the added pounds?!

 

We have made an application to G4S for their "Match it" scheme, if successful G4S will match the money raised up to £1000. This will be a fantastic boost to Parc and our fundraising efforts so a big thank you to G4S!

 

Thank you to everyone that has donated so far, everyone has been so generous, and encouraging both Rob and I are very grateful.

You can check our progress daily as this page will be updated every evening during the trip.

 

Thanks again,

 

Jerry and Rob

 

 

 

Gday once more,

Wow, time has flown by and here we are with barely 4 weeks to go.

Rob got a new bike and has been hard at work sorting out our route, we've had a brilliant offer of support from John Willis who is going to be following us in a car and our training mileage is climbing ever higher!

ONE BIG CHANGE!

The original idea was to go from John O'Groats to Lands End - because "it feels like going down hill when your heading south" but the prevailing winds will be in our faces so we are going from Lands End to John O'Groats ("we are the peoples front of Judea")

We will have daily updates of the journey so don't forget to log on and find out if our change of plan has worked out. We will also be taking lots of photos to post and we might even try to produce a calander! This will depend greatly on how vigorously the police enforce nudity laws! (all in the best possible taste!)

We are hoping a corporate sponser will equal donations so please dig deep, and thank you so much to those of you that have donated already, I know some haven't appeared on the page.

 

Jerry