We've done it 1003 miles Lands End to John O'Groats
When Mum passed away so soon after Dad I began to feel the need to do something, to challenge myself. When I was encouraged to start riding a bike the idea of riding LEJOG slowly began to take shape. 19 months later its completed. I dedicate this adventure/challenge to Mum, who faced the challenge of her last 15 months of life with determination, with dignity and without complaint. In aid of St Peter's Hospice, who provided Mum, and us, with much needed care and support to live the last stages of her life as best she could at home.
I thank Richard for being with me on this adventure from the first germ of an idea, through the planning and training, to the end. Also my thanks to Julie Farrow, having company made it all so much easier. To everyone who has text, sent cards and notes, for all the messages and comments on facebook, thank you for all your wonderful support. Thank you for all the donations to St Peter's Hospice

Day 1 Lands End to The Lizard 38.97 miles, misty and raining, but we made it. Unable to see any the wonderful countryside or coast because of the mist.

Day 2 The Lizard to Wadebridge 60.5 miles, we did extra miles by riding the Camel Trail, saving a few off of day 3. Very windy and wet. Rode over a disused airfield and up lots of hills.

Day 3 Camel Trail to Great Torrington 54.92 miles, lots of laughs, but more hills and no lunch!

Day 4 Great Torrington to West Huntspill 67.45 miles. Greeted by a 20% and then a 25% climb at the start of the day.

Day 5 West Huntspill to Monmouth 64.61 miles, couldn't have been any winder going over the Severn Bridge.

Day 6 Monmouth to Atcham 70.39 miles, dry at last! But we were still having to climb up hills, they may have been smaller but our legs were beginning to get tired.

Day 7 Atcham to Culcheth 64.72 miles. Dry day again and not too many hills.

Day 8 Culcheth to Hornby 63.5 miles, wet day, rode over the moors and worked our way through Blackburn. Then a massive climb up the Skaithe, never again!

Day 9 Hornby to Caldbeck 67 miles, a ride through the Lake District, very busy but great views. Hills at the end of the day, legs getting tired!

Day 10 Caldbeck to Abington 73.03 miles

Day 11 Abington to Luss 71.33 miles,  rode through Glasgow and along the Clyde and the canal

Day 12 Luss to Fort William 73.87 miles, fantastic views of Glen Coe, snow topped mountains, but blowing a gale. Managed a few extra miles and rode on from Onich to reach Fort William.

 Thank you to everyone who has already donated and a big thank you for all the support and encouragement. 

I am organising this challenge myself, planning my own route, but having a support vehicle to carry my kit. The ride starts at Lands End, then on to The Lizard, the most southerly point of the UK. I'll make my way to Monmouth, through Hereford, Carlisle, Glasgow, Loch Ness, onto Dunnetts Head, the most northerly point of the UK, before I finish at John O'Groats a journey of approximately 1000 miles.

Mum had Pulmonary Fibrosis and when the hospital could do no more for her the hospice stepped in. Mum was cared for at home, and the hospice made this possible. Providing a nurse who would visit regularly, offering Mum and the family practical advice and much needed support. This support included volunteers who would come out and sit with Mum so that the family could have a much needed rest it also meant when Mum was feeling well enough an opportunity for her to visit the hospice for the day, meeting new friends, or even having her hair done. A sitter at that time cost approximately £20 an hour. All of this was given without asking us to contribute anything. St Peter's Hospice enabled my Mum to stay at home with us until the end.

I started cycling 11 months ago, spurred on by several factors. I needed to lose weight ( I haven't, cycling makes me hungry), I wanted to do something to challenge myself, and because of the encouragement of friends & family. I am not sure exactly how I settled on the idea of riding from Lands End to John O'Groats,. It all started out as a bit of banter, but I have surprised myself. So far I have already completed 4000 miles in training, riding out to places like Tintern, Castle Combe, Plymouth, Bournemouth and Portland.  

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