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Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Day 10 - the finish
Just a quick message to let everyone know that we jubilantly completed the challenge earlier this evening.
A more detailed report for the last 2 days will be posted tomorrow.....they have not been without their challenges and we are now very satisfied and relieved to have finished!
In the meantime baths and our own beds are very much desired.
Thanks for willing us on.
.
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A more detailed report for the last 2 days will be posted tomorrow.....they have not been without their challenges and we are now very satisfied and relieved to have finished!
In the meantime baths and our own beds are very much desired.
Thanks for willing us on.
.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Day 9 report
Apologies for this brief report.
Yesterday we endured the worst day so far and did not reach the scheduled mileage and target.
Today we have 130+ miles to reach lands end that we intend to achieve early evening.
For updates and route enquiries please contact bob on 07971773048.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Yesterday we endured the worst day so far and did not reach the scheduled mileage and target.
Today we have 130+ miles to reach lands end that we intend to achieve early evening.
For updates and route enquiries please contact bob on 07971773048.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
wales - its wet isnt it
Boys - what can I say.
Well done on getting that extra 40 miles in - you know it makes sense.
Sadly I have to go to Brussels tomorrow morning so cannot come and welcome you home. Might persuade cinders but doubt it.
Hopefully we can meet for a beer when you get back to Dartmouth.
Damn fine show.
Kev
Well done on getting that extra 40 miles in - you know it makes sense.
Sadly I have to go to Brussels tomorrow morning so cannot come and welcome you home. Might persuade cinders but doubt it.
Hopefully we can meet for a beer when you get back to Dartmouth.
Damn fine show.
Kev
Friday, 5 June 2009
Day 9
John our route planner making final decisions for the days ride.
We have changed our initial plan and are now heading through monmouth, over the old severn bridge into england and hopefully as far as devon tonight.
But it is raining.......very hard!
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Day 8 report
The hard end of the challenge has certainly arrived and today has been a real test of our characters over the course of 14.5hrs on the go and 128 covered by cycle and kayak.
After the first bike stint, lake bala was a treat and at 4.5miles long we were able to complete in under the hour.
From that point our day became progressively worse, as we twice missed turns that resulted in unnecessary miles, lost time and dipping moral.
Later we suffered our first puncture of the trip on phil's bike just as it began to rain. We have been amazed that we have not suffered more and blame bob for tempting fate the previous night!
At our final stop around 6.30pm, we found ourselves looking short of the days scheduled target and we then made the decision to push on for a further 40miles to a campsite near hereford to make up the miles.
This final stint was in awful conditions but on favourable terrain and surfaces, so we made excellent progress and completed by 10pm with an average of 17mph and this has lifted our spirits tremendously. Yes, the type of road surface can make a difference!
We have approx 250miles to complete over the next two days and aim to be arriving at lands end on sunday pm, hopefully to complete the challenge within the proposed 10days.
It would be great to see as many of you as possible on sunday. Why not come and follow us home or even ride the some of the final stage with us.
We will provide more details after tomorrows ride.
We are starting to sense the finishing line and looking forward to seeing our loved ones.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
After the first bike stint, lake bala was a treat and at 4.5miles long we were able to complete in under the hour.
From that point our day became progressively worse, as we twice missed turns that resulted in unnecessary miles, lost time and dipping moral.
Later we suffered our first puncture of the trip on phil's bike just as it began to rain. We have been amazed that we have not suffered more and blame bob for tempting fate the previous night!
At our final stop around 6.30pm, we found ourselves looking short of the days scheduled target and we then made the decision to push on for a further 40miles to a campsite near hereford to make up the miles.
This final stint was in awful conditions but on favourable terrain and surfaces, so we made excellent progress and completed by 10pm with an average of 17mph and this has lifted our spirits tremendously. Yes, the type of road surface can make a difference!
We have approx 250miles to complete over the next two days and aim to be arriving at lands end on sunday pm, hopefully to complete the challenge within the proposed 10days.
It would be great to see as many of you as possible on sunday. Why not come and follow us home or even ride the some of the final stage with us.
We will provide more details after tomorrows ride.
We are starting to sense the finishing line and looking forward to seeing our loved ones.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Day 7 report
After nearly 12hrs on the go, we finished the day after having ridden 80miles and climbed Mount Snowdonia but still near the end questioned whether we had done enough or should we have carried on further?
Upon reflection, we joyfully remain bang on schedule after 7days but do fear the 3 long days and long cycle miles that lay ahead, the possible changes in the weather and our increasing "saddle ache" which has hit us all really hard today.
Today's ride improved as we progressed through wales and eventually towards snowdonia and away from the traffic into open spaces.
The 10mile cycle ride up towards snowdonia was particularly challenging at the end of the opening cycle stint.
When we arrived at the car park at the start of snowdonia climb it was particularly busy and bob and ray were only temporary parked, so it was a quick change and grab to snacks to consume on the hoof.
As the photos will hopefully illustrate, snowdonia provided an amazing vista despite some light cloud cover at the very top.
The 3570ft ascend and descend too us 2hrs 50mins to complete.
Bob and ray were able to go three quarters of the way up in the train.
Day8 brings the final kayak at lake bala and plots more saddle time.
We will keep you posted.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Upon reflection, we joyfully remain bang on schedule after 7days but do fear the 3 long days and long cycle miles that lay ahead, the possible changes in the weather and our increasing "saddle ache" which has hit us all really hard today.
Today's ride improved as we progressed through wales and eventually towards snowdonia and away from the traffic into open spaces.
The 10mile cycle ride up towards snowdonia was particularly challenging at the end of the opening cycle stint.
When we arrived at the car park at the start of snowdonia climb it was particularly busy and bob and ray were only temporary parked, so it was a quick change and grab to snacks to consume on the hoof.
As the photos will hopefully illustrate, snowdonia provided an amazing vista despite some light cloud cover at the very top.
The 3570ft ascend and descend too us 2hrs 50mins to complete.
Bob and ray were able to go three quarters of the way up in the train.
Day8 brings the final kayak at lake bala and plots more saddle time.
We will keep you posted.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
ready with the lube
Boys - you are all mad.
Now for the real hills.
Just remember after bristol its all down hill.
Keep going
Kev
Now for the real hills.
Just remember after bristol its all down hill.
Keep going
Kev
Day 7
Briefly, thanks for posted comments and fund raising news from the jewsbury's.
Well done and more of the same, please.
Just starting our 65 mile ride to snowdonia :-)
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Well done and more of the same, please.
Just starting our 65 mile ride to snowdonia :-)
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Day 6 report
Morning no.6 reflected the previous days endeavours and resulted in a later than normal start.
First, we were onto the bikes for a short 6mile ride down to Ambleside for the start of the 10mile Lake Windermere kayak. This section took 2.5hours and provided us with an opportunity to gather ourselves and our focus for the ride ahead. The conditions on the lake were favourable and the surroundings outstanding.
After the kayak we bid farewell to Yorkie's mum and dad and set off for the long final bike section of the day.
With the hills and climbs of the lakes disappearing behind us the ride was gathering a quick momentum and the miles fell away as we cycled along the A6 into Lancashire and through Lancaster, Preston and eventually Liverpool.
This part of the ride was entirely in built up areas and we faced the challenges of heavy traffic, lane selections, roundabouts, traffic lights, dual carriageways and hard shoulders.
Today really confirmed how lucky we are to live in area and town like Dartmouth and deep down we are all missing home and loved ones to some degree.
When we arrived in Liverpool we cycled into the city centre along the Scotswood Road and down toward the waterfront.
Initially we intended to get the ferry across the Mersey to Birkenhead but because of time and light had to take the train. An experience and we managed to turn quite a few heads.
Once on the south side we faced a fifteen mile ride in fading light to the campsite at Queensberry and this certainly proved a sprint finish to the day which we all seemed to enjoy.
We completed 102miles with a moving average of 13.2mph. On leaving the lakes, John posted a new top speed of 42.7mph but I am sure Phil will be keen to reclaim this honour.
Spirits remain good and we are starting to talk about the long miles over the coming last few days and the forecasted rain when we re-enter Devon and Cornwall.
Tomorrow we cycle away from the cities to Snowdonia for the climb of Snowdon.
Bye for now.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
First, we were onto the bikes for a short 6mile ride down to Ambleside for the start of the 10mile Lake Windermere kayak. This section took 2.5hours and provided us with an opportunity to gather ourselves and our focus for the ride ahead. The conditions on the lake were favourable and the surroundings outstanding.
After the kayak we bid farewell to Yorkie's mum and dad and set off for the long final bike section of the day.
With the hills and climbs of the lakes disappearing behind us the ride was gathering a quick momentum and the miles fell away as we cycled along the A6 into Lancashire and through Lancaster, Preston and eventually Liverpool.
This part of the ride was entirely in built up areas and we faced the challenges of heavy traffic, lane selections, roundabouts, traffic lights, dual carriageways and hard shoulders.
Today really confirmed how lucky we are to live in area and town like Dartmouth and deep down we are all missing home and loved ones to some degree.
When we arrived in Liverpool we cycled into the city centre along the Scotswood Road and down toward the waterfront.
Initially we intended to get the ferry across the Mersey to Birkenhead but because of time and light had to take the train. An experience and we managed to turn quite a few heads.
Once on the south side we faced a fifteen mile ride in fading light to the campsite at Queensberry and this certainly proved a sprint finish to the day which we all seemed to enjoy.
We completed 102miles with a moving average of 13.2mph. On leaving the lakes, John posted a new top speed of 42.7mph but I am sure Phil will be keen to reclaim this honour.
Spirits remain good and we are starting to talk about the long miles over the coming last few days and the forecasted rain when we re-enter Devon and Cornwall.
Tomorrow we cycle away from the cities to Snowdonia for the climb of Snowdon.
Bye for now.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Day 5 report
Today has been the most punishing so far and has tested our resolve to the full.
In total we have been on the go for 14.5 hours, starting at 7.30am and eventually turning the last wheel on the bikes at just gone 10pm.
The ride was again mixed, firstly having to get through Carlisle and then onwards to the beauty and tranquillity of the Lakes.
We covered 68miles on bike before we climbed Scafell pike on foot which proved harder and hotter than Ben Nevis and took nearly 6hours to complete.
Highlight of the day so far, were bacon sarnies from a shack in a lay-bye just of the M6 but that will change, as we are just about to enjoy chilli and crumble prepared by Yorkie's mum.
More tomorrow.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
In total we have been on the go for 14.5 hours, starting at 7.30am and eventually turning the last wheel on the bikes at just gone 10pm.
The ride was again mixed, firstly having to get through Carlisle and then onwards to the beauty and tranquillity of the Lakes.
We covered 68miles on bike before we climbed Scafell pike on foot which proved harder and hotter than Ben Nevis and took nearly 6hours to complete.
Highlight of the day so far, were bacon sarnies from a shack in a lay-bye just of the M6 but that will change, as we are just about to enjoy chilli and crumble prepared by Yorkie's mum.
More tomorrow.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Day 5 report
Today has been the most punishing so far and has tested our resolve to the full.
In total we have been on the go for 14 and a half hours, starting at 7.30am and turned the last wheel on the bikes at just gone 10pm.
The ride was again mixed, firstly having to get through Carlisle and then onto the beauty and tranquillity of the Lakes.
We covered 68miles before we climbed Scafell pike which proved harder and hotter than Ben Nevis and took nearly 6hours to complete.
Highlight of the day were bacon sarnies from a shack in a lay-bye just of the M6 but that will change, as we are just about to enjoy Yorkies mums chilli and crumble.
More tomorrow.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
In total we have been on the go for 14 and a half hours, starting at 7.30am and turned the last wheel on the bikes at just gone 10pm.
The ride was again mixed, firstly having to get through Carlisle and then onto the beauty and tranquillity of the Lakes.
We covered 68miles before we climbed Scafell pike which proved harder and hotter than Ben Nevis and took nearly 6hours to complete.
Highlight of the day were bacon sarnies from a shack in a lay-bye just of the M6 but that will change, as we are just about to enjoy Yorkies mums chilli and crumble.
More tomorrow.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Day 5
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Day 5
Perhaps this will be phil's max speed opportunity?
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Day 5
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Monday, 1 June 2009
Day 4 report
Logistical challenges and a wish to avoid early morning rush hour traffic through glasgow meant a slightly later start this morning.
The ride turned out to be one of two halves with the first being slow, through the built up areas of Glasgow, Paisley, Kilbride, Strathaven, Stonehouse and Blackwood.
The second and more enjoyable was along a series of a-roads running parallel with the m74, with miles of cycle paths to enjoy, all the way back to the English border.
We achieved our planned 120miles in a moving time of 9hrs and an average speed of 13.2mph. To date, we have cycled 367miles which is a third of the way to lands end. Phil "the Cavendish" Langman achieved a top speed of 38.9mph and he is determined to break the forty barrier.
If you have been following the weather, you will be aware Glasgow has been the hottest place in the country which proved somewhat punishing all day long and another high fluid intake day. We are all now a little bushed and ready for bed.
Tomorrow is day no. 5 and we head for lake district to climb scafell pike and after look forward to meeting up with yorkies parents and enjoying the hot chilli they are kindly bringing. Bob and Ray are looking forward to a well deserved night off.
We are wondering how many people are looking at the blog and request that you register as a follower, to let us know?
That's it for now folks!
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
The ride turned out to be one of two halves with the first being slow, through the built up areas of Glasgow, Paisley, Kilbride, Strathaven, Stonehouse and Blackwood.
The second and more enjoyable was along a series of a-roads running parallel with the m74, with miles of cycle paths to enjoy, all the way back to the English border.
We achieved our planned 120miles in a moving time of 9hrs and an average speed of 13.2mph. To date, we have cycled 367miles which is a third of the way to lands end. Phil "the Cavendish" Langman achieved a top speed of 38.9mph and he is determined to break the forty barrier.
If you have been following the weather, you will be aware Glasgow has been the hottest place in the country which proved somewhat punishing all day long and another high fluid intake day. We are all now a little bushed and ready for bed.
Tomorrow is day no. 5 and we head for lake district to climb scafell pike and after look forward to meeting up with yorkies parents and enjoying the hot chilli they are kindly bringing. Bob and Ray are looking forward to a well deserved night off.
We are wondering how many people are looking at the blog and request that you register as a follower, to let us know?
That's it for now folks!
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Day 3 report
Today started kindly on our morning legs with a relatively flat 20mile ride along the edge of Lake Linhie from Fort William to Glen Coe town.
Then we had the feared long climb up onto the Glen Coe pass which traverses the West Highlands and is a truly stunning route and was extremely busy on this sunny Sunday morning with thousands of motorbikes in particular.
We completed this 63 mile section in just under fiver hours with an average moving speed of 14mph.
We stopped at the top of Glen Coe for a photo and a generous Scottish man not only asked if we would like him to take the photo for us but also stumped up £10 for the lights appeal. An amazing gesture which provided us with a mental boost for day ahead.
How is the fund raising going at home?
The second part of today was kayaking the entire 25mile length of Loch Lomond.
It was perfect sunny Sunday on the loch and this brought an additional challenge to launch and avoid the many day users.
This amazing and beautiful setting helped overcome the monotony of paddling non-stop for five hours.
Our arms and backs will suffer in the morning but it will redirect the focus away from the growing saddle aches.
We finished at around 9pm and enjoyed a "Bob's special" supper and headed for bed.
Tomorrow is a straight forward 120mile down to carlisle area which includes some major cities and heavy traffic routes.
Our spirit remains strong and we will continue to update you.
Have a good week at home.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Then we had the feared long climb up onto the Glen Coe pass which traverses the West Highlands and is a truly stunning route and was extremely busy on this sunny Sunday morning with thousands of motorbikes in particular.
We completed this 63 mile section in just under fiver hours with an average moving speed of 14mph.
We stopped at the top of Glen Coe for a photo and a generous Scottish man not only asked if we would like him to take the photo for us but also stumped up £10 for the lights appeal. An amazing gesture which provided us with a mental boost for day ahead.
How is the fund raising going at home?
The second part of today was kayaking the entire 25mile length of Loch Lomond.
It was perfect sunny Sunday on the loch and this brought an additional challenge to launch and avoid the many day users.
This amazing and beautiful setting helped overcome the monotony of paddling non-stop for five hours.
Our arms and backs will suffer in the morning but it will redirect the focus away from the growing saddle aches.
We finished at around 9pm and enjoyed a "Bob's special" supper and headed for bed.
Tomorrow is a straight forward 120mile down to carlisle area which includes some major cities and heavy traffic routes.
Our spirit remains strong and we will continue to update you.
Have a good week at home.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Day 3
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Day 2 Report
Another poor reception area.
We got underway at 7.30 this morning and the first part of our day was the remaining 65mile ride up to Fort William and the foot of Ben Nevis.
Again, the sun was shining and there was an even stronger wind on the nose that proved energy and moral sapping but we also had a new threat in highland midges. Ouch!
The radio interview with Fitz did not take as their telephone system crashed and we are re-scheduled for 2.45pm tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon.
As we ascended on bikes towards Fort William we could see a snow capped Ben Nevis growing in size on the clear horizon. It was an amazing and daunting sight!
We completed the bike section in just short of five hours giving an average moving speed of 13.4mph.
When we arrived at the Ben Nevis visitor centre to meet up with Bob and Ray, the car park was jammed full and cars over spilled onto the road because it is the three peaks challenge weekend and there were literally thousands of people on the mountain.
After our prepared pasta lunch, we set off just before 3pm to climb the 4406ft to the summit, which we made in a pleasing 2hrs and 20mins. After photos and some time to enjoy the view and environment we made our descent in 1hr 40mins.
We were considering the option of putting in a further short bike stint this evening but we when we saw the Ben Nevis Inn a few hundred metres from bottom, we simultaneously chose a rewarding Guinness as our preferred option, which we enjoyed in good spirits.
Our camp site at the foot of Ben Nevis is clean and tidy with good facilities and we are showered, watered and well fed.
Tomorrow we start with a 70 mile cycle across Glen Coe to the head of Loch Lomond for the 25mile kayak from end to end.
Cheers for now!
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
We got underway at 7.30 this morning and the first part of our day was the remaining 65mile ride up to Fort William and the foot of Ben Nevis.
Again, the sun was shining and there was an even stronger wind on the nose that proved energy and moral sapping but we also had a new threat in highland midges. Ouch!
The radio interview with Fitz did not take as their telephone system crashed and we are re-scheduled for 2.45pm tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon.
As we ascended on bikes towards Fort William we could see a snow capped Ben Nevis growing in size on the clear horizon. It was an amazing and daunting sight!
We completed the bike section in just short of five hours giving an average moving speed of 13.4mph.
When we arrived at the Ben Nevis visitor centre to meet up with Bob and Ray, the car park was jammed full and cars over spilled onto the road because it is the three peaks challenge weekend and there were literally thousands of people on the mountain.
After our prepared pasta lunch, we set off just before 3pm to climb the 4406ft to the summit, which we made in a pleasing 2hrs and 20mins. After photos and some time to enjoy the view and environment we made our descent in 1hr 40mins.
We were considering the option of putting in a further short bike stint this evening but we when we saw the Ben Nevis Inn a few hundred metres from bottom, we simultaneously chose a rewarding Guinness as our preferred option, which we enjoyed in good spirits.
Our camp site at the foot of Ben Nevis is clean and tidy with good facilities and we are showered, watered and well fed.
Tomorrow we start with a 70 mile cycle across Glen Coe to the head of Loch Lomond for the 25mile kayak from end to end.
Cheers for now!
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Sweet Rewards
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Friday, 29 May 2009
Day 1 report
Apologies for this late report and lack of photos but we are camping in an area with zero reception. So, please forgive more typos courtesy of the blackberry.
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Day 1 report
Apologies for this late report and lack of photos but we are camping in an area with zero reception. So, please forgive more typos courtesy of the blackberry.
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Day 1 report
Apologies for this late report and lack of photos but we are camping in an area with zero reception. So, please forgive more typos courtesy of the blackberry.
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Day 1 report
Apologies for this late report and lack of photos but we are camping in an area with zero reception. So, please forgive more typos courtesy of the blackberry.
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Day 1 report
Apologies for this late report and lack of photos but we are camping in an area with zero reception. So, please forgive more typos courtesy of the blackberry.
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Day 1 report
Apologies for this late report and lack of photos but we are camping in an area with zero reception. So, please forgive more typos courtesy of the blackberry.
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Day 1 report
Apologies for this late report and lack of photos but we are camping in an area with zero reception. So, please forgive more typos courtesy of the blackberry.
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
We were woken by the sunrise at 3am, after literally only 3hrs of darkness, and all struggled to get back to sleep properly and were nervously anticipating the 6am alarm.
By the time we got on the road after the John O' Groats start experience, it was a little later than we had hoped for at 8am.
At last we were finally underway, the sun was shining and we were busy trying to find a rhythm against a strong head wind.
We soon settled into 20minutes stints each at front, before peeling of to the back for recovery in the slip stream.
We took our first break at around the 3hrs and 40 mile mark but thereafter, we took them a little more frequently because of the heat and need for rehydration. We each consumed in the region of 6-8litres of fluid on the ride alone today and there are a selection of beetroot body parts amongst us.
Interestingly, the many end to end cyclists we passed were all riding north in the opposite direction which confirms we are definitely completing the challenge the "Wrong Way Down"!
We have been wearing the "Dartmouth Wrong Way Down" t-shirts and lots of people we passed, even motorists beeping their horns, have been very supportive in the first section of today's ride.
As the day progressed, traffic levels and speed have increased enormously and we changed our initial route plan to avoid Inverness city.
We have completed 120 miles as per plan and were out for 10 hours in total. Our moving average was just below 15mph and Phil recorded the fastest max speed of 41mph.
Tomorrow, we have an approximate 65 mile ride before we arrive to climb Ben Nevis.
We aim to be on the road at 7am and will be breaking for a radio interview with Fitz on BBC radio devon at 10.30am.
More to follow.
Cheers
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Ready for the Start
Hi all,
It is 11pm and still light and a wonderful evening here at John O' Groats.
Yorkie and John arrived here at 7.30pm earlier this evening after flying into Inverness and catching the coach to Thurso.
We have had a pasta supper and prepared the bikes and our kit for the start in the morning at 7am.
Our plan is to ride 120miles approximately back to the Inverness area.
The weather forecast and wind conditions are looking favourable, so we may be able to push a little further.
Hope that you are all enjoying the blog and thank you for your fund raising support.
Wish us luck and we will report tomorrow.
Phil has a radio interview with David Fitzgerald on BBC Radio Devon on Saturday morning.
Tell all your mates.
Bye for now.
IMG00244-20090528-1948.jpg
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
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