6/9/09 Day 6 ...up Shap Fell after Kendall (we'll get the mintcake in+++) 87 miles

Here I sit at 0600 on Sunday morning, Dave having made a nice cup of coffee. Just getting ready for an exiting day

Firstly by tonight we will be halfway. Secondly we will be close to leaving England. We are all very exited about the days ahead in Scotland.
Our route is >100 miles further than the minimum possible but will be taking the scenic route. Passing through Kilmarnock we will go up the west coast over a ferry at Gourock & up via Loch Ness.

Last night the talk was of how much less pain we are in compared to end of tough Day 2. Our bodies are getting used to the daily 'punishment' - we are all enjoying every minute & can't quite believe that we are in Preston already.
Our motivations to do this trip definitely have a personal angle. But there are many stories of lost friends & family that have pushed us to test ourselves to the limit.
Personally I have been thinking of my dad who died in 2005 - he would have been very excited about my trip. My mother died last June after a short illness & diagnosis of lung cancer. She said that I was crazy & shouldn't do such a trip "at your age!" I've been thinking about Claire & Brendan - two great friends from my student days at St Mary's, who both died in skiing accidents.I've been thinking about the three patients of mine who died in their thirties of various cancers last year.
Every village War memorial we pass makes me think of all those young men who were denied the chance to live, have a family, love & be loved. To do crazy challenging things. The freedom of the road in sun shine wind can be exhilarating (certainly trying to catch crazy-Simon down a hill is...as well as being impossible!) Even in all the training this summer I would often stop, drink, and contemplate near village memorials.
Today we have a flattish 50 miles - once past Kendal we have a long slow climb up Shap Fell - We've been told it's a long grind. After Dartmoor & the 1000ft hill before Shrewsbury we are sure we can take this in our stride! on to breakfast......and the open road again......life is good....

2130 ..what a day!
The first section was a real chillin' ride for the first 25miles until the first drink stop. I was with novice-Tim most of the way - we just breezed along at a steady effortless 15mph. Dave & Nikki must've gone at it quite hard as they caught us up. The Pro's left late but I kept looking in my mirror and lust like Butch Cassidy "who are those guys?" they loomed up & sped past. Crazy-Simon had kept with them for this 17+mph section. At one point near Carnforth we could see the sea. The ride through Lancaster was superb - being quiet on a Sunday morning. The stone buildings stained with years of Victorian coal fires gave the town a uniform appearance that was ageless with minimal modern crap buildings. As we weaved up the road the Lancashire canal kept us company as we crossed it a number of times…one day I’ll take a boat along this section.
In the back of all our minds was the infamous Scap Fell climb so we were all reserving some capacity in our aching muscles. Through Kendal we stopped for the obligatory Mint Cake to power us up. Phil spotted the scantly clad young lady sheepishly sneaking home - Susie recognised the behaviour as having stayed out - probably not knowing where she woke up. Nikki today seemed to have been on speed today as she powered along - the secret she told me was ‘Muse’ on her mp3 player!
Along the way we've had some encouragement from the locals as well as a fare share of abuse. I had an ignorant idiot try to push me out of a lane as we approached some light having signalled - I shook my head but wound him up by totally ignoring his coarse abuse & swearing!
As we approached the climb the weather closed in & the rest of the day was cold but mainly dry.
The ascent was superb..I'll say that again "the ascent was superb!"
The scenery was out of this world and the road designer had put small flat, even downhill, ‘respite’ sections between the climbs. I felt overwhelmed with emotion as I though of my Mum & how she would have loved this place - the tears flowed as the pedals turned, for once, painlessly & the climb to 1350ft (from 150ft) was achieved. A long grind with the riders stretched out thinly, all in their own ‘zone’.
The run down to lunch was swift thrilling but cold as our sweat soaked clothes chilled in the wind
We all shivered at lunch - hot tomato pasta & soup warmed the bones.
We ran down rapidly, and shivering, through Penrith & along the A6 (old roman road) to Carlisle. The last 10 miles were tough and felt longer. Eventually Carlisle was sighted & we passed through this rather grotty Town to the Hotel in the north of the place.
Looking at the map of the UK none of us can believe where we have got to in so little time!
The promised Jacuzzi was huge disappointment "It smells of piss" Tim
So showers & with time to kill off to the pub for Ale & stodge.
Nice supper & off to bed - Scotland tomorrow!!!
Thanks to Mark II for loan of laptop to do this blog - will add pics when I get my lead which is being forwarded to Invarary....hopefully
87m 5h59 at 14.6mph total 505m PAST HALF WAY!
Ale of the Day - Dougalie Caledonian Classic light ale with flowery aroma & sharp aftertaste 17/20

5/9/09 Day 5 from Shropshire to Lancashire 90 miles

The meal at the Hotel was excellent and we all wearily went to bed.
Unfortunately my night was disturbed by frequent bouts of diarrhoea. Apparently this sort of ‘liquid’ epidemic has occurred before on LEJOG trips. My theory is that it’s the splash up from wet roads of all the sheep/cow faeces…..
The morning cycle was done with clenched buttocks but fortunately it seems to have passed through. Lunch break loo stop only produced ….wind! What a relief!
Poor old George had to sit out today’s ride after a third night of trouble – as the day progressed he was looking better for the rest. I think everyone felt stiff & sore as we set off in a large group in sunshine round the Shrewsbury one way system.
Out past the 1403 battlesite, and village called….Clive!! Through Wem on a fairly quiet B 5476. Once we got to Whitchurch we joined the A49 and this would take us all the way to Preston.

There was 60 miles until the lunch stop and the clouds built & temperature dropped. Today the undulations were mild (I only used my ‘Granny’ gear (small front sprocket) once. Lunch, in a sports centre car park, was welcome, including some of Simon’s fish & chips! Ahead lay the ‘battle’ through 3 major cities – Warrington/Wigan & Preston itself. With numerous traffic lights & challenging roundabouts we dodged & weaved ‘mad-dog’ fashion.

Out past Haydock Racecourse the sign said NEXT METTING - TODAY! I was tempted.... There was one minor incident when Jerry was knocked over by a drunk ‘St Trinian’ girl (bloke in drag)who were out collecting money for some charity. She stepped out into the cycle lane but seemed to think it was Jerry’s fault! No harm done thank goodness and Phil managed to avoid a full scale argument/fisticuffs! Other St Trinian’s were ladies old enough to know better than to flash their knickers at us!!

Through a place called Charnock Richard there was a surreal exhibition for many miles to do with their scarecrow festival. From cricketers to surgeons operating and Miss Muffet as well as a Bentley complete with Wedding couple. Very imaginative clever & helped us get through those miles - which had become somewhat chilly - our sweat soaked clothes cooled as we speed through. This section I had ridden before on the Manchester to Blackpool ride, but my head injury had erased all memory of this. At one point the road loops around an inviting looking Golf Course.

Coming into Preston Tim Steve, and myself got slightly lost, ending up on a very pleasant (apart from the cow-shit) track along the river. As we climbed a steep slippery slope I slipped & fell onto Tim’s pedal – ripping my shorts and grazing my R buttock – much to the amusement of the car drivers as we headed out of Preston to the Ibis Hotel. (wound update 6/9/09 superficial graze only..won't affect cycling)
Today we had a nice westerly ie neutral wind and made great progress, a lot of it in a large group as we whizzed through towns & villages. Gerry set the pace (ha ha) alot of the day. My Garmin helped navigate through. Yorkshire John was often away with his music. AndyH is having a bit of knee trouble & his support is helping There is no race or time pressure. Jason Stuart & Matt are happy to wait until everyone is through the break points.
Today the Pros stuck with the group. Tomorrow they are planning some sort of masochistic 30 addition mile diversion including a 25% hill! Dave had got himself a knee support - Nikki has an ankle support and along with Wigan-Mark (of tilted head and lucozade fetish/addiction Does he shoot it in iv??) Lincoln-Dave and Fliss who had an adventurous time after lunch. She became detached from the group - kindly local man Mark doubled back to look for her. In the event she had taken her own route & beat him to the welcome Cup of Tea stop in Euxton!!

After showers & as the dreary England friendly played on the TV (2-1 v Slovenia) some pool was played - Pro-Andy showed his class with a good finish.
Supper was next door in the pub - most of us had a hearty (16oz.) steak. The mood of the group is very high - we are nearly half way and after 2 days heading due north we feel now like we are making some real progress.
The first 3 days were in a sideways direction but now we are heading NORTH for our destination. Simon has gone home for the night & slept in his own bed!
So on a Saturday night we all headed for bed before 2200!!
I went to see MarkII who after a day back in the saddle was suffering again with sweats & shits. Hopefully it'll flush through before morning..
ALE OF THE Day... N/A draught Grolsch at the Ibis - very refreshing
89.9m 6h08m at 14.65mph
(shorter blog need to save power as I've stupidly left PC mains lead at last Hotel...will ask for it to be posted on.. or new one from PCWorld...)

4/9/09 Day 4 back into England... 92 miles

Long day in the saddle today with some tough sections. On these rides there a phases of relative comfort & joy, along with painful tough periods. We had a few westward direction sections that went straight into the cold westerly wind – more like the ‘Ice Maidens revenge’ than yesterdays ‘Angel Breath’!

Last night’s meal was an excellent Steak o’poivre. All of us have tremendous appetites & devour vast quantities of food!
It was early to bed again..asleep before 2200!! In the morning it was good to see Gerry up & about. Steve said his Dad had had a rough night but was determined to keep going. Mark2 also had the runs & decided to sit out the day in the van.
Typical Breakfast would be 6 weetabix/full English/4-5 slices toast washed down with Juice & coffee!

We started off for the first few miles along the Wye valley – it’s steep wooded sides more suited to a Scandinavian landscape – as we twisted along through picturesque villages easing the stiffness out of our muscles (well trying to anyway) . Wigan-Mark was relieved to obtain his fix (lucozade) at the first village store!

On & down into Monmouth where my group got a little lost but had the opportunity to ride down, and then up, the main street! Out onto the Hereford road we climbed, with aching calves/thighs & bums. I’m still amazed how these muscles keep working despite the punishment. We crossed back into England; our stay in Wales was short. The road (A466) winds up through a wide broad green valley, with many apple orchards adding a cider aroma to the air.

After the drinks break at Wormolow I joined the ‘Pros’ (they are now 5 with the ‘promotion’ of ‘ice bath-Stu’ and ‘maddog-Paul’ as we shot through busy Hereford – Paul demonstrating his crazy ‘London-Style’ way of dealing with traffic ie ignore it!! The hill out of Hereford sorted the men out from the boys and they disappeared off into the horizon.

We turned left up the A 4110. During this section we were buffeted by the ever stronger crosswinds and the lunch stop seemed a million miles away. The earlier peloton had strung out as we attempted to keep the old legs turning, and standing/shifting on the saddle to get some relief. Eventually I arrived at Leintwardine and saw the DA van! As we rolled wearily in the relief on the new arrivals faces told the story of that tough section.

I must pay credit to Jason, Stuart & Matt who are looking after us superbly. There are ahead setting up the drink/lunch stops as well as providing good mechanical back up. Steven had a spoke break on a fast downhill stretch – he was worried the wheel would just disintegrate but luckily it held. They fix punctures, sort new break blocks out and many other jobs to keep man (and woman) and machine rolling. In the end he was able to ‘borrow’ a spare wheel!

Room mate Dave has a sore knee, and Nikky-Nakky-noo has a bad ankle – much helped by a massive dose of ibuprofen from Jason. Maddog then guided us out on the B roads heading into the wind for Bishops Cross. This would be the site of the ‘Paris’ moment being 300 miles from Land’s End and the same distance as London-Paris.

Once on the A488 the wind was slightly at our backs and the pace picked up. The climb was long and we got to a cold 1045ft. We had a few showers to contend with. The ride down Hope Valley was the best descent yet – thrilling, fast & sweeping, and with dry roads we flew safely down to a welcome cup of tea at the bottom. Probably the ‘descent’ of the trip (Clive 13/9/09)

Coming into Shrewsbury 8-9 of us stopped at a welcoming pub & savoured the local ‘Black Sheep’ ale – a lively oaky brew 16/20. Simon promptly fell off as we left, to great amusement, but the only harm was to his pride!

The ride into the Lord Hill Hotel was busy but safely negotiated.Most of us are staying in the new wing in the Car park. I was sitting in the bar amongst a wedding party and was given a large glass of wine by a the somewhat tipsy daughter of the Groom (he was 74y!)


91.8m 6h30m at 14.1mph 4660ft climb max speed 40.1mph TOTAL 327m TOTAL CLIMB 19880ft

3/9/09 Day 3 ..into Wales... 88.5miles

Terrific meal last night at 'The Globe' Everyone on a high after surviving all that was thrown at us yesterday! There was a result! Paul had a visit from his sister Julie who lived locally - she offered to dry our wet gear overnight...and left with 2 bin bags full!!

They were duly returned at 0800 - MANY THANKS that saved days of drying... Dave had arrived safely at about 1800 having left all his 'peloton' at the Travelodge up the road. Me & 'Dad' had got him a bath ready! Bed & fast asleep before 2200 again...

Usual 'full English in the morning and there was a staggered start. I actually 'guested' with the pros for the first hour and learned a few of their tricks..ie SHORTCUTS!! This involved going through rather than round Wellington. After that..they were gone in the distance & carried out their plan to add 12 miles to their day by going UP Cheddar George.

Through busy Taunton mainly dodging the showers, in mostly sunny weather warming our souls. One early hill was proving tiring but suddenly the tail wind picked up & felt like Angel's breath easing us to the summit! jelly baby break at North Petherton. Then the best section so far as we got onto quieter roads with tail winds through pretty villages including Bason Bridge, Wedmore (caught in quick shower there) & Cocklake.

The steep hills ahead & Cheddar George loomed ominously. We knew lunch was at the top at Shipham. A steep climb but after yesterdays antics we all took it in our stride. Then a down in gusty wind to Clevedon (it's got a vowel wrong!) Then a lovely narrow street for 5-6 miles to Clapton-in-Gordano - at point close to the M5 which had been our companion all day.

I have the honour of being the first to have a puncture...and the second (after a 5 minute tube switch) 10 minutes later. This time my rear tyre was cut so a replacement gratefully received from the 'spares'

Then over the Scary Avon Bridge and through some grotty industrial areas, but again a strong wind at our back. At this point the two Severn Crossings were well in view, and the wind seemingly getting stronger as we approached. Eventually we got up onto the cycleway in what seemed to be a full gale from our left. In fact it was close to being unridable as we were buffeted with tremendous force. I'm not quite sure how we got across upright...I'm not sure what 'planB' was if the cycleway was closed Then quite a long climb up out past Chepstow Racecourse. At this point I felt a bit weak & jelly legs. After a nut bar & the rest of my drink I really enjoyed the 'magical' sweeping run down into Tintern, with it's lush valley walls and picturesque Abbey ruins. Dave & I were to be up the road but Jason managed to negotiate a room here at the George. Dave's just rolled in having also had a fantastic days ride.

Thanks to our navigator Paul who also did most of the 'point' work. He's also uploaded the correct route files for my garmin....my routes were a bit out to say the least...

Special mention must be made for father & son duo George & Steve from Bath.
“The Boys from Bath”. They are riding in memory of George's wife Fliss who died on 1/1/08. They still hadn't arrived as we sat down to supper. Word was that George had terrible D&V for most of the day. Jason had wanted to pick them up in the van but George repeatedly refused! Eventually as darkness ensued they arrived to a standing ovation. Hopefully they will rehydrate & the bug washes through. Old Gerry missed supper too with a bit of a stomach bug - he's being nursed by his room mate Florence AKA 'the Wirril-Phil'

We think this cycling lark is pretty good & might give it a go! A few of us were chatting & today we really felt we will do this trip. All those miles ahead of us fill us with excitement & anticipation!

Looking forward to another big supper .(well we are burning 6000 calories+ each day) ALE OF THE DAY - Dursley Steam Bitter (Gloucester) hoppy fresh refreshing 16/20
88.5m 5h52 at 15.1mph TOTAL 236.9m 15000ft climb

Girl with panniers one of two that are doing LEJOG independently who crossed with us.

2/9/09 Day 2 Liskheard to Sampford Peverall (Four seasons in one day....well three!)

One of the toughest days I've ever had in the saddle, but consequently one of the most rewarding. We made an earlier start after a hearty breakfast. Phil had come down & slept in the lounge to escape his room-mates x2 snoring! He looked like death warmed up!

I was billeted with Dave & the amazing old Gerry. At 71y he has often led & set the pace for our group!! The lot from the Premier Inn came along at 0830 & we set off. The 18 miles to Tavistock had a few nasty hills, especially after we crossed the Tamar into our second County - Devon.

The break was in Tavistock with Dartmoor looming up ahead. A local on his bike warned us NOT to go up there on a day like today "people die up there!" With this cheery & optimistic advice we set of - what choice do we have? It was an incredible climb up to 1500 feet - thankfully the rain (which stayed with us the rest of the day) didn’t hit us until we were up at the top. Billowing clouds of mist & rain swept across (again thankfully from behind us) creating a dramatic atmosphere.

After a welcome lunch (our leader Jason used to be a chef - so meats salad pasties & hot coffee, along with the ever present jelly babies, bolstered our reserves for the next 40 miles in) . There was spectacular terrain, and picturesque scenes e.g. Three Bridges – but with the wind & wet we pressed on.

The descent in dark pissing heavy rain was a white knuckle heart pounding ring twitching roller coaster ride - with dramatic views (and drops!) I focussed on the road ahead, kept gentle pressure on the brakes and we all descended safely. (44.4 mph on one terrifying stretch was the fastest of the whole trip!!)

Coming into Exeter there were a few big hills which weren't appreciated! After a welcome cup of cocoa & some more jelly babies we struggled through busy Exeter, getting slightly lost (my fault) but before the lynch mob got to me I managed to navigate to a B8131 Broadclyst sign (and I was saved!) This road winds up with the M5. Conditions by now were pretty terrible with heavy rain, a lot of water on the road - but we all admitted that despite this we were happy to be where we were! We weren't cold & I could feel the sunshine within!

Our group was Simon(still going too fast down hill) Dave & Susie, 'The Wirral' Phil, 'Dad' Gerry, 'Yorkshire' John +'novice' Tim . 'The Professionals' declared at breakfast that they were going to chill out at the back! As predicted within 7-8mins they were...OFF!! Being local to the area they know all the shortcuts!!!!

Gerry & I are at The Globe Hotel here in Sampford Peverell - just had a nice bath & nice pile of wet gear - not sure how we can get it even partially dry. No sign of 'van driver' Dave yet. [Fella at breakfast asked him if he drove the van!!(he was in all his cycle gear!!!) Ha Ha Dave said he'd take it as a compliment!]

Looks a nice old fashioned type pub downstairs with a pool table. Some guys at the Travelodge but like last night we will eat together... it's here! Last night we ate....and were all tucked up in bed by 2145...asleep by 2150! Looking forward to a flatter, more productive (in respect of mileage) day as we head up into Wales! We feel the eastward, not Northerly progress...

Legs back etc tired but holding out OK - the training is paying off so far ....time for a pint of some nice Somerset brew OTTER AMBER.... ..but..

ALE OF THE DAY - Exmoor 'Gold' Fabulously rich smooth texture thick head best so far 19/20
73.6m 5h40m at 13mph 5526ft of climb TOTAL 148.2m 11369ft CLIMB

1/9/09 day 1 Land's End to Liskheard 74.6m

Woke about 0500! Breakfast not until 0730 - managed to get back off to sleep - packed up & hearty breakfast in beautiful sunshine! We were coached to Lands End, all pleased to see the sharp SW wind that would help us all day. We picked up, and got the first stamp, on the End-to-ender passport (I hope there's a tie at the end of this...) Then the obligatory photo at the 'sign' - without the sign on because the bloke was a miserable git and we didn't want to give him any money... Then we set off - it all felt very surreal as we peddled along with ease in the wind. I reckon a small sail each would've been useful!! It felt like we were on one of those Airport rolling travelators.It only really got hilly past Penzance - we caught a good view of St Michaels Mount out in the bay. Drink stop at Beeble allowed us to top up on fluids, bananas, & jelly babies!! We all commented how deceptively easy it was, perhaps lulled into false sense of security with the tail wind. This is a marathon not a sprint so an easy-ish start was most welcome. Although the last 15miles included some big climbs. There are a few groups forming - the professionals AKA Rob Keith & Andy. A middle group with myself, 'mad downhill' Simon, 'mountain bike 'Phil - 'Old Man' Gerry - 'novice' Tim, 'I need a pee' Susie & few others I'm not sure of their names. Already there seems to be a good team feel of the 26. We are split between a nice family run Hotel Nebula in Liskheard, with some unlucky riders in the ‘corporate’ Travellodge up the road. Just had a great bath - body feels tired but shoulders/neck/wrists OK. We're off for a supper together at 2000 - then early night. Looks like a big climb onto Dartmoor tomorrow & descent could be a bit hairy - Don't worry folks I'll hang onto the handlebars & do a controlled descent!!

ALE OF THE DAY - N/A only draught Red Stripe Still pretty good though

74.6m 5h01m at 14.86mph TOTAL 74.6m 5800ft climb

31/8/09 We're just here in St Just - few miles from Land's End..

Uneventful journey down - met a few fellow LEJOGers at Paddington. They set off on the 1206 & I waited for the 1306 meeting up with Andy & another lone LEJOGGER on a new bike with only 2 panniers!
Eventually met at Penzance Station by Jason in a big van. Fantastic steak at The Wellington Hotel as chatter turned to all things bike/hills/rain etc.
Breakfast 0730 & off for photos at LE 0900. There is a predicted strong (AND WET) SW wind. #
And Wednesday on Dartmoor predicted to be poor weather before things ease off....We have no choice but to get on with it
Any nice 3 pints of 'Tinners Cornish Bitter' and an early night.
Room-mate dave just commented that this should be 'the ride of our lives!'
ALE OF THE DAY - Tinners Bitter (Cornwall) lightly sparkled cool slips down easily