1 July 2011
D Day - Fri 01
July 2011
The day has finally arrived.
And what a glorious day; we could not have asked for better
weather. We're off! After a farewell chat with the Commanding
Officer in the morning, the crew gathered at the Guardroom, Middle Wallop and
left the camp at 1500hrs. Picking up
Pete on the way at Porton Down we began the slow drive down to RAF St Mawgan,
Cornwall. Very cosy. The back of the van packed to the roof,
including all four bikes, and six hot sweaty men in the front. Jamie got a very good deal for the van - it
was free, but top of the range Mercedes it was not. At times reduced to first gear to get up
hills, the drive was slow and long, avoiding holiday traffic when we
could. Still the banter was great,
Squaddie humour, and all were in high spirits.
The average age of the six is well into the late 40's, so many toilet
stops later, we finally arrives at St Mawgan at 2100hrs. Typical RAF camp on a Friday. Lots of RAF Police and MPGS, with a fleet of
RAF Police cars, but no one actually in camp.
With an hour left until it got dark we quickly checked over the bikes
and equipment and after a cup of tea/coffee from the back of the van (nothing
open on the camp), finally made it to the accommodation for 2230hrs. We all had our own rooms, of a good standard,
but even then Phil and Jamie did not go to bed, but stayed up until midnight
checking all the IT equipment and cameras.
A good nights sleep by all, less the wake about 2 in the morning by some
unthoughtful RAF personnel coming in after a night in Newquay and slamming all
the doors.
2 July 2011
Leg 1 Lands End to
Oakhampton
Waking up at 0530hrs we promptly slammed the same doors that
woke us at 2 in the morning by our RAF friends, and after a quick bowl of
muesli and a cup of tea from the back of the van (nothing open, to early), set off from RAF St Mawgan at 0630hrs,
travelling the 50 miles (Via McDonalds) See You Tube clip of `Us on a bus`.
After parking directly in front of the Lands End visitors centre & being
duly reprimanded, we had some photos taken by Chris, then set off from Lands
End a few minutes before 8:30am. Again, we couldn't have asked for better
weather. A glorious sunny morning. The first 20 miles were staggeringly
beautiful and we were met by our incredible support crew of Chris & Mark,
who were there to look after our every need.
However we then hit the A30 dual carriageway which was to take us to
Okehampton. If you are in a car it is a
lovely road. On a bike its a different
story. Cars and trucks screaming past,
all in a hurry to get somewhere, and missing us by inches. We finally arrived
at Okehampton, but the camp where we were to be accommodated took us off of our
route and sat at the top of a 2 mile hill.
After 98 miles, of which 70 was on the dangerous A30, not a welcome
site. The decision was made to log the
exact position on GPS, load the bikes on the van, and drive to the camp. We had booked a pitch to erect a tent and
expected to cook for ourselves. Through the generosity of all Permanent Staff
personnel within the camp, we are writing this blog from a warm room & with
some very tasty food in our bellies. We would also like to thank the lovely
couple who saw us having our picture taken at Lands End & donated &
also to the people who donated along route. We were also inspired &
encouraged by the many people tooting, shouting, hollering & waving support
as we cycled.
We were less impressed by the one fool who shouted
expletives & threatened to knock us off next time. I wonder if he
understands the workings of Karma. We
have cameras on our bikes and have your registration number, so if you reading
this, and it was you - we will find you.
Tomorrow, we cycle from Oakhampton to Chepstow, a distance
of 116 miles. We`ll blog when we have sorted out all of our admin.
3 July 2011
Leg 2 Oakhampton
to Chepstow
After a hearty breakfast, courtesy of the Head Chef at
Okehampton Camp, we set off down the hill & rode for a good first 20 miles
through the beautiful Devon Countryside.
The sun was shining, birds singing, no cars on the road being a Sunday
morning; a perfect start. At the top of one hill, Phil mentioned to Pete that
"there is a very sharp bend at the bottom of this hill. Unfortunately the
other two had already started to descend.
Oh' how we laughed. When we all eventually reached the bottom, Alex had
a dirty stain in his shorts. At the bottom of another hill we looked up to see
three bikers half way up the hill. The
red mist descended on Pete who made up his mind to beat them to the top. Imagine his disappointment to find that the
three bikers were all rather older than him (and he is no spring chicken), and
unsupported, with panniers on there bikes.We then stopped for a break at
Fishermans Cottage near Bickley Mill where the three other bikers joined us for
refreshments. Also riding end to end for the MacMillan Cancer Trust, Colin
Brett, Kevin Darcy & Chris West. We wish them every success. We then rode
up & over two Cat 4 & two Cat 5 hills (for those of you who don't know
or understand the Cat category of hills, like Pete - blxxdy steep), traveling
though Devon, Somerset & Gloucestershire. Just east of Tiverton we came
across the roundabout where we were to take the A361 to Junction 27 of the M5,
approximately 6 miles. Unfortunately the road was closed! Quick thinking by Alex who asked the workmen
if it was safe to ride on. A thumbs up
from them meant we had the full dual carriageway to ourselves for 6 miles; life
in the fast lane! At Bristol we had our first incident with the bikes - Pete
got a puncture, before riding over both Clifton and the Severn Suspension
bridges, to Chepstow. We could see the
camp and home for the night from the bridge, but Phil and his GPS thought the
rest of us might be interested in the sights of Chepstow. Unfortunately it did not meet the write up in
the tourist information guide. 'Shameless' springs to mind. We arrived at
Beachley Barracks Cheptow in good spirits, if a little tired and with the Regt
serving abroad, nothing open. Our first night on 'Compo', but the food
outstanding. Once again, a huge thank you to Chris & Mark our fabulous
support crew.
FOOTNOTE.
Pete finally realised that Phil's name was actually Neal,
Kneel, Neil, or Niel.
4 July 2011
D+3 Mon 04 Jul
2011 Chepstow to Shawbury
Accommodation at Chepstow was good if a little bizarre! We all had our own rooms, each with two hot
taps. Unfortunately no cold taps. Up early for yet another beautiful day, but
not before the arrival on camp of some personnel from the resident battalion, 1
Rifles, who arrived at 0600hrs to deploy on an Operation somewhere. We wish them well, and a safe return. After a 0700hrs breakfast in the Pay as you
Dine cookhouse, we received a lovely hug from Alice, who collected the money
for breakfast, for our efforts at
raising money. I don't think she would
mind if I mentioned that she could do with a bit of charity money being spent
on her own dental work! On leaving camp at 0730hrs we rode up and out of
Chepstow, passed the racecourse, and on to the Wye Valley. Down a steep hill and suddenly in to the
village of Tintern and the stunning Tintern Abbey. None of us had ever heard of it before, but I
thoroughly recommend a visit. Despite no
roof, Tintern Abbey knocks spots off of Salisbury Cathedral. The Wye valley is also a lovely cycle ride,
even for the novice, lovely and flat, following the river. We arrived at Monmouth, at 0900hrs, 20 miles
before most people start work.
Then on to Hereford.
Quote of the day from Neil. "Look Pete, the sign says we have
arrived in Hertfordshire". " I
think your find that Hertforshire is a little closer to London than we need to
be, and I think your find we should be in Herefordshire", replied
Pete. From Hereford Neil decided we
should take the much quieter A4140 than the busy A49 that runs parallel. Good call.
The quiet road with hills was an easy pain to take against the constant
roar of trucks and diesel fumes. And the
scenery was also not to shabby! However,
the last 20 miles to Shrewsbury eventually ended up on the A49, but by then the
roads were mainly downhill, so taken at speed.
Five miles North of Shrewsbury, and after 96 miles for the day we
arrived at RAF Shawbury. Pete visited
660 Sqn Army Air Corps who would have taken the support crew up tomorrow in a
helicopter to take photo's, had they been military. Unfortunately Chris and Mark are both MGS and
considered civilians. Not covered by
insurance, they could not be flown. Many
thanks for your efforts though 660 Sqn.
Accommodation was better than all are used to, but standard
for the RAF. We each have our own room, with a pillow and quilt, and both a hot
and cold tap in the sink. Plenty of showers that actually work. The washing
machine and tumble drier were better than any of us had ever seen. The cookhouse was also not Pay as you Dine,
and the chef could not give us enough food.
Again many thanks to all those we met today who contributed
to both charities, including Rachel McGill and the lovely Maggie May Williams,
89 years young. We also consider those individuals who ride the full distance
on their own, carrying everything with them, and sleeping by the side of the
road hard men. Nails. We have met many.
The riders squaddie suntans are coming on well, brown arms
and legs, but white bodies.
FOOTNOTE 1
For the purpose of the bike ride the following will be now
known as:
Jamie - 'Dad'. For
his guidance and leadership during the ride.
Pete - 'The Major', or just 'Major' for short. His rank and
title have been used and abused to procure various favours from the hosts at
various camps/barracks.
Alex - 'Tonto'. For his unfailing support as sidekick to The
Major.
Neil - As the grey man, IT geek, and brains of the outfit,
the man with a different name every day.
Friday - Phil, Saturday -
Tarquin, Sunday - Steve, Today - Sebastion.
Who knows what tomorrow may bring.
Chris - 'Christove'.
With a French wife, she has to endure a phone call every evening where
he moans about his 'Fuxxxx useless SMART phone'.
Marc -' Maximus Decimus Meridius. Commander of the Legions
to the North, Loyal to the true Emperor, Marcus Aurilous, father to a murdered
son, Husbund to a murdered wife, and he will have his vengeance, in this life
or the next'. For his Gladitorial
support given to the crew.
FOOTNOTE 2
Dad will still not let The Major or Tonto ride with no
helmets.
5 July 2011
D+4 Tue 05 July
2011 Shawbury to Cabus
Up at 0600hrs for a 0700hrs breakfast. However this is the RAF. The cookhouse opened 10 minutes early and not
Pay as you Dine, so we ate and ate until we could eat no more. Out of the camp for 0715hrs and headed for
first Whitchurch, and then Warrington up the A69. Having been spoilt with Devon
and the Wye Valley on previous days, the countryside is hardly inspiring, but
the road was good, flat, and the wind behind us. It's also still better than being
in the office/guardroom. Starting from
Lands End with the wind behind us was a great decision. We have met others
coming the other way, fighting the wind, and looking tired. The weather was dull but not raining until
Warrington. However, before we reached
Warrington, 660 Sqn Army Air Corps played a real blinder. As part of Staff
Training they happened to have a flight that day that followed the A69,
and managed to take some pictures of us
from the air. A huge thanks to all
involved. Warrington to Wigan saw the
production from the van of the wet weather tops, and after four days of hot
weather, the rain was actually a welcome change. Wigan looked tired and
depressed, and has certainly seen better years. Certainly much cooler up here,
but then again we are all Southern Ponces.
Christove even comes from Australia. We had a competition to find the
first Liverpool perm and shellsuit, and often had to quell the desire to shout
'Northern Monkey' at the locals. Very cruel.
In reality all are very friendly, and we have been met with good humour
and support wherever we have been today.
From Wigan on to Preston and with the wind still pushing us along,
spirits remained high, and the banter good. After Preston we hit the A6 which
took us to tonight's stop, Claylands in the village of Cabus, 11 miles North of
Preston. Early indications are that the
A6 is a great road. Quiet (all traffic
is on the M6), it even has a cycle lane.
Time will tell tomorrow. Again
many thanks to all those who contributed to the two charities on the way,
including Mags Campbell; and thanks in anticipation to the Editor of the local
Gazette who we hope will place an article on us in their paper. Tomorrow we
hope to make an appearance on local TV, and have an announcement made on the radio. We wait to see what tomorrow brings. Thanks
also to those at HQ Army Air Corps who have placed us on the MOD Website.
A shorter day, 91 miles, with only 2743 feet of climb. The campsite is good but again a little
bizarre. The shower block is very good, but has Motown's greatest hits being
played over speakers. Makes one want to
break out in to the Full Monty,
FOOTNOTE
In Whitchurch the support team went shopping for essentials,
and the passenger door opened on its own.
Christove fell out the van. Oh
how we laughed!
6 July 2011
D+5 Wed 06 July
2011 Cabus to Carlisle
A full evenings entertainment after yesterdays blog at the
campsite. We shared the tent area with another solo Lands End - John O'Groats
rider who had completed 148 yesterday - Nails, and we meet him regularly
en-route. Always seen in orange, he is
now known as Tango Man. Also in the
tented area was one man and his dog in a small one man tent. Our support crew
fed his dog compo, before the chap took himself to the local pub, leaving his
dog in his tent. We all made it in to our sleeping bags by 2130hrs, at which
time it started to rain, and didn't stop all night. The chap returned from the pub at 0200hrs
obviously the worse for drink, and woke everyone with his falling about, and
initial joy at seeing his beloved dog. However the joy turned to first shock and
then rage, as he discovered that the dog had covered his sleeping bag and tent
with his afore mentioned evening meal. We all climbed out of the sleeping bags
at 0600hrs, less Maximus who got up half an early to boil water and make
breakfast - what a help they have both been. On pulling back the fly sheet we
find the sun now shining, but are surrounded by ducks trying to eat the muesli
and cereals. Very odd. The Major, true
to form has impeccable self administration.
With no washing facilities at the campsite, and with only one pair of
Lycra shorts (which Dad has given him), he had no clean shorts to wear
today. Dad as ever, stepped up and leant
him some new shorts, but these were in a 'mankini' design with straps that go
over the shoulder. Having never worn
such a garment before, The Major put them on the wrong way round, and would
have remained that way had Kneel not shown him the error of his ways. All this before 0700hrs.
After a Compo breakfast from the back of the van we left
camp at 0715hrs and set off up the excellent, if a little busier than expected
A6 to Lancaster. Having now left the
once industrial heart of Gods Country, we are now back in rolling countryside
with traditional stone walls and sheep. Lancaster is a lovely town, but no time
to stop, we continued North, and at the village of Beethan came off the A6, on
to a more hillier, but more direct, quieter minor road which took us directly
into Kendal. Well worth it. Lovely countryside, great houses to admire,
and no traffic. At Kendal the skies opened and we suffered a torrential
downpour of rain.
Whilst sheltering under cover in a Shell Garage, various
donations were made to the charities, thank you everyone. Thanks also to blond Sharon from the garage
who donated 5 bars of Kendal Mint Cake. As the rain eased a little we continued
through town. Thanks to the
schoolchildren and teachers we met at the traffic lights, who gave us a
terrific shout and clap of hands for encouragement. Now out of Kendal, and back on the A6, we
made our way up the side of the Lake District.
Whilst beautiful, it stayed with tradition and poured with rain the
whole way through. We reached and completed the infamous 'Shap hill' without
even realising it. Having researched the
route, all riders were not looking forward to the climb. Possibly due to our pre-training in the hills
of Wiltshire and Dorset, but all riders made it up without to much effort, in
awful weather conditions. Cries of 'Is that the best you can do' to make things
as uncomfortable as possible for us. The support van was there to meet us at
the top of the hill, and Maximus even ran in the last 100 metres with Dad. Down then in to Penrith and on to Carlisle,
our final destination for tonight. Yesterday Tonto had a dizzy spell in the
last 10 miles, lack of salt and fluids.
Unfortunately no-one recorded it, so today all riders kept an eye on
Tonto to see if he would give a repeat performance, that we could take pictures
of him falling off his bike and rolling around on the ground. Unfortunately he
failed to deliver.
Finally at Carlisle after 76 miles it is Kneel's 41st
birthday and as such have booked in to the Travel Lodge for the night.
The Major was given the card for his and Tonto's room and without
glasses thought it room 201. They
climbed the three flights of stairs with all their boxes and spent two minutes
trying to get in to the room. Tonto took
the card. It was room 102!
We are now out for a quick bite to eat to celebrate Kneel's
birthday, and then off to enemy territory - Scotland. Best the English Major
keeps his mouth shut or he will have his throat cut by Braveheart.
FOOTNOTE
Quote of the day from Kneel, as is his right on his
birthday. " We have travelled the same road all day, the A6, but it feels
as if we have travelled many different roads". Very deep!
7 July 2011
D+6 Thu 07 Jul
2011 Carlisle to Prestwick
Carlisle Railway Station has huge posters advertising the
tourist opportunities of the city. A
word of warning to the would be tourist.
After the birthday celebrations in the Travelodge for Kneel last night
(Burger and chips) all were in bed for 2130hrs, less Tonto. As he could not get
a signal on his Orange mobile phone he roamed the streets of Carlisle looking
for a phone box. Before 2200hrs both men and women were rolling around drunk,
asleep on the street. A real shock for
the youngish (31) Southern Ponce.
Up at 0600hrs for a 0700hrs breakfast. For those that have
never stayed in a Travelodge, if you have booked and paid for breakfast, they
issue you a cup, plates and cutlery from reception once they have confirmed
payment. Dad collected our utensils and was waiting for the rest of us to
arrive and have breakfast together, when an Irish chap took one of his
plates. Dad politely told him the Travelodge
system, and if he has ordered breakfast he has to collect his own
utensils. The Irish chap then started a
torrent of abuse at Dad. Obviously after
a free breakfast. Luckily we all stayed calm, the receptionist booked him out,
and he left.
After such an emotional start, we could not wait to leave
Carlisle. The weather was fine at breakfast, but as we walked out of the hotel
at 0730hrs, it started to rain, and continued to rain for 3 hours. Leaving
Carlisle we headed North on the A7 and were very quickly in Scotland at Gretna
Green where we picked up the A75 to Dumfries. Then on to the A76 to Kilmarnock,
the best road we have travelled on in the last 6 days, and thank goodness we
started at Lands End, the wind behind us the whole day. Although geographically
not possible, it really felt as if the wind was pushing us down hill all
day. Solar Panel Energy will never take
off in Scotland, there isn't enough sun.
However wind turbines are a different matter. When they gain
independence the Scottish can earn a lot of income selling water to drought
ridden Gods Country. It never stops raining.
The weather forecast for the next few days does not look
good. After a quick phone call back to
Mike Stanley back in Middle Wallop Motor Transport Department, Mike found us a
unit to call in Prestwick, rather than the campsite. Many thanks Mike. A phone
call later and we are booked in to HMS Gannet, based at Prestwick Airport, a
Search and Rescue Unit.
By mid-day the weather had cleared, and with the sun out we
had excellent views over the Scottish Lowlands. We stopped at Thornhill for
lunch. Thanks again to all those who
placed money in the charity boxes. On again up the excellent A76, stopping once
more at Sanquhar. Thanks to Sally at the Castle View Service Station who not
only let us stop, but contributed to the charities. Many pictures taken of the 12th Century
castle in the village. Kilmarnock was reached by 1700hrs, and Kneel set the GPS
coordinates that we start at the same place tomorrow. A total of 93 miles today. We packed the
bikes on to the van, and set off down the A77 to Prestwick and HMS Gannet.
When we arrived the personnel at Gannet could not have been
more accommodating. We were all given our own room with bedding. Great showers,
they even let us use their crewroom to cook our compo tea, and watch the Tour
de France. Infact I'm sat here in their crewroom typing this. A huge thank you to Lt Cdr Debdash
Bhattacharya and his Staff. At 2115hrs
they were crashed out to go and save somebody from either drowning or being
stranded on a mountain. 5 minutes from drinking tea and chatting with us in the
crewroom to airborne. Impressive.
Up at 0600hrs tomorrow for a muesli breakfast and cup of
tea, and then a long day, approx 110 miles.
8 July 2011
D+7 Fri 08 Jul
2011 Prestwick to Glencoe
Thanks again to HMS Gannet for their outstanding
hospitality. The best nights sleep for all of us yet. Each with our own room,
someone had even folded back the corner of the quilt. All it needed was a chocolate on the pillow
before bed time and we could have been in a posh hotel. Perhaps the support
crew will take inspiration from it! Being Army, we are also used to a sink in
each room, to be used in the middle of the night as only Squaddies know. Without one, we had to use the 'Heads' down the corridor.
Up at 0600hrs to yet another beautiful morning. Unlike
England, Scotland spent most of the day bathed in sunshine. After a muesli and boiled egg breakfast from
the back of the van we left HMS Gannet at 0715hrs and proceeded to our finish
point yesterday, the A77/A71 junction at Kilmarnock. By 0745hrs all four bikers
are on the road, heading north on the A77 towards Glasgow. This stretch of the
A77 before it turns in to the M77 is the worse we have experienced. The weather
had changed direction overnight, and for the first time its coming from the
North, straight at us. The drivers also had no consideration for cyclists, and
all in a hurry to get to work. Just leave a few minutes earlier! Luckily we
were only on this for 20 minutes before it turned into two separate roads, the
M77, and the much quieter A77. At this point the A77 has a separate cycle lane,
which lasted for 18 miles and took us all the way to Glasgow. Undulating,
and even against the wind, with the sun
shining it was still a great ride, and recommended. Making good time at speed,
we arrived at our first stop at a row of shops at 0915hrs. 10 shops - 3
hairdressers, 3 estate agents, and 4 restaurants. How do they make any money
against all the competition.
Once in South Glasgow we picked up the A726 which kept us
out of the city centre, and took us towards the airport and Erskine Bridge.
Point to note. Glaswegians don't greet you with 'Good Morning', but 'Arite'.
They are also the most generous yet, digging deep to support both charities.
Many thanks. Thanks also to Pat Collins, who lives in Suffolk but originates
from Edinburgh, and having one a golf competition with friends, contributed his
winnings, £20 to each charity.
Once around the airport, we met Richard, a fellow biker who
cycled with us for some miles. Thanks for showing us the short cut over the
bridge, and good luck with your own charity, BraveheartFund, which encourages
children in Scotland into cycling. Once across the bridge we picked up the A82
which was to take us all the way to Glencoe.
Stopping for a quick food stop at the edge of Lock Lomond, it proved to
be a great photo opportunity, with the sun glistening on the water. Moving on,
The Major suffered his second puncture, but slick pit lane skills by Dad, meant
a tyre change in two minutes and back on the road.
The A82 has its own foot/cycle path that runs between the
road and the Lock. However the road is
so good that we recommend you remain on the road. The cycle path also diverts in
many places.
Stopping for lunch at Tarbet the rain finally caught up with
us. Thanks to the children and teachers
from Lymington, Hampshire returning from a week in Mull for their support and
encouragement as we left.
Having relied on Kneel and his GPS for 7 days to get us
successfully on the right road, he had a blond moment (despite having no hair)
and set off on the wrong road. Quickly corrected we continued North on the
A82. Despite having much resurfacing work
completed, the road North of Tarbet follows the Lock, twisting and turning with
the shore line, is very narrow, and the road surface poor in many places.
Sharing the road with trucks and coaches, much care was required.
Once the road leaves Lock Lomond there is a long winding
climb. Raining, and with the wind in our faces, conditions became testing, and
the support crew were a welcome site at Crainlarich. With a lull in the weather
we moved on to the Bridge of Orchy, and then on to Rannoch Moor. Again a
testing ride, torrential rain against the wind, with a testing hill mid way
through. Stopping at the Kings House Hotel we were approached by semi-tame
deer, who fed from the hand. Another photo opportunity, then the most dramatic
views yet down Glen Coe, with mountain ranges either side of the road, finally
finishing today at Glen Coe village after 110 miles. Setting the GPS point for our start position
tomorrow, we loaded the bikes on to the van and proceeded to the Royal Marines
Adventure Training Hut at Kinlochleven. Many thanks to Sgt Spike Woods RM for
accepting us at short notice. A hot shower, and fish and chips later we are off
to bed.
A long day tomorrow, 120 miles.
9 July 2011
D+8 Sat 09 Jul
2011 Glen Coe to Inverness
Another eventful night with broken sleep. Accommodated at the Adventure Training hut at
Kinlochleven, the fire alarm went off three times, at 0120hrs, 0210hrs, and at
0530hrs. First to be blamed the first
time it happened were the three smokers in the team. Which one of them has used
that fire door we were specifically told not to use for a quick smoke? Not
guilty was the cry. On questioning
Spike, the resident RM the following morning, it was a malfunction with the
system, the first time it has ever happened! Thanks for your help again Spike.
Out of Kinlochleven for 0715hrs, and back to the final
position for yesterday in the van, Glen Coe. Bikes on the road for 0745hrs and
on our way to Fort William on the A82. Another beautiful morning with stunning views
as we crossed the bridge at Ballachulish. Ironically we could find no Fort in
Fort William, but a lot of dodgy geezers. On arrival at our first stop in
Morrisons car park, The Major was given a thorough debriefing by a local lady
with dental hygiene problems on the fact that “ In Scotland slower transport
normally gives way to faster traffic”.
“Thank you my dear, I’ll bear it in mind”. Two transit vans pulled up next to
ours, and out climbed five men. With Dad and Christove visiting the toilets,
and The Major looking at Harry Potters train, it only left three at the van.
One of the men started talking to the lads, whilst the other four drifted to
the other side of the van. Only quick thinking by Tonto in moving around to the
other side of the vehicle averted the theft of all the attractive cameras, GPS
and IT equipment. Blxxdy Pikies. Tonto saves the day! Three young
University students rather proudly
announced they were to climb Ben Nevis. However they looked quickly deflated by
The Major who announced five years ago that he took his 69 year old Mother-in-
Law up there, and that they would see families taking their kids up there in
shorts and flip-flops, it’s a footpath.
Despite all this the general public were like all Scots, generous in
their donations to the charities. Thank you.
Continuing along the A82, we hit the steep hill and then the
Commando Monument at Spean Bridge.
Another photo opportunity and a chance to meet some lovely people who
donated heavily. Special mention must be made of the coach load of Senior
Ladies and Gentlemen from Yorkshire. Ladies, the lads will be available for
modelling opportunities on appointment. Donations to the two charities
please. Moving further along the A82,
the scene then resembled a scene from the film ‘Wild Hogs’. Four middle aged
men all caught short at the side of the road. The road then follows the coast
of Loch Lochy (not a very original name Scotland). A lovely road, recommended
for cycling. Stopping at at a Service Station in Invergarry for lunch we were
joined by about 20 German Motor Bikers.
What is the fascination that the German bikers have with Scotland? They
are everywhere. Do they know something about Scotland that the English don’t? Should we let them have independence? Then on
to the locks at Fort Augustus. Thanks to the lady who allowed us to park the
van right outside her shop and restaurant next to the lock. A prime spot. Then
it started to rain, and rain, and rain. Infact it rained for the entire length
of our cycle up the side of Loch Ness. To make matters worse Dad and Kneel
rubbed wheels at Invermoriston, and Kneel fell, breaking his pedal. With Tonto
having spare pedals, Kneel and The Major sped forward to the next stopping
point at Urquhart Castle, to meet with the van so as to not hold up the team
any more than we had to. Tonto saves the day, again! Pedals changed, the team
drove on through the rain, that became worse and worse, so much so the Scottish
Open Golf competition was cancelled. Dad made the decision that instead of climbing
over the Cat 3 hill on the A833, we should stay on the A82 and head for
Inverness. Unfortunately nobody told the support crew, and with The Major
shouting at the Gods ‘Is that the best you can do’ the weather got even worse
with thunder and lighting. We were so
wet it didn’t seem to matter that Tonto relieved himself in his shorts to keep
warm, twice. Eventually we had to stop
and try and contact the support crew. Ironically, having had no telephone
signal since arriving at Kinlochleven last night, the only phone with a signal
was The Major’s Pikey Pay as you Go Phone!
At this point Kneel produced his bright yellow waterproof cycling helmet
cover. Resembling a fried egg, he looked every inch the double for ‘Super
Mario’. His name for tomorrow – Mario for short. Arranging to rendezvous in Inverness the team
pressed onward in to the rain, and then crossed the A9 bridge at Inverness
heading for Wick. At this point the van caught up with team. We are now sat on
a very busy dual carriageway and it is still raining heavily. With tiredness
and the cold starting to take effect, the decision was made to cut short the
journey for today and telephone the 3 Scots, The Black Watch at Fort
George. GPS position set for tomorrows
start, we set off for Fort George in the van.
As we drove past the Scottish Open Golf car park, cars were being
rescued from the bog by tractors. A huge thank you to the QM, Maj Gary Tait and
the boys in the Guardroom for accommodating us at such short notice. A warning
to Cam Hastie back at Middle Wallop. Gary told me about your exploits in NI in
1987! A good shower, compo meal, and a bed in the guardroom easily beats a
night camping in this weather.
So 85 miles, and the most testing, but oddly one of the more
enjoyable days. Southern Ponces meet and
stand up to Northern weather. We have left ourselves with 115 miles to do on
the last day; not as planned, but adrenalin will take us to the end. Up at 5
tomorrow.
FOOTNOTE
We may have our very own Fred West follower. Every so often
today we have come across a man on his own in a remote parking spot, parked in
his camper, wearing dark glasses, no matter what the weather. Does he have a
fetish for men wearing Lycra?
10 July 2011
D+9 10 July 2011
Inverness to John O'Groats
Thanks again to the QM, LCpl Simpson, and all the Guard room
staff at 3 Scots, The Black Watch, Fort George. A great night sleep after a
torrid days ride at Loch Ness. The plan had been for Christove to set up his
camera equipment next to the loch, get the world exclusive on Nessy, and sell
the pictures to the News of the World, so they go out in a blaze of glory, and
we raise lots of money for the charities. Unfortunately a no-show by the
Monster in all that rain. Fort George is
an impressive building, but must have cost a fortune when it was built in the
18th Century by George II. Apparently it
was paid for by taxing the Scots. No wonder they hate the English. Before bed The Major left his electric
toothbrush on charge in the toilets of the Guardroom – at risk. What’s the
betting it visited the inside of a Scottish soldiers pants before morning. Top tip from LCpl Simpson if camping in
Scotland and dealing with the Midges – they are everywhere. Light a disposable
barbecue, and place sea weed over it. They hate the smell. Top tip if a
cyclist. Don’t ride with your mouth open, or stop for more than two minutes.
Up at 0500hrs, and after a muesli breakfast and cup of tea
from the back of the van, out of the Fort and back to our start position by
0700hrs. Driving passed the Golf course for the Scottish Open, the die hard
golf fans were just showing up. Let’s hope they have better weather today. As
we set off on the bikes the weather was overcast, but dry, with little wind.
Starting today at Inverness we took off up the A9 to our first stop at Alness.
Whilst the road surface was good, flat and straight, the scenery reminded us of
middle America, dull and lacking in imagination. We did pick up our first road
sign for John O’Groats – 108 miles!!
Having caught a chill from the rain yesterday Dad started to
feel ill. We call ourselves Broken Bikers because three of the bikers have
medical conditions. Dad has more problems than most, and after a few more
miles, aggravated by the chill, he started having problems retaining any food
or drink, from both ends. Whilst the scenery started to improve at Tain, Dad’s
condition didn’t. It also started to rain, and the wind picked up, straight in
our faces. After one of the few steep hills on the last leg at Berridale we stopped
outside the home of Jimmy and Marina Rosie. Obviously seeing Dad in some
distress they very kindly gave him some Imodium tablets, which helped a little.
A lovely couple, thanks very much Jimmy and Marina. We are now moving much
slower, with the support van with us constantly, and the stops short but often.
On one such stop Tango Man pulled up in a car, returning from John O’Groats
where he had finished at 1000hrs today (Tango Man is one of the many solo
riders we have met on route). As the afternoon progressed the rain eased, but
the wind increased, also cooling the temperature. Now running on empty, but
with guts and determination Dad continued, and the pace actually started to
increase. The scenery is now best described as rugged but desolate, with plenty
of run down farm houses ‘With potential to the right buyer’. You have to be
hardy to live up here. However, Tonto then required an eyewash after getting
grit in his eye, and just South of Wick, The Major had his third puncture. With
a change of inner tube but poor tyres, he then proceeded to pump it up too
quickly, nearly destroying both inner tube and tyre. Quick thinking by Kneel,
AKA Mario, AKA Vanessa, saved the day, and The Major rode the rest of the day
with his front tyre only half inflated.
In to Wick we are actually quite glad to see some degree of
civilisation again. Houses, shops, pubs, street lights, normal stuff we take
for granted, but not up here. Through Wick and with only 16 miles remaining
pure adrenalin had now taken over, and the speed again increased. 7 miles to
go, and Dad is still being sick. 1 mile to go, and we met the van outside the
Post office, removed our wet weather clothing, and rode the last mile in our
Help for Heroes/Starlight Cycling shirts, crossing the line together at
1900hrs, Christove taking pictures, Maximus following on in the van. 12 hours
to complete 115 miles.
To be perfectly honest John O’Groats was a little
disappointing. We did arrive late, so no reception committee, and the place
quite bland, with a disgusting paint job on the building at the finish line –
even the locals don’t like it. But plenty of celebration and photos amongst the
team. We’ve made it; over 900 miles. We
met up again up with the 3 chaps we had met in North Devon on D+2 who also finished
today 2 hours behind us (well done lads).
After a re-pack of the van and burger and chips from the local chippy we
are now starting the long journey back to Middle Wallop.
Summary to follow.
11 July 2011
SUMMARY
Well here we all are safely back at Middle Wallop after a 16
hour return journey from John O'Groats in the van. Lands End to John O'Groats
in 9 days done. All four completed all 900+ miles without a windge or moan and
now have plenty of tales to tell. From an initial idea thought of back in May
2010 by Jamie and Neil, Alex coming on board in Nov 2010, the involvement of
the two charities in Jan 2011, and Pete becoming involved in Mar 2011, the
total amount raised has to be confirmed but expected to be about £13K. We also
had a great time fulfilling a dream for Finn Cutting for Starlight. It has
certainly been an experience that we will all remember for many years to come.
Our only recommendation is that for those of you who are considering such an
adventure, choose your team carefully, and train together beforehand. We were
very lucky as that we bonded as a team from day one, and worked through any
problems together. But there will be days when tiredness and bad weather or
terrain are against you. Be prepared. We had a terrific team.
Many thanks go out to all those that have supported our fund
raising efforts before the bike ride, and those we met and supported us during
the ride itself. It could have been a simple honking of the car horn as
encouragement, contributions to the charities, or the support given with
accommodation on route, all were most welcome. Living and working 'behind the
wire' in a military establishment, we sometimes forget the generosity and
friendship of the general public. From the four cyclists our final and biggest
thanks go to our support team of Mark and Chris from the MGS. They took paid
leave to support our every need, and every time we needed help, they were there
to help, no matter how ridiculous the request.
What now for the four of us. Jamie and Neil have completed a
dream once only imagined. I suspect it will be the first of many. Pete has now
found a new sport to become involved in (as cheaply as possible), and Alex can
go back to his beloved girlfriend and eat all the pies.
Many thanks again for all your help and support.
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