There has been very little contact from the boys with the strong thigh muscles today as, again, they've had problems getting a signal. I believe they followed the A65 because I know they stopped during the morning for a tasty elevenses of toast, tea loaf & scones at Kirkby Lonsdale. Later along the A65 it follows the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, so I imagine that was a pretty route - hopefully they'll be able to send some photos tomorrow. They would then have taken the B6478 to Slaidburn, I think.
Johnny managed to leave a short telephone message from a public call box (I thought they were extinct!) & said the weather was warm enough to have their jackets open, but didn't say if they'd removed any more lycra articles! He also said that, although it was only 44 miles, it was a very hilly journey & they were looking forward to having hot showers followed by dinner - & that was about it before the pips went (haven't heard those for a long time!) More tomorrow :)
Monday, 31 May 2010
Pictures from Kendal, 30th May 2010
Here are pictures of the hostel (top) & Kendal's Town Hall & clock (middle).
So, apparently, last night at the hostel turned out to be much better than they'd expected, because they were moved from the overcrowded 7 men in a 6 bedded room without facilities, to a 4 bedded room with en-suite which they had to themselves - this only happened because another party left a day early, but was very fortunate for Mark & Johnny - even the lucky Lemur is happy, as you can see (bottom) :)
Views from yesterday's ride.
Here are three views from Shap Summit: the Lakes in the distance (top), John reflecting on the journey (middle) & the Pennines in the distance (bottom).
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Mark at the half-way point
This photo was taken when Mark was previously in the Lake Distrct & found the JoGLE half-way point. Although they didn't actually cycle past this point (on Windemere) today, they are, neverthless, past the mid point - congratulations boys!
Probably the best day so far....
....this is the boys' opinion because it was a warmer, shorter & generally easier ride, with a nice break at Penrith for a hearty lunch of an 8 inch Yorkshire pudding filled with beef stew :) The final long hill, Shap's Summit, which rises 1400 feet above sea level, was quite a climb though. The upside to this was that coming down the other side was pretty quick so their overall daily average speed is up! There are a couple of pictures (above) which give some idea how this route was once the only link between some small communities nearby, & it can understandably still be treacherous during the winter.
No problems of a wintry nature today, though; in fact I'm pleased to report that this was the first day Johnny took his arm-warmers off (daring!) - the lycra leg-warmers stayed firmly on, though (despite going out of fashion 20 years ago!!)
They arrived in Kendal in time to visit Mark's favourite bike shop (Evans) - I'm detecting signs of bicycle addiction here, you know - seek help before it's too late! No, I'm sure it was to try to replace worn-out parts (do they supply new knee joints?!)
Tonight's hostel is part of the Brewery Arts Centre complex, & is a fairly no-frills affair although brekkie is included. They are going to be in a room with 5 other fellows even though there are only 6 beds in total - the last poor soul to arrive this evening is going to be on a mattress on the floor because they are over-booked :(
Part of the reason the hostel is so busy is because there's a live band playing next door tonight & they have already heard a couple of their roomies talking about having a booze-fest - time to put in your ear plugs!
They are going off to have pizza soon &, perhaps, a pint of the local Wainwright's beer, which will round off their day nicely. The best thing about today is that they have now completed almost 900km, which means they are just over half-way through this mammoth journey :0)
Before I go, though, I must give you an up-date on the 'rear-guard' state of affairs (I know some of you are paying special attention to this aspect of events!) - they describe the situation as being like tenderised rump steak! It has been recommended that they have a salt bath, but they observe that, as this is how one hardens conkers, they might give it a miss!!!
No problems of a wintry nature today, though; in fact I'm pleased to report that this was the first day Johnny took his arm-warmers off (daring!) - the lycra leg-warmers stayed firmly on, though (despite going out of fashion 20 years ago!!)
They arrived in Kendal in time to visit Mark's favourite bike shop (Evans) - I'm detecting signs of bicycle addiction here, you know - seek help before it's too late! No, I'm sure it was to try to replace worn-out parts (do they supply new knee joints?!)
Tonight's hostel is part of the Brewery Arts Centre complex, & is a fairly no-frills affair although brekkie is included. They are going to be in a room with 5 other fellows even though there are only 6 beds in total - the last poor soul to arrive this evening is going to be on a mattress on the floor because they are over-booked :(
Part of the reason the hostel is so busy is because there's a live band playing next door tonight & they have already heard a couple of their roomies talking about having a booze-fest - time to put in your ear plugs!
They are going off to have pizza soon &, perhaps, a pint of the local Wainwright's beer, which will round off their day nicely. The best thing about today is that they have now completed almost 900km, which means they are just over half-way through this mammoth journey :0)
Before I go, though, I must give you an up-date on the 'rear-guard' state of affairs (I know some of you are paying special attention to this aspect of events!) - they describe the situation as being like tenderised rump steak! It has been recommended that they have a salt bath, but they observe that, as this is how one hardens conkers, they might give it a miss!!!
A good start to day 8.
You'll be pleased to hear that, after the last 2 gruelling days, Mark & Johnny had a comfortable night in a room with en-suite facilities (how very civilised & luxurious!). After a lovely sleep & a full English breakfast, they set out in the sunshine with their dried out shoes & clothes, & are already about halfway through today's target of 42 miles - they even have a very welcome tailwind to help them along :)
Their Achilles' tendons, knees & nether regions are all no worse, & they would like us all to pray give thanks to the god of Sudocrem!!
So, all's well with their world at the moment, although they know the end of today's ride will be far more challenging before reaching Kendal.
Hope you enjoy the pictures (below) taken over the last few days.
Their Achilles' tendons, knees & nether regions are all no worse, & they would like us all to pray give thanks to the god of Sudocrem!!
So, all's well with their world at the moment, although they know the end of today's ride will be far more challenging before reaching Kendal.
Hope you enjoy the pictures (below) taken over the last few days.
The last pictures taken in Scotland.
These 3 photos show 'The Old Toll Bar' with, you'll notice, an elopers restaurant (!), the last house in Scotland (including a marriage room - we'll be checking if they've acquired any extra rings!) & the sign that confirms their re-entry into England.
All were taken yesterday (29th).
Photos from their time on Arran....
The view from the Lochranza hostel (not bad!) & a beautiful sunset, in Lochranza too, both taken on 27th May.
Also, Goat Fell in the next morning's low cloud, & a Viking boat, both t
aken on 28th.Pictures from the last few days.
Troon beach (looking quite inviting, below), & a lovely view of Ailsa Craig & the long road ahead, both taken 2 days ago (28th).
Also, on the left (this is one for Florence), Dad's lucky Lemur mascot :0)
Saturday, 29 May 2010
They're back in England!
So a week after setting out, our stalwart cyclists have endured all that Scotland has levelled at them - the terrain & weather being top of the list (but also the baked potatoes with a haggis topping!) - & have returned (just) to England.
It has been a week of ups & downs (quite literally) & today has been no different because they've had to cope with hills aplenty & have had another complete drenching :( Thankfully they're nearly at the hotel where they are very much hoping they will each be able to have a nice long soak in the bath - I know this thought has been keeping Johnny going, whereas Mark's sustenance is in the form of Jelly Babies at the moment :-) Then a good supper & sleep, & they'll be ready to take on the Cumbrian hills tomorrow.
The planned route for day 8 was to be about half the distance of today, but twice the altitude! However they are going to review it & see if they can't find a somewhat gentler route. A little clue as to their destination tomorrow....they could bring us all some mint cake back from here :0)
It has been a week of ups & downs (quite literally) & today has been no different because they've had to cope with hills aplenty & have had another complete drenching :( Thankfully they're nearly at the hotel where they are very much hoping they will each be able to have a nice long soak in the bath - I know this thought has been keeping Johnny going, whereas Mark's sustenance is in the form of Jelly Babies at the moment :-) Then a good supper & sleep, & they'll be ready to take on the Cumbrian hills tomorrow.
The planned route for day 8 was to be about half the distance of today, but twice the altitude! However they are going to review it & see if they can't find a somewhat gentler route. A little clue as to their destination tomorrow....they could bring us all some mint cake back from here :0)
Mark & Johnny had a well-earned lay-in this morning.....
....until an unheard of 9am (I expect many of us got up later & we haven't been nearly as energetic, I'm sure!!). The main thing is that they had a very good sleep & are well on the way to completing today's 82 miles. Yes, they have taken the high road, & taken the low road, & now they are taking the road which will see them leave beautiful Scotland & return to England's warm embrace (well, tomorrow's meant to be nice, anyway!).
Their destination tonight sounds a bit swanky; the Angus Hotel & Almonds Bistro near Carlisle - bit of a step up from all those hostels, & with food too I'm sure they'll be in clover :0), but before they arrive there they have to go through Gretna - I hope there wont be any jilted brides at the anvil looking for a racing snake fit southener to fill the breach; Belinda & I want you back boys (whatever shape you're in!).
Their destination tonight sounds a bit swanky; the Angus Hotel & Almonds Bistro near Carlisle - bit of a step up from all those hostels, & with food too I'm sure they'll be in clover :0), but before they arrive there they have to go through Gretna - I hope there wont be any jilted brides at the anvil looking for a racing snake fit southener to fill the breach; Belinda & I want you back boys (whatever shape you're in!).
Friday, 28 May 2010
Day 6 - a test of endurance!
Yes, it has been a long, long day today for our valiant velocipede-ers....after that early start this morning, the day & roads have just gone on & on (& on!); the distance covered will be about 150km.
After leaving Irvine with its statue of Ayrshire's son, Robert Burns, they found themselves near to Troon & say the long, sandy beach there is beautiful. They also got a look at the Royal Troon Golf Club which was very impressive.
They made a couple more stops along the way to have something to eat &, from Girvan, they could see Ailsa Craig, the island in the outer Firth of Clyde where Blue Hone granite is quarried to make curling stones (you learn something new every day!)
The whole day has been mostly cloudy & cold but, fortunately, there hasn't been too much rain. They wanted to thank you, Simon, for offering to include Red Kites in your challenge, & are fairly confident they will be able to relieve you of some more money, as they have already spotted one but weren't in a position to snap it just then :)
When they last made contact, they were still toiling along the A714, close to the Galloway Forest Park. They knew this would be a long day with a late finish & I'm sure they'll be overjoyed to reach their overnight destination at Minnigaff, where they should be able to have a good dinner & lots of rest to re-charge their batteries.
Well you wanted to challenge yourselves & today is proof of how indomitable you both are - very, very well done!
After leaving Irvine with its statue of Ayrshire's son, Robert Burns, they found themselves near to Troon & say the long, sandy beach there is beautiful. They also got a look at the Royal Troon Golf Club which was very impressive.
They made a couple more stops along the way to have something to eat &, from Girvan, they could see Ailsa Craig, the island in the outer Firth of Clyde where Blue Hone granite is quarried to make curling stones (you learn something new every day!)
The whole day has been mostly cloudy & cold but, fortunately, there hasn't been too much rain. They wanted to thank you, Simon, for offering to include Red Kites in your challenge, & are fairly confident they will be able to relieve you of some more money, as they have already spotted one but weren't in a position to snap it just then :)
When they last made contact, they were still toiling along the A714, close to the Galloway Forest Park. They knew this would be a long day with a late finish & I'm sure they'll be overjoyed to reach their overnight destination at Minnigaff, where they should be able to have a good dinner & lots of rest to re-charge their batteries.
Well you wanted to challenge yourselves & today is proof of how indomitable you both are - very, very well done!
The early bird gets....
....the ferry from Brodick to Ardrossan! Yes, it was an early start today because they had to cycle from Lochranza to Brodick in time for the 8:20 am ferry, at the beginning of their final whole day in Scotland. This early start was rewarded by sightings of Grey Seals, Shelduck & Dippers which, added to yesterday evening's views of deer & a red squirrel near their hostel, is quite a haul - unfortunately, though, no eagles as yet :(
Since arriving back on the mainland, they have been following a National Cycle Network Path which is flat & quiet, if a little slower. The 36km they have covered so far today has brought them to Irvine, where they are having a short break, &, incidentally, brings their overall total of distance covered to somewhere in the region of 500km since leaving Thurso on day 1 - very good going, men!!
Keep going & keep your eyes open for eagles :)
Since arriving back on the mainland, they have been following a National Cycle Network Path which is flat & quiet, if a little slower. The 36km they have covered so far today has brought them to Irvine, where they are having a short break, &, incidentally, brings their overall total of distance covered to somewhere in the region of 500km since leaving Thurso on day 1 - very good going, men!!
Keep going & keep your eyes open for eagles :)
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Journeying to the beautiful Isle of Arran.
Our doughty men have had a very good day of cycling - all 100km of it. The weather has been mixed; it was cold with some rain this morning, but sunnier, less windy & dry after their lunch of bridies (haggis-flavoured pasties) at Lochgilphead. The terrain has also been a mixture being very hilly this morning on the A816, then the wonderfully flat A83 road for the second part of the day, until the final 4 miles on the B8001, which was a bit of a killer, before they reached the ferry at Claonaig.
They've just taken the ferry over to Lochranza on Arran where they'll stay tonight (this detour is to avoid the Glaswegian metropolis). It sounds as if they both enjoyed this 20 minute mini-cruise with the sun beginning to set, & Mark could even be heard singing (didn't know you could, Mark!) - I expect he's looking forward to the pub dinner they are planning to have later on, as he's done all the cooking thus far (come on Johnny, get your finger out!). I'm sure they're also pleased that their knees & other tender places, are holding up :)
So that's where we leave them for today, going to the pub &, no doubt, trying another local brew - & hoping to see an eagle (yes, Simon, they want to meet your additional challenge & will be happy to take your money for the Winchester Cardiac Rehab Unit) :0)
They also hope you will all enjoy seeing some of the photos (below) which they managed to send today.
They've just taken the ferry over to Lochranza on Arran where they'll stay tonight (this detour is to avoid the Glaswegian metropolis). It sounds as if they both enjoyed this 20 minute mini-cruise with the sun beginning to set, & Mark could even be heard singing (didn't know you could, Mark!) - I expect he's looking forward to the pub dinner they are planning to have later on, as he's done all the cooking thus far (come on Johnny, get your finger out!). I'm sure they're also pleased that their knees & other tender places, are holding up :)
So that's where we leave them for today, going to the pub &, no doubt, trying another local brew - & hoping to see an eagle (yes, Simon, they want to meet your additional challenge & will be happy to take your money for the Winchester Cardiac Rehab Unit) :0)
They also hope you will all enjoy seeing some of the photos (below) which they managed to send today.
Arriving in Oban last night (26th)
This ferry was arriving in Oban last night just as our pedal-pushers got there, & eye, eye (especially you Simon) Johnny's watching you!
Be prepared to have your socks blown off....
What a remarkable photograph of Loch Linnhe taken yesterday (26th); this was where they stopped for a cuppa & bacon roll, but understandably couldn't take their eyes off the view - wow, feast your eyes (it's certainly better than seeing Johnny in his bunk)!
More pics taken on Tuesday 25th May 2010
Two more views, one from their overnight stop at Fort William & the other of Ben Nevis, nearby - they said it was scenic!
Some views of their time at Loch Ness 25.5.2010
Three pictures from their time at a sunny Loch Ness recently: the bikes having a break, a wonderful view across the Loch & Johnny (+ lucky mascot) demonstrating some pedal-power :-)
Look away if you are of a nervous disposition.....
....it's Nessie!!
At the Loch Ness centre, 25th May 2010
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Skelp's Lug in Oban
So the end of a shorter, more manageable & beautifully scenic day with the frequent sound of cuckoos, sees our plucky cyclists in Oban, having made it up the final long hill with a strong headwind in their faces. I'm told it is extremely windy up there at present, but the compensation was that they didn't get wet at all today - hurrah! And they are looking to the positive, hoping that today's headwind may be tomorrow's tailwind to blow them down the other side of the hill :)
Earlier they checked out tonight's accommodation & say it is a much nicer & larger room, & there is even a possibility that they may be the only ones using it. I hope you enjoy seeing the photo of Johnny in his red bunk at the hostel last night (above) - I don't think he found a mint on that pillow, do you?!!
They managed to send that pic from a local internet cafe (I'm hoping for more tomorrow). Also, whilst they were wandering around the town they thought it might be impolite not to research a local hostelry which is where they encountered a real ale called Skelp's Lug (translation: a clip 'round the ear!) - I'm only glad they called it a day before they tried another called Lifting the Kilt!!
Off to bed soon maties; you've another busy day ahead of you tomorrow :0)
Earlier they checked out tonight's accommodation & say it is a much nicer & larger room, & there is even a possibility that they may be the only ones using it. I hope you enjoy seeing the photo of Johnny in his red bunk at the hostel last night (above) - I don't think he found a mint on that pillow, do you?!!
They managed to send that pic from a local internet cafe (I'm hoping for more tomorrow). Also, whilst they were wandering around the town they thought it might be impolite not to research a local hostelry which is where they encountered a real ale called Skelp's Lug (translation: a clip 'round the ear!) - I'm only glad they called it a day before they tried another called Lifting the Kilt!!
Off to bed soon maties; you've another busy day ahead of you tomorrow :0)
Fort William to Oban
Johnny & Mark slept well at the Fort William hostel last night, even though one of their roomies had set his mobile alarm to beep at 2 minute intervals from 7am, & he was still asleep at 10am, by all accounts (I'm almost certain he wouldn't have been if I'd been there!!)
They began by following the A82 south west towards Loch Linnhe where they stopped for a cuppa & a bacon roll. They are now on the A828 which follows the Loch until they get to Creagan where they can cross Loch Creran, then on to North Connel where they will cross Loch Etive & continue to Oban on the A85 - sounds so easy, doesn't it?!!
They say the terrain is reasonably flat along this route, which is good news for their knees, & the sun is out but it remains quite cold (British Summer Time clearly kicks in later in Scotland!). The route is very beautiful again & they have seen Herons, Goldfinches, Hooded Crows & more Oystercatchers &, for those of you who think they're only interested in feathered creatures, they've also seen Sheep (surprise, surprise) & Llamas (now that is quite surprising!)
Look out Oban, here they come...!
They began by following the A82 south west towards Loch Linnhe where they stopped for a cuppa & a bacon roll. They are now on the A828 which follows the Loch until they get to Creagan where they can cross Loch Creran, then on to North Connel where they will cross Loch Etive & continue to Oban on the A85 - sounds so easy, doesn't it?!!
They say the terrain is reasonably flat along this route, which is good news for their knees, & the sun is out but it remains quite cold (British Summer Time clearly kicks in later in Scotland!). The route is very beautiful again & they have seen Herons, Goldfinches, Hooded Crows & more Oystercatchers &, for those of you who think they're only interested in feathered creatures, they've also seen Sheep (surprise, surprise) & Llamas (now that is quite surprising!)
Look out Oban, here they come...!
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Sunshine at last - a lovely end to the day.
Their journey continued, through heavy showers, past Loch Ness (where they briefly thought they'd seen the monster, but really it was just a dressed-up kiddie masquerading!), to Fort Augustus & on to Loch Lochy - all stunning scenery which can't be shared with us yet as they are continuing to suffer from signal weakness (but that's not all they're suffering from, as you'll see below!)
The boys have now arrived at their (rather new age & colourful) hostel in Fort William with their knackered knees (I think that's the technical term but, then, I'm not a doctor - let's just say, it's the most polite way I can put it!), & have had a fantastic view of nearby Ben Nevis in the evening sunshine.
Dinner tonight is a well-earned chicken affair, prepared by (v good cook) Mark - much-needed fuel after such a demanding day. Later they can look forward to a night spent with 6 other chaps in a cramped room with green doors & 4 sets of bright red bunk beds - cosy & especially rewarding for the colour blind!!
Tomorrow they have a shorter day (a mere 50 miles, approx.) which will bring them to Oban. Keep rubbing in the Deep Heat & Ibruprofen cream, lads :)
The boys have now arrived at their (rather new age & colourful) hostel in Fort William with their knackered knees (I think that's the technical term but, then, I'm not a doctor - let's just say, it's the most polite way I can put it!), & have had a fantastic view of nearby Ben Nevis in the evening sunshine.
Dinner tonight is a well-earned chicken affair, prepared by (v good cook) Mark - much-needed fuel after such a demanding day. Later they can look forward to a night spent with 6 other chaps in a cramped room with green doors & 4 sets of bright red bunk beds - cosy & especially rewarding for the colour blind!!
Tomorrow they have a shorter day (a mere 50 miles, approx.) which will bring them to Oban. Keep rubbing in the Deep Heat & Ibruprofen cream, lads :)
The journey to Fort William begins with...
...free tea & Frosties (other cereals are available) for breakfast, care of the Youth Hostel Association, & also gratis pasta for dinner last night & some cheese & ham for lunch today - can't be bad!
Anyway, that's the good news; the not so pleasing thing will again be the weather as their personal Met. Office forecast is for an average of 7 degrees C today (ouch!) - apparently they are feeling like Peter Pan (nothing to do with lost boys or being forever young but, rather, having no shadows!). Still, at least it should be dry (I can hardly bring myself to tell them I've got a heat rash after yesterday's soaring temp.!!)
Look out for Nessie, boys, & keep going - you're doing great :0)
Anyway, that's the good news; the not so pleasing thing will again be the weather as their personal Met. Office forecast is for an average of 7 degrees C today (ouch!) - apparently they are feeling like Peter Pan (nothing to do with lost boys or being forever young but, rather, having no shadows!). Still, at least it should be dry (I can hardly bring myself to tell them I've got a heat rash after yesterday's soaring temp.!!)
Look out for Nessie, boys, & keep going - you're doing great :0)
Monday, 24 May 2010
They've arrived at Inverness
So the end of a long day of cycling has brought the boys back to Inverness for the night, after a cool ride (& I don't mean trendy!) - a constant headwind & temperature of 12 degrees C has been their lot today. In fact they were able to access some local weather information which forecasts much the same for the rest of the week, with a high of a heady 13 degrees C on Saturday - don't worry boys, you'll be much further south by then & it's lovely & warm down here :)
They have between them some aching knees & other unmentionable places; suffice it to say that they've had to break out the sudocrem!!
Tomorrow sees them head for Fort William & what promises to be a scenic ride along the Lochs, so hopefully they'll leave behind the heavy traffic of the A9 which has dogged them today!
They have between them some aching knees & other unmentionable places; suffice it to say that they've had to break out the sudocrem!!
Tomorrow sees them head for Fort William & what promises to be a scenic ride along the Lochs, so hopefully they'll leave behind the heavy traffic of the A9 which has dogged them today!
The first photos of our intrepid boys
Here are 2 photos: the first (below) was taken on Saturday 22nd May 2010 & shows Johnny & Mark after arriving at Inverness airport, bicycles prepared & shorts donned!
The second was taken on Sunday 23rd May at John O Groats just before they set out on the long ride home.
Tain - halfway to Inverness
The boys are making steady progress to Inverness today but have again been through quite a spell of rain & pretty cold weather (it's difficult for us to imagine since we're baking down south!)
Once again, they have travelled through some beautiful terrain & have seen plenty of Buzzards, Oystercatchers, Curlew & Lapwing, & apparently there are Puffins nearby too; a feast of wonderful birds in some beautiful scenery - hopefully this will take their minds off the weather & any aches they may have :0)
Unfortunately they are still unable to get a strong enough signal to send any e-mails, so no pics yet but hopefully on reaching Inverness that problem will be resolved.
Keep going boys....
Once again, they have travelled through some beautiful terrain & have seen plenty of Buzzards, Oystercatchers, Curlew & Lapwing, & apparently there are Puffins nearby too; a feast of wonderful birds in some beautiful scenery - hopefully this will take their minds off the weather & any aches they may have :0)
Unfortunately they are still unable to get a strong enough signal to send any e-mails, so no pics yet but hopefully on reaching Inverness that problem will be resolved.
Keep going boys....
Sunday, 23 May 2010
John o Groats to Helmsdale
This morning the boys cycled to John o Groats to begin their 'descent'. They planned to take some photos at JoG but had to wait a while for a local man to assemble the sign detailing the number of miles to Land's End. Eventually he did & they hope to post these pics when they can get a strong enough signal - you'd think they were in the back end of beyond, or something :-)
They made good progress across some hilly terrain &, despite some bad patches of weather including a downpour of 'stinging hailstones', covered 70 miles & arrived safely in Helmsdale where they will spend the night at the local Youth Hostel (surely they don't fall into the correct category for this accomodation?!!!)
I think they will be nursing a few aches & pains after their first big day out, but they've had a good dinner & are planning an early night (at least that's what they're telling us!)
Tomorrow they'll set out for Inverness, so more news then.
They made good progress across some hilly terrain &, despite some bad patches of weather including a downpour of 'stinging hailstones', covered 70 miles & arrived safely in Helmsdale where they will spend the night at the local Youth Hostel (surely they don't fall into the correct category for this accomodation?!!!)
I think they will be nursing a few aches & pains after their first big day out, but they've had a good dinner & are planning an early night (at least that's what they're telling us!)
Tomorrow they'll set out for Inverness, so more news then.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
They've arrived in Scotland!
Johnny & Mark have landed safely at Inverness after an uneventful flight, but not an entirely problem-free check-in at Southampton Airport - unfortunately, their very carefully packed bikes wouldn't fit into the out of gauge (extra large) x-ray machine, so had to be opened & searched.
Never mind, I suspect this may be a minor hiccough compared to some of the other difficulties they may have to face!!
So, even as we speak, they are pulling on their lycra shorts & fastening their helmets in order to cycle to Inverness station, where they will take the train to their overnight stop near John O Groats to be ready for the big start tomorrow - then it's all downhill to Land's End - isn't it?!!!
Never mind, I suspect this may be a minor hiccough compared to some of the other difficulties they may have to face!!
So, even as we speak, they are pulling on their lycra shorts & fastening their helmets in order to cycle to Inverness station, where they will take the train to their overnight stop near John O Groats to be ready for the big start tomorrow - then it's all downhill to Land's End - isn't it?!!!
SOU to INV 22/5/2010 - It begins
Hi, today we set off from Southampton Airport with Flybe to Inverness. Hoping we have packed everything we will need in the coming weeks.
I didn't sleep too well last night, nerves!
The bikes are boxed up and padded so hopefully they will arrive unscathed and we can put the seat, handlebars, mudguards and wheels back on and simply ride off into the sunset.
Tomorrow we aim to be at JOG for a photo followed by a day of riding to Helmsdale.
We are so excited!!!
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Week 2 - Days 7, 8 and 9
Day 7 minigaff to
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/gb/minigaff%20to%20carlisle/728127394626759265
Day 8 Carlisle to
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/carlisle-to-kendall/821127394941969455
Day 9
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/gb/kendall%20to%20slaidburn/907127395029927506
JOGLE - maps and altitude charts Week One
Here are links to the routes we are aiming for during week 1 (23rd May 2010 to 28th May 2010), if you follow the link you can select 'altitude' in the top right hand legend window:
Day 1:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/thursoe-to-jog-to-helmsdale/819127382055696689
Altitude chart:
Day 2:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/helmsdale-to-inverness/231127382113125546
Altitude Chart:
Day 3:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/inverness-to-fort-william/294127382139676461
Altitude Chart:
Day 4:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/-fort-william-to-oban/482127382175399449
Altitude Chart:
Day 5:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/oban-to-lochranza/446127382262696389
Altitude Chart:
Day 6 part 1:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/-lochranza-to-brodick/553127382283333018
Altitude Chart:
Day 6 part 2:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/-brodick-to-minigaff-%28newton-stewart%29/885127382371168381
Altitude Chart:
Altitude Chart:
Day 1:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/thursoe-to-jog-to-helmsdale/819127382055696689
Altitude chart:
Day 2:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/helmsdale-to-inverness/231127382113125546
Altitude Chart:
Day 3:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/inverness-to-fort-william/294127382139676461
Altitude Chart:
Day 4:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/-fort-william-to-oban/482127382175399449
Altitude Chart:
Day 5:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/oban-to-lochranza/446127382262696389
Altitude Chart:
Day 6 part 1:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/-lochranza-to-brodick/553127382283333018
Altitude Chart:
Day 6 part 2:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-kingdom/-brodick-to-minigaff-%28newton-stewart%29/885127382371168381
Altitude Chart:
Altitude Chart:
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Words of encouragement?
Hi, if anyone wishes to offer words of encouragement during the trip, please send e mails to:
john_hamshare@baa.com
Thanks for your support
John and Mark
john_hamshare@baa.com
Thanks for your support
John and Mark
JOGLE Preparation
Hi, our training prep is going well. We have both been keeping ourselves toned over the winter and now that the warmer (yeah right!) days are here, we are spending more time on the road.
Final preparation is underway with getting the bikes in tip top condition, brakes, gears etc and checking our lists of items to take along.
Keeping the weight down is a challenge, our stuff not our physiques :o).
Also, we are finalising our options for getting the bikes to the start point. Our airline are looking into their usual policy of bikes being 'on standby', if this can't be overcome we will probably use a parcel company to send them to our first stopover.
It is becoming both exciting and a bit scary now that it is so close.
keep checking this site between 2nd May and 11th June for more updates and photos.
If you are interested in supporting us with a donation please visit:
http://www.justgiving.com/JohnnyH-JOGLE
Regards
John and Mark (May 9th)
Final preparation is underway with getting the bikes in tip top condition, brakes, gears etc and checking our lists of items to take along.
Keeping the weight down is a challenge, our stuff not our physiques :o).
Also, we are finalising our options for getting the bikes to the start point. Our airline are looking into their usual policy of bikes being 'on standby', if this can't be overcome we will probably use a parcel company to send them to our first stopover.
It is becoming both exciting and a bit scary now that it is so close.
keep checking this site between 2nd May and 11th June for more updates and photos.
If you are interested in supporting us with a donation please visit:
http://www.justgiving.com/JohnnyH-JOGLE
Regards
John and Mark (May 9th)
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