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Day 10 - Tain to John O Groats (The Finish!)

The final day!

Another sunny day a relaxed start only 85 miles to do an even captain Simon did not tell Sanj to hurry up too much! After pleading with Kev to make some effort so that we would not have to wait for him at JOG for too long the four of us set off. Omar decided to spare the blushes of the locals and not don his lycra so that he could concentrate on filming. The final day turned out to be very hilly but for the first time in 10 days we were riding along a coast road. Our pace was excellent Richard taking top speed honours with 48.7 mph Simon could only manage 48.6 but he had the wrong gears, Sanj turned in a frankly pathetic 48 mph no wonder he does not come mountain biking - Tony, well its not his discipline is it! The tortoise which overtook him claimed Kev had his brakes on and his eyes closed. 50 miles to go and two pistons Tony decided that it would be good to start ' putting the hammer down' and then several miles in complained of cramp and a painful knee. A stop for tea and cake did not solve the problem so under protest from the ever caring Simon and Richard Sanj put his foot down and insisted on a break for Tony ( obviously he himself did not need a rest!) A box of painkillers later two pistons was firing on all cylinders and the breakneck pace continued not least due to the following wind. After a quick break for lunch where we were informed that a couple who we met at Lands End had beaten us. Richard angrily rallied the troops to be beaten by a girl deserved some punishment after all. What followed was probably the fastest 20 miles we have ever done! We eventually arrived at John O' Groats what an achievement but before we could enjoy it Kev popped up from behind the sign! How did he do that! the look on Richard's face is something the rest of us will all cherish!!

GPS Track of Route

Day 9 - Fort William to Tain

We woke up to a sunny day!! had a cheery breakfast and a cheque for £100 from the owner of the hotel, The Inn at Ardour many thanks for that, it was an extremely generous donation. We were once again were joined by Omar and Kev we set off for a 108 + mile ride. Kev set off at a leisurely pace whilst one again we shot off like the Tour de France well that's what it felt like. Once again we were treated to some lovely views, guided by our sat navs up a dead end and with common sense out of the window we followed it onto a forest trail. After shocking some mountain bikers by overtaking them we continued for 9 miles down a mountain bike track skirting Loch Oich, some I know were hoping for catastrophic failure!! At over 90 miles and over 5 hours in the saddle it felt obligatory to start some sprinting !! We stopped at 100 miles to welcome Omar. Good job !! For the last 5 miles the sun gave way to torrential rain we all felt right at home with Tony and Richard following each other to complete the effect by being sprayed in the face! Omar was not impressed, but did enjoy the cool down, knowing there was a hot shower only 5 miles away

We reached the hotel to be greeted by John who had just had a siesta he must have had a hard day bless. We took our bikes into our rooms ( I for one will find it weird to check into a hotel without trying to sneak my bike past reception) for the last time and had an agreeable meal. we weren't sure when Kevin got there but he really should make some effort.

GPS Track of Route

Day 8 - Loch Lomond to Nr Fort William.

After John, Richard, Omar and Malps had a morning swim including several go on the kids waterslide and lovely breakfast we reluctantly left Cameron House. A sunny morning! After a photoshoot at the Loch the boys set off at an easy pace this time joined by Omar and Kev. The road took us for 20 miles alongside Loch Lomond in wonderful weather. This time Simon had a puncture and we called in for Support that was supposed to be provided by Malps. Alas Malps had Disaaaaaarster and had locked the keys in the van. There was much abuse and teasing down the phone Malps had now adopted a new name of ‘Muppet’ . The only way for Malps to get in was to smash the side window  We carried on not before Kev cautioning Sanj for urinating in a public place. Omar had his one strop for leaving himself and Kev on a pass in the rain. The ride then took us to the spectacular Glencoe with stunning scenery and nice long steady climbs and fine descents. 8 miles to go we stopped for a coffee, the 1st time this luxury Descending down to sea level we arrived at the Corran ferry for the short hop to the hotel. Ride over 75 miles. As we got off our bikes a sweaty Irishman appeared having done a 5 mile run – well done John, meanwhile Malps had smoked 20 B&H.

GPS Track of Route

Day 7 - Thornhill to Loch Lomond

The first 20 miles were experienced in beautiful sunshine and we had a sensational ride up through the Dalveen Pass of course stopping for one of Tony’s now routine punctures. After this we had an uneventful ride right through to Glasgow where we had lunch at a fantastic little café on an industrial estate (very glamorous) We carried right through the centre of Glasgow down Argyle Street Richard tries to imitate Tony and promptly fell of his bike at the traffic lights as he did not unclip his feet , school boy error! It rained again and we ploughed on to the lovely Cameron house hotel on Loch Lomond where the boys all had a swim, a Jacuzzi and sauna. Later we were met by Omar and John with Malps flying in half an hour later. Had a great meal another late night but a really restful sleep. Job done 84 miles !

GPS Track of Route

Day 6 - Windermere to Thornhill

Met Tony’s Carlisle crew, Stretch, Kev, Paul , David and Margaret & Gemma. The crew took us to an Italian restaurant which was superb, we ended up having a late night finishing at midnight. We decided to take a very leisurely pace, out of Windermere, However were met immediately by Kirkstone pass , the highest road pass in England. Tony has walked it before but cycling was plainly ridiculous especially as we faced sideways rain and clouds. To boot it all at 1500 ft in freezing conditions Tony announces he has a puncture! Following this the boys had a mad descent in the wet which was very hairy to say the least. The ground flattened and it was a fast ride to Carlisle. We stopped far to early and too long in Subway for Lunch with 50 miles to go. Leaving Carlisle to Dumfries avoiding the promised lunch stop, Sanj experienced the bonk at 80 miles and was ready to throw his bike into the hedge. Simon had to get emergency food rations for Sanjay, after this Sanjay recovered somewhat and we cruised into Thornhill staying at the Thornhill Inn. Had a wonderful meal of fillet steak. 93 miles covered !!

GPS Track of Route

Day 6 - Glossop to Windermere

Yet another day of rain !! After a lateish start to avoid the traffic we set of out of Glossop and down through the huge conurbation that is Manchester and Liverpool. We went through Ashton under Lyme, Oldham and Blackburn, and yes it really is grim up north!! At this point the boys were unsupported as the van could not stay with the bikes through the built up streets. Finally escaping the conurbation the boys took in the unclassified roads of Bowland forest, suddenly the geography turned very different from traffic lightes and roundabouts to wilderness, forests and moors a very welcome change. The change also brought about a further deterioration in the weather with the rain now torrential and the hills steeper. The rain completetly soaked the boys and the going was really tough but it was made up for by the scenery. Finally the guys were reunited with Kevin and the van near Ingleton. The rest of the journey to Windermere was faster as the roads were wider and flatter, the sun even made the occasional visit as the clouds dispersed. Arriving in Windermere it was concluded that this was the toughest day yet.

GPS track of Route

Day 5 - Home to Glossop

Another day of rain. With a late start as usual there was the usual faff of cleaning and oiling bikes and the obligatory 30 mins waiting for Sanj. Started dry and we were joined by Phil Berry who rode with us until Asbourne. After Ashbourne we hit the Peak District and 'the wall' that Phil had mentioned. The weather was now atrocious with horizontal hailstones and steep hills to contend with. Arriving for lunch in Buxton the boys stopped at the local Fish and Chip shop to have lunch but there was a misunderstanding and the police were involved. (All will be revealed after we get back). It was lucky at this stage that Kevin was providing the support, Kevin is a police officer so the matter was quickly resolved. Onwards across the hills to Glossop the weather was still terrible and on the steep descent down to Glossop Tony took a spill on his bike and managed to graze his legs and arms. Luckily he has a bag full of potions and lotions so managed to patch himself up. The same could not be said for his newly acquired waterproof which was mortally injured. In summary a very tough day with the weather making an already difficult job harder.

GPS Track of Route

Day 4 - Cheddar to Home

*Pic - The boys crack the 100mile

The day started abysmally with the BBC announcing severe weather warnings for the immediate area - and they were not wrong; torrential rain, wind gusting to 50 mph and the temperature only registering 7C. After consuming one flapjack (we were too early for breakfast) the boys set off to be faced immediately with a long steep climb of over a mile over the Mendip hills. Could the day get any worse ? Reaching Bristol we managed to get lost on the ring road, the only solace being that now the route was going to exceed the 100 miles a huge milestone in cycling terms, like running a full marathon. On leaving Bristol, the weather started to ease and incredibly a patch of blue sky was directly overhead. The wind was strongly in our favour and the pace was incredibly fast averaging over 22mph on the flat. The lads managed to keep under this patch of blue sky almost like riding a wave for over 60 miles until Evesham. Just before Evesham the rain came down and it was time to stop to eat the first real food break for over 6 hours. We had lunch in a pub and had the Sunday roast. Simon managed to fill his plate so full that you could literally not get another pea to balance on the plate. As Evesham is about 25miles from home, Simon a.k.a. 118 turned up with his boys to lend their support. The rained eased briefly and a decision was made to carry on to Alcester, this was very familiar to all as it was training territory for all of us and the final leg no GPS directions were required.

At Danzey Green the magical 'Ton' or 100 miles was broken in the pouring rain. Only 5 miles to go to the finish at the Bluebell. Arriving at the junction of Cut Throat Lane we were met by 2 bikers from the Bluebell who escorted us all down to the Bluebell where all the friends and family had gathered including a big banner for a fantastic and emotional return. Rupe was there with a fantastic roast and all the kids collecting coins for the |charity. Total mileage 104 miles, a mammoth day !

GPS track of Route

Day 3 - Oakhampton to Cheddar

The day started with a breakfast in the Little Chef, Sanj was last to rise, I think he has set his precedent for the rest of the trip. The view from the breakfast table was across to Dartmoor and a depressing sight of horizontal driving rain. Luckily the wind was in our direction. We had a fast descent and managed to average over 26mph for a few miles, but alas we soon came across Richard Bachelor’s territory of single-track lanes and grass growing down the middle. Sanj had the 2^nd puncture of the trip. The roads steadily got hillier and hillier and after a couple of hours we looked at the Garmins’ to discover that we had only done 20miles.

A decision was made to alter the route to better roads and progress became much swifter. As we came out of Tiverton towards Taunton, Tony mentioned that his mum lived a couple of miles away. At this stage the boys were all flagging and the Stop and Frank & Mary’s house was like an oasis in the middle of a desert. Mary had made toasted sandwiches and mugs of tea. It was a really welcome stop with fantastic hospitality, the neighbours even came round to see but were met by Richard in Lycra with his hands down his pants holding his bum.

Leaving Frank and Marys we were back on the fast roads and the sun came out. So much so we need to put the rain gear back into the van. Sanj managed a superb move of throwing his rain gear through the window of the moving van the boys doing the Tour De France would have been proud of that one. With the sun out and the wind blowing behind progress was swift and we arrived at the base of Cheddar hill. With only a mile to go Richard and Si both experienced the phenomenon of ‘bonking’. Sanj went for glory and reached the hotel 1^st with his 10 meter sprint. 85 mile s covered today, taking the total to about 180 miles.

GPS Track of Route

May 16th Day 2

After a hearty breakfast we had a photoshoot on the beach before we left , We drove to Redruth where we finished last night and joined the A30, all seemed well for the 1^st hour on Richards newly revised route (The original was not scenic or severe enough). However, it soon became apparent that Richard’s route consisted of riding through, mud and silage along farmtracks interspersed with mountainbike tracks, reminiscent of the Paris – Roubaix race. On top of this the weather took a severe turn for the worst, so we reverted back to the original route to ensure some miles were being covered. This proved to be a good move despite the heavy rain and heavy traffic we had a good tailwind, and managed to do 30 mph uphill and a top seed of 46mph .

We made it to Launceton freezing cold and soaked through and went to the Bell Pub which too was freezing cold with no heating, but we had a good meal to recharge the batteries. We left the pub freezing cold but the weather had cleared and we had our final 18 miles to go – but mostly uphill! Arrived to the splendor of Stalag 14 Travelodge in Oakhampton again met by hordes of beautiful women. (hallucinations due to exhaustion).

GPS Track of route

May 14^th Day 1

Leisurely drive down in 4.5 hours from Solihull to Sennen Bay. Eating Flapjacks kindly donated by Wedges Bakery all the way down, Tony excelled and was crowned as flapjack King. Bachelor evaded the flapjack and instead was furiously reading “long distance cycling” desperately trying to gain some advantage. Staying at the Old Success Inn great location next to the beach and only 2miles from Lands End itself, Omar managing to bag the 'presedential' suite.

Richard and Sanj, very proudly showed off their newly shaved, and now very itchy legs. Sanj sporting his pole dancer bandy legs they are a hit with the boys and Batchelor sported limbs that can only be described as closely resembling corned beef.

Arrived at Lands End to be met by hordes of female admirers - NOT. Signed in at the Land End hotel to register the event. Simon conveniently managed not to sign in Tony . True to British Tourism form it costs £9.50 to have your photo taken next to the wooden sign.

Leisurely pace, Omar actually leading for the 1^st time. We also had our 1^st puncture with Simon falling victim after only 10 miles. Finished 1^st the first run after 30 miles in Redruth, it was a good ride that has effectively reduced the next days cycling to 65 miles.

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