While I was riding, I kept thinking: nearly there. Now I’m thinking the same thing about my sponsorship. I have now raised £2877.70 – 91% of the total. I only have £272.30 to go.
Nearly there :-)
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Mileage
Meant to put this in the earlier post. Now done 591 miles. Not sure how many still have to do. Some days are longer than expected. Today was 70 miles when on paper it was 60 miles. On paper it's around another 350.
An amazing b and b
Spent the last night in an amazing b and b Primrose Cottage in Church Minshull. Fantastic attention to detail and a lovely warm welcome. Outstanding.
Blackburn, Bolton and Northwich
Today's issue was navigation. How to avoid Manchester, get through these big towns and avoid motorways. Blackburn wasn't too bad but Bolton was very scary. Ended up on the A666 with slip roads and very fast traffic. Scary. Tried to make myself as big as possible! Got out of Bolton and then ended up going round on circles trying to find my route. Phoned John for support and sympathy. After that managed to find someone who could accurately describe to me what I needed to do. On for some more miles and stopped for a coffee. When the staff found out what I was doing they woulnt let me pay and made a huge fuss of me. So fortified with coffee and their good wishes I set out again. Some more miles and I stopped at a garage for some chocolate. The mechanic was a keen cyclist and so offered me coffee and a seat and a sketch map to help me on my way. Fortified again I eventually arrived at a great b and b on Church Minshull.
Today I did almost 70 miles. It felt like a recovery day for my body as many fewer hills and much less wind. Less rain too.
Today I did almost 70 miles. It felt like a recovery day for my body as many fewer hills and much less wind. Less rain too.
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
It feels very unreal to be home. I know I’ve been away for a couple of weeks but somehow I can’t really believe that in that time cycled around 940 miles and had head winds for twelve and a half of the sixteen days.
My welcome was brilliant. I didn’t want to get to Lands End till at least 5 pm so that people could get from work, so I stopped at my friend Mike’s house in Camborne and had coffee and malt loaf with him.
John, my partner, arrived on his bike and we biked back to our house. Bizarrely we live at Long Rock which is a common part of the route used by end to enders. It was quite windy although nothing like what I experienced in Scotland and the north, but John let me go in front so I could say I did it all on my own.
I cried when I got to our house – I wanted to stop, not cycle the extra 11 or so miles up hill to Land’s End. My hand and ribs were hurting badly from the fall three days ago. I felt exhausted. John hugged me and encouraged me to go on. So I cycled on while John went to get the car so that he could bring me and the bike back from Land’s End. Soon I met up with John and Kay, who were on their bikes and gave me an escort to Land’s End. Diane and Bob were on the road near Penzance harbour – they waved and shouted encouragement before they got in their car to go to meet me at Land’s End.
As we started to climb out of Penzance I felt so tired, but suddenly all the pain and tiredness disappeared and I just felt I was flying like the wind. An amazing feeling. John kept stopping in the car and taking pictures. At one point he held up a sign saying “Jane rocks”.
I arrived at Land’s End to be greeting by a grinning crowd of friends – now as well as John, Diane and Bob, Kay and John, there was Miki and Justin, Helen, Matt and Terry and then Joy and Colin and their three small children appeared. Miki had brought some of my favourite sparkling wine and we drank that and I felt totally giddy and delirious – drunk on happiness.
I had an official photo taken at Land’s End and will get that in a few days.
In the mean time here are some pics and videos of me taken by John.
I have so many wonderful memories from this trip. I found so much kindness and generosity of spirit from family, friends, b & b owners and total strangers.
People keep saying: what next? But I’ve told John to nail my mouth to the floor if I start talking about doing something else. The ride was far more difficult than I anticpated because of the very strong winds, but all the more satisfying for that.
I came back to some cheques for Peace Direct – I now have an extra £145 and so have raised £2430; I’ve still got a bit to go, but I hope to be able to raise it all for such a worthwhile charity.
I am very fortunate – I live in a country where being a woman doesn’t stop me riding a bike or going away on my own; I live in a country where I need to set myself challenges, unlike many people who live in poverty or war-torn countries where the act of day-to-day living is a major challenge. I am fortunate in my family and friends.
Thank you all.
My welcome was brilliant. I didn’t want to get to Lands End till at least 5 pm so that people could get from work, so I stopped at my friend Mike’s house in Camborne and had coffee and malt loaf with him.
John, my partner, arrived on his bike and we biked back to our house. Bizarrely we live at Long Rock which is a common part of the route used by end to enders. It was quite windy although nothing like what I experienced in Scotland and the north, but John let me go in front so I could say I did it all on my own.
I cried when I got to our house – I wanted to stop, not cycle the extra 11 or so miles up hill to Land’s End. My hand and ribs were hurting badly from the fall three days ago. I felt exhausted. John hugged me and encouraged me to go on. So I cycled on while John went to get the car so that he could bring me and the bike back from Land’s End. Soon I met up with John and Kay, who were on their bikes and gave me an escort to Land’s End. Diane and Bob were on the road near Penzance harbour – they waved and shouted encouragement before they got in their car to go to meet me at Land’s End.
As we started to climb out of Penzance I felt so tired, but suddenly all the pain and tiredness disappeared and I just felt I was flying like the wind. An amazing feeling. John kept stopping in the car and taking pictures. At one point he held up a sign saying “Jane rocks”.
I arrived at Land’s End to be greeting by a grinning crowd of friends – now as well as John, Diane and Bob, Kay and John, there was Miki and Justin, Helen, Matt and Terry and then Joy and Colin and their three small children appeared. Miki had brought some of my favourite sparkling wine and we drank that and I felt totally giddy and delirious – drunk on happiness.
I had an official photo taken at Land’s End and will get that in a few days.
In the mean time here are some pics and videos of me taken by John.
I have so many wonderful memories from this trip. I found so much kindness and generosity of spirit from family, friends, b & b owners and total strangers.
People keep saying: what next? But I’ve told John to nail my mouth to the floor if I start talking about doing something else. The ride was far more difficult than I anticpated because of the very strong winds, but all the more satisfying for that.
I came back to some cheques for Peace Direct – I now have an extra £145 and so have raised £2430; I’ve still got a bit to go, but I hope to be able to raise it all for such a worthwhile charity.
I am very fortunate – I live in a country where being a woman doesn’t stop me riding a bike or going away on my own; I live in a country where I need to set myself challenges, unlike many people who live in poverty or war-torn countries where the act of day-to-day living is a major challenge. I am fortunate in my family and friends.
Thank you all.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
I've done it
I've finished. Got a great welcome from John and my friends. An amazing experience. Now I can feel how tired I am so this blog is just these few lines. More tomorrow.
Monday, 16 May 2011
Last day is here
I can't believe it. The last day is here. I've found it difficult to sleep. I'm very excited.
It's been a spectacular journey with lots of emotions.
I've felt exhausted and weak, strong and determined. I've felt foolish at choosing to do such a difficult task at my age. I've felt stronger than some younger cyclists I've met along the way. I've felt frightened and apprehensive, I've felt humbled by the faith my family and friends have in me to step up to the task and complete it. I have felt a hero in my own life.
I want to thank all the people who have sponsored me, encouraged me and supported me in so many ways.
I especially want to thank John who put me on a bike when I was in my forties. He has given me a great gift that has given me so many positive life affirming experiences. Thank you.
Now for the last sixty or so miles.
It's been a spectacular journey with lots of emotions.
I've felt exhausted and weak, strong and determined. I've felt foolish at choosing to do such a difficult task at my age. I've felt stronger than some younger cyclists I've met along the way. I've felt frightened and apprehensive, I've felt humbled by the faith my family and friends have in me to step up to the task and complete it. I have felt a hero in my own life.
I want to thank all the people who have sponsored me, encouraged me and supported me in so many ways.
I especially want to thank John who put me on a bike when I was in my forties. He has given me a great gift that has given me so many positive life affirming experiences. Thank you.
Now for the last sixty or so miles.
Another day done :-)
I was dreading today. North Cornwall is known for being "lumpy". That coupled with a head wind spelt a difficult day. But it wasn't like that as for a large part of today I had a strong and blustery cross wind rather than a head wind. Under normal circumstances I would be moaning about the wind but, after what I've experiencedpn this trip, it felt positively benign.
Now completed 889 miles. It's difficult for me to believe I've done that!
I had an emotional morning thinking about the trip. When I saw the sign Welcome to Cornwall I cried.
I'm now in Wadebridge. Tomorrow is the day I've often thought about in the last six months or so. I wonder what it will be like in reality. Lots of people have said they will come to Lands End. I hope they do.
Is it possible to be quietly elated? That's how I feel.
Now completed 889 miles. It's difficult for me to believe I've done that!
I had an emotional morning thinking about the trip. When I saw the sign Welcome to Cornwall I cried.
I'm now in Wadebridge. Tomorrow is the day I've often thought about in the last six months or so. I wonder what it will be like in reality. Lots of people have said they will come to Lands End. I hope they do.
Is it possible to be quietly elated? That's how I feel.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Great meal in Great Torrington
Last night I had a meal at the Indian restaurant in Great Torrington. I asked about today's route and when they realised that I was doing end to end for charity they wouldn't let me pay for my meal. I have met so many kind people on this trip.
Day 13 and day 14 done!
Day 13 was very hard. Tintern to Brompton Ralph. It was suppose to be around 72 miles but ended up as 80. I got lost a lot!!
I started off well with Tom and Debby cheering me on. Managed to get across the Sebern bridge on the cycle path beside the M48. Along to Avonmouth. Thank goodness it was Saturday so there weren't too many lorries. Had a dreadful time getting across the next bridge by the side of th M5. At one point ended up on a slip road to the M5 where motorway regulations applied. Eventually managed to find the right route. Once over stopped for a coffee at a pub in Pill. One of the staff was a keen cyclist and gave me a revised route to see me on my way. That was great. Some time later I fell off my bike. I was turning off the road so I could look at my map. I didn't see how high the keen was. I flew off the bike landing on my left thigh and elbow and slamming my hand down on the ground. Managed to get back on my bike and continue but my hand was really hurting and still is. It's made braking and changing gears pInful. I took pain killers last night so I could get to sleep.
Then got basly lost on the Quantocks stopped at a house to ask directions and the lady photocopied part of a very detailed ordanance survey map to help me
Stayed at a lovely b and b where they gave me dinner and washed my clothes.
Today was shorter but I had a head wind all day. Yesterday was the only day I have had a tail wind for most of the day. So 45 miles with lots of climbing but I'm now in Devon and the end is in sight.
I started off well with Tom and Debby cheering me on. Managed to get across the Sebern bridge on the cycle path beside the M48. Along to Avonmouth. Thank goodness it was Saturday so there weren't too many lorries. Had a dreadful time getting across the next bridge by the side of th M5. At one point ended up on a slip road to the M5 where motorway regulations applied. Eventually managed to find the right route. Once over stopped for a coffee at a pub in Pill. One of the staff was a keen cyclist and gave me a revised route to see me on my way. That was great. Some time later I fell off my bike. I was turning off the road so I could look at my map. I didn't see how high the keen was. I flew off the bike landing on my left thigh and elbow and slamming my hand down on the ground. Managed to get back on my bike and continue but my hand was really hurting and still is. It's made braking and changing gears pInful. I took pain killers last night so I could get to sleep.
Then got basly lost on the Quantocks stopped at a house to ask directions and the lady photocopied part of a very detailed ordanance survey map to help me
Stayed at a lovely b and b where they gave me dinner and washed my clothes.
Today was shorter but I had a head wind all day. Yesterday was the only day I have had a tail wind for most of the day. So 45 miles with lots of climbing but I'm now in Devon and the end is in sight.
Friday, 13 May 2011
Three quarters of the way there!!
Yesterday I completed day 12, so three quarters done. Now cycled 712 miles most of it with a strong head wind.
Yesterday was easier than I thought it was going to be. That head wind was still there but much less severe. I had a bit of drizzle and one lot of rain but by the time I'd stopped the bike and put on my rain jacket it had stopped again.
Ruth and Steven owners of the Primrose Cottage B & B sent me an encouraging text. It came in at a bit of a low point was a welcome boost for me.
Spent some time on the A49. It's a horribly busy road. Then on to the A466 to Monmouth. Then through the beautiful Wye valley. I stopped at Redbrook and bought a drink from the village shop. I sat in the sunshine on a bench and drank the cola reflecting that this was how it was supposed to be, riding on sunshine and stopping and relaxing occasionally instead of battling against the wind and rain.
On to Tintern then. Tom and Debby came to spend the night there with me. It was a real boost to see them. Today there are going to drive along the route a little and cheer me on.
Today is potentially a difficult day. It's long over 70 miles and there's a lot of navigating. I have to get across the Severn bridge and across the bridge at Avonmouth by the side of the M5. I end up on the edges of Exmoor.
Yesterday was easier than I thought it was going to be. That head wind was still there but much less severe. I had a bit of drizzle and one lot of rain but by the time I'd stopped the bike and put on my rain jacket it had stopped again.
Ruth and Steven owners of the Primrose Cottage B & B sent me an encouraging text. It came in at a bit of a low point was a welcome boost for me.
Spent some time on the A49. It's a horribly busy road. Then on to the A466 to Monmouth. Then through the beautiful Wye valley. I stopped at Redbrook and bought a drink from the village shop. I sat in the sunshine on a bench and drank the cola reflecting that this was how it was supposed to be, riding on sunshine and stopping and relaxing occasionally instead of battling against the wind and rain.
On to Tintern then. Tom and Debby came to spend the night there with me. It was a real boost to see them. Today there are going to drive along the route a little and cheer me on.
Today is potentially a difficult day. It's long over 70 miles and there's a lot of navigating. I have to get across the Severn bridge and across the bridge at Avonmouth by the side of the M5. I end up on the edges of Exmoor.
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Another day done
67 miles today. Not many hills. Some drizzle and one quick big downpour. Fortunately when the downpour happened I was standing under a tree eating a bar of chocolate. I waited a bit longer and the rain stopped.
Traffic was an issue today. I decided to take the A530 fr Namtwich to Whitchurch. when I got on the road I saw frequent signs along the road saying 77 Casulties on this Road in the Last Three Years and 35 Collions in the Last Three years. Made cycling along it a bit unnerving. The A49 between Shrewsbury and Ludlow was very busy too.
Another great b and b The Mount at Ludlow. They've taken all my cycling clothes to wash and dry over night. Hopefully I'll smell less by the time I get to Lands End.
I feel in good shape considering how far I've cycled. One problem that lots of cyclists have is sore bits caused by sitting on a saddle all day. I've been using Hoo Haa Ride and Glide in the morning and then Noo Skin in the evening. This seems to be a great combination for keeping me comfortable during the day.
Met up with my brother and his wife for dinner tonight. Good to see them. Had a big meal and feel full now.
Traffic was an issue today. I decided to take the A530 fr Namtwich to Whitchurch. when I got on the road I saw frequent signs along the road saying 77 Casulties on this Road in the Last Three Years and 35 Collions in the Last Three years. Made cycling along it a bit unnerving. The A49 between Shrewsbury and Ludlow was very busy too.
Another great b and b The Mount at Ludlow. They've taken all my cycling clothes to wash and dry over night. Hopefully I'll smell less by the time I get to Lands End.
I feel in good shape considering how far I've cycled. One problem that lots of cyclists have is sore bits caused by sitting on a saddle all day. I've been using Hoo Haa Ride and Glide in the morning and then Noo Skin in the evening. This seems to be a great combination for keeping me comfortable during the day.
Met up with my brother and his wife for dinner tonight. Good to see them. Had a big meal and feel full now.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Day 9 done
Day 9 done. Another hard day. The wind was even stronger than other days. Also a heavy downpour that left me cold. Had an early bowl of onion soup (delicious) in a cafe owned by a keen cyclist in Kirkby Lonsdale. I received a warm welcome and she insisted I brought my bike into the cafe. Then the rain stopped but lots of steep climbing over fells and moors. The ride was supposed to be 46 miles but turned out to be 50 miles instead. Now washed and dressed and waiting for some friends who are taking me to Clitheroe for dinner.
Monday, 9 May 2011
Wet clothes
Starting the day with wet clothes. Each night I wash my cycling clothes but at the moment they're often not drying over night. I have two sets of cycling clothes but I'm not keen on having wet clothes folded up in my bag all day so I end up putting the wet ones on again.
Hail over Shap
Weather looked ok to start with and at least there was no rain. After a chat with the owners of th b and b decided to zoom down the A7 and the A6. Zoom ..... Hmm. The head wind was still with me so it was a slow demoralising crawl instead. Got through Carlisle without any problems apart from being slowed down even more by interminable traffic lights.
The A6 between Carlisle and Penrith was very hard work with the road stretching straight ahead of me and little shelter from that horrible head wind.
Negotiated Penrith and then still on A6 began the long climb to Shap. It started to rain at first lightly but then more and more heavily so that by the time I reached Shap I was very wet and cold and tired. I was thinking it couldn't get much worse when it started hailing.
I was getting colder and colder but got cheered when I easily passed three young women in their twenties who didn't have any luggage. Gosh I am shallow!!
Finally arrived at my b and b about half past four but no one there. Got the answer phone when I tried phoning by now i was shaking with cold so went to the pub and booked on for the night there
The A6 between Carlisle and Penrith was very hard work with the road stretching straight ahead of me and little shelter from that horrible head wind.
Negotiated Penrith and then still on A6 began the long climb to Shap. It started to rain at first lightly but then more and more heavily so that by the time I reached Shap I was very wet and cold and tired. I was thinking it couldn't get much worse when it started hailing.
I was getting colder and colder but got cheered when I easily passed three young women in their twenties who didn't have any luggage. Gosh I am shallow!!
Finally arrived at my b and b about half past four but no one there. Got the answer phone when I tried phoning by now i was shaking with cold so went to the pub and booked on for the night there
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Weather
Considering the weather we had in April I've been unlucky with the weather the last few days. Last night there was a short thunder storm here so I was a bit nervous about the weather for today. Anyway I've woken to clouds and sun rather than more rain. So far so good.
Today I go through Carlisle and Penrith so probably a day with navigation issues. On Saturday when I was getting lost as I approached Edinburgh I sopped and asked a couple which way I should go. They pointed in opposite directions. This was not a good start! The husband started to explain where I should go. The wife stood there looking increasingly impatient. Eventually she interrupted. "you're taking her on to the motorway and she's on a bike " the husband looked confused and embarrassed.
The people at Langholm B & B also work as choclatiers and gave me some great chocolates to eat as I bike along. Yummy!
Today I go through Carlisle and Penrith so probably a day with navigation issues. On Saturday when I was getting lost as I approached Edinburgh I sopped and asked a couple which way I should go. They pointed in opposite directions. This was not a good start! The husband started to explain where I should go. The wife stood there looking increasingly impatient. Eventually she interrupted. "you're taking her on to the motorway and she's on a bike " the husband looked confused and embarrassed.
The people at Langholm B & B also work as choclatiers and gave me some great chocolates to eat as I bike along. Yummy!
Day 7 done
I was nervous about today's ride as on paper it's the toughest of the whole trip. First I had to get out of Edinburgh. The sat nav didn't do well yesterday. At one point it took me into an Asda carpark. My brain has obviously slowed down because it took me a while to realise. Then an embarrassed u turn. Last night I asked the recetionist at the hotel. She was brilliant. Found me a much simpler route out of the city and photocopied the route sheet for me to take with me. It worked really well and I got put of the city much quicker than I anticipated. The promised rain materialised. First a prolonged shower and then a real downpour with divulged of rain running down the roads and lots of cars spraying water off the road
In spite of my wet weather hear I ended up very cold and wet on spite of wearing five layers of tops. The wind was strong and often in my face. Eventually it stoped raining but I only finally took one layer off about fifteen miles from my destination.
The scenery for the last 44 miles to Langhalm was stunning. I was on a b road so there wasn't much other traffic.
It was a hard day but not as jars as I'd anticipated. But the hills rain and climbing did make it tough. In the end I cycled 75 miles.
I'm using about 4500 calories a day but finding it difficult to eat that much each day so losing some weight.
Now eating And then an early nightat another comfortable B & B.
In spite of my wet weather hear I ended up very cold and wet on spite of wearing five layers of tops. The wind was strong and often in my face. Eventually it stoped raining but I only finally took one layer off about fifteen miles from my destination.
The scenery for the last 44 miles to Langhalm was stunning. I was on a b road so there wasn't much other traffic.
It was a hard day but not as jars as I'd anticipated. But the hills rain and climbing did make it tough. In the end I cycled 75 miles.
I'm using about 4500 calories a day but finding it difficult to eat that much each day so losing some weight.
Now eating And then an early nightat another comfortable B & B.
Friday, 6 May 2011
A very hard day and an easier day
Haven't had much Internet access recently. Yesterday was one of the toughest biking days I've ever experienced. 60 miles over the Cairngorm mountains with a vicious head wind that really sapped my energy. There were two periods when I didn't believe I was going to be able to finish the day. Beautiful mountain scenery that I wasn't always in a fit state to enjoy. I went up to two ski centres and a long way down in between. I stayed at the Spittal of Glenshee Hotel last night. Glenshee means Glen of peace. A fitting name considering I'm raising money for Peace Direct.
Today was a 45 mile ride to Dunning. Felt very easy by comparison!! It was very rainy and cold to start with but eventually the sun came out. I was here by two so spent some of the afternoon looking round the ancient church yard. I'm staying at a pub and the landlord has told me that because it's Friday night they don't close till one clock. I'm very tired now so I don't think I'll have any problem sleeping. Tomorrow I ride to Edinburgh. I hope the sat nav does it's job properly.
Today was a 45 mile ride to Dunning. Felt very easy by comparison!! It was very rainy and cold to start with but eventually the sun came out. I was here by two so spent some of the afternoon looking round the ancient church yard. I'm staying at a pub and the landlord has told me that because it's Friday night they don't close till one clock. I'm very tired now so I don't think I'll have any problem sleeping. Tomorrow I ride to Edinburgh. I hope the sat nav does it's job properly.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Pie and money
Had a great pie and chips at a pub near where I'm staying - The Craig Bar at Grantown. Talked to the landlady and she have me four pounds sponsorship for Peace Direct.
Third day done!
Finished the third day at 2pm much earlier than expected. The people weren't at the B&b so went to a cafe and had soup and toasted sandwich. Tasted really good. I misjudged my need to take food with me on the ride today. Thought there would be the odd pub or shop but there wasn't. Some people at the Bridge of Dulsie gave me a sugary orange drink to keep me going. Will take more food with me tomorrow.
Having problems with my left calf. The saddle bag is stuffed full of my stuff and so is quite high. When I first got on the bike I didnt make enough allowances for the height and caught my foot and pulled the muscle. So
Stiles hurts a bit when I ride. Walked for a few yards today when I hit a very steep bit because my calf started to hurt a lot and thought it would be foolish to risk hurting it more.
Think I'll be ok to ride tomorrow. A small niggle rather than a big issue.
Having problems with my left calf. The saddle bag is stuffed full of my stuff and so is quite high. When I first got on the bike I didnt make enough allowances for the height and caught my foot and pulled the muscle. So
Stiles hurts a bit when I ride. Walked for a few yards today when I hit a very steep bit because my calf started to hurt a lot and thought it would be foolish to risk hurting it more.
Think I'll be ok to ride tomorrow. A small niggle rather than a big issue.
Is this the last day of sunshine?
Woken to a clear blue sky and sunshine but the forecast is for rain from tomorrow so must really enjoy the weather today. It is also the first real test of my bike sat nav. It has to get me across the Forth bridge and over some minor roads to grantown on Spey
Thanks for all the encouraging comments here and on Facebook. They really mean a lot to me
Thanks for all the encouraging comments here and on Facebook. They really mean a lot to me
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Second day done!
Last night there were two young fellas doing end to end supported by the girlfriend of one of them. They obviously thought they were doing really well until they realised I was carrying all my own stuff, doing it the harder way because of the winds and was old enough to be their mother.
This morning said bye to John so now am truly on my own coping with everything that gets thrown at me. It's how I want to do it but I cried when he left me. He looked really sad too
Went in a shop to buy a malt loaf. The assistant gave me some change and then said I know what it's like let me give you a Scottish pound note for the coin. Did I look that bad?
Anyway now done another 73 miles. Tomorrow is an easier day only 38 miles but then the fourth day is the Cairngorms. Hope the rain stays away.
This morning said bye to John so now am truly on my own coping with everything that gets thrown at me. It's how I want to do it but I cried when he left me. He looked really sad too
Went in a shop to buy a malt loaf. The assistant gave me some change and then said I know what it's like let me give you a Scottish pound note for the coin. Did I look that bad?
Anyway now done another 73 miles. Tomorrow is an easier day only 38 miles but then the fourth day is the Cairngorms. Hope the rain stays away.
Monday, 2 May 2011
First day done. 74 miles to Altnaharra. Stunning views in the sunshine. Feel much less anxious now have first day under my belt. Got an official photo at John O'Groats so will see that when i get home. Tomorrow John leaves me to go to Skye so then i'll be totally unsupported. But I did carry all my stuff today anyway. A meal soon and then an early night in a friendly B & B.
Saturday, 30 April 2011
I've now rasied over £2000
I've been concentrating on my ride preparation but the sposnorship money is vital too. So far I've raised over £2000 for Peace Direct, which is enough to cover the cost of the hotline for peace, a free phone line that Peace Direct's Nepalese partner has just set up, so that they are always contactable when violence erupts, and people need them. Alternatively £2000 would cover the cost of training 22 village heads in Zimbabwe how to manage conflict in their villages, and the dangers of political manipulation. Your sposnorship money is money well spent in making the world a safer place. So, if you haven't sponsored me yet, please do - whatever you can spare>>
How much do trousers weigh?
I have been getting obsessed with the weight of the things I am carrying in my bag as i cycle. So this morning before we left I weighed two pairs of trousers to find which was lighter. I need to take a pair to wear in the evening when I go out for a meal.
Friday, 29 April 2011
Each Day's Route
This is my route, if I don’t get lost. I have altered my original route a little so it is now 915 miles. I’m aiming to get to Lands’ End on the last day between 5 pm and 6 pm on Tuesday 17th May. I’d love to see you there, if you live nearby and can make it.
For each day there is a link to Bike Route Toaster - click on the date. This is online software that allows you to see the planned route for that day. You can increase and decrease the scale depending on how much detail you want to see. The software is free and sometimes you will click on the link and not get a map. I think this is because the site is overloaded with visitors. If that happens, just try again later. The links definitely do work.
I’ve included my proposed route for the last day, but, because I know the area so well, I may take a slightly different route, but still ending at Lands’ End, of course!
On paper the hardest day looks like Sunday May 8th – a long day with a lot of climbing.
I intend to post to this blog each day while I'm cycling - energy and internet connections willing.
Day 1: To Altnaharra on Monday 2nd May 2011
74.13 miles | Ascent 2763 feet |Descent 2512 feet
Day 2: To North Kessock Tuesday 3rd May 2011
73.24 miles | Ascent 2372 feet |Descent 2646 feet
Day 3: To Grantown on Spey Wednesday 4th May 2011
38.69 miles | Ascent 2050 feet |Descent 1352 feet
Day 4: To Spittal of Glenshee on Thursday 5th May 2011
59.43 miles | Ascent 4561 feet |Descent 4177 feet
Day 5: To Dunning, Friday 6th May 2011
44.45 miles | Ascent 1178 feet |Descent 2125 feet
Day 6: To Edinburgh Saturday 7th May
40.08 miles | Ascent 1984 feet | Descent 2145 feet
Day 7: To Langholm on Sunday May 8th
73.77 miles | Ascent 4072 feet |Descent 3837 feet
Day 8: To Tebay on Monday May 9th
60.08 miles | Ascent 2459 feet |Descent 2096 feet
Day 9: To Bashall Eaves Tuesday 10th May 2011
46.10 miles | Ascent 3186 feet |Descent 3566 feet
Day 10: To Church Minshall on Wednesday 11th May
60.9 miles | Ascent 2430 feet |Descent 2614 feet
Day 11: To Ludlow on Thursday 12th May
64.53 miles | Ascent 2202 feet |Descent 1923 feet
Day 12: To Tinten Abbey on Friday 13th May
54.18 miles | Ascent 2533 feet |Descent 2795 feet
Day 13: To Brompton Ralph (near Elworthy) on Saturday 14th May
72.21 miles | Ascent 3505 feet |Descent 3010 feet
Day 14: To Great Torrington on Sunday 15th May
43.9 miles | Ascent 3029 feet |Descent 3284 feet
Day 15: To Wadebridge on Monday 16th May
50.22 miles | Ascent 2742 feet |Descent 2942 feet
Day 16: To Lands End on Tuesday 17th May
59.73 miles | Ascent 3404 feet |Descent 3334 feet
For each day there is a link to Bike Route Toaster - click on the date. This is online software that allows you to see the planned route for that day. You can increase and decrease the scale depending on how much detail you want to see. The software is free and sometimes you will click on the link and not get a map. I think this is because the site is overloaded with visitors. If that happens, just try again later. The links definitely do work.
I’ve included my proposed route for the last day, but, because I know the area so well, I may take a slightly different route, but still ending at Lands’ End, of course!
On paper the hardest day looks like Sunday May 8th – a long day with a lot of climbing.
I intend to post to this blog each day while I'm cycling - energy and internet connections willing.
Day 1: To Altnaharra on Monday 2nd May 2011
74.13 miles | Ascent 2763 feet |Descent 2512 feet
Day 2: To North Kessock Tuesday 3rd May 2011
73.24 miles | Ascent 2372 feet |Descent 2646 feet
Day 3: To Grantown on Spey Wednesday 4th May 2011
38.69 miles | Ascent 2050 feet |Descent 1352 feet
Day 4: To Spittal of Glenshee on Thursday 5th May 2011
59.43 miles | Ascent 4561 feet |Descent 4177 feet
Day 5: To Dunning, Friday 6th May 2011
44.45 miles | Ascent 1178 feet |Descent 2125 feet
Day 6: To Edinburgh Saturday 7th May
40.08 miles | Ascent 1984 feet | Descent 2145 feet
Day 7: To Langholm on Sunday May 8th
73.77 miles | Ascent 4072 feet |Descent 3837 feet
Day 8: To Tebay on Monday May 9th
60.08 miles | Ascent 2459 feet |Descent 2096 feet
Day 9: To Bashall Eaves Tuesday 10th May 2011
46.10 miles | Ascent 3186 feet |Descent 3566 feet
Day 10: To Church Minshall on Wednesday 11th May
60.9 miles | Ascent 2430 feet |Descent 2614 feet
Day 11: To Ludlow on Thursday 12th May
64.53 miles | Ascent 2202 feet |Descent 1923 feet
Day 12: To Tinten Abbey on Friday 13th May
54.18 miles | Ascent 2533 feet |Descent 2795 feet
Day 13: To Brompton Ralph (near Elworthy) on Saturday 14th May
72.21 miles | Ascent 3505 feet |Descent 3010 feet
Day 14: To Great Torrington on Sunday 15th May
43.9 miles | Ascent 3029 feet |Descent 3284 feet
Day 15: To Wadebridge on Monday 16th May
50.22 miles | Ascent 2742 feet |Descent 2942 feet
Day 16: To Lands End on Tuesday 17th May
59.73 miles | Ascent 3404 feet |Descent 3334 feet
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Route stats
Finally finished my detail plotting of routes on Bike Route Toaster – I know, I know, it’s a bit late in the day!
I decided to use the auto-routing facility rather than use the CTC route, and the route has turned out almost 100 miles less. It's going to be around 925 miles.
The program says I will climb 44469 feet – which is the equivalent of cycling up Snowdon almost 13 times.
Getting There
I am slowly but surely getting there both in terms of strating the ride and in fund raising.
Now passed the magical £2000 mark for Peace Direct, and lots of people have promised to sponsor me who haven’t yet, so the goal of £3150 doesn’t seem quite so far away.
On Sunday I met a couple in a car park – they were in a car and I was on my bike - I told them I was in training for my big ride and the woman asked if I was doing it in aid of anyone. I explained about Peace Direct and she said she’d sponsor me. The next day there was £20.00 from her. I was so touched by her generosity.
Getting very nervous about the ride. Ridden over 200 miles in the last week. Will ride today and tomorrow and then nothing more till I start on Monday.
Minx Girl has sent me some small samples of Hoo Haa Ride And Glide for my trip – one for each day. This is good because it means I don’t need to carry my giant tube with me. Thanks Minx Girl. (If you wonder what it does – it’s a cream to protect your girly bits when you ride.)
Now passed the magical £2000 mark for Peace Direct, and lots of people have promised to sponsor me who haven’t yet, so the goal of £3150 doesn’t seem quite so far away.
On Sunday I met a couple in a car park – they were in a car and I was on my bike - I told them I was in training for my big ride and the woman asked if I was doing it in aid of anyone. I explained about Peace Direct and she said she’d sponsor me. The next day there was £20.00 from her. I was so touched by her generosity.
Getting very nervous about the ride. Ridden over 200 miles in the last week. Will ride today and tomorrow and then nothing more till I start on Monday.
Minx Girl has sent me some small samples of Hoo Haa Ride And Glide for my trip – one for each day. This is good because it means I don’t need to carry my giant tube with me. Thanks Minx Girl. (If you wonder what it does – it’s a cream to protect your girly bits when you ride.)
Monday, 25 April 2011
Had a great ride yesterday – 67 miles and felt very good, so getting more and more confident I can do the miles I need to do each day.
I used auto routing when planning my route yesterday on bikeroutetoaster – and it took me through a churned up track, a field (we did have right of way) and some downhill track with big pot holes and the odd little stream running across it. It did say at the beginning turn right onto an unpaved road, but this was no unpaved road!
With bikeroutetoaster you can get a satellite view of the route as well as a conventional map. I’ve decided to switch to that view if I’m in doubt about the road surface. It was fun yesterday - the sun was shining and it was very picturesque, but it would be annoying if I was tired or the weather was bad.
Now plotted the first three days ready for my bike sat nav. I’m using a mixture of auto routing and following the CTC’s Lands End to John O’Groats information pack, although, of course, I’m doing it in reverse. This seems to work well, but the real test is when I do it.
Here is an example of one of the routes – day 2 Altnaharra to North Kessock
I used auto routing when planning my route yesterday on bikeroutetoaster – and it took me through a churned up track, a field (we did have right of way) and some downhill track with big pot holes and the odd little stream running across it. It did say at the beginning turn right onto an unpaved road, but this was no unpaved road!
With bikeroutetoaster you can get a satellite view of the route as well as a conventional map. I’ve decided to switch to that view if I’m in doubt about the road surface. It was fun yesterday - the sun was shining and it was very picturesque, but it would be annoying if I was tired or the weather was bad.
Now plotted the first three days ready for my bike sat nav. I’m using a mixture of auto routing and following the CTC’s Lands End to John O’Groats information pack, although, of course, I’m doing it in reverse. This seems to work well, but the real test is when I do it.
Here is an example of one of the routes – day 2 Altnaharra to North Kessock
Monday, 18 April 2011
Did 67 miles yesterday on the bike. It was glorious sunshine and I really enjoyed it Called in at Bissoe Bike café for a coffee and Snickers bar and then went to Roskilly’s on the Lizard peninsula for one of their fabulous ice creams. My bike computer told me I used over 3000 calories, so felt a large ice cream was totally justified.
Have done 160+ mile sin the last four days and pan to do more today. The sunshine certainly helps.
Have done 160+ mile sin the last four days and pan to do more today. The sunshine certainly helps.
Friday, 15 April 2011
Great News
I am now at 52% of my sponsorship goal and my legs are getting better and better. Thank you to all the people who have supported me so far, and all the good wishes I have had. It's getting close now!
Today i am going for a 40 mile bike ride with Kay and some of her girl friends.
Today i am going for a 40 mile bike ride with Kay and some of her girl friends.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Have been off the bike for a few days with injured thighs – being a bit over-enthusiastic in the gym on Friday evening.
Managed a 25-mile ride in brilliant sunshine yesterday. Took it easy and my legs seem to have fared OK.
Now off to do a 30 mile ride today.
Getting a bit worried about fundraising; haven’t managed to raise as much as I’d hoped by this stage, so need to remind people. Lots of people say they will sponsor me, but it’s turning that consent into action that’s sometimes a problem.
Managed a 25-mile ride in brilliant sunshine yesterday. Took it easy and my legs seem to have fared OK.
Now off to do a 30 mile ride today.
Getting a bit worried about fundraising; haven’t managed to raise as much as I’d hoped by this stage, so need to remind people. Lots of people say they will sponsor me, but it’s turning that consent into action that’s sometimes a problem.
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
onward and upward
doing lots of training, but today went out for a relatively short ride - 16 miles - and it was horrible. Felt like a beetle climbing up a mountain as I biked out on the hill from Nancledra. Not an encouraging ride.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Peace Direct
I've now got to 40% of the money I'm trying to raise for Peace Direct. Here's some interesting stats about what Peace Direct achieved last year.
Feel that I’m getting back my endurance legs. Yesterday I went for a 24 mile bike ride and in my mind it was a short ride. Last Saturday i did a 65 mile ride that included 4200 feet of climbing (for comparison, Snowdon is around 3500 feet high) – so looks like everything is going according to plan.
Feel that I’m getting back my endurance legs. Yesterday I went for a 24 mile bike ride and in my mind it was a short ride. Last Saturday i did a 65 mile ride that included 4200 feet of climbing (for comparison, Snowdon is around 3500 feet high) – so looks like everything is going according to plan.
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Women's Day on March 8th
Part of the purpose of my ride is to raise money for Peace Direct. They have put together a new video for Women's Day - do take a look>>
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
sponsorship is going up
I've almost reached a £1000 in my sponsorship, which is great. It's stedily going up and I've had sponsorship money from some unlikely sources, and lots of people have promised me it but not done anything yet.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
How many calories?
I really like my new bike computer as it tells me how many calories I am using. Biking around Cornwall I’m using around 500 calories for every 10 miles, so on the JOGLE I’ll be using over 50,000 calories for the ride, plus all the calories I use during the time when I'm off the bike.
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Had a good week of training so far:
Monday – spin class
Tuesday – gym weights session focussing on legs and gluts.
Wednesday – 30 mile hilly ride as fast as I could
Thursday – 20 mile ride as fast as I could
Friday – ride to gym and back (5 miles) and then weights session concentrating on arms – this won’t help me go faster or further on the JOGLE, but I want my arms to look good while I’m doing it!
Was going to have a day off today, but the weather is so nice I think I might go for a gentle ride round.
Plan to go out with the Penzance Wheelers tomorrow – hope the weather is as good as today.
Monday – spin class
Tuesday – gym weights session focussing on legs and gluts.
Wednesday – 30 mile hilly ride as fast as I could
Thursday – 20 mile ride as fast as I could
Friday – ride to gym and back (5 miles) and then weights session concentrating on arms – this won’t help me go faster or further on the JOGLE, but I want my arms to look good while I’m doing it!
Was going to have a day off today, but the weather is so nice I think I might go for a gentle ride round.
Plan to go out with the Penzance Wheelers tomorrow – hope the weather is as good as today.
I'm raising money on my trip for a small charity - Peace Direct. This is how it describes what it does:
They need all the help they can get, and for most of us in the UK that means donating money. Please sponsor me - remember all the money I raise goes to Peace Direct.
From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, wherever there is conflict there are local people building peace. They are disarming rebels, resettling refugees, protecting the vulnerable, uniting communities and restarting economies. They work at great personal risk to prevent, resolve and heal conflicts in some of the world’s most fragile countries.
We find these local peacebuilders, fund their programmes to increase their impact, and promote their work to those in the wider world who can help with finance and influence.
They need all the help they can get, and for most of us in the UK that means donating money. Please sponsor me - remember all the money I raise goes to Peace Direct.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
A very good day from the point of this trip:
*** Two more people sponsored me.
*** I did a 30 mile ride over 10 minutes faster than I did it in 2004 when I was all trained up and thought I was very fit!
*** Finally managed to get all my B&Bs booked. It's taken me ages. I'm really anxious about the ride so I found I could only book one or two places at a time.
What a great day :-)
*** Two more people sponsored me.
*** I did a 30 mile ride over 10 minutes faster than I did it in 2004 when I was all trained up and thought I was very fit!
*** Finally managed to get all my B&Bs booked. It's taken me ages. I'm really anxious about the ride so I found I could only book one or two places at a time.
What a great day :-)
Sunday, 13 February 2011
I have been really busy the last week (including being away for two days), so haven’t managed to do as much training as I usually do. But have managed 2 weight sessions in the gym and one bike spin session. Also got out on my bike yesterday and rode to the Chocolate Factory on the Lizard peninsula, a round trip of around 42 miles.
I managed not to eat one of their cholcate dipped flapjacks as I want to lose 8 lbs before I do the ride.
Lots of people are promising sponsorship and I hope soon to be over a quarter raised – I’m now at 19%. Peace Direct is such a good charity and it will encourage me as I’m pedalling along every day to know I am raising money for such a worthwhile cause. Please remember all the money goes to the charity, as I’m paying all my own costs.
I managed not to eat one of their cholcate dipped flapjacks as I want to lose 8 lbs before I do the ride.
Lots of people are promising sponsorship and I hope soon to be over a quarter raised – I’m now at 19%. Peace Direct is such a good charity and it will encourage me as I’m pedalling along every day to know I am raising money for such a worthwhile cause. Please remember all the money goes to the charity, as I’m paying all my own costs.
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Went out with a group from the Penzance Wheelers today. Dave Henderson is a great ride captain and makes sure no one gets left behind (me on the hills!) and that the coffee break doesn’t last too long (otherwise everyone gets cold and stiff).
Today’s ride was what is known in cycling circles as “a lumpy ride”! That means lots of hills and as we are in Cornwall some of them are definitely steep .
Did almost 40 miles with 8 other riders – all men, who were patient guys when they had to wait for me.
Today’s ride was what is known in cycling circles as “a lumpy ride”! That means lots of hills and as we are in Cornwall some of them are definitely steep .
Did almost 40 miles with 8 other riders – all men, who were patient guys when they had to wait for me.
Friday, 4 February 2011
Just received my new bike Sat Nav - state-of-the-art Edge 800 - up to now I've been borrowing my partner John's Sat Nav. This has to be the first time I’ve had more up-to-date bike equipment than him. Will start to get to grips with it this weekend.
Also been trying out Hoo Ha Ride Glide. Don’t normally get much in the way of saddle chafing, but I loved the description of this so much on the Minx Girl web site that I decided I had to give it a go! I think it will help, but the tube is enormous and, therefore, heavy so will have to decant some into a smaller container.
Not done as much riding as I would have liked this week as I was away from Saturday to Monday, but managed weights on Tuesday, spin class on Wednesday and a 35 mile bike ride and coffee stop with my friend Kay yesterday. Today it’s more weights in the gym.
Also been trying out Hoo Ha Ride Glide. Don’t normally get much in the way of saddle chafing, but I loved the description of this so much on the Minx Girl web site that I decided I had to give it a go! I think it will help, but the tube is enormous and, therefore, heavy so will have to decant some into a smaller container.
Not done as much riding as I would have liked this week as I was away from Saturday to Monday, but managed weights on Tuesday, spin class on Wednesday and a 35 mile bike ride and coffee stop with my friend Kay yesterday. Today it’s more weights in the gym.
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
The money is coming in
I now have over 18% of the target I set myself - £3150 for Peace Direct. I'm getting there.
I've had some cards made that I can give to people to remind them to sponsor me. Lots of people have said they would; now to turn that intention into action.
I've had some cards made that I can give to people to remind them to sponsor me. Lots of people have said they would; now to turn that intention into action.
Friday, 28 January 2011
Overnight Stops
I haven't got all the B&B's booked but this is the route and the stops:
John O’Groats Sunday 1st May 2011
77 miles to Altnaharra on Monday 2nd May 2011
60 miles to North Kessock Tuesday 3rd May 2011
45 miles to Grantown on Spey Wednesday 4th May 2011
63 miles to Spittal of Glenshee on Thursday 5th May 2011
58 miles to Dunning, Friday 6th May 2011
44 miles to Edinburgh Saturday 7th May
74 miles to Langholm on Sunday May 8th
59 miles to Kings Meaburn on Monday May 9th
62 miles to Bashall Eaves Tuesday 10th May 2011
81 miles to Nantwitch on Wednesday 11th May
68 miles to Ludlow on Thursday 12th May
70 miles to Chestow/Tinten Abbey on Friday 13th May
85 miles to Elworthy (Brompton Ralph) on Saturday 14th May
45 miles to Great Torrington on Sunday 15th May
57.5 miles to Wadebridge on Monday 16th May
69 miles to Lands End on Tuesday 17th May
John O’Groats Sunday 1st May 2011
77 miles to Altnaharra on Monday 2nd May 2011
60 miles to North Kessock Tuesday 3rd May 2011
45 miles to Grantown on Spey Wednesday 4th May 2011
63 miles to Spittal of Glenshee on Thursday 5th May 2011
58 miles to Dunning, Friday 6th May 2011
44 miles to Edinburgh Saturday 7th May
74 miles to Langholm on Sunday May 8th
59 miles to Kings Meaburn on Monday May 9th
62 miles to Bashall Eaves Tuesday 10th May 2011
81 miles to Nantwitch on Wednesday 11th May
68 miles to Ludlow on Thursday 12th May
70 miles to Chestow/Tinten Abbey on Friday 13th May
85 miles to Elworthy (Brompton Ralph) on Saturday 14th May
45 miles to Great Torrington on Sunday 15th May
57.5 miles to Wadebridge on Monday 16th May
69 miles to Lands End on Tuesday 17th May
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Spin today
Been to a spin class today at Penzance Leisure Centre - I enjoy spin classes. Result - aching legs and wet through with sweat. Cycled there and back too - it's about 2.5 miles each way, so adds up over the week with all the times I visit the Leisure Centre.
In many ways they are different to riding on the road but they are great aerobic training.
Today's class was led by Rich - he shouts a lot, calls us "boys and girls" but is very motivating and always seeks to get us to be the best we can be. We always have lots of joking and laughing too - at the beginning and the end, of course, as no breath while spinning those legs.
In many ways they are different to riding on the road but they are great aerobic training.
Today's class was led by Rich - he shouts a lot, calls us "boys and girls" but is very motivating and always seeks to get us to be the best we can be. We always have lots of joking and laughing too - at the beginning and the end, of course, as no breath while spinning those legs.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Gym, bike sat nav, touching my toes
Gym today – a serious weights session designed to strengthen my legs and improve my grip. It’s the second time I’ve done the routine and it’s still very hard, but I know that if I keep doing it I will get better at it and be able to increase the weights even more.
Decided to plot the journey to the gym on the bike sat nav – for practice, not because I need to. I think my bike could find its way to the gym without any help from me. I obviously need a lot more practice – I had to go off-route twice in order to get to the gym. Then when I got there, I couldn’t take the sat nav off the handlebar – don’t know why, just couldn’t do it. The kind people at the gym let me put it in one of the offices so it would be safe while I worked out. Thank goodness I’ve got time to iron out all these glitches.
I spent some time at the gym touching my toes. I always get immense pleasure out of doing this.. As a small child, I couldn’t do it – much to my friends’ scorn and amusement! It’s great to think that at 63 I am more flexible than I was at 6 years old.
Decided to plot the journey to the gym on the bike sat nav – for practice, not because I need to. I think my bike could find its way to the gym without any help from me. I obviously need a lot more practice – I had to go off-route twice in order to get to the gym. Then when I got there, I couldn’t take the sat nav off the handlebar – don’t know why, just couldn’t do it. The kind people at the gym let me put it in one of the offices so it would be safe while I worked out. Thank goodness I’ve got time to iron out all these glitches.
I spent some time at the gym touching my toes. I always get immense pleasure out of doing this.. As a small child, I couldn’t do it – much to my friends’ scorn and amusement! It’s great to think that at 63 I am more flexible than I was at 6 years old.
Monday, 24 January 2011
Bike Route Toaster
Bike Route Toaster is going to make my JOGLE adventure a whole lot easier. I can plot each day's route and then upload it to the bike's sat nav. Hurray for technology - sometimes it does really make life simpler.
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Getting Excited, Getting Organised
I am planning to bike from John O’Groats to Land’s End (JOGLE) – approximately 1017 miles over 16 days . I start on Monday May 2nd and finish on Tuesday May 17th. I am riding on my own carrying my own things. It’s exciting and scary!
I decided this about 4 months ago, but since the new year I’ve been getting more and more excited.
I was going to do a blog when I did the actual ride but people seem interested in my training and preparation, so I thought I’d start my blog now.
I hope the blog will also encourage people to sponsor me – I’m doing the ride for Peace Direct – I’m paying all my own expenses so the money I raise goes to Peace Direct. I’m 63 now and hope to raise £50 for each year of my life – so £3150 in total. Please support me by sponsoring me.
Today I road to Bissoe and back – around 45 miles – cold but sunny – felt tired when I got back. I have been doing spin classes in the gym and short rides and have lost some of my ability to ride long and hard, so need to get more longer rides in – here’s hoping for the good weather to continue.
I decided this about 4 months ago, but since the new year I’ve been getting more and more excited.
I was going to do a blog when I did the actual ride but people seem interested in my training and preparation, so I thought I’d start my blog now.
I hope the blog will also encourage people to sponsor me – I’m doing the ride for Peace Direct – I’m paying all my own expenses so the money I raise goes to Peace Direct. I’m 63 now and hope to raise £50 for each year of my life – so £3150 in total. Please support me by sponsoring me.
Today I road to Bissoe and back – around 45 miles – cold but sunny – felt tired when I got back. I have been doing spin classes in the gym and short rides and have lost some of my ability to ride long and hard, so need to get more longer rides in – here’s hoping for the good weather to continue.
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