Today has been horrendous. Forget 'enduring love', instead think enduring pain. I'm exhausted after a long day on the bike in a head wind with lots of hills. Encouragement from Mark and Bella has been so appreciated (as has mark acting as a wind break, and comforting me as I howled with tears).
Today's route roughly followed the A9, but only did 2 very short segments on it. Instead we followed B roads, minor roads and a cycle path north, fighting a strong head wind over the Pass of Drumochter.
I am in my bed in the youth hostel in Inverness and I am broken. I don't know if I can do tomorrow's ride. Everywhere hurts, including my right triceps (which is much more painful than I can explain). I've rubbed ibuprofen in the appropriate places and am about to get an early night.
I'm scared about tomorrow. I've come so far and really don't want to be beaten. I don't want to fail and let everyone down, but I'm not sure I can do it. :(. Anyway, an early night for me, hopefully I will feel fresh inn the morning, ready to slay this beast!
The stats:
Distance; roughly 117miles (my garmin says 115 but I forgot to turn it on briefly).
Av speed; 13.1mph
Ride time; 8hr46
My garmin won't work out ascent; it's saying 2m but I can assure that is wrong!
And my charity page is www.virginmoneygiving.com/nikkisommers. Because this suffering has to be worth something!!! Help me raise money for Orchid, a charity who support people like my Dad and help to fund research into male cancer. Thank you!
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Saturday, 6 June 2015
LEJOG Day 5; Ecclefechan to Perth
I made it!!! Woohoo! (Yes, I know I'm not at the end yet, but making it to the end of today has been more than enough of a challenge!)
Today has been mostly about suffering...
I left Ecclefechan at 8am after a good breakfast. My B&B for the night had been lovely. Despite all this exercise I'm sleeping very fitfully though and was awake a few times in the night. I left Ecclefechan with stiff, sore legs (nothing new there then...) in the rain and headed north on the B7076, a small road that follows the M74 northwards. Wind and rain are never a good thing to start with, but add in hills and you are on to a loser! The road seemed unrelenting, and having initially felt ok, my legs were suffering. There was none of the freshness that I'd had on Shap the day before...
At this point I was seriously wondering whether I would be able to finish today, and was aware that I wasn't that far from the Lake District... Maybe Will or Nicky could come and rescue me? It certainly crossed my mind. But I am NOT a quitter!! I am a crier though, so shed a few tears with the pain and frustration of it all. I need to remind myself that I have chosen to do this! No one is making me.
I made it to Abington at 40 miles, hoping for some food. Unfortunately all I found was a corner shop with a hot drinks machine. So I had a hot chocolate; better than nothing!! What I did find though (quite excitingly!) was another cyclist heading north on LEJOG!! David is a lawyer from Canada, riding LEJOG over 2 weeks (with a week off in the middle to work). We had a chat and set off from Abington together. He was heading north via Glasgow, and was much more heavily laden with 2 pannier bags on a hybrid. I waved goodbye after a mile and two but it was nice to chat and see a friendly face.
After Abington the road continued uphill for another few miles and a relentless cross wind picked up, threatening to blow me across in front of traffic. Not a nice experience. I shouted at myself to pull myself together and get riding. I starting singing 'the Wombles' and the Proclaimers (thanks Jo and Dan; they were good!) and before long the hills had ended and I was treated to some beautiful downhill! Well, it wasn't beautiful, it was grey and bleak, but a down is a down right??
I turned off at Douglas and headed north-east, skirting around the edge of Lanark. The roads were nice and the miles rolled by a bit easier. I finally found somewhere to stop and eat; a cafe in Forth. After a quick refuel, I headed on towards Edinburgh and the Forth Road Bridge; my link to the other side! Due to a closed road I had a couple of dodgy miles on some dual carriageway straight through Livingston, but otherwise made my way to the bridge quite easily, through Uphill, Broxburn and Newtown. As I came round a corner the bridges looked into view and looked stunning! I stopped to snap a quick pic then zoomed off to the bridge.
I got there to see traffic cones and flasing lights; bridge closed to high-sides vehicles and motorbikes. Well I'd already decided I'd be using the path given the horrendous cross winds, so headed over to the pedestrian/cycle lane to find the barriers down and signs telling me it was shut. I had a quick look and thought I could just lift my bike over. At this point one of Traffic Scotland's employees sees me so I head over and ask what the deal is. He can't let me cross but rings his colleague to take me over in a pickup truck. The next nearest bridge (my alternative option) would add on at least another 30 miles to an already long day. When he tells me I can't cross, I apologise, then burst into tears. I've been so far over the last few days and am so disappointed. I really don't want to go in a truck. Also, I really like bridges and wanted to ride over this one (I think I would have been an engineer and designed bridges if I wasnt a doctor...). This man is lovely anyway and doesn't make me feel stupid for crying. He chats away to me whilst we wait for the truck, and I tell him about my challenges. He is very understanding!
The truck turns up and I lift my bike over the side by myself (independent women and all that!) and get driven over the bridge and dropped at the other side, insisting that I get out as soon as possible!! I get back on my bike (having missed 2 miles of riding) and head north on B roads towards Kinloss and then Perth. In Inverkeithing (just after the bridge) a kind bike shop lets me use their track pump. I've then got about 30 miles to go, 2 or so hours which will fly by. My legs are tired but they are still going! I zoom past Loch Leven (beautiful) and through Kinross. I've had an overwhelming desire to swim this week every time I see water, be it a river or a lake.
I keep my legs moving and arrive at my B&B at 6.30pm, better than hoped given the horrendous start. I'm now showered, and about to go out for dinner with my friend Mark and his girlfriend Bella.
Today has been really tough. It's not surprising really! It's day 5, my legs are so so tired, it's been raining, and worst of all its been windy. But positives; at least it wasn't a head wind else I don't think I'd have made it!!
Tomorrow I have the luxury of Mark's company up to Inverness. We will be mostly following the A9 or minor roads alongside it. Hopefully the wind drops before morning else it will be a tough day (especially for Mark as I plan to hide behind him all day!! Only kidding...). I'm looking forward to riding North, I'm sure the scenery will be stunning in a bleak kind of way.
A reminder of my charity page (sorry...) www.virginmoneygiving.com thank you!!
And thank you for all texts, Facebook messages and song requests, it does help! Nicky I tried to rap fresh prince of bel air but couldn't remember enough words!!
Today's stats:
Distance; 121.92miles
Ride time; 8hr56
Av speed; 13.6mph (slower again...)
Ascent; 1901m (the most yet I think?)
Today has been mostly about suffering...
I left Ecclefechan at 8am after a good breakfast. My B&B for the night had been lovely. Despite all this exercise I'm sleeping very fitfully though and was awake a few times in the night. I left Ecclefechan with stiff, sore legs (nothing new there then...) in the rain and headed north on the B7076, a small road that follows the M74 northwards. Wind and rain are never a good thing to start with, but add in hills and you are on to a loser! The road seemed unrelenting, and having initially felt ok, my legs were suffering. There was none of the freshness that I'd had on Shap the day before...
At this point I was seriously wondering whether I would be able to finish today, and was aware that I wasn't that far from the Lake District... Maybe Will or Nicky could come and rescue me? It certainly crossed my mind. But I am NOT a quitter!! I am a crier though, so shed a few tears with the pain and frustration of it all. I need to remind myself that I have chosen to do this! No one is making me.
I made it to Abington at 40 miles, hoping for some food. Unfortunately all I found was a corner shop with a hot drinks machine. So I had a hot chocolate; better than nothing!! What I did find though (quite excitingly!) was another cyclist heading north on LEJOG!! David is a lawyer from Canada, riding LEJOG over 2 weeks (with a week off in the middle to work). We had a chat and set off from Abington together. He was heading north via Glasgow, and was much more heavily laden with 2 pannier bags on a hybrid. I waved goodbye after a mile and two but it was nice to chat and see a friendly face.
After Abington the road continued uphill for another few miles and a relentless cross wind picked up, threatening to blow me across in front of traffic. Not a nice experience. I shouted at myself to pull myself together and get riding. I starting singing 'the Wombles' and the Proclaimers (thanks Jo and Dan; they were good!) and before long the hills had ended and I was treated to some beautiful downhill! Well, it wasn't beautiful, it was grey and bleak, but a down is a down right??
I turned off at Douglas and headed north-east, skirting around the edge of Lanark. The roads were nice and the miles rolled by a bit easier. I finally found somewhere to stop and eat; a cafe in Forth. After a quick refuel, I headed on towards Edinburgh and the Forth Road Bridge; my link to the other side! Due to a closed road I had a couple of dodgy miles on some dual carriageway straight through Livingston, but otherwise made my way to the bridge quite easily, through Uphill, Broxburn and Newtown. As I came round a corner the bridges looked into view and looked stunning! I stopped to snap a quick pic then zoomed off to the bridge.
I got there to see traffic cones and flasing lights; bridge closed to high-sides vehicles and motorbikes. Well I'd already decided I'd be using the path given the horrendous cross winds, so headed over to the pedestrian/cycle lane to find the barriers down and signs telling me it was shut. I had a quick look and thought I could just lift my bike over. At this point one of Traffic Scotland's employees sees me so I head over and ask what the deal is. He can't let me cross but rings his colleague to take me over in a pickup truck. The next nearest bridge (my alternative option) would add on at least another 30 miles to an already long day. When he tells me I can't cross, I apologise, then burst into tears. I've been so far over the last few days and am so disappointed. I really don't want to go in a truck. Also, I really like bridges and wanted to ride over this one (I think I would have been an engineer and designed bridges if I wasnt a doctor...). This man is lovely anyway and doesn't make me feel stupid for crying. He chats away to me whilst we wait for the truck, and I tell him about my challenges. He is very understanding!
The truck turns up and I lift my bike over the side by myself (independent women and all that!) and get driven over the bridge and dropped at the other side, insisting that I get out as soon as possible!! I get back on my bike (having missed 2 miles of riding) and head north on B roads towards Kinloss and then Perth. In Inverkeithing (just after the bridge) a kind bike shop lets me use their track pump. I've then got about 30 miles to go, 2 or so hours which will fly by. My legs are tired but they are still going! I zoom past Loch Leven (beautiful) and through Kinross. I've had an overwhelming desire to swim this week every time I see water, be it a river or a lake.
I keep my legs moving and arrive at my B&B at 6.30pm, better than hoped given the horrendous start. I'm now showered, and about to go out for dinner with my friend Mark and his girlfriend Bella.
Today has been really tough. It's not surprising really! It's day 5, my legs are so so tired, it's been raining, and worst of all its been windy. But positives; at least it wasn't a head wind else I don't think I'd have made it!!
Tomorrow I have the luxury of Mark's company up to Inverness. We will be mostly following the A9 or minor roads alongside it. Hopefully the wind drops before morning else it will be a tough day (especially for Mark as I plan to hide behind him all day!! Only kidding...). I'm looking forward to riding North, I'm sure the scenery will be stunning in a bleak kind of way.
A reminder of my charity page (sorry...) www.virginmoneygiving.com thank you!!
And thank you for all texts, Facebook messages and song requests, it does help! Nicky I tried to rap fresh prince of bel air but couldn't remember enough words!!
Today's stats:
Distance; 121.92miles
Ride time; 8hr56
Av speed; 13.6mph (slower again...)
Ascent; 1901m (the most yet I think?)
Friday, 5 June 2015
LEJOG Day 4; Wigan to Ecclefechan
'There is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.'
Today has been another tough one, clocking in at over 127miles. Thankfully I've had company in parts to ease me through!
I left Wigan early, at 7.15am, to try and miss some of the rush hour traffic as I had to head through Wigan and Preston in the first 20 miles. I weaved my way north out of Wigan, up into Ironman UK territory, crossing the bike course twice and even riding along a bit of it for a mile or two. I was glad not to be doing sheephill climb this year though! I kept on the A49 up to Preston then had a dilemma; straight through on the A6 (big and busy road) or around the side on a B road. I opted to go round, and eventually found my way onto the A6 on the North side of the city.
Now one of the problems I am finding is with toilets!! I'm quite happy to pee in a field if there is one, but can't in a city! In Preston I asked in a petrol station but nope, no toilet, try the garden centre back down the road (yep, the one that is closed at 8 in the morning right??). Well anyway, as I wound around Preston, I saw a mechanics that was open and took a chance. The kind young guy let me use the loo, thank you!!
After Preston it was on to the A6 which I then followed for most of the day. My legs felt better today until about mile 30. I had planned to stop for lunch in Kendal (at 65miles) with Mel, my mother-in-law, so pushed on, to my legs detriment and felt terrible by the time I got there. Between Carnforth and Kendal again there are two options; either the A6 or the A6070. I remember when plotting on my garmin that one of these is much hillier than the other. I couldn't remember which, so took the A6070 as I'd highlighted it on the map. It felt hilly!! My legs were sore, and I was now running on empty. I had a little cry as I kept peddling (well stopping to cry wouldn't help!!) and pushed on to Kendal.
By the way; singing; I sang sound of music for my mum, and tried a bit of prodigy for Jo; that didn't work so well!
In Kendal I stopped for lunch at the morrisons cafe with Mel. An enforced half hour break given the slow service, but my legs needed it! I ate parts of a big breakfast, but couldn't stomach much. I knew I needed calories though as I still had a way to go before my bed.
After Kendal there is a big climb up and over Shap summit. I wasn't looking forward to this, aware of how bad my legs were feeling. Actually though, I surprised myself and made it from Kendal to Hackthorpe (21 miles) in an hour and a half, way quicker than expected!! Mel cheered me on from the lay-bys, thank you!! I had been dreading the Shap climb all morning, but I guess my mind made it more of a monster than it really was.
I don't normally ride with music on, but had decided that perhaps a tune would help me. I put 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perry on and set it to play out loud, shoving my phone into my snack pouch (I don't ride with headphones, don't worry!!). My beautiful, talented bridesmaid Jules sang this at our wedding last year, and this enabled my mind to float off to a happier place whilst my legs kept spinning. I thought about Jules singing in the church whilst we signed the register, and of all our wonderful friends and family, about what a perfect day we had, and how happy I am being married to Tom! Maybe this is why Shap seemed so good!
Did you know today is Kurt Hahn's birthday?? Well I didn't either!! In Hackthorpe I was meeting my father-in-law, Will, at work (Outward Bound). Will had nipped out to get his bag, but I was greeted by his welcoming colleagues; a room full of people and cake!! Thankfully they were eating cake to celebrate Kurt Hahn's birthday rather than my arrival, but were all very nice. It's nice to put faces to names. I just hope they didn't mind me sat on the floor eating and stinking!!
From Hackthorpe Will joined me, along with Isobel (another OB worker), and we rode together to the north side of Carlisle. Company was appreciated! Will's colleagues told me I better make him work hard, but he did very well, especially on fat MTB tyres. Also (as Isobel reminded me) at least Will was out on his bike!
North of Carlisle (after a quick wave and toilet stop with Nicky, Will's partner) and I was back on my way, solo again. It was a shame to say bye.
I followed a minor road and then the B7076 up into Scotland. My legs felt surprisingly good to say I was at 110miles. It didn't last. After Gretna I was really beginning to flag. I shouted encouragement at myself, and got moving, arriving into Ecclefechan at 6.30pm.
Since then I've had a bath in a tiny bathtub (I gave up and had a shower, it was too short), inspected my rather sore bottom (the verdict; not good!), and been out to dinner with an old uni friend Emma. It's been great to catch up and the pie was yum.
Now I'm shattered and ready for bed. I feel really lucky to have such a great husband and amazing in-laws! (Mum and Dad don't worry, you've got good excuses, you are both out of the country!)
Tomorrow my little notebook tells me I have 122 miles of hilly suffering. I will be heading up the B7076 before heading across to Lanark, then to Edinburgh, then up north to Perth. It certainly isn't getting any easier!!
Today's stats:
Distance; 127.06miles
Ride time; 8hr51mins
Ascent; 1583m
Av speed; 14.3mph (slowing down)
Keep the messages of support going, I really do appreciate them when I'm struggling along!
And a reminder of my charity page as I'm raising money for Orchid, a male cancer charity; www.virginmoneygiving.com/nikkisommers thank you!!
Today has been another tough one, clocking in at over 127miles. Thankfully I've had company in parts to ease me through!
I left Wigan early, at 7.15am, to try and miss some of the rush hour traffic as I had to head through Wigan and Preston in the first 20 miles. I weaved my way north out of Wigan, up into Ironman UK territory, crossing the bike course twice and even riding along a bit of it for a mile or two. I was glad not to be doing sheephill climb this year though! I kept on the A49 up to Preston then had a dilemma; straight through on the A6 (big and busy road) or around the side on a B road. I opted to go round, and eventually found my way onto the A6 on the North side of the city.
Now one of the problems I am finding is with toilets!! I'm quite happy to pee in a field if there is one, but can't in a city! In Preston I asked in a petrol station but nope, no toilet, try the garden centre back down the road (yep, the one that is closed at 8 in the morning right??). Well anyway, as I wound around Preston, I saw a mechanics that was open and took a chance. The kind young guy let me use the loo, thank you!!
After Preston it was on to the A6 which I then followed for most of the day. My legs felt better today until about mile 30. I had planned to stop for lunch in Kendal (at 65miles) with Mel, my mother-in-law, so pushed on, to my legs detriment and felt terrible by the time I got there. Between Carnforth and Kendal again there are two options; either the A6 or the A6070. I remember when plotting on my garmin that one of these is much hillier than the other. I couldn't remember which, so took the A6070 as I'd highlighted it on the map. It felt hilly!! My legs were sore, and I was now running on empty. I had a little cry as I kept peddling (well stopping to cry wouldn't help!!) and pushed on to Kendal.
By the way; singing; I sang sound of music for my mum, and tried a bit of prodigy for Jo; that didn't work so well!
In Kendal I stopped for lunch at the morrisons cafe with Mel. An enforced half hour break given the slow service, but my legs needed it! I ate parts of a big breakfast, but couldn't stomach much. I knew I needed calories though as I still had a way to go before my bed.
After Kendal there is a big climb up and over Shap summit. I wasn't looking forward to this, aware of how bad my legs were feeling. Actually though, I surprised myself and made it from Kendal to Hackthorpe (21 miles) in an hour and a half, way quicker than expected!! Mel cheered me on from the lay-bys, thank you!! I had been dreading the Shap climb all morning, but I guess my mind made it more of a monster than it really was.
I don't normally ride with music on, but had decided that perhaps a tune would help me. I put 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perry on and set it to play out loud, shoving my phone into my snack pouch (I don't ride with headphones, don't worry!!). My beautiful, talented bridesmaid Jules sang this at our wedding last year, and this enabled my mind to float off to a happier place whilst my legs kept spinning. I thought about Jules singing in the church whilst we signed the register, and of all our wonderful friends and family, about what a perfect day we had, and how happy I am being married to Tom! Maybe this is why Shap seemed so good!
Did you know today is Kurt Hahn's birthday?? Well I didn't either!! In Hackthorpe I was meeting my father-in-law, Will, at work (Outward Bound). Will had nipped out to get his bag, but I was greeted by his welcoming colleagues; a room full of people and cake!! Thankfully they were eating cake to celebrate Kurt Hahn's birthday rather than my arrival, but were all very nice. It's nice to put faces to names. I just hope they didn't mind me sat on the floor eating and stinking!!
From Hackthorpe Will joined me, along with Isobel (another OB worker), and we rode together to the north side of Carlisle. Company was appreciated! Will's colleagues told me I better make him work hard, but he did very well, especially on fat MTB tyres. Also (as Isobel reminded me) at least Will was out on his bike!
North of Carlisle (after a quick wave and toilet stop with Nicky, Will's partner) and I was back on my way, solo again. It was a shame to say bye.
I followed a minor road and then the B7076 up into Scotland. My legs felt surprisingly good to say I was at 110miles. It didn't last. After Gretna I was really beginning to flag. I shouted encouragement at myself, and got moving, arriving into Ecclefechan at 6.30pm.
Since then I've had a bath in a tiny bathtub (I gave up and had a shower, it was too short), inspected my rather sore bottom (the verdict; not good!), and been out to dinner with an old uni friend Emma. It's been great to catch up and the pie was yum.
Now I'm shattered and ready for bed. I feel really lucky to have such a great husband and amazing in-laws! (Mum and Dad don't worry, you've got good excuses, you are both out of the country!)
Tomorrow my little notebook tells me I have 122 miles of hilly suffering. I will be heading up the B7076 before heading across to Lanark, then to Edinburgh, then up north to Perth. It certainly isn't getting any easier!!
Today's stats:
Distance; 127.06miles
Ride time; 8hr51mins
Ascent; 1583m
Av speed; 14.3mph (slowing down)
Keep the messages of support going, I really do appreciate them when I'm struggling along!
And a reminder of my charity page as I'm raising money for Orchid, a male cancer charity; www.virginmoneygiving.com/nikkisommers thank you!!
Thursday, 4 June 2015
LEJOG Day 3; Ledbury to Wigan
Well, it's been another tough day on the bike for me. I didn't feel particularly at ease where I was staying last night and was eager to get on my way. I left Ledbury just before 8 in the morning. My tired legs were greeted by hills, just what I wanted!! I had known this was coming though; it's the bit on the map where it says 'Shropshire hills' that gave it away!
The first 2 hours of riding were tough. My legs just wouldn't seem to get going and I was having to push to do 15mph rather than the previous cruising. I stopped for a second breakfast in Ludlow. If nothing else, my legs needed a rest anyway, despite having only done 30 miles. I'd woken up with a right-sided headache which if anything was getting worse. This is how my migraines tend to start. I have migraine tablets (triptans) which are great, but do give me really bad myalgia (muscle pains). On a normal day I can put up with the pain for the hour or two that it lasts as it beats spending all day with a migraine. But when I'm exercising it's a tough call. With already sore legs, I wasn't sure I could take more pain... But my headache was not getting better and i didn't think I could face 8 more hours on the bike with a migraine so I took a tablet. Within an hour head was perfect although legs were bloody sore!!
I struggled through and over the hills, up to Church Stretton, then was treated to 10 fast, flat or downhill miles into Shrewsbury (now at 60milss). My legs were easing so I kept going, and stopped for lunch just below Whitchurch at 80miles in a nice garden centre.
I spent most of the day on the A49, which on a whole is good and not too busy. Although I did have one near miss when a lorry ran me off the road, I like to think I'm a considerate rider and will pull over/slow down and wave lorries past. I was not impressed!
The A49 is mostly surrounded by lovely countryside. I was quite impressed with a field full of cows with a young calf hiding in the buttercups! After Whitchurch things became more industrial as I flew over motorways (M56, M62, M6) and weaved through rush hour traffic in Warrington. From Warrington I turned the maps function on on my garmin (Edge 500) but I find it so frustrating to use! Fortunately I only went wrong once and made it to my room for the night just after 6pm; above a pub in a rough area of Wigan... I'm glad of the peace and quiet this evening though, compared with being interrogated (sorry, I mean politely questioned) by the lady whose house I stayed in last night whilst I tried to eat my dinner.
Today was hard, it's been really tough. Certainly until 60miles in I felt quite lonely, and in a lot of pain. Thankfully my legs did ease, but also I had a couple of texts that cheered me up; encouragement from my friend Mel, and then a text to say that my friend Mark could join me to bike from Perth to Inverness on Sunday!! Obviously he picked the shortest day at only 115 miles, but I can't wait to ride together! Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the solitude, really, I am! But it is hard when your legs hurt to keep spinning (and it's only day 3).
My solution today was to start singing, but I forget words so it was mostly just choruses; think spice girls, Frozen, B*witched, ABBA, the Beatles etc. what I should have done is printed out song lyrics to put in my map case instead (I mean who needs maps anyway, I've got a Garmin with maps right???).
Tomorrow I'm in for a treat. Firstly the bad kind of treat with what is supposedly one of the worst bits of LEJOG; the long hard slog uphill from Kendal to Shap. But after Shap I do get a long downhill, and will be stopping at Hackthorpe to change a few clothes, eat a bit of food and pick up my father-in-law from his work as he plans to ride with me up to Carlisle. I'll then continue up to Ecclefechan where I'll spend the night in another B&B. This time there are no cooking facilities so I also get my first dinner out, and will be meeting an old uni friend for food in the local pub. A day of company tomorrow which I'm looking forward it!
Felix is doing well and has found a new role in my life as a clothes horse! I've washed all my cycle stuff in the machine so it smells lovely and is hanging up to dry draped over Felix.
If anyone wants to send me texts/Facebook messages of encouragement (or abuse as long as it makes me smile) whilst I'm riding that would be appreciated as the mileage is taking it's toll on my legs, but positive thoughts do help!! Also, song requests are welcome! I promise to sing your song at a loud volume as I head north on the A6 (if I know it...).
And one more thing to finish with; check your balls! Since I'm raising money for Orchid, a male cancer charity hehehe. My jersey says 'ride with balls', but I wish it also said that!
Www.virginmoneygiving.com/nikkisommers
Today's stats come in at:
Distance; 127.66miles (just beating day 1 to become the longest day yet)
Ride time; 8hrs 34mins
Av speed; 14.9mph (also the slowest day yet...)
Ascent; 1339m
As I said before, will all be uploaded to Strava when I get home...
The first 2 hours of riding were tough. My legs just wouldn't seem to get going and I was having to push to do 15mph rather than the previous cruising. I stopped for a second breakfast in Ludlow. If nothing else, my legs needed a rest anyway, despite having only done 30 miles. I'd woken up with a right-sided headache which if anything was getting worse. This is how my migraines tend to start. I have migraine tablets (triptans) which are great, but do give me really bad myalgia (muscle pains). On a normal day I can put up with the pain for the hour or two that it lasts as it beats spending all day with a migraine. But when I'm exercising it's a tough call. With already sore legs, I wasn't sure I could take more pain... But my headache was not getting better and i didn't think I could face 8 more hours on the bike with a migraine so I took a tablet. Within an hour head was perfect although legs were bloody sore!!
I struggled through and over the hills, up to Church Stretton, then was treated to 10 fast, flat or downhill miles into Shrewsbury (now at 60milss). My legs were easing so I kept going, and stopped for lunch just below Whitchurch at 80miles in a nice garden centre.
I spent most of the day on the A49, which on a whole is good and not too busy. Although I did have one near miss when a lorry ran me off the road, I like to think I'm a considerate rider and will pull over/slow down and wave lorries past. I was not impressed!
The A49 is mostly surrounded by lovely countryside. I was quite impressed with a field full of cows with a young calf hiding in the buttercups! After Whitchurch things became more industrial as I flew over motorways (M56, M62, M6) and weaved through rush hour traffic in Warrington. From Warrington I turned the maps function on on my garmin (Edge 500) but I find it so frustrating to use! Fortunately I only went wrong once and made it to my room for the night just after 6pm; above a pub in a rough area of Wigan... I'm glad of the peace and quiet this evening though, compared with being interrogated (sorry, I mean politely questioned) by the lady whose house I stayed in last night whilst I tried to eat my dinner.
Today was hard, it's been really tough. Certainly until 60miles in I felt quite lonely, and in a lot of pain. Thankfully my legs did ease, but also I had a couple of texts that cheered me up; encouragement from my friend Mel, and then a text to say that my friend Mark could join me to bike from Perth to Inverness on Sunday!! Obviously he picked the shortest day at only 115 miles, but I can't wait to ride together! Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the solitude, really, I am! But it is hard when your legs hurt to keep spinning (and it's only day 3).
My solution today was to start singing, but I forget words so it was mostly just choruses; think spice girls, Frozen, B*witched, ABBA, the Beatles etc. what I should have done is printed out song lyrics to put in my map case instead (I mean who needs maps anyway, I've got a Garmin with maps right???).
Tomorrow I'm in for a treat. Firstly the bad kind of treat with what is supposedly one of the worst bits of LEJOG; the long hard slog uphill from Kendal to Shap. But after Shap I do get a long downhill, and will be stopping at Hackthorpe to change a few clothes, eat a bit of food and pick up my father-in-law from his work as he plans to ride with me up to Carlisle. I'll then continue up to Ecclefechan where I'll spend the night in another B&B. This time there are no cooking facilities so I also get my first dinner out, and will be meeting an old uni friend for food in the local pub. A day of company tomorrow which I'm looking forward it!
Felix is doing well and has found a new role in my life as a clothes horse! I've washed all my cycle stuff in the machine so it smells lovely and is hanging up to dry draped over Felix.
If anyone wants to send me texts/Facebook messages of encouragement (or abuse as long as it makes me smile) whilst I'm riding that would be appreciated as the mileage is taking it's toll on my legs, but positive thoughts do help!! Also, song requests are welcome! I promise to sing your song at a loud volume as I head north on the A6 (if I know it...).
And one more thing to finish with; check your balls! Since I'm raising money for Orchid, a male cancer charity hehehe. My jersey says 'ride with balls', but I wish it also said that!
Www.virginmoneygiving.com/nikkisommers
Today's stats come in at:
Distance; 127.66miles (just beating day 1 to become the longest day yet)
Ride time; 8hrs 34mins
Av speed; 14.9mph (also the slowest day yet...)
Ascent; 1339m
As I said before, will all be uploaded to Strava when I get home...
Wednesday, 3 June 2015
LEJOG Day 2; Tiverton to Ledbury
Sit down, stop pushing and spin those bloody legs!!!
Well, today has been challenging! What was supposed to be a shorter day (115miles) turned into 124miles, with a detour around Bristol for lunch with an old friend. So not really any shorter than yesterday, or any less hillier either...
Today started with an awesome breakfast at the B&B (Howden House in Tiverton; I would definitely recommend it to anyone passing through!!); porridge with rhubarb, followed by scrambled eggs on toast. Delicious!!! I packed up and was ready to ride by 8am. I headed out of Tiverton towards the M5 before joining the A38, which I spent most of today on. The A38 is great, nice and wide, and mostly single-carriageway. You can tell it used to be the main trunk road before the M5 was built, and is wide enough for a cycle lane along large parts of it.
My legs felt tired when I got on my bike, I could tell they had been working hard yesterday. I got moving, they loosened up and for the first 30 or so miles through Taunton and Bridgewater they felt quite good. But this didn't last all day.
From miles 50 to 60 I hurt. The road wound its way around the edge of the Mendip hills; despite going around the edge this obviously involved hills... I spun my legs as much as possible and dragged my sorry ass along, thinking about how terrible the next few days would be. I wanted to stop on the grass and cry; was this really what I wanted to do?? Fortunately food and cola kicked in, and my legs seemed to ease ( that and a nice downhill into Bristol which helped). After racing into Bristol, I headed west across the bottom of it to meet an old friend, Ross, for lunch. It was nice to stop and sit in the sun and catch up (it had been a while; 4, 5 years??). It was also nice to use his foam roller!!! It was the first thing I spotted when I walked inside, then proceeded to lie on the floor and use whilst making funny noises. A lunch of couscous and salad, washed down with tea, then it was time to get moving again.
Ross accompanied me to the cycle path over the river Avon (next to the M5) to save me getting completed lost, then my Garmin helped me find my way back onto the A38. Mostly I just use it to record my rides, preferring the old fashioned paper map, but it certainly has its uses in cities and I was glad I'd programmed my route in for that bit. Once back on the A38 things seemed to fall back into place nicely. My legs felt great and I was able to increase the pace a bit. I'd been told to expect hills, but they never appeared. The miles rolled by nicely until I reached Gloucester at approx 100-110 miles. I then turned off onto the A417, sad to leave the A38 with its wide carriageways and cycle lane. As seems to be the norm, the A417 was hilly, just at the end of the day when tired.
Anyone who rides with me will know I am crap at spinning. I have a tendency to push hard and get out of my seat on hills in far too hard a gear ( you don't get thighs this big by spinning!! I think though I'd rather spin properly and have smaller thighs...). This trip for me is supposed to be about learning to spin, taking it steady and not pushing up hills. Easier said than done when your legs are feeling tired and heavy. I'm trying though, but occasionally need to shout at myself to remind me.
After a final slog from Gloucester to Ledbury I found my room for the night (in someone's home, booked via AirBnB) then ventured out to get some food from Tescos to cook. Milkshake and some cold meat (protein right...) which I stopped to eat on a bench in a beautiful garden outside Ledbury Baptist Church, then a ready meal and some fruit. Frankly I just feel sick after it! Tomorrow the place I'm staying has a full kitchen I can use rather than just using a microwave so I'm looking forward to eating something a bit more fresh and healthy.
I'm tired now, but satisfied. Today ended better than I had hoped during those middle miles. My legs are sore and they won't get any better now until after I've finished and rested. It did cross my mind that I could try and get a sports massage in Wigan tomorrow night but logistics mean no! My back is also sore, but I've got some ibuprofen gel (thanks for the great idea Jo otherwise I'd have left it at home!) and a few stretches should help. Time for more fluid and then an early night.
Tomorrow I'm heading up to Wigan via Leominster, then up at A49. It should be fine until Warrington, then I suspect things will get a bit sketchy as there are a lot of big roads in a small space; I suspect I'll be turning my garmin map function back on then...
As I keep saying, I'm raising money for Orchid (I'm sorry if it gets repetitive, but it's such a good cause, close to my own heart). Please, if you have any money to spare, think about how lucky you are not to have to get up tomorrow and cycle another 125 miles (or else how foolish I am) and sponsor me at www.virginmoneygiving.com/nikkisommers thank you!
The stats:
Distance; 124miles
Ascent; 1580m
Av speed; 15.5 mph
Ride time; 7hr59mins
Well, today has been challenging! What was supposed to be a shorter day (115miles) turned into 124miles, with a detour around Bristol for lunch with an old friend. So not really any shorter than yesterday, or any less hillier either...
Today started with an awesome breakfast at the B&B (Howden House in Tiverton; I would definitely recommend it to anyone passing through!!); porridge with rhubarb, followed by scrambled eggs on toast. Delicious!!! I packed up and was ready to ride by 8am. I headed out of Tiverton towards the M5 before joining the A38, which I spent most of today on. The A38 is great, nice and wide, and mostly single-carriageway. You can tell it used to be the main trunk road before the M5 was built, and is wide enough for a cycle lane along large parts of it.
My legs felt tired when I got on my bike, I could tell they had been working hard yesterday. I got moving, they loosened up and for the first 30 or so miles through Taunton and Bridgewater they felt quite good. But this didn't last all day.
From miles 50 to 60 I hurt. The road wound its way around the edge of the Mendip hills; despite going around the edge this obviously involved hills... I spun my legs as much as possible and dragged my sorry ass along, thinking about how terrible the next few days would be. I wanted to stop on the grass and cry; was this really what I wanted to do?? Fortunately food and cola kicked in, and my legs seemed to ease ( that and a nice downhill into Bristol which helped). After racing into Bristol, I headed west across the bottom of it to meet an old friend, Ross, for lunch. It was nice to stop and sit in the sun and catch up (it had been a while; 4, 5 years??). It was also nice to use his foam roller!!! It was the first thing I spotted when I walked inside, then proceeded to lie on the floor and use whilst making funny noises. A lunch of couscous and salad, washed down with tea, then it was time to get moving again.
Ross accompanied me to the cycle path over the river Avon (next to the M5) to save me getting completed lost, then my Garmin helped me find my way back onto the A38. Mostly I just use it to record my rides, preferring the old fashioned paper map, but it certainly has its uses in cities and I was glad I'd programmed my route in for that bit. Once back on the A38 things seemed to fall back into place nicely. My legs felt great and I was able to increase the pace a bit. I'd been told to expect hills, but they never appeared. The miles rolled by nicely until I reached Gloucester at approx 100-110 miles. I then turned off onto the A417, sad to leave the A38 with its wide carriageways and cycle lane. As seems to be the norm, the A417 was hilly, just at the end of the day when tired.
Anyone who rides with me will know I am crap at spinning. I have a tendency to push hard and get out of my seat on hills in far too hard a gear ( you don't get thighs this big by spinning!! I think though I'd rather spin properly and have smaller thighs...). This trip for me is supposed to be about learning to spin, taking it steady and not pushing up hills. Easier said than done when your legs are feeling tired and heavy. I'm trying though, but occasionally need to shout at myself to remind me.
After a final slog from Gloucester to Ledbury I found my room for the night (in someone's home, booked via AirBnB) then ventured out to get some food from Tescos to cook. Milkshake and some cold meat (protein right...) which I stopped to eat on a bench in a beautiful garden outside Ledbury Baptist Church, then a ready meal and some fruit. Frankly I just feel sick after it! Tomorrow the place I'm staying has a full kitchen I can use rather than just using a microwave so I'm looking forward to eating something a bit more fresh and healthy.
I'm tired now, but satisfied. Today ended better than I had hoped during those middle miles. My legs are sore and they won't get any better now until after I've finished and rested. It did cross my mind that I could try and get a sports massage in Wigan tomorrow night but logistics mean no! My back is also sore, but I've got some ibuprofen gel (thanks for the great idea Jo otherwise I'd have left it at home!) and a few stretches should help. Time for more fluid and then an early night.
Tomorrow I'm heading up to Wigan via Leominster, then up at A49. It should be fine until Warrington, then I suspect things will get a bit sketchy as there are a lot of big roads in a small space; I suspect I'll be turning my garmin map function back on then...
As I keep saying, I'm raising money for Orchid (I'm sorry if it gets repetitive, but it's such a good cause, close to my own heart). Please, if you have any money to spare, think about how lucky you are not to have to get up tomorrow and cycle another 125 miles (or else how foolish I am) and sponsor me at www.virginmoneygiving.com/nikkisommers thank you!
The stats:
Distance; 124miles
Ascent; 1580m
Av speed; 15.5 mph
Ride time; 7hr59mins
Tuesday, 2 June 2015
LEJOG Day 1; Land's End to Tiverton
Yesterday's train travel went well, and I arrived in Penzance at 17.30 in the evening, having managed a few hours sleep on the train. Thankfully a kind man who was booked in to the seat next to me didn't mind moving seats when he got on when I explained I was post-nights and trying to sleep! Susie, the owner of the hostel I was staying in near Land's End had very sensibly suggested getting a taxi from the station with my bike. What a good idea, especially as i would have been riding in a strong head wind and heavy rain otherwise, phew!!
The hostel was great, and after a large portion (well 2 portions) of lasagne, I sorted my stuff and got an early night, ready for an early start.
Alarm at 05.20, I left the hostel at 6am this morning (well it's unlikely I'd have slept much longer anyway after nights...) and biked the short distance to Land's End. Obligatory photo of bike and self next to sign, then the day began. It was still raining, and still windy, but fortunately there it was a south westerly and it blew me in the right direction all day. It seemed to help when my legs felt tired on a hill and gusted especially hard to help me.
The first 98miles of my journey took me along the A30. Initially this is narrow and winding until Penzance. I'd decided on an early start so that I could get this bit out of the way before morning traffic and was glad of it, only seeing 3 cars in the first 10 miles. After Penzance the A30 becomes dual carriageway and stays like this most of the way to Exeter. For this reason most people avoid it when doing LEJOG, but my schedule meant it was the quickest way to get out of Cornwall and make a headway into my mileage. For the most part it was ok, although there were a few hair raising moments when lorries were just too close!! I mean really, there's two lanes, just pull out ffs!!
After a quick toilet and coffee stop before Bodmin, at 45 miles, I kept riding again until Okehampton ( except for a quick pause to eat lemon curd sandwiches in a layby; yum!!). I turned off the A30 at this point, much to my relief and found a nice cafe for some lunch. 98miles under my belt, and before 1 o'clock too! My early start had paid off! At this point I re-evaluated my route; quite simply I couldn't face any more time on the A30!. Instead I headed north, then East on B roads into Crediton, then up to Tiverton.
Up until Okehampton my legs had been feeling great, and I'd been speeding along at 17mph (with a little bit of help from the wind). After Okehampton I slowed down. Partly I wasn't in a rush as I couldn't arrive at my B&B before 4, but also the hills!!! Between Crediton and Tiverton there are some stinkers!!! Maybe at the start of the day they would have been ok, but after 120 miles, I span my legs slowly up them. Fortunately it had stopped raining at Okehamptom so these last 2 hours were much more enjoyable. I stopped to wee in a field at one point, then the farmer pulled up!! I told him he'd almost caught me in the act, to which he replied 'that's ok, I'm going in the field opposite first; you've got ten minutes'. Made me chuckle anyway...
I was relieved to arrive at my B&B early to find the owner here, so checked in, and cleaned the dirt away. What a warm welcome I've had! My kit is hanging up to dry, I'm rehydrated, well-fed ( on M&s ready meals) and have even managed a G&T ( again M&S, in a can; what a good idea!!)
Now I'm tucked up in bed, looking out over the rolling hills from my window.
Today's stats according to my garmin:
Distance: 127.29 miles
Ride time: 7hr55mins
Ascent: 1738m (not sure how correct this is)
I'll upload to Strava when I get access to a computer, or back to Sheffield if not before. Until then, good night from me! Photos will also follow once I'm not just on my iPhone as I'm not technologically minded enough to be able to update straight onto here.
Oh yes, a reminder that I'm doing this to raise money for Orchid, a male cancer charity. If you want to sponsor me for my suffering you can at www.virginmoneygiving.com/nikkisommers thank you to everyone who has already sponsored me!
The hostel was great, and after a large portion (well 2 portions) of lasagne, I sorted my stuff and got an early night, ready for an early start.
Alarm at 05.20, I left the hostel at 6am this morning (well it's unlikely I'd have slept much longer anyway after nights...) and biked the short distance to Land's End. Obligatory photo of bike and self next to sign, then the day began. It was still raining, and still windy, but fortunately there it was a south westerly and it blew me in the right direction all day. It seemed to help when my legs felt tired on a hill and gusted especially hard to help me.
The first 98miles of my journey took me along the A30. Initially this is narrow and winding until Penzance. I'd decided on an early start so that I could get this bit out of the way before morning traffic and was glad of it, only seeing 3 cars in the first 10 miles. After Penzance the A30 becomes dual carriageway and stays like this most of the way to Exeter. For this reason most people avoid it when doing LEJOG, but my schedule meant it was the quickest way to get out of Cornwall and make a headway into my mileage. For the most part it was ok, although there were a few hair raising moments when lorries were just too close!! I mean really, there's two lanes, just pull out ffs!!
After a quick toilet and coffee stop before Bodmin, at 45 miles, I kept riding again until Okehampton ( except for a quick pause to eat lemon curd sandwiches in a layby; yum!!). I turned off the A30 at this point, much to my relief and found a nice cafe for some lunch. 98miles under my belt, and before 1 o'clock too! My early start had paid off! At this point I re-evaluated my route; quite simply I couldn't face any more time on the A30!. Instead I headed north, then East on B roads into Crediton, then up to Tiverton.
Up until Okehampton my legs had been feeling great, and I'd been speeding along at 17mph (with a little bit of help from the wind). After Okehampton I slowed down. Partly I wasn't in a rush as I couldn't arrive at my B&B before 4, but also the hills!!! Between Crediton and Tiverton there are some stinkers!!! Maybe at the start of the day they would have been ok, but after 120 miles, I span my legs slowly up them. Fortunately it had stopped raining at Okehamptom so these last 2 hours were much more enjoyable. I stopped to wee in a field at one point, then the farmer pulled up!! I told him he'd almost caught me in the act, to which he replied 'that's ok, I'm going in the field opposite first; you've got ten minutes'. Made me chuckle anyway...
I was relieved to arrive at my B&B early to find the owner here, so checked in, and cleaned the dirt away. What a warm welcome I've had! My kit is hanging up to dry, I'm rehydrated, well-fed ( on M&s ready meals) and have even managed a G&T ( again M&S, in a can; what a good idea!!)
Now I'm tucked up in bed, looking out over the rolling hills from my window.
Today's stats according to my garmin:
Distance: 127.29 miles
Ride time: 7hr55mins
Ascent: 1738m (not sure how correct this is)
I'll upload to Strava when I get access to a computer, or back to Sheffield if not before. Until then, good night from me! Photos will also follow once I'm not just on my iPhone as I'm not technologically minded enough to be able to update straight onto here.
Oh yes, a reminder that I'm doing this to raise money for Orchid, a male cancer charity. If you want to sponsor me for my suffering you can at www.virginmoneygiving.com/nikkisommers thank you to everyone who has already sponsored me!
Monday, 1 June 2015
Suffering Part 4; LEJOG
Today heralds the start of my next adventure! Having just finished a weekend of nights (and I mean JUST), I'm now sat waiting at the train station in Sheffield, ready to travel down to Penzance (and then on to Land's End). I feel exhausted and a little sick, but suspect this is due to hunger and tiredness so am munching through a cheese toastie as I write.
Over the next seven days I will then be cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats; by myself, unsupported. I've wanted to cycle LEJOG for a few years now, and when I started planning my year of suffering this seemed like the perfect opportunity! Unfortunately none of my friends are stupid enough to join me, and my husband has less annual leave than me so has to go to work instead (that makes a change; it's normally me working whilst he's off having a jolly!). He also hates biking despite suggesting last night that he wanted to join me! He just doesn't want to have to fend for himself for a week!
Anyway... weeks of planning have gone into my trip, and it's finally here! B&Bs are booked along the way, food parcels sent to each place, maps planned both on paper & GPS, and my bike Felix has been serviced. I'm feeling nervous, but ready. I couldn't have better prepared.
I'm worried about the long miles, averaging 125 miles a day. I'll looking forward to the time alone on the road though, a chance to reflect on life. 'Reflection' is a key word in medicine, so when Tom asked me yesterday if I was going to be reflective enough it took me a minute to realise he meant Hi-Vis!
Due to lack of annual leave (well not lack, so much as wanting to also have 2 weeks in the Alps in July, and already having had 2.5weeks in Kenya and 1 week skiing over the last 12 months; I live for my holidays!) I'm on a tight schedule, with only 7 days of riding time. Having finished night shift today, I'm travelling down on the train today and start riding tomorrow. I have a gruelling day tomorrow, with 140miles of biking and 10,000ft of ascent to content with before I arrive at my first stop. After day 1 my mileage drops a bit thankfully, averaging 120-125miles a day, except for the last day when I will ride 125miles to John O Groats, then have 15 miles back to Wick before catching the train home the next morning.
Felix has spent the night in the doctor's office on HDU, and is now raring to go!! I'm riding with just a handle-bar bag, so am quite restricted in what I can carry; keep it simple/fast-and-lite! Thankfully the lady I am staying with tonight has kindly agreed to post a few things home, so I do have a few comforts for the train ride down. On my return train ride I won't be so lucky, and will be stinking after 7 days of riding... I pity anyone with a seat next to me.
A brief overview of what my journey will entail:
Day 0 (today); trains down to Penzance, then a taxi to Land's End (I would have biked but being post-nights seems like a good excuse!!)
Day 1; bike Land's End to Tiverton
Day 2; bike Tiverton to Ledbury
Day 3; bike Ledbury to Wigan
Day 4; bike Wigan to Ecclefechan
Day 5; bike Ecclefechan to Perth
Day 6; bike Perth to Inverness
Day 7; bike Inverness to John O Groats (then back to Wick)
Day 8; trains back to Sheffield.
The negative of a tight schedule means sticking to bigger roads. The A30 in Cornwall is notorious for cyclists being knocked off (I hope my Mum reads this AFTER I've arrived in Tiverton...); and it's actually the first single carriageway bit which is the worst. I've been feeling quite morbid, and worrying about being knocked off and killed. It's ok, I have life insurance, and Tom knows what funeral plans I want (no black clothes, lots of gin). In the outdoor world it's not uncommon to know someone who has died in an accident. I think talking about dying is a bit of a taboo in our society. I'm glad I know what I want, and that Tom knows too. But positive thinking, I will be very visible and starting early to avoid the worst of the traffic on the A30.
As I keep mentioning (sorry!), I'm raising money for Orchid, a male cancer charity; my jersey says 'Ride with Balls' on the back. Maybe it should say 'Ride with or without balls!' though! You can sponsor my suffering at here at virginmoneygiving and any messages of support/ encouragement/ abuse would be appreciated (well not the abuse, but it might make me smile!).
Over the next seven days I will then be cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats; by myself, unsupported. I've wanted to cycle LEJOG for a few years now, and when I started planning my year of suffering this seemed like the perfect opportunity! Unfortunately none of my friends are stupid enough to join me, and my husband has less annual leave than me so has to go to work instead (that makes a change; it's normally me working whilst he's off having a jolly!). He also hates biking despite suggesting last night that he wanted to join me! He just doesn't want to have to fend for himself for a week!
Anyway... weeks of planning have gone into my trip, and it's finally here! B&Bs are booked along the way, food parcels sent to each place, maps planned both on paper & GPS, and my bike Felix has been serviced. I'm feeling nervous, but ready. I couldn't have better prepared.
I'm worried about the long miles, averaging 125 miles a day. I'll looking forward to the time alone on the road though, a chance to reflect on life. 'Reflection' is a key word in medicine, so when Tom asked me yesterday if I was going to be reflective enough it took me a minute to realise he meant Hi-Vis!
Due to lack of annual leave (well not lack, so much as wanting to also have 2 weeks in the Alps in July, and already having had 2.5weeks in Kenya and 1 week skiing over the last 12 months; I live for my holidays!) I'm on a tight schedule, with only 7 days of riding time. Having finished night shift today, I'm travelling down on the train today and start riding tomorrow. I have a gruelling day tomorrow, with 140miles of biking and 10,000ft of ascent to content with before I arrive at my first stop. After day 1 my mileage drops a bit thankfully, averaging 120-125miles a day, except for the last day when I will ride 125miles to John O Groats, then have 15 miles back to Wick before catching the train home the next morning.
Felix has spent the night in the doctor's office on HDU, and is now raring to go!! I'm riding with just a handle-bar bag, so am quite restricted in what I can carry; keep it simple/fast-and-lite! Thankfully the lady I am staying with tonight has kindly agreed to post a few things home, so I do have a few comforts for the train ride down. On my return train ride I won't be so lucky, and will be stinking after 7 days of riding... I pity anyone with a seat next to me.
A brief overview of what my journey will entail:
Day 0 (today); trains down to Penzance, then a taxi to Land's End (I would have biked but being post-nights seems like a good excuse!!)
Day 1; bike Land's End to Tiverton
Day 2; bike Tiverton to Ledbury
Day 3; bike Ledbury to Wigan
Day 4; bike Wigan to Ecclefechan
Day 5; bike Ecclefechan to Perth
Day 6; bike Perth to Inverness
Day 7; bike Inverness to John O Groats (then back to Wick)
Day 8; trains back to Sheffield.
The negative of a tight schedule means sticking to bigger roads. The A30 in Cornwall is notorious for cyclists being knocked off (I hope my Mum reads this AFTER I've arrived in Tiverton...); and it's actually the first single carriageway bit which is the worst. I've been feeling quite morbid, and worrying about being knocked off and killed. It's ok, I have life insurance, and Tom knows what funeral plans I want (no black clothes, lots of gin). In the outdoor world it's not uncommon to know someone who has died in an accident. I think talking about dying is a bit of a taboo in our society. I'm glad I know what I want, and that Tom knows too. But positive thinking, I will be very visible and starting early to avoid the worst of the traffic on the A30.
As I keep mentioning (sorry!), I'm raising money for Orchid, a male cancer charity; my jersey says 'Ride with Balls' on the back. Maybe it should say 'Ride with or without balls!' though! You can sponsor my suffering at here at virginmoneygiving and any messages of support/ encouragement/ abuse would be appreciated (well not the abuse, but it might make me smile!).
 |
| Felix & myself, before starting nightshift. |
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