Wednesday 28 July 2010
Tuesday 27 July 2010
Day 11 Rest day in Inverness - Sense Service visits
I have been waking up every morning at around 5:30 for the last couple of days. I think the body is just getting used to the idea that it will have to do some long distances so doesn't really like hanging around in a warm bed whilst there are miles to clock up.
Wandered down to the Sense offices on Shore Road to meet up with James Finlayson - now there is a guy with energy and dedication. He very kindly took me out to meet the walkers group, which is kept in very good order by Gavin (one of the Sense service users). Now I am a fan of all things organised, and anyone who can keep as good a list as Gavin gets my vote. We wandered along a trail by the banks of the River Ness towards the head of the Caledonian canal - quite breezy but in an invigorating kind of way. Amazing group of people - so friendly and welcomed me along for the walk. Good on you Gavin for organising such a refreshing walk: if ever I am in Inverness again I will try to time it to conincide with another of the walks. Then on to meet Ian at his house near Tore. I like meeting new people and Ian was really good to chat to - anyone who can do a 20 mile sponsored cycle ride for charity is my kind of person for starters. Hope the car picture collection is coming along well - it's going to take you days to glue all your pictures into your scrapbook! Finally back to the office on Shore Road for an interview with the enterprising Daniel, Sense Inverness' roving reporter. He had a whole series of questions ready to ask me about my cycle ride and I have seen the Highlands Newsletter that he produces so am looking forward to my 'moment in the media spotlight'. Hope the photo of me turns out OK - I should have brought Lightning my bike as she is far more photogenic!! I should have asked for a tutorial on how he puts together the newsletter as I could see some real computer and design skills in action today.
Huge thanks to all the Sense staff, particular James, Wendy Galloway, other people at Shore Road and all the support workers who were so welcoming. James was telling me about the many challenges you have all faced in building up the services in Inverness and I was really impressed by how friendly and caring you were. I got a glimpse of the depth of professionalism amongst the Sense staff in action today but there is so more that I haven't had chance to see. The Inverness service has much to be extremely proud of and I hope it goes on from strength to strength (and with such a good team in place I foresee amazing stories coming out of Inverness).
Planning to take in the sights of Inverness this afternoon and then plan my route on to Pitolochry. It's amazing how fast Scotland is whizzing by.
Wandered down to the Sense offices on Shore Road to meet up with James Finlayson - now there is a guy with energy and dedication. He very kindly took me out to meet the walkers group, which is kept in very good order by Gavin (one of the Sense service users). Now I am a fan of all things organised, and anyone who can keep as good a list as Gavin gets my vote. We wandered along a trail by the banks of the River Ness towards the head of the Caledonian canal - quite breezy but in an invigorating kind of way. Amazing group of people - so friendly and welcomed me along for the walk. Good on you Gavin for organising such a refreshing walk: if ever I am in Inverness again I will try to time it to conincide with another of the walks. Then on to meet Ian at his house near Tore. I like meeting new people and Ian was really good to chat to - anyone who can do a 20 mile sponsored cycle ride for charity is my kind of person for starters. Hope the car picture collection is coming along well - it's going to take you days to glue all your pictures into your scrapbook! Finally back to the office on Shore Road for an interview with the enterprising Daniel, Sense Inverness' roving reporter. He had a whole series of questions ready to ask me about my cycle ride and I have seen the Highlands Newsletter that he produces so am looking forward to my 'moment in the media spotlight'. Hope the photo of me turns out OK - I should have brought Lightning my bike as she is far more photogenic!! I should have asked for a tutorial on how he puts together the newsletter as I could see some real computer and design skills in action today.
Huge thanks to all the Sense staff, particular James, Wendy Galloway, other people at Shore Road and all the support workers who were so welcoming. James was telling me about the many challenges you have all faced in building up the services in Inverness and I was really impressed by how friendly and caring you were. I got a glimpse of the depth of professionalism amongst the Sense staff in action today but there is so more that I haven't had chance to see. The Inverness service has much to be extremely proud of and I hope it goes on from strength to strength (and with such a good team in place I foresee amazing stories coming out of Inverness).
Planning to take in the sights of Inverness this afternoon and then plan my route on to Pitolochry. It's amazing how fast Scotland is whizzing by.
Day 10 Helmsdale to Inverness
Monday 26th and I'm off to Inverness.
Woke up with no bad effects from yesterday's monster long ride. The kindly lady at the Belgrave packed me up a bacon and egg sandwich for my mid-morning break and then I was off. Nice steady pace in the morning and made quite good time. Lovely sunny morning to start with. Stopped for my bacon butty in Golspie and then onwards. There is a particular stretch of road that I remembered from the LEJOG of 3 years ago near Skelbo castle - this time headed uphill but the gradient is kindly and the view is lovely.
Unfortunately the traffic was heavier today being a weekday. The A9 is not the nicest of roads to be cycling along, especially when there isn't a hard shoulder equivalent to be cycling in whereby the lorries behind you can get past without brushing the panniers. Head down and keep the pedals turning.
Today turned out to be quite a tough one as I was feeling quite sick and also had some nasty period pain - decided against taking any painkillers as they can make me a bit woozy which is not what you need when on a bike with cars whizzing past you at 70 miles an hour in places. At one point was singing '10 green bottles' as a means just to keep myself focused. You know it isn't a good sign when you have to stop singing to remember what number comes before 7, and then does 5 come before or after 6... just keep pedalling, just keep pedalling, just keep pedalling...
Cake break in Tain - chance to read a newspaper and catch up on what has been happening in the world. Crossed the Cromarty Road bridge and then a long uphil slog on the Black Isle. Into Tore before the hellish A9 road into Inverness. Luckily there is a cycle/pedestrian path behind a barrier on both sides of the Moray Firth bridge - quite breezy up there so it was good to know I would only wobble into a barrier rather than an truck!
Into Inverness (rather feeble hurrah at this point). Found my way through to the Tourist information centre, where a very patient young man attempted to find me somewhere to stay for the night. There were no single rooms, or even reasonable double rooms available from his list. His advice was to go and try some of the B&Bs in the area as not all of them would on the Tourist centre list. Luckily the seond place I tried had a room (ah its better to be born lucky than rich) and I didn't really care how much it cost so long as I could get myself a bed and somewhere to park up Lightning. After a restorative biscuit and cup of tea I deposited a large bag of very smelly, damp, sweaty clothes with the landlady for washing. I think my clothes bag rucksack liner must have got a leak as everything was a bit damp. Headed into town for dinner and to update the blog. Came home in time to watch Panorama, an interesting muse on how we look after elderly people. Must remember to check how much my pension payments are...
Sleep. Oh yeah, that's the ticket.
Woke up with no bad effects from yesterday's monster long ride. The kindly lady at the Belgrave packed me up a bacon and egg sandwich for my mid-morning break and then I was off. Nice steady pace in the morning and made quite good time. Lovely sunny morning to start with. Stopped for my bacon butty in Golspie and then onwards. There is a particular stretch of road that I remembered from the LEJOG of 3 years ago near Skelbo castle - this time headed uphill but the gradient is kindly and the view is lovely.
Unfortunately the traffic was heavier today being a weekday. The A9 is not the nicest of roads to be cycling along, especially when there isn't a hard shoulder equivalent to be cycling in whereby the lorries behind you can get past without brushing the panniers. Head down and keep the pedals turning.
Today turned out to be quite a tough one as I was feeling quite sick and also had some nasty period pain - decided against taking any painkillers as they can make me a bit woozy which is not what you need when on a bike with cars whizzing past you at 70 miles an hour in places. At one point was singing '10 green bottles' as a means just to keep myself focused. You know it isn't a good sign when you have to stop singing to remember what number comes before 7, and then does 5 come before or after 6... just keep pedalling, just keep pedalling, just keep pedalling...
Cake break in Tain - chance to read a newspaper and catch up on what has been happening in the world. Crossed the Cromarty Road bridge and then a long uphil slog on the Black Isle. Into Tore before the hellish A9 road into Inverness. Luckily there is a cycle/pedestrian path behind a barrier on both sides of the Moray Firth bridge - quite breezy up there so it was good to know I would only wobble into a barrier rather than an truck!
Into Inverness (rather feeble hurrah at this point). Found my way through to the Tourist information centre, where a very patient young man attempted to find me somewhere to stay for the night. There were no single rooms, or even reasonable double rooms available from his list. His advice was to go and try some of the B&Bs in the area as not all of them would on the Tourist centre list. Luckily the seond place I tried had a room (ah its better to be born lucky than rich) and I didn't really care how much it cost so long as I could get myself a bed and somewhere to park up Lightning. After a restorative biscuit and cup of tea I deposited a large bag of very smelly, damp, sweaty clothes with the landlady for washing. I think my clothes bag rucksack liner must have got a leak as everything was a bit damp. Headed into town for dinner and to update the blog. Came home in time to watch Panorama, an interesting muse on how we look after elderly people. Must remember to check how much my pension payments are...
Sleep. Oh yeah, that's the ticket.
Calling all budding tandem cyclists - 3rd August in Peterborough
Hopefully I will be joined on the route near Peterborough by Graham Hicks (see http://www.justgiving.com/cyclechallengel2p/ for more details on this amazing man) on his tandem bike. However, for Graham to be able to join me he will need to find someone to 'pilot' his tandem (I don't know what the official term is for the person at the front of a tandem). Graham tells me the person doesn't need to have ridden a tandem before but it would help if they are generally fit.
I am due to be cycling into Peterborough on Tuesday 3rd August, so if you would be interested in joining us then please post a comment on this blog page and I will aim to get back to you when I can (internet access best described as 'periodic' so far in Scotland!!!).
I am hoping that the wonderful Helen Gosnell (former LEJOG cycle buddy) will also be joining me in Peterborough, but it sounds like her bike Jet is on the sick list (AGHHHHH NO!!!). Mind you, I saw the time Helen completed a triathlon in so maybe it would be good for me if she was cycling on a slower bike... go go Gosnell. Will give you a buzz soon Helen to catch up and see how plans are coming along.
I am due to be cycling into Peterborough on Tuesday 3rd August, so if you would be interested in joining us then please post a comment on this blog page and I will aim to get back to you when I can (internet access best described as 'periodic' so far in Scotland!!!).
I am hoping that the wonderful Helen Gosnell (former LEJOG cycle buddy) will also be joining me in Peterborough, but it sounds like her bike Jet is on the sick list (AGHHHHH NO!!!). Mind you, I saw the time Helen completed a triathlon in so maybe it would be good for me if she was cycling on a slower bike... go go Gosnell. Will give you a buzz soon Helen to catch up and see how plans are coming along.
Monday 26 July 2010
Day 9 - Helmsdale to John O'Groats, Dunnet Head and back again
Woke up before my alarm could do its stuff at 4:30. Remembered the Father Ted quote from Father Dougal of 'Ted, I've never seen a clock at 5AM before, Ted'. Stumbled downstairs, picked up lightning, loaded up the drinks bottles, rack bag, mileometer and then headed out as the town clock struck 5.
Had been musing the evening before what to pack in my rackbag for a journey of over 100 miles. Chocolate, obviously. Spare inner tubes, pump, first aid kit, waterproofs (was already wearing the dayglow...), maps, phone, is there space for much more?
The first 10 miles out of Helmsdale where tough - it's a real slog up hill, then another, and other, a cruise downhill but then more uphill. Came to a place called the Berridale Braes which I remembered from last time - long cruise downhill, then a steep descent and a sharp corner, suddenly switching to a really steep uphill. Got about 20 yards up the otherside before deciding to walk it, in part because there were traffic lights to contend with. Pushed lightning most of the way up the other side, thinking to myself that I will never make the 120 miles at this rate. However, from there onwards I started to pick up the pace and was flying along at some points. It's amazing how many miles you can cover without really noticing it once you take the panniers off the bike. Eventually into Dunbeath and then on to Latherton. Kept on the coastal road and all of a sudden I was in Wick. I must have been whizzing along just thinking to myself of all the options for how I could get lightning and me back to Helmsdale if I just couldn't go on any further and then was in Wick. Scenery getting very familiar - off the main roads onto the smaller roads up to John O'Groats.
Stopped at Keiss for a sausage roll and to shelter from the rain that was getting persistant. Next thing I knew I was in John O'Groats. They have taken away the sign that welcomes you to the town which I remember from before (BOOOO!!!) and the local authorities obviously didn't listen to my recommendation to take away the hill before you get to John O'Groats (silly place to put a hill....).
Arrived at John O'Groats and there were loads of cyclists milling around, either getting ready to start or just having finished the end-to-end. Funny breed, cyclists. All very serious and intent on ensuring their equipment is in top shape. Saw some genuine End-to-Enders who didn't have a support vehicle and were carrying all their own kit, plus lots of lightweight cyclists who have a nice bus to carry all their kit and provide them with refreshment on the route. Felt a bit bad at not having my own panniers with me today, but I had lugged them all the way to Helmsdale and was going to be heading back to them in the day.
Didn't hang around for long - Lightning wanted her picture in front of the sign (she is the photogenic one out of the two of us) so obliged but then headed off to Dunnet Head. Lots of cyclists seemed to be heading that way. A kindly support team man helped to pump up my tyres with a foot pump -they had got really low and it is tricky to inflate them fully with a hand pump.
Had been musing the evening before what to pack in my rackbag for a journey of over 100 miles. Chocolate, obviously. Spare inner tubes, pump, first aid kit, waterproofs (was already wearing the dayglow...), maps, phone, is there space for much more?
The first 10 miles out of Helmsdale where tough - it's a real slog up hill, then another, and other, a cruise downhill but then more uphill. Came to a place called the Berridale Braes which I remembered from last time - long cruise downhill, then a steep descent and a sharp corner, suddenly switching to a really steep uphill. Got about 20 yards up the otherside before deciding to walk it, in part because there were traffic lights to contend with. Pushed lightning most of the way up the other side, thinking to myself that I will never make the 120 miles at this rate. However, from there onwards I started to pick up the pace and was flying along at some points. It's amazing how many miles you can cover without really noticing it once you take the panniers off the bike. Eventually into Dunbeath and then on to Latherton. Kept on the coastal road and all of a sudden I was in Wick. I must have been whizzing along just thinking to myself of all the options for how I could get lightning and me back to Helmsdale if I just couldn't go on any further and then was in Wick. Scenery getting very familiar - off the main roads onto the smaller roads up to John O'Groats.
Stopped at Keiss for a sausage roll and to shelter from the rain that was getting persistant. Next thing I knew I was in John O'Groats. They have taken away the sign that welcomes you to the town which I remember from before (BOOOO!!!) and the local authorities obviously didn't listen to my recommendation to take away the hill before you get to John O'Groats (silly place to put a hill....).
Arrived at John O'Groats and there were loads of cyclists milling around, either getting ready to start or just having finished the end-to-end. Funny breed, cyclists. All very serious and intent on ensuring their equipment is in top shape. Saw some genuine End-to-Enders who didn't have a support vehicle and were carrying all their own kit, plus lots of lightweight cyclists who have a nice bus to carry all their kit and provide them with refreshment on the route. Felt a bit bad at not having my own panniers with me today, but I had lugged them all the way to Helmsdale and was going to be heading back to them in the day.
Didn't hang around for long - Lightning wanted her picture in front of the sign (she is the photogenic one out of the two of us) so obliged but then headed off to Dunnet Head. Lots of cyclists seemed to be heading that way. A kindly support team man helped to pump up my tyres with a foot pump -they had got really low and it is tricky to inflate them fully with a hand pump.
All South from here!!! Blitzed into Castletown, then took a B road to Wick in doublequick time. Stopped off for lunch at Wick and ran into a whole group of lads who are planning to cycle the JOGLE - good luck to you boys!!!
Just about to run out of time at the Internet cafe - will I reach Helmsdale? Story to be continued.....
Another day, another internet connection. Headed out of Wick and into a huge rainstorm. Was feeling pretty good having made it to John O'Groats and Dunnet Head so a little bit of moisture wasn't going to deflate me. The dayglow came into its own today - visibility down to about 10 metres at some points with lots of standing water on the road and idiot drivers still trying to bomb along at 60 mph!
Soon found myself in Latherton where the main A9 joins up with the road from Wick. Helmsdale now looking a distinct possibility as I was up to about 107 miles. Coasted into Dunbeath and then on to my old favourite the Berriedale Braes. Stuck amongst lots of slow moving traffic at the lights but then they left me behind on the uphill climb (funny that). Stopped for a photo moment or two (but I don't think photos will quite capture the joy of the Braes).
Just 10 more miles to go...gonna make it, gonna make it, on the final descent into Helmsdale (which is a long, lovely coaster of a ride - think I got up to about 35 mph at one point before thinking some brake useage might be a good idea). Pulled up outside the Belgrave Hotel in time for tea and medals - well, in time to take a photo of the mileometer reading 127.7 miles. Oh but that's a bit of a ride for a day, lass.
Headed in for a well deserved shower and three course dinner. Safe to say I scoffed the lot!! Asleep before my head hit the pillow this evening.
Thought for the day - what would be the top 5 bits of advice that I would give someone like John and his group that I met in Wick if they are about to set out on an End-to-End cycle:
1) Day glow is a must - make sure you are either wearing a bright t-shirt, have bright panniers or are wearing a day-glow waterproof as drivers might not see you otherwise. Motorised road users generally are pretty clueless around bicycles so make it a bit easier for them by making yourself easy to spot as far away as possible. No helmet, no cycle as far as I am concerned as well.
2) Don't fight the road as eventually it will always win - sounds daft this, but if you always try and push the pace then you will end up exhausting yourself for no good reason (voice of experience here!). To get an extra 2 miles an hour above your natural pace you could risk burnout. Roads have an ideal pace for you to ride them at (and that will vary from person to person) and if you try to fight against that speed all the time you will only tire yourself out. Rhythm is the key - go at a pace that feels right for you, don't be afraid to get off and walk if you need to. Don't try and fight the bike either - it will carry you along but you need to treat things like gears with a bit of respect as they won't thank you for trying to use them incorrectly. I realised I had been clinging on to the bike for dear life for the first couple of days which wasn't helping my shoulder muscles. Balance to be struck between working hard and staying relaxed - still working on that balance but be aware if you are trying too hard. Plenty of time to test yourself over the course of the ride and no need to be a hero on day 1 or indeed day 2,3,4...
3) Don't wait until you are hungry to eat, and if you wait until you are thirsty to drink then you have left it way too late. Always have food and drink with you on the bike and don't hesitate to stop for a break if you feel you need it.
4) Try and include at least one rest day every 7 days (ok, so I haven't done too well at that but I will be from here onwards) - if it means uping the mileage on two days so you can have a complete rest day then it is worth it.
5) This is a tip I picked up from Michael Palin (not in person but via a magazine article) - always pack your kit into the same place in your bags each day. That way you will be able to put your hand straight on whatever you need without having to search for it and you will also notice much quicker if something is missing. Smart cookie that Palin.
Today's thought for the day was brought to you by Vonsense - talking Vonsense for many a year...
Day 8 Drumnadrochit to Helmsdale
Well I woke up after a good nights sleep to a grand breakfast cooked (or at least served!) by Steve - he even packed up some egg, bacon and black pudding sandwiches for me to take on the road (oh boy, did I need those). Better still he gave me a contribution for my Sense collecting tin - always more than welcome!
Now Steve warned me that the road I planned to take would go up a rather steep hill. Unfortunately I had only gone about 2 miles before the hill kicked in so I wasn't warmed up enough to try it. Got off the bike fairly quickly and started pushing. Was quite a long old hill (or felt it at that time in the morning anyway. When I got to the top it turned into some lovely rolling countryside with heather moorland on either side. Into Beauly where I stopped for a drink/snack break. Saw a guy with the heaviest laden bike ever - tent, sleeping bag, two huge panniers on the rear and two on the front wheel. Turned out he was headed up to Lairg and I wished him good luck (and boy is he going to need it with that load). I whizzed past him on the way out of town (I had given him a sporting 5 minute head start...). Starting to see some more cyclists on the road now.
On to Dingwall and then joined the A9 just after it had crossed the Cromatry Bridge. The A9 is best described as a testing experience to ride on: it's busy, it's noisy and there are quite a few commercial drivers so you need your wits about you.
Over the estuary bridge near Tain (always a joy with a sidewind to ruffle your feathers) and then onto a piece of road that stuck in my memory from the last time I was in this part of the world. There is a lovely downhill stretch near Skelbo castle. Unfortunately this was followed by me nearly being driven off the road by a landrover with trailer - yep, the landrover left me some space but then pulled the trailer right across the road so I nearly got pushed into a ditch. Stopped for a breather and chocolate boost at the bottom of the hill before the turning to Rogart (I remember staying at the Sleeperzz at Rogart station when Helen and I cycled the Land's End to John O'Groats route and things are really starting to look familiar.
Onwards through Golspie, Brora and onwards to Helmsdale. Not sure if Helmsdale has had the cheer on arrival that I gave it (I was feeling ready for a stop by this point). Staying at the Belgrave Hotel which is just off the main road - well, right on the edge of the main road and the traffic is definitely getting up a head of steam when going through town!!
Parked up lightning, tea and biccies, shower and then set the alarm for 4:45 in the morning - tomorrow is going to be a toughie and no mistake. Went to bed and fell asleep thinking of whether I could make the grade tomorrow - dreamt of putting bikes on trains, hitching lifts from passing lorry drivers and other such options...
Now Steve warned me that the road I planned to take would go up a rather steep hill. Unfortunately I had only gone about 2 miles before the hill kicked in so I wasn't warmed up enough to try it. Got off the bike fairly quickly and started pushing. Was quite a long old hill (or felt it at that time in the morning anyway. When I got to the top it turned into some lovely rolling countryside with heather moorland on either side. Into Beauly where I stopped for a drink/snack break. Saw a guy with the heaviest laden bike ever - tent, sleeping bag, two huge panniers on the rear and two on the front wheel. Turned out he was headed up to Lairg and I wished him good luck (and boy is he going to need it with that load). I whizzed past him on the way out of town (I had given him a sporting 5 minute head start...). Starting to see some more cyclists on the road now.
On to Dingwall and then joined the A9 just after it had crossed the Cromatry Bridge. The A9 is best described as a testing experience to ride on: it's busy, it's noisy and there are quite a few commercial drivers so you need your wits about you.
Over the estuary bridge near Tain (always a joy with a sidewind to ruffle your feathers) and then onto a piece of road that stuck in my memory from the last time I was in this part of the world. There is a lovely downhill stretch near Skelbo castle. Unfortunately this was followed by me nearly being driven off the road by a landrover with trailer - yep, the landrover left me some space but then pulled the trailer right across the road so I nearly got pushed into a ditch. Stopped for a breather and chocolate boost at the bottom of the hill before the turning to Rogart (I remember staying at the Sleeperzz at Rogart station when Helen and I cycled the Land's End to John O'Groats route and things are really starting to look familiar.
Onwards through Golspie, Brora and onwards to Helmsdale. Not sure if Helmsdale has had the cheer on arrival that I gave it (I was feeling ready for a stop by this point). Staying at the Belgrave Hotel which is just off the main road - well, right on the edge of the main road and the traffic is definitely getting up a head of steam when going through town!!
Parked up lightning, tea and biccies, shower and then set the alarm for 4:45 in the morning - tomorrow is going to be a toughie and no mistake. Went to bed and fell asleep thinking of whether I could make the grade tomorrow - dreamt of putting bikes on trains, hitching lifts from passing lorry drivers and other such options...
Friday 23 July 2010
Day 7 Ballachulish to Drumnadrochit
Try typing Drumnadrochit or indeed Ballachulish at speed after drinking a rather fine half pint of beer...
Day started out a bit cloudier than yesterday but headed out after a lovely breakfast at the Parkview B&B. Back on our old friend the A82 all the way today. Coasted along nicely to Fort William along the shores of Loch Linnhe, skirted the town and then stopped for a break on a rather fine cycle path overlooking the footslopes of Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis was feeling a little camera shy today so was hiding behind some low cloud (don't be shy Nevis, you look fabulous...). Headed out of Fort William on one of the best cycle routes I have been on in ages - newly laid tarmac so glass smooth, off road...such a shame it ended so quickly (isn't that just the way, they say all good things must come to an end). Cruised into Spean Bridge and then stopped at the Commando's memorial after a bit of a slog uphill (heck, if the Commando's saw this area as their training ground then having to resort to the granny gear to get up a hill seems perfectly valid).
Stopped for scones with cream and extra fruity strawberry jam at the Hotel at Letter Finlay. Oh but it was good. Tempted to just stay on the patio, drinking tea, eating more scones and looking out over Loch Lochy (I reckon they had run out of names by the time they got to naming that one...) Got back on the bike eventually and from this point on it wasn't my finest hour (or hours more to the point). I think I was so keen to get going and also so enjoying the lovely ride along the banks of the lochs that I had racked up another 25 plus miles before I realised it and hadn't stopped for lunch. I was given wise words of advice by a cyclist from the St Albans cycle group which was never to wait until you are hungry to eat when distance cycling, and if you wait until you are thirsty to drink then you have definitely left it too late. I was feeling very tired on the bike by the time I got to Invermoriston, and lunch was not as restorative as it should have been. Felt very hard work on the last 13 miles or so to Drumnadrochit and I devoured the biscuits in my room in double quick time! Am staying at the Benleva Hotel and have kindly been leant the use of a computer to update my blog as my IPhone is struggling with the WiFi. I have had a sneaky peek at their extensive draught beer selection (and indeed have a half pint sitting next to the computer) so tonight is the time for fortitude as cycling with a hangover (and I am lightweight champion of ol' London town when it comes to hangovers) is a very very very bad idea. Do you hear that Von? Put the beer down. Well maybe just this half...
Tomorrow sees the push on to Helmsdale before the big push to Dunnet Head/John O'Groats and back in a day on Sunday (I'm going out and I maybe some time...). Am hoping that the traffic will be less on Sunday (I remember fun with quarry lorries last time I rode that stretch) which is why I timed the route accordingly. Am staying at the same place in Helmsdale for 2 nights which means I will be pannier-less for the long trip. Cheating, you say? About time, I say.
Oh it's time for dinner. One of the best times of the day.
Day 6 Glasgow to Ballachulish
Woke up after a good nights sleep to the sound of...well, the sound of no rain which was fantastic. Had a good breakfast, checked over lightning and then out and on the road.
Today's route was the A82 all the way to Ballachulish. It was a bit hairy scary coming out of Glasgow as it was quite a busy dual-carriageway for a while but hey, head down keep pedalling and eventually you will get to a better road.
Cycled alongside Loch Lomond for a while which was great - nice views and an off-road cycle path (hurrah!) to follow for a while. Stopped for a drink and break at Inveruglas before rocking along nicely to Crialarich. Stopped at the railway station tea house for lunch - saw the train heading towards Fort William and was briefly tempted....
Managed to take a wrong turn coming out of the station carpark which saw me heading off towards the general direction of Crieff: it's a lovely place and I might cycle via there on the way back but it wasn't my route for today. Luckily I only got about half a mile before a helpful distance sign showed me the error of my navigating so I doubled back. Onwards towards Tyndrum where a helpful lady in the Tourist information phoned the B&B I was due to be staying at so I could give them an ETA. Now I told them 5pm, and I probably would have made it but for hitting a nasty stretch of road which ended in my old favourite, a large pothole. Unfortunately there was a bit of a numpty of a car driver next to me who was just cruising along rather than overtaking so I couldn't avoid the pothole. Shook up lightning a bit (never good when you hit a pothole so hard it makes the bell ring on your bike) but I quickly felt a burning pain all along my left shoulder down to my left wrist. Oops. Kept going but it's a tad tricky to ride a bike when you only really have the full use of one arm. Heck, who needs to change gear anyway.
There was some stunning countryside along Rannoch Moor and the kindly road designers made sure the hill climbs were never too steep so as I couldn't manage them in the granny gear (that's the lowest gear to those of you who aren't cyclists!!). The ride through the pass of Glencoe was stunning - a word overused but justly deserved by Glencoe. The weather was clear and warm, the road was pretty good and the freewheel down into Glencoe was a joy.
Rocked up to Ballachulish at about 5:30 (not bad going all considered). My ankle had started throbbing on the way through Glencoe. Have realised that there are very different kinds of pain that you experience whilst cycling long distance but it is never a good idea to ignore it completely. There is the pain where your body is just alerting you that you need to adjust something in some way (may not even be pain so much as some kind of discomfort in a joint or muscle or even just a feeling that something is not 'right') - this is the signal to adjust, even if it is just wiggling about in the saddle until you find a more comfortable position, or checking whether you are using the ball of your foot to drive the pedal correctly. Then there is the pain which you shouldn't ignore but just have to live with - my legs were starting to feel a bit lead-like towards the end of the day but that is to be expected. The pain you don't want is if a muscle has just been strained or a tendon is over-stretched. Not a great deal you can do about it and you just have to keep going. My shoulders now start out they day by shouting at me a bit, especially if I get to stand up on steep hills where the muscle gives an almighty shriek (usually accompanied by me involuntarily yelping as well), then periodically reminding me they are there before going a bit numb/heavy. The legs are not too bad, although they do occasionally remind me that they wouldn't mind a sit down with a slice of cake if you don't mind. All in all I am still in fairly good shape but I need to keep listening for the signals and try to avoid the overload point for muscles and joints.
Had a very good dinner at the pub in Ballachulish before heading off for a hot chocolate, chat to my very good friend Daxa, and then SLEEP!!!
Thursday 22 July 2010
Day 5 - TouchBase, Glasgow
TouchBase staff
CEO Gillian Morbey
Sculpture created by one of the adults Sense Scotland supports
Wednesday 21 July 2010
Day 5 - Cairnryan to Glasgow
What a day - it was amazing how I could go from a real low point to one of the best high points in a day!
Started out with an amazing breakfast - Paul at Rhins is a man of many talents. I like his taste in furnishings (I will have to come back to see the big room when it is finished as I am liking the way it is starting out), the man can cook a mean breakfast and he even made me a bacon toastie for the road. Hope the dog gets better soon, Paul (rescue dog that has had a recent op for a slipped disk).
On from Cairnryan along the coastal road. Now I had thought I might have some fun and games with the HGV lorries that came off the ferry, but I have to say they were extremely considerate drivers in the main - the more risky drivers were the LGV/White van man types and car drivers.
Was hoping to push the speed a bit today as I wanted to get to TouchBase in Glasgow (Sense Scotland's head office and so much more...more later) as early as possible. I had wanted throughout this trip to meet up with as many service users and Sense people as possible so I was really trying to push on with the miles today. It was for sure a case of 'fighting for every mile' today, and at times I was whizzing along at an average of about 16MPH. Unfortunately there were a few hills on the route which slowed things down, but I was looking to make good time. Travelled along the coastal road which I am sure is stunning but it started to rain fairly early on in the day...out with the dayglow kit!! Unfortunately it was also quite a muggy day so I am not sure whether I was as wet inside the layers of waterproofs from sweating as the outside was from the rain. Pushed on to Maybole on the A77 - had started out nice enough but the traffic got heavier and faster (possibly to match the rain?). Not much fun and I did start quiet swearing which got louder and louder everytime I got caught in the swoosh of a vehicle whizzing past me. It was my delight to find the turning for the A197 which was a much quieter road. Having negotiated the roundabout to join the A197 I was just saying to myself how lovely and quiet it was when a jet plane roared noisely overhead on its final landing stages for Prestwick Airport. Not often I duck on the bike...
Headed along to Galston and then through Moscow (no, my navigating isn't that bad, there is a Moscow on the way to Glasgow. On joining the A77 which runs alongside the M77 I was delighted to find a designated lane for cyclists. This soon became a real necessity as it started to rain so hard I could barely see where I was going, and the spray from vehicles on the other side of the concrete barrier looked nasty!!
Into the outskirts of Glasgow and trying to keep the spirits up from the downpour by singing a medely of Proclaimers songs. Tough going especially when the brilliant cycle way became the usual kind of cycleway blocked by parked cars and with a very bumpy road surface. Hit some nasty potholes (never good when you hear the sound of the metal part of the wheel grounding) that were concealed by all the water lying around. Just keep going, just keep going. Feeling pretty cold, shakey and generally a bit on the low side at this point. Flooding quite bad in Glasgow city itself which adds an extra element of fun to playing chicken with buses and taxis.
Called Andy at TouchBase to say I was on my way as a hint to get the kettle on!! Oh ye of little faith Vonnie. Managed to get myself to Kinning Park and was looking out for Middlesex street/Milnpark street. Noticed some people hanging about outside a building - bit wet for loitering? But then someone started waving when he saw me and I saw the Sense Scotland sign. Well, I have to say the welcoming reception was just amazing. The Sense Scotland staff from Touchbase were down in the reception to welcome me and trust me, if you are soaking wet and freezing cold then nothing quite lifts the spirits like a rousing round of applause. HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who came down to wish me well - I am so grateful and it made the soaking seem worthwhile (but if you could put in a request for better weather for the coming days I would be grateful - the reception staff were so efficient I reckon they could sort it for me...). Hopefully I will be able to put up a picture of the well wishers (plus a soggy Vonnie) soon. Did I mention there was tea and cake, and a towel, and a chance to sit down in the warm? Oh luxury...just what I needed. Realised I was a bit shakey from the cold and the sugar low, but the fanastic cakes (of which a supply was bagged up for me for tomorrow) and tea soon sorted me out. Also became the proud owner of a Sense Scotland t-shirt (and I shall wear it with pride!!). THANK YOU to everyone who gave me such a welcome and for all your kind words of encouragement.
I had a tour of Touchbase from none less than the Sense Scotland Chief Executive, Gillian Morbey. What an amazing building, from the cafe area open to the public but also used by staff and deafblind service users, through to the music suite, arts room, woodwork room etc. It is huge in there! All manner of areas such as the Children's section, the adults section, meeting/conference facilities, office section for Sense Scotland, office space shared with other charities and all manner of rooms with exciting functions. Art and music as a means of expression for and connecting with deafblind people was a real theme at the centre. I was lucky enough to be given a CD of accordian music put together by one of the service users in the recording studio and I really look forward to listening to that (will have to wait until I am somewhere with a CD player as unfortunately Lightning doesn't have one installed as standard...). There is so much going on at Touchbase that I am sure to have missed something, but you can have a look at http://www.sensescotland.org.uk/touchbase/index.php for more details.
Special thanks have to go to Gillian for being my driver guide to get to the hotel (thanks again to the reception team for sorting out somewhere for me to stay in Glasgow - I really appreciate it). She drove ahead with me following on the bike, and I realise it would have taken me at least 4 times as long to find it by myself.
Hot shower - oh oh oh me like. Followed by dinner at Sister's just opposite the Sandyford hotel. Suddenly realised that I have lost some of the strength and dexterity in my left hand - trying to negotiate my way around a plate with a fork was quite a challenge!! But the food was fantastic - thought about going for 3 courses but much to get ready for tomorrow so decided to head back, update the blog and then head for bed.
Looking forward to the cycle along Loch Lomond tomorrow - have been given some good tips for lunch stops which is always a good plan.
Started out with an amazing breakfast - Paul at Rhins is a man of many talents. I like his taste in furnishings (I will have to come back to see the big room when it is finished as I am liking the way it is starting out), the man can cook a mean breakfast and he even made me a bacon toastie for the road. Hope the dog gets better soon, Paul (rescue dog that has had a recent op for a slipped disk).
On from Cairnryan along the coastal road. Now I had thought I might have some fun and games with the HGV lorries that came off the ferry, but I have to say they were extremely considerate drivers in the main - the more risky drivers were the LGV/White van man types and car drivers.
Was hoping to push the speed a bit today as I wanted to get to TouchBase in Glasgow (Sense Scotland's head office and so much more...more later) as early as possible. I had wanted throughout this trip to meet up with as many service users and Sense people as possible so I was really trying to push on with the miles today. It was for sure a case of 'fighting for every mile' today, and at times I was whizzing along at an average of about 16MPH. Unfortunately there were a few hills on the route which slowed things down, but I was looking to make good time. Travelled along the coastal road which I am sure is stunning but it started to rain fairly early on in the day...out with the dayglow kit!! Unfortunately it was also quite a muggy day so I am not sure whether I was as wet inside the layers of waterproofs from sweating as the outside was from the rain. Pushed on to Maybole on the A77 - had started out nice enough but the traffic got heavier and faster (possibly to match the rain?). Not much fun and I did start quiet swearing which got louder and louder everytime I got caught in the swoosh of a vehicle whizzing past me. It was my delight to find the turning for the A197 which was a much quieter road. Having negotiated the roundabout to join the A197 I was just saying to myself how lovely and quiet it was when a jet plane roared noisely overhead on its final landing stages for Prestwick Airport. Not often I duck on the bike...
Headed along to Galston and then through Moscow (no, my navigating isn't that bad, there is a Moscow on the way to Glasgow. On joining the A77 which runs alongside the M77 I was delighted to find a designated lane for cyclists. This soon became a real necessity as it started to rain so hard I could barely see where I was going, and the spray from vehicles on the other side of the concrete barrier looked nasty!!
Into the outskirts of Glasgow and trying to keep the spirits up from the downpour by singing a medely of Proclaimers songs. Tough going especially when the brilliant cycle way became the usual kind of cycleway blocked by parked cars and with a very bumpy road surface. Hit some nasty potholes (never good when you hear the sound of the metal part of the wheel grounding) that were concealed by all the water lying around. Just keep going, just keep going. Feeling pretty cold, shakey and generally a bit on the low side at this point. Flooding quite bad in Glasgow city itself which adds an extra element of fun to playing chicken with buses and taxis.
Called Andy at TouchBase to say I was on my way as a hint to get the kettle on!! Oh ye of little faith Vonnie. Managed to get myself to Kinning Park and was looking out for Middlesex street/Milnpark street. Noticed some people hanging about outside a building - bit wet for loitering? But then someone started waving when he saw me and I saw the Sense Scotland sign. Well, I have to say the welcoming reception was just amazing. The Sense Scotland staff from Touchbase were down in the reception to welcome me and trust me, if you are soaking wet and freezing cold then nothing quite lifts the spirits like a rousing round of applause. HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who came down to wish me well - I am so grateful and it made the soaking seem worthwhile (but if you could put in a request for better weather for the coming days I would be grateful - the reception staff were so efficient I reckon they could sort it for me...). Hopefully I will be able to put up a picture of the well wishers (plus a soggy Vonnie) soon. Did I mention there was tea and cake, and a towel, and a chance to sit down in the warm? Oh luxury...just what I needed. Realised I was a bit shakey from the cold and the sugar low, but the fanastic cakes (of which a supply was bagged up for me for tomorrow) and tea soon sorted me out. Also became the proud owner of a Sense Scotland t-shirt (and I shall wear it with pride!!). THANK YOU to everyone who gave me such a welcome and for all your kind words of encouragement.
I had a tour of Touchbase from none less than the Sense Scotland Chief Executive, Gillian Morbey. What an amazing building, from the cafe area open to the public but also used by staff and deafblind service users, through to the music suite, arts room, woodwork room etc. It is huge in there! All manner of areas such as the Children's section, the adults section, meeting/conference facilities, office section for Sense Scotland, office space shared with other charities and all manner of rooms with exciting functions. Art and music as a means of expression for and connecting with deafblind people was a real theme at the centre. I was lucky enough to be given a CD of accordian music put together by one of the service users in the recording studio and I really look forward to listening to that (will have to wait until I am somewhere with a CD player as unfortunately Lightning doesn't have one installed as standard...). There is so much going on at Touchbase that I am sure to have missed something, but you can have a look at http://www.sensescotland.org.uk/touchbase/index.php for more details.
Special thanks have to go to Gillian for being my driver guide to get to the hotel (thanks again to the reception team for sorting out somewhere for me to stay in Glasgow - I really appreciate it). She drove ahead with me following on the bike, and I realise it would have taken me at least 4 times as long to find it by myself.
Hot shower - oh oh oh me like. Followed by dinner at Sister's just opposite the Sandyford hotel. Suddenly realised that I have lost some of the strength and dexterity in my left hand - trying to negotiate my way around a plate with a fork was quite a challenge!! But the food was fantastic - thought about going for 3 courses but much to get ready for tomorrow so decided to head back, update the blog and then head for bed.
Looking forward to the cycle along Loch Lomond tomorrow - have been given some good tips for lunch stops which is always a good plan.
Tuesday 20 July 2010
Day 4 - Larne to Carrickfergus and on to Cairnryan
Awoke after a very good nights' sleep. Oh I needed that!!!
The lovely landlady asked me to put the cost of the room into my Sense collecting tin - what a way to start the day. Headed off to Carrickfergus - legs feeling a bit rusty but it is due to be a 'rest day' of sorts so not too many miles to fit in. Met up with Leah near Carrickfergus castle and she directed me to the Sense day centre.
How to describe my first impressions of the day centre - best way I could describe it was warm and welcoming. Everyone was so friendly, and I don't think I have seen quite so many smiling faces in a long time.
I met up with the two Sense service users who were brave enough to come and try out one of the tandem bikes on the Carrickfergus seafront promenade. I have to say that George and Dominic have really made me think what it means to take on a challenge: my current challenge is mostly about me pushing the boundaries of my own endurance whereas these guys impressed me beyond words today by the way they were prepared to 'have a go' at cycling. Firstly we had Dominic on the rear of the tandem with Billy as his 'driver' at the front. No signs of fear, no hesitation, just trust in the guide and off you go. My sight when I am on the bike is the primary sense that I rely on so to cycle without being able to see is something I find it hard to imagine: I can't tell you how inspiring it was to see someone without sight enjoying the sport I love and the grins on both Dominic and Billy's faces said it all. Next up was Leah as driver with George on the back. Now George is someone who radiates positive energy and cycling was no exception. If you have the human dynamo who is Leah on the front of the tandem it must seem like anything is possible but I wish I could be as fearless as George when it comes to trying new things. They do say there is nothing to fear but fear itself but try telling yourself that if you are on a tandem being controlled by someone else at the front...
We had our photos taken by someone from the local paper - it was a new experience for me but Billy, the resident media expert, was on hand to show us how it is done. I got the chance to read the newspaper story about Billy's transition from being a soldier stationed in Afghanistan to working for Sense and it was interesting reading. After our brush with fame we headed back to the Sense daycentre for lunch. Hope the soda bread turned out to cause a positive media frenzy...Leah kindly gave me a tour of the centre after I watched Stephanie making sodabread. It is amazing to see all the photos of the activities that the deafblind people have tried - caving, rock climbing, helping out in a riding stables, working their allotment to name but a few. I am learning new things about the variety of things that Sense can offer every time I visit a new Sense Centre and I think the Carrickfergus centre has definitely made me think more about what deafblind people can do. If I am having a tough day whilst on the bike I will just need to think of George and Dominic on the tandem today and I am sure to get a boost.
I have to say a huge thank you to everyone at the centre for the good luck card and gifts I was given - my good luck shamrock will have pride of place in my bike rack bag to watch over Lightning and me. I think I will have to find one of my sealable plastic bags to keep the card clean and dry as it will be a reminder to me as I go to think of everyone at Carrickfergus wishing me well (everything is slowly getting covered in bike grease unless sealed in a bag and I would love to keep the card as a momento from meeting such inspiring people).
To cut a long story short (and so I can head to bed before too long...), I headed back to Larne and then took the ferry over to Cairnryan. I am sorry to be leaving Northern Ireland as I have had such an amazing time there, but Scotland here I come. Staying at Rhins of Galloway in Cairnryan - oh its a treat and no mistake, I have just watched an amazing sunset and am looking forward to reading up a bit more of the fascinating history about this place. Paul, my extremely welcoming host, has been an absolute star and I am looking forward to having a mug of hot chocolate and a biccie before heading to bed.
Oh just a little trip up to Glasgow tomorrow. Should be about 85 miles (ish) but I have been underestimating so far...
The lovely landlady asked me to put the cost of the room into my Sense collecting tin - what a way to start the day. Headed off to Carrickfergus - legs feeling a bit rusty but it is due to be a 'rest day' of sorts so not too many miles to fit in. Met up with Leah near Carrickfergus castle and she directed me to the Sense day centre.
How to describe my first impressions of the day centre - best way I could describe it was warm and welcoming. Everyone was so friendly, and I don't think I have seen quite so many smiling faces in a long time.
I met up with the two Sense service users who were brave enough to come and try out one of the tandem bikes on the Carrickfergus seafront promenade. I have to say that George and Dominic have really made me think what it means to take on a challenge: my current challenge is mostly about me pushing the boundaries of my own endurance whereas these guys impressed me beyond words today by the way they were prepared to 'have a go' at cycling. Firstly we had Dominic on the rear of the tandem with Billy as his 'driver' at the front. No signs of fear, no hesitation, just trust in the guide and off you go. My sight when I am on the bike is the primary sense that I rely on so to cycle without being able to see is something I find it hard to imagine: I can't tell you how inspiring it was to see someone without sight enjoying the sport I love and the grins on both Dominic and Billy's faces said it all. Next up was Leah as driver with George on the back. Now George is someone who radiates positive energy and cycling was no exception. If you have the human dynamo who is Leah on the front of the tandem it must seem like anything is possible but I wish I could be as fearless as George when it comes to trying new things. They do say there is nothing to fear but fear itself but try telling yourself that if you are on a tandem being controlled by someone else at the front...
We had our photos taken by someone from the local paper - it was a new experience for me but Billy, the resident media expert, was on hand to show us how it is done. I got the chance to read the newspaper story about Billy's transition from being a soldier stationed in Afghanistan to working for Sense and it was interesting reading. After our brush with fame we headed back to the Sense daycentre for lunch. Hope the soda bread turned out to cause a positive media frenzy...Leah kindly gave me a tour of the centre after I watched Stephanie making sodabread. It is amazing to see all the photos of the activities that the deafblind people have tried - caving, rock climbing, helping out in a riding stables, working their allotment to name but a few. I am learning new things about the variety of things that Sense can offer every time I visit a new Sense Centre and I think the Carrickfergus centre has definitely made me think more about what deafblind people can do. If I am having a tough day whilst on the bike I will just need to think of George and Dominic on the tandem today and I am sure to get a boost.
I have to say a huge thank you to everyone at the centre for the good luck card and gifts I was given - my good luck shamrock will have pride of place in my bike rack bag to watch over Lightning and me. I think I will have to find one of my sealable plastic bags to keep the card clean and dry as it will be a reminder to me as I go to think of everyone at Carrickfergus wishing me well (everything is slowly getting covered in bike grease unless sealed in a bag and I would love to keep the card as a momento from meeting such inspiring people).
To cut a long story short (and so I can head to bed before too long...), I headed back to Larne and then took the ferry over to Cairnryan. I am sorry to be leaving Northern Ireland as I have had such an amazing time there, but Scotland here I come. Staying at Rhins of Galloway in Cairnryan - oh its a treat and no mistake, I have just watched an amazing sunset and am looking forward to reading up a bit more of the fascinating history about this place. Paul, my extremely welcoming host, has been an absolute star and I am looking forward to having a mug of hot chocolate and a biccie before heading to bed.
Oh just a little trip up to Glasgow tomorrow. Should be about 85 miles (ish) but I have been underestimating so far...
Billy and Dominic
Leah and I
Day 3 - Bush Mills to Larne
What a day. Not the best of nights as there was some kind of alarm or something going off in the hostel room through the night so only got a few hours disturbed sleep. Tried to exit the room making as little noise as possible so as not to disturb the others which guaranteed I made loads of noise!!
After a quick breakfast I headed back up to the Giant's Causeway visitor centre. The kindly National Trust staff agreed to look after my panniers whilst I took lightning down for a quick look at the Causeway (she does like to see these things up close) and then slog back up the hill again. Worth it though. Then onwards to Ballycastle. Unfortunately it started to rain hard before I got to the entrance to the famous rope bridge - never good when it is raining so hard it stings your face and bounces back up at you from the road. Visibility pretty poor and quite a strong side wind so took decision to go on inland route as it wasn't the safest of rides. If you end up putting your faith in a bicycle to pick the safest route on her own then its a bit of a poor show (although Lightning brought me through safe again). Tried to put in some mileage on the A road towards Ballymena before taking the B roads towards Clough.
Took the coastal route which involved the nicest downhill cruise - whizzing along at average 25mph but on a lovely road with no real sharp bends and a good surface. Had a large grin on my face when I got to the coast. Can you tell I don't have the map to hand to check out the place names whilst typing up my blog? Will come back to it another time and add the detail.
Cycling along the coastal route to Larne seemed to take a very long time. Eventually rolled into Larne and realised I was so tired as I had done another 70 plus day (70.05 miles to be precise). Found a nice place to stay (Seaview House), had a good dinner and then a fantastic sleep. Looking forward to tomorrow...
After a quick breakfast I headed back up to the Giant's Causeway visitor centre. The kindly National Trust staff agreed to look after my panniers whilst I took lightning down for a quick look at the Causeway (she does like to see these things up close) and then slog back up the hill again. Worth it though. Then onwards to Ballycastle. Unfortunately it started to rain hard before I got to the entrance to the famous rope bridge - never good when it is raining so hard it stings your face and bounces back up at you from the road. Visibility pretty poor and quite a strong side wind so took decision to go on inland route as it wasn't the safest of rides. If you end up putting your faith in a bicycle to pick the safest route on her own then its a bit of a poor show (although Lightning brought me through safe again). Tried to put in some mileage on the A road towards Ballymena before taking the B roads towards Clough.
Took the coastal route which involved the nicest downhill cruise - whizzing along at average 25mph but on a lovely road with no real sharp bends and a good surface. Had a large grin on my face when I got to the coast. Can you tell I don't have the map to hand to check out the place names whilst typing up my blog? Will come back to it another time and add the detail.
Cycling along the coastal route to Larne seemed to take a very long time. Eventually rolled into Larne and realised I was so tired as I had done another 70 plus day (70.05 miles to be precise). Found a nice place to stay (Seaview House), had a good dinner and then a fantastic sleep. Looking forward to tomorrow...
Sunday 18 July 2010
Day 2 - Castlederg to Bushmills
Day 2 in the Big Brother house - oops sorry, wrong blog.
Had a top breakfast cooked by Olga- this woman has got some energy! She even made me bacon sandwiches for the road and extra juice to make some home-made sports drink. Packed and headed out to the bank for a cash top-up. Now here is a story that shows what London can do for you. I think one of the lads from the Derg Arms was chatting to some of the local police. I think as I went past they might have tried to get my attention but I have got so used to keeping going if anyone shouts or whistles etc that I just headed on by. Apologies if you wanted to say hi and I seemed like I was in a hurry. I have been in the big city for too long!
Onwards to Strabane and Derry. Stopped for a bacon sandwich overlooking river Foyle then on to Limavady and on to a place called Downhill. Lovely beach - will try to get one of photos loaded but my ability to work an iPhone hasn't possibly evolved that far yet... There was a bit of a hill coming out of Downhill. Alright it was a belter of a hill but the lowest gear did the job. Work those thighs, Thomas. Onwards to Coleraine. Met up with Leah who also works for Sense and her partner Alistair (hope I have spelt that right). Hey anyone who offers to carry my panniers in a vehicle is a genius to me! We headed down to Portrush and saw the beautiful White cliffs and long sandy beach. Onwards to Bushmills to visit the distillery. We were met by David (so sorry if I got your name wrong - has been long day with lots of miles). No tasters for us as whiskey and bikes don't mix but it smelt amazing. Will have to
go back when I don't need to travel. Final photo call
of the day was overlooking the Giants Causeway. Have seen photos before
but they don't do it justice.
Must say a huge thankyou to Leah's grandparents to treating us to
a brilliant fish supper. What lovely people I
have had the pleasure to meet so far.
Staying at the Bushmills YHA and after a 79 mile day it's time for
a good sleep. Off to Larne tomorrow...
Had a top breakfast cooked by Olga- this woman has got some energy! She even made me bacon sandwiches for the road and extra juice to make some home-made sports drink. Packed and headed out to the bank for a cash top-up. Now here is a story that shows what London can do for you. I think one of the lads from the Derg Arms was chatting to some of the local police. I think as I went past they might have tried to get my attention but I have got so used to keeping going if anyone shouts or whistles etc that I just headed on by. Apologies if you wanted to say hi and I seemed like I was in a hurry. I have been in the big city for too long!
Onwards to Strabane and Derry. Stopped for a bacon sandwich overlooking river Foyle then on to Limavady and on to a place called Downhill. Lovely beach - will try to get one of photos loaded but my ability to work an iPhone hasn't possibly evolved that far yet... There was a bit of a hill coming out of Downhill. Alright it was a belter of a hill but the lowest gear did the job. Work those thighs, Thomas. Onwards to Coleraine. Met up with Leah who also works for Sense and her partner Alistair (hope I have spelt that right). Hey anyone who offers to carry my panniers in a vehicle is a genius to me! We headed down to Portrush and saw the beautiful White cliffs and long sandy beach. Onwards to Bushmills to visit the distillery. We were met by David (so sorry if I got your name wrong - has been long day with lots of miles). No tasters for us as whiskey and bikes don't mix but it smelt amazing. Will have to
go back when I don't need to travel. Final photo call
of the day was overlooking the Giants Causeway. Have seen photos before
but they don't do it justice.
Must say a huge thankyou to Leah's grandparents to treating us to
a brilliant fish supper. What lovely people I
have had the pleasure to meet so far.
Staying at the Bushmills YHA and after a 79 mile day it's time for
a good sleep. Off to Larne tomorrow...
Day 1 - Sligo to castlederg
Well it's all go. I flew into Dublin on Friday night and then caught the train to Sligo on the Saturday morning. Arrived just after midday in Sligo and on asking directions for the highstreet got offered a lift to the bike shop from one of the rail staff. I am liking this town already. Went around to Chain Driven cycles on the highstreet and had a brilliant welcome - Lightning was waiting for me in one piece and ready to roll. Huge thanks to Steve for taking such good care of her. You can tell when someone takes care of bikes properly when he asks if you had bent one of the handlebars on purpose to deal with a wrist injury before putting it straight in a jiffy.
Set off from the shop at about 13.00 and took Steve's recommendation to avoid the mainroad by heading along the lough gill road. Good tip it was too as scenery was grand. Lunch at Dromahair before heading off to Manorhamilton, Kinlough and then on to little roads to take in the border at Manger. Turns out I was on the right roads but no signs for border although with hindsight I should have twigged that a big sign saying 'drive on the left' in 3 languages on a tiny country road was a giveaway. Into Belleek before signs for the worryingly named Boa island. Then saw a sign for a place called Lusty Beg so didn't take place names too seriously around here!
Thought I was being clever by taking a shortcut towards Castledurgh but ended up on road of broken dreams. Ok not really but it was a series of short sharp uphill slogs followed almost immediately by losing almost all the height gained. Arf. Eventually joined the mainroad and did at least get a grand coast downhill for a while.
Arrived in Castledurg just before 9. I have to say a huge thak you to Olga and all her team at the Derg arms for making me feel so welcome. From the lovely lady behind the bar who helped with my bike, to the restaurant ladies who were great to chat to and the chef and sous chef for stocking up the Vonster to fight another day. Retired after a half of the black stuff for some stretching and wondering what the legs will be like in the morning.
Set off from the shop at about 13.00 and took Steve's recommendation to avoid the mainroad by heading along the lough gill road. Good tip it was too as scenery was grand. Lunch at Dromahair before heading off to Manorhamilton, Kinlough and then on to little roads to take in the border at Manger. Turns out I was on the right roads but no signs for border although with hindsight I should have twigged that a big sign saying 'drive on the left' in 3 languages on a tiny country road was a giveaway. Into Belleek before signs for the worryingly named Boa island. Then saw a sign for a place called Lusty Beg so didn't take place names too seriously around here!
Thought I was being clever by taking a shortcut towards Castledurgh but ended up on road of broken dreams. Ok not really but it was a series of short sharp uphill slogs followed almost immediately by losing almost all the height gained. Arf. Eventually joined the mainroad and did at least get a grand coast downhill for a while.
Arrived in Castledurg just before 9. I have to say a huge thak you to Olga and all her team at the Derg arms for making me feel so welcome. From the lovely lady behind the bar who helped with my bike, to the restaurant ladies who were great to chat to and the chef and sous chef for stocking up the Vonster to fight another day. Retired after a half of the black stuff for some stretching and wondering what the legs will be like in the morning.
Wednesday 7 July 2010
If one more person asks me if I am mad...
The reaction amongst Sense staff who hear what I am planning for the forthcoming month or so wasn't exactly what I thought it would be. Several people have asked me outright whether I am mad. Nothing like a bit of encouragement from your co-workers but maybe they have a point.
1) Yes, I have set up the logistics for this ride myself, including the route, which has taken up most of my spare time when not training
2) Yes, I will be cycling unsupported for almost the entirity of the ride - no support vehicles - and I will be cycling on my own for about 90% of it.
3) Yes, I probably will have to arrange for my own accommodation on the route, probably mostly in B&Bs/hotels etc
4) Yes, I have been training for this since about March and setting up the logistics since January 2010
5) Yes, I am doing this voluntarily
However, this trip does mean I will be away from the office for a month, so maybe the sanity-o-meter hasn't gone all the way towards madness yet.
1) Yes, I have set up the logistics for this ride myself, including the route, which has taken up most of my spare time when not training
2) Yes, I will be cycling unsupported for almost the entirity of the ride - no support vehicles - and I will be cycling on my own for about 90% of it.
3) Yes, I probably will have to arrange for my own accommodation on the route, probably mostly in B&Bs/hotels etc
4) Yes, I have been training for this since about March and setting up the logistics since January 2010
5) Yes, I am doing this voluntarily
However, this trip does mean I will be away from the office for a month, so maybe the sanity-o-meter hasn't gone all the way towards madness yet.
Monday 5 July 2010
Ireland here we come in less than 2 weeks
Finally I think I have managed to sort one of the biggest logistical issues I had which was how to get the bike and me to Sligo with both of us in working order. I am going to fly in to Dublin on the 16th and then take the train to Sligo on the 17th, before popping around to a bike shop in Sligo which has kindly offered to take receipt of my bike and put it back together for me, ensuring it is roadworthy in the process. I think this must be quite a new bike shop in Sligo as it didn't show up when I was trying to sort out the options last month but it is proving to be a bit of a life-saver.
I have booked my train ticket from Dublin to Sligo so all I need to do now is figure out how to book Lightning in for her trip. Must remember to pack some travel sweeties and a crossword puzzle book in the box with her as I wouldn't want Lightning to get bored on the journey. Wait a minute, something doesn't sound right about packing crosswords with a bike into a box for shipping. Lightning has always been more of a Sudoku fan...
Training has hit a bit of a low point as I seemed to have picked up some kind of stomach bug. I don't recommend the Vonsense crash weightloss plan: don't usually struggle to eat just about anything and the novelty of the experience is not a good one. Decision of whether to pass out or throw up at the gym on Sunday was not one I want to be doing too often. Less than 2 weeks to go and can feel the fitness dropping away a bit - not the best of starts and may have to have more than just a pint of the black stuff in Ireland to keep me going (actually anything more than a couple of sips of alcohol is likely to see me lying face down and vaguely comatose at present - tolerance was never that good but would go straight to my head now). This trip is gonna get interesting...
I have booked my train ticket from Dublin to Sligo so all I need to do now is figure out how to book Lightning in for her trip. Must remember to pack some travel sweeties and a crossword puzzle book in the box with her as I wouldn't want Lightning to get bored on the journey. Wait a minute, something doesn't sound right about packing crosswords with a bike into a box for shipping. Lightning has always been more of a Sudoku fan...
Training has hit a bit of a low point as I seemed to have picked up some kind of stomach bug. I don't recommend the Vonsense crash weightloss plan: don't usually struggle to eat just about anything and the novelty of the experience is not a good one. Decision of whether to pass out or throw up at the gym on Sunday was not one I want to be doing too often. Less than 2 weeks to go and can feel the fitness dropping away a bit - not the best of starts and may have to have more than just a pint of the black stuff in Ireland to keep me going (actually anything more than a couple of sips of alcohol is likely to see me lying face down and vaguely comatose at present - tolerance was never that good but would go straight to my head now). This trip is gonna get interesting...
Friday 2 July 2010
It's July already
Can I have words with whoever has set time on fast forward? All of a sudden we are in July...I am sure it was only May on Monday, June must have zapped through on Tuesday and Wednesday and July has romped through like a puppy on prozac.
Still loads to do - how to get me and the bike to the start, booking accommodation for at least the first few days but also the more remote areas in Scotland, GPS equipment, travel insurance for Ireland, getting a new phone and figuring it out, ought to fit in more training too.
Will get there, but it's going to be a bit of a mad scramble. Could have done with a wind down week before heading off to Ireland (I believe they talk about ramping down the training before a big event) but work is going to be a tad busy in the run up to my departure and there is still so much to do so I won't be idle even if I am not doing much cycle training. Perhaps I should get myself a PA?
Still loads to do - how to get me and the bike to the start, booking accommodation for at least the first few days but also the more remote areas in Scotland, GPS equipment, travel insurance for Ireland, getting a new phone and figuring it out, ought to fit in more training too.
Will get there, but it's going to be a bit of a mad scramble. Could have done with a wind down week before heading off to Ireland (I believe they talk about ramping down the training before a big event) but work is going to be a tad busy in the run up to my departure and there is still so much to do so I won't be idle even if I am not doing much cycle training. Perhaps I should get myself a PA?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
