For those of you who like numbers, here are the total / average stats for the trip.
Total Miles 948.7 miles
Ave Speed 11.7 mph
Ave Miles / Day 67.8
Max Miles / Day 91.5 (Loch Ness to Helmsdale)
Min Miles / Day 41 (Hamilton to Loch Lomond)
Ave Cals Burnt / Day 2472 kcals
Punctures Lucy 7ish; Sian 1 (lucky girl!)
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Monday, 12 May 2008
Our best text...Ode to the ladies on the last day!
So its the last day and the end is near.
You've had strength, determination and shown no fear.
You've been up and down hills in rain, wind and sun;
With days that were hard and days that were fun.
You'll look back on this journey on land and in mind.
And realise your achievements and how you have shined.
You've been in pain and had a sore choochoo.
But you've both been fab and we are so proud of you!
Lucy Kelly ... a complete star who texted us everyday without fail (well except once when she delegated it to her hubby who forgot (oh Drew!)). Cheers Luce you are a star and the poem is just ace!
You've had strength, determination and shown no fear.
You've been up and down hills in rain, wind and sun;
With days that were hard and days that were fun.
You'll look back on this journey on land and in mind.
And realise your achievements and how you have shined.
You've been in pain and had a sore choochoo.
But you've both been fab and we are so proud of you!
Lucy Kelly ... a complete star who texted us everyday without fail (well except once when she delegated it to her hubby who forgot (oh Drew!)). Cheers Luce you are a star and the poem is just ace!
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Day 14 - The Fianl Day of This Epic Journey by Two 'Epic' Gals!
Well what a wonderful 14 days we have all had following the cyclists Sian + Lucy! Here goes for their final day and what they got up too!
You will have seen them posing by the official post, at JOG, with a total of 948 miles recorded - WOW!
They have been in the van of the Holts and all of them have now landed at Fort Augustus for the night. Their jubilant phone call was made as they were just about to order grub so high on adrenalin and excitment the day has a 'quick' feel to it!
Leaving their B+B in Helmsdale at 8.55am, after a good breakfast, Lucy + Sian went up some big hills! The first of which felt very big on a big breakfast! Another hill took them up to Berrisdale. They were forced to stop on this one because a lorry was stuck half way up and causing a big obstruction! (well that was their excuse for having to stop!) Another hill - a very big hill (I'm told no where near as big as the Cornish or Mendip ones!) Anyway, up there in what seemed like the middle of nowhere they spotted a museum and had, yep you've guessed it, coffee and a cake!
Refuelled it was non stop to JOG and the excitment of finishing, the adrenalin of it being the final leg just made them go so, so fast! They averaged 13.9mph!!!!
Arriving at JOG just about 13.25 they were blessed with great scenes, great weather and had their picture taken at the famous post! (OK you know that 'cos you have seen it on the blog!) They met some other groups who had been doing same challenge and were just so excited about it all. They said the weather was once again glorious and the wind not so bad as yeaterday and no mishaps. (in fact the Holt's van could hardly keep up with them!)
So how are they? How do they feel? Well my view is that they feel great and the legs and bums are just fine, in fact I think they could probably go all the way back again! Both Sian + Lucy felt good and I think overwhelmed by the whole experience.
From us sitting here keeping up to date via the amazing 'technological world' it's a BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU. YOU ARE BOTH AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL - WELL DONE.
Expect lots of you just wondering what's next for them both? Maybe you'll join them!!!!!
I'm told to call these provisional stats (the computer was not on their person, the stats are from memory!)
Miles: 50.9 - Calories burned: 1600 - Average speed: 13.9 - Ride Time: 3hrs 40mins
No doubt Lucy + Sian will sleep well tonight or maybe they will be buzzing and reliving their experience or planning their next challenge. Whatever we look forward to hearing from them very soon. Safe journey back. Thanks for reading you bloggers out there.
Well done Sian + Lucy xxxx
You will have seen them posing by the official post, at JOG, with a total of 948 miles recorded - WOW!
They have been in the van of the Holts and all of them have now landed at Fort Augustus for the night. Their jubilant phone call was made as they were just about to order grub so high on adrenalin and excitment the day has a 'quick' feel to it!
Leaving their B+B in Helmsdale at 8.55am, after a good breakfast, Lucy + Sian went up some big hills! The first of which felt very big on a big breakfast! Another hill took them up to Berrisdale. They were forced to stop on this one because a lorry was stuck half way up and causing a big obstruction! (well that was their excuse for having to stop!) Another hill - a very big hill (I'm told no where near as big as the Cornish or Mendip ones!) Anyway, up there in what seemed like the middle of nowhere they spotted a museum and had, yep you've guessed it, coffee and a cake!
Refuelled it was non stop to JOG and the excitment of finishing, the adrenalin of it being the final leg just made them go so, so fast! They averaged 13.9mph!!!!
Arriving at JOG just about 13.25 they were blessed with great scenes, great weather and had their picture taken at the famous post! (OK you know that 'cos you have seen it on the blog!) They met some other groups who had been doing same challenge and were just so excited about it all. They said the weather was once again glorious and the wind not so bad as yeaterday and no mishaps. (in fact the Holt's van could hardly keep up with them!)
So how are they? How do they feel? Well my view is that they feel great and the legs and bums are just fine, in fact I think they could probably go all the way back again! Both Sian + Lucy felt good and I think overwhelmed by the whole experience.
From us sitting here keeping up to date via the amazing 'technological world' it's a BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU. YOU ARE BOTH AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL - WELL DONE.
Expect lots of you just wondering what's next for them both? Maybe you'll join them!!!!!
I'm told to call these provisional stats (the computer was not on their person, the stats are from memory!)
Miles: 50.9 - Calories burned: 1600 - Average speed: 13.9 - Ride Time: 3hrs 40mins
No doubt Lucy + Sian will sleep well tonight or maybe they will be buzzing and reliving their experience or planning their next challenge. Whatever we look forward to hearing from them very soon. Safe journey back. Thanks for reading you bloggers out there.
Well done Sian + Lucy xxxx
NEWS FLASH!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GIRLS - LUCY + SIAN - THEY ARE AT JOG!
Just received a text saying 'we are here - lol s + l'
Well done that's JOG in time for lunch! Great stuff!
More news later - but those who are s'pose to be working thought you might like to know!!!!
Just received a text saying 'we are here - lol s + l'
Well done that's JOG in time for lunch! Great stuff!
More news later - but those who are s'pose to be working thought you might like to know!!!!
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Day 13 - Very excited two gals from Helmsdale phone in for the last time!!!
Wow haven't they done well! ONE more day will do it and really they don't want it to end!
After waking at 6.00am to see the most beautiful sun rise over Loch Ness (it was 'glass like' ) Siany + Lucy got up at 7am and were off on their day 13 at 8.30am. They began as we know from the Youth Hostel that actually was only about a third of the way up Loch Ness so Inverness was quite some way away!
Mind you perhaps the thought of this being the penultimate day and no weight of panniers, they flew up to Inverness, averaging 13.5 - 14 mph and got to Inverness just in time for coffee + cake at 10.15am.
Over the bridge and finding a great cycle path along the A9 they kept on making
progress! Up hill they said but at the speed of light they just kept going! Stopped for a snack at Alness and then headed for Tain where they had a lovely lunch served by the Holts in a layby!
Refuelled by some real food they headed further to Brora for hot chocolate and finally reached Helmsdale at 6.00pm, a massive 91.5 miles form their stop last night - WELL DONE GIRLS
They wanted you to know that it has been very windy all day and each of them has had to ride at the front to protect the other from the gusts! There is an amazing yellow gorse out that also smells nice. They have enjoyed no panniers and have had no mishaps! And of course the scenery is out of this world especially as the weather has been so good.
Critical stats: Miles: 91.5 - Calories burned: 3054 - Average speed: 13mph - Total ride time: 7 hours
WOW! I am sure that you are all in awe these two - yep we thought they were crazy, but what a way to cycle it eh! Amazing stuff!
Here's to tomorrow -only a mere 55miles left! Take care girls and have a drink on us all!
After waking at 6.00am to see the most beautiful sun rise over Loch Ness (it was 'glass like' ) Siany + Lucy got up at 7am and were off on their day 13 at 8.30am. They began as we know from the Youth Hostel that actually was only about a third of the way up Loch Ness so Inverness was quite some way away!
Mind you perhaps the thought of this being the penultimate day and no weight of panniers, they flew up to Inverness, averaging 13.5 - 14 mph and got to Inverness just in time for coffee + cake at 10.15am.
Over the bridge and finding a great cycle path along the A9 they kept on making
progress! Up hill they said but at the speed of light they just kept going! Stopped for a snack at Alness and then headed for Tain where they had a lovely lunch served by the Holts in a layby!
Refuelled by some real food they headed further to Brora for hot chocolate and finally reached Helmsdale at 6.00pm, a massive 91.5 miles form their stop last night - WELL DONE GIRLS
They wanted you to know that it has been very windy all day and each of them has had to ride at the front to protect the other from the gusts! There is an amazing yellow gorse out that also smells nice. They have enjoyed no panniers and have had no mishaps! And of course the scenery is out of this world especially as the weather has been so good.
Critical stats: Miles: 91.5 - Calories burned: 3054 - Average speed: 13mph - Total ride time: 7 hours
WOW! I am sure that you are all in awe these two - yep we thought they were crazy, but what a way to cycle it eh! Amazing stuff!
Here's to tomorrow -only a mere 55miles left! Take care girls and have a drink on us all!
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Day 12 - Nessie Spotting!!
We had a leisurely 55 ish miles to cover today. After a relatively early start 8.45ish from Glencoe YH (with not much brekkie inside us) we made our way to Fort William. We arrived in quite good time (about 10.15ish) and then spent quite some time faffing (not even shopping!). Must have been something to do with the fact we didn't feel in a hurry and had not eaten nearly enough food.
Sian had her brakes adjusted in the bike shop (having worn the pads almost away!). OK so she should have done it herself, but when there's a willing young man why bother? Then we trapsed up and down Fort William High Street being fussy about where to have our morning coffee & snack. After eventually having a coffee, we decided that it was close enough to 12 to have lunch.
We had a jacket pot in the cafe at the station and eventually left Fort William at 12:30ish.
The sun was well and truly out by this point, so we had a lovely ride in the sunshine alongside the Nevis mountains (including Ben himself). We stopped to appreciate the view at the Commando Monument just passed Spean Bridge. Then along Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and into Fort Augustus where we had our first opportunity for Nessie spotting. After a hot choc & snack beside the locks at the top of Loch Ness we were on our way.
We made it to the Loch Ness YH, just outside Invermoriston at about 4:15. A beautiful days ride and a beautiful setting to spend the night. We were tempted to have a quick swim in the Loch but after dipping our toes in strangely lost the urge and settled for a spot of sunbathing instead!
We are just waiting for our star support crew to arrive, so have already taken the pannier racks off our bikes ready for 2 days of riding lovely unladen bikes. Off to look out for Nessie again now whilst waiting for our tea to arrive.....just munching the last of our snacks (yummy prunes!)
Stats for the day:
57.9miles; 4 hrs 44mins ride time; 1844 Cals; Ave Speed 12.2mph
Mishaps - 1 pannier jumped off Sian's bike in Fort William but luckily didn't damage itself, the bike or Sian!! (It was at this point Lucy decided Sian needed food pretty soon!)
Sian had her brakes adjusted in the bike shop (having worn the pads almost away!). OK so she should have done it herself, but when there's a willing young man why bother? Then we trapsed up and down Fort William High Street being fussy about where to have our morning coffee & snack. After eventually having a coffee, we decided that it was close enough to 12 to have lunch.
We had a jacket pot in the cafe at the station and eventually left Fort William at 12:30ish.
The sun was well and truly out by this point, so we had a lovely ride in the sunshine alongside the Nevis mountains (including Ben himself). We stopped to appreciate the view at the Commando Monument just passed Spean Bridge. Then along Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and into Fort Augustus where we had our first opportunity for Nessie spotting. After a hot choc & snack beside the locks at the top of Loch Ness we were on our way.
We made it to the Loch Ness YH, just outside Invermoriston at about 4:15. A beautiful days ride and a beautiful setting to spend the night. We were tempted to have a quick swim in the Loch but after dipping our toes in strangely lost the urge and settled for a spot of sunbathing instead!
We are just waiting for our star support crew to arrive, so have already taken the pannier racks off our bikes ready for 2 days of riding lovely unladen bikes. Off to look out for Nessie again now whilst waiting for our tea to arrive.....just munching the last of our snacks (yummy prunes!)
Stats for the day:
57.9miles; 4 hrs 44mins ride time; 1844 Cals; Ave Speed 12.2mph
Mishaps - 1 pannier jumped off Sian's bike in Fort William but luckily didn't damage itself, the bike or Sian!! (It was at this point Lucy decided Sian needed food pretty soon!)
Monday, 5 May 2008
Greetings from Glencoe
After a good night sleep - despite the spooks - and finally sharing a dorm with lots of people, we left the castle at just after 8:30am. A very early start for a couple of keen bikers!! We left with a little mist hanging over Loch Lomond and wondered if we were in for a dreary day?
How wrong we were. The scenery was beautiful and as we clocked up the miles, the mist rose and the sun came out. We fancied ourselves for the ladies open in a few years time as we passed Loch Lomond Golf Course (a few practices first maybe!?) but had a lovely ride on a cycle path all the way to Tarbert. After a hot chocolate (complete with marshmallows) we hit the A82 alongside the Loch to Crianlarich.
Time for more food and yet another Jacket Potato (sustinence of the trip!) and we were off for a quick visit to the Green Welly place in Tyndrum and then up into the hills - well the Highlands really!
We were suprised at how we managed to get up the hills and then were obviously in awe of the scenery from there into Glencoe. Cycling into the hills then up and over the expanse of Rannoch Moor was spectacular (and much better than through half closed eyes in a Vauxhall!). Then once the mountains of Glencoe came into view and we cycled through the valley with their majesty either side of us - we were both grinning from ear to ear - perhaps the best day for views so far. This of course was helped by the glorious weather!
An early ish finish at the Youth Hostel in Glencoe (4:15ish) and after a shower we still managed a pint in the sunshine in the Clachaig Inn, followed by our tea and a bottle of wine. We were chatted up by a couple of Dutch lads (lucky Lucy as always!) only they were only 21 and thought we were 24!!! Not sure if they were just trying their luck though (Oh No! says Lucy!!) We're now back at the hostel for a night cap and will no doubt shortly be fast asleep (9pm)!
A great day of views, weather and spirits. Lets hope the next few days are just as good. Off to Loch Ness tomorrow (with maybe a little stop in Fort William for the shops!).
How wrong we were. The scenery was beautiful and as we clocked up the miles, the mist rose and the sun came out. We fancied ourselves for the ladies open in a few years time as we passed Loch Lomond Golf Course (a few practices first maybe!?) but had a lovely ride on a cycle path all the way to Tarbert. After a hot chocolate (complete with marshmallows) we hit the A82 alongside the Loch to Crianlarich.
Time for more food and yet another Jacket Potato (sustinence of the trip!) and we were off for a quick visit to the Green Welly place in Tyndrum and then up into the hills - well the Highlands really!
We were suprised at how we managed to get up the hills and then were obviously in awe of the scenery from there into Glencoe. Cycling into the hills then up and over the expanse of Rannoch Moor was spectacular (and much better than through half closed eyes in a Vauxhall!). Then once the mountains of Glencoe came into view and we cycled through the valley with their majesty either side of us - we were both grinning from ear to ear - perhaps the best day for views so far. This of course was helped by the glorious weather!
An early ish finish at the Youth Hostel in Glencoe (4:15ish) and after a shower we still managed a pint in the sunshine in the Clachaig Inn, followed by our tea and a bottle of wine. We were chatted up by a couple of Dutch lads (lucky Lucy as always!) only they were only 21 and thought we were 24!!! Not sure if they were just trying their luck though (Oh No! says Lucy!!) We're now back at the hostel for a night cap and will no doubt shortly be fast asleep (9pm)!
A great day of views, weather and spirits. Lets hope the next few days are just as good. Off to Loch Ness tomorrow (with maybe a little stop in Fort William for the shops!).
Sianee enjoying the scenery...
Better from her bike than from the confines of a vectra with her eyes covered!
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Day 10 - Hamilton - Loch Lomond
After a hefty 77miler yesterday we decided a nice easy day through Glasgow city centre and upto Loch Lomond was the order of the day; a mere 41miles.
We went through Hamilton passing the racecourse, onto a dodgy dual carriageway A765 then made our way into the Glasgow city centre which was really cool. We managed to miss a million coffee shops and eventually stopped for a cuppa in the Science Centre. We then took the cycle path alongside the Clyde but then managed to get diverted and ended up crossing the Clyde tunnel a very eerie bonkers experience with the temperature change and no daylight and spooky shadows... our speed increased somewhat through there!
We then realised that we were on the wrong side of the river but decided against a revisit through the tunnel. We then passed a huge retail park but managed to keep the shopaholic tendancies under wraps and ploughed on through trying to get where we needed to go. We managed to spot a ferry that took us all of a 100m back across the Clyde to the 'right' side and miraculously picked up the cycle path again. We headed on this path for a few miles before it became a 'tow path' and Lucy's bike began to get the fear and reared up so we took a diversion onto good old solid concrete. After a hairy experience on some busy roads we refound the cycle path now a tarmaced surface so continued along this all the way to Loch Lomond. We evenutally found our spooky castle around 3pm.
After a clean up we walked into Balloch for a mediocre curry and are now back at the castle getting ready for bed (8.30pm).
Vital stats for the day: 1123 kcal; 41.1miles; 4hrs 3mins ride time (v slow through town)
No mishaps today!
We went through Hamilton passing the racecourse, onto a dodgy dual carriageway A765 then made our way into the Glasgow city centre which was really cool. We managed to miss a million coffee shops and eventually stopped for a cuppa in the Science Centre. We then took the cycle path alongside the Clyde but then managed to get diverted and ended up crossing the Clyde tunnel a very eerie bonkers experience with the temperature change and no daylight and spooky shadows... our speed increased somewhat through there!
We then realised that we were on the wrong side of the river but decided against a revisit through the tunnel. We then passed a huge retail park but managed to keep the shopaholic tendancies under wraps and ploughed on through trying to get where we needed to go. We managed to spot a ferry that took us all of a 100m back across the Clyde to the 'right' side and miraculously picked up the cycle path again. We headed on this path for a few miles before it became a 'tow path' and Lucy's bike began to get the fear and reared up so we took a diversion onto good old solid concrete. After a hairy experience on some busy roads we refound the cycle path now a tarmaced surface so continued along this all the way to Loch Lomond. We evenutally found our spooky castle around 3pm.
After a clean up we walked into Balloch for a mediocre curry and are now back at the castle getting ready for bed (8.30pm).
Vital stats for the day: 1123 kcal; 41.1miles; 4hrs 3mins ride time (v slow through town)
No mishaps today!
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Day 9 - As telephoned from Hamilton
Wow you girls are making excellent progress - JOG is nearly in sight! (well maybe if you looked through powerful binoculars!)
So today another great day and the weather has been good for our little cherubs on their bikes - sunshine in Scotland! Unfortunately Siany's bike had a puncture before they started and it took what seemd like forever to sort it this morning! Despite that Lucy and Sian took off at 9.50am. They cycled along a very good 'B' road (alongside the A74) and passed through Gretna Green, then onto Lockerbie where they stopped for refreshments. Whilst they had their 'scooby snack' the sun came out!
Next, still on the 'B' road they got to a place called Beattock and had a pub lunch. Once fuelled with grub they carried on cycling and basically went on until they found some place to stay! Tonight it is Hamilton, a hotel where they have even treated themselves to a bottle of wine. (for those who know their wines a bottle of Sancerre 2005 - very tasty!)
They were going to stay in the highest village in Scotland but decided to make their way closer to Glasgow and why visit the village on a bike fully laden when you can appreciate it just as much in a car! (a visit for another day!)
It must be said that the bikes are making funny noises and the 'B' road maybe good but not really looked after and lots of pot holes! (lets hope the bikes hold out as long as the girls do!)
Sian and Lucy are both in good spirits (especially after their wine - but can only manage the 1 bottle!) They are very grateful for the sunshine and will take the day in their stride tomorrow as they cycle through Glasgow and off up to Loch Lomond. Sleep tight both of you!
Critical stats: Miles: 77miles - Calories burned: 2295 - Ride time: 5hrs 48mins - Max speed: 34 and extra stat; average speed: 13.3 (saves us calculating it!!!) That's pretty fast eh!
WELL DONE GIRLS - I think that's 643.8 miles so far (just about two thirds there!)
Mishaps - yep just the one puncture before even starting, but nothing else!
Oh yes thought I'd tell you all that they have managed to reach over £1000.00 on their 'justgiving' website in sponsorship - so a big thank you to all of you who have sponsored them both on the website and on paper.
So today another great day and the weather has been good for our little cherubs on their bikes - sunshine in Scotland! Unfortunately Siany's bike had a puncture before they started and it took what seemd like forever to sort it this morning! Despite that Lucy and Sian took off at 9.50am. They cycled along a very good 'B' road (alongside the A74) and passed through Gretna Green, then onto Lockerbie where they stopped for refreshments. Whilst they had their 'scooby snack' the sun came out!
Next, still on the 'B' road they got to a place called Beattock and had a pub lunch. Once fuelled with grub they carried on cycling and basically went on until they found some place to stay! Tonight it is Hamilton, a hotel where they have even treated themselves to a bottle of wine. (for those who know their wines a bottle of Sancerre 2005 - very tasty!)
They were going to stay in the highest village in Scotland but decided to make their way closer to Glasgow and why visit the village on a bike fully laden when you can appreciate it just as much in a car! (a visit for another day!)
It must be said that the bikes are making funny noises and the 'B' road maybe good but not really looked after and lots of pot holes! (lets hope the bikes hold out as long as the girls do!)
Sian and Lucy are both in good spirits (especially after their wine - but can only manage the 1 bottle!) They are very grateful for the sunshine and will take the day in their stride tomorrow as they cycle through Glasgow and off up to Loch Lomond. Sleep tight both of you!
Critical stats: Miles: 77miles - Calories burned: 2295 - Ride time: 5hrs 48mins - Max speed: 34 and extra stat; average speed: 13.3 (saves us calculating it!!!) That's pretty fast eh!
WELL DONE GIRLS - I think that's 643.8 miles so far (just about two thirds there!)
Mishaps - yep just the one puncture before even starting, but nothing else!
Oh yes thought I'd tell you all that they have managed to reach over £1000.00 on their 'justgiving' website in sponsorship - so a big thank you to all of you who have sponsored them both on the website and on paper.
Friday, 2 May 2008
Day 8 - As telephoned from Longtown!
Well done girls - Longtown, you are really making progress! And, as you can see from their photos they look pretty good on it too!
Here's todays news: Lucy and Sian left Kendal at around 9.15am and headed to Shap summit. They went up and down along the A6. It was a definite downhill into Penrith where the girls had lunch in a nice cafe!
Next stop - Carlisle where they found a bike shop for the bikes to have a bit of TLC. Lucy's bike having a new bracket (I'm told near where the pedals go!) The bikes and the girls refrshed it was off to Longtown!
Arriving at their destination at 3.20pm they were having a pint in one of the 2 pubs when they phoned! Longtown was described as being 'random and interesting'. (hope none of you come from there!)
That's all folks, Sian + Lucy are doing just fine and once again were in good spirits - legs doing ok.
Critical stats: Ride time: 4hrs 13mins - Calories burnned: 1836 (they reckon they've eaten more than that today!) - Miles: 50.8 - Max speed: 36.6
Oh and NO mishaps today!
Here's todays news: Lucy and Sian left Kendal at around 9.15am and headed to Shap summit. They went up and down along the A6. It was a definite downhill into Penrith where the girls had lunch in a nice cafe!
Next stop - Carlisle where they found a bike shop for the bikes to have a bit of TLC. Lucy's bike having a new bracket (I'm told near where the pedals go!) The bikes and the girls refrshed it was off to Longtown!
Arriving at their destination at 3.20pm they were having a pint in one of the 2 pubs when they phoned! Longtown was described as being 'random and interesting'. (hope none of you come from there!)
That's all folks, Sian + Lucy are doing just fine and once again were in good spirits - legs doing ok.
Critical stats: Ride time: 4hrs 13mins - Calories burnned: 1836 (they reckon they've eaten more than that today!) - Miles: 50.8 - Max speed: 36.6
Oh and NO mishaps today!
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Day 7 - From Kendal Youth Hostel
Its starting to hurt now! Who's idea was this???
We thought we were in for an easy ish short day from Rochdale to Kendal, so didn't leave the comfort of Chez Holt until about 10:30. After a quick stop at Nan's we left at about 11:30 and it was all up from there.....
Up through Edenfield, Haslingdon, Accrington, Whalley and then over the moors to an eventual (late) lunch stop at Puddleduck tea rooms at Dunsop Bridge - in the centre of the UK, so hopefully that means we are well and trully over 1/2 way there!!. On to Slaidburn, and then up over more hills (very pretty but our legs didn't really appreciate the views!!). We eventually went through Kirby Lonsdale and took a B road thinking that Kendal was just around each corner. There seemed to be lots of corners and lots of "just one more hill" to get over before finally we reached a Kendal sign and steamed down hill into town at about 7:20.
Thankfully we were greeted by Lucy's Mum and Dad who had kindly transported our panniers to Kendal from Rochdale (Thank Goodness - We might well have been broken on the hills with the extra weight or indeed still peddling now (10:20pm)).
We've just enjoyed a lovely meal in Kendal and are keen to go to sleep again in the hope that our bodies might feel fresh in the morning for the next leg up to Carlisle.........more up!!
Stats for the day:
71.6miles; 3023 cals; 6hrs 47mins ride time; max speed hardly worth mentioning - more like a minimum speed day
4 very tired legs
0 punctures or mishaps
We thought we were in for an easy ish short day from Rochdale to Kendal, so didn't leave the comfort of Chez Holt until about 10:30. After a quick stop at Nan's we left at about 11:30 and it was all up from there.....
Up through Edenfield, Haslingdon, Accrington, Whalley and then over the moors to an eventual (late) lunch stop at Puddleduck tea rooms at Dunsop Bridge - in the centre of the UK, so hopefully that means we are well and trully over 1/2 way there!!. On to Slaidburn, and then up over more hills (very pretty but our legs didn't really appreciate the views!!). We eventually went through Kirby Lonsdale and took a B road thinking that Kendal was just around each corner. There seemed to be lots of corners and lots of "just one more hill" to get over before finally we reached a Kendal sign and steamed down hill into town at about 7:20.
Thankfully we were greeted by Lucy's Mum and Dad who had kindly transported our panniers to Kendal from Rochdale (Thank Goodness - We might well have been broken on the hills with the extra weight or indeed still peddling now (10:20pm)).
We've just enjoyed a lovely meal in Kendal and are keen to go to sleep again in the hope that our bodies might feel fresh in the morning for the next leg up to Carlisle.........more up!!
Stats for the day:
71.6miles; 3023 cals; 6hrs 47mins ride time; max speed hardly worth mentioning - more like a minimum speed day
4 very tired legs
0 punctures or mishaps
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Day 6 - from the comforts of Chez Holt in Rochdale!
Well we've arrived in not at all sunny Rochdale but to a warm welcome Chez Holt!!
We left Trevallion House in Shrewsbury at about 9am and after a quick snack replenishment stop on the outskirts of Shrewsbury we were on our way. As we had quite a distance to cover, we decided we'd try and use reasonable roads today, so headed to Whitchurch (not as pretty as W-on Thames!!) on A and B roads via a little place called Wem. We couldn't find a cafe to stop in so after a quick snack got on our way to Nantwich for a banana stop. (We had to wait until Middlewich for lunch as it was on the next page of the map book!)
We ate yet more jacket potato in Middlewich and then set off through the posh bit of Cheshire through Holmes Chapel and Alderley Edge. Not much time for celebrity spotting, but we did see a few nice cars! From Alderley Edge into Stockport for a cup of coffee and meeting up with Lucy's Ma, Pa and Nan and getting rid of our panniers (yippee!) and we were on our way again about 5pm. The weather had been great all day - we had been promised showers but managed to escape - until we made it to Greater Manchester. "It's grim up north!!" We made it to Ashton Under Lyne and then got properly hailed and rained on. The hail stones stung our delicate little cheeks!
Two drowned rats arrived in Rochdale at about 6.15 ish and after baths are being very well looked after. We're even managing to wash our clothes so will at least smell as fresh as daisies tomorrow even if we don't feel it!
Stats for the day:
Cals burnt - 2996; Distance - 81.4miles; Max Speed - 29.2mph; Cycle Time - 6hrs 58mins
No mishaps to report today!
We left Trevallion House in Shrewsbury at about 9am and after a quick snack replenishment stop on the outskirts of Shrewsbury we were on our way. As we had quite a distance to cover, we decided we'd try and use reasonable roads today, so headed to Whitchurch (not as pretty as W-on Thames!!) on A and B roads via a little place called Wem. We couldn't find a cafe to stop in so after a quick snack got on our way to Nantwich for a banana stop. (We had to wait until Middlewich for lunch as it was on the next page of the map book!)
We ate yet more jacket potato in Middlewich and then set off through the posh bit of Cheshire through Holmes Chapel and Alderley Edge. Not much time for celebrity spotting, but we did see a few nice cars! From Alderley Edge into Stockport for a cup of coffee and meeting up with Lucy's Ma, Pa and Nan and getting rid of our panniers (yippee!) and we were on our way again about 5pm. The weather had been great all day - we had been promised showers but managed to escape - until we made it to Greater Manchester. "It's grim up north!!" We made it to Ashton Under Lyne and then got properly hailed and rained on. The hail stones stung our delicate little cheeks!
Two drowned rats arrived in Rochdale at about 6.15 ish and after baths are being very well looked after. We're even managing to wash our clothes so will at least smell as fresh as daisies tomorrow even if we don't feel it!
Stats for the day:
Cals burnt - 2996; Distance - 81.4miles; Max Speed - 29.2mph; Cycle Time - 6hrs 58mins
No mishaps to report today!
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Day 5 - as telephoned from Shrewsbury
Poor Sian + Lucy probably felt the rain more than any of us today! Today they both thought would be plain sailing up to Shrewsbury - flat and a nice day in store! Alas that was not meant to be....It turned out to be rather hilly! So add the hills, wind + rain (ooh and fatigue!) a day that was challenging in its own sweet way.
As always the duo were in good spirits after some grub and despite the weather and the terrain they reported another successful day.
Ross - on - Wye was left behind at about 9.00am and they pootled up some hills past Hereford and reached Leominster just in time for a 'scooby snack + drink'! (you'll see the photo of their pit stop) In fact a jacket potato was just what the doc ordered after the hills!
Ludlow the next place mentioned but they were cycling so fast they didn't stop ... Church Streaton was next and here there was the need of a pot of tea! Finally along the A49 all the way to Shrewsbury - arriving at a very respectable time of 5.45pm (although it took half an hour to find the guest house!)
Today there were no such excitment as crossing the bridges but just hills, hills and more hills! Wind in the face all day long and wet through - yukky! At least the guest house has a bath - a very rewarding bonus on the tired old legs!
OK so some of you are wondering - no mishaps? No! No punctures (that very nice man in the cycle shop has done a great job on Lucy's bike!) No mishaps but just loads of hills, wind and rain! Nothing Lucy and Sian can't handle!
Critical stats: Calories burned : 2879 - Total miles : 72 - Max speed : 33.1 (Lucy, Sian's isn't working so max speed always gonna be Lucy's!) - Ride time: 6hr 30mins
Oh nearly forgot - they got one offer of a massage and their friend from Uni, John has joined them for dinner! They were just ordering dessert when telephoning in blog news!
Well done girls - that must be 363 miles completed. Lets hope there is not so much rain and hills tomorrow.
As always the duo were in good spirits after some grub and despite the weather and the terrain they reported another successful day.
Ross - on - Wye was left behind at about 9.00am and they pootled up some hills past Hereford and reached Leominster just in time for a 'scooby snack + drink'! (you'll see the photo of their pit stop) In fact a jacket potato was just what the doc ordered after the hills!
Ludlow the next place mentioned but they were cycling so fast they didn't stop ... Church Streaton was next and here there was the need of a pot of tea! Finally along the A49 all the way to Shrewsbury - arriving at a very respectable time of 5.45pm (although it took half an hour to find the guest house!)
Today there were no such excitment as crossing the bridges but just hills, hills and more hills! Wind in the face all day long and wet through - yukky! At least the guest house has a bath - a very rewarding bonus on the tired old legs!
OK so some of you are wondering - no mishaps? No! No punctures (that very nice man in the cycle shop has done a great job on Lucy's bike!) No mishaps but just loads of hills, wind and rain! Nothing Lucy and Sian can't handle!
Critical stats: Calories burned : 2879 - Total miles : 72 - Max speed : 33.1 (Lucy, Sian's isn't working so max speed always gonna be Lucy's!) - Ride time: 6hr 30mins
Oh nearly forgot - they got one offer of a massage and their friend from Uni, John has joined them for dinner! They were just ordering dessert when telephoning in blog news!
Well done girls - that must be 363 miles completed. Lets hope there is not so much rain and hills tomorrow.
Monday, 28 April 2008
WOW - a third of the way to JOG!
Back again - sorry for 'fro' in heading of last entry! Can't figure out how to edit!
NEWS FLASH:
Sian + Lucy have cycled 291.6 miles, that's just about a third of the way there!
Lucy + Sian have cycled through Cornwall, Devon, and just today: Somerset, Avon, Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.
Fantastic girls you are doing well - we are all proud of you - Keep on pedalling!
NEWS FLASH:
Sian + Lucy have cycled 291.6 miles, that's just about a third of the way there!
Lucy + Sian have cycled through Cornwall, Devon, and just today: Somerset, Avon, Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.
Fantastic girls you are doing well - we are all proud of you - Keep on pedalling!
Severn Crossing
Sian speeding off and getting very excited about getting 2 wales and of course the bridge!
Day 4 - as telephoned in fro Ross-on-Wye
WELL DONE LUCY + SIAN - great cycling and at destination for dinner!
So here goes lots of exciting things to report today:
The day started by visiting a very nice man in the bike shop in Street at 9.00am. He kindly changed Lucy's tyres for new touring tyres, cleaned the bike and gave it some TLC while Sian and Lucy did some retail therapy and drank coffee in the Clarks Village Outlet! (see photo they posted earlier!) A special THANK YOU to the very nice man in the bike shop - Sian + Lucy
Once they picked up the bike there was no stopping them! They left Street at 10.15am and headed for Wells up a dirty great big hill. (the legs said it was a big'un) Once up the hill they were riding along the top of the Medhip Hills and it was gorgeous. From the top they saw Chew Valley Lake and it was too picturesque for words ...... such a contrast to canal tow paths and punctures! Somehwere in this part of their journey 'scooby snacks' were required and a dark, black cloud loomed overhead. Lucy + Sian took cover under a great big tree .. needless to say their luck was in and whilst they snacked the rain fell. Snacks finished and as if by magic the rain stopped too! Off they went again - not even a drip of rain fell on them!
Next it was down a big hill, no they said it was a MASSIVE hill! This took them alongside the Chew Valley Lake. Next leg was navigating round the outskirts of Bristol - this they were very pleased with as they DID NOT get lost and made their way over the Clifton suspension bridge. Fantastic views and a fantastic crossing - it was 'brilliant' they said.
Winding their way through villages (sorry no names given!), avoiding the motorways they could see both the 7 bridges and, as engineers would, got very excited by their grandeur! Even more so when they crossed the old one on their little bikes. Lorries thundered passed them and they felt the wooosh of wind, bringing even bigger 'cheshire cat' grins to thier faces. In fact as they rode across they grinned the whole way across for ear to ear. (Rumour has it because the wind was blowing they will stay like that, unless Lucy gets another puncture!) They both just got all excited and agreed they knew why they had become engineers! Oh yes whilst in this vicinity they tested out the 7 View Services for good measure! (Not quite as good as the last supper with Rob!)
Yes there is more! Chepstow via A446 and then on through the Wye Valley. This wound its way through beautiful villages and they wanted to let any of you Welsh lot out there - the bluebells smelt better and looked amazing, compared to the yukky 'garlic' smells in Cornwall! Nearly at the end for today as they rode down in to Ross -on - Wye at 7.00pm to a lovely guest house and a pub just 50 metres from its door! Showers - then off for a bite to eat and maybe a drink! Well deserved!
Critical stats: 2987 calories burned - 80.1 miles total ride - 35.1 max speed (Lucy) - 6hrs 37mins ride time
So hope you have not nodded off but both Lucy + Sian were chuffed with today and had a great day. Once again those wanting mishaps or funnies... NO pucntures- NO rain - NO falls just sore bottoms! ( any volunteers to massage 2 young ladies in Shrewsbury tomorrow about 7.30pm?)
So here goes lots of exciting things to report today:
The day started by visiting a very nice man in the bike shop in Street at 9.00am. He kindly changed Lucy's tyres for new touring tyres, cleaned the bike and gave it some TLC while Sian and Lucy did some retail therapy and drank coffee in the Clarks Village Outlet! (see photo they posted earlier!) A special THANK YOU to the very nice man in the bike shop - Sian + Lucy
Once they picked up the bike there was no stopping them! They left Street at 10.15am and headed for Wells up a dirty great big hill. (the legs said it was a big'un) Once up the hill they were riding along the top of the Medhip Hills and it was gorgeous. From the top they saw Chew Valley Lake and it was too picturesque for words ...... such a contrast to canal tow paths and punctures! Somehwere in this part of their journey 'scooby snacks' were required and a dark, black cloud loomed overhead. Lucy + Sian took cover under a great big tree .. needless to say their luck was in and whilst they snacked the rain fell. Snacks finished and as if by magic the rain stopped too! Off they went again - not even a drip of rain fell on them!
Next it was down a big hill, no they said it was a MASSIVE hill! This took them alongside the Chew Valley Lake. Next leg was navigating round the outskirts of Bristol - this they were very pleased with as they DID NOT get lost and made their way over the Clifton suspension bridge. Fantastic views and a fantastic crossing - it was 'brilliant' they said.
Winding their way through villages (sorry no names given!), avoiding the motorways they could see both the 7 bridges and, as engineers would, got very excited by their grandeur! Even more so when they crossed the old one on their little bikes. Lorries thundered passed them and they felt the wooosh of wind, bringing even bigger 'cheshire cat' grins to thier faces. In fact as they rode across they grinned the whole way across for ear to ear. (Rumour has it because the wind was blowing they will stay like that, unless Lucy gets another puncture!) They both just got all excited and agreed they knew why they had become engineers! Oh yes whilst in this vicinity they tested out the 7 View Services for good measure! (Not quite as good as the last supper with Rob!)
Yes there is more! Chepstow via A446 and then on through the Wye Valley. This wound its way through beautiful villages and they wanted to let any of you Welsh lot out there - the bluebells smelt better and looked amazing, compared to the yukky 'garlic' smells in Cornwall! Nearly at the end for today as they rode down in to Ross -on - Wye at 7.00pm to a lovely guest house and a pub just 50 metres from its door! Showers - then off for a bite to eat and maybe a drink! Well deserved!
Critical stats: 2987 calories burned - 80.1 miles total ride - 35.1 max speed (Lucy) - 6hrs 37mins ride time
So hope you have not nodded off but both Lucy + Sian were chuffed with today and had a great day. Once again those wanting mishaps or funnies... NO pucntures- NO rain - NO falls just sore bottoms! ( any volunteers to massage 2 young ladies in Shrewsbury tomorrow about 7.30pm?)
A spot of retail therapy?
While Lucy's bike got new tires we had a little shop. Well it would be mad to miss an opportunity!
Lucy's bike at Chedzoy at 8pm 10miles from destination.
Double puncture! Good job canal was a few miles behind or else the bike might have been in it!
Only the third puncture
Lucy still smiling. (By the tenth the bike was nearly being thrown in2 the canal.)
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Day 3 - as telephoned in from Street!
OK for all of you just checking before bedtime here is tonight's installment .....
Began the day at 8.45am and the day began with loads and loads of hills! Legs ached just a 'wee' bit but on arriving at Tiverton the land was a lot flatter and they found a pub! The pub was called 'Halfway House' and was in fact exactly half way between Okehampton and Street! (spookey!) Anyway, at the pub they enjoyed the 'last supper' with Rob, a very nice carvery and then put Rob on a puffer train at Tiverton Parkway Station!
Lucy and Sian now the 'terrible duo'! They thought that it was gonna be plain sailing and it was so flat compared to the morning ride but ..... the route ventured along a canal tow path! Yep, you have guessed it, a very good place for road bikes to get punctures! They reckon that Lucy had 7 punctures in all and they had to stop about 10 times to sort out flats!!! mmmm so time consuming!
As the day progressed it was becoming one hell of a slog and about 8 miles from Street a friendly Jan took their panniers and they travelled a little lighter to their destination. Arriving at the Youth Hostel only to find their fire alarms were broken so they had to be moved by the YHA to the Wessex Hotel! This all happened about 9.00pm!
Both Lucy and Sian were in good spirits but starving! (you'll see why when you read the stats of calories burned for the day!) As yet they hadn't spied a decent food place but that was next on the agenda, then shower and then bed! (oh perhaps a quick drink eh!)
So for those looking for mishaps - punctures is the name of the game today!!! Lets hope tomorrow the terrible duo have none!
Critical or vital stats: 87.5 miles - 3475 calories burned - 36.2 top speed (Lucy between punctures!) - 8hrs 03mins total ride time
Began the day at 8.45am and the day began with loads and loads of hills! Legs ached just a 'wee' bit but on arriving at Tiverton the land was a lot flatter and they found a pub! The pub was called 'Halfway House' and was in fact exactly half way between Okehampton and Street! (spookey!) Anyway, at the pub they enjoyed the 'last supper' with Rob, a very nice carvery and then put Rob on a puffer train at Tiverton Parkway Station!
Lucy and Sian now the 'terrible duo'! They thought that it was gonna be plain sailing and it was so flat compared to the morning ride but ..... the route ventured along a canal tow path! Yep, you have guessed it, a very good place for road bikes to get punctures! They reckon that Lucy had 7 punctures in all and they had to stop about 10 times to sort out flats!!! mmmm so time consuming!
As the day progressed it was becoming one hell of a slog and about 8 miles from Street a friendly Jan took their panniers and they travelled a little lighter to their destination. Arriving at the Youth Hostel only to find their fire alarms were broken so they had to be moved by the YHA to the Wessex Hotel! This all happened about 9.00pm!
Both Lucy and Sian were in good spirits but starving! (you'll see why when you read the stats of calories burned for the day!) As yet they hadn't spied a decent food place but that was next on the agenda, then shower and then bed! (oh perhaps a quick drink eh!)
So for those looking for mishaps - punctures is the name of the game today!!! Lets hope tomorrow the terrible duo have none!
Critical or vital stats: 87.5 miles - 3475 calories burned - 36.2 top speed (Lucy between punctures!) - 8hrs 03mins total ride time
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Day 2 - the report as telephoned in this evening!
No computer facilities at Okehampton!
Cyclists left at 09.20am and have had glorious weather all day. They left T Bay, made their way to Padstow and stopped at Tesco for 'scooby snacks'! Next part was the ferry across to Rock and then they cycled round and up and down the moors towards Okehampton. (Seeing Dartmoor in all its glory for the first time in the sunshine!)
For those of you wanting to catch up on the mishaps of the day I am asked to report that there have been - NO falls, NO broken wheels, NO fords but lots of hills! The photos show that they all enjoyed a pint of shandy at The Eliot Arms near Launceston - well earned on such a hot day!
Lucy, Siany and Rob are all in great spirits and have been very professional about their stretching and cool down! Mind you once that is complete they are said to be off out to paint Okehampton red! Lucy spied a nice looking Thai restaurant! and no doubt a pub!
Well done day 2 all complete 124 miles done! Next county Somerset!
Vital stats of the day: 59 miles cycled - 5hrs 28mins actual time on road - 38.8 max speed from Lucy - 2542 calories burned
Cyclists left at 09.20am and have had glorious weather all day. They left T Bay, made their way to Padstow and stopped at Tesco for 'scooby snacks'! Next part was the ferry across to Rock and then they cycled round and up and down the moors towards Okehampton. (Seeing Dartmoor in all its glory for the first time in the sunshine!)
For those of you wanting to catch up on the mishaps of the day I am asked to report that there have been - NO falls, NO broken wheels, NO fords but lots of hills! The photos show that they all enjoyed a pint of shandy at The Eliot Arms near Launceston - well earned on such a hot day!
Lucy, Siany and Rob are all in great spirits and have been very professional about their stretching and cool down! Mind you once that is complete they are said to be off out to paint Okehampton red! Lucy spied a nice looking Thai restaurant! and no doubt a pub!
Well done day 2 all complete 124 miles done! Next county Somerset!
Vital stats of the day: 59 miles cycled - 5hrs 28mins actual time on road - 38.8 max speed from Lucy - 2542 calories burned
Friday, 25 April 2008
Our First Day
After arriving late at the Lands End Hotel last night and of course a little night cap, we woke to the mist over the sea. Little Rob joined us for breakfast after a sleepless night on the sleeper train and after a couple of pots of tea and a few trips to the toilet we left Lands End at about 10am. The ride into Penzance was pretty down hill and we followed the coast round to St Michaels Mount. We then crossed inland and to Cambourne and onto Redruth.
On the outskirts of Cambourne, Lucy ran to Halfords to swap a map (which didn't show any of the roads that we needed) and we rested our bikes on the floor. Just as we went to leave, we heard a ping. "that sounded like a spoke" said Lucy & Rob and indeed it was!! Sian's back wheel had spontaneously buckled into the shape of a pringle and we had a noisy ride on to Redruth to a shop bizzarely where Rob had bought his bike 15years before.
The very helpful chaps in Riccis Bike Chain sold Sian a new wheel and after an hour or so of fixing and drinking (more tea), we were off once more.
We tried hard to avoid the main roads across Cornwall and had some lovely rides downhill. We had been quite impressed with the riding so far and then the tricky hills appeared. After much up and down and not enough food, we spotted a National Trust place and at last Sian's membership came in handy. We restocked on fuel - flapjack, eat natural bars, marzipan and fat coke - and then got on our way.
Eventually after more hills, contending with a double decker bus on a very narrow single track road & steep hill we spotted the sign for home (Treyarnon Bay 2miles). We stopped on the way for fish and chips in St Merryn and made it to the hostel at 7ish.
Not having done enough exercise for the day, we've just been for a walk along the beach and admired the views and the waves - its very exciting being at the seaside - and are now enjoying a cheeky vin rouge before bed. We'll all sleep well tonight!!!
Critical Stats:
Miles: 65; Time Riding: 5hrs 44mins; Cals Burnt: 2818; Punctures: 0; Max Speed: 39.8mph (Rob)
Falls : Sian - 1 after foolishly following Rob through a ford which had a polished granite stone bed and was quite
deep when you fell into it!!; Lucy - 1 (almost) into the nettles afer loosing concentration up a very steep hill!
On the outskirts of Cambourne, Lucy ran to Halfords to swap a map (which didn't show any of the roads that we needed) and we rested our bikes on the floor. Just as we went to leave, we heard a ping. "that sounded like a spoke" said Lucy & Rob and indeed it was!! Sian's back wheel had spontaneously buckled into the shape of a pringle and we had a noisy ride on to Redruth to a shop bizzarely where Rob had bought his bike 15years before.
The very helpful chaps in Riccis Bike Chain sold Sian a new wheel and after an hour or so of fixing and drinking (more tea), we were off once more.
We tried hard to avoid the main roads across Cornwall and had some lovely rides downhill. We had been quite impressed with the riding so far and then the tricky hills appeared. After much up and down and not enough food, we spotted a National Trust place and at last Sian's membership came in handy. We restocked on fuel - flapjack, eat natural bars, marzipan and fat coke - and then got on our way.
Eventually after more hills, contending with a double decker bus on a very narrow single track road & steep hill we spotted the sign for home (Treyarnon Bay 2miles). We stopped on the way for fish and chips in St Merryn and made it to the hostel at 7ish.
Not having done enough exercise for the day, we've just been for a walk along the beach and admired the views and the waves - its very exciting being at the seaside - and are now enjoying a cheeky vin rouge before bed. We'll all sleep well tonight!!!
Critical Stats:
Miles: 65; Time Riding: 5hrs 44mins; Cals Burnt: 2818; Punctures: 0; Max Speed: 39.8mph (Rob)
Falls : Sian - 1 after foolishly following Rob through a ford which had a polished granite stone bed and was quite
deep when you fell into it!!; Lucy - 1 (almost) into the nettles afer loosing concentration up a very steep hill!
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Monday, 21 April 2008
In Lucy's Words
So how time flies...5 days to go and we have only just decided a route and bought panniers to carry our stuff and not done anywhere near enough riding but hey... in the words of Lucy ... it'll be reet!!
The route is as follows and we will try and send a blog most days (internet facilities allowing) to let you know how we got on, if we made our intended destination etc. any setbacks and blog some photos if we work it out how to, being IT illiterate to say the least.
So the route...Thursday 24th April - head from London Paddington pick up Sian at Reading and land at Penzance 10.30pm. Hopefully taxi will be there to take us to Lands End hotel to get the party started
Friday 25th AprilDay 1 - Lands End - Treyarnon Bay (65miles)
Saturday 26th AprilDay2 - Treyarnon Bay - Okehampton (65miles)
Sunday 27th AprilDay3 - Okehampton - Street (80miles)
Monday 28th AprilDay 4 - Street - Ross-On-Wye (80miles)
Tuesday 29th AprilDay 5 - Ross-On-Wye - Shrewsbury (72miles)
Wednesday 30th AprilDay 6 - Shrewsbury - Rochdale Lucy's hometown! (80miles)
Thursday 1st MayDay 7 - Rochdale - Kendal (53miles)
Friday 2nd MayDay 8 - Kendal - Carlisle (62miles)
Saturday 3rd MayDay 9 - Carlisle - Wanlockhead (65miles)
Sunday 4th MayDay 10 - Wanlockhead - Loch Lomond (65miles)
Monday 5th MayDay 11 - Loch Lomond - Glencoe (65miles)
Tuesday 6th MayDay 12 - Glencoe -Lochness (55miles)
Wednesday 7th MayDay 13 - Lochness - Carbisdale Castle (60miles)
Thursday 8th MayDay 14 - Carbisdale Castle - Tongue (46miles)
Friday 9th MayDay 15 - Tongue - John O'Groats (66miles)
Saturday 10th MayJohn O Groats - Rochdale ... via Lucy's mum and dad.
The route is as follows and we will try and send a blog most days (internet facilities allowing) to let you know how we got on, if we made our intended destination etc. any setbacks and blog some photos if we work it out how to, being IT illiterate to say the least.
So the route...Thursday 24th April - head from London Paddington pick up Sian at Reading and land at Penzance 10.30pm. Hopefully taxi will be there to take us to Lands End hotel to get the party started
Friday 25th AprilDay 1 - Lands End - Treyarnon Bay (65miles)
Saturday 26th AprilDay2 - Treyarnon Bay - Okehampton (65miles)
Sunday 27th AprilDay3 - Okehampton - Street (80miles)
Monday 28th AprilDay 4 - Street - Ross-On-Wye (80miles)
Tuesday 29th AprilDay 5 - Ross-On-Wye - Shrewsbury (72miles)
Wednesday 30th AprilDay 6 - Shrewsbury - Rochdale Lucy's hometown! (80miles)
Thursday 1st MayDay 7 - Rochdale - Kendal (53miles)
Friday 2nd MayDay 8 - Kendal - Carlisle (62miles)
Saturday 3rd MayDay 9 - Carlisle - Wanlockhead (65miles)
Sunday 4th MayDay 10 - Wanlockhead - Loch Lomond (65miles)
Monday 5th MayDay 11 - Loch Lomond - Glencoe (65miles)
Tuesday 6th MayDay 12 - Glencoe -Lochness (55miles)
Wednesday 7th MayDay 13 - Lochness - Carbisdale Castle (60miles)
Thursday 8th MayDay 14 - Carbisdale Castle - Tongue (46miles)
Friday 9th MayDay 15 - Tongue - John O'Groats (66miles)
Saturday 10th MayJohn O Groats - Rochdale ... via Lucy's mum and dad.
Keeping you updated!
I'm Rhian, Siany's older sister and hopefully will be keeping all of you, who want to know the latest of the crazy gals' progress, updated via this amazing technology! Just checking it all works! So not much to say except its all getting closer and we hope that Lucy and Siany have a great time and a safe journey. Take care and enjoy!!!
Sunday, 20 April 2008
The Plan...
- Fri 25-Apr-08 - Lands End to Treyarnon Bay
- Sat 26-Apr-08 - Treyarnon Bay to Okehampton
- Sun 27-Apr-08 - Okehampton to Street
- Mon 28-Apr-08 - Street to Ross on Wye
- Tue 29-Apr-08 - Ross on Wye to Shrewsbury
- Wed 30-Apr-08 - Shrewsbury to Rochdale
- Thu 01-May-08 - Rochdale to Kendal
- Fri 02-May-08 - Kendal to Carlisle
- Sat 03-May-08 - Carlisle to Wanlockhead
- Sun 04-May-08 - Wanlockhead to Loch Lomond
- Mon 05-May-08 - Loch Lomond to Glencoe
- Tue 06-May-08 - Glencoe to Loch Ness
- Wed 07-May-08 - Loch Ness to Carbisdale Castle
- Thu 08-May-08 - Carbisdale Castle to Tongue
- Fri 09-May-08 - Tongue to John O'Groats
Sat 10-May-08 - Spare / Travel to Rochdale
What's it all about?
Following another of Lucy's crazy ideas of cycling 1000(ish) miles from Lands End to John O'Groats, Sian - never one to say no to a challenge has agreed. We have booked our train ticket to Penzance on 24th April 08 & are hoping to complete the challenge in 2 to 3 weeks. We are enjoying buying lots of new toys and are of course training hard so that after the 70(ish) miles we cycle each day we still have enough energy for a stroll to the pub!
We thought we'd try and use a blog to keep people up to date with our progress. Hopefully we'll manage with the technology along the way and be able to post some piccys so you can see how hard we're working.
We have chosen to support Leukaemia Research in memory of our pal Sal from university, so if you want to sponsor us, you can use our justgiving site..............
http://www.justgiving.com/lucyandsianlejog
Thanks & See You Soon!
We thought we'd try and use a blog to keep people up to date with our progress. Hopefully we'll manage with the technology along the way and be able to post some piccys so you can see how hard we're working.
We have chosen to support Leukaemia Research in memory of our pal Sal from university, so if you want to sponsor us, you can use our justgiving site..............
http://www.justgiving.com/lucyandsianlejog
Thanks & See You Soon!
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