Disaster strikes!

Loading the bike this morning I was confident that the problems were sorted. Wrong. 200 yards down the road - same problem.So back to the bike shop,again.I left the bike for another 2 hours while they test rode it. They couldn't figure it out so they stripped down the front wheel and told me that it was fine. So I set off again. Got 8 miles this time then....same problem. After 20 miles of it happening it jammed up and stayed that way. I was now doing 5mph on the flat and pedalling down the hills. Not good. At Shap I stopped at the Bulls Head and put my tent up in their garden.
There was no more I could do so arranged for Allyson to pick me up the next day. So I am now at home and will be attempting to repair the bike this week with a view to returning to Shap next weekend to complete the ride.
Watch this space!

Day 21 - It gave up..

Awoke at 6am and it was raining, no surprise there then! Went back to sleep for an hour when I woke the sun was out so I set off into a fine dry day.  The day started off with a very large climb over a very large hill as it usually does but unfortunately this proved to be too much for my trusty stead and at 12 miles into the ride, the back wheel finally gave up leaving me stranded halfway between nowhere and nowhere else. I was only able to make 7 mph on the flat, 9 mph down hill, don't ask about the up hill! During one up hill struggle, I had stopped to apply yet more oil when a passing cyclist asked if I was ok. Telling him what the problem was, he simply said "ney bother" or "no problem mate"  I will go and get my car. True to his word, he returned 45 minutes later and drove me 40 miles to Lockerbie where I then caught the train to Carlisle (approx 30 miles in 20mins) as this was my nearest cycle repair shop. At Carlisle I took the bike to Palace Cycles  http://www.palacecycles.co.uk/ who diagnosed the patient with "knackered wheelitis". They very quickly replaced the wheel for me & I then retired to a lovely b&b very near the town centre http://www.abbeycourtguesthouse.co.uk/ready to try again tomorrow.
It has been quite a difficult day in some respects but the kindness of strangers got me through - Ian if you get to read this, I can't thank you enough for helping me out today. 

Day 20 - Forth Road Bridge & beyond!

After a shockingly bad night sleep in a bed (in fact in the early hours of the morning I took the duvet to the floor!), I packed up and left the Travelodge at about 8.30am and fortunately 200yds down the road was a Tesco so I was able to resupply with food and get a decent fortifying breakfast. Had a fantastic journey to Inverkeithing on quiet dry gently undulating sometimes flat roads.

Followed the cycle path to the Forth road bridge - no it's not the one you think it is, that's the rail bridge as in this photo! The Forth road bridge looks more like the Tamar Bridge.

Having cycled a mile along the dual carriageway on the cycle path, you get to the beginning of the road bridge to discover it was shut and there was a sign directing me to use the stairs, as in the photo, to go down under the bridge & up the other side and use the cycle path on the other side of the carriageway. A sign 1 mile previously directing me to the different path would have been a lot esier to deal with than 7 flights of steps. However I overcame this obstacle and ventured out onto the bridge, which shakes & wobbles quite badly!



After crossing the road bridge I found it relatively easy to find my way to Lanark despite several road closures & diversions which in a car can be annoying but on a bike are heartbreaking. The afternoon threw in a couple of very meaty climbs as well but I eventually found myself in Lanark and got the tent up just as the heavens opened, so I managed to keep everything dry. The weather forecast for tomorrow is to be dry - um, do I believe it?

Day 19 - Into The Mountains

Made an early start after a good night's sleep & headed off south to Pitlochry and Perth. This involved a climb up over Drumochter Summit at 457m above sea level, there are warning signs on the cycle path


And yes it is as bleak and exposed as the sign would suggest!


The A9 is a very busy trunk road but fortuately there is a fantastic cycle path which follows it diverting onto some minor roads in places.This keeps you away from the traffic and enables you to enjoy the scenery. It does however involve a few extra climbs! 
The rain started at Pitlochry and got steadily heavier as I approached Perth reaching torrential status with poor visibility and flooded roads so much so I ended up cycling on the footpath. Eventually being thoroughly waterlogged I sneaked into a Travelodge as the camp site I would have been staying on was called the Noahs Ark which must have been some kind of cosmic joke on me today!
It has been an amazing day and been fantastic to cycle through the mountains and if you ever get the chance, visit Bibos cafe in Pitlochry for the best burger you will ever taste....

Inverness to Newtonmore - Day 18

It was a short hop today mileage wise from Inverness to Newtonmore along the A9 but not hill wise - up through Aviemore (didn't stop as appeared very commercialised and very noisy) into the Cairngorms National Park, 46 miles up and down hills, or are they moutains, not sure but definately felt like they were as the day drew on. Aah much better to leave the town and to see such beautiful moorland/hills/scenery and wildlife but exhausting to say the least!  Not saying its cold here, even with the sun out this high up, but I was wearing as many layers on as I had with me and still didn't really stop too much for too long as far too chilly, there is still snow on the top of the hills here!!!

Downhill though at the end of the day to the valley of Glentruim to a campsite nestled at the bottom - picturesque and quiet, great to relax after a very energetic day, looking forward to resting my tired body after all those hills.

Day 17 - Brora to Inverness

You would think after a 10,000 mile migration Artic Terns would have better things to do at 5am than sit outside my tent and shriek at the tops of their voices! Therefore not being able to get any more sleep I decided to leisurely pack up, have a coffee and leave Brora.

I was on the deserted road by 7.30 in beautiful weather, taking it easy making my way steadily down to Dornoch Firth down the A9 passing the 1000 mile mark just outside of Tain. I just had to stop and take these pictures as I just can't believe I've cycled so far!

Travelling on I saw some superb sights and breathtaking scenery and believe it or not, I went past a lovely castle called Dunrobin Castle (small cream building on the right of this photo), it's name made me chuckle......

The bike has been playing up and continued to do so today making it a bit of a struggle at times. However crossing the bridge of Cromarty Firth, will always be a breathtaking sight whatever the weather and despite the state of the bike.

Eventually I came to Inverness and sought out a cycle shop called Tiso Inverness Outdoor Experience  www.tiso.com/uk_shops/tiso_inverness_outdoor_experience/     Walking in the door I saw a repairs area & asked the chaps behind the counter for some advice. They were so extremely helpful and after I had off loaded all the panniers and kit, took my bike into the workshop whilst I went for a coffee upstairs. Turns out one of the ball bearings in the wheel bearing on the rear axle had completely disintegrated. They cleaned it up, replaced the ball bearing & fitted a new rear tyre as the old one was well worn. All done in 45 minutes -  outstanding service and on a Sunday too, thank you very much guys, super job and I'm back on the road fully fixed and raring for more miles.

I am back at Brught camp site tonight in Inverness and ready for a different route tomorrow which will take me down the A9 once more through Aviemore to Newtonmore, right on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, umm bet it's going to be hilly.............

Day 16 - The return journey starts

So here we go the return journey! Up early as normal, packed up after breakfast and said my goodbyes to the owners of a wonderful campsite in Wick http://www.wickcaravansite.co.uk/who had looked after me well and set off down the road - someone up here must love me because the weather is sunny & warm & I have a tail wind!!! Had a great journey south, stopping off in Helmsdale for a bacon sarnie & a cup of tea mid morning. Takeaway food up here is good, fresh plentiful and reasonably priced, £3 for the sarnie & tea in a china mug, not plastic!

 Came out of Caithness and I am now in Sutherland.

Came back through Berriedale Braes today which is a mental piece of road, 13% hill for about a mile, aaarrggh, but this time managed to cycle up it & then merrily cycled on to Brora.

Stopping over a different camp site than the one I stayed on my way up who had room for a "wee tent". It is right next to Wick Golf Course and very close to a couple of tees - let's hope they are good golfers up here!






I'm really happy because my legs haven't given me any trouble at all today, but I think the rear wheel bearing may be failing on the bike. Will have to stop at cycle repair shop tomorrow to get it looked at before it fails.

It does feel strange to now be heading home. I have seen several cyclists today heading north, seeming to be heading for JOG, many of whom waved and shouted good luck but they obviously did not know that I had completed LEJOG and was on my way back on JOGLE.

Thank you to everyone again for your calls, texts and FB posts, especially when I had reached JOG - it helped me celebrate my achievement (with of course the Carlsberg!) and made it feel all the more worthwhile. So I’m now closer to home & keep following the blog for my return journey.

Day 15 - I've made it to JOG!

Awoke cold tired and stiff, not really in the mood to do anything however I got myself up and I headed off for the final 17 miles of my journey. Coming into JOG you can see the Orkney Islands in the distance across a short stretch of water. I stopped at the JOG town sign and some kind chap took my completion photo for me. Then rolled down the hill to the end of the road, suddenly I was there - I had done it!

I took a couple of pictures and transit stamp verification signed by the chappie in the gift shop.  Regretfully the cafe which holds to "end to enders" book for me sign wasn't open but I grabbed a cup of coffee and savoured the moment of finshing the ride from Lands End to John o'Groats.

Cycled back to Wick to rest and have a few celebratory beers and have decided to rest up completely here until Sunday when I will start my journey home or at least as far as my legs will carry me....

I am so extremely pleased to have made it 908 miles from LE to JOG in some awful weather conditions, on some testing roadways and with physical tiredness and pains which have at times brought me to a stop.  I have ventured on and overcome some tough times but I have made it - yippee yeha!!

Day 14 - To Wick

Woke up at 4 am this morning & was on the road by 5. The road was very quiet & the air was still. I was hoping after yesterday's rest day that the pains in my legs would have subsided but after 12 miles I discovered this not to be the case. The pain set in & built rapidly as I cycled on, slowing my progress at times to a walk whilst pushing my bike. I eventually made it to Wick by which time I was almost unable to walk. Wick leaves me 16 miles short of John o'Groats which I will endevour to do tomorrow by straping my legs up and taking plenty of painkillers. As you can see from this blog now there is no possibility of me cycling back to Lands End straight away, this I will have to leave to a later date once I've healed up.


To all of those who have supported me with texts, calls, facebook posts and messages thank you so very much and without you I would not have got this far - I will complete the 2nd half of this cycle ride from JOG to LE soon but whilst mentally I am strong regretably, physically I am not in a position to do this now.

Day 13 - Holed Up!

The Met Office got it right and the weather proved to match the forecast - the storm came.

 

I checked the tent pegs and secured everything last night before going to sleep and it was a good job - the wind blew hard up all night 30-40mph .  It has heavy rained constantly all day and I am having an enforced rest day reading, eating, snoozing and laying in my tent. 

The body and legs are pleased to be resting, although it's quite chilly and of course damp but my brain wants to get going - I know it is only 66 miles to John O'Groats and I want to be on the road. This weather has put me behind my personal goal to have got to JOG tomorrow.

Tomorrow's another day and the forecast is very much better, dry and warm with minimal wind - perfect!

Day 12 - From Inverness to Dornoch

A picture tells a thousand words - The Cromarty Firth in full glory this morning.

Leaving Inverness after a good rest, and a huge breakfast (they don't mess about in Tescos up here - £3.29 for a full breakfast and I was fully stuffed up after it, good and fresh too!)  I headed up the A9 over the Kessock Bridge. Not long after the bridge I saw this welcome sign!  

109 miles to John o'Groats - yeha yippeeeee yeha !!!!!

Over the Dornoch bridge mid morning

to end the day in Brora and celebrated with a few pints in the local pub after buying yet more supplies.  My leg was ok until about 5 miles out of Brora when it starting playing up again. 60.5 miles cycled today and only 66 miles to JOG now although looking at the weather forecast and the way the locals are talking, I could be holed up in my tent for tomorrow, sitting out the imminent storm.  The clouds are looking very ominous and the temperature is already dropping with the wind building, looks like an enforced rest day for me, still I've got food and drink, plenty of water available on camp site & a read/return book shelf and if all else fails, a pub just down the road!!!!!

Total mileage so far - 840 miles



To Inverness - Day 11

What a beautiful start to my day - Loch Lochy at 7am - fantastic.
Dry and clear,  not raining yet..........
Past Loch Ness - speechless at the fantastic scenery it has.  It was head down as I pedalled on up along its shores as if I had stopped every time I had wanted to to see its wonders, I would still be there now..........

Headed over the fantastic old Invermoriston Bridge

Onwards to Inverness

Campsite by Queens Stadium (thankfully not playing there today!)

  To get food, drink and more ibuprofen for the muscle spasm in my leg, I headed into Inverness town centre about a 20 minute walk,  past Inverness Castle through the well kept, clean and tidy Bught Park. 

 

54 miles today, cut short by the inability to cycle as the muscle kept spasming - once I'd had a walk into town stretching out the muscles, I felt fine but on the bike, it had certainly been a different story. 

Getting more good rest tonight and will see how I go tomorrow. I want to get to JOG as that is the plan but Scotland is so beautiful, I don't want it to fly past in a blurr, it's scenery is spectacular, the weather is damp to say the least but it's such a lovely place to visit that I'm trying to take in as much of it as I can as it will all be over too soon.

Day 10 - Glen Coe

Left the campsite in glorious sunshine this morning to start the long long long climb up Glen Coe - obviously my moans and groans about the weather have been heard, for now anyway! 

Great scenery going up into the Highlands. A fantastic place to be, breath taking to be honest. My pictures shown here, taken on my mobile don't show the beauty of the countryside here.

The road up to Glen Coe was not as bad as I had thought it would be (and not as bad as I had read too) and the run down the other side was great fun! 

Stopped in Fort William for yet more supplies then headed out along the A82 to Spean Bridge where just the other side of the village is a Commando War Memorial www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/speanbridge/speanbridge/

56 miles done today but a ?pulled muscle in my swollen knee/leg has brought me to a stop today - pills and potions being applied in great quantities - I'll see how I go from here, may have to reduce the mileage for the next few days or take a rest day.........see what it's like in the morning.

Out of Glasgow - Day 9

Woke up early as is my custom now despite the fact the alarm was set for 7am. Retrieved my tent from the shower where it had been hanging to dry & packed the rest of my now dry kit away ready to leave.  Breakfast in the hotel was very nice and plentiful & feeling fortified after a good munch and sleep, set off out into the madness which is 8.30am in central Glasgow. Fought my way through the traffic to get onto the A82 into wind and driving rain again. After 2 hours I had only made 16 miles and was thoroughly soaked again, a definite low point on the trip today. Reached the southern end of Loch Lomond and things improved, still windy but rain easing to intermittent heavy showers so I was able to see the beautiful loch.  Its much colder than I expected for the time of year so only quick stops for a brew and to take in the superb scenery. The road along Loch Lomond is narrow and rough in places but that said, still a great ride.

A planned short day after yesterday’s epic and arrived in Tyndrum in the later afternoon after covering 56 miles. Tyndrum itself is a very nice little village with a good pub! Food and beer (of course) sampled and were great. Not much left in the village shop though as I've shopped for tomorrow's supplies.

Tomorrow sees me heading off towards Glen Coe and Fort William.
 

And here I am, got back from my village shop raid and pub visit, all set up ready for the night, nice and sunny to dry everything out again, but looking at the clouds, not sure how long it's going to stay dry for - well it is Scotland after all! 
 
Tomorrow's another day in bonny Scotland...............
 
All fingers crossed for a dry day - please no rain, please please please please no more rain!

Day 8 - In the torrential rain

Awoken at 5am by the sound of rain hammering on my tent and this was to be the theme of the day! Set off at 7am & headed towards Lockbie and Glasgow on B7076 which ran parallel to the A74M.  This road passes through Dumfries and Galloway over the Southern Upland - more stunning scenery - if i stopped to take a picture of every fabulous view, I would not have anywhere today. 

Unfortunately the rain persisted for most of the day and at times was torrential.  In the end even the waterproofs didn't keep it out so it was grit teeth, head down and pedal on.  There is little or no shelter on a bike on this route. As I was wet anyway I decided to carry on and head for Glasgow, hoping to find a hotel on the outskirts before I reached there.  Unfortunately this was not the case and I ended up in central Glasgow where a hotel room for the night was a welcome sight!   

Another 87 miles on the road in the cold wet and wind, soaked through to the skin, hungry and tired, it was wonderful to finally drop my wet kit in the corner of a room and get in a hot shower. 

Despite the adverse conditions, it was a very enjoyable ride over the Southern Upland and I am pleased to have made it as far as Glasgow.

Thanks for all your messages, please keep them coming as on days like today, they really help me to keep going.  

Arrived in Scotland - Day 7

Woke for a nice early start after a great sleep to see good weather yippee, and found myself in Kendal for yet another fried breakfast (and to purchase yet more food, mostly chocolate/pasta/chocolate biscuits & anything gooey!) before making an attempt on Shap Fell.  From Kendal the road goes up, and it goes up and it goes up some more - the road winds up through awe inspiring scenery as you will see from my photo, until you reach the summit at Shap Fell, approximately a 400 metre ascent.  Cold, raining and windy at the top of that really big hill but even that couldn't dampen the joy of making it..........

Almost as a prize, the wind then came behind me and pushed me on to Carlisle but with it came an awful lot of rain so the waterproofs had their first real full on outing and the rain covers saw some action too - good news they work as all was dry inside the panniers - excellent stuff!

Taking the back lanes to Gretna I found myself all at once stood on the border of Scotland.  Only 5 more miles and I arrived at my overnight stop http://www.brucescave.co.uk/.  The campsite in Kirkpatrick Fleming is on the site near the cave of King Robert The Bruce, where he sought refuge in the 14th century, so I wandered down for a visit to see this ancient monument, a worthwile amble.

82 miles cycled today and a very welcome bath at the campsite in celebration of my mileage to date and to have reached Scotland!

Total so far - 524 miles

Day 6 - Upwards to Bolton Le Sands

 The A49 doesn't sleep so consequently neither did I - note to self to choose a campsite that isn't so close to a main road! I gave up the fight to get some sleep at about 5.30 and hit the road. Had done no more than a dozen miles when the lure of bacon proved too much and I had to pull over to a food wagon in the next layby for sustinence in the form of a bacon, sausage, egg & black pudding roll, with a large sweet tea, which was just what I needed to start my day off.  The lovely couple running the van congratulated me on my journey and gave me a lucazade sport drink to spur me on my way, which certainly did the trick!

The next 30 or so miles followed the M6 corridor which is insanely busy and not that pretty. Despite what I had heard about Preston, my journey through passed uneventfully.  North of Preston the scenery improved once more and after resupplying my food stocks in Lancaster, took a short detour to Morecombe Bay, where the sun shone out above the hills in the distance of the Lake District. After taking in the sea sights of the bay, I journeyed on to this evening's destination at Red Bank Farm in Bolton Le Sands, a far cry from last nights camp site as you can hear a pin drop here! http://www.redbankfarm.co.uk/.  

Tomorrow is "the big one" as I'm going over Shap Fell in the Lake District so a good night sleep is essential .....  wish me luck.....    your texts, comments and facebook posts are brilliant, extremely welcome and spur me on, thank you very much,  it's so great to know I've got support from afar!

Onwards to Weaverham - Day 5

Up at cock crow this morning, literally, as the cockeral started at 4.30am! On the road by 6 after packing up my tent and bike, heading towards Shrewsbury, crossing the Cheshire border at about 1pm.

Another fairly flat day with little or no wind so covered 80 miles and find myself in Weaverham overnight.

The bike is going well mechanically and the body is going well mechanically too!  The waterproofs got their first outing today as it rained on me for almost half the day, although the sun briefly popped out when I stopped for lunch at the border.

Total so far = 372 miles 

Day 4 - Chepstow to Mortimer's Cross

Awoke early and had a walk around Chepstow where the castle is magnificent. Breakfast at the B&B was full english with a huge pot of tea. Met a Swiss lady who was walking to John O'Groats & expects to take 50 days to do it. The day began as every other day with a large climb but was rewarded with a long descent into the Wye Valley, past Tintern Abbey which is a fantastic cycling route & all too soon I was in Monmouth. Opted to take the A466 towards Hereford rather than the very busy A49 which proved to be an outstanding choice. After Hereford, joined the A4110 as far as Mortimer's Cross & found at campsite at The Buzzards http://www.thebuzzards.co.uk/index.php
Today has been a day of very strong headwinds which at one point blew me to a standstill. Covered 52 miles today which felt like 520!! Another great day totalling 291 miles since Lands End.

Day 3 - Tiverton to Chepstow

Woke up to a fine and windy morning and after having slept through the alarm clock, packed up & headed off to the A38. Climbed the first hill and on reaching the top, discovered it was the only 1 for another 40 miles! Somerset is flat - where they have built the roads it is anyway... After a much needed fry up in Taunton I was suitably fortified. Followed the A38 until I reached the strawberry line at Axbridge which I then followed as far as the Severn Bridge with a couple of detours due to appalling direction signs, coupled with people who gave bad directions, I crossed the Severn Bridge and finally made it to Chesptow after 8.5 hours in the saddle and 90 miles ridden. Booked into http://www.stannshousechepstow.co.uk/index.html. bed and breakfast which is highly recommended, lovely people, spotless rooms & they secured my bike in a locked garage for me.
Tired but happy & looking forward to the Wye Valley tomorrow.

Day 2 - Camelford to ???

Rested after yesterday's adventure, my day started early to get some miles under my belt before the forecasted sun rays appeared.  A steady cycle along the A30 with a quick bite to eat after 38 miles just past Okehampton then on to Crediton before the heat and wind built up.  Took "Rob's passage" out of Crediton and rode up the Exe Valley which is absolutely stunning. Overnighting just outside Tiverton at Minnows Caravan Park, http://www.ukparks.co.uk/minnows/which is alongside the Great Western Canal, and is as pretty as the photo suggests, with some feathered friends for company! Some epic climbs today with energy sapping head wind - 77 miles done, am tired but very pleased with today's progress. What will tomorrow bring ????

Day 1 - Lands End - I'm off !

My last night in a comfy bed ended at 4.30am this morning and we headed for Lands End, seeing a beautiful dawn en route. After signing the "End to Enders" book in the hotel, I left Lands End this morning at 7.30am to start my solo and unsupported epic adventure on "Mojo".

The wind was behind me most of the way and I had a surprisingly good journey up the A30 - lunched at Tesco in Wadebridge - I love a hot deli counter!!

Camping overnight at cherrycottagecamping.co.uk who have let me pitch my tent free of charge at their superb site, a very sincere thank you.

A great journey of 70 miles today with the route hilly but mangeable in perfect weather! That's day 1 done and roll on day 2, i'm ready and waiting!  

Keep your messages and comments coming, it's so great to hear from you all.