Stirling Tri LEJOG

Back to life

2009-06-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

Is this what soldiers felt like when they came back from Viet Nam? A completely different existance for a couple of weeks and straight back to normal the next day feels very surreal. I keep getting flashbacks at inappropriate times. I can recommend the LEJOG diet plan to anybody. I ate like a horse and lost a pound per day. It does take a few calories to get my bulk up a hill! Only John S managed to lose more shedding about 30lb in 3 days. Get well soon big John.

Bodies and bikes survived remarkably well. We manged fewer punctures between us in 6 x 900 miles than Debbie got in one afternoon. 1 bent wheel and a set of peddles isn't much to go through. The car suffered more. Environmental health are coming to clean it up when they've finished at Rock Ness. No broken bones or pulled muscles either. I was laughed at when my sudocrem stash was spotted at the start. Nobody's laughing now! Bacon anybody?

All of the riders are united in saying that without our support crew it would have been impossible. I hope they all enjoyed it as much as they seemed to. By the end we had a support convoy.

My only regret is that it all went by so quickly I don't think I took enough in. (That and having to get off and push on one hill - chapeau to the ones that didn't get off - you know who you are.) Maybe the flashbacks will join up into a coherent memory.

As for the race, it was a draw!

We're Back - Thank You To Everyone

2009-06-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported and followed us along our way. We had a ball. It really was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone. It was an experience of a life time and one that I will always remember.

I would like to thank all my fellow team mates for making the journey so much fun. The games and the chat were top notch, even the singing!! No, not mine obviously!!

Special thanks to Viv for helping me make up the route maps every morning. It really was like a scene from Blue Peter!! Thanks also to the boys for ensuring our bikes were road worthy every morning and for repairing any punctures that happened along the way. Special mention to Alasdair who showed us how to put a chain back on with a stick which ensured we didn’t get oil on our new cycle kit!! Viv has become the most experienced at putting chains back on, her chain came off at least 3 or 4 times every day.

A huge thanks to our support crew, who kept us going. We really couldn’t have done it without you. They really did everything for us, allowing us to concentrate on the fun bit, the cycling. In the morning we would place bets on what the guys would produce for lunch. If John L was support driver it would be sandwiches at the side of a petrol station, if it was Stuart it would be an international themed buffet lunch served on a tray. We had Indian, Italian, Japanese and a Wedding Buffet (silver cutlery supplied by John Salmons, no questions please). Bob came on board and provided real comfort food, which brought back childhood memories. His finest moment was when he brought out the Tuc biscuits followed by Soreen Malt Loaf for afters. That really was the trump card!! Half way through the trip Stuart introduced the concept of an afternoon treat, so we would spend the afternoons fantasising on what it could possibly be. Thanks guys, these things really kept us going.

I’m frightened to think how many calories we consumed along the way. Three course breakfasts, lunches and dinners, snacks of bananas, energy bars, chocolate, bags of crisps and nuts washed down with a pint when we arrived at our accommodation (yes even I had one!). On one occasion we even went to the fish and chip shop for a portion of chips each just to keep us going till dinner. I have never eaten so much before. The concerning thing is that now we’re home and not cycling I’m still hungry all the time. I brought my lunch to work this morning and had eaten it by 10am. This can’t be normal??

Anyway enough rambling on, I'd better get some work done so that I can afford to go on the next trip whatever that may be??

PS. Be Warned – We’re all still hyper after our trip and have taken around 400 photographs each on our cameras. We’ve already bored a couple of friends with our photos and stories, (it was the glazed over look in their eyes after the first hundred or so that gave it away) so we completely understand if you want to avoid us for a few weeks. We’ll surely have calmed down by then???

Day 11 - A tale of two hills!

2009-06-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Leaving Stirling at Dark O'Clock with Alistair's wife Catriona, it was a long drive north, it really brought home to me just how far the Fab 6 had ridden! 905 miles was the concensus, and I wasn't arguing!

We met up with the group about 15 mile south of Wick, and a coffee stop was called for. The group were in great spirits and in remarkable shape considering what the had come though and achieved!

The final hills were negotiated, and what hills they were, Helmsdale (8%) & Berridale (15%) before the final stop in Wick. After a quick feed the final 18 miles were overcome to the finish, where Stuart suddenly took on the persona of a paparatzi photogropher! Multiple poses and more flashes than a streaker, a quick champagne shower, and that was it! Challenge done!

Talk has already started on what comes next, I will not elaborate any more but needless to say, this is the start, not the end!

Well done to the "Fab 6" on what has been a truely memorable adventure!

Coach John

£2,443 for Strathcarron

2009-06-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks very much to all those that had faith in us and knew that we would make the 900 miles (a few more depending on where we got lost) from Lands End to John O'Groats!

We have already raised £2,443 for Strathcarron. We would love to make this £2,500 or even £3,000. So for all those people who didn't think we would make it (that includes some of us!) , we have, so dig deep and support our efforts and this good cause.

Follow this link https://strathcarron.workwithus.org/Fundraising/Donate.aspx?page=4962
Thank you!

2009-06-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

The final day had team DVD (Dave, Viv and Debbie) and the A Team (Ay, Wot and Pardon) joining up and cycling as a six. That was fun, we should have tried it earlier! The support car became a convoy as Stuart arrived last night and was quickly joined by car 3 with director sportife John Lunn and Catriona. Catriona had sweetened him up enough to let us have 2 sit down stops. John S managed to make it. We were thinking we might have to make a cross by the side of the road. The other bloke (Bill?) was ther too giving it big hooooo haahs. Hills what hills? Bit breezy in the afternoon but heads down and bums up and we're there. Alison was worried about getting a reputation so sat on the front all day. I thought I'd soiled my shorts. Stuart 'Litchfield' Prentice made sure we have several hundred souvenir photos and didn't pay for any of them.

Serously though big thanks to John, John, Stuart and Bob. It's a real cliche but we really couldn't have done it without them.

900 miles in 11 days with a headwind all the way. It will grow with time but that's the raw numbers for now.

Alison is already planning to better it next year, the rest of us are quite pleased with ourselves.

p.s. What goes on tour stays on tour!

The lap of honour?

2009-06-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Alasdair had described our last day of 55 miles as the lap of honour ..... it looked as though it was going to be a bit harder than that but we were all running on adrenalin so it seemed not too bad at all! The cycling gods had taken offence and the weather was wet, cold and of course the NE head wind was still with us. LEJoggers heading south on their first day with fresh legs and a tail wind looked as though they were having great fun (just wait!).

We had heard tell of a couple of big climbs just outside Helmsdale and set off with great trepidation. We sailed up the first hill stopping up the top patting ourselves on the back saying how fit we were and how the hill was disapointing! Debbie knew better and kept saying 'you wait ... just around the next corner'. We had a couple of big downhills then hit the Berrydale (?) Braes, didn't get the benefit of the downhill because of a sneaky hairpin but all managed to grind up the hill on the other side ..... nothing compared to yesterdays hill!

Viv was concerned that a fellow LeJogger would make it to the end before us (the axe murderer that spent the previous night with Stuart - but that is another story!) and managed to push him off the road on the steepest part of the hill, panniers and all he had to do a hill start. She didn't even stop to give him a push!

Our support crew were very visible today all trying to out do each other in the stakes for top support crew award. Although we only had 55 miles today we had a coffee stop (and were allowed to sit down for more than 10 mins) and a lunch stop at the throbbing metropolis of Wick. We cruised to JOG as a six and even picked up a couple of other LeJoggers en route. The finale was the champagne shower courtesy of John Lunn and the photo shoot courtesy of Prentice productions.

We are now ready for a well earned rest and party!

A BIG thank you to all the support crew especially John S who was with us the whole way, John L, Bob and the other guy in the middle - oh yes Stuart!

Thanks also for all the visitors we had en route and the rapid coffee stops we made at peoples houses - we arrived drank coffee, ate biscuits, used the facilities and left all within 15 mins.

More posts later from the rest of the team ..... sleep now!

Day 10 Drumnadrochit to Helmsdale

2009-06-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Viv donned the thong today as a result of her hallucinations yesterday where she was seeing messages about god on every corner. Nobody else was witness to these visions.

First off we had an hc climb that took its toll with everyone stopping for a rest after 2 miles of the days journey. The descent after was fantastic though with everyone managing to beat Alasdairs top speed of 42.2mph by .5mph. Nice try Alasdair.

Support car appeared periodically. We enjoyed sushi (again) with tuc biscuits.
Everyone was starting flag a bit today but with only one day to go we will be a ok. John S still suffering but we have been joined by Stuart P again so that we are expecting a battle between the support crew for the award of top support member. Can Bob steal the glory. He is offering massages with sun cream but Stuart is going with inspirational quotes. Yes it's all about them.

The DVD team had an early coffee stop at Debbies pal Judith. David looked like he was getting stopped by the polis but thankfully the flashing blue light was not for him. We thought it might have been for breaking the speed limit in town.

The A team met the most charming two year old in Scotland. Angela will decide tomorrow if she thinks she might make it. Apparently Alison took a turn at the front.

Bog snorkelling championships!

2009-06-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

Team A did indeed have an eventful afternoon. After leaving Fort William we had a good ride up to the Commando Monument at Spean Bridge and the monument was very atmospheric. On the descent it got a wee bit different. With some tight bends on the descent we were going well until an altercation with a bus left Angela in the ditch, unharmed as it was a gentle landing in a boggy ditch. Alasdair with his usual competitive spirit needed to see if he could do better and joined her. Alison was asked to judge the competition but has yet to reveal the results :o)

Day 9 - Glen Coe and the Great Glen - Wow!

2009-06-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

The day started well and despite fears from last night the snoring wasn't too bad and no one fell out of bed. However, we were all glad to open the door this morning and gasp some fresh air!

We set off with blue sky looking forward to a great ride through Glen Coe and onto Drumnadrochit (I am still learning how to pronounce that) alongside Loch Ness. Gordon the Gopher was there to see us off and cheered us on a couple of times before we reached Kings House.

We had a fantastic ride down Glencoe, blue sky with the mountains looking brilliant. We had a head wind so the top speed was early 30's - a great ride. We met the guys at Fort William after 40 miles for a lovely lunch (Morrisons just isn't Waitrose!) back on the pasta salad, samosa and pork pie diet.

We left Fort William (were kicked out by John S & Bob) with still 50 miles to go. It was a relatively easy 50 miles and nice scenary but with weary legs and spirits not as high as other days it was a long ride. We saw the support guys a couple of times and made it to Drum ...... at about 4.30pm for a very welcome shower.

Another 90 miles tomorrow and only 147 to go to JOG!!!!!!!!!!

The A team had an eventful afternoon ..... which they will update later.

A couple of observations worth mentioning:

1. Prevailing wind should be SW - we have had a North Easterly for the entire ride!
2. Every traffic light team DVD come up to turns red, without fail .... could it be Daves aftershave?

Changeover day

2009-06-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ride, weather, scenery and company great as already mentioned. Highlight of the day was Stuart's very expensive jacket being shat on by a bird. (feathered) Trying to teach Stuart frogs and toads is as difficult as trying to teach Alison crosswords. Worried that Bob seems to have arrived for a holiday rather than 3 days of pampering to our every wish. Hopefully Viv will have him sorted by the morning. Managing to keep David and Alison's alcohol consumption under control but it's a struggle. Need to sign off. Bob is trying to improve his ratings with shoulder massages and it's my turn no.................

The Haka

2009-06-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

The A team have come up with their own haka.
Ask Alasdair and he will be happy to demonstrate.

Some very silly ideas being banded about in the pub tonight. Hopefully none of them will come to anything.

Oh yeah it was a great ride. Gordon the goffer looked at three cyclist at the side of the road like we had horns growing out of our heads so maybe we have changed a lot in the last 8 days. He wants me to mention that he did a great run up an epic hill but i'm afraid this is about us Gordon and not you.

Good old West Highland hospitality

2009-06-10T13:29:00.001-07:00

Having cycled several hundred miles we were met with some traditional West Highland hospitatlity at the West Higland Sleeper in Bridge of Orchy. The chap obviously only put his 'host with the most' hat on at 5pm and it wasn't a very warm welcome! The Bridge of Orchy hotel has been fab and we enjoyed a great evening.

Mention must be made that Stuart, after an initial winning streak lost at New Market and Pig!

Tonight will be interesting as there are nine of us (including three olympic snorers) in one room on three teir bunk beds. To add to the mix Viv and Dave par took of the spicy bean casserole .... should be fun!

Take it to the Bridge!

2009-06-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

Today was a relatively easy 70 miles from Glasgow to Bridge of Orchy. The cycling gods were with us and we avoided the bad weather and the sun shone for the whole ride.

The ride started with a blast through Paisley to Erskine and over the bridge to Balloch. We had a great coffee stop in Balloch and enjoyed a fair bit of attention from a bus load of Japenese tourists - obviously they mistook Alaisdair's thighs for Chris Hoy's!

The ride along Loch Lomand was great despite the fact that they are halfway through resurfacing the road which made finding a comfortable riding position very difficult.

The support crew (John and Stuart) excelled themselves with a Japenese themed lunch trying to convince Alison and I that sushi is vegetarian ...... can't wait for tomorrow

Alison and baby Haggis (Hamish) arrived to entertain us with spicy soup and plenty of encouragement. Alison said that she would love to do the ride - well at least the Loch Lomand bit not the other 800 miles.

Tonight is a sad parting of the ways for Stuart has had to hand over to Bob (great to see Bob) - early indications are that the initial high standards set by John Lunn, John Salmons and Stuart are likely to fall (rapidly!). Apparently Bob has bought is swim finns and is already checking out the local swimming pools - he is in for a rapid learning curve in the morning!

The last mention goes to the 'Gopher' who joined us for dinner tonight. Earlier in the day he had tried to sabotage Team A taking them out at the lights in Crianlarich in his 'go faster' camper van. He then just about managed to stop to talk to team DVD suggesting that they should be going harder .... thanks Gordon!

Tomorrow will be one of the memorable days covering 90 odd miles including Glen Coe.

Finally, Alison was the proud recipient of the thong for the day for throwing her lunch into Loch Lomond and sending the support crew out yesterday to buy Charles Wothington Anti frizz shampoo - like you need it with a bike helmet on?

Finally, finally, we are applying sudacreme at least three or four times a day and even Debbie has resorted to two pairs of shorts.

Thanks , thats £2000 grand for the hospice, lets make it £3000

2009-06-10T02:59:00.000-07:00

Hi,
Just checked the donate page and we now have over £2000, thanks very much for your support. I wonder if we can make it £3000 by the end or even a nice round £5000.
Heres that page again https://strathcarron.workwithus.org/Fundraising/Donate.aspx?page=4962

Ta

Viv

Looking forward .... North

2009-06-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

Aaaargh it's good to be back on line!

We have now reached Glasgow and it feels great, as though we have broken the back pof this ride. The last couple of days have been long and hard and we have appreciated all the support and visitors en route. We are now looking forward to cycling on familier ground and some of the highlights will hopefully be Glencoe and Loch Ness (if we can see through the rain!). The weather has been great today and we managed to remove at least two of our layers.

Bottoms ..... everyone is on at least two layers of shorts and there is a lot of sudacereme (other products are available) being applied throughout the day.

Legs .... are bearing up well - especially Dave's go faster legs, nice and smooth (in places!).

Heads ..... less alcohol is being consumed and the end is now in sight so we are beginning (with 350 miles still to go) getting excited!

Stuart has done a brilliant job, under John S's guidance and we had a fantastic Italian theme lunch on the side of the road in Abington joined by a couple of other LE Joggers. Bob has a lot to live up to when he takes over in Bridge of Orchy tomorrow.

Off to bed now .... more tomorrow .... hopefully, if Bob remembers the lap top and other gadgets required!

Bye

Day 7 Gretna to Glasgow

2009-06-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Debbie wore the thong today, it matched her outfit perfectly. This had been awarded for jumping the zebra in Penrith.
Alison was a close challanger for passing water in a public place for the first time. Squating is apparently pretty tough.
Stuart renewed his marriage vows with Debbie while they were in Gretna. Hopefully breaking the anvil is not a bad sign. He has claimed tomorrows thong award as a result though.
The cycling was relatively incident free. Alasdair had new pedals which he is learning to cope with. He also punctured and was rescued by Alison who ripped his tyre off for him. The A team then went for a quick trip round Larkhall.
The dvd team spotted the spitting image of their support crew in Bogside. A chubby 70 year old man and his pal with a moustache...well they looked like Stuart and John to Debbie.
We have also started a socila gather along the way. We met up with Kim in Bridgewater, Mary in Hereford, she had to wait a long time until we appeared though. Sara in Gretna who became our chauffer for the evening and Ryan, Stephanie, Elaine and Jenny in Glasgow. Thanks to Ryan for providing the laptop that this is being written on. Sounds like tomorrow is going to be a busy day with at least two visits lined up already.
Only 3 1/2 days to go. Over 600 miles done. I'm sure we will make it despite the od boil on the bum.

Day 6 - Garstang to Gretna

2009-06-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

Weather was passable.

The support vehicle were nearly invisible, apparently they had a hard day.
The A team:- Alasdair, Alison and Angela received a full buffet lunch prior to the large hill (Shap) in the lake district while the DVD team:- David, Viv and Debbie had the bones to pick over.

Back at the start of the day; Viv was asked by a passing car if she knew any cyclists named Vivienne, she said yes and turns out the driver was Bob's Uncle Alan.

Lots of landmarks reached. The halfway point has been passed 500 miles done. Back in scotland.
Give me a hoo. Give me a ha.

Other news
Thong of Day 5
David, who shaved his legs, too much alcohol, He's obviously been secretly hanging out with John Laff!!!
Thong of the Day 6
Debbie for jumping a Zebra!!!! and every other junction; she will be first (Ed (Remember, it's not a race)

Finally a big thanks to Nancy, (Stuart' s Mum) who did 5 loads of washing.

Day 5 - Under the weather

2009-06-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

We started the day expecting the worst weather but it came to nothing - thankfully!

Alasdair, Alison and David started the day feeling a bit under the weather. Was it caused by a hard cycle on Thursday? Certainly not, more like six bottles of wine, vodka and bed at 12.30! Shocking!!!Respect to them for getting through today without too much wingeing, although Alison went a few shades of green! .

Highlights of today.
No rain, veggie samosa and hot chocolates.
Had a great stop at Chris (my brother) and Jen's house timed nicely.
The support car coped well with the change in personnel; Stuart P aka "The Apprentice" (some iron man thing) should reach full competency by wednesday under John S's guidance. I wonder what tomorrow's challenge is for the support team. Today the "laundry" team beat a Ferarri through Warrington - obviously, it must have been nicked.

More updates tomorrow when we are safely back in Scotland yeee haa.

Day 4 - the rain in Englandshire falls mainly on LeJogers!

2009-06-06T00:45:00.000-07:00

A short hop today of a mere 53 miles from Hereford to Shrewsbury! Upon getting up it is obvious that this is going to be a tough one as the rain is coming down in torrents! Todays wearer of the lejog thong was Dave for his non stop singing, banter, game playing & general positive spirits! Viv was awarded the navigators award for her fab efforts through Bristol.

Only complaint so far was from Dave, who wanted to stop in a small village where he spotted 'Richard's bike shop' only for the girls to blow him out! Perhaps it was the tumble weeds & window boards on the shop front that put them off! More later when we finally hit the road!

The day is done with all finishing what was one of the wettest days on the bike they will ever have. (until tomorrow anyway!) The support teams newspapers were quickly aquired & used to provide insulation as the temperature reached single figures! Debbie & Alison said they would only use red top papers as nothing else would match their outfits, while Alistair resorted to full winter kit!

Today was also a swap day for the support crew with coach John being replaced by Stuart '1 & done' Prentice, to bring some fresh blood to the team, Big John Salmons being the constant in this.

An early finish today ensured spirits remain high as the group passed the 300 mile mark & rapidly approach the border. Alister is now sleeping in his Assos shorts they are THAT comfy, Angela is now getting into her groove, or at least her saddle is according to John & Dave is asking where the disco's are! So things are going well!

Cherry Lambrini

2009-06-05T14:23:00.001-07:00

Well it's nearly 10.30pm and we are still in the bar!

Cherry Lambrini

2009-06-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

Well it's nearly 10.30pm and we are still in the bar!

What a day!

2009-06-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, this has been a long day! Just about 100 miles featuring Cheddar Gorge, route finding through the centre of Bristol and the magnificent 'Old' Severn Bridge and then the longest 30 miles I have ever cycled! Big respect to Debbie who slaughtered David on 'the gorge'. A great day, very tired but all in good spirits! Looking forward to a short day tomorrow.

Day 3- the ride to the bridge & beyond!

2009-06-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

A bit cooler start tithe day, and a bit later as well. The hotel were obviously not geared up for 6 LeJogers & 2 hungry support crew. After a full English breakfast of bacon (cooked on Wednesday!), 2 poached eggs & 1/2 a cooked tomato we were off!

Cheddar gorge was a must do hill for the trip & our group ascended this at 25. Miles, with Debbie (Pantani) Prentice reaching the summit first. A quick water stop the up next was Bristol & the Severn bridge then the final 30 miles to the days destination.

Legs & bottoms are starting to tire, but spirits are still high!

Day 3 - supplementary- The longest day!

After taking in all the sights of Bristol, the Severn bridge was negotiated! Then the rain started

Wye valley was very pretty As was Hereford. Lumpy roads from Monmouth! 2 puncture day and some interesting navigation. Late start meant late finish and ten seconds to get ready for dinner! Another day in the bag.

Day 2 - cornish pasties & hills

2009-06-05T00:31:00.000-07:00

Day 2 started well with the sun shining & Alistair wearing the "thong of the day" for almost falling off the cliff at lands end photo shoot! Todays leg was 80-86 miles depending on whose bike computer you used! The sun shone again, but it was cooler. Traffic was busy towards the end of the day & the hills meant todays ride time was around 6 hrs.

J @ J got. The thong of tv day for bad directions and suggesting that there are no more hills! Lunch stop was very swish with coke and sandwiches on a BP forecourt.

Debbie enjoyed a well earned pint of beer after Taunton - the pint was bigger than her and Viv had to help her out. Debbie would like to point out that Dave bought her this & that ladies like her don't drink pints! Looks like Dave will not be buying the drinks from now on!

Test

2009-06-05T00:26:00.000-07:00

Does this work!

Day 2

2009-06-04T00:04:00.000-07:00

Day 2 on LE JOG - we are all up bright and early, breakfasted and raring to go. No sore legs yet!

We had a great first day yesterday with weather in the mid 30's and fresh legs to spur us on.

The wind was so slight we had a debate as to whether it was a tail wind or a head wind - Alison always struggles with that one! We split into two groups of three for most of the ride along some pretty busy roads. Only one wrong turn for Alasdair (quickly corrected) otherwise we navigated our way no problem at all. We regrouped to arrive at the accommodation en mass to meet the two John's spread out on the grass sunbathing (anxiously waiting for us!)

The support crew did a great job, always appearing when we most needed them with water bananas and general encouragement. They had an eventful day in AB's car eventually managing to shut the sat nav lady up and playing with the various electric gadgets. John decided to do a scientific test between French and Italian cars and found that the wing mirrors on French cars are far superior - sorry Alasdair.

Bed for all by 10.30pm - how sad are we?

Another update for the log - Day 1 Beer Already

2009-06-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

Day 1 update - just stopped at Camelford and AB and DR are having the first beer of the trip (hoo hah) only 15 miles to go!

Day 1 - Were off at last- Yee Ha

2009-06-03T05:07:00.000-07:00

Left LE at 9.01 cycled 37 miles and had first coffee stop without incident. Lunch at Wadebridge. 2 mechanicals and AB went for a near dive off LE! Lovely sunshine.

Ready To Go

2009-06-03T01:32:00.000-07:00

Arrived at the youth hostel in Penzance having only got lost a few times and 1 bit of car trouble so that's a success. The brave ones have started in style by swimming in the sea. The others might get chucked in at the other end. The drivers have a busy day tomorrow and are heading off to bed early. The cyclists are carb loading in the bar. 28C predicted tomorrow and lumpy terrain so plenty of fluids required.

We're on our way, or are we?????

2009-06-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

Just phoned enterprise to check that everything is in order and that the vehicle is ready to be collected at 4pm as arranged. The reply was that the vehicle was on its way to them and would then be cleaned. Doesn't sound to good. I have the feeling that a delay is going to happen, despite me calling them last week to tee them up to ensure everything ran smoothly. Will we get off the starting line on time? tune in later to find out.

Tapering (part 2)

2009-06-01T04:10:00.000-07:00

Sunday was an ideal day for a short, quiet ride. The good weather would bring out a big crowd of riders and John was taking the fast ones away separately so it was bound to be a gentle Callander for coffee and home. Perfect to just to stretch the legs.

I rolled up at the peak to be met by Alison (it's not a race!) Lunn and nobody else. After a one hour coffee/route planning meeting we decided to just do Sherrifmuir the short way - from Bridge of Allan. The coffee must have been spiked.

Blowing up 10 minutes into a ride is never good but hey IT'S NOT A RACE!

Recovery and more coffee then promises of taking it easier for the next couple of weeks. After all IT'S NOT A RACE!!!!

0 Sleeps To Go

2009-05-31T22:28:00.001-07:00

OMG, its time. :)
Can't wait to get down there although I am still processing alcohol out of my body.

Lets go!

£1,000 and still going up!

2009-05-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

As part of this challenge we are raising funds for Strathcarron Hospice. Thanks to everyone who has supported us so far .... we have now reached over £1,000! If you would like to contribute you can give on-line if you follow this link https://strathcarron.workwithus.org/Fundraising/Donate.aspx?page=4962
Thank you!

1 sleep to go!

2009-05-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

That's me all packed and bike safely stashed at Alasdair's - I even cleaned it!

Just one more sleep and we are off!

Unfortunately, Alasdair is carrying an injury on his wrist which hopefully (watch this space we will never hear the end of it!) won't effect his cycling performance. I also broke a nail in the incident but more importantly I won the game of spoons!!!!!!

IT 'experts'?

2009-05-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Phew! (deep sigh) on at last - Debbie always gets there first. It has taken two IT 'experts', 12 bottles of beer and three packets of crisps to finally get me on this thing.

That's 66.666% of LE JOG on and only Alison and Angela to join us ........ soon hopefully! (if you need any IT support don't call Bob or David!)

Four sleeps to go!

Ah ha on at last

2009-05-28T12:38:00.001-07:00

fgfggfgfgfgfgfgfgfggffgfgfgfg

Test

2009-05-26T06:57:00.001-07:00

My age is beginning to show!! No, it's not all the cycle training that I've had to do thats got the better of me, it's this damned blog. Its taken me 3 days to work out how to get registered and then once registered its taken me another day to find out how to make a posting. I'm away to press the publish post button, so we will see if I have been successful or not!!

A Dongle

2009-05-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

If this appears on the blog we are good to go with updates as we go along. Does this mean I now have a dongle? Next week I will learn to tie my shoe laces

Tapering

2009-05-24T08:39:00.001-07:00

1 week to go so it's time to taper. Viv, David and myself tapered by heading out on a gentle 40 mile ride at time trial pace into a gale force head wind. The workout included puting all sphincters to the test with doddery old men, white-knuckle downhilling and traffic all adding to the excitement. LeJog will be easy after this.

Panic Buying

2009-05-23T23:29:00.000-07:00

Time is running out. The route cards have been printed and the accomodation booked, let the panic buying commence.
So far the last minute shopping list is:

David: Full length skins/ New set of lights/ Gillet/ Worlds most expensive pump/ tub of sudacream

Alasdair: The most expensive pair of shorts he can find/ Probably another 3 saddles

Viv: New helmet

Debbie: The complete Stirling Tri outfit/ Probably a dozen inner tubes

Alison: A pair of shorts to match Alasdairs

Angela: Is keeping quiet on her purchases.

The Route

2009-05-18T02:30:00.000-07:00

Day 1

Day 1 Wednesday, 3 June
Lands End to Launceston

From to Road Comments Mileage Cumulative mileage
Lands End Penzance A30 Minor road 10 10
Penzance J A394/A30 A30 Primary route with some dual carriageway 2 12
A394/A30 Blackwater A3075 Left hand turn towards Newquay 20 32
Blackwater Trevemper Mill A392 Head towards Quintrell Downs 9 41
Quintrell Downs J A392/A39 A39 Left turn onto A39 to Wadebridge 6 47
J A392/A39 Wadebridge A39 Primary route 12 59
Wadebride Camelford A39 Primary route 10 69
Camelford J A39/A395 A39 Right turn onto A395 signposted Launceston 3 72
J A39/A395 Trethorne Golfclub A395 Minor road 10 82

Day 2

Day 2 Thursday, 4th June
Launceston to Bridgwater

From to Road Comments Mileage Cumulative mileage
Trethorne Golfclub A30 A395 1 1
JA30 Liftondown A30 Option to take A30 to Okehampton or backroads as below 6 7
Liftondown Sourton Services Lifton, Portgate, Lewdown, Bridestowe 12 19
Sourton Services Okehampton A30 1 20
Okehampton Dartmoor Railway Museum B3215 Left turn off A30 then right turn onto B3215/A3072 5 25
JA377 Crediton A377 At JA377 turn right to Crediton 15 40
Crediton Tiverton A3072 7 roundabouts 14 54
Tiverton Taunton A361 Right turn under M5 onto A38 24 78
Taunton Huntsworth A38 4 82

Day 3

Day 3 Friday, 5th June
Bridgwater to Hereford

From to Road Comments Mileage Cumulative mileage
Huntsworth Bridgwater A38 2 2
Bridgwater Bath Road A39 Right turn just north of Bridgwater 3 5
Bath Road Woolavington B3141 Left turn off Bath Road onto B3141 signposted Woolavington 1 6
Woolavington Wedmore B3139 Join B3139 turning roght towards Wedmore 10 16
Wedmore Cheddar B3151 Left turn to Cheddar 5 21
Cheddar Cheddar Gorge B371 3 24
Cheddar Gorge Yoxter B371 2 26
Yoxter Burrington B371 Left at T junction on B3134 to Burrington 2 28
Burrington J A368 B3134 Joining Bath Road A368 3 31
J A368 Lower Langford A38 Right turn onto A38 cut across to Lower Langford B3133 3 34
Lower Langford Congresbury B3133 Join A370 Clifton Suspension Bridge 4 38
Congressbury Bristol A370/A4018 Through Bristol 2 50
Catbrian Bridge A4055 East Compton, Pilning 11 61
Bridge over Severn Chepstowe M4???? 3 64
Chepstowe Monmouth A466 14 78
Monmouth Grafton A466 Just south of Hereford 16 94

Day 4

Day 4 Saturday, 6th June
Hereford to Shrewsbury

From to Road Comments Mileage Cumulative mileage
Grafton Hereford A465 2 2
Hereford Cannon Pyon A4110 Right turn onto A4110 8 10
Cannon Pyon J 4385 A4110 15 25
J A4385 Craven Arms 9 34
Craven Arms Shrewsbury A49 19 53

Day 5

Day 5 Sunday, 7th June
Shrewsbury to Garstang

From to Road Comments Mileage Cumulative mileage
Shrewsbury Whitcurch A49 20 20
Whitchurch Nantwich A525/A530 Turn right onto A525 and left onto A530 signposted Audlem, Burleydown 10 30
Nantwich Northwich B5074/A5018/A533 16 46
Northwich Dones Green A533 Left turn after Notrhwich follow signs for Runcorn 5 51
Dones Green Warrington A49 turn right at crossroads at Dones Green 7 58
Warrington Wigan A49 14 72
Wigan Preston A49 16 88
Preston Bilsburrow A6 8 96

Day 6

Day 6 Monday, 8th June
Garstang - Gretna

From to Road Comments Mileage Cumulative mileage
Bilsborrow Carlisle A6 Garstang, Lancaster, Kendal, Penrith, Carlisle 81 81
Carlisle Longtown A7 9 90
Longtown Gretna A6071 4 94

Day 7

Day 7 Tuesday, 9th June
Gretna to Clarkston

From to Road Comments Mileage Cumulative mileage
Gretna Abington B7076 50 50
Abington Lesmahagow B7078 13 63
Lasmahagow Strathaven B7086 8 71
Strathaven East Kilbride A726 12 83
East Kilbride Clarkeston A725 A726 joins A725 major road through EK . Stay on main road 3 86

Day 8

Day 8, Wednesday, 10th June
Clarkston to Bridge of Orchy

From to Road Comments Mileage Cumulative mileage
Clarkeston Erskine Bridge A726 through Paisley 15 15
Erskine Bridge Balloch A814/A812 10 25
Balloch Tarbert A82 18 43
Tarbert Crianlarich A82 17 60
Tyndrum Bridge of Orchy A82 10 70

Day 9

Day 9, Thursday, 11 June 2009
Bridge of Orchy to Beauley

From to Road Comments Mileage Cumulative mileage
Bridge of Orchy Fort William A82 Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Right at Ballachulish to Fort William 40 40
Fort William Spean Bridge A82 9 49
Spean Bridge Invergarry A82 Loch Lochy on left
Invergarry Drumnodrochit A82 41 90
Drumnodrochit Beauly A831/A862 Briefly jopin A831 then take 2nd right to Beauly 12 102

Day 10

Day 10, Friday, 12 June
Beauley to Helmsdale

From to Road Comments Mileage Cumulative mileage
Beauley Muir of Ord A862 4 4
Muir of Ord Dingwall A862 8 12
Dingwall Just before Alness A9 Join A9 straight on at roundabout 4 18
Just before Alness Dornoch B9176 Alternative route stay on A9 22 40
Dornoch Helmsdale A9 Passing Alness, Glenmorangie distillary, Clashmore, Golospie, Brora 29 69

Day 11

Day 11, Saturday, 13th June
Helmsdale to JOG

From to Road Comments Mileage Cumulative mileage
Helmsdale Latherton A9 19 19
Latherton JOG A99 Right hand turn at Latherton heading to Wick and JOG 33 52