After the 40 mile bike with Mr Gough last Saturday I was feeling a bit more confident, as I wasn't too shabby, and once I have my new bike I’m sure I can give him a run for his money!
Although after seeing some of the hill profiles for a couple of days in Scotland my feeling of “this wont be too bad after all..” has gone back to “Oh my god.....”
Friday, 30 March 2007
Thursday, 22 March 2007
OK, how do we get there again?
What a nightmare few weeks I've had attempting to get us to John O'Groats. It seems that Scotrail are a bit of a law unto themselves, and have only just this week opened bookings for the train we need! (Unless we want to book a reclining chair / bed for the sleeper train, which is still not available. Aaaarrgghhh!!!)
As a result, all the cheap seats are gone, as Virgin Trains who operate the first leg of the journey opened their bit weeks ago, so now they want a whopping £140 for a ticket, as opposed to a very reasonable £45. Ah.
So, having looked at combinations of driving, car hire, taxi, coach, minibus, flying and a man with a van (yes really), Andy appears to have saved the day by simply looking into taking the train the next day (19th May). Now why didn't I think of that? Yep, it's still £45, it only has 2 changes as opposed to 4, and isn't even an overnight sleeper. I knew he'd have his uses.
So, I haven't seen his skills on a bike yet, but I have just bought him a ticket to John O'Groats. See you at Temple Meads at 6:15 on the 19th Andy...
As a result, all the cheap seats are gone, as Virgin Trains who operate the first leg of the journey opened their bit weeks ago, so now they want a whopping £140 for a ticket, as opposed to a very reasonable £45. Ah.
So, having looked at combinations of driving, car hire, taxi, coach, minibus, flying and a man with a van (yes really), Andy appears to have saved the day by simply looking into taking the train the next day (19th May). Now why didn't I think of that? Yep, it's still £45, it only has 2 changes as opposed to 4, and isn't even an overnight sleeper. I knew he'd have his uses.
So, I haven't seen his skills on a bike yet, but I have just bought him a ticket to John O'Groats. See you at Temple Meads at 6:15 on the 19th Andy...
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Not sure what I have let myself in for....
Well after several pints of beer Mr Gough convinced me to join him on his mad idea to cycle the length of the country. As always at the time it seemed a good idea, but so does everything after 9 pints of beer in a bar in the middle of Amsterdam's red light district!!!
Anyway after not being on a bike for about 5 years, I thought I should do a bit of training, but as last Saturday proved I have a long way to go, cycled 20 miles, nearly collapsed and couldn't sit down for the rest of the weekend. Now I have changed my concern from what have a let myself in for to what has Andy G let himself in for.
Have been training a couple of times this week and will be getting a more suitable bike soon, as my old mountain bike isn't really up to the job. Although I may wait until next week to get a new bike, as going out for a bike ride with Andy on Saturday and he may just change his mind when he realises how slow I am.....
Anyway after not being on a bike for about 5 years, I thought I should do a bit of training, but as last Saturday proved I have a long way to go, cycled 20 miles, nearly collapsed and couldn't sit down for the rest of the weekend. Now I have changed my concern from what have a let myself in for to what has Andy G let himself in for.
Have been training a couple of times this week and will be getting a more suitable bike soon, as my old mountain bike isn't really up to the job. Although I may wait until next week to get a new bike, as going out for a bike ride with Andy on Saturday and he may just change his mind when he realises how slow I am.....
Monday, 19 March 2007
Did I mention the prevailing wind?
It seems I may have underestimated the effect the wind might have on our progress.....
Rode 46 miles with the wind behind me on Saturday - 16.6mph average speed
Rode 46 miles into the wind on Sunday - 12.6mph average speed. That's an hour longer!
Decided not to tell Andy W this small issue yet....perhaps I can just blame it on the curry and lager on the Saturday night instead....
Rode 46 miles with the wind behind me on Saturday - 16.6mph average speed
Rode 46 miles into the wind on Sunday - 12.6mph average speed. That's an hour longer!
Decided not to tell Andy W this small issue yet....perhaps I can just blame it on the curry and lager on the Saturday night instead....
Monday, 12 March 2007
And then there were two...
I'm delighted to announce that I have recruited a riding partner!
Following the consumption of several beers spread over several hours, Andy Walsh has agreed to join me for the duration of the ride.
I hope this isn't a bad omen, but shortly after agreeing to ride the length of the UK with me, both Andy and I got impressively lost on our relatively short journey home from the pub....
It's good to have you on board Andy. I think.
Following the consumption of several beers spread over several hours, Andy Walsh has agreed to join me for the duration of the ride.
I hope this isn't a bad omen, but shortly after agreeing to ride the length of the UK with me, both Andy and I got impressively lost on our relatively short journey home from the pub....
It's good to have you on board Andy. I think.
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