Dave reveals all

My bike was quite heavy. I had a Left hand side Ortlieb pannier with all my clothes in it. I had a small bag on top of the rack with bike repair equipment in it. I had an Ortlieb bar bag with my camera, purse, 2Motorola slugs and other small items. I had a Road Angel 7000 Satnav with the route loaded on to the Road Map of GB (to save memory as opposed to OS maps). I only used this when things were difficult. I had printed OS maps of the route from Memory Map for each day.


I have a Cannondale Tourer, which hardly missed a beat. The gears were spot on except for one day, when they skipped a couple of times and I thought that I might have to adjust the cable, but it turned out that the chain just needed lube. I lubed the rear brake cable one day as well. I had fitted new Schwalbe tyres which just don't pucture.

Mark reveals all

_*Mark's technical bits:*_
I weighed my kit on return, when all emergency rations had been consumed, as follows:

1. _rear Carradice Camper Longflap saddlebag _@ 6.3kg containing:
first aid kit & waterproof jacket * [LH outer pocket] toolkit [RH outer pocket] folding outer tyre * Altura waterproof shoe covers Rainlegs cycling drybag A containing:
3 pairs ankle socks
3 pairs pants
1 pair knee length 3/4 padded longs
1 long sleeve top
1 knee support
1 merino wool vest *
evening drybag B containing:
Rohan trousers
lightweight T-shirt
lightweight fleece
1 pr socks
1 pr cotton boxers for nightwear
red T-shirt for British Heart Foundation washbag
1 book

in addition I was wearing:
1 cycling shorts
1 short sleeve top
1 Altura Nevis yellow jacket
1 pr socks
1 pr pants
1 pr gloves
1 helmet

2. _Front bar bag Ortleib_ rather ancient model @ 1.92kg containing:
1 pr warm gloves *
1 pr arm warmers *
1 hat liner *
front/rear LED lights *
1 mobile pone and charger
1 notebook
1 camera
various documents in waterproof pouches
1 tyre pump
emergency rations usually [muesli bars, dried fruit; but not at this weigh in]

3. _My bike is a Caygill _audax type road bike in 753, with Shimano Ultegra 10-speed groupset, with triple chainrings and 11-27 block.
I was not happy with the 24/42/52 chainrings - really difficult to change down to the 24 tooth granny, sometimes not changing, sometimes slipping off; and I never really needed the larger chainring; but my attempt to replace the standard Shimano rings with smaller 38/50 Stronglight rings was abandoned since there was not a good change.
I wonder now if I should move to a 34/50 'compact' double chainring with a 13-27 block?
Wheels were built about 3 weeks before departure, having sat waiting build for a year, were Rigida Chrina 36 hole rims on Sh Ultegra hubs with ACI spokes db and plain for drive side, built with brass eyelets.
About 350 miles running in and 2 re-tunes before departure, these wheels behaved like a dream and were very comfortable to ride. Thanks, Neil, for assistance.
Tyres are 700x25 Continental Gatorskin, narrow mudguards Plus Ortlieb barbag bracket, Carradice SQR bracket, and 1 waterbottle bracket + bottle.

* denotes *not* used at all, but I would still take these items on a similar trip, to cope with bad weather.

Day 14 the way home

We left John O Groats and headed West for Dunnet Head which is the most norherly part of the mainland. We took photos and headed for Thurso. 29 miles of cycling and we were in Thurso trying to while away a couple of hours.

The train arrived at 13.00 and we got on board with bikes and bags.

The train journey took us through North Scotland amongst beautiful scenery including Helmsdale and Rogart which were places that we had cycled through.

At Inverness we changed trains for Aberdeen and more familiar countryside.

Mark alighted at Inverurie to cycle home and hopefully my "in laws" will be at Aberdeen station to pick me up.

Really looking forward to seeing them and Sarah.

Ah well, back to work tomorrow!

Day 13 Rogart to John O Groats

Retrieved M's fleece from pub, bid farewell to Kate of the amazing railway sleepers, and set off at a brisk pace 4 miles down to the A9. We stormed along an udulating coastal road with fine views over the North sea. The sun was strong, the sky blue, and a gentle north easterly blew. Helmsdale, a delightful fishing port, welcomed us for a tea break.

We continued along the coast road, up and down, towards the infamous Berridale Braes. We shot down the 13% winding descent, over the bridge, and climbed steadily up the north side in low gear, a long but easy ascent, in contrast to the Beauly road out of Drumnadrochit @ 15%. Please note, the couple from the pub in Rogart, no walking, cycled all the way nae bother.

So Dunbeath hoved into view, so we stopped at the Spar for refuelling, and sat out in the sun on the stone wall on high overlooking the harbour. Then carried on along the A9, with less traffic, particularly after the Wick road branched off.

After Lybster, we turned NW on a minor road tha ran for 13.miles in a straight line, past crofts, and then over bleak barren peat and heather ground. Steadily climbing, we paused to view some ancient burial cairns, before pedalling on along this virtually traffic free route.

As we neared JoG, we saw the haar hanging over the coast, and the sun was closed off. When we finally arrived at JoG, as the photographer was packing up his signpost and kit, it became cold for the first time in several days. So we had our photo taken, wrote a message in the book in the café where our card was stamped, and had a coffee and scone.

Back to the YH, recovered, showered, and set off into the wind to the pub for supper and a few
pints.

Data:
Distance 81 mls
Ride Time 6hrs 25mins
Avg Sp 12.6
Total 1004 miles
Phew! Done it!
Next challenge?

Day 12 Loch Ness YH to Rogart Station

We started out at a really good pace, reaching Drumnadrochit at 15+mph. There was very little traffic which was nice. Then we turned onto the Beauly road which is signposted 15% for 0.75 miles. It was very steep and seemed much longer,we both managed it with a sense of satisfaction.

It was directly after this that David had a near death experience with a tractor round a really sharp bend which nipped back again.

We dropped down into Beauly and on to Conon Bridge and Dingwall, where we stopped for coffee.

After Dingwall, we climbed up to the moors which was a really nice gradient that can be taken, at a good pace. We had a picnic, before dropping down into Edderton.

There was an Antique fair in Edderton where we had tea and cakes.
We crossed the Dornoch bridge and went off to Dornoch as a diversion from the A9.
We arrived at Rogart Station where we stayed in first class railway carriages, complete with showers kitchen etc. The carriages were set in a delightful garden with railway memorabelia.

Data
Distance 78.6 miles
Ride time K hours 01 mins
Ave Sp 12.7 mph
Total 923 miles

Day 11 Corran Ferry to Loch Ness YH

The day started really well with a free ferry crossing to the North shore, and a delightful ride along the shore for 11 miles to reach the wee passenger ferry at Camusnagau back to Fort William on the south side. We cycled through rhodedendrons in full flower near the lodges, and past lovely bays along the coast, and all with the minimum of effort. We had ascertained that the ferry left at 1015, and we arrived with 10 minutes to spare. This ferry was a small cabin cruiser, and they were happy to accept Mark's bus pass for himself, but not for his bike.

Failed to find the cycle path out of the Fort, until we headed off the main road and found a strange bridge over the river Lochy that proved to be part of the Great Glen Way, so we followed the route to the Neptune's Staircase locks on the Caledonian canal. After watching a boat descend a lock, we set off again on the minor road on te NW side of the canal. With fine views over the canal, to Ben Nevis, this was another luxurious ride, and it didn't strain the knees too much.

Eventually the road ran out, and we were on forestry road, a bit lumpy. We sat down for an impromptu lunch of dried fruit overlooking the loch. The sun was by now blazing hot, and the hills to the south were lit up against the blue sky.

After an hour of bumping along, with mouth firmly shut to keep out some little flies, we were back on tarred road, and later we met the A82 again. It was not as busy here as yesterday at Corran, and we motored along on really easy roads to reach Fort Augustus for a late lunch in the sun and a short ride on to the YH at Alltsigh with some extra shopping for tea.

Weather hot and sunny all day.
Data:
Distance 55 miles
Ride Time 4hrs 0 mins
Avg Sp 13.2
Total 844 miles

A nice relaxing day in fantastic scenery and exceptional weather.

The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

Day 10 Tarbert to Corran Ferry

We have really had an enjoyable day today.We set out at 8.50 from Tarbert and soon struck up a good pace and got to Kilmartin at around 15 mph. The roads were quiet.

We went up to Dunadd fort, a very significant medieval site where Kings of Scotland were crowned. We stood on the crowning stone and crowned each other!

We pushed on to Oban at a good speed maintaining just below 15 mph clocking 50 miles to lunch. The views of Loch Melfort and Loch Feochan were stunning.

We went over the bridge on to the Fort William road. Mark had gear selection problems so we stopped to find that a link of his chain was split. We fixed this with a repair link and were quickly on our way.

The scenery was stunning and we took lots of pictures and our speed dropped in the scorching afternoon sun. We stopped for a cuppa and finally arrived at the bunkhouse at 7pm. The roads to Corran Ferry were very busy towards the end and a little scary.

There was no hot water so we had cold showers. Not a luxury!

Data

Distance 91
Ride time 7 hours 14 mins
Ave speed 14.1

Cumulative total= 789 miles

Day 9 Ayr to Tarbert

The Daviot in Ayr was an excellent B&B and after exchanging news about our hosts recent walk on the great wall in China, we set off through Ayr via the river to Troon.
A mix of main road and cycle path took us past Troon, Prestwick airport, to Irvine at a moderate pace.

At Ardrossan we checked at the ferry and went to Asda for a coffee and packed lunch. 2 hours on the ferry brought us toArran,where we cycled round the eastern coast,admiring swan with 5 cygnets, rocks piled with cormorants, a rounded rock with a sculpted seal, on which a seagull was resolutely perched.

Then it was up the hill, with fine views of the craggy peaks of Goatfell behind us. But the hill proved to be neither steep nor hard, and we romped to the summit and found ourselves hurtling down to tea and ice cream in Lochranza - well there was no more than that there. But our brief visit to Arran was a very pleasant one, before we were suddenly launched on the wee ferry to Claonaig. Less than an hour later we were landed, along with 4 other cycles and 1 car, so off up a gentle hill to loch Tarbert.

The port of Tarbert was gai bonnie,with a ring of shops, hotels and restaurants around the harbour full of fishing boats and yachts. The B&B overlooked the harbour and was exc. Dinner at The Anchorage Resto was Mich3* fish and well worth a visit.

An easy day, delightful and well earned. And it is great to be back in Scotland again and well.past the half way mark now. Weather today cloudy overcast, light winds from W.

DATA:
Distance 54 mls
Ride Time 3hrs 47min
Avg Sp 12.3
TOTAL 699

Day 8 Carlisle to Ayr Part2

Set off from Carlisle at 8am in cool drizzly weather. We used the new road beside the M74 to Gretna.

Pause for photos on entering Scotland once more.
We then battled west against the rain and blustery westerly to Dumfries. We noted the number of white painted Scottish style cottages. Coffee in Dumfries.

We then continued west on the old military road.
It must have been designed as a tank testing road, as it was very lumpy.

Eventually we got through Crocketford to St john of Dalry, where we met John Burt for lunch. A really enjoyable chat and food. Thanks John.

After lunch the weather improved except for the head wind.We met Steve at Carspheirn. Steve led us into Ayr from there. We really appreciated the help of a fresh back wheel. Thanks Steve.

We got into Ayr at 6.30 found our digs, showered and headed off to Steve and Sheilas for supper,beer and a lack lustre Man utd.

Thanks again Steve and Sheila.

The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

Day 8 Carlisle to Ayr

Distance 101 miles
Ride time 7hrs 51mins
Avg Speed 12.5 mph
Total 645 miles

Blog will be written up later, for reasons above.
Thanks to John for lunch at Dalry, and to Steve and Sheila for dinner and football in evg, and to Steve for towing us along for the last 25 miles.

Day 7 Lancaster to Carlisle

Off at 0815 after a large cooked breakfast, we pedalled out on the S side of the river Lune to a sharp bend in the river, where there was an old stone bridge alongside a disused rail bridge. Then steeply up the other side to join the road to Kirkby Lonsdale, a rolling hilly scenic route with varying quality road surfaces. Early tea stop at KL where the café was more focussed on serving breakfasts and had not yet baked the scones. Down to the river where there was a fine old stone bridge, a group of young people about to set off on a canoe trip, and some romanies in caravans, both car and horse drawn.

Now followed a B road up hill and down dale,past Sedburgh, with some very steep hills. Began an intimate association with the M6, which we crossed, overlooked from on high, cycled alongside, and later our road went between the 2 separated carriageways.

We followed a very quiet lane by a wooded burn for a few miles, then we were out on the open moor, with only sheep for company. After our complex relationship with the M6 ended, we climbed up to our highest point before running down to Shap.

Lunch in Shap, where there were still many pubs, but no expected transport cafes, so we ate in a newish modern café. Thereafter we decided to abandon the planned hilly back road route, and opted for the easy gradients and smooth tarmac of the A6. Out of Shap there were magificient limestone pavements to our right. Apart from 2 incidents, this was all straightforward. 1. Was to follow the road sign directions in Penrith, which sent us round a hilly circuitous route to get 150m across the town centre - just get off your bike and walk thru. 2 Was a herd of c.400 Friesian cows crossing the road to the milking parlour. Otherwise it felt really weird cycling down this fast wide road, sometimes dual carriageway, with nary a car in sight.

So before long we were at the B&B haviing a hot bath, tea and cakes. Bikes sleep in the bedroom too. Dinner at the Chinese buffet.

Weather bright, sunny in pm, and blustery strong westerly wind.

Today day 7 = 72 miles
Ride time = 5hrs 58mins
Avg sp = 11.8 mph
Total = 544 miles
Today we passed the half way mark
Tomorrow we reach Scotland.

pictures

Please visit the Justgiving website tolook at a selection of my photos

http://www.justgiving.com/davidwalton2

Day 6 Northwich to Lancaster

The day started off very well.
The weather was warm and sunny as the last three days have been. We set off at a really good pace and got 20 miles in not much over the hour having crossed the Manchester Ship canal at 9.30.

We were approaching Atherton.

That's when things went wromg. We took a wrong turning and ended up in a housing Estate. Instead of turning back, we decided to follow a track which would bring us into Atherton. Unfortunately the water board had dug it up and it was a mud bath. To make matters worse, as we got back on a decent surface, Mark punctured!

Repairing a puncture to a muddy tyre is not pleasant. We used several wet wipes .

After half an hour we were sorted and through Atherton.
We pushed on to Horwich where we stopped at a Turkish café which was being run by an Albanian couple.
They were really nice and we had Turkish tea.

We pushed on into Preston. This was very complicated and involved a Large park and the old tram way to the north and a very nice coffee shop. None of this would have been possible withlout the cycling Preston map from Lancs CC.

All of this was very time consuming and quite slow, but we were able to weave through three motorways on a single cycle path.

Finally, we were able to get on the A6 and get our heads down for the last 20 miles. We got to Lancaster for 5.15

The B&B were not there when we got there. We waited half an hour before someone turned up. Apparently the tourist board had not confirmed my booking.

Marcos Italian gets a special mention on account of the nice pasta and free wine.

Data

Today's mileage 80
Ave speed 13.0 mph
Toltal mileage 472
Ride time 5 hrs 52 mins

David

Message for Steven Knowles

Hi, Steve, Sue,Madeleine,lovely to hear from you.
Thanks for the suggestion about data.
We have all the data for each day and we will share as we go.What we found after 80 of the 90 miles on day 1 was
that food and drink were the most important things as you can't get by without them. We sat at the top of the hill after Gunnislake which is about 12 per cent for a couple of miles and ate a packet of dried cranberries as if they were the best thing since sliced bread.

david

The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

Day 5 Shrewsbury to Northwich

Cycled through Shrewsbury saw the castle. Then set off up a flat road to Wem. After Wem came across a nasty m'bike accident - we crept past the firemen clearing up after a fire, trying not to see too much.

Found a caff full of bikers for a cuppie. Then set off again down quiet country roads, until we arrived at canal country, where we crossed different canals frequently. Paused for a blether with an elderly local cyclist, who told iz of an exc café besixde a canal lock. Where we stopped for sunday lunch.

Our next goal was the Anderton canaL lift, a bit off our planned route, but on a light day this offered a fascnating diversion for an hour or so. Arrived at B&B in Northwich, and had an exc buffet curry for gbp 6.95 plus dfi.ks.

Today's data:
Ride time 4 hrs 16 mins
Distance 60.71 mls
Avg speed 13.16 mph
Total distance 392 mls

Day 4 Newland to Shrewsbury

A little hilly at first out from Monmouth but became a faster flowing ride to Hereford.Stopped in Monmouth to see historic bridge, then rolled on over gentle hills to Hereford. Visit to impressive cathedral with magnificent strong columns reaching upward. A quality break at Andy's café set us up for the rolling miles to Church Stretton. We took the back road through the village as a break from the A49,and paused for tea and a chat.Then powered in for the last 12 miles to Shrewsbury. Called at the supermarket to buy food for tea, then over to Margaret's, Mark's elderly mother, to stay over.

77 miles av sp 13.9 much faster than in the south west
Warm and sunny with gentle following wnd

Day 3 Bridgwater to Newlands

We cycled through the fenn type landscape north and then onto the A38 up to Winscomb.The A 38 is frightening. We had problems at coffee because they freaked at the sight of Scottish money. I stood my ground and we got coffee!

We had lunch in Clevedon before doing the two suspension bridges, Avon mouth and the old Severn.We then called in at Chepstow for a cuppa and we went to Tesco where everyone was dressed as cowboys. Then we had a really nice climb up the hill to Newlands. We went to the Ostrich pub where we met the crazy welsh couple ( the lady was scottish from Gurvan and the gent was South African. They were excellent company and agreed to sponsor us!

We stayed in a lovely b&b called Rookery farm

Day 2 Tavistock to Bridgwater

We had been welcomed last night by Geri, an old friend of Mark. Well fed and watered we both slept like the proverbial logs, and consumed our porridge and eggs for breakfast. After buying some dried fruit for quick boost emergency rations, the cranberries having proved their worth yesterday, we set off up the hill over dartmoor, a long but not overly steep climb. The fields gave way to the open moor, sheep wandered across the road, groups of ponies watched us pedal by. Soon we were on the plateau, with tors dotted across the open landscape, and passing the famous prison. In sunshine with a gentle following wind.

A steep descent on the east side for tea and scones at Berkhamstead. Through stone villages with thatched roofs, we had a varied route with quiet winding narrow hilly lanes alternating with fast busier A roads.

Arrived at Bridgwater and found the hotel which provided good room and food. We feel that we have now done the two hardest days. And look forward to future challenges with optimism.

Mark, weary cyclist with tired legs.

Day 1 Lands End to Tavistock

We got to Land's End abou 8am and took pictures.The photographer puts the signs away and doesn't start until 10 am so we took our own pics moins sign.

Cornwall is very hilly.You go up and you go down.That's all there is to it. 98 miles of up and down.

Example; As we were going up one rather steep.hill Mark
We met Mick at Dobwalls and we evaluated the route through Dobwalls onwards.

Mick said farewell at his village Gunnislake as we sped down a really fast road into the village. We then had a really hard climb up the other side. By the time we got to liskeard after 80 miles,we were very tired and snacked on dried Cranberries before finishing the journey to Tavistock and a welcome beer from Gerri,

Lands End

After 14 hours on the train and an 8 mile ride we finally arrived at Lands End Youth Hostel,where they let older people stay as well.

The YHA has improved a lot, they have a bar and home brewed beer.We were good though and stayed tee total tonight.

The locals are really friendly, they all pip their horns and wave at you as they pass. Reminds me of Wales.

Early start in the morning.

The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

Marks first report

Had a real quality ride on sunday with CTC which turned out to clock 98 miles in cloudy bright weather, over long rolling back roads around Alford, with a group of about 11 other cyclists. Thanks Sheila for an excellent day. Legs did well up to about 85 miles, and whilst the hills were modest and gentle, I feel good about that. I had really wanted to do the 300km Audax from Forfar, but training and knee were suspect, and I did not want to risk body or bike.

New wheels that I built 3 weeks ago are running beautifully, and had a final tune up on monday night - thanks Neil for your help.

Peter kindly gave me a lift to Stonehaven Station for the 0615 train, and successful journey to London. Quick cycle down Marylebone Road to experience the long forgotten delights of London traffic, so quick that we almost caught an earlier train.

After 6 months of preparation, it is good to be off, or nearly so. Sent fro the train in the Chilterns.

Mark.

On the train

After all the preparations we are finally on our way.There will be a picture of bikes on the train on JG site soon.Spent all day yesterday printing maps etc.

Cycled down to Stonehaven this morning the bike feels heavy!

Keat, an inspiration

I bumped into Keat on Thursday night and we cycled up Causey Mounth together. Keat is a fellow member of the CTC.

We talked about LEJOG and how Keat had completed the ride a couple of years ago.

He reassured me that it was ok after the first few days.

Keat managed to raise a lot of money for kidney research.
Awesome!

Wet Saturday

Me and Mark went out on Saturday.

we cycled south to Fettercairn into a hooring wind via the slug and Rickerton. we found that the coffee shop was shut, so we headed over to Laurencekirk into the rain. After a nice lunch in Muffins we went to look at the new train station. nice.



The wind had dropped to nothing now robbing us of a nice ride back and also the rain became torrential just to improve matters. I tried Mark's "Rain legs" which proved to be very effective at keeping the rain off the front of my legs and warming them up a bit.



Mark went back via Rickerton and retrieved my water bottle from the top of a dry stone wall where I had left it first thing.

Ride out in Yorkshire

I went out on Sunday with Steve and some guys from the Birdwell Wheelers.We went to Misterton for lunch near Gainsbrough and back via Epworth and Bentley.My bike never went that quick before!

This is mainly through following the back wheels of really fit guys!

Nearly at the start

Hi,

less than three weeks to go and we are nearly ready. Mark has been on the Highlands and Islands trip with the Grampian CTC and I have been trundling to work and back on the bike. Nearly all the preparations are in place. All the accomodation is now booked apart from Taunton, which is very busy when we want to stay there.

Final preparations to my bike include a new chain and tyres and putting together all my kit so that I know what weight I will be carrying.

I am down in Doncaster, going out with my old cycling buddy Steve Myatt tomorrow Misterton out Gainsborough way for lunch I think.

Preparation

Mark and me are preparing for the trip. We have already booked the train tickets. Stonehaven to London King's Cross and then Paddington to Panzance. Arriving on the evening of the 19th May.