Day 11 Swadlingcote to Farnesfield.

We aim to get away a bit earlier, 8.30 but a technical hitch stops us. My phone won't power up the App. I giess it is due to lack of memory so clear out some pics. At last we get going, 9.15. 

Lunch is at a bakers shop cafe and must have the worst menu ever. The shop is nice but upstairs the cafe is worn out and sad. Julian took a photo of the menu for posterity. We asked for Cornish pastie beans and chips. The chef came back, sorry love you'll need to see what we have downstairs, but anyhow no pasties. "Its late in the day you see, well it is for a baker, you know"  . We get a steak and kidney and a veggie one. 

Ok its 1pm on a saturday and its quiet. Well five minutes later the place is jumping and a queue is formed. Say no more. 

It is nearly all route 6 today and a large amount is off road. There is also a large part through Nottingham which i am not looking forward too. In the end this was actually very interesting and a good run. 

There are loads of cycleways here and a lot of people on bikes and we see why. Traffic congestion is awful here. 

We stop for fuel, large slice of cake and tea and get talking to the owner. He is a whizz on the iphone. He helps me get mine sorted out and shows me a couple of tricks, like the search facility and how to see how much memory each item is taking. I didn't know about that. 

We have to cross a railway bridge. There is no ramp but a rail for cycle tyres. Not easy up or down with a heavy bike. 

We are heading for Lurchers Farm campsite near Farnesfield, SE of Mansfield. The campsite is just a mile from route 6 but we go on to the  country pub another half mile to see when they stop serving. Its 945 so we are ok for food. Checking in at the site there is a lovely curry smell. It seems that Ahmed, one of the owners is a curry maestro. We  are offerred some at a bargain price which we accept.  

The sun comes out for 10 mins before it sets, so looking good for tomorrow. 

Julian demonstrates his juggling skills with 3 oranges. 

Its been a good ride on mostly quiet roads. 58 miles for today and now over 500 total. 

Day 10 Warwick to Swadlingcote

The Mousley End site will be a nice site someday but i am not sorry to leave it. We scoot off downhill and very quickly we have 2 hills to get up. 

We get ontio The Monarchs  Trail, another old railway line, good for several miles but very muddy in places. It takes a bit of concentration to stay upright and going fast is out of the question. There are more pedestrians, we ring our bells but 50% have earphones in. One couple in their 60's dont hear our bells. I shout "BIKE" and the woman walks over right in front of me. I manage to stop and they deride me for not using a bell. I ring it and they shut up, but I realise it is too high pitched so I am going to get another when possible. 

We are going to meet Julians friend Tony, nominally at Hartshill, Nuneaton. It takes us longer than expected and when we chance uon the cafe "Full of Beans" we phone him and he comes to us. Tony very kindly buys us our lunch, a gentleman. Thanks Tony much appreciated. 

We set off again, 3 hills to go up, but then we get a good run down the other side. Traffic has been busy today and i am fed up of vanman. 

One of the delightful roads we ride is this one called "21 Oaks Road". We didn't count them.

We are staying at Conkers Hostel so we get some supplies at a co-op. Lasagne for me and macaroni for Julian and a third box of tagliatelli which we split oh and a large broccolli and 2 carrots, followed by fruit and yoghurt. We are hungry. The kitchen is compact for the size of the hostel but we manage ok. 

We get a room to ourselves though the hostel is busy. We are able to get a washing done and use up all the hanging space, also spreading stuff around our room to dry. 

I get talking to Nigel who was being pestered by his daughter for some change for the games room. He very kindly gives me a donation for MS research, thank you sir!

Another round of the cribbage takes place and England again have the upper hand. England lead by 3 now. 

Day 9 Haw Bridge to Warwick.

More Mud.

Slept well though I did hear the rain overnight. Its great being warm and dry in the tent when its cold and wet outside. 

We did not have our cribbage game last night so must try and get one tonight. 

Got up at 7 and tidied up as much as poss before getting out of tent. The heavy drizzle drifts into the tent and covers everything. Get washed then stove on for a brew. The sound of the burner makes you feel better. So does a hot cuppa and 3 weetabix with yoghurt and milk. Time to Rock and Roll!

We soon cover 5 miles and the route skirts the banks of the Severn. Its a muddy path! I try riding it and manage ok. Julian starts to push but then tries to cycle and falls off. He is bruised and confidence dented. We clean up his bike as the mud bungs up his brakes and mudguards. 

We meander into Tewkesbury and stop at Melanies, a quiet tearoom. This is the first cafe without music blaring. Its only 1015 and looks as though we are the first customers. I was going to have a slice of cake but we both went for the bacon and egg baguette- excellent.  

The marina at Twekesbury. 

Back out into the rain and try and get some miles in. 

It is now after 11 and we have only done 7.5 miles, frustrating. 4.5 miles later the rain stops. So do we at Kemerton House and remove our overtrousers. Off we go.

Another 3.5 miles and we turn off onto a quiet road. Julian shouts something. He has left/dropped his gloves somewhere since last stop. He takes his panniers off and sets off to look for them. He goes back 3 miles and sees one on the road. He then stops a cyclist to ask if he has seen a glove. Oh yes he has but it was the one Julian had got. Julian returns snd happens to see the second glove in grass on the verge. Lucky.

Julian returns after 40 mins and i have managed to finish yesterdays Blog. We have now been on the go for 3 hours and only done 17 miles. And 40 still to go. I am frustrated. 

Soon we are at Evesham. There have been orchards along the last 3 miles or so.  The place is a lot busier and bigger since my last visit 14 years ago. I also spent time doing my training courses here in '79 and '80. We don't stop and carry on to Stratford. We biy some more snacks to keep us going- flapjacks and energy bars. 

We turn a corner and get a super view over the Vale of Evesham and the Cotswolds. Black clouds are ahead and worse , the wind is NE'erly, straight into our faces. Turning into a vollage we see a thatcher at work. The roof looks nice when it is new and golden coloured. We chat and learn it can last 50-60 years with the ridge section needin replaced every 12-15. Nice job sir. 

We finally reach Mousley End Farm Camping. Stopping at the field gateway there are a large number of brown vehicle tracks fanning out to the various pitches. Some green shows through. Simon the owner is talking to a camper, his landrover is nearby. I hear him say he is around if he cannot get out. It is not a quagmire by any means , but it is not the Happy Camping site one imagines looking at the website. 10 days of rain has not helped but my impression is of someone who has never camped thinking " hmm lets make that field into a campsite, won't that be good ". 

The  'facilities' ard 2 portacabins , small ones, 2 showers in one and 3 loos in the other. No segregation and about 10 tents with 8 kids running around. I wonder if this has council approval ? The map with local pubs shown is on the wall beside the cubicles. A mother and 2 girls come in to use the loos, we dont need to make eye contact and I leave. I am not sure who is most embarrassed. I have been on foreign sites with communal facilities but the close confines of an 8x12 hut do not work. 

The local pub is 2 miles away. We have a great meal and i get to try my new headtorch cycling home on the pitch black. Wow it is great. I leave my dirty panniers out overnight hoping the rain will wash them. We don't get a cribbage game, too tired. Sleep again comes very quickly after another 60 miler. 

Day 8 Bristol to Haw Bridge.

In brief, started damp but we had a good run out to Join route 41 at the M5 bridge over the Avon. Good to get out into the countryside again after negotiating the urban industrial lands. 

Did a few miles along the canal. 

The route is fairly level ( compared to Cornwall )  and we got a good rhythym going. Stopped for lunch in a wee cafe which was fine. Lovely cottages around here 

The rain started again at 4pm, we got to Haw bridge at 18.30. A tad damp. 

Discovered a major issue- no food on wednesdays says Julian reading food menu outside the Haw Bridge Inn.  What? You are joking. Went in to ask barmaid. Yes it was true. I had phoned to check they had room for our tents 2 weeks ago and that we were cycling. It seems you have to check everything. 

Nearest place is Red Lion nearly 2 miles away. We get tents up and showered then we jog it and get a lift for last 400 yds. Too late, chef has cleared up as very quiet tonight. Funny how "food served until 9" rarely means it. Luckily for us the owner made us a doorstep sandwich. Thank you Ann-marie Brooker, they were great!

For anyone going to this area the Red Lion has been under new ownership since march. There are tables for sitting out next to the river and a huge campsite nextdoor. ( which looks the biz )

Walked back to site then hit the sack, too tired to do blog. The Haw Bridge is a basic site and I cannot recommend it. 

It had been a good day and we had made good progress despite the rain. Shame the Inn let us down. 

Today 62 miles. 366 since Lands End. 

Day Off in Bristol

Ok a day to catch up with repairs, washing and do some touristy things. We find out there is a cycle shop round the corner. They have everything, it seems..... But not front panniers and rack! What? They have a huge selection of rear ones. They are very helpful and phone a couple of shops. 2nd time success.  Julian buys a new pair of shorts and an inner tube. 

I get to Bike UK, with my bike, and Brian helps me out. They kindly let me fit the front rack in the shop- there are some bike stands in the shop for customer use! Great idea. I did ask if they could fit it but no , they are too busy. There are 3 mechanics in the workshop and another assembling a bike from a box. 

It takes an hour and half for me to mount the rack. Had to get longer bolts and some extra washers, but at least the kit came with nylock nuts. 

Front rack on!

I texted Julian. Hopefully he has enough power in his phone to get my message and meet back at the hostel. 

Next, food. We head off in search of food and a charger for julians phone. Success on both counts. I then return to get a hat (its raining ) and on to the Great Britain. We arrange to meet later. 

The ship is huge. Much bigger than i expected.  Brunel's design was at the cutting edge of technology. An efficient 2 blade propellor, but also one that could be raised inboard to reduce the drag when under sail. The remains of the original rudder are in the museum adjacent, but with a modern prop to show how it works. 

I do the tour and I think they have done a great job restoring her. It is in dry dock with a false 'sea', water on glass, which mskes it look as though it is floating. Very clever. 

Julian has kindly hung up our laundry to dry and also my tent which was still wet. 

Everything is dry by 8pm and i get my packing done for tomorrow. 

We have 3 games of cribbage and England are now leading by 3. I'll not mention Julians errors ( twice ) in adding the scores. 

Some more pics of the ship. 

Day 7 All change at Bristol.

Waking up I realise it is still dark. The weather is not as forecast, ie it is not sunny. Heavy skies look threatening, it is going to be another start with the waterproofs on. We get sorted , have breakfast and are leaving  the site before 8.00. 

It is straight downhill and we are quickly ba ck on route 3. This will be our longest day so far with 60 mlles to Bristol. 

We join the Bridgewater and Taunton canal, the only people we meet are fishing, most sit in camoflage gear staring at their line, watching for a sign they have something after their bait. 

The route takes a loop into Bridgewater but we are led to believe we might get across the Parratt river earlier, saving a few milles. The detour to check would barely add a mile so we go to look. No luck, but the rain has stopped and some brightness is showing to the east. We get to Bridgewater, once again on the canal path but it is being upgraded and very rough to ride. 

Looking for any sign of a shop or garage for a coffee stop, we only find a co-op and its closed. The town is very industrial and we abandon our search, navigating back to route 3. The M5 is close by and very noisy. We are going to cross it 4 more times today which makes me think back to the quiet Cornish Lanes and roads of a few days ago. 

As we get back to country lanes we take a break to refuel. Its important to eat and drink  every hour or sooner so you dont run out of energy. 

The next place on the route is Chilton Polden but to get there we have to cross a long narrow feature called Cock Hill. There is a roman road running along the top of it, now called the A39. There is a steep ascent from Stawell to get over but at least the view is worth it. 

We have to go 500m along the A 39 to our turn off, then it's a blast down the other side. We congratulate ourselves for 23 miles and it's still only 10.15. Mistake! My eye is off the ball and I start to follow the Sustrans route signs instead of my planned route. Fortunately it is only a mile, so 2 extra miles total.  

We had been discussing the name Chilton Pollden and suggesting what it might mean and here we were heading back to it. I suggested it meant Hotel California. Julian looked at me. You know, the song. What? Yes , you know,  'you can check out any time you like but you can never leave'. I of course had to laugh at my own joke but somehow got into a fit of giggles. Tears rolled down my face.  I had to pull in to the side as i could not see where i was going. It was just like i was underwater. When i calmed down i felt i was being watched. A woman and her teenage daughter were looking at me,  she was laughing. I heard her say " what is it ?' Then something about ' the laughing cyclist' This made me burst into hysterics once again.

This is the view of Glastonbury Tor when we realised our mistake. 

We are now heading north over the Huntspill Levels aiming for Axbridge and the Strawberry Line.

We are feeling hungry but no sign of any tearooms. Winscombe is the next large village and luckily there is a Spar shop. We buy juice and some sandwiches and 2 pork pies each. ( one for later) There is a nice man sorting out some posters to stick in the bus shelter. He is a double amputee and is riding in his electric scooter.  Julian gives him a help by sticking up his posters. He is the chairman of the local veterans assoc. and his committee have organised a dinner dance to raise funds for Help the Heroes.

Fuelled up we set off up the street looking for a path to the Strawberry line. This is an old railway line, now a very popular cycleway. It cuts through orchards and alongside fields and is very busy being the holiday monday. We ride about 10 miles on it to Cleveden on the coast. As we head north to here , the Mendips are on our right and we are getting closer to them. From Cleveden we go east round the northern flank then follow the Avon cycleway to Bristol. The path is narrow in places and muddy. It is a challenge to keep balance with a load on but we manage. There are weekend yachtsmen motoring down the river, fighting the tide, presumably they were sailing earlier. 

We round a corner and get our first view of the Clifton suspension bridge. 

We are soon amongst the day trippers at the harbour area where the SS Great Britain  now lives. I hope to visit this tomorrow. Next is a replica of The Matthew , John Cabott's boat he sailed to north America. 

It looks small! Next is a steam railway which offers rides once a month or so. We wait while the engine shunts over the crossing and finally get permission to cross the line from someone on the footplate. It is strange being right up close and personal to this lovely old machine. 

We cross a small bridge to the east side of the harbour and find the hostel. It seems the lift is out of order and we use the stairs. The cycle room is in the basement and we have to carry them through the games room to get there. There is little room to spare in the cycle 'shed' but talking to reception gets it sorted. The chef has his bike there and he knows which ones are used daily. 

We sort ourselves, kit and beds thenhead out for some food. We find a small Italian restaurant and refuel. We covered 60 miles today and while feeling good about it, we are tired. We discuss tomorrows 'day off' , Julian needs a phone charger and I need front panniers. I have had enough of strapping the big load on the back and not being able to get into the panniers.  Julian reckons Bristol is cycling -city so it should not be a problem to get kitted out.

(I have just realised my pics have turned a strange colour, i will have to find out why. Another job for tomorrow)

Day 6 Two to Taunton

Woke up about 4, there were a couple of  birds chirping but then as daylight increased, the Dawn chorus started. Quite a racket but pleasing to hear.

I got up and made a tea, then started tidying up my dry clothes.

 There are a few things i must check each morning: phone is charged, tyres pumped up, wet gear stowed last, water bottles full and snacks in the barbag. Not forgetting, wallet in jacket pocket, cycle computer zero'd, chain looks like it has some lube on it and brakes are ok. 

Had to oil the chain but for once i didn' t need to hunt for my cycle mits..... and er my wallet. I have wasted a lot of time looking for things, if only I could put them back in the same place. 

Michael had suggested going by the 'old' main road to Tiverton. We did and it saved 2 miles on my original route. While starting off dry, the rain was not far away but it was relatively light and had stopped just as we reached Morrisons in Tiverton. More cake and tea! Tiverton is very cycle friendly, lots of shared pavements and Toucan crossings. 

12 miles done and it was only 1020.

O

The next few miles included a stretch of the Great Wester. Canal ( pic above). We only saw one canalboat under power but quite  a few being used for reading the papers in. Folk enjoying their holiday weekend break. 

A few miles east of Tiverton and we get a view looking SW to Dartmoor. Its a dark outline on the horizon and i get feeling that we are making some progress now. We also passed the 200 mile mark this morning. 

We reach a place called Nynehead and there is an interesting feature we cycle through. A small gorge but very atmospheric. It is damp and dark with ferns and moss covering the sides. The rock looks like red sandstone which is the same colour as the now familiar to me, red soil in the fields. 

(The camera shows it being a lot brighter than it is)

From here down to Taunton we dont have to do too much pedalling and enjoy the gradual descent. 

Tesco is thefirst big shop we find, we need need a new pack of cards. The last got soaked yesterday. I have not mentioned this but there is an interdsting International Sporting event going on during this trip - the Scotland v England Cribbage Tour of Britain. Tha score is even, 2/2 for now. We dont get cards here but do in Taunton. 

Soon we are out the south side and heading for the village of Henlade and Ashe Farm campsite. 

Lovely site and a sunny end to our easiest day so far. 40 miles today. 

Tonights cribbage result, England lead by 2. (Is that Val i can hear cheering?)

Day 5 Still Hilly

Highampton to South Molton. 

Woke up about 7 to a bright light at the other end of the tent - it was the sun. Sat up and could feel the heat through the tent then put a brew on. What a lovely start to the day. We got all the wet stuff spread out on newspaper and had breakfast. Three weetabix and 1 1/2 bananas , mug of tea. 

9.30 and we are leaving the site going back towards Sheepwash when i still feel peckish and have an oaty biscuit. Julian slags me for still eating. 

Down a hill then the first of todays uphills.  We soon get on a road along the top of a hill and get some nice views of Dartmoor. 

50 mins later we are in Hatherleigh and see a cafe. In we go for coffee and cake. I go to check out the carrot cake when the cook brings through pasties , fresh out the oven apparently. That was it , had to have one. Absolutely delicious too. 

Seeing a seated area in front of the church i realise i have been here before, posibly 17 years ago whlle on a holiday. We meet another cyclist who is keen to hear our route as he has done Lejog himself. 

More hills but with increasingly longer downhill sides, this good.  Next place en route for a lunch stop is Chumleigh. We see a sign advertising the golf club for food. The course is an 18 hole par 3. Everyone is very friendly and we find the course record is 47. That is good golf!

We only have 7 miles to go to Elaine and Michaels but dark clouds are approaching from the west. The wind is in our face so we are not able to outrun the rain. Wet gear on again and it chucks it down. We arrive looking like drowned rats ( Elaines words) but we are so glad to get indoors and have a cuppa in front of the stove. It is right toasty. 

We takeover all available hanging space and even get my tent slung from the wall frames Michael has been building upstairs. 

A soak in the bath is next, luxury, the heat soothing the aches. 

We are soon off to the Stag Inn for a super meal. The ceilings are low here and    Julian and I have to watch for the beams above our seats. We manage ok. 

Elaine and Julian order a cheese board for dessert and we are astounded by the amount of cheese - ie loads. It is not wasted though as we get a doggy bag to take it home. 

 I am sleeping in a bed tonight after 5 nights in a tent. It is very comfy and feels different not sleeping at floor level.  It is pitch black when i put out the light, no street lights here, and also the nearest thing to silence. I dont need much rocking tonight and am soon fast asleep.

Elaine has kindly washed some of our gear so by morning everything is dry. The cheese has been put on some rolls and scrambled egg made for breakfast. We load up and say our farewells. Thank you both for your very kind hospitality. If anyone else would like to visit Devon then perhaps you might consider Poadmarsh Holiday Cottages for your accommodation.  You wont be disappointed. 

Day 4 More Hills.

Camelford to Highampton.

Hills. You can't go far in Cornwall without meeting one. The good thing is that there is always a Down side.  Today, several hills had short Ups and long Downs and for 2 of these this meant about 2 miles of freewheeling. As you are grinding away going up you cant help thinking how slow it is but then this compensated by the 20mph+ on the other side. The 'top ' does not cover any distance usually, you are either going up or going down meaning also a quick change from being too hot to too cold. 

The other feature of Lanes here are the high hedges which can block the view but then also provide a surprise as you round a corner. Admittiedly this could be a car though you can hear them or like today , this 

our first County border. This gave a boost and the confirmation that progress is being made despite the sometimes slow uphill speed. 

Today we got an earlier start 08.00 . The Cherry Cottage site was quiet and I had left my phone powerpack charging overnight in the kitchen block. Julian had left some damp items drying so we reclaimed these on the way out.

 The powerpack has been great, it lives in my barbag and can power my phone while cycling if need be. As a good bit of the route yesterday was not on a Sustrans signposted route i was using my gps  map.app a  lot and got the Low Power warning  by early afternoon. 

The forecast was saying rain after 10.00 , which it did, but  we had a dry'ish 15 miles by then. I say ish as my left foot was wet but at least it was warm. 

The overtrousers were on and off a lot due partly to the overheating going up and overcooling going down as well as the rain. I have changed my mind about velcro on my jacket zipflap which i did not like to start with but see the benefits of changing ventilation requirements at short notice. 

No tearooms on route today until Holsworthy where  a cafe with chipshop on rhe side catered for all tastes. I was starving so a pretty good roast beef, pud, 3 veg and roast pots was served while Julian had liver and bacon plus trimmings. 

A visit to the Co-op next then back in the saddle. This was a busy place for traffic and we were glad to getback to a small lane and Route 3. The landscape is changing now and looking NE we could see the more gently rolling hills of Devon though I hear they are just as good as their Cornish cousins. 

Tonights site is near Highampton, at Legge Farm which is a fish farm. Its paradise if you are a sport fisherman. There are 5 lakes with different species and the photos of some huge Carp being caught are amazing. The fish are put back straight away to live another day. 

Befor we got here we stopped at Sheepwash looking for a tearoom but no luck. We asked at the Post Office and the lady there said she would make us a cuppa. We bought some items in return, but she then also gave us a donation for MS. We had a good blether, getting the local news and also a headsup for the pubfood which we returned to later. 

Rick and Wendy at Legge suggested a taxi firm to go back to Sheepwash, which we used, and we were pleasantly surprised when Linda the driver gave us a donation. Her firm Hatherleigh Taxis iis providing free transport to Bristol airport for a local 3 year old boy who has to go to America for a special operation. 

The Half Moon Inn served up a super meal, mushroom and tarragon soup and homemade fish pie , veg and extra mash on the side. Sadly i was full and no room for the lemon meringue dessert i had eyed up. A great end to a great day. 

Day 3 The Camel Trail

Today its Truro to Camelford. Delayed taking tents down as forecast said it would ease. It didnt until we had loaded the bikes but this meant at least it was better cycling weather. 

We still had light rain for 2 hours but then it cleared and the sun made some brief appearances. 

About midday we were looking fot a coffe stop and saw a sign outside a church for tea and coffe , all welcome. In we went and were greeted by Ann Askew who took us through to the kitchen/diner at the rear. There was a right chatter going on until the elderly folk were silenced by my highviz jacket. A lovely lady, Betty Sweet, came over to talk. Seems her son in law did Lejog some years ago but he couldn't do it now as he's 58! 

However Betty and Ann both made a donation to our charity, MS Research. Thank you ladies. 

We were on route 32 for 12 miles then turned right and headed for Bodmin. 

Things were going smoothly until Julian got a puncture. 30 mins later we were back on the road. 

Freewheeling into Bodmin we found a wee cafe. John Lenny runs this and also has a Laundrette service. We got talking and found a common interest in Mind, Julians former employer for the last 13 years. When he heard about our MS interest he waived our bill which we have pledged to the cause. Thank you John. 

The next act of kindness was by our hosts for tonight , Chris and Theresa Hughes of Cherry Cottage Campsite Camelford. He too waived his fees as we were riding for charity. Thank you very much sir, another addition to our fundraising. John also gave us a shortcut to the Camel Trail, going past the old Bodmin Jail. There was a Naval jail here too which was where the crown jewels were stored during world war one. In a dungeon. 

A reminder of my MS online donation page on Just Giving, search for 'Summers Lejog' and it should be one of the options. 

Today we rode some 10 miles of the Camel Trail. This is a lovely route gently rising and following the Camel river. We left it near Polley bridge and got back pn Route 3, steadily gaining more height until we were back up at the NW end of. Bodmin Moor. Great scenery and lots of wildlife including some ponies with 3 new additions to the herd. 

It was a dry afternoon for us until we started putting the tents up when it absolutely chucked it down for 40 mins. 

The site facilities are great and after a hot shower it was off to the Riverside Restaurant for some hot food. 

 We have now done 115 miles from Lands End. 

Day 2 Truro

Despite less miles than yesterdayit felt a hard day today, a lot more ascent was the reason i think. Had a nice breakfast at a beachside cafe and watched the waves  coming in. The surf school had marked out the safe area for those keen on watersports. No surf riders but a couple of sea kayaks set out. 

From here we aimed inland again to pick up Route 3 for Truro. We stumbled upon The Cornish Mine Trail which kept us off a busy road for 3 miles. Next we joined a bridleway, good for half a mile then choas as it turned to mud. We picked pur way carefully for a mile and breathed a sigh of relief on reaching a road. Julians bike was caked in mud, jammed between front mudguard and wheel. We removed the wheel to clean it as it was so bad. A kind BT engineer laying some fibre cable asked if wd needed a hand. He was also a keen cyclist and offered advice on how to get back on our main route. 

The route finding was tricky today so it was a relief to start seeing the Sustrans '3' again. 

While in Truro i used a cash machine. Unknown to me i had dropped a fiver out of my pocket. Julian overheard a couple walking past him saying 'do you think that lad knows he's dropped a fiver?' As i turned round to leave the machine Julian shouted 'have you dropped some money?' I looked down and saw it. 

In a similar manner, while cycling up that very steep hill in Mousehole, someone shouted to us 'are you cycling?' 

Julian turned round and shouted back  ' No we're walking'. :-)

Day 1 Lands End - The Start

Woke up about 5.30, felt refreshed and was surprised at this as usually it takes a couple of nights to get used to being in a tent. Breakfast was not until 8.30 ish due to the school kids getting priority but we were in no rush. It was worth waiting for though and just what i needed. We asked to leave our tents up until later, collecting them on our return. It was heavy drissel before breakfast and raining afterwards but no amount of procrastinating would make it show any sign of abating. 

It didn't matter as spirits were high and the prospect of going to the start of our challenge kept a level of excitement in the air. 

We encountered 2 big hills on the route. One going out at Mousehole as mentioned to us by Dave Bell Julians brother in law.  We did cycle up it but then we were not fully loaded.  The second  one we had to get off and walk, no point in straining a knee on day 1.

On the return we stopped at  'Pams Pantry ' in Mousehole and I had my first  Cornish pastie of the trip, followed by a slice of choclate cake - ace!

Next it was 2 miles back to the hostel and strike camp. 

The forecast was for rain, tick, showers, tick, then rain from 4pm, nope, we got sun instead. A great end to the day. We headed to St Ives to find a campsite and we got lucky at a super place near Hayle. A pub across the road for tea and a pint, sorted. 

En route we came across this caravan, not used very often it seems. 

Along the front near St Michaels Mount the cycle path disappeared under sand which had been washed up over the wall.   

Had to get off and push for roughly 80 metres. 

Tomorrow we are back to our planned route, aiming for Truro. 

28 miles 

'Train'ing

Woke up at 5 and that was it, had to get up. All too quickly it was 6.45 and I still had not got the bike out of the shed. Got loaded and checked time , 7.15. Time to go. Said my farewells and a couple photos later I was off. 

Thoughts running through my head, what have I forgotten? Went down my mental checklist and was happy i had everything. 

Reached the canal towpath at Kirky and accellerated down the ramp. The adrenaline took over, i was cruising at 17mph. This was it no going back. After 4 miles realised i was going too fast and slowed down, no point in rushing, plenty time. I reached Central station just after 8, too early but i had burned off some adrenalin at least. The Penzance train was on the board but no platform number. Waited until 8.45 then went to ask, 'its 7 you want'. 

Got to 7 and met a wall of commuters from Ayr, all trying to get through 2 barriers. Took 7 mins to get past them and onto train. Just got the bike stowed and the train pulled out. Phew 

Julian got on at Durham and between us we barely got his bike and gear onboard and the door closed.  We were just remarking how good it was not to have to change trains when the guard announced over the tannoy there was a fault and we would have to change trains in Derby! Its just not Canny. We forgot to touch wood didnt we. 

The journey otherwise was fine, just busy as the replacement train was a coach less. I was interested to see the Dawlish section, not long reopened. It's a lovely estuary with a large moorings, must be busy at weekends. The new section of track is passed at speed, caught a glimpse of someone in a high viz suit, that was it i guess. 

The weather had been sunny from Edinburgh to Bristol, then wet the rest. Happily we came out the other side of it at Penzance and had a dry ride to the hostel. 

We are camping in the garden here as the huge building is full of children, two coaches parked, but the place is quiet as they are off to bed. We are treated to a view of the stars, a good sign for to morrow i'm thinking as we too head for the land of nod. 

Route

Lands End

Penzance

Truro

Camelford

Highampton

South Molton

Taunton

Bristol

Warwick

Swadlingcote

Rainworth

Rotherham

Selby

Easingwold

Castle Eden

Morpeth

Craster

Berwick on Tweed

North Berwick

Kinross

Blair Atholl

Carrbridge

Rosemarkie

Lairg

Bettyhill

John o Groats

These are the proposed stopovers but could change. The first week though is fixed unless a serious delay happens but btween us we should cope with minor breakdowns or repairs. 

The trip is mostly on Sustrans routes and as much off road as possible. 

My sister came round tonight with a goodluck card and a bit of emergency kit....

....thanks Moira. Hope this means the weather will be fab. 

Mid Term panic

Yesterday did my usual 22 miles but with a 12kilo load. Certainly noticed a difference after this, my legs felt like they had done some good exercise. There is a couple of decent hills in this run but probably nothing like we are going to get in Cornwall. However given that we are doing around the 45-50 miles a day I am hoping it won't be too much worse than this. No I haven't done this run twice in a day but after last years cycling in North Yorkshire I am sure I can cope.

Front brakes are needing replaced now, in fine time for next week.
Booked another couple of campsites after discovering that one was not available due to the English Mid-term holiday, not to mention the Spring bank holiday as well. Thankfully there was another site less than 2 miles away and which is possibly better as it has a laundry. Its a bit further from a pub though. They nearly all have good pubs nearby for food too which is handy.One of the sites said they would only charge us for one tent if we kept to the one pitch - ok, not a problem.
The first 2 weeks overnights are more or less sorted now. Still one short near Rotherham to be sorted.

Forecast is looking ok for tomorrow so will have a final run of maybe 35 miles. Pack and check day on Sunday ready for the train south on Monday. Next report from Penzance.

More Packing

Went through the packing checklist and found some of the small remaining items not already looked out.
Things like woolly hat, penknife and chainlube and rag in a bag. Managed to get everything in but no space left for food if we decide to do our own cooking (in hostel). Decided the sleepmat could go outside a pannier and live with the tent on the rack. Then found I could use the top straps on the panniers to stow my waterproofs. This cleared space from my boot or trunk bag as well so now I still have space even if it is a hot day and I am not wearing any of my cooler weather clothing.

Loaded the bike but it still looks like I've got the kitchen sink. Its surprising how having nice contours on a Pannier cuts down its storage capacity. The loaded bike's weight feels cumbersome so felt it might be good to see how it feels while riding. Thankfully its ok once it is rolling. The load is 15kg, but on the level there does not seem too big difference compared to my training load of 8kg, its only the hills where you notice it.(SBO) Took it for a 12 mile run and it all stayed in place. So far so good.

One important note is to look further ahead in road observation for braking.

This afternoon tidied up the route and got the .gpx files for each day named appropriately and backed up.

1 Week to go.

Can't believe its only a week away. Managed a couple more short runs at weekend and new tyre also got fitted yesterday. New mount also fitted but had it too low and was hitting my knee when standing in the pedals. Now fixed.
Email from Julian to say my route distance from Castle Eden to Craster is suspect, ie 20 miles short.
Hmm, took a relook at things and found I had missed out a whole days worth of mileage somewhere in the midlands as well. Re-tweaking things today.
Forgot about what spare footwear I was going to take, for when I'm not on the bike. Flip-flops ?
Nice and light.
More soon.

Back in the saddle.

Its been a week since I did any kind of a decent run due to our trip to London last weekend and then the injury from the wee slide on the path on Tuesday. However I did manage 30 miles today with an 8Kg load so feeling good about things. The rain threatened a couple of times but nothing more than the edge of a light shower lasting barely 5 mins.

I did get a new jacket yesterday, an Endura Gridlock which ticks nearly all the boxes for me. Over the last year or so I have discovered that when looking for a jacket or fleece like this, if the Large size is not on the rail then that is the one that will fit me and the one I need. If there IS a Large size then it is still there because it doesn't fit me or there is something else about the design that is wrong or does not work. Fortunately, but only in the 3rd shop, I did get something that will do.

Decided to get a new rear tyre for the trip and it arrived today. Another Schwalbe Marathon. Not had a puncture since I fitted them over two years ago. The old one has done just over 2K I reckon and still has life in it but after my slip I am going with as much tread as poss. Also bought new brakes to fit for the trip and a spare set to take. I hear the hills in Cornwall and Devon are hard on the brakes so am expecting to change the front ones en-route at some point.

Also arrived is the replacement mount for my Tigra Iphone case. I did not have the case fitted last Tuesday and am still amazed the small mounting bracket got split in my fall, not least because it was fitted to the handlebar stem. Fortunately I discovered you could get a new mount for £7.50, which is ok. This is available for a second bike.

Only ten days to go before the off!

Routing problems

Spent hours yesterday trying to get a route through the East Midlands that tied up with campsites or youth hostel accommodation. We are trying to keep to off-road routes as much as possible on our East-of-Pennines route but hopefully I have now got a solution. There were a few campsites but when you look at their websites you find it is caravan only or in one case a naturist site ! Another one had a great view of Drax power station, hmm just a tad too far east then.

Once the Derby to York bit was done, the route northwards was very straightforward and we now have a total of 23 cycling days. So far I have planned 2 rest days though there are three days of around 30 miles. The longest day is 75 miles. 

Last weekend managed to rip a popper off the zip storm flap on my jacket. What a blow as I this is otherwise a great jacket. It's a Keela Odin which sadly they do not make anymore. I phoned them up so they are going to see if they can repair it. Forgot I would need to clean it first so sending it off this morning.

Oh well off to the shops now as I'll need something to wear in the meantime.

The other thing I did yesterday was my Just Giving page.
I am going to raise funds for MS research, so if you feel like helping this worthy cause and giving me added reason to complete this adventure I would be very grateful.
Just type in Summers Lejog 2014, or even just Summers and you will find my page is one of the options.
Thank you.

Tue May 6th

Less than 2 weeks to go now and my list of things to do has not shortened but only changed. Things are getting ticked off but new ones added as well. 

For example, today I added a couple things I was not expecting. Went to get a haircut so decided to cycle rather than walk or use car. Sadly I skidded on a sharpish corner in the park and fell off. I have been down this path at least 50 times this year alone and never had a problem. Result? Iphone console mount broken, new cycle mitts torn, jeans ripped and left thigh bruised. Could have been worse. I nearly went out without my mitts and these definitely saved my hand from a severe and painful injury. 

It was a timely reminder to pay attention and not take things for granted. A nice sunny dry day and this was the last thing i expected. Still it proved the point in using gloves/ mitts and a helmet too. The mitt took a rough slide on the tar and certainly saved my hand. 

So new mount is ordered and mitts added to the shopping list. 

The route tidying has been taking longer than expected. Today, the broadband kept dropping out so could not get on with checking some campsites in the midlands. Hopefully tomorrow's job.