I DID IT!!! 1,118 miles
Day 16 St Austell to Lands End
69 miles today, total miles 1,128, moving average 9.0 mph, overall average 6.6 mph, total time 10.5 hrs, total climbed 5,493 ft
Left at 7:30. B&B was good and really helpful, just the location that was odd.
Decided to head straight down the A390 to Turo instead of my planned back road (read hilly) route. I figured the traffic that early on a Sunday would be light and it was. Cut about 5 miles off the planned route and helped save my very tired legs.
Made reasonable headway and left the main roads about 10am. Got hillier (what a surprise) but I made steady, but painful progress across Cornwall. In fact the sign 5 miles to Penzance came as a nice surprise and I got so excited that I missed the turn. Doubled back and was soon rolling along the coast road. Stopped for a very enjoyable clotted cream sitting in the sunshine over looking St Michaels Mount. The lady serving me the ice cream asked me where I had cycled from. "John O Groats" I said and she looked at me with wide eyes and took me a while to convince her I was being serious!
Dropped the panniers off at the B&B in Penzance and set off to do the last 10 miles to Lands Ends, which seemed to take forever. Was a great relief to finally arrive at Lands End and I had the obligatory photo taken with the signpost. Chatted to a few people there and a couple of them congratulated me and shook my hand, which made me feel quite emotional.
Right now it hasn't sunk in and I mainly feel exhausted and relieved. I have a 5 hour train journey back home tomorrow so after a good nights sleep will try to gather my thoughts. Really looking forward to going home and seeing the family. Seems like I've been away forever.
Gavin
Sunday 26 September 2010
Saturday 25 September 2010
It's true - Cornwall is very hilly!!
Day 15 Cheriton Bishop to St Austell
69 miles today, total miles 1,060, moving average 8.5 mph, overall average 6.9 mph, total time 10 hrs, total climbed 5,949 ft
Left at 7:15. B&B really great and laid on an early breakfast just for me. Very cold first thing but soon warmed up after a couple of hills.
Devon was pretty hilly and at Okehamptom struggled to even push the bike up some monster hills. Eventually found the cycle track that ran for 8 miles to Lydford - great route through some fantastic scenery and flat.
Had a good run and clocked up 40 miles by 12:30. However, got a lot tougher the moment I entered Cornwall and the hills for the last 15 miles were relentless - up and down big hill, after big hill. The old legs were getting very heavy and tired and had to push the bike up quite a few. You know it's a big hill when its so steep that you can barely push the bike up it. Even some of the downhills were very hairy and I could hardly keep the bike under control even with the brakes full on (its at moments like that you hope there's plenty of disc pad left!).
Weather sunny most of the day and no rain, although the wind was pretty strong in the afternoon.
Eventually arrived in St Austell, which seems to be built on a mountain side. Couldn't find the B&B and was climbing up and down yet more hills trying to find it. Made it in the end, but will probably meed a winch to get the bike to the top of the road in the morning, its so steep.
So I can't believe it - tomorrow is the last day and I will be at Lands End!!! I truthfully do not know how I have got this far. It just doesn't seem possible or even real.
However I still have at lot more Cornish hills to tackle tomorrow and about 70 miles to cover. Each day my legs become heavier and the tiredness increases. But I have to make it to the end, even if I walk (or crawl) up every hill!
Right time for an early night.
Gavin
69 miles today, total miles 1,060, moving average 8.5 mph, overall average 6.9 mph, total time 10 hrs, total climbed 5,949 ft
Left at 7:15. B&B really great and laid on an early breakfast just for me. Very cold first thing but soon warmed up after a couple of hills.
Devon was pretty hilly and at Okehamptom struggled to even push the bike up some monster hills. Eventually found the cycle track that ran for 8 miles to Lydford - great route through some fantastic scenery and flat.
Had a good run and clocked up 40 miles by 12:30. However, got a lot tougher the moment I entered Cornwall and the hills for the last 15 miles were relentless - up and down big hill, after big hill. The old legs were getting very heavy and tired and had to push the bike up quite a few. You know it's a big hill when its so steep that you can barely push the bike up it. Even some of the downhills were very hairy and I could hardly keep the bike under control even with the brakes full on (its at moments like that you hope there's plenty of disc pad left!).
Weather sunny most of the day and no rain, although the wind was pretty strong in the afternoon.
Eventually arrived in St Austell, which seems to be built on a mountain side. Couldn't find the B&B and was climbing up and down yet more hills trying to find it. Made it in the end, but will probably meed a winch to get the bike to the top of the road in the morning, its so steep.
So I can't believe it - tomorrow is the last day and I will be at Lands End!!! I truthfully do not know how I have got this far. It just doesn't seem possible or even real.
However I still have at lot more Cornish hills to tackle tomorrow and about 70 miles to cover. Each day my legs become heavier and the tiredness increases. But I have to make it to the end, even if I walk (or crawl) up every hill!
Right time for an early night.
Gavin
Friday 24 September 2010
In Devon now
Day 14 Cheddar to Cheriton Bishop (nr Exeter)
76 miles today, total miles 991, moving average 10.0mph, overall average 8.0 mph, total time 9.6hrs, total climbed 4,290 ft
Left at 8:00 thanks to the very strange landlady and the chaotic way breakfast was organised. In fact the whole B&B was a bizarre place and I wasn't sorry to leave.
Really flat fenland between Cheddar and Taunton so the morning was pretty good. Steve struggling a bit with hills after such a long day yesterday, but he did well and fought his way 30 miles to Taunton.
Steve headed for Taunton station, his daughters and a well earned rest. I carried on down to Exeter, after some trouble finding my way out of Taunton along the river.
Run to Exeter pretty good and I picked up pace. Exeter seemed very busy when I came through it. The last 7-8 miles from Exeter was a constant climb and I was tiring rapidly.
Weather good all day - no rain, light wind and cloudy.
So 2 days left to go! The infamous Cornish Hills tomorrow - everyone who has done this trip says this the toughest part. So I plan to set off 7am giving me plenty of time to do the 65 miles and expect to be pushing the bike a lot!
Gavin
76 miles today, total miles 991, moving average 10.0mph, overall average 8.0 mph, total time 9.6hrs, total climbed 4,290 ft
Left at 8:00 thanks to the very strange landlady and the chaotic way breakfast was organised. In fact the whole B&B was a bizarre place and I wasn't sorry to leave.
Really flat fenland between Cheddar and Taunton so the morning was pretty good. Steve struggling a bit with hills after such a long day yesterday, but he did well and fought his way 30 miles to Taunton.
Steve headed for Taunton station, his daughters and a well earned rest. I carried on down to Exeter, after some trouble finding my way out of Taunton along the river.
Run to Exeter pretty good and I picked up pace. Exeter seemed very busy when I came through it. The last 7-8 miles from Exeter was a constant climb and I was tiring rapidly.
Weather good all day - no rain, light wind and cloudy.
So 2 days left to go! The infamous Cornish Hills tomorrow - everyone who has done this trip says this the toughest part. So I plan to set off 7am giving me plenty of time to do the 65 miles and expect to be pushing the bike a lot!
Gavin
Thursday 23 September 2010
Great route today
Day 13 Ross on Wye to Cheddar
69 miles today, total miles 915 moving average 8.7 mph, overall average 6.0 mph, total time 11.5 hrs, total climbed 4,611 ft
Turned into a long day, starting at 8:30am and not finishing until 7:00pm.
Great route, starting with a run through the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Hilly but very beautiful and a soaking from the only heavy shower of the day. On to Chepstow, where I used to live 20+ yrs ago (saw my old house) which is very hilly. Then crossed the Severn Bridge, which was a great experience, around the cycle path down through Avonmouth and along the Severn Estuary (nice and flat).
Climbed up and into Somerset and it started to become hilly again and one or two busy roads with cars and trucks hammering past (scary stuff).
We started to flag late afternoon and our pace slowed. Seemed to take forever to reach Cheddar, finishing with the most enormous downhill run into the village.
Steve did amazingly well clocking up 69 miles, nearly twice his previous longest cycle ride!
A well earned pub meal and I am ready for bed now.
3 days to go now!! 80 miles tomorrow to the other side of Exeter, and the following day is the dreaded Cornwall hills!
If you wish you still have time to sponsor me in aid of The British Heart Foundation, a very worth cause. You can do so direct using the following link:
http://original.justgiving.com/gavins_jogle
Thanks
Gavin
69 miles today, total miles 915 moving average 8.7 mph, overall average 6.0 mph, total time 11.5 hrs, total climbed 4,611 ft
Turned into a long day, starting at 8:30am and not finishing until 7:00pm.
Great route, starting with a run through the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Hilly but very beautiful and a soaking from the only heavy shower of the day. On to Chepstow, where I used to live 20+ yrs ago (saw my old house) which is very hilly. Then crossed the Severn Bridge, which was a great experience, around the cycle path down through Avonmouth and along the Severn Estuary (nice and flat).
Climbed up and into Somerset and it started to become hilly again and one or two busy roads with cars and trucks hammering past (scary stuff).
We started to flag late afternoon and our pace slowed. Seemed to take forever to reach Cheddar, finishing with the most enormous downhill run into the village.
Steve did amazingly well clocking up 69 miles, nearly twice his previous longest cycle ride!
A well earned pub meal and I am ready for bed now.
3 days to go now!! 80 miles tomorrow to the other side of Exeter, and the following day is the dreaded Cornwall hills!
If you wish you still have time to sponsor me in aid of The British Heart Foundation, a very worth cause. You can do so direct using the following link:
http://original.justgiving.com/gavins_jogle
Thanks
Gavin
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Shopshire isn't flat!
Day 12 Shrewsbury to Ross on Wye
74 miles today, total miles 846, moving average 9.8 mph, overall average 8.0 mph, total time 9.5 hrs, total climbed 4,834 ft
Day started badly. Climbed up the Shropshire Hills to 1,100 ft. Feeling very tired, leg muscles aching and getting up even small hills was a big struggled. I guess I am starting to suffer from an accumulation of fatigue.
Made it to Ludlow which is a lovely old market town but was very busy. Enjoyed a well needed lunch and cuppa in Costa.
South of Ludlow met up with Steve to do the remaining 35 miles. Nice to have company, because I had started talking to to the cows and sheep!
I felt stronger in the afternoon and Steve did very well, although he hasn't had chance to much training. Despite a few nasty hills we made it to Ross by 5pm. Weather pretty much perfect with lots of sunshine.
Tomorrow we go down through the Forest of Dean, via Chepstow, over the Severn Bridge and onto Cheddar, total 65 miles. Weather forecast not so good with showers expected.
Only 4 more days to go!
Gavin
74 miles today, total miles 846, moving average 9.8 mph, overall average 8.0 mph, total time 9.5 hrs, total climbed 4,834 ft
Day started badly. Climbed up the Shropshire Hills to 1,100 ft. Feeling very tired, leg muscles aching and getting up even small hills was a big struggled. I guess I am starting to suffer from an accumulation of fatigue.
Made it to Ludlow which is a lovely old market town but was very busy. Enjoyed a well needed lunch and cuppa in Costa.
South of Ludlow met up with Steve to do the remaining 35 miles. Nice to have company, because I had started talking to to the cows and sheep!
I felt stronger in the afternoon and Steve did very well, although he hasn't had chance to much training. Despite a few nasty hills we made it to Ross by 5pm. Weather pretty much perfect with lots of sunshine.
Tomorrow we go down through the Forest of Dean, via Chepstow, over the Severn Bridge and onto Cheddar, total 65 miles. Weather forecast not so good with showers expected.
Only 4 more days to go!
Gavin
Tuesday 21 September 2010
An enjoyable day
Day 11 Little Bollington to Shrewsbury
72 miles today, total miles 772 moving average 10.5 mph, overall average 8.5 mph, total time 8.5 hrs, total climbed 3,038 ft
Had a really good day today and is the first time I enjoyed the cycling!
B&B last night was excellent and a shame my stay was so brief. Set off at 7:30am after a great breakfast. The sun was shining, it was dry and only a light breeze! Very confusing and it took me a while to sort out what to wear. No waterproofs and 3 or 4 layers - strange being in a single cycle jersey and exposing my arms to the sun.
The planned route was perfect. Spent the whole day on quiet lanes travelling through beautiful countryside and small villages. Very agricultural and I have never seen so many tractors and farm vehicles.
72 miles to Ross on Wye tomorrow and Steve joins me for the next few days. Weather forecast not quite so good but not too bad.
Gavin
72 miles today, total miles 772 moving average 10.5 mph, overall average 8.5 mph, total time 8.5 hrs, total climbed 3,038 ft
Had a really good day today and is the first time I enjoyed the cycling!
B&B last night was excellent and a shame my stay was so brief. Set off at 7:30am after a great breakfast. The sun was shining, it was dry and only a light breeze! Very confusing and it took me a while to sort out what to wear. No waterproofs and 3 or 4 layers - strange being in a single cycle jersey and exposing my arms to the sun.
The planned route was perfect. Spent the whole day on quiet lanes travelling through beautiful countryside and small villages. Very agricultural and I have never seen so many tractors and farm vehicles.
72 miles to Ross on Wye tomorrow and Steve joins me for the next few days. Weather forecast not quite so good but not too bad.
Gavin
Monday 20 September 2010
An attrocious day!
Day 10 Ingleton to Old Bollington
88 miles today, total miles 700, moving average 9.8 mph, overall average 7.7 mph, total time 11:30 hrs, total climbed 6,534ft (wow!)
A horrendous day and I'm exhausted so this will be a short report.
Set of at 8:00 into gales and rain.
My planned route was to go up Howgill Fell, which would have meant a climb up to 1,200 ft in atrocious weather (which genius came up with that route?). Changed this to a less severe route, which meant more miles.
Spent 6 hrs climbing up and down hills fighting the full force of the wind and had only covered 30 miles by 1:30pm
Was also not fun later on cycling through the traffic when trying to make my way around Preston, Warrington, Bolton and Wigan.
In end after getting lost trying to find the B&B I did nearly 90 miles and didn't finish until 7pm just as it was getting dark. I'm exhausted!!
Weather forecast for tomorrow is good and I'm really, really hoping for a better day.
Gavin
88 miles today, total miles 700, moving average 9.8 mph, overall average 7.7 mph, total time 11:30 hrs, total climbed 6,534ft (wow!)
A horrendous day and I'm exhausted so this will be a short report.
Set of at 8:00 into gales and rain.
My planned route was to go up Howgill Fell, which would have meant a climb up to 1,200 ft in atrocious weather (which genius came up with that route?). Changed this to a less severe route, which meant more miles.
Spent 6 hrs climbing up and down hills fighting the full force of the wind and had only covered 30 miles by 1:30pm
Was also not fun later on cycling through the traffic when trying to make my way around Preston, Warrington, Bolton and Wigan.
In end after getting lost trying to find the B&B I did nearly 90 miles and didn't finish until 7pm just as it was getting dark. I'm exhausted!!
Weather forecast for tomorrow is good and I'm really, really hoping for a better day.
Gavin
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