Epilogue

A wonderful adventure and a fantastic achievement. LEJOG is a proper challenge in that it tests not just your physical fitness but your ability to keep your body supplied with fuel; your mental toughness and on an unsupported ride, such as this, your ability to look after the health of both yourself and your bicycle.

Each day we used up to 4000 calories during the ride alone and each day we had to ensure we put them all back. Carbohydrates for quick energy release; electrolytes to stop the on set of cramp; water to keep the body hydrated and protein after the ride to help the muscle tissue repair and strengthen.

Days are long (we averaged 66 miles per day) and invariably a good morning would be followed by a bad afternoon or vice versa. My mind goes back to our second day on Dartmoor in 30mph winds and torrential rain when it would have been so easy to give it all up. In those situations it's an ability to think no further than the next mile that counts, a belief in your own ability to get through anything that's thrown at you and keep a smile on your face. Chris is an example to us all of that sort of tenacity. Chris couldn't do hills. Whilst in Cornwall, he'd try every hill before collapsing in a heap, composing himself and trying again. It was like watching a blue bottle trying to get through a glass window. I'll never know how he got from Par Sands, through 30mph winds, a raft of 15% hills and incesant, torrential rain to reach Mortonhampstead as the sun went down. For much of the trip we suspected that Chris had a secret support crew who'd turn up and ferry him to the next location. The truth is that Chris journeyed to each stage point on a treadmill of true grit. Knowing Chris, he'll have a philosophy for this, something about eating elephants and doing not trying and only having one life and...but it's not the philosophy but the actions that count and for me Chris's achievement was truly exceptional.

There are those who will tell you that you need to train for months for LEJOG, putting thousands of miles in is the only way to ensure you are capable of completing the challenge. I'd probably be one of those guys. For those of you reading this blog who'd love to take on LEJOG but can't do the hours of preparation then...meet Eddie. To say that Eddie bought his bike on the way to Lands End for the start of the tour, would be an overstatement but not by much. Eddie's 220 miles of training probably started the week before we left. His knowledge of cycling was once recorded on the top of a match head and his understanding of the challenge in front of us has justifiably been compared to Kerry Kantona's comprehension of algorithmic expression. But Eddie never doubted his ability to complete this venture, life is a series of loosely calculated risks for him, he knew he was very fit, he had a bike and if he kept the sun over his shoulders he was reasonably sure of the direction he should take. And that was enough for him to give it a go. Eddie finished the challenge even stronger than he started it. In truth he could have done it all again and he did it with a grin from ear to ear, the odd practical joke and a willingness to share his "Voice of an Eagle" with all those who'd listen or were unfortunate enough to be in ear shot! Whilst his dad was away, Harry, Eddie's son, took off his stabilisers and rode his bike for the first time. Inspirational isn't he Harry?

You can't help but wonder at the distances involved. 928 miles and I guess somewhere in the region of 90 hours in the saddle. On reflection, of course, the odds were in favour of us falling off a few times. According to our survey that happens once in every 18 hours of cycling. We got two punctures, the chain fell off once every 20 hours and every 900 miles or so one of us crashed in to a car, broke his bike or had to give up. That, unfortunately, was my fate. On reflection, a padded racing seat and a back up vehicle with a spare bike would have guaranteed a finish but part of the fun of this adventure was it's unsupported nature. I'll go back in the next few weeks and complete the last few days, how could I not given the amazing sponsorship and support we've received from all of our friends. I'm disappointed I couldn't finish it all in one go but I wouldn't change the experience for the world.
...and next year...we'll see!

They Did It!

...and on the Last Day

The journey was now coming to an end, 52 miles to go, two big climbs and a photo to end the endeavour

All we had to do was not have an injury and fix any mechanical prpblems we had.

As we left Helmsdale there was Bob at reception who told us he would be at Wick and might see us, we now know him as the famous fuel tank stalker. The hill out of Helmsdale is 800 ft and lasts for 3 miles "the Beast". Christened by a passing cyclist from Manchester, who we met again at JOG. The weather was kind to us apart from again the head on wind, we then met the 1:3 Berriedale Hill, Eddie thought it would be good to cycle, I thought it would be good to walk, this is where I met Claus from Holland who was retired and doing the end to end twice, why, he couldnt tell me but at the pace he was going we may see him on the news in a few years

With 20 miles to go the clouds cleared and the sun came out to finish our trip as we cycled over the JOG line together with the skyline of the Orkneys in the background. On the return to Inverness by taxi the seals and red kites greated us from the firth in our celebration

The last day was not as eventful as the rest with Phil's Tin mine  route in Cornwall, swimming in Dartmoor, blowouts in Bristol, Worcester races, The Wigan soul train, the witches of Pen-y-gent, Eddies non marriage in Gretna, the clyde tunnel roller coaster, the mist of Glencoe, Nessie, Bob in Dingwall- Helmesdale and Wick, the Helmsdale Beast and the view of the Orkneys and then celebrating as a team It was a road trip to remember all done to solve our mid life crisis and more importantly gain nearly £9 k for charities to save lives.

This is It - The Last Day

The very best of wishes to Eddie and Chris from all of us on the last push for home. The weather for John O'Groats is brilliant sunshine with negative wind speeds, no pollen and perfect temperatures(I think). Even the midges have pledged not to bother the intrepid duo as they tackle the hills later today. So no excuses Chris and Eddie, we'll be routing for you.
And the three musketeers will be together again this evening as I'm going up to meet them in Inverness for a wee celebration.
Uncensored pictures in the Sun, Daily Mirror and the LEJOG blog ... tomorrow.
Phil

Day 13 Snaps

Day 13

As we started the day we were either going  to meet Sharon and Kevin or just Sharon first thing

As we sat down for breakfast only Sharon was there and she didn't look like a girl who was good at gymnastics, each to their own as I say.

The day started with a uphill climb to warm up our muscles then as we rode on we knew we were near JOG, it was the smell of seaweed ( it couldn't have been Sharon as we were too far away) and the north sea drilling platforms, then we saw the North Sea. Ive only ever seen it on the news before and there was not an oil sodden seagull in sight or was that in Alaska ? Apparently Golspie has award winning beaches, if you like rain and wind I'm sure they do, the sand though is pure white and beautiful.

After rolling hills and some strenuous climbs we reached Helmsdale, to be greeted by Bob in the car park who had been servicing fuel pumps there, he told us he had passed us twice and was now stopping in the same hotel, we had either picked up our first 20 stone groupie or we had a stalker. We prepared ourselves for the trial and tribulations of listening, again, to the fuel pump novel by Bob the groupie/stalker.

The night was to be very different and unexpected, we got talking to a team of people in the restaurant where two of them were walking the LEJOG route to finish on Monday, so what, the so what was they were also a group of session singers and instrument players who had come to join them for the finale. Myself and Eddie then spent the next 3 hours having a private audience in the hotels back room to some great music and singing by 13 talented people. There were mandolins, bagpipes, harmonies, some weird drum thing, harmonica and Victor from  Dublin on his guitar with solo songs. The only dodgy bit was Eddies rendition of Flower of Scotland, i did refrain from my famous song of Summer Nights by John and Olivia as it may not  have fit in with the folk song theme. It was a great night to prepare us for our finale on day 14 and we never even saw Bob.

Day 12

Today was to be the day we met Nessie

We had to travel through the lochs and passing the Caledonian Canal that allows bikes to stop at swing bridges and yachts to go through. We both looked forward to meeting Nessie at Drumnadrochit (on Loch Ness) before the 1.5 mile 15% climb to Cannon Bridge

Setting off from Old Pines Hotel ( a must stop at for food and accommodation) we discovered that although the god of rain had gone to bed the god of head on winds had not and his brother the god of mossies had woken up.  The scenery was better than the mist of yesterday and you could see the lochs and hills. After 20 miles of water and greenery and wind it does get a bit boring and then you get really excited by the sign of Fort Augustus 'Welcome to Loch Ness'

Myself and Eddie spent the next 20 miles going up and down hills along Loch Ness looking for any lorry tyres that could resemble a prehistoric animal. At one stage we thought we saw him but it was only an upturned caravan.

Arriving at Drumnadrochits (the home of Nessie and the 15% hill) one thing on our mind was how we would get up this hill. The tortoise took the lead over the hare and decided 'why ruin a nice days walk cycling' so this was the plan; push the bikes for the next 20 mins. The hare followed the tortoise and after we got to the top of the hill we cycled the long way down to cannon Bridge, a great ride out.

In the cannon Bridge hotel the staff were great, Mr Mould greeted me in my room and I am sure he will be three for the next guest, but the best thing was meeting Bob the travelling service engineer for fuel pumps who can tell you about every site of a fuel pump in Scotland and if you meet him in Scunthorpe, I'm sure there too.

The disco downstairs has just finished and I think Sharon and Kevin have just got off with each other and are practicing trampolining in the room above me.

Here’s to an eventful day 13, hopefully not as bad as Sharon’s when she wakes up?

Chris

Fundraising Update

Hi Phil here back at LEJOG HQ and nursing a sore arse.
I've had a chance to tally up our total fundraising and the excellent news is that thanks to you all we have raised a marvellous £4692 for the British Heart Foundation to date and a further sum through Eddie for childrens meningitus which we've yet to count but believe to be about £3k.
I'd have a million sore bums for that and I know it would make Chris and Eddie's day if we could get to £10k before they reach their target. One more push for fundraising and if you know anyone who may be able to donate, please give them a nudge in our direction.

Day 11 Snaps

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Day 11

After the eventful day 10 we were now unsure what God could throw at us. It was a bit of a sad start to not have Phil there who had pushed our preparation so well and helped the novices get to Scotland

As the tortoise(Chris) and the hare(Eddie) set off for their tour of the highlands, the clue was in the word there were some big climbs involved

As Chris waved Eddie off at the hill start, the gods of 'head on wind and rain' unleashed their wrath on us all day (9 hrs of it) as we cycled climbing for 25 miles over some stunning views of mist and clouds. Eddie kept trying to convince me that it was beautiful on a clear day, I'm sure it is but it was hard to see. We have discovered another 'fact on science' the reason lorries have big wheels is so that in the highlands they can throw the equivalent of a bathtub of water over you every time they pass and on the A82 it is full of lorries

We stopped in the Cairngorms hotel for lunch, the hare stopped 30 mins before the tortoise but had to wait so the kids fable was right. As we left we apologised for leaving damp patches all over their beautiful tartan sofas and cycled off through Fort William and to finish in Spean Bridge at a great place called the Old Pines

The only great thing about the day was that the little midges weren't allowed to come out and play as it was wet outside. We both look forward to day 12 and our vertical climb/walk at the end of the day

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Eddie and Harry

Happy days. No rain and the family over to stay. Harry wanted to come with us but his feet wouldn't reach the peddles.
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Bike Chain

Cameron from Bike City Glasgow who found me a new seat. I was back seconds later to ask him to straighten my bike frame!
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Day 10

A long day in prospect but I don't think any of us knew just how long!
We were to meet Nicola a colleague of Eddie's at our final destination. Lovely Nicola had offered to cook us dinner and wash our clothes but it wasn't to be. Our bedraggled contingent still hadn't arrived at 9.15.
Stopping off for medical treatment on my baboons backside we reached the outskirts of Glasgow when Eddie decided he preferred the floor to his sadle. A nasty fall and bruises to match but very lucky it was nothing more serious.
Our navigation of the Clyde was to be "interesting". The official route had us going through the Clyde tunnel. Surely not? But it was too late. We wizzed through the Clyde Tunnel to a deafening chorus of lorry horns. Strangely Chris appeared to have few problems negotiating the steep exit road. We both flew out and waited at the other side fully expecting to see Eddie emerge on the bonnet of a 30 tonner. He was chased out of the tunnel by a couple of artics as the tunnel police screamed at us through megaphones to "use the cycle path provided" oops! Next time eh?
I'd been looking forward to getting my new seat all day and had somehow managed to get through the 37 miles from Cumnock by taking copious quantities of pain killers and bum medicine. The seat was great and the relief emmense. For the first time in 3 days I didn't have shooting pains down my legs every time I turned the pedals. I was in heaven. You don't see it coming but you do feel the impact. A guy opened the door of his car, straight in to me and my beloved Fondreist. I was sent sprawling but bar the odd scratch I was fine. My bike wasn't so good. After over 700 miles and thousands in training she'd had enough. A broken gear shifter that couldn't be replaced for days and a twisted frame that meant the bike pulled violently to the right.
Bugger was one of the words that came to mind but there were plenty of others. The bike shop "Magic Cycles" in Bowling, Clydebank were brilliant. They couldn't do much but offered to loan me a bike for the rest of the trip. The bikes They had were designed for meandering along canal banks and not for the hills of The Cairngorms but at 5pm in the evening I had no choice and loaned a shopping bike from them. I chose not to take the accessories as the basket and handlebar ribbons would get wet. Top speed 10mph. Half that of the Fondy. But at least I got them to change the seat to my new padded racer seat...a stupid mistake. The bike wasn't a racer and the seating position was very different. My bum gave me hell for the next 30 miles. At one point I got off the bike, lay on the pavement with my head on my panniers not knowing what to do next. It was 16 very painful miles to Ardlui our next stop. I arrived at 9.15 and was in bed for ten after two mouthfuls of dinner.
At 2.30am and having had very little sleep I resolved to call it a day. My bum was only going to get worse and was already unbearable. The new bike would mean I'd have to stay in the seat and not be able to get relief by peddle standing. It would be brave to carry on but it would be stupid and could make me very ill. The pressure on my bladder meant that I had to go to the toliet very regularly. I made the tough decision to call it a day. I'm sure that in the future I'll look back and kick myself as I was so close. I was fit enough and managed my nutrition well but I failed to listen to my body. I'd known there was a problem since Kirkby Lonsdale and should have changed my seat then.
So this morning Chris and Eddie cycled off toward Glen Coe and their eventual stop of Spean Bridge. It's a very soggy day and set to get worse and there were a whole troup of midges waiting to pounce. But they're made of strong stuff. Chris and Eddie will reach JOG on Friday. My thoughts are with them every second of the way and I'll be looking out for their continued blog on this page...
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Carolyn

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Bonnie Prince Charlies Cottage - Gretna

Our thanks to the wonderful Carolyn for looking after us and drying our clothes whilst at Gretna. Carolyn, a previous Scottish Cycling Champion champion, runs an excellent B&B. Highly recommended to future LEJOGers.
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Day 9

On paper an easy day but in practice my hardest yet. 70 miles in to a head wind and heavy rain for the most part. The pain in my nether regions has worsened and for much of the ride I had to stand on the pedals. This tires your legs and numbs your fingers which have to support more weight. What was becoming a manageable but tough challenge is now in serious doubt unless I can fix my arse. A visit to the pharmacist and the bike shop for a new seat is a priority today.
Staying in Cumnock over night, a lasting first impression was cast by the drunk we watched meandering his way up a steep hill. Sometimes sideward, sometimes backward but seldom forwards and occassionally on the road he was going to have a torrid time getting home and should consider getting a house nearer to the pub. The next person we met was also pollatic. It was 6pm.
Tonights hotel, The Royal, is exceptional. Nice big, immaculate rooms and excellent food in Eddie sized portions.
Tomorrow it's onward to Glasgow stopping only long enough for Eddie to throw stones at Ibrox Stadium before we weave our way down the yon bonny banks of Lochlomund. Eddie's already downloaded the song. I think we're in for an emotional return to the old mans birthplace.
Onward to face the hoards of angry midges already amassing in Lochlomund.

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Braveheart Gets Home

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Visit From El and Graham

El's the short fat guy with the warts.
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Great to Hear You're Following the Blog

Over the last few days several of you have let us know you are following our moves on this blog. We also know of many others who are doing the same. Whilst your need to follow 3 middle aged numpties is open to question, we think you're great and will try to keep you amused all the way to JOG
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Every Good Deed Deserves Another

Chris asks for directions taking poor Arnold, 51 of Grassmere Gardens, Wigan away from his gardening duties. We're always happy to help out when it saves us getting back on the bikes!
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Day 8 Snaps

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Happy Birthday

To my nephew James who celebrated his first birthday today with a pirate party a bottle of Newcastle Brown and a few tabs. Sorry I couldn't be there x
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Donation

Can we just say a huge thank you to those who have made donations recently. Whilst we know how much you've donated, unfortunately we can't see who has donated but we'll be sure to thank you as soon as we do. For the record, we think we've raised about £4200 for the Heart Foundation so far and a further £3k for Meningitus care. It's very motivating to get news of new donations. Thanks so much.
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Day 8

We're only in Bonny Scotland!
We've now cycled the length of England. About 500 miles in all.
It was a tough day today. The first 35 miles covered some pretty hilly terrain and whilst it was good to get back in the hills my constant wrong turns up ruddy big hills took it's toll on our legs and by dinner we were pretty heavy limbed. Luckily the last 30 miles were easier and we managed a nice 18.5mph over a 23mile stretch which is testimony to the progress we've all made in fitness.
My bum hurts.
Again, somehow we managed to evade the rain until later in the day and by then the promise of a nice warm shower was close enough for the rain not to matter.
We saw 2 stoats; 3 foals; 180 cows; 23 calves, 651 sheeps and 400 little sheeps ... And a hamster but that might not count as it was in Carlisle's "World of Pets" window. Oh and we also saw a doggy in the window but that was yesterday and in Preston and also doesn't qualify.
Some words on "Cream 17" coffee shop in Shap. Ignorant; unfriendly; big; nosed and waitress should do it. We were delighted to meet Jayne, Deb, Paul and Joe at the coffee shop. The last time we'd met was on King Harrys ferry back in Cornwall all those days ago. They were well on track with their LEJOG and in good spirits. Their trip will take them up the East coast so it's unlikely we'll see them again which is a relief cos we've nicked their bikes and most of their possessions.
We arrived at Gretna to be greated by Eddie's lovely partner Kaye, baby Lauren and Harry the little monster who stole all my Jelly babies. It'll be a shame to say goodbye in the morning but we have more miles to do. 60 odd I think on what should, weather permiting be the easiest section of the trip. To Cumnock near Kilmarnock,
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Welcome Home Chris

Chris's wife and daughter spring a surprise in Barton
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Wayne and Sarah

Cross dresser Wayne and his wife Sarah a pub singer from Worcester who spookily met us at Kirkby Lonsdale and will be in Gretna tomorrow! Is there no escape?
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Our House In The Middle of Our Street

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Day 7

433 miles completed and today we're in The Yorkshire Dales. Our last full day in England.
70 miles today, which is almost starting to feel normal. It was pretty flat and with a tail wind for most of the trip and the absence of the rain that Sian Lloyd had promised on the telly this morning we were home by 6.30.
A day of two halfs for me. The first, an ugly trawl through the built up areas of Warrington, Wigan and Preston where the exhaust fumes cancel out the smell of chip fat and acne (that is if acne has a smell, which I think it should). And the traffic lights only show green for 3 minutes a day. For cyclists amongst you who find themselves in a similar urban dilemma try traffic light snooker. You have to go though a red light to get on to a colour and to be honest that's when the game falls down a bit as we only had yellow and green to chose from!
Things brightened up a bit when Eddie fell off his bike in to a nettle bush and bashed his leg a bit on the pedals. The nettle bush was fine though so we carried on regardless and met Big El and Graham as scheduled in Preston before Els Great North Swim in the evening ( he finished the 2hrs in 1hr and 14 mins and managed to evade Japanese whaling boats throughout! Well done El. We are very proud of you!) Thanks also to Graham who cycled with us a little way. Great to meet you and thanks for the support.
We arrived at Chris's mums to find that his Daughter Lexie and wife Clare had turned up to surprise him. Balloons and bunting covered the house and it was a lovely northern welcome. Chris's mum, Dot, had laid on a lovely spread for us and Eddie even left us a bit!
The trip above Preston in to Lancaster and eventually in to the Moors was beautiful. In the shadow of Pen-Y-Ghent we arrived at our B&B for a well earned rest before tomorrows mammoth push up the dreaded Shap Fell to Gretna and Scotland where we'll meet Eddie's family.
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The Handlebars of the StarShip Horton

Chris's handlebar gadgets get out of control!
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Day 6

Cheshire and it's like coming home. Familiar landmarks and familiar faces. We got to visit my wonderful sister Val and Brother In Law Mike today. It was great to share the usual joke, a cold beer and more than our fair share of cake with them. Two of the very best friends a man can have also came to visit and so a big thanks to Ian and Alex for taking time out and to Oscar and Harvey for minding the house when their parents were away...so grown up for 5 year olds!
Lovely flat 60 miles today. Me and Eddie managed to lose Chris on route by speeding off in typical hare fashion. Only to find, somewhat predictably, that he got to the hotel first! Our suspicions that Chris has hired a Chaffeur, deepen!
Felt like a recovery day today, the legs aren't feeling as fatigued and with another relatively easy but long day to come we should be set for the Scottish hills.
Tomorrow it's my other brother in laws turn to join us. Brother in Law two is much uglier than No.1 and seldom comes out in the daylight. However; we're delighted to be meeting up with him enroute tomorrow before he leaves us to swim 2 miles across Windermere. And you thought we were nuts! Elliot has been kind enough to donate his sponsorship to our cause and you can therefore sponsor him through our justgiving site on this page.
We were delighted to find donations and comments from further celebraties on our site today. Anne Robinson and the Team at Watchdog have donated a fiver as have Rick Stein and the lovely (if tight fisted for the money she's on) Jennifer Aniston!
So we reach half way on this mammoth expedition tomorrow. Again, we've been stunned by all your fantastic comments, the funny ones, the caring ones and the ones we can't work out yet!
And to my wonderful partner Alison and my brilliant kids who are holding the fort back at LEJOG HQ and doing all the stuff dad usually does whilst juggling school, work and exam commitments...I love you very much and thanks for letting me try this x
Onward to Kirkby Lonsdale!
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Phil On Science

Newtons first law of Devon..."For every huge hill there must be an equal and opposite hill with a sheep blocking the way"
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Miscellaneous Medical Issues Exhibit 1

Chris's gammy finger. Early example of handlebaritis. May the peace be with him.
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Luxury Accomodation

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Snaps Day 5

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Day 5

We're one third of the way to JOG! An 81 mile ride through Shropshire and Worcestershire today and we're now at our "luxury" stop, a proper hotel where we can wash things!
We didn't finish riding until 7.30pm and as we left at 9.30am it's been a bit gruelling. Got caught in a heavy shower at Worcester as well and were "forced" to go to an Italian restaurant for shelter. We also managed to see a bit of Worcester race meeting from the bridge above the town so all in all not a bad day at all.
Tomorrow it should be an easy 60 miler back to see friends in Warrington and hopefully pop in to my sisters which we pass on route.
No punctures:-) 2 new medical conditions and a mysterious clunk
Knackered and going to sleep. Will write again in the morning but before I go I wanted to say a big thankyou to RIick Stein, Jennifer Aniston and the West Yorkshire police for your blog contributions! They kept us smiling as did the new sponsorships that came through today. Thanks so much.
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40 Miles Before Lunch

Cycling has it's small luxuries after all!
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Chris On Science

Chris has now perfected the art of staying upright at low speed. His handlebars look like the cockpit of a Euro Fighter and thanks to these amazing gadgets Chris is able to keep tabs on (in no particular order): speed, revolutions, elevation, heart rate, how lost we are to within 60 miles and his heart rate. Oh and there's a bell but he doesn't use that and some gear things which also seem a bit pointless. With the use of these gadgets Chris has been able to establish that 3.9mph is the slowest it's possible to go on a bike without falling off. A new world record we believe.
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Day 4

Promises of a guest blogger tonight were unfortunately a little ahead of themselves. "The Giant" has had a tiring day, what with the early morning puncture, the early afternoon puncture (Chris's) and the game of hide and seek we played with him before finding our guest house which ended up with Eddie doing 71 miles today compared to mine and Chris' meagre 66. Well all that's taken its toll and the Giants gone for an early bath and left me at the helm again.
We're only in the ruddy Cotswolds tonight! 230 miles in 4 days. Which is 100 miles more than our biggest week in training. We met two guys who were doing LEJOG in 7 days today. That's 120 miles every day...!it's wierd to think your boday can do that.
Easier today, still some big climbs but nothing like Devon and Cornwall. We cycled through Bristol, stopping for lunch in the town centre on the banks of the Avon. For the first time, in the brilliant welcome sunshine, this started to feel like a holiday.
Cycling through Bristol's suburbs it was obvious why it's been voted Britains best town to live in. Loads of interesting shops and cafes and a real bohemian feel. I'll come back ...but not on 2 wheels. Talking of which, shortly afterwards Chris only had 1. His tyre literally exploded with a bang. We thought he'd been shot and at that time of day with 30 miles still to go, the sun baking down and his eyes closing through hay fever, I think Chris would have preferred a shooting!
Tomorrow we travel north through Worcester and Kinderminster before stopping overnight near Ironbridge. 75 miles, the second longest trip we'll make.
As I type the rain has started and Chris's snoring has reached fever pitch. I do hope it's not a bad omen!
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Snaps Day 4

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Day 3

So 155 miles, three counties and six lives later...
We're only in bloody Somerset!
Today started with a gaggle (I think that's the collective noun) of frankly ridiculous hills up what can only be described as pig tracks for out of favour animals. When I get home I intend to lead the campaign to ban 20% hills on grounds of discrimination. Only goats can get up them.
Beyond Crediton the going got easier and beyond Tiveton we were at long last flying down the hills that saw us have a net decent of 200m.
Weather has been kind. Bit cloudy and some sunshine. What a comparison to yesterday! We read the Daily Telegraph with amusement today..."Parts of the southwest saw 1" of rain in 6 hours yesterday". We remember it well...and probably always will!
Thanks again for all your brilliant comments...Kay for making Eddie cry; Georgia for making me cry and John Seal for making our lovely guest house owner cry!
We're all doing very well. A few injuries... Eddie's gear changing thumb has seized through repetitive strain, Chris's hands have seized in similar fashion and I lay awake all night with indegestion...otherwise we're still in one piece.
The Boat and Anchor tonights accomodation has unfortunately failed our stringent inspection and won't feature in tomorrows blog. The African parrot in the bar was a little short on vocabulary, the mexican chicken was distinctly Scotish and the decor ... Well we'll let the pictures tell the story. The champions league trophy with the oriental twist was our partcular favourite but the wallpapers are also inspirational!
Bridgewater to the Cotswolds tomorrow and a guest blogger for you. Eddie The Giant McKight. See you then x
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It's Coming Home...

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Day 3 Snaps

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The Longhouse

Lovely stay in a beautiful 16th century house in Mortonhampstead last night. Thanks so much to Lorely and Pete who looked after us so well and even washed and dried our sopping wet clothes. Highly recommended as was the Union pub grub next door.
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Day 2 Snaps

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Thanks for Your Comments

A huge thank you to everyone who's taken time to read our blog and especially to those who've left comments. This is a really serious & difficult challenge and the comments make us realise people are with us and they make us laugh too. Please keep sending them.
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Thanks for Your Comments

A huge thank you to everyone who's taken time to read our blog and especially to those who've left comments. This is a really serious & difficult challenge and the comments make us realise people are with us and they make us laugh too. Please keep sending them.
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Day 2

There are tough challenges and then there's cycling 60 miles up ludicrous gradients and across moorlands swept bare by 30 mile an hour winds and stinging horizontal rain. Unfortunately today, we chose the latter!
The memories of being swept sideways across the busy A38 by the cumulative power of wind and rain will stay with us forever. But we made it, even Chris who at 6pm yesterday was all washed up, on empty and wasted, head in hands and leant on a wall at the foot of yet another incline. His achievement today is nothing short of marvellous and a demonstration of what's possible with a little will power. Highlights, in no particular order...the Levi advert at Liskeard Launderette; kite surfing on the A38, Chris's bloody useless GPS, Eddie's cheer from passing strangers as he hit a completely uncontrolled 41mph into a right hand bend and safely out the other side like Lance Armstrong, Eddie so tired he couldn't open the gate to the guest house who we had to telephone...they explained you just pushed!
A liittle easier tomorrow we hope as we make our way to Bridgewater and within site of the end of the hills. Weather's looking good.
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Liskeard Launderette

What a morning. Can truly not remember being in worse weather. Those of you old enough might remember Tiswas and the Bucket of Water Song. We feel like we've been in it for the last two hours. A huge thank you to the lovely Lynda and Michael who opened up the Liskeard Launderette and dried our clothes a bit like that Levi advert from the 80's. Lynda and Michael are open all year long and offer a 24hr dry cyclist programme!
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Day 1 Snaps

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Day 1

I'd forgotten how beautiful Cornwall was. The trip today took us across the sea front at Penzance in beautiful sunshine. Past St Michaels Mount and Marazion and across the incredibly picturesque river Fal on King Harrys Ferry. We were enjoying the ride so much that we delayed stopping for lunch. Big mistake! When we arrived at the pub it was shut and we had to survive a very tough hilly ride on energy bars alone. We have to get the nutrition right and can't make that mistake again.
So to tomorrow...it was always going to be the toughest day on the tour but Alison back at LEJOG HQ has just confirmed the weather is forecast to be attrocious...God help us!
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On Our Way

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Lands End Hostel

Arrived at Lands End at about 10 last night. The Lands End Hostel in Trevesen is brand new and we're amongst the first guests. Great place. Highly recommended. Eddie was here to meet us and a visit to the Last Pub in England was called for.
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Thanks to Tamsin the Cornish Pixie for her company from Bristol to Bodmin. A local weather expert and pasty inspector in a nearby factory she warned us of hurricane winds and tropical storms heading our way on Sunday. What joy! Here's a picture of Tiny Tammy, unfortunately not in her pixie costume, for all you folks back home. Have arrived in Cornwall...Christ it's hilly
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No More Sleeps!

The alarm's just gone off on my phone to remind me to start cycling to John O'Groats...thank God I set that or I may have forgotten!
Myself and Chris set off from York train station to Penzance at 2pm today in preparation for the start of the big ride tomorrow morning. We'll meet Eddie at the Lands End Hostel tonight, he's travelling over from Norwich. And that completes the three musketeers. One fat scouser and two guys that by now must know better!
We've had a nice bit of coverage on Minster FM this morning and the paperazzi have promised there'll be an article in the York Press. Let's hope it raises a bit of sponsorship. Between myself and Chris we've raised about £3500 to date and we'd love to get that up to £4k for the Heart Foundation before we reach John O'Groats.
It seems a bit strange leaving the family and home comforts behind and the knowledge that there's just me and a few kilos of belongings to take me 900 miles is a bit disturbing. It's softened a bit by all the best wishes I've received over the last couple of days.
The weather forecast is dismal with 30 mile and hour winds and heavy rain forecast for Sundays big climb but we're sort of used to the wind and rain now and sunshine would have been such a shock to the system.
Cornwall here we come. We'll keep you posted!
Phil
 

Welcome

Thanks for taking time to look at my Blog. We leave on Friday 10th June and regular updates will appear here from that date. Come back soon.
Phil

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Training run today

80 miles today and pretty windy
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3 Weeks on Saturday

Not too long now. Three weeks on Saturday and we'll start our ambitious and perhaps foolhardy plan to cycle the length of the UK. 1000 miles in 14 days seems an awful lot for a middle aged guy with little experience of cycling and short stumpy legs!