Total distance: 79.27 miles; total ascent 3383 feet; Ave Speed 10.mph; Maximum speed 39mph; total time in saddle 7 hours 54 minutes.
After a luxurious breakfast courtesy of our slightly ‘impatient’ Guest House owner, we set out around 9.30 from Burnham on Sea. It was distinctly overcast and quite chilly, I was surprised we didn’t see any rain, but once again, thankfully our day was rain-free.
First target was Weston Super Mare and after a comfort break at the largest Waitrose I’ve ever seen, Russ skillfully navigated us on cycle paths through the wastelands of WSM’s Council Estates. Once free of these scars, we continued to follow the cycle route effectively adjacent to the M5 until we eventually hit Avonmouth and the excitement of crossing the Avon bridge. This was a particularly novel experience. I hadn’t realized that cycle paths existed across these motorway bridges and it was quite surreal to stop in the middle of the bridge and take photos, whilst the traffic literally thundered past no more than 10 feet away and the bridge swayed beneath our feet.
The nation’s cycle network is a treasure that only some discover. Today I discovered. I was amazed as Russ’s meticulous planning took us through the Avonmouth metropolis, via heavy industry factories and across wasteland usually only ever mentioned when “bodies are discovered by dog walkers”. All these routes are clearly marked, the majority well made and, above all, a real delight to ride on and discover. We never once touch an A road or took our chances on busy junctions or roundabouts. I’m hooked!
Eventually we made the Severn Bridge an experience similar to it’s Avonmouth equivalent, albeit far more intimidating thanks to estuary winds strong enough to nearly knock over the modest Lycra clad cyclist. Once on the other side, we punched the air as we ticked off another landmark – our entry to Wales. However, what had been a previously flat 35 miles then turned nasty. A nastiness that sort of creeps up on you. Gentle slops become inclines, became hills, became mountains - well it certainly felt that way.
We stopped just outside Chepstow race course to call Ally to sort the night’s accommodation and for the first time I realised just how tired I was. As I rested my helmet clad head on the bars of a metal entrance gate to the race courses’ parking area, I contemplated the 25 odd miles we had yet to make to Monmouth – the point where we decided to make overnight stay decisions. I hadn’t hit ‘the wall’ but I certainly wasn’t feeling as spirited and agile as I had when we set out from Lands End. As we traversed the A448 to Monmouth, I marveled at how Russ held the lead and clearly had greater energy levels than myself. I found myself becoming insanely jealous at the fact that he stopped training 6 weeks ago because his knee was giving him jip – just at the time I was ramping up my training to what I had hoped would see my through this ludicrous challenge.
Nevertheless after a couple of banana, pine nut, Red Bull and chocolate Brazilnut stops we finally made Monmouth at which point Russ called Ally to find out what she had been able to sort for the night’s accommodation.
Our original plan had been to stop at Skimforth Castle, some 5 miles north of Monmouth, however I was sorely hoping that Ally had been able to find a wonderful 16th century Inn, with luxurious bedrooms, power showers and a restaurant that specialized in 16oz T-Bone steaks in the centre of town. Not quite. Accommodation awaited us at Grosmont some 10 miles further on, which would take our daily mileage consumption to nearly 80, probably 15 miles than either of us had hoped for.
At that exact moment, I received a call from my very good friend Stu Bayliss, who, by coincidence was on-route to Exeter for a business meeting in the morning and knowing that our possible end destination for the day was Monmouth, had parked up outside Pizza Express in the High Street and had expressed a desire to share a meal with the two cycling nutters. The time was around 6.45. I explained to Stu that accommodation was booked some 10 miles or so up the road and that by pedal that was 1 hour away. Because he is the top bloke he is, this phased him not one jot and we all effectively set off for Grosmont.
Russ was quick to point out to me that with a name like Grosmont, it was hardly likely to be at the foot of the valley and Stu, who had been kind enough to power his 520 BMW Tourer to the end point to check things out, quickly confirmed that after 70 miles, this was not a great place to finish our day. Monmouth to Grosmont added around 800 feet to our total daily ascent.
Ultimately this didn’t matter. The guest house where I’m typing this is utterly charming and run by a wonderful widow how has shown great kindness and hospitality. A huge house, overlooking the delightful Monmouthshire countryside, with more charm and character than Dickens’s finest. Stu has been kind enough to drive us to a pub some 6 miles away where we have been superbly fed and watered and we got our wish for some fresh vegetables – the first of the trip.
So there you have it. Another monstrous day. I’m still in awe of my own capacity to achieve what I have done so far. Tomorrow looks tough – very tough. Although as we are currently so remote, with no WiFi or mobile signal (hence a day late in posting this) we can’t test the altitude climbs for tomorrow via the website Bike Hike. Probably just as well, or I might have just decided to stay in Stu’s lovely warm, comfortable 5 Series and assist him with his business meeting instead…
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Monday, 16 May 2011
Day 3 - The Pain and the Pleasure
Distance - 94.62 miles; total ascent - 5197 feet; ave speed - 9.6mph; max speed - 35mph; total time in saddle - 9 hours 53 minutes.
I'm typing this lying on the bed in the extraordinarily nice Guest House 'Magnolia House' in Burnham on Sea looking back at just what we have achieved today. It's almost midnight and we've only been here for just over 2 hours. Saddle time over nine hours and the day from start to finish over 12 hours. It seems an eternity since we set off this morning from the Royal Hotel in Bideford.
Russ and I have a mutual friend Paul Fryer who kindly came to see us last night at the hotel for a beer and to wish us well. Not really too much of a chore for the big fella seeing as he lives down the road in Barnstable. He brought with him a friend of his Robert and he agreed to join us today on part of our ride from Barnstable to Exmoor. We met Rob in the village of Gunn having got horribly lost first in Barnstable, at one point ending up in an estate that made Beruit look like Disneyland. Rob then proceeded to ride with us to the summit of Exmoor on his mountain bike and was top company. The 1600 foot climb was quite something although sadly yet again my bike's gearing meant I had to push for a bit up the steepest part. Photos taken at the summit we made our way down taking in some of the most wonderful views I have seen.
We had mistakenly thought that once at out of the national park area the terrain would immediately flattern out, but not a bit of it. Following cycle route 3 we took in some more killer hills which combined meant the days total ascent was once again well in excess of 5000.
We initially had decided to aim for Taunton and see how we felt in terms of how much we would attempt to do today. Before arriving though and after threading our way through some delightful and remote Somerset villages and hamlets, we came across a rather splendid looking inn which offered accommodation and good food. I was quite prepared to call it a day- having done 65 miles plus it was 6.30 and as a result I felt the prospect of a hot bath, good meal and a few beers to be the perfect way to round off our Exmoor endeavours.
Russ however was having none of it. He was determined that we should made Burnham on sea another 25 miles on, thus getting a full day ahead of schedule. "Let's treat like an evening ride, imagine it all starts now eh? And anyway it's all flat from here"
Somewhat reluctantly I agreed and in fairness he was right about the flat bit. Taunton to Bridgewater following the canal tow path would have been excellent, save for the thousands of midges invading every orifice as we tried to pick up the pace.
We arrived in Bridgewater at dusk to discover that Ally, Russ's Mum had not only booked our accommodation in Burnham but was coming down to meet us with some more supplies of protein and chocolate bars and some stuff for Russ (like Russ, she also lives in Bristol a mere 30 miles up the road).
What a godsend this was and, on arriving in darkness just before 10pm, Ally and the Guest House owner made us immediately welcome. Splendid room, the best shower I've had for ages and a chinese takeaway kindly bought and fetched by Ally, served to make the proceeding 92 miles one of the best journeys of my life.
Hard to believe we are almost a fifth of the way through the challenge....
Postscript - the only sad part of the day was to learn that my darling wife had spent most of the afternoon at the vets after Bally her beloved Lusitano mare had broken loose and run amuck through our paddocks and garden with a metal gate in tow. Thank goodness her rear leg wasn't broken, but she remains at the vets for the next few days and fingers crossed that she makes a full a swift recovery. Larri herself sports a black eye and some bruising. I'm thinking of you my love and so sorry I wasn't around to help out xx
I'm typing this lying on the bed in the extraordinarily nice Guest House 'Magnolia House' in Burnham on Sea looking back at just what we have achieved today. It's almost midnight and we've only been here for just over 2 hours. Saddle time over nine hours and the day from start to finish over 12 hours. It seems an eternity since we set off this morning from the Royal Hotel in Bideford.
Russ and I have a mutual friend Paul Fryer who kindly came to see us last night at the hotel for a beer and to wish us well. Not really too much of a chore for the big fella seeing as he lives down the road in Barnstable. He brought with him a friend of his Robert and he agreed to join us today on part of our ride from Barnstable to Exmoor. We met Rob in the village of Gunn having got horribly lost first in Barnstable, at one point ending up in an estate that made Beruit look like Disneyland. Rob then proceeded to ride with us to the summit of Exmoor on his mountain bike and was top company. The 1600 foot climb was quite something although sadly yet again my bike's gearing meant I had to push for a bit up the steepest part. Photos taken at the summit we made our way down taking in some of the most wonderful views I have seen.
We had mistakenly thought that once at out of the national park area the terrain would immediately flattern out, but not a bit of it. Following cycle route 3 we took in some more killer hills which combined meant the days total ascent was once again well in excess of 5000.
We initially had decided to aim for Taunton and see how we felt in terms of how much we would attempt to do today. Before arriving though and after threading our way through some delightful and remote Somerset villages and hamlets, we came across a rather splendid looking inn which offered accommodation and good food. I was quite prepared to call it a day- having done 65 miles plus it was 6.30 and as a result I felt the prospect of a hot bath, good meal and a few beers to be the perfect way to round off our Exmoor endeavours.
Russ however was having none of it. He was determined that we should made Burnham on sea another 25 miles on, thus getting a full day ahead of schedule. "Let's treat like an evening ride, imagine it all starts now eh? And anyway it's all flat from here"
Somewhat reluctantly I agreed and in fairness he was right about the flat bit. Taunton to Bridgewater following the canal tow path would have been excellent, save for the thousands of midges invading every orifice as we tried to pick up the pace.
We arrived in Bridgewater at dusk to discover that Ally, Russ's Mum had not only booked our accommodation in Burnham but was coming down to meet us with some more supplies of protein and chocolate bars and some stuff for Russ (like Russ, she also lives in Bristol a mere 30 miles up the road).
What a godsend this was and, on arriving in darkness just before 10pm, Ally and the Guest House owner made us immediately welcome. Splendid room, the best shower I've had for ages and a chinese takeaway kindly bought and fetched by Ally, served to make the proceeding 92 miles one of the best journeys of my life.
Hard to believe we are almost a fifth of the way through the challenge....
Postscript - the only sad part of the day was to learn that my darling wife had spent most of the afternoon at the vets after Bally her beloved Lusitano mare had broken loose and run amuck through our paddocks and garden with a metal gate in tow. Thank goodness her rear leg wasn't broken, but she remains at the vets for the next few days and fingers crossed that she makes a full a swift recovery. Larri herself sports a black eye and some bruising. I'm thinking of you my love and so sorry I wasn't around to help out xx
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Day 2 - The Serious Work Starts
Distance - 79.67 miles; total ascent - 5850 feet; ave speed - 10.3mph; max speed - 36.2mph; total time in saddle - 7 hours 41 minutes.
Opened curtains to glorious sunshine which by and large has stayed with us all day. Certainly there has been no rain and I have a sunburnt calf.
After breakfast we set up off at around 9.30 and made out way to Newquay. Russ has done a fantastic job of sussing out cycle routes and the best off road options and we seemed to navigate through Newquay without even realising. The next session was cruel - Newquay to Padstow has frequent decents into tiny coastal hamlets and towns, which are invariably followed by vicious ascents back up to cliff top level and beyond at around 400+ feet high. One particular 1 in 5 climb saw me having to get off and push - my bike's gearing is not low enough to allow me to get up sufficient cadence to ensure I don't come to a halt and topple over. Russ was more determined than me, and helped on by his larger rear cog, he failed to succumb to getting off.
Eventually we arrived at horribly touristy Padstow, with people milling about in the middle of the narrow streets and we got a number of frowns even though we were riding on the roads. The Padstow to Rock ferry was a novelty, although we narrowly avoided a problem when Russ's bungee cords became tangled in his spokes when we disembarked.
Food next, a proper Cornish Pasty in a bakery outside Rock and then onwards with the job in hand. Eventually we joined up with the A39 and although it has been our intention to avoid A roads, this trunk route was unusually quiet. We had planned to come off and navigate via Bude to our ultimate destination of Bideford, however we both agreed that the road flowed well and as our progress had vastly improved (ave around 14mph compared to 8mph in the morning), we decided to stay on this road until Bideford itself.
Arriving in Bideford we found The Royal Hotel had a twin room and whilst the hotel itself is very nice, room etc, there is a wedding on, and as I type this, we're wondering how long the disco will go on into the night :-( On arrival having placed the bikes in what we hoped would be a safe place, I had to weave through scantily clad wedding female guests and nudge past the Bride Groom, all dressed in cycling shorts and racing jerseys (me not the guests) - all very embarrassing.
We've had to get the bikes moved into a room, to which I have the key as some of the children at the wedding were starting to fiddle around with Russ's bike.
So 80 miles, over 6000 feet ascent and feeling quite tired, but extremely elated and pleased with our progress so far. Quite whether I'll be feeling the same in a week's time remains to be seen...
Tomorrow we plan for more of the same, with the morning ascent into Exmoor being around 1500 feet, after which things even out and we should make good progress on the relative flat to Burnham on Sea.
Opened curtains to glorious sunshine which by and large has stayed with us all day. Certainly there has been no rain and I have a sunburnt calf.
After breakfast we set up off at around 9.30 and made out way to Newquay. Russ has done a fantastic job of sussing out cycle routes and the best off road options and we seemed to navigate through Newquay without even realising. The next session was cruel - Newquay to Padstow has frequent decents into tiny coastal hamlets and towns, which are invariably followed by vicious ascents back up to cliff top level and beyond at around 400+ feet high. One particular 1 in 5 climb saw me having to get off and push - my bike's gearing is not low enough to allow me to get up sufficient cadence to ensure I don't come to a halt and topple over. Russ was more determined than me, and helped on by his larger rear cog, he failed to succumb to getting off.
Eventually we arrived at horribly touristy Padstow, with people milling about in the middle of the narrow streets and we got a number of frowns even though we were riding on the roads. The Padstow to Rock ferry was a novelty, although we narrowly avoided a problem when Russ's bungee cords became tangled in his spokes when we disembarked.
Food next, a proper Cornish Pasty in a bakery outside Rock and then onwards with the job in hand. Eventually we joined up with the A39 and although it has been our intention to avoid A roads, this trunk route was unusually quiet. We had planned to come off and navigate via Bude to our ultimate destination of Bideford, however we both agreed that the road flowed well and as our progress had vastly improved (ave around 14mph compared to 8mph in the morning), we decided to stay on this road until Bideford itself.
Arriving in Bideford we found The Royal Hotel had a twin room and whilst the hotel itself is very nice, room etc, there is a wedding on, and as I type this, we're wondering how long the disco will go on into the night :-( On arrival having placed the bikes in what we hoped would be a safe place, I had to weave through scantily clad wedding female guests and nudge past the Bride Groom, all dressed in cycling shorts and racing jerseys (me not the guests) - all very embarrassing.
We've had to get the bikes moved into a room, to which I have the key as some of the children at the wedding were starting to fiddle around with Russ's bike.
So 80 miles, over 6000 feet ascent and feeling quite tired, but extremely elated and pleased with our progress so far. Quite whether I'll be feeling the same in a week's time remains to be seen...
Tomorrow we plan for more of the same, with the morning ascent into Exmoor being around 1500 feet, after which things even out and we should make good progress on the relative flat to Burnham on Sea.
The Journey Begins
Blog Entry Friday 13th May – Day 1 (Blogger was conveniently down!)
Distance – 45.85 miles; Total ascent 3642; Ave speed 10.2 mph; Max speed 37.5mph; Total time in saddle 4 hours 31 minutes.
Russ woke me at around 6.30 where I had been sleeping on his sofa, despite this got a decent night’s sleep. We had a quick cuppa, before gathering our stuff together and then getting the bikes fixed to the bike rack. This took a little longer than anticipated, so we didn’t make Russ’s Mum’s until around 8.30.
Russ’s Mum Ally had kindly offered to drive us to Lands End (approx. 200 miles from Bristol) and supervise our departure. Sandwiches, drinks and energy bars were bestowed upon us too, which was welcome.
Arrived at LE around midday and after about an hour of phaffing around getting prepared (not helped by me putting in a contact lens the wrong way round and Russ thinking he’d forgotten half his gear) we were ready to depart We did the obligatory piccie by the sign posts (without paying) and crossed the ‘start line’ at around 1:06. I was almost immediately overtaken and touched by a knob in a people carrier- seriously not even 25 yards into the bloody run. Let’s hope this never happens again!
Russ had been meticulous in making sure we took cycle routes wherever possible and the first 2 miles was on Route 3 (I think), before meeting up with the A30 for a mile or so and then veering off northwards towards Zennor, St Just etc. A brief shower didn’t dampen our spirits and generally the weather we perfect today. Just a breath of wind, gentle sunshine, but a couple of rain clouds rolled in from the Atlantic and gave us some showers. No complaints I know we’ll get a lot worse before too long!
Some of the climbs today were quite fierce. Even during training I’d never covered more than 2000 upwards feet in any one 50 mile run. I have also discovered that my bike, whilst perfectly balance and set for Audex runs, does not enjoy gear ratios as low as Russ’s bike – a Tourer. This meant that I had to rise up from the saddle for most of the sharper inclining otherwise risk coming to a standstill. Russ’s gear set up meant he was seemingly able to pedal much more quickly thanks to smaller/bigger cogs. Ah well, not to worry (yet)!
The bike performed well, it has some irritating squeaks and whines that seem to come from the front mud-guard, but try as I might with the oil, I can’t seem to find their source.
Impromptu fish and chips at around 5pm at Peneath gave us the will power to push on to St Anges and then 5 miles further to Perranporth, where we decided that at around 7pm that was enough for day one. After a failed Youth Hostel attempt, we ended up at a hotel the name of which escapes me, but was able to offer secure storage for the bikes, a decent shower and food and liquid refreshment.
It was so great to talk to Larri this evening and hear her bubbling with enthusiasm and bursting with pride. I miss her so much. She’s been watching our progress on Runkeeper Live and somehow although we are apart, what with text messages, Facebook and Runkeeper it’s amazing just how with today’s technology you can almost be together even though many many miles separate you.
The legs know they worked hard today and there’s the same tomorrow in terms of ascent, but overall we are feeling very positive about today, especially as it was only really half a day. I won’t feel like we are really into the serious business until we’ve got a couple of consecutive 70/80 milers under our belts.
I’ll sleep well tonight.
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Work is Over, Now for the Pain...
By a lucky charm, somehow managed to leave the office much earlier than I had anticipated. Now, at last I can concentrate on the job in hand, although I don't want to think too much about what's ahead, as I might just decide to duck out.
Now at home, final packing arrangements are in hand, squeezing the most out of my two panniers. With careful planning, I hope to keep the weight to around 12kgs, which bearing in mind I'll be away for 16 days isn't bad going - ladies take note next time you take a weekend city break ;-)
My brother Chris has kindly offered to take me to Reading Service this evening where I'll meet up with Russ. We then drive to Russ's flat in Bristol where we'll stay the night, then up at the crack of Sparrows tomorrow to head for Lands End for the big off. Larri has volunteered for the biggest help of the lot - driving up to JoG to meet us and bring us home again, somehow I know that will be a huge relief, the thought of getting trains and buses and organising bike transportation after 1100 miles in the saddle, really would take the icing off the highs of achievement (assuming we do achieve that is).
Finally a short note of thanks to all those that have sponsored so far - I've been really touched by the number of people that have contributed to the Just Giving site. Customers, friends and staff, your generosity has been unbelievable. Thank you.
http://www.justgiving.com/Giles-Bowes/
Now at home, final packing arrangements are in hand, squeezing the most out of my two panniers. With careful planning, I hope to keep the weight to around 12kgs, which bearing in mind I'll be away for 16 days isn't bad going - ladies take note next time you take a weekend city break ;-)
My brother Chris has kindly offered to take me to Reading Service this evening where I'll meet up with Russ. We then drive to Russ's flat in Bristol where we'll stay the night, then up at the crack of Sparrows tomorrow to head for Lands End for the big off. Larri has volunteered for the biggest help of the lot - driving up to JoG to meet us and bring us home again, somehow I know that will be a huge relief, the thought of getting trains and buses and organising bike transportation after 1100 miles in the saddle, really would take the icing off the highs of achievement (assuming we do achieve that is).
Finally a short note of thanks to all those that have sponsored so far - I've been really touched by the number of people that have contributed to the Just Giving site. Customers, friends and staff, your generosity has been unbelievable. Thank you.
http://www.justgiving.com/Giles-Bowes/
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Final Preparations
The table in our dining area has been christened 'Mission Control' by Larri. A crumpled muddled mess of Lycra shorts, painkillers, spare spokes, GPS systems, power leads, in fact all the tools of the next 2 week's trade. How the hell it's all going to fit into two modest Ortlieb panniers God only knows..
Just returned from another physio session with Jim. He's trying hard to help relieve the pain I'm getting in the neck as I crane forwards against my embarressingly curved spine - he seems to think he'll be able to striaghten it right out if I keep up the treatment after the run. Time will tell.
Picked up two spare spokes today, I'll tape them to the frame just in case. I already have two spare inner tubes, brake and gear cable and the smallest puncture repair kit I've ever seen. Hopefully these things won't actually be required, but sods law says if I don't take them something will go wrong in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands.
I also purchased a ludicrously expensive pair of Clarks casual shoes - chosen only because they were the lightest shoe in the shop. Colour, style, sole - irrelevant. Everything is about weight and keeping it down if we are going to make total daily 4000 feet climbs without busting our boilers!
Russ sent through a summary of our trip in terms of daily miles. I studied the single sheet of A4 for a very long time and it has finally sunk in. We are really going to do this, baring disasters.
Can honestly say at last I'm beginning to look forward to the trip plus the weather for the first week doesn't look too bad either....
Just returned from another physio session with Jim. He's trying hard to help relieve the pain I'm getting in the neck as I crane forwards against my embarressingly curved spine - he seems to think he'll be able to striaghten it right out if I keep up the treatment after the run. Time will tell.
Picked up two spare spokes today, I'll tape them to the frame just in case. I already have two spare inner tubes, brake and gear cable and the smallest puncture repair kit I've ever seen. Hopefully these things won't actually be required, but sods law says if I don't take them something will go wrong in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands.
I also purchased a ludicrously expensive pair of Clarks casual shoes - chosen only because they were the lightest shoe in the shop. Colour, style, sole - irrelevant. Everything is about weight and keeping it down if we are going to make total daily 4000 feet climbs without busting our boilers!
Russ sent through a summary of our trip in terms of daily miles. I studied the single sheet of A4 for a very long time and it has finally sunk in. We are really going to do this, baring disasters.
Can honestly say at last I'm beginning to look forward to the trip plus the weather for the first week doesn't look too bad either....
Sunday, 8 May 2011
The Real Work
Starts soon.
Bike was serviced last week, new, more robust tyres fitted and a number of other small mods made. Am now juggling exactly what to take, the key being weight and keeping it down.
Took a small ride out this afternoon to make sure everything was OK, and it was.
To be honest I just want to get started now...
Bike was serviced last week, new, more robust tyres fitted and a number of other small mods made. Am now juggling exactly what to take, the key being weight and keeping it down.
Took a small ride out this afternoon to make sure everything was OK, and it was.
To be honest I just want to get started now...
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