It is now just over a week since I arrived at Land`s End and I'm still not sure that it has sunk in yet. On the other hand, now that the aches and pains have subsided, and that I can see the funny side of when the weather was at its worst, I am now wondering what to do next!!! Watch this space!
But meantime I just want to say a big thankyou for all the support and messages of good luck I've had over the last few weeks. Also to my family and Nigel's families for putting me up at different times - when the weather was at it's worst it was a relief not to be camping. I also hope that Gill`s washing machine is still working after washing my week old cycling gear - I think my clothes walked in by themselves.
Also thanyou to everyone who has donated to the Link Centre. I haven't tallied it up yet or finnished collecting it but am hoping to have raised about £1500 -THANKYOU, EVERYONE!!
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Friday, 11 July 2008
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Day Eight and Nine
Hi all
Day 8 was to be an easier day. Tempted by roast dinner at nigel`s Dad`s house tonight (in Braunton) I opted for a shorter but more senic day leaving me with only 120 miles tomorrow to complete my journey to Land`s End! Nigel droped me back off in Wells (not far from Glastonbury). Despite setting off in full waterproof gear - one plastic bag over my cycle helmet and one over each sock, inside my trainers which had never dried out last night - it was a great cycling day. A mix of sunshine and showers and the wind was mostly with me.
The rounds were generally narrower and their was more traffic today but this wasn`t too much of a problem. I stopped briefly in Dunster and my first proper Cornish Pastie - great grub and set me up for most of the rest of the ride today.
At Minehead I had communication from Nigel to say that he was at the top of Porlock Hill - I was told the views were great, that a bowl of soup would be waiting and that there was an icecream van in the carpark - what more encouragement did I need - Nigel did also tell me that it might take some time for me to get there as it was a steep hill - no worries I thought as I don't have my panniers today. When I got to the bottom of the hill it turned out to be a 1:4 slope and it was suggested that large vehicles, caravans and bicycles take the toll road - stubborness got the better of me and I decided to give it a go! I managed up to the point where it said not pediastrians (the road steepened and narrowed here and was dark with overhanging trees and trying to walk would be dangerous)
Day 9: I left Braunton in my, now, usual garb of waterproof jacket and plastic bags to keep my helmet and feet dry. However despite the rainy start I was mostly lucky with the weather and the few rains showers I encountered didn't last long. The wind was also with me for the large part so that made things a lot easier.
I stopped at Piers Cafe, near ?, after the first 50 miles for a brilliant cheeseburger and chips - great road side cafe and definately not a greasy spoon. Charged up again and raring to go and still hoping to get to Land`s End today but still got another 85 miles to go! Another stop, just under 30 miles from Penaznce saw me parked on the grass outside a busy petrol station tucking into peperammi, biscuits and a tin of red bull, still hoping to do the final push in a oner - Nigel had suggested that I get to Penzance and do the final leg, when fresh, in the morning but determined I pushed on and was still feeling fairly fit.
The last stretch from Penzance was uphill and into a strong wind and my legs were complaining bitterly - I was beginning to think that Nigel was right and that I should have left the last 15 or so miles untill the morning but both Nigel and his Mum were waiting at Land`s End for me and I pushed on. The last uphills were tough but the final downhill (with the wind behind me)
and I finally arrived at Land`s End 8.55 pm on Monday evening.
Lucy
Day 8 was to be an easier day. Tempted by roast dinner at nigel`s Dad`s house tonight (in Braunton) I opted for a shorter but more senic day leaving me with only 120 miles tomorrow to complete my journey to Land`s End! Nigel droped me back off in Wells (not far from Glastonbury). Despite setting off in full waterproof gear - one plastic bag over my cycle helmet and one over each sock, inside my trainers which had never dried out last night - it was a great cycling day. A mix of sunshine and showers and the wind was mostly with me.
The rounds were generally narrower and their was more traffic today but this wasn`t too much of a problem. I stopped briefly in Dunster and my first proper Cornish Pastie - great grub and set me up for most of the rest of the ride today.
At Minehead I had communication from Nigel to say that he was at the top of Porlock Hill - I was told the views were great, that a bowl of soup would be waiting and that there was an icecream van in the carpark - what more encouragement did I need - Nigel did also tell me that it might take some time for me to get there as it was a steep hill - no worries I thought as I don't have my panniers today. When I got to the bottom of the hill it turned out to be a 1:4 slope and it was suggested that large vehicles, caravans and bicycles take the toll road - stubborness got the better of me and I decided to give it a go! I managed up to the point where it said not pediastrians (the road steepened and narrowed here and was dark with overhanging trees and trying to walk would be dangerous)
Day 9: I left Braunton in my, now, usual garb of waterproof jacket and plastic bags to keep my helmet and feet dry. However despite the rainy start I was mostly lucky with the weather and the few rains showers I encountered didn't last long. The wind was also with me for the large part so that made things a lot easier.
I stopped at Piers Cafe, near ?, after the first 50 miles for a brilliant cheeseburger and chips - great road side cafe and definately not a greasy spoon. Charged up again and raring to go and still hoping to get to Land`s End today but still got another 85 miles to go! Another stop, just under 30 miles from Penaznce saw me parked on the grass outside a busy petrol station tucking into peperammi, biscuits and a tin of red bull, still hoping to do the final push in a oner - Nigel had suggested that I get to Penzance and do the final leg, when fresh, in the morning but determined I pushed on and was still feeling fairly fit.
The last stretch from Penzance was uphill and into a strong wind and my legs were complaining bitterly - I was beginning to think that Nigel was right and that I should have left the last 15 or so miles untill the morning but both Nigel and his Mum were waiting at Land`s End for me and I pushed on. The last uphills were tough but the final downhill (with the wind behind me)
and I finally arrived at Land`s End 8.55 pm on Monday evening.
Lucy
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Day Six and Seven
Hi all. Thanks to Nige for keeping everyone posted on my travels and thanks to everyone for all your good luck messages and encouragement - it's much appreciated.
Yesterday was a late start - was cold during the night, and didn't sleep terribly well so was later coming round in the morning. Glorious sunshine to start. Slow progress today and lots of rests, including watching the barges going through the Beeston Iron Lock - a pair of yellow wagtails perched right beside me while I was watching the boats. My get up and go finally kicked in late afternoon and I ended up doing approx 115 miles and wild camped in an Orchard about 18 miles from Glouster. Mostly dry today but poured as I put the tent up but as it was overcast it was a much warmer night and I slept much better than the previous night.
This morning started without too much wind but raining. Passed some really pretty traditional cottages 0n route, including some with thatched roofs. Gradually rain eased of and turned into a really nice morning, however the further south I got the stronger the wind got and it became hard work and nearly was blown off the bike on a couple of occaisions. Then it got worse - south west of Bath the wind got stonger but brought with it driving rain - not overly concerned - I thought I would cut the day short as I thought Nigel wasn't far behind. However a lack of communication on both our parts, found me having done 85 miles to the town of Wells and resembling a very cold and wet rat when Nigel picked me up with the van. Had hoped to arrive at Land's End in 8 days but looking like 9 at the moment - at least I will travel light weight tomorrow as I won't need to take the tent or sleeping bag with me.
Yesterday was a late start - was cold during the night, and didn't sleep terribly well so was later coming round in the morning. Glorious sunshine to start. Slow progress today and lots of rests, including watching the barges going through the Beeston Iron Lock - a pair of yellow wagtails perched right beside me while I was watching the boats. My get up and go finally kicked in late afternoon and I ended up doing approx 115 miles and wild camped in an Orchard about 18 miles from Glouster. Mostly dry today but poured as I put the tent up but as it was overcast it was a much warmer night and I slept much better than the previous night.
This morning started without too much wind but raining. Passed some really pretty traditional cottages 0n route, including some with thatched roofs. Gradually rain eased of and turned into a really nice morning, however the further south I got the stronger the wind got and it became hard work and nearly was blown off the bike on a couple of occaisions. Then it got worse - south west of Bath the wind got stonger but brought with it driving rain - not overly concerned - I thought I would cut the day short as I thought Nigel wasn't far behind. However a lack of communication on both our parts, found me having done 85 miles to the town of Wells and resembling a very cold and wet rat when Nigel picked me up with the van. Had hoped to arrive at Land's End in 8 days but looking like 9 at the moment - at least I will travel light weight tomorrow as I won't need to take the tent or sleeping bag with me.
Friday, 4 July 2008
Day Five
115 Miles yesterday. Slow but good climb over Shap in the lakes on the A6 and fab going down the other side. In new territory now so having to navigate. Traffic not too bad. Stopped last night at brilliant wee campsite at Action Bridge on the A49 south of Warrington. Right on canal, ducks trying to east my breakfast! Glorious sunshine. Better pack up and go. (4th July @ 08:25)
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Day Four
Hard going this morning. Head wind and I think I need to eat more. PM was better - wind in my favour and energy returned. Cycled with a lad from Korea for a few hours. He brought his bike over for a 4 month cycle tour. He had a fab digital SLR and a baby poloroid printer. Only 90 miles today. Camped just south of Penrith. Blooming cold shower at campsite.
Day Three
121 miles today from Blair Athol to Galashiels. Hard going 1st half, but afternoon really good. Brill burger and chips bought by Linda for tea in Edinburgh. Continued to Galashiels after tea. Heavy rain just before getting to campsite, and no shower on the site. I'm bogging!!
Monday, 30 June 2008
Day Two
Hi all. 109 miles again today. Later start than intended. Made it to Blair Athol. Mostly dry 
and sunny, but got wet putting tent up. About to scrub up and get food. Heading for Edinburgh tomorrow. Butt cheeks chaffed!!!
and sunny, but got wet putting tent up. About to scrub up and get food. Heading for Edinburgh tomorrow. Butt cheeks chaffed!!!Pictures of team Burgis/McNee at Camp Burgias [Dingwall]. Plus fully laden at Moy.
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Day One
Left John O`Groats, just after 9 this morning, in lovely sunshine but a bit of a breeze. Beautiful day and gorgeous views for most of it but cycling into a headwind for most of the day.
109 miles and allmost 12 hours later I made it to my parents house in Dingwall where a much needed dinner was waiting for me.
Thursday, 26 June 2008
3 Days to Go
Less than 3 days to go and they are going to be a busy 3 days.
The bad news is that my trusty steed was admitted to hospital this morning. The good news is that she has come round from the anaesthetics, the bandages have been removed and she is now ready and raring to go - I just need to collect her from the bike shop and give her a wee bit of love and attention!!
Tonight I need to finish packing. Packing for the bike trip is fairly straight forward - I just need to take as little as possible - 2 of everything - wear one - wash one and essentials like waterproof jacket and my "co-op" plastic bag, but more about that later. But as well as clothes for the bike trip I need to get my clothes ready for John and Kate's wedding on Saturday - all the best to both of you and hope the sun shines for you on your big dayl I also need to get ready the clothes that Nigel is going to bring down when he meets me at Land`s End with the camper van. I am getting my hair cut tomorrow (also essential for a bike ride???), straight after work and then we are heading North straight after that so the packing and route planning must be finished tonight!!!!
The bad news is that my trusty steed was admitted to hospital this morning. The good news is that she has come round from the anaesthetics, the bandages have been removed and she is now ready and raring to go - I just need to collect her from the bike shop and give her a wee bit of love and attention!!
Tonight I need to finish packing. Packing for the bike trip is fairly straight forward - I just need to take as little as possible - 2 of everything - wear one - wash one and essentials like waterproof jacket and my "co-op" plastic bag, but more about that later. But as well as clothes for the bike trip I need to get my clothes ready for John and Kate's wedding on Saturday - all the best to both of you and hope the sun shines for you on your big dayl I also need to get ready the clothes that Nigel is going to bring down when he meets me at Land`s End with the camper van. I am getting my hair cut tomorrow (also essential for a bike ride???), straight after work and then we are heading North straight after that so the packing and route planning must be finished tonight!!!!
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
5 Days to Go
Only 5 days to go and not much more organised than when I last posted. Last night was a hive of activity with things that needed to be done so that I'm ready for the off.
The grass is cut and the plants are watered - vitally important to any big cycling trip, of course.
I now have new front and back tyres on my trusty steed - I have not got any quicker at changing tyres, inners, etc - reckon I could have cycled 20 - 30 miles in the time that it took me to change the dam things.
Nigel has replaced my front and back brake blocks and during the process discovered that my back tyre is "ovalised" - basically my back wheel runs like an egg - oh dear!!! So my final big cycle ride before heading off is being postponed while I figure out how to make my oval tyre, round - this may take some time and I suspect a trip to the local bike shop.
OK. Fingers crossed for round tyres and I will try not to curse and swear too much!!!
The grass is cut and the plants are watered - vitally important to any big cycling trip, of course.
I now have new front and back tyres on my trusty steed - I have not got any quicker at changing tyres, inners, etc - reckon I could have cycled 20 - 30 miles in the time that it took me to change the dam things.
Nigel has replaced my front and back brake blocks and during the process discovered that my back tyre is "ovalised" - basically my back wheel runs like an egg - oh dear!!! So my final big cycle ride before heading off is being postponed while I figure out how to make my oval tyre, round - this may take some time and I suspect a trip to the local bike shop.
OK. Fingers crossed for round tyres and I will try not to curse and swear too much!!!
Friday, 20 June 2008
9 Days to Go
A trip like this takes quite a bit of planning and organising so with not much more than a week to go I should be pretty much sorted, well almost anyway, kind of, maybe. Sorry - planning and organising is not my forte. So here is how it stands at the moment:
1. Fundraising for LINK going well but could be better - get your donations in quick!
2. Route - North to South - hopefully with the wind behind. I have cycled most of my planned route from John O`Groats to the Scottish / English Border, except the stretch between Perth and the North Side of the Forth Road Bridge. Nigel is going to help me plan my route south of the border.
3. Bike maintenance prior to setting off - hopefully my new back tyre and front and back brake blocks have been delivered - there is not much grip left on my back tyre and my brake are no longer working without the assistance of my feet connecting with tarmac - essential maintenance needed prior to departure.
5. Accommodation - the first night at my parent`s house in Dingwall, hopefully make it to Perth the second night and stay with my friend, Dawn - after that it will be mainly camping and some hostelling.
6. Grub and drink - eat lots, anything I fancy, whenever I want - this is not the time or place to think about calories.
7. Have fun and hope my backside isn`t too sore when i get to the Land`s End
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Count Down
Only 9.5 days until I set off on my bike ride from John O`Groats to Land`s End (AKA - JOGLE). Ideally I would like to be able to do it in a week so that I can relax and let Nigel show me some of the sites of Cornwall and Devon when I get there, but I suspect it might be closer to 10 days.......but lets wait and see - I might surprise myself and a few other doubters!!
So why am I doing this?? Two main reasons, really:
1. "Because it`s there!" - It is just something I have fancied doing for a long time and for a number of years I have said that next year is going to be the year and never got round to doing it but 2008 is definately the year, and with only 9.5 days to go there is no backing out now, especially as reason number ...........
2. Is to raise lots of money for "The LINK Centre for Deafened People" - http://www.linkdp.org . LINK gives vital support to Deafened people and their families through the trauma of sudden or progressive Aquired Profound Hearing Loss. Please give generously to this very worthwhile cause - this can be done by using the following link: http://mycharitypage.com/LINKScotland .
Thankyou to everyone who has already donated money already.
So why am I doing this?? Two main reasons, really:
1. "Because it`s there!" - It is just something I have fancied doing for a long time and for a number of years I have said that next year is going to be the year and never got round to doing it but 2008 is definately the year, and with only 9.5 days to go there is no backing out now, especially as reason number ...........
2. Is to raise lots of money for "The LINK Centre for Deafened People" - http://www.linkdp.org . LINK gives vital support to Deafened people and their families through the trauma of sudden or progressive Aquired Profound Hearing Loss. Please give generously to this very worthwhile cause - this can be done by using the following link: http://mycharitypage.com/LINKScotland .
Thankyou to everyone who has already donated money already.
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