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!!
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