9th September Lostwithiel to Lands End

Again a very hard day, with mile after mile of hills.
Pictures will follow, but Jess's ecstatic face as we rode towards a wonderful sunset at Lands End, and were met by all the guys, was one I will never forget. She was incredibly strong and tenacious throughout the whole trip, and her completing such an amazing challenge was what made it all worthwhile for me.
Jess, you were amazing. I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you!

8th September Exeter to Lostwithiel

Devon is horrible. Not really, it is gorgeous, but we found this to be the toughest day of all physically and mentally. We stopped for quite a while to help a group of 3 ladies who were having trouble with their bikes, which made us run a little late.

Devon is very very hilly. Brutal ascents, followed by raving mad descents, which after a while we came to dread, as we knew what would follow afterwards. We both actually felt quite sick half way up one of the hills.

We arrived at a lovely b and b , Penventon Farm, where we were made to feel at home, and then rushed out to grab a bite to eat locally

7th September Burham on Sea to Exeter

A very long day, over Dartmoor. Breathtakingly beautiful, and breathtakingly hard as well. The rain hurt, but it was more than made up for by the Dartmoor ponies.

Jess had one of her highlights too. She was upgraded o The Cromwell Suite, the poshest room in the hotel! We didn't see her for two hours before she came down for dinner, looking decidedly happier with her lot, Princess bed, bath to die for etc etc.

6th September Cardiff to Burnham on Sea

Another hard day. After we'd all spent the night at home in our own beds, our spirits flagged at the thought of leaving again. We also had to get over the Severn Bridge somehow. Jess got lost a couple of miles before our prearranged meetup at the services with Mike. My fault, I wasn't looking behind me. Oops. I got a right tonguelashing when she turned up as she somehow ended up cycling through a field. This was probably the rainiest of days as well. Jess was very brave to keep the pace up as it totally lashed down. Scenery not that exciting either.

Sunday 5th September Llandridnod Wells to Cardiff

We were joined today by Derek Thomas, a local Headteacher, and his friend Ian. Jess was still half asleep when it was time to get going, especially as it was raining. Needless to say, Dave, who doesn't mess about with anything, sent Mike and I up to help her with her stuff, and we set off not too long later.

Bearing in mind most of her male companions were roughly twice her age, she set off at a furious pace which none of us could keep up with. We assumed she was going to stop at the prearranged tea and buns stop in Brecon. On our arrival, she was nowhere to be seen, and after about an hour of searching she was found, having started the main ascent up towards Storey Arms. This was a gruelling ride, really strong headwind, and at least Jess stayed behind to coax her Dad up the mountain. They were fabtastic! We stopped for another breather just after the summit, as we all recognised we needed a rest.

Jess and Dave stayed back, whilst Derek, Ian and I blasted off towards Cardiff to meet up with our welcoming party. Jess arrived with her Father literally minutes after the appointed time, a masterful piece of pacing. Dave wasn't so happy to be carrying her makeup bag for the group pictures, and soon unloaded it onto someone else.

The greeting provided by our friends, all of whom have been very supportive was heartwarming. Thank you all very much, it meant a lot to us all.

Derek announced after this arduous stage that he'd only been out training on his bike once. He gave an amazing account of himself, and is still looking for his underpants after several hours on a razor blade of a racing saddle.

Sat 4th September Oswestry to Llandridnod Wells

We were joined today by Jess's Father, Dave Hill. They set a cracking pace all day long, as they are very competitive with each other. A long hard day in the saddle, but Dave treated us all to a wonderful meal in the eveing which was most relaxing. Not so relaxing was the huge wedding party downstairs, which was still going at about 2am!
Bleary eyes in the morning.

3rd September Wigan to Oswestry

Very pretty day, with some tough roads, used a couple of weeks later for the Tour of Britain cycle race. Can't remember a great deal at the moment, as any memories were overawed upon our arrival at what was probably our best overnight stop, at Moors Farm, Welshpool. We were honoured to meet up with Jess's parents, to spend a night at what is a shooting lodge. Free drinks on the house, and the most glorious home made food. Absolutely five star!

2nd September Windemere to Wigan

Started the morning nicely. Despite having some horrible late finishes, we couldn't resist the idea of going out on a boat on the Lake. Jess is good at rowing, so Mike and I sat back and enjoyed the views, before returning to shore in time for lunch.

Guess what, We were late arriving in Wigan, just in time to nip out for an Indian meal in a nice restaurant. Whilst enjoying our food, Jess was most disturbed by what might be described as two young ladies in pyjamas, the other side of the window. They were making and mouthing unmistakeably offensive gestures for no apparent reason. She sent Mike and I out first,both being trained in Aikido, to check the coast was clear.

We described our experiences to the Landlord on return, who said 'we apologise for the behaviour of our neighbours in Horwich'

1st September Carlisle to Windemere

One of the most beautiful days of all. Lake district etc. Oustandingly lovely. We were actually there on time that day, and were treated to arrive at a beautiful hotel, next to the Beatrix Potter Museum. We all had a lovely meal, again well deserved after some of the disastrous 'Tesco Sandwich' affairs we'd resorted to previously. Mike actually got to eat Bambi pie. Very nice!

31st August Sanquar to Carlisle

The longest day of all mileage wise. We were still making up mileage from our navigation disaster, so ended up doing a soul destroying 95miles. The last couple of hours of which were along a pitch black never ending road, where we'd been helpfully told that some cyclists had been hit off their bikes recently. It was me who started running out of willpower here. It never seemed we were getting any closer. We got to our friendly digs just in time for a quick well deserved drinkie over the road.

30th August Paisley to Sanquar

We actually started off where we'd finished early the day before, as we didn't want to 'cheat'. It was a very hard day as it left too many miles to cover. At about 10pm, we gave up trying, and were welcomed into a tiny pub called the 'Wee Train' to warm up and wait for Mike to rescue us. Jess went to sleep on one of the leather seats in there, so I sent the crowd of very friendly locals over to wake her up. They soon had her at the bar, plying her with Baileys.

If you can imagine around 15 well meaning Billy Connolly style people, that's what made Jess blush so. They were also very very welcoming, and posed the most direct of questions to us. That is for us to know only. What happens on tour stays on tour.....

29th August Crianlarich to Paisley

Fantastic beautiful day. Except we went the wrong direction out our lodgings, and ended up 40 miles in the wrong direction. We had a lovely ride, but as we were due to meet up with the Scottish Bipolar people, we called it a day after 45 miles or so, and drove to Paisley. A picture of us meeting up is attached, along with one of the entrance to their office. Nice.

They looked after us very cordially, and we were all very interested in how their work is conducted in Scotland..

This was the worst accommodation of the whole trip. The manager, after about 5 telephone calls was completely unable to describe how to get to her hotel. We decided that it was because she lived there and didn't need to know.

There was the most almighty fire near the area as were searching. So big that several fire tenders were out, and kids from all around. They couldn't stop laughing at my Borat style shorts. There was a huge Hiroshima like plume of black smoke going up into the air. I even asked the hotel lady to look out the window, could she see the smoke, as a point of reference. She said not.

When we found the place, no thanks to her. I stood on the front step, and there was the smoke, 100 yards away. What a dipstick.

I was just settling down in my bed, when Sue (christened Jane Austen for the trip with regard to her sensitive and proper demeanour) invited me down to their shared bedroom. I entered the room, which was bathed in a gentle and romantic light, a mixture of provocative and sensuous feminine aromas in the air. They were both in their night attire, in their respective beds, and said they had a special request of me. Thinking my luck was in, they kicked me out of their fire door into the cold and asked if it was secure from the outside, as they were on the ground floor and wanted to feel safe. Hmm.

28th August Fort William to Crianlarich

A very physically demanding day. As we were bimbling along at our own not too fast not too fit pace, I saw a large group of cyclists behind us. My job for the whole tour was watching out for stuff from behind. Anyway, I urged Jess to speed up in order to sit on the back of this group of chaps. They were racing cyclists. out for a leg loosener of 150 miles or so. One of the pics is of me enjoying following up the rear over one of the lengthy climbs. We were ripping along at around 30mph or so for loads of it, the sheer pace was exhilarating for Jess. I had my first and only near death experience on one of the downhill sections. 45mph in the wet round tight bends, front wheel starting to skid, down a mountain. Not good

The annoying thing for Jess was that were all laughing, joking and behaving in typical bloke fashion all the time, which she found completely disgusting. She forgave them when a kind chap gave her the most delicious homemade flapjack ever in the whole world. Yum yum.

We must have saved a couple of hours that day from being towed along at such a speed. Thanks guys!

Lovely accomadation, loads of animals

Apparently, Crianlarich is Gaelic for 'low pass'. My a**.

27th August Drumnadrochit to Fort William

First part was along the shores of Loch ness, and most of the rest of the way was equally beautiful. We stopped for a quite a few photos today, so were running late as usual. Jess and Simon found the most gorgeous specimen of manhood (made Jess blush) in the whole world. He even stripped for us and dived into Loch Ness, emerging. aftershave ad style from the frigid waters, cascades of which were running down his muscular torso........ . His name was 'Rocas' which made him all the more 'fit'.

Possible highlight of the day was meeting up with a lovely lady who lives in Fort William. She invited us round to her house, having prepared an outstanding vegetarian meal. We couldn't stop giggling as she described her work in Antarctica, and her (then) beloved. When describing him, she went red as a beetroot and quivered a little, as if she was having a 'crisis'. We got her to do this multiple times until she appeared to have run out of energies. You know who you are thank you so much. We trust you will find another to fill the gap left by Mr X.

26th August Brora to Drumnadrochit

A more attractive day cycling wise, sunny during the middle of the day. We stopped for lunch, and the boys noticed that the indigenous ladies of the area were all about 6 feet tall. Even the schoolgirls were model height. Weird.
Day ended in absolute deluge, testing our waterproof gear to the max.

Our lodgings for the night were outstanding, we had a whole newly built chalet to ourselves, which we referred to as the big brother house. Wonderful. Jess forgot her 'ruby slippers' when we went to the chip shop, so had to be carried 'piggy on the back' style.

Are you sitting comfortably

(we weren't!) then I'll begin.....

24th August. The day kicked off at around 5.30 am, collecting the team from their various abodes. Luckily, our tardis like love bus managed to containg the ladies' make up etc. Mike being a travelling bluesman, had his guitar, a small case, and a bar of soap. Mike started driving after a while, and after a while of very competent motorway driving, I announced to the girls (who hadn't noticed because they were reading Hello magazine etc) that Mike hadn't actually driven for a few years. He did a fantastic job, and say that as an ex police highly qualified driver.

We collectively needed around 7 stops for Expressos etc en route. It's a long way! We were so bored that even the most feeble of jokes cracked everyone up. Everyone's favourite seemed to be 'Have you ever been groused?' as we passed another distillery. This had the girls in tears for about ten minutes, I can't imagine what they were thinking about.

The hotel place at the other end was basic but OK, as we were completely worn out, after a very long day off sitting down and doing nothing.

August 25th John O Groats to Brora. Started out very promisingly rainbows etc.

Following what we referred to as 'Road 1' , as there isn't any choice, we set off to the delights of dramtic sea and coastline to our left, barren landscape to our right, and a very steep up and down road grinding off into the distance. After a while, this became quite depressing actually, the cause of one of the very few squabbles or 'domestics' we had. We stopped for a few minutes to have a breather, then had to psyche each other up to get going by being really rude to each other. All forgotten after a few minutes though.

We stopped for dinner at a wonderful place called the Red Lobster, and along with delicious food, were treated to a French manager, who made it taste even better.

It was all worthwhile when we arrived at our DREAM of a b+b, you must go there. Straight out of country living magazine. The owners just said 'here's the keys' and went out. Very trusting, they also kindly made a donation,

http://www.inverbrora.com/

12 down 4 to go!

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!

Massive welcome to Cardiff yesterday from all the guys and girls from MDF Bipolar Organisation. It means a lot to us, a real lift.

Sorry we haven't kept y'all up to date. The wifi, telephones etc just plain haven't worked most of the places we've been. That and disasters timewise, getting back at midnight a few times, due to stopping and checking out loads of stuff en route. In the fullness of time, after we have finished and slept for a week, the full story with all the laughter and tears will be here for you read.

In the mean time, 4 more days to go, we're off to the seaside today!

JESS HAS BEEN A STAR!!!!!!! All the folks along the way could not believe she started riding a couple of months ago. Amazing!

thanks guys!

WEWWW   TRY AGAIN. WE HAVE HAD LOTS OF GOOD WISHES.THANK YOU. ALL ARE WELL, WE WILL UPDATE IN FULL ASAP.

The Addams family.

We used to enjoy watching these films, especially as the new versions had Christina Ricci in them as 'Wednesday', the 10 year old ish girl.

Sitting at the dinner table, Wednesday said something like
"Pass the salt"
Her Mother, Morticia said
"What do we say dear?", to which Wednesday replied forcefully
"NOW!"

Indeed it is for our decrepit band of travellers. It's stupid o'clock, pouring with rain, and we're all on a mission, even having remembered the kitchen sink. My wife was rightfully worried, security wise, about the bikes on the back of the car, which actually have half a mile of chains, locks an goodness knows what.

We also have one of these
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee3L9BQQ4Gs

Corpulent punishment with Mr Thomas

I went out for a little training ride with Mr Thomas, our headteacher last night. He was worried he wasn't fit enough. My goodness me, he spent most of his time when we were going up grovelling long hills with me gasping away, selling the virtues of his private business, utility warehouse. He then topped 40mph descending like some kind of wheeled Kamikaze, then tried to trigger the speed cameras going through the built up areas. A beast of a man.

Fresh as a daisy, we got back to his house, me a dripping mess, and he told his wife I needed a glass of water. He promptly bounded off up the stairs to take part in one of his phone conferences, then came back down later, no doubt having made at least £10 000.

Thankfully, he's only doing the one day with us, or I would surely die.

Disaster

PC Emma has had to drop out. If you are a keen and fairly able cyclist, you can get a ride in our tour bus, setting off 6 am Tuesday 24th, cycle a few days in Scotland. Accom. and flight back to Cardiff on Mon 30th all sorted for you.

Meanwhile, I came across this picture. Strangely, the checklist seems to cover all the stuff you are guaranteed to experience on some of the touogher stages!

Coming soon to a place near you!

Sorry no new posts recently, there will plenty more to come. We're catching up with all the mapping stuff so you can all come and hurl abuse/vegetables etc at us. A cup of tea and a slice of cake would be more desirable, however we aim to please in whatever way we can.

We're in the process of getting all kinds of TV people interested, so if you want to be an extra, we will pay you absolutely nothing at all if you want to walk around in the background, especially if you goof about because the camera is on. Likewise with the radio, we don't want a frog's chorus of eructation as a mood setter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jowe0jPBrBA&feature=search

Much more detail to come.

Even more juicy details of our planning and prep for the tour will be coming soon. Watch this spot. Here's a couple more pics to whet your appetite.

Day 16 Thurs 9th Sept Lostwithiel to Lands End

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=lostwithiel&sll=50.980912,-3.243713&sspn=0.847308,1.680908&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Lostwithiel,+Cornwall,+United+Kingdom&ll=50.192726,-4.963074&spn=0.861611,1.680908&z=9

A390 to Truro. Then weird backroads towards south of Redruth, getting onto B 3297.B3280, A394 at Marazion, A30 to Penzance, Lands End.

More tea and cakes with whoever turns up. Y'all welcome!

Day 15 Wed 8th Sept Exeter to Lostwithiel

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=lostwithiel&sll=50.980912,-3.243713&sspn=0.847308,1.680908&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Lostwithiel,+Cornwall,+United+Kingdom&ll=50.502946,-4.01001&spn=0.856,1.680908&z=9

B3212 south across Dartmoor, with loads of stops for a breather! At Two Bridges, take B3357 to Tavistock, A390 through Liskeard to Lostwithiel.

Day 14 Tues 7th Sept Burnham on Sea to Exeter

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=exeter&sll=51.443737,-3.023987&sspn=0.838834,1.680908&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Exeter,+United+Kingdom&ll=50.980912,-3.243713&spn=0.847308,1.680908&z=9

Boring, get some miles under our belts A38, to Taunton, via Bridgewater, to Waterloo Cross , near M5 j27.
B3181 to Exeter

Day13 Mon 6th Sept Cardiff to Burnham on Sea

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=burnham+on+sea&sll=51.859532,-3.364563&sspn=0.831175,1.680908&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Burnham-on-Sea,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.443737,-3.023987&spn=0.838834,1.680908&z=9

Meetup 9am City Hall probably, then Newport Road to TGI Fridays head towards Tremorfa steel recycling place, then pretty back road B4239 through Wentloog, St Brides to Newport.

A48, then B4245 to Magor services for tea and buns.

The Stig then has to take us all over the Severn Troll Bridge, because it is a motorway. Well then get out again for more tea and cakes at Severn View Services, then back on the bikes.

We'll follow the A403 to Avonmouth, then get on the A 369, then B3124, B3133, A370 to Weston super Mud, then A3033, A370,, wiggly coastal raod past dunes etc to Burnham on Sea.

Day 12 Sun 5th Sept Llandrindod Wells to Cardiff

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cardiff&sll=52.578019,-3.405762&sspn=0.817837,1.680908&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Cardiff,+South+Glamorgan,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.859532,-3.364563&spn=0.831175,1.680908&z=9

A483 to Builth Wells, B4520 through an interestingly named 'Danger Area' to Brecon, then the merciless grind up the A470 to it's peak at StoreyArms, where we'll stop for ice cream, oxygen and counselling. We then follow the A470 to Merthyr Tydfil until it becomes a dual carriageway, where we pull off and join the A4054 through Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Vale, Tongwynlais, then Horrid busy North Road into Cardiff City Centre to meet anyone who turns up to play outside City Hall at around 5pm for photos, hugs, handshakes , collection of vast quantities of cash etc.

Check with our driver. The Stig via the mobile number for update on times of arrival at City Hall. This is one of the hardest days, so though we will try, it might be a little later. We'll know a bit better after we've gone over Storey Arms, when the tendency becomes downhill.

Day 11 Sat 4th Sept Oswestry to Llandrindod Wells

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=Llandrindod+Wells,+Powys,+United+Kingdom&sll=53.214257,-2.768555&sspn=0.805918,1.680908&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FT0jHQMdA2rM_w&split=0&hq=&hnear=Llandrindod+Wells,+Powys,+United+Kingdom&ll=52.578019,-3.405762&spn=0.817837,1.680908&z=9

A483 through Welshpool, Newtown, Crossgates, finishing at Llandridnod Wells.

Day 10 Fri 3rd Sept Wigan to Oswestry

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=oswestry&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Oswestry,+United+Kingdom&ll=53.214257,-2.768555&spn=0.805918,1.680908&z=9

A571 to St Helens, A557 to Widnes, A56 to Chester, B5445 to Wrexham, A483 to Oswestry. We're hoping to meet up with a nice lady called Emily from one of the local papers here.

It is a fascinating, beautiful place with an incredibly rich and turbulent history. I walked Offa's Dyke many moons ago, and felt the need to come back. It also fit's Jess's demands that the route remains as pretty as possible.

http://www.oswestry.com/

Day 9 Thurs 2nd Sept Windemere to Wigan

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=wigan&sll=54.634108,-3.02124&sspn=0.778964,1.680908&g=windemere&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Wigan,+United+Kingdom&ll=54.20101,-3.197021&spn=1.574509,3.361816&z=8

A5074 to Levens, A6 to Preston, A49 to Wigan

Day 8 Wed 1st Sept Carlisle to Windemere

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=windemere&sll=55.144349,-3.422241&sspn=0.76916,1.680908&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Windermere&ll=54.634108,-3.02124&spn=0.778964,1.680908&z=9

A6 south to Penrith. A592 along Ullswater over Kirkstone Pass into Windemere.

Day 7 Tues 31st August Sanquar to Carlisle

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=carlisle&sll=55.627996,-4.41925&sspn=0.75981,1.680908&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Carlisle,+Cumbria,+United+Kingdom&ll=55.144349,-3.422241&spn=0.76916,1.680908&z=9

A76south to Dumfries, A75, B724 tO Howes, B721 to Gretna Green for some romance (all suitors are welcome!) then minor road that exactly follows M6 south, to it's west, to Carlsisle.

Day 6 Mon 30th August Paisley to Sanquar

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=Sanquhar,+Dumfriesshire,+United+Kingdom&sll=54.900139,-1.830311&sspn=0.012091,0.026264&g=sanquar&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FfrYTAMdbB3E_w&split=0&hq=&hnear=Sanquhar,+Dumfriesshire,+United+Kingdom&ll=55.627996,-4.41925&spn=0.75981,1.680908&z=9

A726 south , then a77 south, then A719 (via Moscow-cool!) to Galston. B7037, B713, B705, B7083 to Netherthird, then A76 to Sanquar.

Day 5 Sun 29th Aug Crianlarich to Paisley

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=paisley&sll=56.632064,-4.910889&sspn=0.740229,1.680908&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Paisley,+United+Kingdom&ll=56.350034,-4.372559&spn=1.491544,3.361816&z=8

Starting 9am, following A82 South along Loch Lomond to Old Kilpatrick, over the Erskine Bridge, then A726 to Paisley airport. We hope to meetup with some friends here. The more the merrier!

Day 4 Sat 28th Aug Fort William to Crianlarich

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=crianlarich&sll=57.128786,-4.691162&sspn=0.730457,1.680908&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Crianlarich,+Perthshire,+United+Kingdom&ll=56.632064,-4.910889&spn=0.740229,1.680908&z=9

Starting 9am, A82 south, to North Ballaclush, then over the bridge to A82 East towards Glencoe and Royal Forest continuing to a well deserved rest at Crianlarich

Day 3 Fri 27th August Drumnadrochit to Fort William

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=fort+william&sll=57.660096,-4.378052&sspn=1.439931,3.361816&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Fort+William,+Inverness-Shire,+United+Kingdom&ll=57.128786,-4.691162&spn=0.730457,1.680908&z=9

Starting 9am, following A82 south, looking for Nessie, down to Fort William. We will be stopping for anything pretty for photographs, including people. That last bit will get me a kick from the wife...

Day 2 Thurs 26th Aug Brora to Drumnadrochit

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=drumnadrochit&sll=58.237272,-3.982544&sspn=1.344597,3.361816&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Drumnadrochit,+Inverness,+Inverness-Shire,+United+Kingdom&ll=57.660096,-4.378052&spn=1.439931,3.361816&z=8

Starting at 9 am.A9 southwards, hoping to visit http://www.glenmorangie.com/home.php#/outils/contact.php?resolution=1024
at Morangie., down to Invernesss, where we'll take the A82 along the shores of Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit.

Day 1 Map. Wed 25th Aug. JOG to Brora

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=john+o+groats&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=12.739664,26.894531&ie=UTF8&hq=John+O

The pic tells you what we're up to. We'll be kicking off at 9am every morning, averaging around 10mph, so check the scale and do the maths.

We're following the A99 southwards to Dunbeath, then the A9 down to Brora. The DISTILLERY looks like the kind of place we will be checking out if you want to meet up.

http://www.discovering-distilleries.com/Clynelish/clynelish

Fire hazard

Tuesday, 3 August 2010

Fire hazard

Here's me, or at least a facsillyme, pictured in my office, dealing with the fanmail and requests for sponsorship forms.

If you click on the pic, you may note that the human person appears female. I am a big fan of Eddie Izzard, and indeed share some of his outlook on life, and this cycle tour was in part motivated by his epic marathon tour.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00m3z1f

In one of the his films, he was some kind of computer boffin, needed to make a hologram of a Faberge style egg. His answerphone message, in the background of one of the scenes was. "If you must intrude upon my consciousness, leave a message after the beep,. I might get back to you". Reminds me of someone I know very well.

Cross dressing isn't usually my thing, though I have worn women's clothes before. In fact, I entered my Doctor's office one day, and without looking at me, he said "Good morning Sharon". I used my best Billy Goat Gruff voice, and replied " I assure you that whatever my problem, gender confusion is not my problem". He actually smiled.

The bits of paper thing, phone calls,emails etc is more difficult than the cycling part. That is a blessed relief by comparison.

Because of the administrative nightmare, Jess and I are meeting up with the management at MDF Cymru, to discuss how they may take some of this work off our hands in order to maximise the effectiveness of our cycling efforts, by looking for more people who benefit from their largely free services. They are splendid people, and that is why Jess and I are doing our thing.
http://www.mdfwales.org.uk/

Saddles. They have to be right

Members of our team have been addressing the issue of getting the right saddle, as comfort is important, if not essential. Turns out that what is OK for popping roound the block turns out to be a device of torture on longer trips.

Poor us. Poor me. As chief mechanic, I have to think about bottoms a lot, especially the ladies, as I am told they are different in their requirements.

Nothing new then!

Everybody's doing it

Cycling end to end is nothing new really. It is still quite an achievement, as most people can't claim to have done such a thing. Many are low key affairs. Some are very high profile involving famous people who get given loads of cycling kit, even though they wouldn't notice how much iut cost if it were debited form their account. (Jealous? Me?).

So why are we doing it? Surely there's enough exposure?

Noone seems to be doing it with regard to making a noise about mental health, so maybe we'll be amongst a minority when it comes to having done that. Does a little bit make a difference?
Consider a mosquito in your hotel bedroom, or the following little story.

A little boy was on holiday at the seaside once, staying nearby with this family. He set off with his towel and body board ready to see the ocean and go play with it, following the now familiar path over the dunes he'd used the last couple of days.

On reaching the top of the dunes, he gazed out at the ocean, looking for the right kind of surf, especially as there'd been a storm during the night. Seeing it was all very promising, he looked downwards to make his way towards the water.

Something was wrong. The beach was not covered in sand like it should be. It was covered, as far as the eye could see, left to right, front to back, with Starfish. He frantically ran down to the water's edge, dodging through them as much as possible, and started carefully picking them up and throwing them back in the sea.

Some time later, a man approached him, and said "Son, I admire your care for all this little creatures, but there are so many! You can't possibly save them all. In the grand scheme of things, you won't make any difference"Undeterred, the little boy picked up yet another writhing starfish, and carefully slipped it back into the sea where it belonged.

"Made a difference to that one" he said.

Please help us make a difference.

STEPHEN FRY INTERVIEW

Great summary of what it's all about, and the problems associated with the condition.

http://www.itv.com/wales/stephen-fry-interview57034/



It also explains some of the reasons behind 1000 miles.

Professor Nick Craddock's summary of the global impact of depression related illness, and the apalling lack of funding in relation to healping deal with the problem.
Please email for short Powerpoint file, stating 'pp request'
mindworkseducation@gmail.com

Tired? Stressed? Miserable? Under achieving?

Then read this. More importantly, do the 'experiment'. If things don't start seeming 'nicer' somehow, after doing it properly every day - you'll get back double the money this tip cost you. Promise.

http://haveanaverageday.org/

The article was written by one of the wisest people I know, who in some ways I like to consider a friend in that he emails me on a regular basis, with practical powerful long lasting suggestions that take seed in the form of a usually funny or heartwarming story.

Thank you Michael.

No bike, deep pockets, want to join in and feel good?

• We're going to have a couple of spare bikes, which you can hire to do as much or as little as you like. Someone will drive you back to your start point.



• This will cost a discretionary donation of £2 per mile, or £100 for the full stage. Bear in mind that our poor driver may have to put in an additional best part of 150 miles for the longest stage getting you back to your start point. This uses lots of expensive fuel, and someone has to maintain the bikes.



• If it all gets to much regarding aching limbs etc, we'll drop you back to your start point.



• We have trained first aiders and kit, and we are all sensible and fair. However, we will not accept any liability for injury or loss sustained during your involvement.



• As with our stages, giving should hurt as much or as little as you desire. We would suggest that it should be a little bit difficult on your purse, but not overwhelmingly so.

Thought for the day

One of our crew had a bit of a blow today. Something they had lined up turned out in a different way to that which they thought they wanted. They were very brave, and after a few minutes of feeling a bit rough, picked themselves up, and got back on with the job. Marks and Spencer's hot chocolate seemed to help as well.

I jumped through a load of hoops once when I applied for a job. I got to the last possible part, then inexplicably got told "We'll let you know". They didn't. I wouldn't work with people like that anyway.

I am now very glad I didn't get the position, as it would have meant I would not have the privilege of doing the work I do now, including our cycle tour.

Paris has the Eiffel Tower

Italy has The Colosseum

Spain has The Alhambra.

There is a place that is perhaps most famous for sprouts. Continuing that theme, they built a little statue doing does just that, which perhaps reflects their attitude toward everyone else. Notice how smug he looks?

What happens when the wind blows towards him?

Form. Who cares about function?

Jess, our team's guardian angel of fashion, Queen of the aesthetic, is still trying to persuade me that we need something that looks good as a support vehicle for the tour. She said that this one is nice and reliable as it is German, and should be fuel efficient as it is aerodynamic. Hmm.

We met up with the lovely people at Cardiff University's

Bipolar Education Programme Cymru yesterday. There will be much more to come about the fine work these folks do for the greater good when I post some more information.

For the time being, please check out their site, and have a look at the short video introduction from one of the team, Dr Daniel Smith. http://www.bep-c.org/

Y'all come back now. Y' hear?

We're having a baby!

It certainly looks that way anyway. You'll note I've adopted the 'helped by gravity' tribal style position, using Jess' bike as a straining post. She is turning out to be a very relaxed birthing partner. Very encouraging and soothing indeed.

I'm not actually sure if she was wearing her proper specs today, as she spotted what she thought was a small child, and drew my attention to it. It was most certainly a goose.

I guess when my baby comes out, she'll want to christen it Jemima Puddleduck or something!

Loads more happened today, but I can't do any more now. My son's headteacher is coming round to show me his new bike. I still feel like I'm going to be in trouble, so I've popped the old Beano Annual down the back of my (extra large) shorts, in case it is deemed I should receive some timely corpulent punishment for allowing my physique to resemble an apprentice Sumo.

Jess, you were right. Eating a whole pack of Kit Kat Chunky's was a mistake. I was slim before, like you.