Rain, Rain & More Rain…........
For details of where wehavebeen - click on the link to see the map, etc. - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/36496689
It’s fair to say that today has been the most challenging, not only of the ride so far, but for nearly everyone through all the months, and previous rides…
We would have all had more sleep if it hadn’t been for the king of the camp bed Danny setting a new world record for the longest time taken to put together a few bits of metal to sleep on
It was raining when the day started, and just got worse, and worse, and worse……….
85 miles in a torrent, stretched ahead of us when we assembled out the front of Perth Station, after an excellent nights kip laid on by Tayside Fire & Rescue. We set off close together after a quick photo out the front, straight into the rain.
38 miles then to the southern side of the forth bridge saw two punctures on Josie’s bike one after the other, despair and a wee little bit of frustration – Bob trying to lead Rosie astray onto the M90, and a little wrong turn…
Lunch break was set up in the grounds of a very accommodating ‘Premier Inn’ just the other side of the bridge, with people coming in between 12.30 and 1.30 with Princess, Tattie & Sim, putting on a brilliant lunch with hot tea, etc. It’s fair to say that there was everyone was feeling it as it was just massively hard work all the way.
Those that look at the pictures will be able to see an especially.
After lunch, people left in smaller numbers to go through Edinburgh city centre rather than taking the particularly hazardous bypass. Toby & Pete found another cycle path to wander along, and then could be seen staggering along slipping on the cobbles through the city centre.
Several found themselves together and ended up riding up the Royal Mile with Tour Guide Bob, to the Castle. No-one managed to ride it down though………
A few more discerning lady riders (Laonie & Josie) managed to get a little ‘latte’ in the city centre with Danny & Simon to make the journey worthwhile. The lack of anywhere to put any shopping bags was a bit of a hindrance though………….. and then to cap it all Laonie had two punctures of her own whilst in the City as well.
From Edinburgh the A7 lead most out straight into the countryside (although some decided to find their own alternative), and a tea rest stop was put on at the roadside at around the 60 mile mark.
Julian’s comment of (its just past the museum, about a mile, lead to false hopes’ – 3-4 miles would have been more accurate, but all was well in the end. A long ride then finished off the day, although the rain finally eased around 4pm.
In the meantime Pete S and his lorry along with Taity & Sim finally made it to ASDA at Galashiels for around 4pm, having been delayed due to the weather. Unfortunately the pump from the local station had been and gone by this point, and ASDA were not fully aware that we were coming, so Pete S, Taity & Sim held their own on the forecourt of ASDA and raised a very impressive £258.84 in under two hours. Those that made it back to Galashiels before 5.30 stopped at ASDA to meet up with Pete & his team.
Everyone was finally back at the SYHA at Melrose by 8pm eventually to a fantastic hot meal of Spaghetti Bolognese / Haggis / Rice Pudding & Éclairs by Princess.
A night of bike maintenance is planned by lead mechanic Nick, who spent the day dreaming of degreaser, tea towels and bike lubricant………
To be continued………….
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Monday, 7 June 2010
Day 5 – Monday – Aviemore to Perth - June 7th
Toby the Destroyer
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/36496736
To see where we have been today, click on the link below to go to Gavs Garmin page and map for all the details
Another slightly overcast but not bad day in the Cairngorms, having stayed overnight at the Scottish YHA at Aviemore (nice place!)
Morning saw the first celebration of Toby’s 29th Birthday (Still a baby at 29!)
Breakfast at 7.30 was a huge spread of porridge, fruit, toast, boiled eggs, yoghurts, croissants and as much as you can eat – Fantastic start !!
A few poorly people for today, Gav feeling a little under par & Toby apparently suffering from tonsillitis!
Packing started in earnest with a 9.00 start planned, to get away to crack on with the 84 miles down to Perth, in groups of 2 or 4 as before.
The day started uneventfully for the first 4 ½ miles with Pete & Toby starting off to get the ride underway. Having hit the A9, the sounds of Toby’s spoke snapping resounded around the cairngorms.
This was the start of a day of disaster for Toby, who they over a period of time managed to break not only his own back wheel, but then after having the spare bike (remember this is the Deps bike) then proceeded to mash the rear wheel and derailleur into a heap of tangled metal within the space of around 800 metres, having promptly fallen off it!
So following this extensive amount of damage (by one person) Team mechanic (Nick) had a splendid day between various bike shops but true to form managed to repair the first bike at the lunch stop in a lay-by, and spent the remainder of the day sorting out the second bike.
Obviously this will have hampered Toby’s career progression path, but that’s a price we are willing to pay J
After 45 miles, another fantastic lunch was served in a lay-by on the A9, by Princess and the team, with the gazebo up and a full buffet served.
From here, our trusty support team moved on to ASDA at Perth with the fantastic ‘Fi’ & ‘Joyce’ providing both food and a fantastic welcome as the team arrived over the next hour. All apart from Pete & Toby who having decided to take a slightly scenic route arrived last having taken the fantastic ‘route 77’ which led through hedges, ditches & various council estates.
A grand total of £425 was raised at Perth with support with the local station (who inevitably picked up a call soon after arriving). A big thank you to the people of Perthshire!
Finally arrived at the station at Perth around 6.00pm to serious hospitality to the guys at Perth.
Birthday for Toby at 8pm – banners, cake, the full works, with a full meal of gammon, egg haggis (Yes - real haggis!) and all the trimmings
Finished off the night with a birthday drink, and then endured an agonising hour watching Danny trying to assemble a simple camp bed. Interesting to note that Sim & Tattie got theirs up in seconds, and our vivacious Training Centre Instructor was still at it over 30 minutes later…………
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Day 4 - Sunday - Carbisdale to Aviemore - 6th June
The morning after the ride before!
Todays Activity data includng map can be found here - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35902957 - Just click on the link to see where we have been
Day two of the actual ride, as always kicked off with a cracking breakfast, as always provided by our cracking army cooking team!
Fair to say there were a few sore points being attended to before the day began
As the Youth Hostel was inland by about 14 miles, the ride had finished the night before just off the A9, so it was back in the minibuses and the vans to get to the start, leaving at 9am... well 3 minutes past after Danny realised he had left his phone behind upstairs as we were about to leave!
64 miles to go today, effectively all the way down the A9, leaving in pairs.
Riders got away by 10am, having travelled down to the start, with Grahame & Princess making their move straight off to get provisions....., as well as saying goodby to Arthur & Gordon who were takign the MPV's back to Bucks - stopping at the Fire Fightes Charity Penrith therapy Centre on the way down!
A cracking days cycling ensued, despite the weather being grey all day, with lots of cloud and patchy rain. First part of the day was fairly uneventful, with all riders making it it in great time and fairly close together to the lunch stop at about 12.30 in an off road parking area.
The support team had built up the army tent, and by the time we got there got hot drinkgs & soup and full buffet lunch out on the table - Fantastic! Yet agin the sight of Pete S & Grahame out on the main A9 watching out for us in high-vis, holding up their cameras as we came in, slowed no end of others down :)
Bob decided that part of the mission was to break the last ride's record of three punctures throughout the whole ride by having two himself with a mile or so! (and before lunch).
After lunch, everyone set off agin in two's and tackled the second part of the day (on a full stomach). the second part of the day involved some beastly climbs with some up to 3 miles long!
Overall on the day we climbed over 800 metres, over some very long slogs. However there were some cracking downhills!
Finally we all rolled into Avimore around 4pm. Fair to say, there was a few more smiling faces, having covered around 64 miles!
Having settled into the youth hostel at Aviemore, we had yet again another cracking meal laid on by Pricess and Crew served up in the dining room, followed by some entertainment laid on by Danny & Simon who clearly had nothing else to think about as they rode along.
Nearly 150 miles in, 80+ miles tomorrow...................
Todays Activity data includng map can be found here - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35902957 - Just click on the link to see where we have been
Day two of the actual ride, as always kicked off with a cracking breakfast, as always provided by our cracking army cooking team!
Fair to say there were a few sore points being attended to before the day began
As the Youth Hostel was inland by about 14 miles, the ride had finished the night before just off the A9, so it was back in the minibuses and the vans to get to the start, leaving at 9am... well 3 minutes past after Danny realised he had left his phone behind upstairs as we were about to leave!
64 miles to go today, effectively all the way down the A9, leaving in pairs.
Riders got away by 10am, having travelled down to the start, with Grahame & Princess making their move straight off to get provisions....., as well as saying goodby to Arthur & Gordon who were takign the MPV's back to Bucks - stopping at the Fire Fightes Charity Penrith therapy Centre on the way down!
A cracking days cycling ensued, despite the weather being grey all day, with lots of cloud and patchy rain. First part of the day was fairly uneventful, with all riders making it it in great time and fairly close together to the lunch stop at about 12.30 in an off road parking area.
The support team had built up the army tent, and by the time we got there got hot drinkgs & soup and full buffet lunch out on the table - Fantastic! Yet agin the sight of Pete S & Grahame out on the main A9 watching out for us in high-vis, holding up their cameras as we came in, slowed no end of others down :)
Bob decided that part of the mission was to break the last ride's record of three punctures throughout the whole ride by having two himself with a mile or so! (and before lunch).
After lunch, everyone set off agin in two's and tackled the second part of the day (on a full stomach). the second part of the day involved some beastly climbs with some up to 3 miles long!
Overall on the day we climbed over 800 metres, over some very long slogs. However there were some cracking downhills!
Finally we all rolled into Avimore around 4pm. Fair to say, there was a few more smiling faces, having covered around 64 miles!
Having settled into the youth hostel at Aviemore, we had yet again another cracking meal laid on by Pricess and Crew served up in the dining room, followed by some entertainment laid on by Danny & Simon who clearly had nothing else to think about as they rode along.
Nearly 150 miles in, 80+ miles tomorrow...................
Day 3 - John O Groat's to Carbisdale - 5th June
The day of reckoning arrives
See all where we have been and all Gavs Data at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35902982 Just click on the link!
We left the youth hostel at Melrose after yet another huge hearty breakfast, and arrived amongst the madding throngs at John O Groats for around 10am, after a fairly uneventful start to the day!
The weather was fantastic, with the fog lifting as we arrived and sun shining. Even a set of Bagpipes played as we arrived!
A frenetic period of activity ensued to get all the bikes and riders ready for the photo shoot at 10.00 before the big off at 10.30. Just to make the start slightly more eventful, after having got everyones bikes sorted, tyres pumped up, etc with noone stood nearby Johns tyre suffered what can only be a 'major blowout', which resulted in the first of what is likely to be many punctures :)
(Officially this was not on the ride so it doesnt count :)
A big thanks at this point to Laonie's parents who had come all the way up to see us off :) - Fantastic!
After the pictures at the post, with a moments silence for those who had fallen by the wayside since the ride was suggested, everyone got lined up at the start for the all important big start.
The plan of all riding together for the first leg of the day as part of the big start, was foiled co-incidentally by the JOGLE leader who having had all the time in the world to prepare for it, decided as soon as the start was announced by Simon saying 'Bob lead the way', that he was going to break the mould and shot off at a rate of knots due to a pressing need to use the loo!
Lunch was at Dunbeath about 38 miles from the start with our first field meal from Princess and the gang. During lunch, Pete Savage got straight into road safety mode and managed to pass the message to a lady who just happened to have parked up. In the end she paid a pound to get away (Result!)
Having finished lunch, which handily was at the botom of a hill, 13 cyclists departed will full stomachs and water bottles only to have to tackle the rest of the afternoon! To make the experience truly realistic, it then proceeded to pour down for around 20 minutes to soak everyone.
To enhance the road safety message, unwittingly, our intrpid support team spread out along the route to support the cyclists, however managed to reduce the speed of hundreds of motorists by using one of the vans to video from. The sight of a van with people in hi-vis with a camera, on the top of a hill, follwed by a very visibly motorcyclist in full hi vis sat just next to it, encouraged hundreds to slow down (and brake!).
During this time Pete had managed to make his way (slowly) up from london, and had arrived in the middle of nowhere to join the group.
By the time the group arrived, 84 miles had been knocked off of the total, and a cracking start to the event! All riders were in between 5& 6pm, and its fair to say that some had had a hard day but ridden though to the very end!
Accomodation for the night was Carbisdale Castle, and very reminiscent of Hogwarts itself. A proper Scottish Castle, converted in to a youth hostel! Dinner was taken with everyone else in the dining room after a lot of hard work carrying bags a very long way and up and down towers (Well sort of) until everyone was in their rooms.......
A quick trip to the nearby local (took in some of the most impressive views across the river) and a bit local folk music was partaken of, before the trip back to find our beds.......!
See all where we have been and all Gavs Data at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35902982 Just click on the link!
We left the youth hostel at Melrose after yet another huge hearty breakfast, and arrived amongst the madding throngs at John O Groats for around 10am, after a fairly uneventful start to the day!
The weather was fantastic, with the fog lifting as we arrived and sun shining. Even a set of Bagpipes played as we arrived!
A frenetic period of activity ensued to get all the bikes and riders ready for the photo shoot at 10.00 before the big off at 10.30. Just to make the start slightly more eventful, after having got everyones bikes sorted, tyres pumped up, etc with noone stood nearby Johns tyre suffered what can only be a 'major blowout', which resulted in the first of what is likely to be many punctures :)
(Officially this was not on the ride so it doesnt count :)
A big thanks at this point to Laonie's parents who had come all the way up to see us off :) - Fantastic!
After the pictures at the post, with a moments silence for those who had fallen by the wayside since the ride was suggested, everyone got lined up at the start for the all important big start.
The plan of all riding together for the first leg of the day as part of the big start, was foiled co-incidentally by the JOGLE leader who having had all the time in the world to prepare for it, decided as soon as the start was announced by Simon saying 'Bob lead the way', that he was going to break the mould and shot off at a rate of knots due to a pressing need to use the loo!
Lunch was at Dunbeath about 38 miles from the start with our first field meal from Princess and the gang. During lunch, Pete Savage got straight into road safety mode and managed to pass the message to a lady who just happened to have parked up. In the end she paid a pound to get away (Result!)
Having finished lunch, which handily was at the botom of a hill, 13 cyclists departed will full stomachs and water bottles only to have to tackle the rest of the afternoon! To make the experience truly realistic, it then proceeded to pour down for around 20 minutes to soak everyone.
To enhance the road safety message, unwittingly, our intrpid support team spread out along the route to support the cyclists, however managed to reduce the speed of hundreds of motorists by using one of the vans to video from. The sight of a van with people in hi-vis with a camera, on the top of a hill, follwed by a very visibly motorcyclist in full hi vis sat just next to it, encouraged hundreds to slow down (and brake!).
During this time Pete had managed to make his way (slowly) up from london, and had arrived in the middle of nowhere to join the group.
By the time the group arrived, 84 miles had been knocked off of the total, and a cracking start to the event! All riders were in between 5& 6pm, and its fair to say that some had had a hard day but ridden though to the very end!
Accomodation for the night was Carbisdale Castle, and very reminiscent of Hogwarts itself. A proper Scottish Castle, converted in to a youth hostel! Dinner was taken with everyone else in the dining room after a lot of hard work carrying bags a very long way and up and down towers (Well sort of) until everyone was in their rooms.......
A quick trip to the nearby local (took in some of the most impressive views across the river) and a bit local folk music was partaken of, before the trip back to find our beds.......!
Hook Norton!
The H4H Team just want to say a big well done to Hook Norton Station who won the Station of the year in the national Sprit of Fire, beating Swindon (Wiltshire), Broughton (Bucks) & Cumbria (Cockermouth).
Well done lads !
Well done lads !
Day 2 - (Trip up Melrose to Helmsdale) - 4th June
Day started with breakfast at 7.00, and the first meal prepared by Princess our resident 'diamond' chef and her team. And what a chef. Full english, porridge, yoghurt, fruit , etc. By far the best meal, and the start of good things to come.
Our two intrepid furniture delivery drivers, by this time had managed to deliver a three piece sofa and a footstool, and got on the road and missed the whole event..... in order to get on ahead
At this point our intrepid leader after months of planning, was able to brief the team of the nearest petrol station location which was ASDA. This clear direction then resulted in Toby & Phil driving an MPV around the car park three times for some unknown reason.
Finally found a fuel station and managed to clog up the whole station & town (a real traffic jam as no-one could get into the fuel station off of the road, by virtue of the fact that there appeared to be only one card to pay with, but all was sorted in the end
Having finally left the town we left and progressed in a roundabout route to Helmsdale! (picking up Gav from inverness on the way).
Spirits were high on the way with good weather, being enjoyed by all and a set of fantastic views as we got further north
Arrived at Helmsdale to yet another wonderful meal prepared by our no 1 chef and crew of spaghetti bolognese & sweet & sour.
Perperations for the day ahead at John o'Groats ensued, and then finally to bed!
Our two intrepid furniture delivery drivers, by this time had managed to deliver a three piece sofa and a footstool, and got on the road and missed the whole event..... in order to get on ahead
At this point our intrepid leader after months of planning, was able to brief the team of the nearest petrol station location which was ASDA. This clear direction then resulted in Toby & Phil driving an MPV around the car park three times for some unknown reason.
Finally found a fuel station and managed to clog up the whole station & town (a real traffic jam as no-one could get into the fuel station off of the road, by virtue of the fact that there appeared to be only one card to pay with, but all was sorted in the end
Having finally left the town we left and progressed in a roundabout route to Helmsdale! (picking up Gav from inverness on the way).
Spirits were high on the way with good weather, being enjoyed by all and a set of fantastic views as we got further north
Arrived at Helmsdale to yet another wonderful meal prepared by our no 1 chef and crew of spaghetti bolognese & sweet & sour.
Perperations for the day ahead at John o'Groats ensued, and then finally to bed!
Day One - Leaving Oxfordshire - June 3rd
First away were the most keen of the bunch - Gordoan and Arthur in the Furniture Village Monster truck (mainly beacuase of the requirement for most frequent rest stops!) getting away at 7.45! A splendid 56 miles an hour all the way
After giving the head start to the senior members of the group, 3/4 left HQ in the Bucks PCV and Comms Van getting away at around 9!
Last but not least were the 'Witney Stragglers' who ran out of steam by the time they had got to Chipping Norton (Grand total of 17 miles). After a rest stop, and bacon butties the journey continues with several stops on the way up to Melrose at about 3.30.
Our intrepid motorcyclist was the most enthusiastic making his way up at a sedate 70 mph all the way :), and encouraging all passing motorists to slow down to the limit, due to his uncanny likeness to a police officer
To carry on with the acclimatising, food and refreshment was the order of the day. Scots hospitality was the order of the day, with Danny being offered a high chair to assist with help.
The youth hostel at Melrose was the first stop of the tour, and got off to the most intriguing of starts with Jon trying to share a bed with Julian. This was swiftly dealt with and normal service resumed.
A new record was set by Arthur Jordan with a new of 137db snoring over a sustained period.
At this point, still working his way up north was Gavin on the overnight sleeper.......
team building exercise followed, including
After giving the head start to the senior members of the group, 3/4 left HQ in the Bucks PCV and Comms Van getting away at around 9!
Last but not least were the 'Witney Stragglers' who ran out of steam by the time they had got to Chipping Norton (Grand total of 17 miles). After a rest stop, and bacon butties the journey continues with several stops on the way up to Melrose at about 3.30.
Our intrepid motorcyclist was the most enthusiastic making his way up at a sedate 70 mph all the way :), and encouraging all passing motorists to slow down to the limit, due to his uncanny likeness to a police officer
To carry on with the acclimatising, food and refreshment was the order of the day. Scots hospitality was the order of the day, with Danny being offered a high chair to assist with help.
The youth hostel at Melrose was the first stop of the tour, and got off to the most intriguing of starts with Jon trying to share a bed with Julian. This was swiftly dealt with and normal service resumed.
A new record was set by Arthur Jordan with a new of 137db snoring over a sustained period.
At this point, still working his way up north was Gavin on the overnight sleeper.......
team building exercise followed, including
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