Lands End 2 John O'Groats and John O'Groats 2 Lands End

What's it all about?

At the end of September 2012 I completed a cycle from Portsmouth 2 Penzance a total of 273 miles! raising money for Children In Need is the Plan. This was also be a personal challenge for me as I haven't been cycling in over 25 years and that was only for fun nothing serious. On top of that have a prolapsed disc, was 46 years old and at the start of 2012 a bit over weight, well lot over weight really, since then I've lost nearly 3 stone! So I opted to do the big one, John O'Groats 2 Lands End on May 6th 2013. The End 2 End or P2P (point to point, as it's sometimes called ) around 1000 miles! This time I had company, Colin, a friend from work, who has said he is as mad as I am and would like to come! This blog contains that story....This event is in memory of the sad passing of my mum on 17th of April this year having lost her fight with terminal Bowel Cancer.

I guess you'd call it the sequel, I have decided it would be just rude not to go back the other way!!! so May 2015, with a new friend, Pete and with Dave driving a support vehicle ( luxury) we plan the classic Lands End to John O'Groats, also known as LEJOG. Mad ? yes I think we must be.

Disastrous start!

I'd like to have started with the journey up, sunshine, small plane etc. Unfortunately arriving and unpacking Colin's bike has been devastating! The box was damaged and his rear gear hanger all bent up (no changing gears) and the front fork crushed in on one side! I don't really know what to say to him, he is gutted and we're mortified. Using some tools from the Hotel I've been able to reshape the gear hanger enough that it works on most of the gears (we will have to order another online and get it posted to meet us somewhere) However the forks are a different story. I have strengthened it with some duck tape, not as daft as it sounds, as the damage is to the flat side of the fork and the fork appears to still have a fair bit of strength pushing straight down. Colin has tentatively ridden it but clearly a pot hole could easily, finish the folk off and put Colin on the floor! Not something either of us want to imagine. The plan will be to call Thurso bike shop in the morning (if open as it's a bank holiday) to see if they have replacement folks, I'm sure a gear hanger would need to be ordered. We have a contact at work, Alex, who's from Thurso, so Colin is going to call him to see if he can help. That's all for now.

Radio Solent Interview with mum

That was tough.... spoke to dad afterwards who thought the interview was great, although he was clearly teary hearing mums voice again. I can't get over just how brave she was and how much courage she showed us all. I hope others who have heard it or people who may know someone who has had the screening package sent to them, gets the message and it prompts them to send it back. Mum & Dad would love to think we have made a difference to someones life somewhere. If you are one of those people please get in touch.
When I listened back to the interview a few minutes ago, I could help but think there was so much more I wanted to say. I know there is a small time window with these things and obviously I was caught up a little in the emotion of it all. I had meant to mention that it's not just me on the ride, Colin is coming along with me and for everyone to know that he has been great support with barrels of enthusiasm for the trip and perking me up when my mood has been low or I have doubts I can complete it ( that still remains the case, Colin we need to do more work on that !) I also wanted to thank everyone for all their support, not least my long suffering wife Liz. She has been fantastic. She has great belief in me, been so positive, supportive and without doubt has carried me through the last few months. Truth be known she'll probably be glad to have a few days where she doesn't have to suffer cycle talk, me checking my routes on the computer, again! or see me strutting around in lycra....... not an image for the faint of heart.
So the next Chapter will soon begin for us both. There will still be a few more days of frantic packing and unpacking, wheres this? and that ? Have I got everything? How many socks shall I take? Mum had written us all a card before she passed, which was handed out after she'd gone (complete surprise to us all) The personal message inside I shall take with me for those moments of doubt or struggle, which I'm hopeful will get me up those hills! That and the love and support of my family and friends, especially Liz who's catch phrase for the trip is " Go have an adventure..." that I will my love, that I will ....XX

Bikes are waiting

Both bikes have arrived safely at the B&B up at Dunnet, Thurso. In fact they only took 24 hrs to get there by road! Pretty impressive. Now we just need to go up and meet them.

What to take?

Well, now the bike has gone I thought I'd have a look at what to pack. I have two small panniers, to encourage me not to over pack. Plus a large saddle bag for tools.

Lets start with the saddle bag:
4x inner tubes and a repair kit
1x compact pump
1x multi tool
1x 8mm Allen key
2x Tyre levers
1x spare gear cable and brake cable (inner)
2x spare brake blocks
2x chain quick links
8x cable ties
1x small container of oil
1x cloth
Ok I think that's it for the spares

Clothing and other bits:
1x Endura windproof jacket
1x Endura waterproof packable jacket
1x Tenn gilet
1x Endura bib shorts
1x arm warmers
1x leg warmers
1x overshoes
1x pair fingerless gloves
1x pair waterproof gloves
3x pairs of socks , waterproof ( sealskinz) , a thin pair and a thicker pair ( I get cold feet)
2x short sleeve cycling tops
1x Endura baa baa long sleeve top.
2x short sleeve base layers
1x Sealskinz windproof hat
1x Northwave touring shoes
1x Printed sponsors Vest top
1x sports shorts for evenings
1x light walking trousers

Plus, 5 days of energy bars, drinks tablets as well as a recovery powder for each day for each of us.
Then there is a camera and phone, electric cables and a mains USB charger ( my cycle computer, phone camera and lights can all be charged by USB which is great as only need one mains unit plus 3 cables) There is a cut down toothbrush, paste, small deodorant, disposable razor, tablets ( don't ask) small sun cream , anti chaffing cream, antiseptic cream a few small plasters. I plan to use the soap and stuff at the B&B's for the rest.
Total weight for this and the tool kit is 10kg about a stone and a half which I guess is not so bad.

Bye Bye bikes.....

Well this evening the bike has been boxed up ready for collection on Tuesday. Can't believe it's nearly here and how exhausted I feel and I haven't even started yet.

Both mine and Colin's bikes collected today....... Now the nervous wait for them to arrive in one piece on Friday!

Not Long now!!

Ok the time is fast approaching if you haven't sponsored us yet there is still time go to this link and please donate something and spread the word:

www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/jogle4bc

You can also follow us live each day on one of the maps below.

Also I will be writing about the events at the end of each day on this blog On the 6th of May follow us via the first link below. First Pre day is a result of flying up a day earlier due to flight changes so we will have a little 30+ ride to take in all the Northern points of interest and back to the same Hotel. Then the long slog starts the next day. Please e-mail, message facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Jogle4bc) us your words of wisdom to help us on our way.

http://www.endomondo.com/event/9047205
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Follow me on my training ride live.

Endomondo Event: has joined the event 'Training ride for JOGLE4BC' on Endomondo. Check it out on: http://www.endomondo.com/event/9609859

What's it all about?

Me, Colin, Pete and Dave ( Team Jogle4bc )