Sorry for the silence, no signal at Bettyhill and no time at John O Groats!!
Yes it's all over, the cyclists crossed the line around 4pm on Saturday to the sound of Alexander piping "Scotland the Brave"
It was quite a moment and great to see so many people had made the effort to make the long journey to John O Groats.
Bettyhill was a total revelation for me, I have never seen a beach like it, and to have the whole thing to myself was just what the doctor ordered.
My room was lush and to have a big double bed with lovely crisp white sheets was amazing after the RV "shelf"....thanks James!
The last day started as all the others had done, breakfast, banana and mars bar distribution, "have a nice day" etc etc I had company in the shape of Alexander and we set off for Thurso. About 5 miles out of Bettyhill David phoned to tell me Neil's bike was GASSED!!! and could I go back and pick him up.
The sight of Neil at the side of the road with a very broken bike was a very sorry one and to happen on the last day was all the worse.
The bike was repaired in Thurso, but not in time for him to join the others at the end.
Left all afternoon to experience the delights of Thurso and many bakers.....
After the big finish we all retired to play "how many people can we get in one static caravan"......19 i think it was!
We had a great meal out, then more celebration back at the caravan
Took me back to my theatre days and a good after show party!
The party continued till the wee small hours and there were a few sore heads yesterday!!
Back to work today....156 emails to deal with!
I know I didn't cycle one single mile but I still have a great sense of achievement and I'm so glad I took the time out to do it.
This was my "largish" birthday treat to myself, and what a treat it was!
I saw some breathtaking sights, really gorgeous countryside, scary motorways, HUGE bridges, BIG hills, lush campsites, two ferries and wonderful unspoilt beaches.
I've got a couple of big thanks to do.....James and Megan held the fort at home, without their support I wouldn't have been able to go and switch off from it all.
Everyone at Castlehill who have kept my stuff ticking over meaning I had a relatively stress free first day back.
All my friends who phoned and texted, I always had someone to talk to if I needed an offload!!
Last but not least.....David and Alec, right from the very beginning you made me feel very much part of the team, and I knew you felt the RV and me were an essential part of the challenge.
My role changed somewhat when the other team members arrived, and the RV was an all together busier place after that!!
These last three weeks will stay with me for a long time.
The RV went back to Dee Valley tonight, and I hope to pick up my "tiny" new car tomorrow. I will miss having my "house on my back" as it were, it taught me a bit about how much "stuff" we have and do not need.
By the way.......Sheila Duthie, thank you for the daily "tasks", I'm only sorry I didn't have the chance to complete more of them..and a huge big thanks for the morning "thought for the day"
David was at the point that when he heard my phone first thing in the morning he always said...."That's Sheila!"
Bless you Sheila xxx
Thanks for reading the blog and the comments.
See you at the next challenge.......
Love
Shaz
xxxx
Monday, 15 June 2009
Saturday, 13 June 2009
Day 17 Saturday
We're finished! 50miles to John O Groats today...hard going into a strong headwind. A short but tough day to end with. Fantastic to be greeted by so many supporters at the end - special thanks to Alexander for piping us over the line! It's been a tough but fantastic trip and we will sum things up in more detail once we've recovered!! Off now for a night on the Town in Thurso....
Days 15/16 Thurs/Fri
Days 15 & 16
Thursday
Neil’s first day with us and we’re straight off up the infamous Fort Augustus Hill. To quote Susan “I’m not liking this!” We were soon rewarded with some fantastic views as we moved down to Foyers and Loch Ness. A quick stop off at “Happy Harry’s” coffee shop with Basil Fawlty style service and we’re soon passing the Rockness site at Dores. We were joined for 20 miles by George and Colin as far as Muir of Ord. Final stop of the day at The Courtyard in Dingwall for an excellent cup of tea served by very friendly staff. We arrived at Evanton in time to meet up with Arlene who was on her way up to the party in Thurso. Another 57 miles completed.
Friday
Completed the Struie hill with no problems and we’re soon through Bonar Bridge and on to Lairg for lunch. A quick stop at the Crask Inn for refreshments and we completed the 76 mile day to Bettyhill in good time. We’re now in the Bettyhill Hotel for a goodnights sleep before the final push to John O’Groats tomorrow!
Thursday
Neil’s first day with us and we’re straight off up the infamous Fort Augustus Hill. To quote Susan “I’m not liking this!” We were soon rewarded with some fantastic views as we moved down to Foyers and Loch Ness. A quick stop off at “Happy Harry’s” coffee shop with Basil Fawlty style service and we’re soon passing the Rockness site at Dores. We were joined for 20 miles by George and Colin as far as Muir of Ord. Final stop of the day at The Courtyard in Dingwall for an excellent cup of tea served by very friendly staff. We arrived at Evanton in time to meet up with Arlene who was on her way up to the party in Thurso. Another 57 miles completed.
Friday
Completed the Struie hill with no problems and we’re soon through Bonar Bridge and on to Lairg for lunch. A quick stop at the Crask Inn for refreshments and we completed the 76 mile day to Bettyhill in good time. We’re now in the Bettyhill Hotel for a goodnights sleep before the final push to John O’Groats tomorrow!
Thursday, 11 June 2009
This RV Aint For Sale!!!
Sitting in the RV having a cup of tea with the cyclists (and Arlene) who joined us on her way up to Thurso.....all of us sitting on any available seat we could get, to shelter from the rain....
A van drives into the site, with what can only be described as "a couple of undesirables" in it.
They gesture to me to come out as they wanted to talk to me.
Being stuck in the front seat surrounded by the "bar", and unable to get out of the door as there was a bike in the way, David went out to see what they wanted...
"Is this van for sale??"
To say I was mortified is putting it mildly.
What a cheek.
If only they knew what the RV has been through in the last two and a bit weeks.....
Anyway they were sent on there way with a flee in their ear and I can only hope they are not going to stalk me all the way up to John O Groats.
Neil arrived last night and was launched into the deep end, having to errect a brand new tent while being eaten alive by midgees and the odd spot of rain to deal with.
I think we coped well and soon managed to join the others in the pub for a small diet coke.
A very wet night, but glad to see the sun out this morning.
Now at Evanton, Bettyhill Hotel tomorrow night and I will get my hands on my smallest boy for the first time in three weeks, cant wait to see him.
He will be piping the cyclists over the line on Saturday.
The end is near, I will admit to a small lump in my throat as I drove up the road today when I saw a road sign for John O Groats.....
See Ya
Shaz
xxxx
A van drives into the site, with what can only be described as "a couple of undesirables" in it.
They gesture to me to come out as they wanted to talk to me.
Being stuck in the front seat surrounded by the "bar", and unable to get out of the door as there was a bike in the way, David went out to see what they wanted...
"Is this van for sale??"
To say I was mortified is putting it mildly.
What a cheek.
If only they knew what the RV has been through in the last two and a bit weeks.....
Anyway they were sent on there way with a flee in their ear and I can only hope they are not going to stalk me all the way up to John O Groats.
Neil arrived last night and was launched into the deep end, having to errect a brand new tent while being eaten alive by midgees and the odd spot of rain to deal with.
I think we coped well and soon managed to join the others in the pub for a small diet coke.
A very wet night, but glad to see the sun out this morning.
Now at Evanton, Bettyhill Hotel tomorrow night and I will get my hands on my smallest boy for the first time in three weeks, cant wait to see him.
He will be piping the cyclists over the line on Saturday.
The end is near, I will admit to a small lump in my throat as I drove up the road today when I saw a road sign for John O Groats.....
See Ya
Shaz
xxxx
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Day 14 Wednesday
Another 71 miles bites the dust! Fantastic scenery today and fast cycling. A couple of bad but short hill climbs otherwise all ok. Now at Fort Augustus and we've been joined by Neil for the final three days. Big hill start tomorrow....
Weather Report from Benderloch
Its a gorgeous sunny day, a couple of little white fluffy clouds in the sky, but nothing to speak of.
We hear its a rainy dreech day back home.....
Heading for Fort Augustus tonight and meeting with Neil.
These final days are flying by, and my road map tells the story of the journey really well....page 1 and I'm now on page 128.
Last nights meal was most uneventful, but very nice, and we all retired to the RV to listen to the Sheila Duthie megamix......
Everyone soon had bleeding ears and retired to bed.....
Not quite as bad as the Leonard Cohen CD Gordon brought with him for me to listen too "for a change"......god give me strength
I'm joking Sheila, I have loved the CD's. "Up LEJOG" turned heads as I drove through the wee winding lanes of Somerset leaving Glastonbury......."There is nothing like a dame"...at volume....window down LARGE RV!!!
And pensive LEJOG.....is really...."you better find yourself quick"
I get the message!!
Looking forward to another sunny day, just me and my RV
See Ya
Shaz
xxx
We hear its a rainy dreech day back home.....
Heading for Fort Augustus tonight and meeting with Neil.
These final days are flying by, and my road map tells the story of the journey really well....page 1 and I'm now on page 128.
Last nights meal was most uneventful, but very nice, and we all retired to the RV to listen to the Sheila Duthie megamix......
Everyone soon had bleeding ears and retired to bed.....
Not quite as bad as the Leonard Cohen CD Gordon brought with him for me to listen too "for a change"......god give me strength
I'm joking Sheila, I have loved the CD's. "Up LEJOG" turned heads as I drove through the wee winding lanes of Somerset leaving Glastonbury......."There is nothing like a dame"...at volume....window down LARGE RV!!!
And pensive LEJOG.....is really...."you better find yourself quick"
I get the message!!
Looking forward to another sunny day, just me and my RV
See Ya
Shaz
xxx
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Day 13 Tuesday
A great 71 mile day with the whole team. Beautiful run beside a glass calm Loch Eck in the morning and swift progress to lunch in an Italian cafe in Inveraray. Next up an 8 mile climb, tea at the Cruachan Power Station and a final push to Connel and the campsite here at Benderloch. Susan and Collette did brilliantly all day and went way beyond any distance they had done previously - like the rest of us, they just have to do it all again tomorrow! Sharon has pre-booked dinner and the campsite is fairly midge free - so none of the fun of last night....
A Pub Like No Other...
Glad to have the others here with us now and they all cycled away this morning with a smile on their faces.....and much midge bites!!
Yes here we are at midge central and there was no outside eating done this morning, despite it being a lovely day.
The camp site is by a million miles our most basic yet, vast change from "The Ranch"
The warden told us there was a pub a mile and a half up the road, so we set off in earnest for tea.
More like three miles later....we stumbled upon a "pub".
David and Susan were walking on ahead, and a big bull dog opened the door for them!!
They soon found out they had stopped serving food, but were happy for us to order a take away and have it delivered to them.
There was a guy in the corner having a hair cut!!
I've never seen anything like it...
Anyway we had the pizza, Gordon did suggest Alec might like a hair cut, but he declined.
Long walk back to the RV, and the girls first night in their new home.
Much hilarity making up the beds, it reminded me on guide camp a bit!!
Heading off now for Benderloch.
First job......FIND A PUB, with food and no hairdressing facilities!!
See Ya
Love
Shaz
xxxxx
Yes here we are at midge central and there was no outside eating done this morning, despite it being a lovely day.
The camp site is by a million miles our most basic yet, vast change from "The Ranch"
The warden told us there was a pub a mile and a half up the road, so we set off in earnest for tea.
More like three miles later....we stumbled upon a "pub".
David and Susan were walking on ahead, and a big bull dog opened the door for them!!
They soon found out they had stopped serving food, but were happy for us to order a take away and have it delivered to them.
There was a guy in the corner having a hair cut!!
I've never seen anything like it...
Anyway we had the pizza, Gordon did suggest Alec might like a hair cut, but he declined.
Long walk back to the RV, and the girls first night in their new home.
Much hilarity making up the beds, it reminded me on guide camp a bit!!
Heading off now for Benderloch.
First job......FIND A PUB, with food and no hairdressing facilities!!
See Ya
Love
Shaz
xxxxx
Monday, 8 June 2009
Day 12 Monday
66 miles up the Clyde coast on good cycle tracks and fast roads. A stop in the sun at Nardini's famous cafe in Largs and we met up with the rest of our team on schedule at Gourock. Now at Invereck and looking forward to the first "full team" day tomorrow...
I,ll have a 99....with a flake..
Gorgeous morning today, the sun is out and we are heading to Nardinis in Largs for ice cream this afternoon, a new experience for me, and I,m looking forward to it.
The site we are on is called "The Ranch", its run by an Irish Family, who have been more than helpful.
It,s most luxurious as camp sites go, and even has a pool!
We have had a couple of extremely funny.....(well they were funny for us, maybe we have been away from home too long) incidents here....as David said last night, Alec arrived on site on a golf buggy...David and I were sitting in the RV, waiting for Alec to arrive, and out of the corner of my eye in the distance I could see this golf buggy, with someone who looked like Alec in it....carried on talking to David, and as it got nearer it became clear that it was indeed Alec....he couldn't find the RV and had been given assistance by the manager. Very American President we thought.
Then this morning at breakfast Davids inner tent-still on frame-took off and blew past the RV...."what on earth is that" says I.
We liked it..
We will be six tonight, looking forward to seeing the others and after they get off the train at Gourock we then go on the ferry to swine flu capital of Scotland....Dunoon.
Don't worry we're not stopping there, tonight we are staying at Invereck.
Pleased to hear about our new Aberdeen manager, I'm sure he'll be great.
Better pack up and head on out of the ranch
See Ya
Shaz
xxx
The site we are on is called "The Ranch", its run by an Irish Family, who have been more than helpful.
It,s most luxurious as camp sites go, and even has a pool!
We have had a couple of extremely funny.....(well they were funny for us, maybe we have been away from home too long) incidents here....as David said last night, Alec arrived on site on a golf buggy...David and I were sitting in the RV, waiting for Alec to arrive, and out of the corner of my eye in the distance I could see this golf buggy, with someone who looked like Alec in it....carried on talking to David, and as it got nearer it became clear that it was indeed Alec....he couldn't find the RV and had been given assistance by the manager. Very American President we thought.
Then this morning at breakfast Davids inner tent-still on frame-took off and blew past the RV...."what on earth is that" says I.
We liked it..
We will be six tonight, looking forward to seeing the others and after they get off the train at Gourock we then go on the ferry to swine flu capital of Scotland....Dunoon.
Don't worry we're not stopping there, tonight we are staying at Invereck.
Pleased to hear about our new Aberdeen manager, I'm sure he'll be great.
Better pack up and head on out of the ranch
See Ya
Shaz
xxx
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Hello Sheila
Answers to todays challenge questions:
1. Solway Sharks
2. James Paterson
3. Annie Laurie
4. Red Hot Chili Pipers
5. £35
Enjoy....
1. Solway Sharks
2. James Paterson
3. Annie Laurie
4. Red Hot Chili Pipers
5. £35
Enjoy....
Day 11 Sunday
Another 66 miles cycled and we've made it to Culzean/Maybole. A great run today with a following wind and scenic countryside. Only issue is the state of the roads in Ayrshire - not easy on a bike...highlight of the day was Alec's arrival at the RV on a golf cart! Looking forward to the run up the coast tomorrow to meet up with the rest of the Team!
Much as it's nice to be back in bonny Scotland, I will admit to feeling a bit of a droop.
This time last week I was about to go and have a swim at the outdoor pool in Street, where I sat with my book and soaked up the sun.
Today I'm sitting with jeans and a fleece, my walking boots and thick socks......it's COLD.
I guess we are very much on the way home, and after all this planning, and build up, I cant help feeling a real sadness that it will be over this time next week.
Tonight will be the "last supper" for us as a three before Gordon, Collette and Susan arrive tomorrow.
We've had a great time and a right laugh, even in the really hard bits.
Every single place we have stayed has been lovely and I'm sure tonight at Culzean will be no exception.
Sheila, we love to read your extensive list of challenges.....what do you think I'm doing with myself all day?
More to the point, what on earth are you doing all day??
I have some time today to get working on them.
And.....for those who are interested in my punctuation.....I hope this was to your satisfaction!!
See Ya
Shaz
xx
This time last week I was about to go and have a swim at the outdoor pool in Street, where I sat with my book and soaked up the sun.
Today I'm sitting with jeans and a fleece, my walking boots and thick socks......it's COLD.
I guess we are very much on the way home, and after all this planning, and build up, I cant help feeling a real sadness that it will be over this time next week.
Tonight will be the "last supper" for us as a three before Gordon, Collette and Susan arrive tomorrow.
We've had a great time and a right laugh, even in the really hard bits.
Every single place we have stayed has been lovely and I'm sure tonight at Culzean will be no exception.
Sheila, we love to read your extensive list of challenges.....what do you think I'm doing with myself all day?
More to the point, what on earth are you doing all day??
I have some time today to get working on them.
And.....for those who are interested in my punctuation.....I hope this was to your satisfaction!!
See Ya
Shaz
xx
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Day 10 Saturday
Very wet start followed by the first puncture of the trip! As we headed towards Carlisle the rain gradually eased and it was fine again as we finally crossed the Border! Sharon was on hand to capture this landmark on film and were were soon off to Annan with a good following wind. Now at Lochmaben after a 58 mile day preparing for a longer run to Culzean tomorrow.
Wet Wet Wet
Very wet morning at Penruddock Campsite, Penrith.
Boys still not left and its 10.20. Waiting to see if the rain goes off, and its not!!!
Cant put it off much longer if they want to make our stop North of the border.
We are hoping to meet up at the border for some pictures, that will be a very wet one for sure.
Cant believe that the others are going to be joining us on Monday, and that we will be back in Scotland tonight.
Before i forget.....Happy Anniversary Nicola and Scott, i cant believe that's a year gone by already, I hope you have a great weekend xxx
I,m going to get going soon, its a real thought to go out in it....and i,m in the RV!!!
See ya in Scotland!!!
xxxx
Boys still not left and its 10.20. Waiting to see if the rain goes off, and its not!!!
Cant put it off much longer if they want to make our stop North of the border.
We are hoping to meet up at the border for some pictures, that will be a very wet one for sure.
Cant believe that the others are going to be joining us on Monday, and that we will be back in Scotland tonight.
Before i forget.....Happy Anniversary Nicola and Scott, i cant believe that's a year gone by already, I hope you have a great weekend xxx
I,m going to get going soon, its a real thought to go out in it....and i,m in the RV!!!
See ya in Scotland!!!
xxxx
Friday, 5 June 2009
Day 9 Friday
This was to be the "day off" but we decided to do a few miles in the morning instead and take the afternoon off. After a failed attempt to get a new chain on Alec's bike we headed off and up over Kirkstone Pass. Spectacular views but not too bad a climb. Coming down was absolutely freezing so we had a welcome tea and bacon bap stop at the Patterdale General Store - highly recommended! At this point it started raining and just got heavier and heavier. Combined with the cold it was highly unpleasant! After a sort of shelter stop under a tree we carried on and made it up to the campsite in the early afternoon. Only 22 miles but it gives us a good head start for the push into Scotland tomorrow! The RV really came into it's own for the cyclists getting us out of the wet to the delights of Sharon's home made soup.....by the time we were in the Coffee shops of Keswick in the afternoon the weather had improved and we could forget about the mornings trials.
Late blog for me today, we stayed at YHA Windermere last night and it was lush....as hostels go.
Old castle building, up on a hill, huge and very plush inside. Restaurant and BAR!!!!
The hostel manager was very helpful....and easy on the eye ..
Anyway, back to the job in hand. Had to take the boys down into Windermere to the bike shop with broken bike. No joy there so i was given a real "Challenge Sharon " task to go elsewhere and get the bike fixed. No joy I'm afraid, David will fill you in later with all of the technical terms, which i,m afraid are lost on me.
Next task was to find a home for the night and am now sitting on camp site at Penruddock, Penrith waiting for the boys to join me.
Absolutely awful day, first rain we,ve had and wish i was back in Cornwall.
I,m loving the RV still, and had a bit of RV envy the other day. I parked up in a car park....reverse parking...and this guy came up to me and said he used to have one like ours, "look at what I have now !" he said
"Would you like a look inside?" Ignoring my mothers advice about never talking to strangers, I went and had a wee look. Well is was out of this world, all kinds of fancy buttons and stuff!!!!
Shower room, very plush seats, i was very impressed.
However, I am still in love with our RV and its doing the job for us perfectly.
Having said all that........James.......dont even think about booking one for October!!!!
Please dont forget about us over the weekend!!
See Ya
Shaz
xx
Old castle building, up on a hill, huge and very plush inside. Restaurant and BAR!!!!
The hostel manager was very helpful....and easy on the eye ..
Anyway, back to the job in hand. Had to take the boys down into Windermere to the bike shop with broken bike. No joy there so i was given a real "Challenge Sharon " task to go elsewhere and get the bike fixed. No joy I'm afraid, David will fill you in later with all of the technical terms, which i,m afraid are lost on me.
Next task was to find a home for the night and am now sitting on camp site at Penruddock, Penrith waiting for the boys to join me.
Absolutely awful day, first rain we,ve had and wish i was back in Cornwall.
I,m loving the RV still, and had a bit of RV envy the other day. I parked up in a car park....reverse parking...and this guy came up to me and said he used to have one like ours, "look at what I have now !" he said
"Would you like a look inside?" Ignoring my mothers advice about never talking to strangers, I went and had a wee look. Well is was out of this world, all kinds of fancy buttons and stuff!!!!
Shower room, very plush seats, i was very impressed.
However, I am still in love with our RV and its doing the job for us perfectly.
Having said all that........James.......dont even think about booking one for October!!!!
Please dont forget about us over the weekend!!
See Ya
Shaz
xx
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Day 8 Thursday
A climbing day! Great hill route up to Slaidburn and on to High Bentham over the top of the pass on a road called "Quiet Lane" well named as we saw more wild horses than cars! Otherwise uneventful run and another 57miles done. We've decided to miss the day off tomorrow as we want to do a short day of around 30 miles instead. This will give us a good head start the following day when we cross the border! Great YHA hostel near Windermere tonight and we've found a bike repair shop to get a new chain for Alec (a fair exchange?) before we set off tomorrow. Will let you know how we get on on the highest road pass in the lakes tomorrow....
Clitheroe Calling
Happy to say I negotiated the motorway hell that was yesterdays journey, made good time to the Clitheroe junction and realised i was near Accrington. Both my boys are much amused by Accrington Stanley so i thought i would go and have a look at their ground.....more like a field with seats at the side....and the club shop was a portacabin!
On the way to Clitheroe got the call from david and had to go back down the motorway to get to where they were.
No harm done, got them back on their way and headed back up the motorway, which by now is beginning to be as familiar to me as the A96...
Sheila i,m sorry to say that due to stressful driving, and rescue duties i failed the tasks set for yesterday.....i,m more hopeful of success today, and very much looking forward to driving on some more familiar roads in the lake district.
As for finding myself, well i decided quite early on in this trip i would probably not have any blinding flashes of "there thats you found!!", and i,m happy to say to myself at the end of each day...this is what i,ve found out about me today Day1- Membership of the RAC is a good thing
Day 2- Prepare for a huge wave of emotion when you go and visit places you went when you were small. Day3- Put lots of sun cream on while sitting reading book at riverside... Day 4- You can prepare tasty food with very little in the cupboard!! Day 5- Dont ask the RV to climb huge hills and drive round cliff edges while needing the toilet.. Day 6- When you receive a ranting voicemail from moaning daughter....delete before listening and phone instead, preferably in area with poor signal Day 7- Dont speak to stressed out friends before you start a journey you are dreading!!!! Day 8.....who knows what today will bring
I must just tell you before i go, this site is also very nice, they have won loo of the year several times and let me tell you why.........you get a code to punch into the door that reminds me of something from the krypton factor, when you eventually get in the toilets are nice......however my guess is most folk give up and go round the back instead!!
See Ya
Shaz
xx
On the way to Clitheroe got the call from david and had to go back down the motorway to get to where they were.
No harm done, got them back on their way and headed back up the motorway, which by now is beginning to be as familiar to me as the A96...
Sheila i,m sorry to say that due to stressful driving, and rescue duties i failed the tasks set for yesterday.....i,m more hopeful of success today, and very much looking forward to driving on some more familiar roads in the lake district.
As for finding myself, well i decided quite early on in this trip i would probably not have any blinding flashes of "there thats you found!!", and i,m happy to say to myself at the end of each day...this is what i,ve found out about me today Day1- Membership of the RAC is a good thing
Day 2- Prepare for a huge wave of emotion when you go and visit places you went when you were small. Day3- Put lots of sun cream on while sitting reading book at riverside... Day 4- You can prepare tasty food with very little in the cupboard!! Day 5- Dont ask the RV to climb huge hills and drive round cliff edges while needing the toilet.. Day 6- When you receive a ranting voicemail from moaning daughter....delete before listening and phone instead, preferably in area with poor signal Day 7- Dont speak to stressed out friends before you start a journey you are dreading!!!! Day 8.....who knows what today will bring
I must just tell you before i go, this site is also very nice, they have won loo of the year several times and let me tell you why.........you get a code to punch into the door that reminds me of something from the krypton factor, when you eventually get in the toilets are nice......however my guess is most folk give up and go round the back instead!!
See Ya
Shaz
xx
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Day 7 Wednesday
It's the day we were not looking forward to as we had to negotiate our way around motorways and built up areas passing Warrington, Bolton, Blackburn,etc. As it turned out there was a lot of busy urban cycling but it wasn't too bad at all! Route finding was the main challenge and just as we were past the worst, disaster struck with a broken chain on Alec's bike! Fortunately we can call on a one person organisation that puts the RAC to shame! Cue "RV Rescue" and we were soon backon the road with the spare bike. Fortunately, there was also a handy chain disposal facility nearby, so no harm done. We plan to get a new chain when we reach the Lakes tomorrow. We are still going well and are on schedule - with another 65 miles under our belts. Back to the hills tomorrow...
Its MMM Wednesday for the RV
Leaving the peace and tranquility of Acton Bridge soon and heading for Clitheroe, via several motorways and complicated junction negotiation.
Not looking forward to it and i know the boys are feeling the same about their day also.
After today it should be easier!!
We,ll struggle to find anywhere as scenic as Acton Bridge, we are right by the river, and there was all sorts of river activity yesterday afternoon, everything from long boats to rowers, swans, Canada geese and ducks.....no skinny dipping graham!!
In fact i,m sure i saw Ken Barlows ex floating by....
Having real problems getting pics uploaded, i thought David was going to throw the laptop in the river last night after spending ages on it.
Hopeful of good signal at Clitheroe
See Ya
Shaz
xxxx
Not looking forward to it and i know the boys are feeling the same about their day also.
After today it should be easier!!
We,ll struggle to find anywhere as scenic as Acton Bridge, we are right by the river, and there was all sorts of river activity yesterday afternoon, everything from long boats to rowers, swans, Canada geese and ducks.....no skinny dipping graham!!
In fact i,m sure i saw Ken Barlows ex floating by....
Having real problems getting pics uploaded, i thought David was going to throw the laptop in the river last night after spending ages on it.
Hopeful of good signal at Clitheroe
See Ya
Shaz
xxxx
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
The Cyclists Tales Days 4-6
Three more days of perfect cycling conditions - warm and sunny!
Day 4 Sunday
An early start from Street with a stop for a few pics of the Glastonbury Tor. Main challenge of the day was to get through Bristol and upon to the Severn Bridge. No real problems (unlike Plymouth) and we got some spectacular views heading into Wales. A great run up the Wye valley to Symonds Yat but then the fun started trying to locate the campsite- various wrong directions given resulting in a climb up a 1 in 5 hill and an arrival just before dark - all topped off withe the Fray Bentos as you know! Total miles for the day - 93!!
Day 5 Monday
Great progress made today with less hills and the first night out of tents to look forward to at Bridges YHA. Made good time and finally managed out to the pub! Another 75 miles on the clock...not so sure about the Tom Waits soundalike pub singer though...
Day 6 Tuesday
Easiest days cycling so far but still made 69 miles and a real dent in the route. Sitting now by the river in the RV and Sharon has checked the handbrake! Alec has pitched his tent precariously close to the riverbank so lets just hope he's still with us in the morning...
Day 4 Sunday
An early start from Street with a stop for a few pics of the Glastonbury Tor. Main challenge of the day was to get through Bristol and upon to the Severn Bridge. No real problems (unlike Plymouth) and we got some spectacular views heading into Wales. A great run up the Wye valley to Symonds Yat but then the fun started trying to locate the campsite- various wrong directions given resulting in a climb up a 1 in 5 hill and an arrival just before dark - all topped off withe the Fray Bentos as you know! Total miles for the day - 93!!
Day 5 Monday
Great progress made today with less hills and the first night out of tents to look forward to at Bridges YHA. Made good time and finally managed out to the pub! Another 75 miles on the clock...not so sure about the Tom Waits soundalike pub singer though...
Day 6 Tuesday
Easiest days cycling so far but still made 69 miles and a real dent in the route. Sitting now by the river in the RV and Sharon has checked the handbrake! Alec has pitched his tent precariously close to the riverbank so lets just hope he's still with us in the morning...
SHOCK NEWS!!!!!!
David Lappin Eats Fray Bentos Pie......
Sorry no updates.....NO SIGNAL!!!
The journey to Sympnds Yat was fine for me, other than the Severn Bridge, however I made it over in one piece and sang "I Could Have Danced All Night" with VOLUME all the way over!!
However, the boys didnt have such a smooth ride and much as Symonds Yat sounds a lovely wee place, its a beast to find on a bike.
90 odd miles later they made it to the RV just as it was getting dark.
The plan was to go out for tea so i had done no shopping and so had to cook what i had in the cupboard.
Many thanks to Claire for the FB pie, which was gifted as a joke!!
As David arrived i thought it best to get the bad news out of the way re pie
"I could eat a scabby horse", he then thought better of that, knowing full well i,d never cook horse scabby or other wise, and settled for a "scubby dug" instead
A good nights sleep was had by all and off to Shropshire, very sunny, fab hills, and no signal!
To get to the youth hostel at Bridges last night i drove over a hill/ mountain!
I wasnt singing anything other than "This is the self preservation society"
Poor RV went up this hill 3 miles in 1st gear!!
Cliff sides, like The Italian Job, thank god i only have a bike in the back and not gold bars!!
Got there in one bit, had a good tea in the hostel and went to the pub.
Now heading for just outside Chester, really hoping to get some pictures uploaded tonight.
Still mega hot today, long may it last.
Take care
Shaz
xx
edit -added a couple of pics as promised
Sorry no updates.....NO SIGNAL!!!
The journey to Sympnds Yat was fine for me, other than the Severn Bridge, however I made it over in one piece and sang "I Could Have Danced All Night" with VOLUME all the way over!!
However, the boys didnt have such a smooth ride and much as Symonds Yat sounds a lovely wee place, its a beast to find on a bike.
90 odd miles later they made it to the RV just as it was getting dark.
The plan was to go out for tea so i had done no shopping and so had to cook what i had in the cupboard.
Many thanks to Claire for the FB pie, which was gifted as a joke!!
As David arrived i thought it best to get the bad news out of the way re pie
"I could eat a scabby horse", he then thought better of that, knowing full well i,d never cook horse scabby or other wise, and settled for a "scubby dug" instead
A good nights sleep was had by all and off to Shropshire, very sunny, fab hills, and no signal!
To get to the youth hostel at Bridges last night i drove over a hill/ mountain!
I wasnt singing anything other than "This is the self preservation society"
Poor RV went up this hill 3 miles in 1st gear!!
Cliff sides, like The Italian Job, thank god i only have a bike in the back and not gold bars!!
Got there in one bit, had a good tea in the hostel and went to the pub.
Now heading for just outside Chester, really hoping to get some pictures uploaded tonight.
Still mega hot today, long may it last.
Take care
Shaz
xx
edit -added a couple of pics as promised
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