Day 14 "We made it"

SO having covered off some extra miles yesterday we only had 47 miles to do today, so a lie in until 07:30 and we were off! Motivation was high, bikes were prepped and today was the day!
We knew the first hour was going to be hard as we went down a 13% gradient and then back up another one. We managed to get off to a flying start (45 mph) and I can tell you 45 mph feels like your bike is about to fall apart, but this soon stopped as we went uphill, 1st gear selected and a long struggle up the hill. The next 20 miles were fairly easy and flattish and we caught up with Barry.
The weather today was perfect, lovely clear skies, wind blowing the right way and we could really enjoy the Scottish scenery. We were amazed at the number of other cyclists on the roads, and one can only presume they are cycling End2End as well!
With a quick fill up of energy levels we set off for John O'Groats only 21.7 miles to go! The roads were simple until about 5 miles from John O'Groats.
There was a huge hill, I said to Frank this must be the last one, kept in a low gear and drove our way up the hill, thinking this is it! As we turned the corner there was another one! that went on for ages! Eventually we had to move up to top gear and cruise up the hill!
Once we eventually got up the hill (and overtook 2 cyclists) we finally saw John O'Groats, and the next 2 miles were all downhill. We decided to go for it, pressed down and flew into John O'Groats at 22mph! Finally we had done it! and what a trip!
We found the famous sign and convinced the man to let us have a photo!
Just when we thought we had finished we sat in the van getting organised and a man ran over, "are you here for Caithness Candles?" I think we kindly of looked at him blankly, he asked again! Suddenly we clicked on, "are you waiting for a windscreen to be fitted?" "yes" was the response. Now we could of fitted screen if we had the glass, but instead we rang the local branch, got an ETA and another satisfied customer!

So this is it, the 14 days is complete and we have cycled End2End. I big thank you to everyone for their supportive comments, texts, e-mails and phone calls. At times they really encouraged us to carry on, as well as the drive to complete this for the 3 charities! So I guess we have done our part, money is still coming in and we will keep updating the blog as we feel relevant, but now is the time to really dig deep! It will take months for our bodies to fully recover (especially Yoda's!) but they will be ready for the London Triathlon! This has been a fantastic trip, and for any End2Enders who like more information please do not hesitate to contact us at agend2end@gmail.com

Next up, Knaresborough Bed Race!!!

Thank you

Frank, Tim and Yoda Aka Barry

Day 13 "

Another Early start, we had a lot of miles to cover today! Being in Inverness we started the day by heading over to the Autoglass Branch in Inverness to see Ian and his team! A wonderful reception and a great cup of coffee! Thanks Ian. Time seemed to fly and soon it was 11:00 and we hadn't left the branch!! Time to play catch up! We left Inverness on the A9 and over the longest bridge I had ever seen. Weather was dry and we had to press on!
We arranged to meet Barry at Alness, which meant we had to cross 2 bridges! They were a mile long each! and windy. We covered this relatively quickly, while we were doing this, we sent Barry to get a new battery for his new camera (he hasn't taken out the box for 8 months!) There was no wind to contend with and by 13:00 we were at Alness. We soon filled up on bananas, jelly babies and last night pizza!
Next we met Barry at Evelix, again a beautiful ride along the lochs, and lots of bridges to contend with, but we now began to deal with some hills again! They where coming thick and fast! A quick pit stop and we were off!
We wanted to try and cover some off tomorrows miles today, so we can head off from John O'Groats and try to miss the traffic, we arrived in Helmsdale (where we were due to stop) at 18:15 and decided to press on and cover a few more miles! WOW what a mistake! As soon as we left Helmsdale the big mountains started, the first couple of mile were all uphill, with the shortest of downhill sections at the end, then another long uphill section. To be honest after a few miles, we tried to ring Yoda to ask him to pick us up, but we had no reception, so we had to carry on! Thighs were burning, feet were cold, but we had to carry on, eventually after 2 more big hills we saw the marvelous sight of Yoda and his van! within minutes we were loaded and ready to leave. It was at this point the 2nd good samaritan deed took place. 2 days ago as we went from Glasgow to Fort William, we met a young lad on a bike who's chain had got caught in his cogs, Frank helped him remove his chain, and then we lent him our spanner should it happen again, but today a car had overheated so we sacrificed our own water to get their car going again!!
By doing this we hope that the hills people talk about between here and John O'Groats will vanish over night! Unlikely, either way tomorrow is our last day! A good nights sleep tonight and we should be finished by lunch time tomorrow!!

Day 12 "

Having had a poor day yesterday morale was low this morning, we were up at 08:00 (Barry was first) as Frank and I slept off the wine! This proved to be worthwhile see further down!
A full Scottish breakfast (which seemed the same as a full English!) and we reluctantly got back in the van and headed 28 miles in the wrong direction to make up from yesterday! Barry dropped us off at the point we finished yesterday and arranged to meet us again in Fort William. We were confident this would be fairly easy as it was mainly downhill, which is fine unless you have the wind against you! Guess which way the wind blew! straight into us! we were at a stand still! After 2 hours of hard cycling we got back into Fort William, back to the hotel we started at!
Barry had been shopping in Fort William and pointed out that there was a subway on the high street, within seconds we were there ordering our footlong subs! As we got back to the van the weather began to turn, here was the rain again! and technically we hadn't even started, we had 68 miles to do!! We couldn't sit around we had to go!
Off we rode into the mist, following the A82 alongside Loch Ness, after a few miles the rain began to drop off, and just a slight mist instead off rain, the sun began to come out, and WOW what a view! The A82 ran alongside Loch Ness all the way, and the road was fantastic. With little wind, and fairly good weather we took in the scenery and soon clocked up the miles! By 16:00 we were half way along Loch Ness, legs were tired but OK and we had to press on. A very quick stop and we were off again next stop Inverness.

At 19:30 this evening we made it into Inverness, how? we are not sure, but we did! 96 miles of riding, and we are back on track! A long day, but the scenery was amazing! With no major issues, and nothing to dry today was pretty darn good. Now Frank and I decided to "drown" our sorrows with wine last night, and it seemed to work, so currently I type this with a full large glass of Sauvignon Blanc and let's see if it works tomorrow!!

Miles: 96 - Total just working it out!
Incidents:
None, apart from random sun tans across my body!

Tomorrow:
We head up to Helmsdale, and hopefully a bit further! Only 2 days to go!!

Day 11 "After 2 bottles of wine..."

So as per usual up at 08:00 and on the road for 09:30, the first 20 miles were all on the A82, although the weather was very wet we made up good time, and we were soon half way along Loch Loghan. However the A82 soon turned from a wide single carriage way, to a narrow single carriage away. As is this wasn't enought it was also under resurfacing, so it was VERY bumpy! After 90 minutes riding we caught up with Barry, did a full kit change, let the shoes dry on the blowers and we were off again! This time heading for Bridge Orchy, the weather was wet, and the wind was against us, after a lot of hard work we caught up with Barry and stopped at supposedly the best fish and chip shop in Scotland.
It was at this point we found out the Barry had been caught by the police AGAIN! for parking in a turning point rather than a layby! I am sure there is a wanted posted for him in Scotland!
Frank and I carried on having covered 40 miles the next 40 should be fairly easy! as we cycled along the highlands, we realised this wouldn't be that easy! Within seconds of leaving the van we were soaked, the highland winds meant we were freezing and the low light levels meant visibility was low! We struggled on for 20 miles before sensibility took over. We were far too cold, light levels were too low, and it was far too dangerous to continue. The call was made to Barry and the Yodamobile took ages to turn up! Eventually we saw Barry come round the corner, we had to do a quick full kit change, our of our wet clothes and into dry clothes! Unforunately a few cars saw us and we had a few bibs and dexi horns as we were fully naked in the highlands changing our clothes but never mind! Into dry clean clothes we had finished 20 miles short of our destination, (and we will have to make this up tomorrow.) The good news is that the 20 miles look downhill so should be made up within the hour!

Tomorrow we head for Inverness, today really hit motivation but with good weather we should make this back!

Miles:
Who knows, about 62 miles, but not enough!

Incidents:
Barry: Questioned by police AGAIN!
Frank: Hypethermia???
Tim: Hyperthermia???

Unfortunately no pictures due to the bad weather!!

Day 10, Sunburn...Scotland???

A lie in this morning meant we had breakfast at 08:00 and on the road for 09:00. Another full English breakfast (no haggis offered!) and energy levels where high, for the 1 hour drive back to the starting point! Today was meant to be short and simple, we would also try to cover some of tomorrows miles to make Saturday easier!

We set off on another B road, probably the bumpiest road in the UK but Amey were to point out that they maintained it! the sun was shining and very little wind meant a simple easy ride! We moved onto the A71 and headed for Strathaven were we met Barry for the banana, jelly baby and water top up! from here we set off on the A726 for an easy ride to Paisley. We set off again lovely sun, and no wind meant in no time we were in East Kilbride, a quick cigarette and I was accosted by 2 Mormons, (Frank was on the phone! supposedly...) A short 5 minute chat, and I think I sent them away questioning their beliefs! We headed out of East Kilbride, and stupidly followed signs for Paisley A726!!! Unfortunately we didn't realise until 10 miles down the road, as that this was the motorway route!! So once we hit the M77, we had to do a quick cross country trek to get us back on track! To be fair it was downhill around a loch and covered very quickly. We met up with Barry in Paisley and had mums flapjack, jelly babies and yesterdays sandwiches!! Next was Erskine.

We had heard rumours from other End to Enders that kids like to cause trouble to cyclists in Erskine, so we approached with anticipation! however the A726 takes you around the outside so no problems, we went round Glasgow Airport, and over the Erskine bridge! WOW what a view, we would have stopped for longer if the bridge hadn't have been swaying so much! By 16:30 we were in Dumbartion where we were meant to finish for the day!

With morale high, legs in good working order, and the weather good we decided to head up to Arden and knock 10 miles off of tomorrows trip! Arden is at the start of Loch Lohman, beautiful! We met up with Barry and took a quick look round the Loch!

Now it wasn;t until we got back to the hotel and tried to have a bath that I realised quite how sunburnt my legs were! It would have been comical to see me getting in! WOW! sunburn in Scotland! It's true!!

Tomorrow see's us head to Fort William, a long day but simple on the A82!

Just had lovely "discussion" with the manager and 2 employees of table table, and guess who won!! free food and drink for us!!

Miles:
64 miles Total: 660 miles.

Incidents:
Tim: Mormon's and loads of chains
Frank: 1 chain severe sun burn!

Sponsorship is coming in thick and fast thank you everyone!

Day 9 "Oh what a day!"

As per usual up at 07:00 for breakfast and on the road for 09:00, weather looked alrightish, and we went through the Carlisle traffic. It was only 15 miles to Gretna, (first village in Scotland!) we soon clocked up these miles, with the sun shining and no wind, this was easy! Next thing we saw, was Barry parked up outside the Ministry of Defense, with all out trackers and GPS systems they must have been slightly concerned!

A quick 10 minute break and we headed for Gretna, 3 miles down the road we saw the sign "Wecome to Scotland", we had successfully cycled the length of England. We saw the famous registry office and sent a photo to Stan! From Gretna we headed up a fantastic B road, the B7076 straight to Lockerbie. This road goes alongside the M6 and is fantastic for cycling. After Nigel's influence over the last 2 days, we slightly amended our routes to do some B roads! We then played a game of where's Barry. As we rode into Lockerbie there was no sign of him, then all of sudden, there was a van, outside a police station, with 2 officers talking to the driver! What on earth has he done we thought? could it be, the not paying for a black and white TV license, or maybe his Beta Max collection had been stolen, but no he was having a telling off for parking in a yellow hatched area! Once we bailed Barry out we parked in a legitimate place and tried to find a nice cafe, but ended up with fish and chips!

As we headed out of Lockerbie we had a 20 miles ride to Moffat, this looked to be a pleasant ride, however with Scottish weather, this meant a head wind! Frank and I have never struggled so hard. There was a steep downhill section and I was peddling like mad to do 6mph! It was hard work, eventually after a lot of sweat, we met up with Barry. I have never seen, Mars Bars, Flakes, Jelly Babies and Bananas eaten so quickly, washed down with powerade! It was at this point we also noticed sun burn on the backs of our legs! Scottish weather!!!!! We want to head up to Douglas before the end of the day, and this should have been a simple 15 miles ride, however with the heads winds, the sun and the hills it proved to be bloomin' hard! Shattered we met up with Barry at Douglas at headed to the hotel!

What a day! absolutely shattered, and hopefully less wind tomorrow!

Miles: 71 miles (minimum) total: 596 miles!

Incidents:

Barry: Pretty much arrested
Frank: Sun burnt legs
Tim: Knackered! and 2 chains!

Tomorrow:

Sees us officially head for Dumbarton, but wind permitting we are hoping to head a bit further!

SHAP "our biggest hill yet"

With Nigel and Neil in tow today, we had another early start...well for some. It was rumoured that Tim didn't make it to breakfast this morning, after many speculations, which I won't write down, it would appear that Tim enjoyed his sleep too much! So with 4 of the 5 fully fed and ready for action we set up of Lancaster heading for Carlisle.

Today was meant was meant to be a very pleasant trip, and Nigel kept talking about this Shap Pass, we decided to keep this simple and stayed on the A6 all day. We set off from the hotel in dry weather, and Nigel upped our pace straight away within 2 hours we were at Kendal. Just before Kendal the heavens opened...we were soaked! Now it is unlike Nigel to suggest a break, however being in Kendal we had to stop for some Kendal mint cake! Nigel picked a greasy spoon cafe in the centre of Kendal and we pulled over to enjoy a coffee, kendal mint cake, a bannana and some of mums home made flapjack! With all our shoes, gloves and socks on the blowers of the van trying to dry out! The rain slightly slowed down, so we put on some clean, dry socks and headed back out. Within minutes the rain got heavier, and we were soaked! This was the point when we headed on Shaps Pass, and there was no way Nigel was stopping before Penrith.

To put this into perspective, if there is a big hill Frank and I would normally stop and the top, enjoy some water and a cigarette and then continue. However with Nigel, there is no way this was going to happen. So Shaps pass, runs round the outskirts of the lake district, the sun was no where to be seen, the hills were endless, and the rain was in our faces with very strong cross winds!

We thought we had seen big hills in the big dipper, Shaps pass is in a different league, in a car or motorbike I am sure they are fantastic, on a bike in the rain, not so much fun! We had so clever gadgets with us today, and Neil told us we ascended 400m (thats a lot!) With every hill, there was a downhill, and then another hill! and remember we were not allowed to stop! The scenery we did see looked fantastic but unfortunately the clouds covered the view a bit.

As Shaps went on Nigel and Neil shot off, leaving Frank and I in the spray! as we neared the end of Shaps pass, we saw the site that we always look forward to seeing, Barry in his van. However this time, (bribed by Nigel we think) he waved us on, and wouldn't let us stop, a couple more corners and we had caught up with Nigel and Neil, now Frank and I think he wanted a rest, however he will say he had a puncture! A quick repair and we were off again, heading into Penrith!

We stopped in Penrith and enjoyed a quick Tesco's lunch, before heading off again. It was now only 19 miles to Carlisle, the weather was dry, and the last 19 miles was a great ride! We cruised out of the Lake District and into Carlisle straight to our hotel door!

What a day! Tomorrow we head over to Cumnock, another 80 mile day! we will be heading out of England and into Scotland.

Incidents:
Nigel - 1 puncture
Tim - 2 Chains
Frank - Cold bond keeping the water in!!!

Distance Covered:
69 miles today (525 miles total)
Van total 1050 miles!!

Height covered
400 m

Day 7 "Neil's Nostalgic Trip"

Back up for an early start, breakfast at 07:00, and on the road for 08:00. We were joined today by Nigel Doggett (Autoglass Managing Director) and Neil Atherton (Autoglass Financial Director.) We were all on our best behaviour! The weather looked overcast but dry, and we set off from Stretton enroute to Warrington Autoglass. We arrived at Lee's Branch at 08:30 and we were greeted with a lovely cup of coffee, and an amazing branch! With Barry completing his customer satisfaction survey we set off from Warrington to Preston.

The route was simple to follow, with one exception...We now had Nigel! to put this into perspective Nigel is fit and healthy, and has not ridden for the last 6 days! The pace was upped as we flew into Preston. Only a short 5 minute stop 7 miles from Preston!! We arrived at Autoglass Preston at 13:00 and a fantastic spread of lunch was laid on by Jimmy and his team! Once Neil had finished going through his P and L we set off in the rain heading for Lancaster! Once we had left the branch Neils Nostalgic trip began!

We were hoisted off the main roads and now so back B roads to see Neils old house! Once we knew the house was OK, we then went to see the school Neil's children went to! We then shot off and saw Neil's old place of work!! This had added a good few miles to our trip, but Frank and I really feel that it has made the trip worthwhile!

The rain continued to fall, and at this point toes and fingers were quite cold! the good news in the pace was fast! Out motivation managing director was said to have said "Come on you F*C*I*G F*t B*ST*R*S" "I'll race you" and many more! However this obviously worked and we arrived at the hotel at 15:30 our earliest finish yet! A nice long bath and we are currently waiting for our dinner!

Tomorrow:
Sees us head over Carlisle, (worryingly Nigel is currently planning the route)

Miles:
456 in total (Half way now)

Incidents:
None! however Frank did cold bond the holes in his shoes! Didn't add to his pace at all!

Day 6 "Catch up"

So today was meant to be our day off. However, with the poor conditions yesterday we had to make up the 23 miles we didn't do yesterday!

After a long lay in (11:00!) we finally for up, and stretched the aching legs! We checked the routes for the next couple of days, and headed off at 14:00 to make up the miles! The weather started off well and we soon clocked up the first 15 miles, however then the showers moved in, and again we got soaked! We decided to press on and just get wet, upon arrival at the hotel the kind receptionist said we could put our kit in the driers, so we quickly stripped off and handed her our kit and socks to be dried! (Still waiting to get it back!)

We then relaxed for the rest of the afternoon ready for an early start tomorrow as we had up to Lancaster!

Sorry not much happened today!!

Day 5 "Rain Racing"

An early start on a Sunday morning, up at breakfast for 08:00 and on the road at 09:00, we arrived back and Bridgnorth at 10:00. The weather was to put it politely, wet. We decided we would venture on anyway, within 100m of the van, our shoes were soaked, gloved wet, hands cold and toes full of cramp. This was gonna be a long day.

After about 30 minutes the sun began to shine through the clouds and we began to warm up, With 14 miles covered we discovered Barry outside a pub, so we had to stop. It must have been hilarious to watch, as Frank and I stripped off, Shoes and gloves, on the blowers in the van, change of tops, and bums in the van trying to dry off! While Barry went and got the coffee! Having semi dried off we set off again.

We rode into Shrewsbury on a very pleasant road, no major hills, except for 1 big downhill run, I pushed my luck through a red light but the cars were preventing me from going any faster!! Then Frank and I were flashed to slow down in a village on a 30mph camera!! We were flying, making up for the rain.

Once we had gone through Shrewsbury we pulled over in a layby for lunch, provided by Asda!! As we got in the van i said to Frank those clouds look dark! and within minutes it tipped it down for the next 2 hours! We sat in the van...waiting...and waiting...for the rain to stop. I had a little sleep, Frank had a little nap and Barry listened to the football! As soon as there was a clearing in the rain clouds we set off. We had to maintain the same speed as the clouds to avoid the heavy showers!

Knowing that we had tomorrow off was a slight luxury, so we decided being as today and been so dreadful, we would stop 26 miles short of Warrington, and cycle that tomorrow afternoon! (after we have enjoyed our lie in!)

Tonight we are going out into Warrington with Lance an ex Coldstreamer (the driver is picking us up at 21:00) So no doubt there will be a slight hangover tomorrow!!

Incidents:
Lots of wet clothes!
Franks trousers chucked in a bush! (too wet!) (Sorry Donna, I know they were a lot of money!)
1 chain came off (Frank)

Miles: 53 miles (368 total)

Tomorrow!
Day off, but making up the 23 miles we should have done today!

Remember you can view all our pics at:

http://s720.photobucket.com/albums/ww205/AGend2end/

Thank you!

Day 4 "The Showers!"

So a shorter day today so we enjoyed out lie in until 09:00! then we set off from Gloucester towards Bridgnorth. The wind was behind us to begin with and we flew from Gloucester to Tewkesbury, no major hills and it was great!!

As we left Tewkesbury the showers began, although the wind was behind us, rain isn't the most pleasant of conditions to ride in! However we still cracked on to Worcester for lunch at 14:00. The hills in Gloucestershire are non existent, and we only had 2 larger hills to deal with.

We left Worcester and headed for Kidderminster on the A449, a very pleasant road and not too much traffic allowed us to really enjoy the beautiful scenery. Having had a lie in this morning we were full of energy so quick stop in Kidderminster and we headed off for Bridgnorth, again quiet uneventful, however we did hide in a bus shelter during the rain!!

Tomorrow sees us head to Warrington, we will take the A458 to Shrewsbury and then join the A49 up to Warrington!

Incidents,
None!

Day 3, "Our first guests..."

Day 3, Taunton to Gloucester,

Another early start, up at 06:30 and ready for breakfast at 07:00. Joined today by Darren Redwood, (Customer Services Director at Laddaw) (we were on our best behaviour!) With a full English down our necks and all changed into our cycling gear we headed to Autoglass Taunton. The ride to Taunton was very wet, and within minutes we were soaked, we met the team at Taunton and set off for Bristol. We stayed on the A38, but for the first time we ventured into a town, Bridgewater. This bought new problems with traffic lights, roundabouts, and stupid w*m*n car drivers!!! Have successfully completed the obstacle course we met Mike and Gary, (Tim's Dad, and family friend!) Off we went 2 bikes had become 5.

The A38 continued straight into Bristol, it was on this road we encountered our biggest hill yet, Cheddar Gauge. Gary (Mr Fit!) was the only person to successfully cycle up the mountain without walking! (our first hill we had to walk!) The weather had begun to pick up and we stopped for lunch.

When you stop for lunch, what are the chances of meeting 4 idiots, cycling John O'Groats to Lands End, but we did! They looked far fitter, had a lot more equipment than us, and they were doing it in 8 days! but we exchanged stories and went our seperate ways! It was here that Simon Blake (Laddaw MD) joined us to make 6 bikes.

We now had 6 bikes in transit, and this proved useful at junctions and roundabouts, as we kind of just took them over! We headed into Bristol City Centre, got lost but ended up at Bristol Autoglass Branch. After a quick lunch break we headed off to Gloucester. It was at this point Darren had realised his cycling miles were over, and his legs could not go on any further. Thank you for your support Darren, but as we said the next 25 miles were all down hill!

And so we went from Somerset into Gloucestershire, and we love the Gloucestershire hills, they are all downhill! There were no long uphill stretches and some fantastic down hill runs!! let's hope this continues!!

Incidents.
Boring Day
Frank - 1 chain
Tim - 1 Chain
Darren - Lost count chain!

Route - A38 from Taunton to Gloucester.

Miles - 94 miles,
253 miles total

Tomorrow. Glocuester to West Bromwich, majority on the A38.

A big thank you to every one who has donated, and to our special guests today!

Lot's of donations have come in from Laddaw, and Gary has promised us £200 if neither Frank nor I shave for the rest of the trip!!

Day 2 "What goes down, must go up"

After a nice long sleep in the bath, it was soon 06:00 and time to get up for breakfast, surprisingly the legs felt alright and after a full english breakfast we were ready for action!!

We left the hotel at 08:00 and set off from Launceston at 09:10. A quick check of the bikes, and we were off on the A30, The A30 started off very gentle, traffic wasn't too busy and there is a lovely wide hard shoulder to ride in. Some gentle hills made the first 15 miles very easy to ride. It wasn't long before the first big hill came, and it was huge!! A quick rest at the top and we were ready to go. As the title states, a nice long downhill section was next and what goes down, must go up! and it did! This is where we discovered the magical factors of bananas and jelly babies! (Thanks Grandad!) Without these we wouldn't have been able to continue! (I think Barry is keeping tesco in business with the amount of bananas purchased!)

We rode into the Exeter Autoglass Branch and met Wayne and his team, thank you for your hospitality guys, the coffee from the machine was great! After a nice lunch break, and lots of sandwiches we set off for Honiston on the A30. It was on this stretch of road (just before Honiton) we realised it was 16:40! We had to crack on.

Just after Honiton the dual carriage becomes a very narrow single carriage way. It was this point the biggest hill so far came to light. Not only was it long and steep, it also had a wet muddy hard shoulder. I decided to ride closely to Frank and use his slip stream. A big mistake!! for it was only a couple of minutes later he decided to mount the fence. His front wheel slipped in the mud, he slammed the breaks on and catapulted himself into the fence. He has a lot of time for this fence, as this fence stopped him falling down a 20 ft cliff!!! Eventually the hill flattened out (like Frank), and there was Barry in his van! Laughing! Another Jelly baby and banana stop, and we had to do 13 miles before the sun went down!!

We had been dreading the last 13 miles, as this was our first B road, and it was called something hill, which meant he had to be steep, with anticipation we moved onto the B3170. To our amazement the next 7 miles where all down hill, it was amazing! We even overtook Barry on numerous occassions, the road takes you straight into Taunton and the day was finished!

Incidents:
Frank 1 fall (2 in total!), 1 puncture (in total)
Tim 0 falls (1 in total)

Miles completed
Launceston to Taunton, 80 miles
Total: 159 miles.

Route for tomorrow,
A38 all the way from Taunton to Gloucester!

Thank you for your continued support!

Day 1 "The Big Dipper"

So finally the time had come to begin our voyage, we were up for breakfast at 07:00, and left the hotel at 07:45. Arriving at Lands End (which was closed) at 09:00. We managed to sneak through and took the obligatory pictures, but without the sign! We then had to find the only building open (a hotel) to stamp our tracker!

The weather was lovely yesterday, but as we set off from Lands End at 09:30 the rain began to move in, and did so for about 8 miles! I mentioned yesterday the the locals call the A30 "The Big Dipper" and we soon found out why! For every downhill section their is a bigger, longer uphill section (or so it felt!) Bikes and equipment were all in good working order, and we ventured out of Cornwall and into Devon, the weather had started to pick up now. This saw the first incident of the day as I (Tim) came to a stop I forgot about my cleats and subsequently fell into the grass verge on the A30! As we set back off down a lovely down hill section, the envitable uphill section was next, and guess who fell here! Yes, Frank! causing no injury at first, although as the day has gone on we are discovering more and more!

While all this was going on we sent Bazza to buy lunch (from Tescos!) at 12:30 we met Bazza in a layby and soon ate everything barry had provided! We arranged the next meeting point to be Launceston (our final Destination!) We continued our ride along the Big Dipper, enjoying the beautiful scenery the South West has to offer! As we came over another hill, we saw a burger van! and a cup of tea was required. We soon drank the tea and continued on our quest. A few miles down the road, Frank heard a loud bang, and yes, his rear tyre had burst! out came the phone and the emergency call to Superman Bazza was made. Within minutes Barry was on the scene with the spare, and a pit stop was made (Brawn GP would have been proud!) We then sent Bazza to get the tyre repaired and we continued on our journey.

The sign post all had Launceston on, and as the time passed by, the miles to Launceston didn't seem to come down. Eventually after 9.5 hours after leaving Lands End, we arrived at Launceston, just as the rain started pouring.

And so we arrived at our Plymouth hotel, we have jsut had dinner (10:30) and now it is time for a long hot bath! and up at 06:00 tomorrow!!

Distance Travelled: 79 miles
Journey Commenced 09:30
Journey Finished 19:00

Penzance 10:00
Truro 12:20
Bodmin 16:00

Incidents:
Tim 1 fall
Frank 1 fall and a puncture.

More pictures in the slide show or visit: http://s720.photobucket.com/albums/ww205/AGend2end/

Day 0

Firstly thank you to everyone for the lovely send off and good luck messages.

Also a big thank you to everyone who has already donated, and to those of you that will shortly!!

So, the big day has come, We left Autoglass at 11:00 this morning, and went to get our bikes serviced by a lovely man at Transition Cycles on Castle Road, Bedford. Thankfully both bikes past with Flying colours. Leaving Bedford at 12:00, we then spent a lovely 6 hours sitting in a van!!

We were thoroughly enjoying the journey until Frank spotted some large inclines in the road, and subsequently we discovered it is the A30, the route we are taking tomorrow!! Using our initiative we asked the girl at reception, what the best route to Launceston is, her response...and yes no lie "The big dipper" That is what the locals name the A30!!!

So it looks like tomorrow could be a hard day! Tracker is playing up a little bit but we will try to get that sorted!!

Route for tomorrow:
Lands End,
join A30,
Stay on A30 till Launceston.

We will then spend the night in Plymouth!! (Sounds Simple!!)

5 days to go!

So only 5 days till we set off! We probably haven't done as much training as we would like but its too late now! Bikes are prepared, equipment ready and we are slowly learning how to use cleats!! Day 1 route is planned and I have to say I am getting nervous now!!

Thanks to all who attended our race night £250 raised!

Thank you!!