Latest from the handlebars

News from the road as Rob (the webmaster) & Jon ride LEJOG

Train from Birmingham, via Bristol, to Penzance and cycle to Land's End on Sunday 6 June 2010 : on the road from Monday 7 June 2010 - arrived at John O'Groats on Saturday 19 June 2010

The messages below were all transmitted during the trip - e-mailed direct to the website.

 

Transit overnight stop in Edinburgh with a pleasant couple of hours (and beers) with my cousin Andrew M before an 'end of tour' dinner sitting outside in the sunshine.
Just a 4 hour train journey to Brum and then the final leg to Stratford-upon-Avon.
AND - I did use my inner chainring, but not much.
Should have pictures posted here by Tuesday night.
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From Rob's handlebars

Wind strength unbelievable - had to pedal down hill and was still below 10mph!
Just had a huge descent at over 44mph followed by a huge climb at 5mph.
Waiting for Rob in the first bus shelter I've seen. Had to put on waterproof trousers to try to keep warm. Had to remind myself a few times why I'm doing this and that the bowel cancer patients will endure much more.

Sent from the Mercian's handlebars by Jon

Dunbeath after about 16 miles into the wind :-(
Hopefully some shelter as we continue north.

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From Rob's handlebars

Wind is relentless. Two cakes and a coffee later I'm in another bus shelter. Now half way for the day a few miles short of Wick where it's going to be an early lunch.

Sent from the Mercian's handlebars by Jon

Now having lunch after a VERY, VERY windy ride from the last stop.
900 miles up ... Just the 16.8 miles to go.

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From Rob's handlebars

At JO'G - but annoyed to find no photographer at the official signpost.
Really tough day although only about 55 miles into a constand wind.
Off for beer now.

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From Rob's handlebars

Now had a meal and a rest - nothing much here so another early night before our minibus transfer to Inverness and train to Edinburgh for the final overnight stop.
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Rob - now a "double endtoender" .... and NO I will not be doing it again ... other cycle tours beckon :-)

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From Rob's handlebars

After lunch in Wick it was only 17 miles to go but into what must have been a 20mph headwind it took almost 3 hours! I achieved my first average for any day on a bike of below 10mph! One long drag then a reward of the Orkneys in the distance, regroup with Rob - the final hill he crested first his only one of the trip!
To the signpost but no photographer. Staying in the Seaview Hotel, which has a surprisingly good menu.
Minibus to Inverness then train to Edinburgh. Train on Monday to Birmingham.
Would I do it again? No chance but then that's what Rob said five years ago.

Sent from the Mercian's handlebars by Jon