Alison and Alison and the art of re-tyrement

Cycling from London to Spain

  • Day 11 Garstang to Kirby Lonsdale

    Distance 42.6 miles

    Ascent 1404.5 metres

    A hilly day through beautiful scenery.

    We haven’t visited a bike shop yet. Repairs on the go at our morning coffee stop.
    JR enjoying a coffee break in the Forest of Bowden.
    Head count everyday and several times a day to ensure we are still on track. Team all present.
    Shorter mileage and we thought it was going to be an easier day until we saw the climb above Slaidburn ahead.
    Reaching the summit in rain and wind. Too bad we couldn’t enjoy the view through the clouds. Too cold to linger at the top.
    We admired the Great stone of Fourstones on Tatham Fells. The Devil dropped the stone on the way to Devil’s Bridge at Kirby Lonsdale or it was thrown across the Irish Sea by the giant Finn McColl. No doubt someone will say it is a glacial erratic. Nonsense of course.
    After climbing all the hills a night of comfort in another four poster bed was very welcome.

    Perfect end to the day.

  • Day 10 Hartford to Garstang

    Distance 71 miles

    Ascent 1609.6 metres

    A bright blue sky at our first stop for the day. The Anderson Boat lift. We were too early to see it in action and not a boat in sight.
    Top Lock. Holiday season but no boats again.
    We stopped at the top of a climb to see Pendle Hill in the distance. A bewitching place. The site of notorious witch trials in 1612.
    A long ride today through fantastic scenery. The skies starting to darken as we plough on behind Peter our guide.

    Arrive at our hotel in Garstang which is closing at the end of the month. It will be flattened and rebuilt as a Care Home. Camping could be the answer for the next tour.

    At the hotel just before the rain started. It is due to rain heavily tomorrow morning. Difficult outfit choices to be made.

  • Day 9 Ironbridge to Hartford

    Distance 56.9 miles

    Ascent 759 metres

    The start of the day as we get our bikes ready to roll.
    The bunting and crowds are out to greet us. It was the Audlem Festival of Transportation. No room for the support van to park – too much transportation. We move on elsewhere for lunch.
    Wanted to have a dance but the rest of the team not keen. All cyclists need a dance at some stage. It is good for the soul and the sole. Just needed Shirley and Alison to join me.
    The sun came out for our visit to the Aquaduct Marina at Church Minshull. The pace is even slower than my cycling.
    The historic market town of Northwick where we had our lunch.
    The team enjoying a nice cup of tea. Just 6 miles to go.
    JP takes the tandem for a ride with some help from Dexter. Radu our guide photo bombing.

    No television in the bar and the one in my room not working so watched first half of the big match on my phone. More exhausting than the cycle ride but what a result. Fantastic achievement for the Lionesses and a merry evening meal for us.

    The next ride will be longest so far.

  • Day 8 Worcester to Ironbridge

    Distance 46.4 miles

    Ascent 1095 metres

    Today took us through the pretty towns of Bewdley and Much Wenlock.

    Rolling hills this morning and we arrive in the town of Bewdley
    We have coffee in the gardens of a Museum of farming and enjoy looking at the exhibits in a beautiful setting.
    The hills continue. We descend steeply into Ironbridge, our destination.
    The team gathering on the bridge.
    The famous bridge where JR lifted his bicycle overhead in celebration at his arrival.

    Time to look round the town followed by team dinner at our hotel. A good day.

  • Day 7 Tintern to Worcester

    Distance 57.4 miles

    Ascent 1021 metres

    An eventful day.

    We cycled from Wales back to England. JP at the boundary signpost.
    Gloucestershire. What can I say?
    We have seen a number of shelters on the trip but this is a step up. This listed building is in the grounds of Hartpury church, Forest of Dean. Constructed by the stonemason Paul Tuffley it is a shelter for bees.

    It has been hot today. The repair on my shorts has held but wonder if I would have been more comfortable with the hole for ventilation. I could create matching ones on either side. Tempting.

    Enjoying an ice cream with Jackie and JR.
    JR has been speeding on the bike – 32 miles/hour in a 30 mile zone. But he will have difficulty catching up with me.

    Today Strava reports my top speed as 65.1 miles/hour. No one can believe it. But they are unaware of my Level 14 cyclist status. At that rate tomorrow, I will be in Ironbridge in 45 minutes. Wondering how to spend the rest of my day while waiting for the others to catch up.

    Cycling along the canal into Worcester.

    JR unimpressed by the personal care products in our hotel tonight. The quality report is now extending into shower gels and soap. He will be testing the shower caps next.

    A stroll around Worcester Cathedral after dinner.

    Had difficulty getting the hotel lift to work with my key card. Then realised I was using my Freedom pass instead. And I thought they worked on all forms of transportation. It must be the exhaustion.

    My bed for the night. The legs of a speed cyclist need a good rest. Fab.

    Good night.

  • Day 6 Cheddar to Tintern

    Distance 48.9 miles

    Ascent 1177 metres

    The day started with a climb out of the spectacular Cheddar Gorge.
    The bikes taking a well earned rest at Chew Valley lake.

    Cycling on the outskirts of Bristol and JR hears car behind so pulls over to let a car go past. No car, just a plane taking off from the nearby airport. Good job he was wearing a helmet.

    Ashton Court our lunch stop.
    Today was all about the bridges. We crossed the Clifton Suspension Bridge near Bristol.
    Then over the Severn Bridge and into Wales.

    Tintern Abbey our final destination.

    JR very happy with the hotel choice. In particular he likes the shampoo and conditioner which he says has improved his hair condition. Hotels are now rated on the quality of the water and the products they provide.

    Have stitched the hole in my shorts. Will the repair contain my burgeoning thighs?

    We will see.

  • Day 5 Tiverton to Cheddar

    Distance 63.2 miles

    Ascent 1224 metres

    Another day another county. A longer ride today but less climbing.

    We have been encouraged by Radu our guide to use this dynamic professional cyclist pose for photos. The Somerset border seemed a good opportunity for this Level 14 cyclist to try it out. Nearly fell over getting my leg onto the seat and had to hold tight onto signpost in order to stay upright. Both feet on the floor next time.
    A rather red looking dragon on top of a pillar box. No sign of any knights in shining armour.
    Mad hatters tea party trail at Coates Willow Centre which was our lunch stop,
    The top of a climb to see the famous Glastonbury tor in the background. Yes – it really is in the photo.
    Severe wardrobe malfunction. Seam split by bulging thighs and my modesty is at risk. An emergency situation was occurring that called for urgent back up.
    The support team of Chris, Shehla and Alison arrived bringing supplies to repair the hole. Fantastic service. Modesty potentially safe but dependent on my sewing skills.

    Had a lot of fun and laughter over a Thai meal remembering previous trips and the thought of the fun to be had in the future.

    A fab day.

    Good night.

  • Day 4 Launceston to Tiverton

    Distance 53.7 miles

    Ascent 1396 metres Descent 1366 metres

    Radu is right. It is all about the outfit. We have the same top. Completely by chance. What a team.
    The bunting was out for us in Launceston.
    Ticking off the counties. JP at the border.

    JR assured us that with the change of county we can all look forward to luxuriant hair. Goodbye helmet hair.

    Ladies who lunch. Carbo loading for the hills ahead.
    Lots of hazards today. Potholes, gravel on the road, small veg pickers, tractors, tourists. The children’s playground was particularly tricky.
    Where are they taking us? This sign raises so many questions. Have we crossed into border territory? No men live here? Only women allowed?
    The sun came out for our arrival into Tiverton.

    Exciting day tomorrow. A very special reunion.

  • Day 3 Truro to Launceston

    Distance 54.6 miles

    Ascent 1677 metres Descent 1100 metres

    Excellent start to the day. The hotel
    provided this marvellous piece of equipment to heat water so I had an early morning cup of tea. I wonder if there will be room for one in our panniers on our next trip.
    It is official. Bus shelters have been re-purposed as lunch spots the world over. This bus shelter also served as the village notice board.
    Just over a year later and back at Nancarrow where Charlotte and Hugo had their wedding reception.

    In the battle of Garmin v Christophe there was no contest. Operator error as I forgot to turn Christophe on. He will not be pleased. Garmin took advantage of the lack of competition. At lunch we had 19 miles to go and five minutes later Garmin changed its mind to 233 miles. Arrived at destination with apparently 248 miles left to cycle for the day. Discombobulating.

    Update on John’s hair. He still has some. He will be pleased to arrive in Devon tomorrow.

    We are staying at a golf club. Golf buggies abound and rather fancy doing tomorrow’s route on one. I am sure no one would notice.

    Good night.

  • Day 2 Lands End to Truro

    Distance 40 miles

    Ascent 1081.7

    There is only one place to start on this ride.

    Group photo in front of the sign at Lands End.
    The iconic sign post with 874 mile marker to John O’Groats. Our route is calculated to be over 1,000 miles. What is going on? Clearly we need to deploy Christophe.

    A gentle start to the day with a comfortable pace and beautiful scenery.

    The route took us along a new bike path with views over St Michaels Mount.
    Radu our guide says the cycling is unimportant and it is all about the outfit. Co-ordinated outfit today but haven’t got matching shoes, gloves and top for the rest of the tour. Will have to wear the same clothes for three weeks.

    JR is concerned that the water in Cornwall is no good for washing his hair. After two days he has noticed his hair is not as soft and its condition is deteriorating. Only two days to go to Devon. Will keep a close eye on the effect of Devon water and will update on the condition of John’s hair in due course.

    JR and I had dinner tonight with my cousin Rosalind and her husband Martin. Lovely to see them and catch up on family news.

    Tomorrow Christophe is making a guest appearance. Christophe versus Saddle Skedaddle. I can’t wait.

    Good night.