Training update to 25th March - The road to Knott End

My Loverly Triumph 955i - is mine no more

Phew! The last two weeks was have been like a whirlwind. You may remember from a previous post that I promised to sell my Triumph motorbike and donate the proceeds to the charity. Well I asked Jane at work if she could post me an advert on Ebay to see if we got anyone interested. I gave her some pictures and a little write up and as efficiently as ever she set the advert up to start at 8pm on the Tuesday. To be honest I had completely forgotten about it when I got into work on Wednesday morning. My head was full of the usual stuff that running a business entails. So when I opened my email up I was completely shocked to find a whole page of emails from prospective buyers and six firm offers for the bike. Straight away I realised I wasn't asking enough for it. I knew it was absolutely mint and had only done ten thousand miles on a V plate but hey ho. However there were no offers at the asking price so I decided to send an email to all the people who had made an offer saying, 'first person to offer the asking price gets it'. However as I was typing, an offer came in for the full asking. So that was that. Sold in just over 12 hours. Amazing! So a big thank you to Tony from Grimsby who bought it. A really nice fella who put the money into my account without seeing the bike and had it collected with no fuss or bother. He has also wished me well on my challenge. Thanks Tony! Hope you get good service from the old girl. Anyway suffice to say that although it is the first time in 27 years that I am bikeless (of the motor variety) My fund is now £1500.00 to the good.

a glorious sunrise looking over Kinder Scout

Moo on his early morning 'monster' around Ellie Welly*

That leads me on nicely to my training ride last Sunday. The weather was absolutely glorious as I woke early Sunday. I had arranged to ride with Neil Coverley again, only this time we were going to attempt a long A to B ride with Rosemary (and Monty) ably supporting us in the camper. The destination? Knott End on Sea, just across the estuary from Fleetwood. It was going to be a long ride and I was a little nervous. Neil is a very strong rider and he pushes me hard. I thought it might literally be 'Knotts End' this time.

We'd looked at the map and chose a meet point with Rosemary about half way (42 miles to be precise) at Haigh Hall country park near Wigan. It was going to be a long and hot ride as the sun was already burning off the early morning cold at 8.30am. So we both took plenty of fluids and applied a bit of sun cream (well I did anyway). We decided to head towards Manchester, skirting just to the south to avoid the city centre. The route took us towards Stretford and as we neared Chester road, Neil suggested we took a slight detour to the Theatre of Dreams. It never ceases to amaze me at how many people are milling around on a non match day. I mean what sort of idiot would cycle a few miles out of their way to the ground and have their photo taken?

Colour co-ordinated with Fergie

Neil with Sir Matt looking on

From Old Trafford we picked our way through Trafford park and on towards Eccles and Boothstown. The idea was to cross the East Lancs road and head towards Leigh then Wigan. I was feeling good and hanging on ok to Neil's pace at this point. My new cycle meter app was telling me we were averaging 20 miles an hour and I knew that I would not be able to keep that pace up for long. We were about 35 miles into the ride when my legs started to feel it a bit. It was quite hilly as we headed for Haigh Hall and the sanctuary of our new camper. I just gritted my teeth and hung on as much as I could. Neil just seems to be able to pump the pedals at will, any gear any gradient (the swine) and he reckons he's not fit. Thank god for that is all I can say. As I grovelled into our meet point, the sight of Rosemary  and the camper felt like finding an oasis in a desert of hurt (did you like that?). I now understand Neil when he said he longed to see Naomi at the meet points on his ride. Rosemary had bacon butty's and big mugs of tea waiting for us. It was like heaven. Monty was also really pleased to see us too. Well to see his new buddy Neil, actually. I'm starting to feel a bit left out.

 Monty and his 'buddy' Neil - oh and Billy no mates on the right

Campervans are pretty big beasts and we are learning that parking is something we have to think about in advance. It takes up more than one space in a car park. So when it's busy it can cause a few issues. Well it did for one bloke who got really hot under the collar with us. As it was a lovely day, everyone and his wife was out (fancy being married to Mr Everyone) and the car park was chokka block. So we stuck out like a sore thumb, taking up two spaces. I thought this chap was going to have a heart attack he was so cross with us. He was red in the face and shouting obscenities at us, with everyone around watching. He would not let it go. What could we do? Rosemary was there nice and early when the car park was empty and didn't realise it would get so full so quickly. This guy was really mad with us. So Neil decided a bit of Coverley diplomacy was the order of the day and piped up with "Guess what mate, as well as taking up two parking spaces, we've not paid for a ticket either"**................ I readied myself for the fight, that or the guys impeding coronary. He went a deep shade of purple and sped off. We thought we best make tracks and quickly helped Rosemary pack up.  As she pulled off we let two other drivers grab the spaces before Mr Grumpy could get round again. That was our first encounter with campervan rage.

From Haigh Hall we headed for Preston. Again it was a bit hilly in places but the rest stop had restored a bit of energy to my poor legs. Neil knew this part of the ride well as it was part of his LEJOG ride last year. We picked our way through the west side of Preston, past the very nice new dockside developments and out onto the flatter Fylde peninsula. It really was pancake flat as we headed towards Kirkham in the direction of Blackpool. The idea was to swing inland, heading north west through the quiet back lanes and avoiding the coast. Its a really lovely part of the world. Very peaceful with hardly a car in sight. If only more of my LEJOG ride could be like this. 

85 miles in 4hours 45mins of riding (picture courtesy of Neil's top mapping software)

We were now rattling along at over 24 miles an hour, passing through little hamlets and villages that seemed to be from a bygone era. We could have been forgiven for thinking we were in pre-war England on a beautiful spring day. It's not Derbyshire but it is very pretty.

 As we crossed the bridge over the river Wyre at Great Eccleston we were rudely remind that we were in recession hit Britain. There was a toll on the bridge and cyclists had to pay 20p. I don't think I have ever known anywhere that charges cyclists to cross a bridge? Anyway after a bit of banter we handed over our coin to the totally humourless toll keeper and rode on. By now we could smell our destination.  The sewage works.......just kidding! We were four miles from Knott End on Sea and eighty plus miles into our ride. It had been a really hard day's ride. but I got a great feeling of satisfaction as we rolled down the front to meet my darling Wife, she with the cake and the biscuits. I shook Neil's hand. Yet again he had buried himself riding out front for most of the ride. He is an amazing rider and as generous and helpful a friend as  you could hope to meet. I am very grateful to him for dragging me kicking and screaming towards Lands End.

Rosemary met Fred Dibnah whilst waiting for us at Knott End

Fred has always been a hero of mine

STOP PRESS

Monty has just had an operation to remove some pins from his hind leg. He has been limping all week and we suspected that there was a problem with the leg he broke two years ago. The Surgeon warned us that he  might one day have to have them removed and the x-ray yesterday confirmed that. He has come through the op ok but was quite distressed last night and will have to be kept under strict lead control for 3-4 weeks. Just 3 x 5 min walks for 10 days then 3 x 10 min walks for a further 2-3 weeks. He is going to be climbing the walls very soon. How are we going to cope with a crazy young Bearded Collie that's not getting his exercise. I will keep you informed.

Why have you done this to me Dad?

* - Ellie Welly - our shortened name for the walk over Ellie Bank to White Lady.

** - Rosemary had meant to pay but had been so busy getting stuff ready had forgotten - honest

Training to 18th March - flat tyres and Harris tweed

Another week closer to my ride and the heat is on. Last week was quite tough. I got myself a new app for my phone that measures speed, average speed, distance, altitude etc as well as giving me my location and storing my routes and best times. I spent all week trying to beat my best time to and from work. Its quite addictive...and a bit frustrating when traffic lights are against you. We've got some major roadworks going on in New Mills at the moment and even though I do a bit of weaving through the queuing cars, it can slow you right down. My best time to work was 16.27mins for the 5.7miles and 19.03 home (its up hill all the way back). I'm going to try and beat that this week.

I arranged another long ride for Sunday with Neil Coverley. It was Mothers day and I'd invited our Parents round for dinner, so I had a time limit of 2.00pm to be home by or I would be toast.

We set off nice and early around 8.45am. The forecast was for sunshine all day so I put my cycling shades on. However there was no sign of the sun when we set off and the air was pretty chilly as we headed off towards Marple. As we climbed up Union Road, Neil said he had a good route planned, through Stockport and into Cheshire, then back through Manchester. I've not done any serious riding through town at all and Neil decided it was time for some traffic conditioning. So we headed towards Offerton and cut down Nangreave road to the A6. Then headed out through Davenport and Adswood, then Cheadle Hulme and out towards Manchester Airport via Wilmslow. Neil then asked if I knew the way round the back of the airport to the runway tunnels. I haven't been around the airport perimeter for years and only remembered that it was down through Styal and past the Ship Inn. Hmm the Ship Inn? Ooh that brings back memories......

Where most of my college days were spent

Ok! laugh away,  but perms were sort of cool back in the 80s - that's Simba btw

I will alway remember the Ship Inn at Styal. Years ago I was refused a drink there for being a 'motorcyclist' 'How damn insolent of me' I thought. I was there with a college buddy of mine. Andy Freedman and I were understandably, a tad dis-chuffed not to be served on the grounds of our particular choice of transport. Ok, so we were maybe a little scruffy with our long hair and ripped jeans look (it was the 80's and girls liked Bon Jovi back then) I used to think Andy was from quite a posh background. He lived in a big house in Bramhall and his Dad owned a mens tailors and outfitters in Stockport as well as being a Justice of the Peace.

Andy wasn't for letting this personal slight lie and came up with an idea. If we were smartly dressed, how could they refuse us? So we rode over to his Dads shop, where Andy duly disappeared into the back room. I couldn't believe it when he came out dressed in Harris Tweeds. He looked a complete plonker with his tweed jacket and trousers. I thought he was just having a laugh but no, he was up for riding back to the Ship Inn so attired. There was no way I was putting Harris Tweeds on full stop. So off we rode looking like a cross between the 'Hairy Bikers' and 'To the Manor Born'. Anyway to cut a long story short Andy got a few strange looks as he swaggered into the bar like some sort of Bohemian game keeper. Well low and behold he got served too.

Where was I? Oh yes the back of the Airport. We carried on past the Ship Inn towards what we thought was the route to Ashley via the Airport tunnel. However neither of us had realised that since 9/11 security at the airport has changed dramatically and the road came to a dead end with big signs saying 'No unauthorised access'. There were huge chain link fences everywhere with scary signs saying keep out. There seemed to be a stoney bridleway around the edge of the fencing. It didn't look too road bike friendly to me, but Neil decided it was fine. So we trundled off not knowing where it was taking us.

Rosemary says this is Neil and I

Just a short stretch along, we came across a pair of gentlemen walking the same way. As a cyclist you make a coughing noise or squeak your brakes to get someone's attention. I have tried a bell in the past but people get grumpy with you when you sound it for some reason (and they are very un-cool). Anyway these two were having none of it. Actually I just don't think they could hear us. They were quite elderly and reminded me of Stadler and Waldorf from the Muppets. One had a deer stalker hat and the other had Harris tweeds on (spooky). Neil shouted "excuse me" but on they carried, with not a care in the world. It was quite amusing really but we needed to get past. So Neil being Neil cycled right up behind and shouted "What Ho old chaps", "I say spiffing day an' all, but one really must be on our way". "Would you mind terribly popping to one side whilst we shimmy on through. Thanks awfully" They seemed to take it in the right spirit and I had to giggle, but I did wonder if they'd taken offence? So I thanked them for stepping aside as I rode by.

About half a mile further on I got a puncture. Typical! I knew the surface was bad. So what did Neil do? Take the mickey whilst I was hurriedly tried to change the inner tube and pump it up before Stadler and Waldorf found us. No luck, up they came and first thing they said was "serves you right for shouting at us" I thought hmmm how come it was me that got the puncture and not Neil then? as I pumped away. They saw the funny side of it however and we had a good chat. We asked if there was a way through to the airport tunnel and they told us to ride down a tarmaced section and over a large security fence. It looked a bit dodgy to me and I did wonder if they were getting their own back as we headed off through the barrier. I kept noticing signs saying  'restricted area' and that we would be set upon by huge attack dogs (ok I might have made that bit up ) but I did feel a bit uneasy.

Good practice

 HMMM!

"Private Authorised Vehicle Access only" That's us then

               

Ever since meeting Neil, Monty insists on wearing a red hat. I think he looks daft...Monty thinks so too.

Thankfully we eventually got to an imposing gate as the old chaps had described. We scaled it and came to the main road that goes under the two runways at Manchester Airport. There is a fantastic cycle tunnel under the runways designed to keep bikes and pedestrians away for the high speed traffic in the main tunnels. You can get some speed up as there is no wind. From there we turned left towards Ashley and on to Tatton park. We picked up some speed to make up for the tyre change delay as we veered right heading for the A56 near Mere. The A56 link between the M56 and M6 has to be one of the busiest roads in Europe. It is just crazy and took some courage to get across I can tell you. It was like a game of Frogger.

The Swan with two nicks at Little Bollington

The roads around Dunham Massey

Once across we rode down some lovely back lanes through Little Bollington and under the M56 to Lymm. At which point we met a chap who was cycling from Walkden to Knutsford back to Walkden.  I think he was called Stan but could have been Dennis or Frank.... anyway He showed us the back way through Dunham Massey and on to Partington and Carrington.

Stretford Mall - not Stretfords finest hour

We cycled past Manchester Utds training ground and some other mickey mouse local club that play in light blue. Then on into Urmston where we seemed to lose Bert or was it Fred. I think he got fed up trying to stay with Neil's pace...or was it being called the wrong name? Anyway, pedalling through Urmston, Neil had an idea of calling on his good friends Roberto and Rachael who live in Stretford. All I can say is what a delightful couple they are. It was a pleasure to meet them and be shown the beautiful Victorian house that they are busy renovating.

Didsbury - is quite posh

After the brief but pleasant stop we headed off through the hustle and bustle of Stretford, across the A56 and on towards Southern Cemetery and Didsbury. Riding in heavy traffic is a completely different experience to back lanes. You have to have your wits about you constantly. It's very easy to get caught by traffic turning left and held up in queues. To be honest, it was actually ok. I am used to riding motorbikes through traffic and have a reasonable sense of danger (hopefully) so I didn't feel intimidated at all. I think you have to be decisive when in traffic or you get swallowed up. Cars just don't realise how vulnerable cyclists are and how difficult it is to start and stop at lights or in queues.

We rode through Didsbury and on to Cheadle where we cut through the back streets to Adswood and then on to Davenport again. We then turned right and down Bramhall lane south, where we bore left  up Jacksons lane all the way to Hazel Grove. It was getting quite hard as we picked up the A6 heading for Disley. My legs were very tired by this point and its a real long slow slog up the A6. Neil had done most of the front riding all day so i took the front and buried myself until we got to Lyme Park where I was shot. Neil just sailed by. He's too fit for his own good that lad. I literally crawled up Church road through New Mills and with home in site I checked our mileage. We had done 64 mile in 4 hours25mins. I was really chuffed....but really tired.

That afternoon Mum, Dad an rosemary's Dad John enjoyed Mothers day with us and I had a quiet feeling of satisfaction that things are going to plan. My legs were very tired but had sixty odd miles in them. Another couple of hours riding a day and we would be up to the 80 or so miles needed for LEJOG.

Next week we plan to do an A to B ride of about 80-100 miles. Rosemary wants to drive the Camper and meet us on route again. Stay tuned for the next instalment.

Bike Thief

I am in the middle of writing my latest training blog and I know I should be concentrating on that but I couldn't resist posting this video. It is both amusing and alarming at the same time.

Celestial mechanics, a cake disaster and and a big thank you.

It's March 20th and its the Vernal Equinox. That means there are exactly twelve hours of daylight and twelve hours of night in both the northern and southern hemispheres and its all to do with the angle earth rotates at. I know this because Kate Humble was on the telly the other night with a really good programme about the Earths orbit.  We are at the mid point between winter and summer solstices. So its SPRING waaaaheeeey!

Apparently this happens in New York on the Equinox 

The guys at the bus stop near home got a great view of the sunrise this morning.  Honest!

I seem to have a spring in my step this morning, even after a long ride at the weekend (report to follow very shortly) and after I had a bit of a disaster this morning and I just had to laugh.

My Tiramasu cake last night

Last night I made a cake, as its my turn for Cake Tuesday. I spent ages (without any swearing) hopefully getting it just right. I then took a photo of it before putting it in the fridge with an upturned bowl on top to keep it from drying out. So you would think that when I came to remove it from the fridge I would be extra careful. Well the bowl started to slide off when i picked it up, so I tried to compensate by leaning the tray away from me but the cake slipped clean off. It was one of those slow motion moments ....noooooooooooooooooooooo as I dived to save it from landing on the floor. I don't know how I did it but I managed to catch it in my left hand before it hit the ground. Problem was it was upside down with all the topping oozing through my fingers. I won't repeat what I said but Monty was blushing. He'd come to see what all the fuss was about then saw the cake and thought "ooh cake" Again it was a nooooooooooooooooo moment as I was desperately trying to keep the dog from helping himself and also trying not to drop the cake from slipping out of my hands.

The...slightly wonky rescued version

A piece just prior to devouring

With all the commotion going on, Rosemary dashed in and removed the cake from my hand, whilst I picked myself up from the floor. We just burst out laughing. Unbelievably the cake was still intact but with half the topping either on the floor or on my hand. Luckily I had some ingredients left to make another topping. Phew! I was a bit late getting in to work but had a fully intact cake with me.

Cake! where? Gimme cake

Anyway what I actually started this post for was to say a big thank you to everyone that has donated to my JustGiving page recently. I have had some wonderfully generous donations and I am very grateful indeed. For some reason JustGiving don't always send me email addresses for me to personally thank people. So for all the people I have not thanked in the last week or so here goes.


Thank you very much indeed to Janet & Malcolm Fletcher. I was so chuffed when I saw who the donation was from. I was beaming from ear to ear according to Rosemary. Your donation really means a lot to me. My very best regards to you and your family. Hope you continue to like the blog Joseph.

From Anonymous - Wow! Thank you so much, that is very generous of you. I will think of your mantra if I am feeling low on the ride


Thank you Audio Technica in Leeds. Makers of fine microphones. Your donation was fantastic and much appreciated.


Tony Williamsom - The best window cleaner in the west. Thank you very much Tony and thank you for your kind words.


Ian & Doreen - My Mum's cousin - Thank you so much for your donation. It was very kind of you. All the very best to you.


Hopefully I have thanked everyone else personally. If not I am very sorry and please accept my apologies.

Who forgot the tea bags? Training update 12th March

The manflu took hold this week. Its been touch and go I can tell you. All I can say is that its a good job this debilitating virus is restricted to the male of the species. If you are a bloke reading this, I am sure you will understand and agree with me when I say its a good job it can't be caught by our women folk. Can you imagine the fuss and moaning that would ensue. Its bad enough when they get 'a little sniffle'. Lord only know what it would be like if they had to endure the horrors of manflu.

I'll have more than Manflu when Rosemary sees this blog so....

No Sympathy! What men have to put up with.

On my last training blog I received a message from 'DodgerGammon' or Roger Grieg, a friend of mine who has successfully completed LEJOG on his own without any support (hard as nails). He offered up some advice to me on my current training regime (as documented in the last blog) Basically to paraphrase  what he said was, "forget the hill work and get some miles in your legs". Neil Coverley had said the same thing the week before. So suitably chastened I decided Sunday was long ride day. The manflu had to take a back seat.

Rosemary really wanted to get some practice driving the campervan so we decided to meet up somewhere in Cheshire at about half way around my ride. It'd be like a dry run of a LEJOG day. So on Saturday we got some bacon, eggs and barm cakes and I baked my special Hairy Bikers Ginger sponge cake. I was looking forward to the half time break more than the cycling.

My ginger sponge cake

I asked Neil C if he fancied a ride out. Neil knows all the back lanes around Cheshire and needed to get out after a couple of weeks lay off from riding himself. We planned to set off at 11am and arranged to meet Rosemary at around 1pm wherever she could park near Redesmere on the A34 between Alderley Edge and Congleton. All was set.

Neil went off at a bonkers pace (well I thought so anyway) I was puffing and panting all the way to Woodford trying to stay on his wheel. For someone who hadn't ridden for two weeks, he seemed pretty on form to me. No Man Flu sympathy there then. I took over the front at Dean Row and the pace dropped as we headed out into Cheshire, through Wilmslow and out towards Tatton Park. The back lanes around Cheshire are quite wonderful. Its like stepping back in time on some of them. Thatched Cheshire brick cottages adorn the narrow country lanes. This is farm country, a mix of both dairy and arable land. Most people associate Cheshire as being 'flat as a pancake' and in general this is true. Most of Cheshire is made-up by the highly fertile flood plains of the Mersey and Dee rivers. However towards the east of the county near the borders of Derbyshire, it gets very hilly indeed.

 Tatton Park

More Tatton Park

Pretty soon Neil got fed up of the 'driving Miss Daisy' pace and took over again. We steamed along at around 22mph through Mobberley and out behind Manchester Airport towards Ashley. I was getting really tired hanging on but stuck with it. I think Neil was trying to get me used to the pace and get some fitness in my useless carcass. By the time we got to Tatton  I needed to slow it up so we coasted through the park. Tatton really is quite beautiful with its 2000 acres of rolling deer park and the famous Joseph Paxton gardens.

When we emerged at the other side of the park Neil picked the pace up again. We headed through Knutsford and out on the Holmes Chapel road (A50 I think) in the direction of Jodrell Bank radio telescope. Just as I was getting comfortable on Neil's back wheel, he shouted something. Now I am as deaf as a post at the best of times. Too much heavy metal when I was a teenager. That and the wind and traffic noise it sounded like "BrianBLLAHBBLAHBLLAThis Lorry quick" and with that he shot off towards a big horse box that had pulled out in front of us. I then understood what he was doing. If you can get in the draft of a big vehicle, like a horse box, it shields you from the wind and you can trap along at the same speed as the traffic without too much effort. Its a bit dodgy as you can't see where you are going and if the vehicle slams his anchors on you are going to get very intimate with its rear end (ooh err). Anyway what Neil had said was "come on Brian lets get behind this lorry quick' but it was too late I wasn't on the ball as he shot off and got in the draft. I chased and chased but the line of traffic along with Neil just disappeared up the road. I finally found him waiting at a junction about three miles further on. I'm not sure what he was thinking but something along the lines of 'useless' I reckon.

 The Iconic Cheshire landmark of Jodrell Bank

The Planetarium

At this point we were getting towards the agreed meet time with Rosemary and we still had a way to go so Neil stepped on it again. By now the iconic landmark of the Lovell radio telescope at Jodrell Bank bore into view.  That huge parabolic dish never ceases to amaze me. Jodrell Bank was the first to pick up the signals from Sputnik as it first orbited the Earth, even before the Russians and Americans. As kids we loved going to Jodrell Bank. They used to have a fantastic planetarium. I remember Janet didn't like it when it went dark so Dad had to explain that it was ok and she was quite safe. Then they turned the projectors on and it was just pure magic to me. You could see vividly the orbits of the planets in the night sky and the constellations of stars. I think that was where my love of the stars and planets first came from. The planetarium has since been knocked down as it had Asbestos in the building. What a shame.

Redesmere

Anyway where was I? Oh yes! the back lanes around Jodrell Bank are fast and flat and we were near to Redesmere where our rendezvous point with Rosemary was. I decided to call her to see if she was there. Three times I got no answer just the message service...Hmm I thought! We need to get this sorted for the LEJOG or we might have difficulty finding each other.... and probably have a big row. We got to Redesmere and there was no sign of Rosemary. I called and texted her, at which point Neil kindly suggested I was probably bugging her. He was probably right.......in fact he was definitely right. My calls had distracted Rosemary just as she was passing the turn for Redesmere and had kept going on the A34. Oops! Eventually we met up and Rosemary got the kettle on for a well deserved cup of Rosie Lee. Guess what we had forgotten (did you notice the diplomatic 'we' bit) yep TEA BAGS. Nooooooooo.

Now how lucky were we to have parked near a Yorkshire tea van?

"Good job it were Yorkshire tea" - said Neil

Neil had a plan. It involved being really cheeky....so it came naturally to him when he asked the guy in the butty wagon down the lane for some tea bags. He explained our predicament and the guy was happy to let us have some. In fact he gave us them for nothing. However Neil being Neil he asked him "how much for some hot water then?" the guy said he couldn't charge for just hot water. So Neil said "So how come you're charging a pound for a brew then?" Now if I had said that, it would not have been funny. In fact I would probably have ended up with a smack in the mouth.

Neil and Monty are close friends now

I tell you what after 40 odd miles of hard riding, it is a real luxury to sit in a camper van and have a brew and a piece of cake. Rosemary had brought Monty along for the ride to see how he coped. As usual he took it all in his stride. We have managed to fit his travel box in the back so he will be safe whilst driving. He seemed to take a shine to Neil too. Monty hasn't been neutered just yet so I'll leave that to your imagination. Neil didn't seem to mind either. 

I was really proud of Rosemary. She had been a little nervous about her first time out in the van alone. Its a big vehicle and takes a bit of getting used to but she seemed to be confident driving it. I really started to feel as though the LEJOG was coming together nicely as we set of towards Henbury down some beautiful back lanes past Henbury Hall (very posh) whilst Rosemary did a 3 point turn and headed home.

The Beast - or Beeston Brow

As we approached Bollington, Neil piped up with "do you know Beeston Brow?" I did! I used to work in Bollington. It's a busy little town nestled in the foothills of the Pennines near the border of Cheshire and Derbyshire. Its pretty hilly and Beeston Brow is a nasty piece of cobbled road that winds steeply up the back road towards Pott Shrigley and is locally known as 'The Beast'. "Your kidding" I sighed. "Come on you can put it in your blog that we conquered the Beast". I was too tired. Then I thought to myself come on Brian you've got to do this. I know I will have moments when I feel like quitting but quitting is not an option. So we climbed Beeston Brow and it certainly lived up to its name. We both managed it ok but I was shot. 

How cute is Sheba

Neil had arranged to meet his wife Naomi and friends in Lyme Park to walk their new puppy Sheba so we headed that way. It was a lovely afternoon and a walk in Lyme park seemed like a great idea.  I thought about calling Rosemary and asking her to meet us there but I was too tired I needed some food, a drink and to rest my legs. So after Neil found Naomi I set off for home through the park and into Disley, then New Mills and home. We had done 60 miles in 4 hours and I was quite pleased with myself. If I could keep that pace during my LEJOG I will be very happy. I just hope I can get a bit fitter and used to the mileage in time.

Bob's 3 Peaks Challenge

My good friend Bob Heaps called me up the other day and reduced me to tears. Why? Ok so I might be a big soft bloke, but the reason for my 'girls blouse' moment was that he had just offered to walk the fabled Yorkshire three peaks and would like the proceeds to go to Ataxia via my challenge. I was completely taken aback to be honest. Firstly, that he had been so generous and kind but also because I know the challenge he has undertaken is no easy feat. It really meant a lot to me.

Thanks to Jane Smith for this great logo

Bob and friends on our last mountain bike trip

When Bob saw the hill we had to climb the smile went south

Bob on a temperance rally.............gone wrong

Bob is an IT manager at HSBC and has arranged the challenge with work colleagues and hopes to set off in April.

The Three Peaks Challenge of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough is probably the original three peaks walk within the UK. The first recorded ascent of the three hills was in July 1887 by J.R. Wynne-Edwards and D.R. Smith in a time of 10 hours. The walk covers a distance of 37.5 km (23.3 mi) to 42 km (26.1 mi) (depending on route) circuit of all three peaks with nearly 1,600 m (5,249 ft) of ascent and descent. A challenge that many walkers aim for when undertaking the walk is to complete the walk in under 12 hours. 

 Pen-y-ghent

 Whernside with Ribblehead viaduct in the foreground

The summit of Ingleborough

I wish Bob and his colleagues well on their challenge. It will be tough going. I am very grateful for the tremendous offer to donate any proceeds to Ataxia. If you know Bob and would like to donate to my challenge please click on the the following link that will take you to my JustGiving page . Bob Heaps donation to my charity

If you would like to learn more about my Lands End to John O'Groats challenge and Ataxia, please take a few minutes to read my blog. From the home page you will see specific pages on why I am supporting Ataxia UKs fight against this terrible disorder. You may also wish to visit the Ataxia UK official website

I've set up a permanent page at the top of my site and a picture link on the side bar so that you can easily find this page at any time.

Training Update to 4th March

The 8th of May is drawing ever nearer, the spring equinox is just around the corner and I am only too aware that I need to get fitter, shed a bit of weight and get some miles in my legs.

I have been riding to work now for two years and to be honest it is not really testing me anymore. It's about 6.5 miles by road and I can usually do it in under 20 minutes if I go the flat route. So this week I decided I was going to 'get on it' and go the toughest route I could think of to get to work within 45 mins.

Sitch Lane over Lantern Pike takes me past this row of houses

My route now takes me over three of the steepest climbs I know within the area. Setting off I nip down the back road out of Hayfield and up over Lantern Pike via Sitch lane. Its a really nasty climb first thing in the morning when my legs are still cold. It gets my heart pounding immediately and I have to get out of the saddle and drive hard up past a row of terraced houses that over look the village. There is a brief respite before the road rears up again and does not give up until the road crests the top overlooking Birch Vale with New Mills in the distance. There is a great view looking back over Kinder Scout if you have time to stop. I'm usually trying to compose myself for the big drop down into Thornsett so I don't usually get to see it. As I hurtle down the steep section I have to be careful for tractors and the odd car taking a short cut. The road is narrow and there is always cow muck and gravel everywhere. I had a tyre blow out on me once coming down this section. Luckily I managed to keep the bike upright, otherwise I would have been toast. Its pretty steep and fast.

Sunrise at the top of Sitch Lane

Once I get to the bottom I immediately turn off right at Thornsett Primary school and head towards Briargrove road. Nick Craig describes Briagrove as a "really horrible hill". As I have written on numerous occasions Nick is one of the finest mountain bikers we have ever had in this country. If Nick says a hill is horrible then that is code for a lung busting, sick inducing climb...and yep that is what it is. I have to get in a very low gear and just grovel my way up. Half way up when I think I am doing ok it just rears up to about 1 in 3 and keeps going for about half mile until you hit the Mellor road. I have to stand on my pedals all the way. There is just no way I can pedal sat in the saddle. Its just too steep. I have standard road gearing apparently (keen road cyclists will probably tut at my lack of knowledge) but I have no idea what the ratios are. All I know is that the big gear is like a dinner plate and that I sometimes wish I could have my mountain bike gears. Once I hit Mellor road I have a chance to get my breath back as I head down the long steady downhill road into Mellor and onto Marple Bridge. It can be quite fast and tricky, especially at the moment with road repairs exposing rough tarmac strips all the way down. I have to say they are long overdue. Some of the roads in this part of the world are a disgrace. They are bad enough in a car but are just treacherous on a bike. We're just over the county line into Cheshire at this point and the road surfaces are noticeably worse. I would love to get a councillor to cycle these roads. They would (I hope) be ashamed. We live in the fifth largest economy on the planet. Our GDP is measured in trillions. You wouldn't think it cycling along Mellor road.

Mellor Road - honest

Where were we? Oh yes, sorry for the rant, we were just coming into Marple Bridge. I like Marple Bridge. The river Goyt runs through a deep ravine to the left of the road. On the right hand side is a nicely kept row of shops and pubs. The road suffered a major landslide a number of years back and some serious civil engineering was needed to bolster the river bank. The road was officially re-opened by the Queen after quite a bit of money was spent and it shows. The only problem is that I have to turn left onto Brabyns brow which is the last of my climbs. Its another lung buster. I remember as a kid being daunted by Brabyns brow, having to get off my bike and push it all the way up. I now treat it as a challenge as it's the last hill on the ride to work so I try to 'monster' it. I get out of the saddle and just go for it. By about half way (at the curry house on the left) my legs are screaming for me to sit down, but I keep going, gritting my teeth and pushing hard. By the time I get to my turn off at Arkwright road I'm pretty much shot but I am at the top and have a couple of miles along Strines road to recover.

Brabyns Brow as it was before the motor car

Brabyns brow today - just as steep

For a couple of weekends now I have managed to get out for a reasonable ride. Last weekend Neil Coverley and I rode over to Buxton via Whaley Bridge and Long Hill which as the name suggests is a long hill indeed. It's about five miles of steady climb and is a really good challenge if you set yourself a good pace. It was included in the national hill climb championships in 2011. Once at the top we headed down into Buxton and cut through the back roads and headed out on the country lanes behind Dove Holes. We then cut across the A6 and headed the back route into Chapel en Le Frith and then over Peep o Day an back into Hayfield. I reckon it was a good 25 miles and pretty hilly so a good work out too. I felt really good as we got back home.

 Near the top of Long Hill

They call it Long Hill for a reason - but don't win any prizes for originality though

I decided to do the same run this weekend. Neil had entered a bike race (Sunday) and wanted to rest his legs. So I set off on my own. I have to say I found it quite hard this time round. I don't know why? I felt great last week but this time my legs were heavy all the way up Long Hill. It was a real struggle to the top. I felt quite deflated with my lack of energy. To make things worse I had stopped for a quick drink of water and a banana on the top of the hill, when I noticed I had a puncture on my front wheel. I had a spare tube and a pump and thought about changing it. Unfortunately I'd forgotten my tyre levers and it was a pig to get the tyres off the rims. I couldn't budge them so I wondered if it was a slow puncture and had a go at pumping the tyre back up. It seemed to hold the air ok so I turned round and headed home the way I came. I took care not to stress the tyre leaning over on corners and just went steady. The tyre slowly went down and had to pump it up three or four times as I limped home. As I rode I realised how stupid forgetting a simple bit of kit was and how important getting things right will be for my challenge. Punctures happen!

 Brooding skies over the shrine at the top of Long Hill - with the road snaking away in the distance

So why did I get a puncture just here?

I got a call early Sunday morning from Steve Williams, my mate from across the road. "You getting out for a Mountainbike ride in a few minutes man?" "err yes I suppose so" I said after checking with 'the boss'.

Twenty Trees

We headed off up past Twenty Trees, a local landmark (of which there are only 19) and into the snow that was steadily falling on the hills. So much for spring being on its way it was freezing. I don't get to ride much with Steve at the moment as he and Helen have recently had a baby boy (Alexander) That coupled with their twins Tim and Ben has understandably meant mountainbiking taking a back seat. So it was great to get out with him. It was a really good little blast out for an hour.

Stop press (Monday) - I have a cold (almost ManFlu). I think that is why I felt so sluggish on Saturday. Sore throat and all bunged up. Typical! Lets hope it clears up quick.