This is the access page for an archive of forum entries. The forum iteslf is no longer available for new content. New social based chat is available on the club Facebook group.
Saturday is Day 5 of what has been a wonderful trip so far, spurred on by a great group of fellow-cyclists and kind weather. Day 1 was Land's End to Liskeard, and coming out of Cornwall on Day 2 we climbed up onto Dartmoor in the face of a very stiff head wind. the weather was very sunny, but the wind was tough in the more exposed locations. We climbed about 6500ft over 64 miles the odd 20 percent gradient. The scenery was stupendous, gorse and heather in full bloom, and the charming Dartmoor ponies and their foals.
I have summarised Saturday's itinerary below as we travel from Shrewsbury to Preston - through my home patch.
Start Shrewsbury - A528 then B5475 to Wem. Then B5476 to Whitchurch. From Whitchurch following A49 and water stop at Cholmondley Castle Gardens (Mile 27) just before Bickley Moss in layby. A49 North through Warrington past Haydock Park (Mile 62) and lunch. Following B5238 at Marus Bridge roundabout to Poolstock and rejoining A49. Water stop after Charnock Richard village (Mile 78). Join A6 and follow through Preston and continue on A6 to hotel (Mile 86).
Day 6 Preston to Carlisle was brilliant. We cycled through Lancashire and up and down Shap in the Lake District. Lancaster, Kendal , Penrith and then Carlisle. I think the whole group is getting fitter as the much vaunted "lorry breaking" hills of Shap were not really too hard.
Day 7 Carlisle to Kilmarnock was tough day at 96 miles and the first rain of the trip, of course when we arrived in Scotland! Feeling good! some lovely scenery to look at, however the A74 is an "bottie breaker!"
Day 8 Kilmarnock to Inveraray was a relatively easy day at 80 miles. The weather was fantastic and we stopped at a lovely Art Deco coffee house in Largs. Refuelled we cycled to the ferry across the Fyth of Clyde and the on to a nice lunch in the botanic gardens. After lunch we agreed we enjoy the lovely scenery along Loch Fine and have a gentle peddle home. This lasted about 5 minutes and the all hell broke loose for 20 miles! We were really steaming along. Then a toddle along to the hotel by the waterside and the weather is just too good really.
Great start Frank and the weather looks like being favourable for the next few days. Enjoy.
Well done Frank. Looking forward to your next report.
I can't quite believe its all over, that I managed to come through it in one piece and am able to sit down comfortably after 12 days in the saddle. (Chamois crème and Sudacrem are the elixirs of life).
It was strange to be cycling with 19 other strangers who over the course of the ride became good friends.
A good team spirit had emerged and the was a group of lad from Farnaham about my age and ability and we shared the load. We were piped in to John O Groats, in the sunshine - unforgettable
I fell off once (standing still) fell over once not on the bike, had no punctures and made it up all the hills including Shap and Heartbreak Hill. The weather was amazingly good- just an hour of rain.
I am also in sight of my £5,500 target. the story as to why I punished myself in this way is all at www.justgiving.com/Frank-White1. I have put all the pictures here as I cannot load them on the club site
A heartfelt thank you to those that have sponsored me. I intend to shut down the web site by mid October for those that have not got round to it yet, I understand we all lead such busy lives and thank you in anticipation.
I am deeply indebted to the club for all the encouragement advice and support I have had. I surprised myself really at how well the ride went[]. I wore the club shirt at Lands end and at the finish!
I'll see you soon
Best wishes
Frank
4 Attachments
Preview attachment LEJOG 1.jpg
LEJOG 1.jpg
Preview attachment IMG_7364.JPG
IMG_7364.JPG
Preview attachment IMG_7371.JPG
IMG_7371.JPG
Well done Frank.
Well done. 😀
Well The final numbers are in - The Lejog cycle ride raise £6506.71 for AlderHey. Thank you all for your kindness. Nina and I will go and give them the cheque in December
🙂
Frannk
