Lands End to John O Groats

Rory:

2007-09-30T10:15:00.000Z

Rory,
I saw tht you left a comment on my blog, but no mail to reply to.
We had cycled a long way before May, some 2000 miles - a mixture of here, Spain and some weekly sportives. We had only one 100+ ride before the event.
We had a mixture of bikes, with a triple being the front set of choice, though I never struggled too bad on a 50-36 compact.
If you send an e-mail to delomac@aol.com, I will send you route details, stopovers etc. I advise you have company at least, if not a support - thsi helped masively.
Brendan

The next challenge:

2007-06-24T18:32:00.000Z

Not wishing to waste the training from the Lands End ride, Flame and Julian - together with Hywel the Welshman - are entered into two of the open sections of this year's Tour de France.
With the star this year in London, there is an organised run of one of the sections in Kent - the UK Etape. From Greenwich through to Canterbury, 6000+ riders will take part in this celebartion 120 mile event.
We are starting at 6.30 next Sunday 1st July morning, and hope to take under 9 hours to complete this section. This is the prelude!
On July 16th, we join 8497 other riders in the Pyrennean section from Foix to Loudenvielle. Billed as the toughest stage of this year's Tour, the professionals will benefit from a rest day following 6 hours and 196km of up and down 5 major Cols. Two category 2 climbs, 2 category one and one 'hors categoire clims with well over 4100 metres of ascent. The longest at 19.2 km averaging 6.2%, but as steep as 11.1%. These figures may not seem to bad, but after 2 hours of relentless uphill, the slightest incline is leg burning.
We have to do the ride within 12 hours, less the delay in starting at 7547 in such a large field (starts are in pens of 1000!).
I went with Hywel last week to recce the route - it is as hard as I thought and then some. We did the ride over 2 hard days, and think it is do-able - but the threat of a timed sweep wagon picking you up at a late stage in the ride will be in our minds the full way.
More to come - here's a photo of Brendan, Hywel and a frienly Pyrennean on the op of the Peyresourde.
Help!!!!!!!!

Terrible price:

2007-05-27T11:44:00.000Z

With a week now passed since the end of the ride, we have to report the sad news of Dr Oakley having to be sanctioned under section 8 of the Congenitally Ugly (follically challenged) Amendment Statute of 1864.

Despite lashings of the panaceaic Lincolnshire cure, millionaire shortbread, the prognosis is poor. Failure of the rectal mucostic membrane has led to an abnormally high level of 'troll corpuscles' - discovered by the well known Somalian geneticist Legs Akimbo as the carrier of the pig ugly chromosome (PUC).

Speaking from the Stoke Hammond Centre for the Clinically Gurned, the respected Doctor Nigel 'Quackers' Brookes issued a short statement:-

'Despite extensive shock therapy throughout the last week, Dr Oakley shows little sign of remission, although his 'syrup' is sitting up in bed and has requested a bowl of milk. At 11.47 last night, the frontal lobotomy procedure had to be abandoned after failure to discover sufficient cerebral tissue to operate on. Medical records indicate that previous Bass and Pizza based treatment, though initially successful, has resulted in a hybrid highly resistant strain of the PUC. Early - overlooked - signs of this development are typically morbid fascination with road based traffic markings and a distinct inability to discern humorous stories from the downright tumbleweed. It is expected that Dr Oakley will be able to attend his Daughter's wedding, but inadvisable to allow delivery of his 48 minute father's speech on the fascinations of the development of rumble strips in built-up areas'

So you see, we have paid a terrible price for the pursuit of personal challenge.

Please give what you can to make Oakley's remaining stay at Stoke Hammond more comfortable - be it cash or a new pair of teeth.

There!!

2007-05-19T17:24:00.000Z

We were away early, leaving he Hotel for a short 20 mile ride to where we stopped last

night and off at 7.00ish.

With none other than the final goal in mind, all eager to reach the end.

A testing day's ride with two 760 foot climbs from sea level within 6 miles of each other, and a number of smaller climbs peppering the route.

A slow cold start, but turning to the East, the winds were behind us and helped considerably - at one stage allowing 30 mph cruises on the flat.

The weather was dry, and a quick 40 mile romp brought us to our breakfast stop - just in time joined by President and Mrs Frampton, still tasting the breakfast kedgeree from their late start.

Up and down along the coastline, Wick the next stop. Flame's cycle fell victim to a worn spindle crank, and for once Brownie could not address the problem. With the spare steed unleashed, the final 17 miles were eaten greedily.

On the outskirts, euphoric photo opportunity and then down into the finish line - 925 miles.

We were then in a queue to have our photos taken at the traditional signpost - behind three other teams. Brownie took little diplomacy in announcing 'We did it in less miles and less time.' - tiredness excusing the bluntness.

A few beers and back to Inverness for a night of celebration.

Was it good - definitely! Was it a task we would repeat? Ask us after the saddle sores recede.

A great thanks to all the support team- Kav, Bullers, Rob Moulam and Margaret Oakley, Nick and Rebeccah Kier, Alan Breteherton, Dave Parratt, Jon Lord and Brookesey, Michael and Sandra Frampton - and of course Owen Smith whose smiling mayhem fuelled visits in the evening were always welcome.

Thanks also to our sponsors, NMT crane hire, Solent Insulation and Rockwool, and the many people who have sponsored us on the website.

A final thanks to our partners for putting up with us and our mad plans - watch this space for the next event!

Keep a watch on the website for updates on BNUT and Flame's attack on the Pyrenees challenge in the Etape section of the Tour de France in July this year.

Thanks for joining the blog!!

Nearly there!

2007-05-18T22:42:00.000Z

The heavens opened again as we set off this morning!!

Full Scottish Breakfast fuelled athletes set off in the 25 mph winds and torrential rain, the comforts of Ballacheulish echoing distantly in the Glens behind. Ahead, names scarce uttered beyond Renton Laidlaw's second reading of the classified football results - Scottish Isthmian league. Fort William, Drumnadrochit, Tain, Moray - onward and upwards to the shipping forecast.

Heads down and all thoughts of concerted efforts evaporated as the fallout left cyclists strewn from coast to coast!!

Oakley's empty promises of a distant cousin's 'Millionaire Shortcake' shortchanged as a financial offer of gain from Prince Abadawabeli from Central Swatszululand.

A choice! Esay urban cruising or adrenaline fuelled charge up 960 feet of ascent. Bravado won, as did pained lungs, but all 6 made the top for a deserved 35+ mph descent toward the north of Inverness.

John O'Groats pheromones filled gaping nostrils - none more gaping than BNUT and Oakley's - the pull drifting a 16.2 average over 120.5 miles - the last 18 testosterone enhanced after reaching the Hotel early.

Tomorrow the final assault. Warriors at last supper eager as Alexander's own army at the gates of Asia. We will conquer!!

Homesick Howie is no chicken

2007-05-18T08:44:00.000Z

From my position at the rear of the pack, I often dream about being back home with the Moreteyne herd or cuddling up to my favourite Alpaca. Bex was jealous at first, but now three in a bed is second nature to this big, jolly farmer’s wife. I can almost picture her now, out in the fields, a calf under one arm and a bale of hay under the other. Oh how I miss her! Sometimes in the dark, windswept Scottish evenings as we sit round the camp fire quaffing McEwan’s Heavy and my own favourite tipple, chilled paraffino, I like to entertain the others with tales of animal husbandry and genetic modification. Down in the barn I’m working on reviving a long-extinct strain of chicken, the Buff Medway. Don’t confuse these with your bog-standard Buff Orpington- these are drop-dead gorgeous (and a bloody good lay, as we egg producers say). To bring these beauties back, all you need is a jam-jar full of hen semen and a pair of rubber gloves. If you try this at home, be sure to wash your hands afterwards. Well, that’s enough about farming. Time to jump in the shower for a turnip body-scrub, followed by a beeswax and lard facial. I noticed that the cows were lying down in the fields this evening which means that tomorrow should be another wet day. Either that or they’ve inhaled some of the noxious bodily gases you’ve read about earlier.

Howie

Thursday's update

2007-05-17T22:59:00.000Z

Another hard day in the saddle - well over 3 quarters of the way, with 730 miles to date.
Up from Kilmarnock to just below Fort William - 110 miles with over 4200 feet of climbing - most with rain and the last 30 miles against a strong westerly wind.
I note that some of the comments are chasing information and defamatory material on each team member.
Oakley upped his ante-post odds with tales of a sore knee - belied by his regular stretching of the peleton, though dwaining towards the end of the longer days. He confronted his vertigo demons today, crossing the 400 foot high Erskine Bridge at Glasgow - pre-empted by a cry of puncture resonating across the bridge as he cycled over a few specks of grit. He later daggered his inner tube to give credibility to his claim!!
Lous has been steadily getting fitter, and has been on slimming pills to reduce his overall cycle payload. Though the slimming has improved his drag coefficient, the wind erosion to speed has been constantly maintained with excessive methane production. He has struggled to adapt to outdoor toilet stops, and is regularly seen in contortive positions trying hard not to empty his bladder inside his lycra shorts whilst maintaining a modicum of decency!!
The Howester has exhibited an encyclopedic knowledge of the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein. His latest lyrical mantra - 'A man without a woman is like a ship without a sail. Like a boat without a rudder, like a fish without a tail. But if there's one thing worse in this Universe - it's a woman without a man!!' He too has pushed the carbon footprint assessment to the limit with gaseous exhaust. He has lost copious amounts of weight, and his legs are now as thin as a former Spice girl's - perhaps Bedfordshire's answer to Posh and Bex?
Brownie has morphed into a creature more machine than human - his Garmin, trip computer and laptop are rarely away from his 3 foot electrical umbilical cord. His directions were sorely questioned today as we entered the Glaswegian suburb of Moscow!! His legs are equally pipe cleaner like, and in cycle trousers look like a charcoaled pair of frog's limbs.
Julian has cleared all before him - equally behind him as he mimics the carrion infested fumes of a hyena's stomach. Achilles tendon problems have passed into annoyance, his aerodynamic profile cutting through any facing wind gusts. He has become team photographer, though the camera phone took a slight knock falling out of his hands over the rough pot holed approach to Windermere. He bravely pinched all the bacon from the Howester's roll today - but managed to resist eating the pork for fear of a swift retribution. His ingestion has included today, muesli, BLT sandwich, bacon roll, lentil soup, jam and cream scone, fruit cake, 2 doughnuts, numerous elevenses nutrigrain bars, mackerel, venison, mixed vegetables and a pear crumble. Can you explain his colonic gas problems?
Flame McNulty? The best rider by some considerable margin - with all othe riders beggingfor help in technique and autographed shirts. Apart from his bungee jump into the Bridgewater Canal, there has been little to report - barring regular bad jokes, singing and talking more excrement than the cesspit can contain.
Bikes - many punctures, quite often typified by a further deflation within 3 miles of repair. 400 pounds of spares being fitted fast!!
2 days to go - keep in touch!!

The photos that were missing:

2007-05-17T22:44:00.002Z

Here are the photos that were not published last night!

Back on line:

2007-05-16T18:31:00.000Z

Well today had a very poor turn of the weather. Less hospitable than an early day motion promoting democratic reform in a Central African Parliament!
Yesterday by contrast was glorious weather with terrific views through the Lake District - Windermere was half way at 480 miles, and it seemed all downhill from there - how wrong we were!!
We left Penrith this morning, and the weather was overcast. Within an hour, it was pouring down. We crossed into Scotland at Gretna, in dreadful conditions but good spirits.
Bodies are hurting - Jules' Achilles is hurting, Brownie is struggling with the cold and Oakley's knee is aching.
We are kept going by the texts and comments - so please keep these up. They say a picture speaks a thousand words - here are the Adonis, old man, halfway team picture and eating stop.
Bren and the the team.

Progress:

2007-05-14T18:24:00.000Z

Wet wet wet yesterday - very hard conditions.
Avonmouth and Severn (old) bridges almost lost in the mist.
Travelling over the Severn bridge was a highlight - you really appreciate the view, drop and engineering!!
Hit Monmouth at 4.00 with spirits low - 50 miles left at 4.30. 8.10 end to the day - almost 13 hours out!!
Saw Joddrell Bank today from a better pespective, having spent the day riding in far better though windy conditions.
Kiers indispensable today - spending over 400.00 on the parts needed to repair over 10 punctures, wheel problems and general muck in the gears causing jumping and missing.
Now got Dave Parratt, Nigel Brookes and Jon Lord helping Alan Bretherton - there were some intersting driving manouevres worthy of Dennis Waterman in the Sweeney!!
Owen Smith has also joined us for a few hours to celebrate over 97 miles in a brisk headwind at over 15 average.
Going well - keep the comments and messages coming!!
Bren and the team

2007-05-13T14:58:00.000Z

Great progress, despite adverse weather. Hope flame was not extinguished by the roadside dip! Hope progress was equally good today and rain holds off. Squawk

Update:

2007-05-12T18:49:00.000Z

No connection last night, but plenty to report.
Moulam was last seen with the Hotel Receptionist, discussing pastie recipes.
Bullers did not see a sign 12 foot high and reversed into it.
McNulty slipped on a bridge and fell into a weir - the bikes OK though.
Fuller reports to follow, and we will keep you updated with latest photos as we progress.
Two hard days work - 181 miles and lots of rain, though the wind has mostly been behind us.
Most of the wind has come from Howester and Syrup following a diet of tuna sandwiches, pasties and T bones.
Bullers, Kav, Margaret and Moulam have done a great job in support, and our thanks to NMT crane hire for the use of the van - indispensable!
Still, enough kindness.
Kav was weighed in as the heaviest - explained later by his constant comfort eating of Snickers bars. He is like a bulimic, only without the vomiting.
Bullers had a millinery incident - his suit carrier suffering a fall from the makeshift rail he has created in the van. He also tried to cut up all the cyclists, whilst simultaneously blaming the 'ginge winge'.
Oakley has kept us all comatose with tales of white line painting - really something to be missed!
Pags has developed the pervert look, complete with mysterious glasses and a rather revealing tight pair of cycle shorts.
Brownie has a gimp like Greco-Roman wrestling outfit, and we have been offered money on several occasions by farmers' cousins in the middle of Somerset.
Lous(e) has struggled along with the Howester to change gears, and the click of derailleur has been replaced by a mallet like thumping as encouragement to change gear.
Flame did a stunt fall on a bridge - sliding Starsky-like through the safety barrier into a weir!
Margaret has been the calming mother figure.
More to report later!!
Bren

2007-05-11T11:49:00.000Z

Good luck for the next few stages. Hope wind stays with you as you head out from Lands End. See you, hopefully, all fit and well later on Monday. Cheers. Squawk.

On the way:

2007-05-10T22:07:00.000Z

Writing this from a hotel room in Taunton - 1 sleep to go.

Went out for some pasta and trifle, now turning in for an early start in the morning.

First puncture - in the garage a home, but we've changed the tube and are ready to go.

Terrible rain on the way down, but forecast a little brighter though with strong winds in the morning.

No pulling out now...............

Raring to go!!

2007-05-09T14:45:00.000Z

One sleep to go - plus a night of tossing and turning in the Taunton Travelodge!

We set off Thursday afternoon for an overnight stay in Taunton, so we can get down to Lands End early on the Friday for an 'easy' 60 mile day.
The forecast is poor weather, but the wind will be behind us for the first few days at least, and we have the possibility of a dry start to the ride.
From day 2, the mileage ramps up to average 110+ each day, and the saddle pains join the rest of our aching bodies for at least 8 hours cycling each day - possibly as much as 10 on some of the hillier sections.
First to declare bodily injury has been Oakley, our team hypochondriac and wig wearer. Syrup has complained of acute capsular atrophy - translated as a sore knee. His self treatment involved alcohol abuse and a sleep in front of the Arsenal v Chelsea game, which has prompted a Lazarus like recovery.
Second to the Altar of NHS Direct has been Brownie, sporting a Celebrity style damaged metatarsal. Unlike Beckham and Rooney, his injury occurred whilst ironing in some of his wife's clothes - well her Scholl sandals at least. His recovery is paramount as he is the only one to understand the route planned down to 1,897 way points.
From the photo of readiness above, you will see that we need all the help we can get - good blogging!

Carbon neutral:

2007-05-07T19:15:00.000Z

I have been contacted at the last minute by the office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Following high carbon emission levels recorded yesterday in the Marston Vale area, the Lejog ride is required to submit carbon neutrality assessments to be able to proceed.

From each rider, I need a substantiated breakdown of an(nu)al emissions - intake volume-averaged over the last 40 rides.

I have established that to meet the requirements of the Montreal Protocol, we need to eliminate CFC, HCFC and Carbon based Oxide production by a factor of 89%. This will bring us - along with other transport based set offs - to within the 12 tonne gas limit imposed on the Lejog event.

There will be a Euro 6.12 per gm/m2 surcharge for belches or sphinctral emissions beyond the Government advised 1.33 tonne daily average allowance - this will be monitored by sophisticated Garmin based snooper software.

We all need to wear Odor Eaters and carbon based pant inserts. Food will be administered by saline drip to avoid excessive gas build-up from decaying pulse based diet, and there will be a blanket ban on garlic, coriander and bay leaves. We will also need to flare off the excess gas build-up as demonstrated by the Deputy PM's representative above.

I look froward to receipt of the relevant data.

Paddock Mates for the Alpaca's?

2007-05-07T07:11:00.000Z

Are they waiting for words of wisdom? No, intuitively they knew that our leader was a likely source of carrots, even before he had removed his helmet. Needing the carrots himself, he couldn't kerb his generosity and much to BNUT's disgust, fed them all of our reserves of bananas!

Our last training run yesterday with only 4 sleeps to go, except for the odd snore on the settee. A big thank you to Mark and Bex for an excellent lunch and Sue for the puddings. Two more meals like that and I will need Mark's XXXL cycle top.

After 6 weeks the wind has at last changed (and not because of yesterdays chilli con carne) but thankfully the north easterly's have now moved to south westerly's giving the prospect of 15 - 20 mph winds helping us through the climbs of Cornwall and Devon next Friday & Saturday.

Click here for an Alpaca update:

http://www.wellground.com/Alpacas/index1.htm

Dad

Training on the way:

2007-05-04T06:55:00.000Z

Went over with BNUT and the Welshman to talk with Bob from the St Neots Rotary about his Etape ride in 2001 - we are riding this year's event in July.

Tough doesn't come near enough in description, and the near third proportion of drop-outs in many of the years' rides bears testament to how hard a physical challenge this is going to be.

We all feel that the 960 mile LeJog ride is going to get us to a good standard of mile and climb fitness, but are going to need some hard work to maintain this through a further 8 weeks of preparation - what have we done?

On a lighter note - 7 sleeps to go!!

The van is ready - see photo - and raring to be driven by a most careless bunch of drivers - a cacophony of points declared when licences asked for. We had better buy some Road Angel detectors for the van to avoid certain impoundment after a 114 mile dash through the narrow routes of Cornwall and Devon.

I am sending out invites to all helpers so they can blog too.

Flame

2007-05-02T15:14:00.000Z

The balaclavas have been outed!!

9 Sleeps to go:

2007-05-02T07:30:00.000Z

I've had a word with Syrup as he has experience in these sort of things in the Dragon Boat racing.
All bikes are to be 'scrutineered' by an expert panel of lightweight rulesworths, following a tip off from the International Federation of Performance Enhancing Prevention (IFPEP), through their Chatroom listening division.
Performance enhancing foods containing excessive fats - saturated or unsaturated, Apple based alcoholic drinks are banned.

Equally, the use of tandems heard mooted by Lous is disallowed.

The balaclava wearing pair shown in this photo were spotted in the vicinity of Husborne Crawley - investigation is being undertaken.............

Old duffer!

2007-04-30T14:14:00.000Z

Morning has broken, and little real pain in the legs - a phenomenon shared by BNUT and the Howester. We'll have to save the feeling, as I suspect the pain may kick in a few days into the ride.
I have a tale of an Old Duffer to relate - not about Oakley or Brownie for a change.
As I mentioned in a previous blogette, the Howester paid sorely for his pint of Strongbow at the lunch stop yesterday, and was struggling with tired legs towards the end. We plied him with nuts, raisins, Mars bars, Nutrigrain energy bars - all to little avail.
Cue embarrassment as an invigorator.
Having turned after seeing off Lous, we were idling back up towards Cranfield. We were then passed by an Octogenarian on a Raleigh - complete with Tweeds and bike clips! Muffled disbelief from the Howester - mirth from the Flame as the Mustachioed knight of the velocipede pulled away.
Predictably, the Howester summoned one last effort and saw off the Ventolin inhaling First World War veteran - his ejaculation of a triumphant yell echoing throughout the Marston Vale!

I have posted this photo of the cyclist - Malcolm Simmonds - who has himself posted the story on his blog site www.istuffedthehowester.com/ridelikeagirl - please feel free to visit and post comments of derision.

Flame

Sore seats:

2007-04-29T19:48:00.000Z

Quite a day today - 5 of the team set off for the longest ride to date - with a few detours at the end I managed 100.2. We concentrated on not riding too fast and keeping together rather than off in twos - I think it worked rather well.

Couple of highlights - the Howester opting for a Strongbow at lunch time which came back to haunt him by Sharnbrook! Sharpenhoe Clappers - another first and quite a steep section after the Bow Brickhill edifice.

You will see also that the training included a section to prepare us for the short ferry ride - the bikes and rest of the team are being towed behind the pedalo.

One nasty pair of yobs had a good time coming through Cranfield, pelting passers by with salad tomatoes from their speeding car, and hitting Jules at nearly 50 mph with a tomato bomb on the hill out of Cranfield. May their car be repossessed and carry several dozen speeding fines.

12 sleeps to go!!

Rob's poncy photos:

2007-04-24T19:48:00.000Z

Got a list of photos through today, but some seem a little artistic to me.

I suspect he may have taken this one while carrying out an evacuation - I can't see any birds or other wildlife moving and suspect he gassed them all.

Bren

18 Sleeps to go:

2007-04-23T07:19:00.000Z

Did a mad ride around mid and North Bedfordshire with Oakers on Saturday - taking in the southern tip of Cambridegshire.

Good pace needed a few running repairs to the jacksie. Stopping off at SuperDrug in St Neots, my request was met with the question 'did I want it for my lips?'. Intimating the problem was saddle related, I was offered the larger economy size.

Called in at Brownies' shop to refill with water, still averaging 17.6!

Pub lunch at Northill produced the first pangs of cramp - I'm going to have to watch this for the first mile or so after lunch on the LeJog ride.

Finished up with 75+ at 17.4 average - Oakley reckoned he improved this to 17.8 on the way back to Bedford - but on my reckoning that would require him to have travelled the 7 miles home at 30mph average. I am suspicious of his computer's accuracy.

The photo is of one of the curious animals we came across at the furthest extent of Saturday's ride. Oakley had a chat with it about hair colouring.

Bren

Bad head day!!

2007-04-22T12:50:00.000Z

Slightly the worse for wear as the training took a bit of a backward step - I really am weak when confronted with a Sauvignon Blanc. My old mucker Flame seemed to lose a few wheels off his wagon as well - he was last seen asleep in a taxi in Lower Shelton, with the taxi driver rifling his pockets to call 'Home' off his mobile to see where to dump him!!

BNUT sent me a few photos - I don't want to go anywhere near those blimmin hills if we can help it. May have to have a word with Brownie to see if there is a ferry from Boscastle to Inverary - I can still turn the pedals whilst tucking into a Fisherman's pie.

Ermintrude, my 'favourite' cow, knows I am off for a week - she's barely talking to me and runs away when I put on the long plastic gloves although it's only to apply the Aloe Vera gel.

Good blogging with you.

The Howester

This time 3 weeks.....

2007-04-19T14:36:00.000Z

Just 21 sleeps to go - though the Howester suggested sleep is becoming harder with the prospect of 960 miles, 90 hours and 459,000 pedal strokes (and hence buttocks rubbed against the saddle) to come!

Finally BNUT has sent some photos of the training, so I can insert these in the Blog at will now.

The shirts are on order now, cereal bars ordered, Hotels booked and just tinkering left to do before the ride.

Meeting tonight to thrash out final arrangements - who will have first morning loo visit etc.

I will report back.

Brendan

Cross training:

2007-04-13T11:18:00.000Z

Thought just cycling as training was a bit too narrow a focus, so taken up hunting!!

Sunday, I dug up and made homeless 12 baby rabbits who were decimating my lawn. The training involved here was in chasing my dog - Coco - around as she in turn chased the bunnies.

Last few days, Sue has been hearing noises in the attic - suspecting some Jane Austen inspired incarceration of a previous girlfriend.

On closer inspection - squirrels were to blame. They had gnawed through the fascia and soffit and set up a creche in the warmth of the eaves overhang. Refusing to take the bait of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes or a ripe goats cheese nibbler, I resorted to gloved hand chasing of the little furry-tailed tree rats. There was nearly a leg through the ceiling as one of the - fairly tame but frightened - squirrels ran up my arm and stood on my shoulder, eye to eye with me looking quite sad.

I put them in the trap in the picture - two had already been taken to the woods at the back.

I don't know who they most look like, BNUT or Oakley, but one had a remarkably similar hair colouring to the Syrup wearing ex-President.

Off for a further hunting trip now - trying to coax my gun-shy Labrador from her basket.

Bren

Honeymoon training

2007-04-12T19:00:00.000Z

Do not think that i missed out on training, I practiced walking, drinking, boating and even rowing a gondola, excellent for upper bodystrenght.

The exhausting rail journey home on the Orient Express added a slight increase in body weight and a broadening of the waist.

Julie has promised that i can now come out to play again & the Biddenham cycle repair shop is now re-opened.

Numbskull:

2007-04-05T11:15:00.000Z

The Howester here.
Can't understand the rush to train - I'll leave that to my buddies Flame and Brownie - don't care much about the training for BNUT, Syrup and Lous.
I've bought a new (re-possessed) bike - Flame asked me what sort it was, but seemed none the wiser when I said it was a pastel green racer. No pedals as yet, so I'm going to contemplate what to do about that while I have a quiet week on a Catamaran in the Caribbean. I'll probably scoot it round to Brownie for a service.
Also worried about the shirts - if Flame is XL size, I may need to have a few darts put in the side to accommodate the love handles. I have nightmare visions of busting out on a climb like Jo Brand in shrink-wrap.
I found this photo of my favourite animal in my camera - wondered if Lindskog could put this as a logo on our shirts - I miss them when I am away. Luckily Bex has offered to take the mobile into the fields so I can speak to them - they're quite fickle animals whose emotional memory is short lived.
I'm off for a Red Stripe - good Blogging with you.
The Howester

Cream crackered:

2007-04-01T20:16:00.000Z

Went down to Surrey today with the other guy doing the Tour de France section in the Pyrenees this year - Hywel James.
Did a 'legs of steel' course - about 50 miles or so with 8 major climbs, including Box Hill, Coombe Hill, Leith Hill (known locally as Lethal) - and a 21%er towards the end.
For once, the wind was sheltered from us by the hills, and it was a good ride with some lung-busting moments.
Got plenty of volunteers for start and finish of the route now - still need a little help in the weekday section - I'll post vacancy dates if anyone can help.
I'm going to chase Pags for some photos of the Spanish trip - there are some incriminating bits of evidence on offer.

Progress

2007-03-27T08:43:00.000Z

Two milestones in the last week or so - 2000 miles on the bike since last July and 1000 miles now completed in 2007!

A ride without excessive wind would be nice to top things off - meteorological rather than colonic.

Pags has promised to send some photos from the Spain trip, hopefully not too embarrassing.

Out last Sunday with the Howester - he's becoming a bit dangerous on the Bullers' bike. Went out to Old Warden and back, and he regularly extinguished the Flame - particularly on the Millbrook straight.

All the good work was undone, however, by tucking into Mrs Howe's beef and veg and then a plum crumble and custard.

Marriage:

2007-03-25T10:56:00.000Z

Dear Stato,
I am sorry to hear your concerns over the effects of marriage on cycling.
I feel the Garmin is unlikely to produce any meaningful data as it has no means of differentiating altitude climb or descent. I suggest you couple the Garmin gyroscope to a standard Presta valved pump attachment to achieve any useful statistical information.
I am also reliably informed from others in the married fraternity, that marriage activity follows a hyperbolic downward graph, and should be of no consequence by the third weekend - assuming there is no imminent requirement for a new dress / coat etc.
I am sure we have enough control samples within the team to effect a decent group experiment, with funding available from the EU to considerable value.
Regards
Event Psychoanalyst team

Bedford Charities Route Map

2007-03-24T12:24:00.000Z

To see the route in detail. go to http://www.BedfordRotary.org/Park/LeJog2007.pdf

Can married men cycle

2007-03-24T11:51:00.000Z

I am researching the effect of marriage on cycling cadence. Can anyone give advice to a newly married man?

Will marriage effect my performance?

Will my average cadence increase?

I have tried using the Garmin in bed but with no satisfactory output for analysis.

Update:

2007-03-23T10:52:00.000Z

Glad to see another blogger - though his Napier's Logarithm style prose has baffled me.
Did 463 miles in Spain last week and the saddle sores remain for anyone wishing to inspect the evidence - Pags has some good photos and I will update when I have these.
Graham has palced the route on another website - http://www.BedfordRotary.org/Park/LeJog2007.pdf
Just a reminder too about the justgiving link -

Howe's Bianchi ready to roll

2007-03-22T20:44:00.001Z

Getting the hang of this, as I have 4 different e-mail addresses, it is the e-mail address to sign in under username not Tech Man.
So as Tech Man I can report that I have now overhauled Bullers Bianchi S3, cleaned it, re-alighed the rear gear mechanism, removed & pressure cleaned the front & rear wheel bearing. Cleaned and re-oiled the chain, fitted spd's. Removed handle bar tape & replaced with thick new cork handle bar tape. Supplied & fitted new speedo magnet.

He has a 53/39 with 9 speed cassette 13-25 but it is Campagnolo

The had to watch as Howe tried to measure his inside leg measurement:

NB Seat height = inside leg measurement (cms) x 0.882 which is the distance from the top of the seat to the centre of the crank in a straight line down the frame.

Had to drop the seat by about 4" so Bullers must have very long legs.

That all for today.

Training on Sunday. Two 30 mile laps, starting at 9.15 from Cocksedges, weather permitting.

Stato / Tech Man

Howie has shorter legs than me, or maybe bagger levi's

Howie then tested. Another statisfied cyclist from the Biddenham Cycle workshop.

Stato needs help

2007-03-22T20:38:00.000Z

I have a pdf file of the route. How do I post it as I can see no icon to allow me to attach the file?

Also, signing in is a nightmare, I am so far, Stato, Techman, MapMan & RouteMan but can only get onto the site under my e-mail address.

Confused.

Bedford Charities LeJog 2007 Route

2007-03-22T17:36:00.000Z

The route is now almost at publication stage, have sent it to Brendon & Oakley for approval. It's short at 64 pages, with maps, elevations.

Stato

Justgiving

2007-03-19T12:09:00.001Z

We are now online with Justgiving - you can efficiently sponsor our event with Justgiving reclaiming 28% tax to maximise the amount raised!!
45% of the money raised goes towards the Proect to relay the Astroturf pitches at the Hockey Centre, 45% to the Bedford Hospitals Charity and 10% to Rotary Charities. We won't take any deductions for our own or support expenses.

Quiet week:

2007-03-08T20:07:00.000Z

Spoke to the Howester yesterday - he was lost in Gayhurst I think.

Pags is cleaning his bike, Oakers is heading off to Vienna and I think Brownie is clocking up the miles quietly.

Off to Spain with Pags - good chance to put in some miles and hills away from work. Weather +30c - acceptable.

Cleaned the bike and packed it for the flight today - Sue has an eye on spare space in the bike bag for hair dryers and other implements!!

Coco helped me pack - running off with the saddle bag to the far corner of the paddock!!

I'll get Pags on the Blog when we get to Spain.

54 sleeps left to LeJog!!

Bren

Training:

2007-03-05T08:39:00.000Z

Went with the mad Welshman to Surrey yesterday for a 'Sportive'.
62 miles across the Surrey Hills with 4100 feet of climbing - with one 1:7 hill at the end to test the legs. Rain and wind didn't help the day, but it was a good workout.
I can see how regular eating can work - hit a bit of a brick wall at 52 miles and needed an energy bar - and how cramping can onset when cold and wet. With stops for the eating and cramps, with a lovely welcome cup of tea at the halfway stage, my time was 4 hours 53 minutes - giving an average overall of 12.7mph.
I don't think that everyday of LeJog would be as hilly, nor the weather so bad, but this shows that 10 hour days will be a minimum on the ride!!
I will be working on longer rides as the days get longer to build up against the cramps - still a good deal of work to do.

Progress

2007-03-01T18:48:00.000Z

Just been out for a ride with the Howester (rhymes with coaster).

Bit worried that his training is overtaking mine, with reports of 100 miles + a week and alarming weight loss - see the first picture!

Found a mother of a new hill in Bow Brickhill - extreme exertion resulting in heavy breathing the like last seen as Brookesey welcomed the Pink Ladies on tour last year!!

The UK Etape entry opened today, and I stupidly reserved a place - 118 miles from Woolwich to Canterbury on July 1st. 5000 riders will give me a taste of the numbers and congestion of the French Etape later in the month, only without the hills.

Only seventy two sleeps 'til the LeJog ride - still plenty of training time left.

Oakley reckoned he had posted on this Blog - but on closer inspection, he appears to have started his own Blog - rather poor on the team front, but that's Dad for you.

Just so you can keep an eye out for him, here's another photo of the Syrup enjoying post-ride conviviality after last years race - sorry ride - to Rocamadour.

There are a few more photos I have up my sleeve - I will save these for a later Blog.

Bren

2007-02-27T15:55:00.000Z

Getting news of Oakley and Pagliaro averaging 17+mph in the wind - I am happy with 16+ at the moment. maybe I am on the wrong diet?

Off this weekend to a Sportive in Surey - 60 miles back and forth over the North and South Downs - should be a leg stretcher.

Also off in a week or so to Spain for a week with Jules - should be able to get 400 odd miles in during the week and this will really launch the Spring offensive on the training.

I hear stories too of Howie trawling the back roads of West Bedfordshire at regular intervals - really is getting quite keen.

Bren

2007-02-26T15:38:00.000Z

Hello.
Well into 2007 training, barring the odd alcoholic slip.
Busy year with the Lands end trip and following on with the Etape in the Pyrennees in July.
This is a test blog entry - I will keep training and other matters up to date if this works.
Bren

Just Beginning

2007-02-19T12:55:00.000Z

Hi All,

Just thought I'd set up a blog for the charity bike ride from Lands End to John O'Groats.

This is going to be quite exciting and hopefully raise quite a lot of money for several charities.

Several riders are going to undertake the 850 mile journey and hopefully all will make it to the destination in May. We will keep you updated on their preparations before the event and even give out the itineraries so if you feel like going out and supporting them in person during the event you can!

We will be following this up with profiles of each of the riders and maybe even a list of the equipment they plan to use.

We will also give you links to websites where you can add your financial support to the charities involved and also (if I can make it work) link to a map where you can follow their progress

Come back later for more news

Tony