Its a week on and its kind of weird to think that the ride is over ! I have to turn to my journal to remind myself of how hard the ride was and the sense of achievement i felt at its completion
With the body now healing a special thx to all the well wishers especially Mick for his daily motivational comments many thx also to those that pledged to the worthy causes be it friends, family, Warby's, Wespac staff and Customers - you will make a difference .
I will on my return hold a thank you night where I can
Hand over money raised and subject you to to some video highlights of the trip
For the moment i'm having a real holiday
Love to all monika
In June 2011 I will bike over 2000km's unsupported from John O'Groats to Lands End UK ! My motivation is simple i.e. 1) To undertake a life challenge that is physically and spiritually rewarding 2) Raise funds to help 2 worthy local OZ causes - Painting with Parkinsons & a local 10 year old girl with Autism named Maleah 3) Promote awareness and support for Parkinsons UK ! Any support is greatly welcomed. I hope my journey inspires others !
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Continue update
22 days cycling - 2000kms - aveage per day 90kms
No of crashes. - 2
No of times lost - Almost hourly
No of arguments. - almost hourly & when refusal to tend my nether bits!
Most frustrating moments-
A) when lost in cities
B) when coming to an intersection in the country & the sign has been stolen
C) trying to pronounced town names when lost eg; Brewood was pronounced "Brood" & Bridestowe was "Brid-is-Stowe"
D) locals looking at you like you're an idiot when you can't pronounce the name
No of times vomited - at least twice judging by Monika's "barf" coloured shoes
Scariest moment - for me riding down hill on narrow high speed Stockport - Manchester road on the Peak district in strong cross winds
For Monika - riding in gloom in the Scottish Highlands by herself for 10kms - I'd gone on ahead!
No of break downs- replaced brake pads x 2, replaced chain x1, gears adjusted x2, pannier rack
But amazingly not a single puncture!
No of bacon & eggs breakfasts - way too many!
No of times I heard - "I'm never cycling again" I lost count
No of beers had- not enough as was too knackered
No of hours of Sunshine- I'll have to check my diary to see if the sun really did come out!
No of times I snored - I lost count but was cautioned regularly by Monika
Things loved: Strawberries, countryside & other cyclists
Things Hated: Cities, missing sign posts, missing gears when riding up hill, Maps & cars
No of times i felt -" I'm too old for this" Lost count
Wierdest thing seen: Guy with gun & scope supposedly shooting rats!
Proudest Moment - Watching Monika ride across the finish line at Lands End & Monika's family acknowledging her effort.
No of crashes. - 2
No of times lost - Almost hourly
No of arguments. - almost hourly & when refusal to tend my nether bits!
Most frustrating moments-
A) when lost in cities
B) when coming to an intersection in the country & the sign has been stolen
C) trying to pronounced town names when lost eg; Brewood was pronounced "Brood" & Bridestowe was "Brid-is-Stowe"
D) locals looking at you like you're an idiot when you can't pronounce the name
No of times vomited - at least twice judging by Monika's "barf" coloured shoes
Scariest moment - for me riding down hill on narrow high speed Stockport - Manchester road on the Peak district in strong cross winds
For Monika - riding in gloom in the Scottish Highlands by herself for 10kms - I'd gone on ahead!
No of break downs- replaced brake pads x 2, replaced chain x1, gears adjusted x2, pannier rack
But amazingly not a single puncture!
No of bacon & eggs breakfasts - way too many!
No of times I heard - "I'm never cycling again" I lost count
No of beers had- not enough as was too knackered
No of hours of Sunshine- I'll have to check my diary to see if the sun really did come out!
No of times I snored - I lost count but was cautioned regularly by Monika
Things loved: Strawberries, countryside & other cyclists
Things Hated: Cities, missing sign posts, missing gears when riding up hill, Maps & cars
No of times i felt -" I'm too old for this" Lost count
Wierdest thing seen: Guy with gun & scope supposedly shooting rats!
Proudest Moment - Watching Monika ride across the finish line at Lands End & Monika's family acknowledging her effort.
The ANON Suportive Spouse (ASS) final update
Monika summits Everest! (whoops that's next years headline - don't tell her!)
After 23 days on the bike, some 2000km's our weary bodies crossed the finish line at Lands End in conditions much the same as when we started-sunny with strong chilly headwinds.
Monika's effort given her limited biking experience was nothing short of amazing- her effort just to finish with her body really feeling the effects of the daily 100km's grind was testament to her deep regards to the achievements of Anne & Belinda (pledge recipients) back in Australia. Her desire to aid Parkinson's research in the UK & of course those many E mails of encouragement particularly Mick's whose words of support were almost Daily (thank you everyone)
This was not a trip. But a ride that anyone who has done would describe as an epic - to do it from John O Groats to Lands End (referred to as a Jogle) is the hardest of directions as you are constantly riding into a tiring headwind which makes Monika's effort even more Incredible.
To all those who have pledged on Monika's behalf thank you so much for providing the motivation & the sense of real achievement.
A list of some of the mile stones next page;
After 23 days on the bike, some 2000km's our weary bodies crossed the finish line at Lands End in conditions much the same as when we started-sunny with strong chilly headwinds.
Monika's effort given her limited biking experience was nothing short of amazing- her effort just to finish with her body really feeling the effects of the daily 100km's grind was testament to her deep regards to the achievements of Anne & Belinda (pledge recipients) back in Australia. Her desire to aid Parkinson's research in the UK & of course those many E mails of encouragement particularly Mick's whose words of support were almost Daily (thank you everyone)
This was not a trip. But a ride that anyone who has done would describe as an epic - to do it from John O Groats to Lands End (referred to as a Jogle) is the hardest of directions as you are constantly riding into a tiring headwind which makes Monika's effort even more Incredible.
To all those who have pledged on Monika's behalf thank you so much for providing the motivation & the sense of real achievement.
A list of some of the mile stones next page;
Day 25 & Final. - Newquay to Lands End 102kms
A sense of anticipation as we set as off early on last day (7.30) for Lands End knowing we had a return train deadline to meet.Rode along a busy A road over rolling Cornish Hills to Redruth navigating our way over the hills bearing scars of old Cornish mining to wine our way through villages & strong headwinds (what's new!) to the coastline & Marizon.
Magnificent views accompanied us on our coastal ride pass St Michael's Mount, through Penzance & then through the beautiful seaside town of Mousehole & it's impossibly narrow streets & back breaking hill.
The last 15 kms to Lands End was a terribly hard slog into strong headwinds that really sapped my remining energy but at 2.10pm after some 2000 km's & 23 days of riding we finally reached our destination to be welcomed by my flag waving sister Rita amongst the tourist throng.
I had barely time to appreciate the effort before getting an official photo done, off loading our panniers & then racing back to Penzance (15kms) to arrive in time for our train back to Honiton where we were warmly welcomed by members of my family also waving flags.
Day 24 Lifton to Newquay 95km's
Just when we thought we'd experienced every weather condition on trip... The day started with rain & thunderstorm threatening (so much for yesterday's sun)
We quickly cycled through historic Launceston & then skirted Bodmin Moor encountering a "Pea souper" before taking on the A road (not ideal in the conditions) & entering entering the forgettable Camelford.
More moors & more rain & mist as we finally made Padstow & well publicised & scenic trail taking it to Padstow.
The 16 miles to Newquay were rollercoasters packed with great coastal scenery. We arrived in Newquay around 7pm with the realization that after 23 days we were now only 80kms from the finish line at Lands End!
We quickly cycled through historic Launceston & then skirted Bodmin Moor encountering a "Pea souper" before taking on the A road (not ideal in the conditions) & entering entering the forgettable Camelford.
More moors & more rain & mist as we finally made Padstow & well publicised & scenic trail taking it to Padstow.The 16 miles to Newquay were rollercoasters packed with great coastal scenery. We arrived in Newquay around 7pm with the realization that after 23 days we were now only 80kms from the finish line at Lands End!
Monday, 27 June 2011
The Annon Supportive Spouse. (ASS) update
On between Monika's chronic bouts of knee pain & occasional "barfing" I have tried to convince Monika that tour cycling is in fact enjoyable as well as being very spiritual.
I mean what other activity can you do where you are so at one with yourself & nature. The hypnotic turning of the wheels us almost trance like while the accentuated smells & Colours of the countryside tantalite the senses, giving with release endorphins a feeling of euphoria & marvel at this thing we call life. My argument was I think well put until Monika reminds me if occasions where I'd come to an intersection in the country only to find the signpost stolen or the town or road number not listed & how easily I'd launch in to a "tourettes" inspired tirade-she even reminds me of the few times when cut off & then fingered by a motorist of how I would suddenly ride like a possessed mad man apparently yelling (I don't actually recall this) according to Monika "if I catch up with you pal I'm going to rip your arms off & shove them up your a...!
I rest my case on the fact that when lost yesterday near a small town & wondering how we could negotiate 2 miles on a busy dual carriageway to cut back on track, my spiritual calmness was rewarded by the intervention of a Sunday walker amazingly equipped with detailed maps ( karma) who was able to guide us on to a nearby path that negated the need to ride on a busy road.
I thought I'd eloquently Put across with tour cycling was enjoyable & looked expectantly across to Monika now noticing her now matching pair of "barf" colored shoes.
My argument didn't stand a chance in hell!
I mean what other activity can you do where you are so at one with yourself & nature. The hypnotic turning of the wheels us almost trance like while the accentuated smells & Colours of the countryside tantalite the senses, giving with release endorphins a feeling of euphoria & marvel at this thing we call life. My argument was I think well put until Monika reminds me if occasions where I'd come to an intersection in the country only to find the signpost stolen or the town or road number not listed & how easily I'd launch in to a "tourettes" inspired tirade-she even reminds me of the few times when cut off & then fingered by a motorist of how I would suddenly ride like a possessed mad man apparently yelling (I don't actually recall this) according to Monika "if I catch up with you pal I'm going to rip your arms off & shove them up your a...!
I rest my case on the fact that when lost yesterday near a small town & wondering how we could negotiate 2 miles on a busy dual carriageway to cut back on track, my spiritual calmness was rewarded by the intervention of a Sunday walker amazingly equipped with detailed maps ( karma) who was able to guide us on to a nearby path that negated the need to ride on a busy road.
I thought I'd eloquently Put across with tour cycling was enjoyable & looked expectantly across to Monika now noticing her now matching pair of "barf" colored shoes.
My argument didn't stand a chance in hell!
Day 23 Honiton to Lifton. 98km's
Was met at Exeter by my brother in law Steve & my sister Rita who helped out by acting as guides cycling from one side of Exeter to our exit road towards Oakhampton (thanks guys)
I could have easily called it quits as well with the sun out, the canal scenery in Exeter was stunning-as it was I had to "cruel" out a severe 5kms climb before passing through a series of beaut Devon villages complete with thatched roofs skirting Dartmoor on our way to & through Oakhampton.
I struggled most of the day before throwing up again (I now have matching coloured cycling shoes)
Called it quits at a very posh Lifton Hall Hotel in Lifton just outside Launceston complete with four-poster bed & ghost (check it out on line)the hotel that is.
Only 2 days left - I can't believe it the time has been a blur & now the journey/epic is nearly over - woohoo!
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