Having limped into Uttoxeter last night "battled damaged" after high drama on the peaks when my pennier carrying system basically disintegrated. It's timely to share some lighter moments of the epic so far-
-Filming the turnover of the bike odometer to 1000kms when it took me a minute to realise that 999.99 kms was as high as the odometerwent!
-Wondering when pannier rack nut went how I could carry the pannier bags & film at the same time while riding!
-Bumping into a guy equipped with a rifle & sniper scope on lonely part of trail near Glossop, when I nervously asked " what's up mate" he simply replied "Rats, lots of em" - I said "must be big un's" as Monika & I pedalled like we were possessed to get out of his distance!
-The woman who gave us directions to a B&B saying it was 10 minutesby cycle-took us 45 minutes & nearly ended up in Stockport,she must have thought we were Mr & Mrs Casey Stoner!
-Losing our only map of the area into the canal after hitting a bump & having to ask a kid fishing to snag the map with his pole- as it turns out even having a map doesn't stop you from getting lost!
- Lost again till we hit a sign on the canal that showed Leeds as the direction ( other side of UK)!
Lost in housing estate where signs just simply sent you around & around & around!
-Guy who commented on my bike loading saying " your pretty lightly loaded" what are you meant to carry the kitchen sink!
- Monika when she raced over to me lying on the ground ready to rip into attending car occupants thinking they'd hurt me before realising that I'd fallen & they were helping me!
- descending into Kirkby Malham with Monika using her feet & the remaining fibres of her brake pads to stop!
Images to last a lifetime!
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 !
1 comment:
Hi Monika & Rock, Like the name Mike, I think it will stick. Was getting a bit worried, haven't heard from you for a couple of days. If I had known about him I would have thought the rifle assassin had got you. Well you have left the Pennines and most of the industrial heartland behind its now time to skirt Birmingham head for the Welsh border down to Abergaveny skirt Bristol on to Cheddar then Honiton and two days rest and By whats his name you have earnt it. You have broke its back not the other way around as I said you came, endured (did you ever) and conquered, must be a satisfying feeling. These reports of yours are as good as a draft for a book, there you are another project for when you get home. Trust the bodies are not too sore, may St,Christopher keep his eyes open for the rest of the journey, but if previous performances are anything to go by, give him, away and get two flask of Whiskey.
Take Care and may you bike in fair weather to Lands End.
Good On Yer Monika & Mike.
Mick
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