Leverstock Green Cycling TeamEnd 2 End 2008 . . . 1000 Miles!

Thank You . . . .

2008-11-03T09:41:00.003Z

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who donated to our chosen charity, The Hospice of St Francis. We raised a massive £7,069.15 . . . once again, many thanks . . .

Statistics . . . for LeJog

2008-08-18T11:47:00.004+01:00

For those of you who are interested, these are the daily totals and time taken for each leg . . . the weather was a very influential part of this trip . . . we will be posting more pictures on-line in the future . . . keep watching for more comments over the next couple of weeks . . . thanks . . .

Day 15: Bettyhill to John O'Groats . . . 52 Miles - DONE IT!

2008-08-17T19:20:00.008+01:00

Yes, we have done it . . . 15 days of cycling average speed 13.5 mph for the slow ones . . . average of 70 miles per day. 1001 miles in total . . . Rain for 8 days . . . John O' Groats is a beautiful place . . . Met with another team . . . the air ambulance guys from the north west of England . . . good bunch of lads . . . Roy (Real name Danny), Hernia man . . . didn't get his name but apparently he has two hernias and he had to "pop" them back in during his ride . . . Many thanks to the Temple Bar Lodge for a massive donation that takes us over the £2k mark for our sponsored charity, it's not too late to donate . . . site closes 1.10.08 go on . . . every little helps . . .

Day 14: Conon Bridge to Bettyhill . . . 84 miles

2008-08-15T09:29:00.003+01:00

Weather was the best yet . . . sunshine all the way . . . we stopped at Crask Inn in the middle of nowhere . . . midges . . . midges . . . midges . . . but the landlady and the Dutch helper were quite interesting to say the least . . .

Bettyhill Hotel overlooks a fantastic bay . . .

Pictures to follow . . .

Day 13: Dalwhinnie to Conon Bridge . . . 80 miles

2008-08-15T09:27:00.002+01:00

Only one shower this day . . . the weather was kind to us . . . Conon Bridge Hotel has a good menu and a very good chef . . .

Can't get pictures on blog today either.

Day 12: Perth to Dalwhinnie . . . 73 miles

2008-08-15T09:22:00.003+01:00

The weather was bad again . . . two punctures, both on Dromoctor pass . . . 10 yards apart . . . Dalwhinnie is twinned with Las Vegas! Fantastic casino's

More pictures to follow . . .

How High are the Highlands?

2008-08-12T21:48:00.003+01:00

Here we are at last 3 days in Scotland . . . and we still have not reached the real Highlands until this afternoon . . .

Quiz question . . . what does Failte don Ghaidhealtachd mean?

Is it no one allowed beyond this point without a helmet?

Sherpa Bates . . . Relaxing

2008-08-12T21:43:00.003+01:00

There is one person that has not been blogged so far and that's Ed Bates . . . what can you say about Ed Bates . . . the richest man on the tour . . . ;-)

Well here he is relaxing with a glass of wine and a small single malt with a good book . . .

Take a look at his new hair doo . . . wow Back To The Future . . .

Psssssssst . . . punctures R-U-S 60 Miles Today

2008-08-12T21:30:00.004+01:00

Perth to Dalhwhinnie . . . Well, no punctures to talk about apart from Richard's over inflation yesterday and we get two at the highest point of our ride . . . one on film and the other at a remote location . . . apparently Kim was twitching* when Seggs and Richard found him . . .

A good day's ride, only 3 to go 80, 80 and 52 . . . should be a doddle . . .

* Bird Watching

Welcome to Gavin Smith . . .

2008-08-11T19:34:00.003+01:00

Gav's joined us for the final leg of the tour . . . Easy Jet flight to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Airport what an obstacle . . . this was the airport that we could not find our way around . . . in fact it took us 30 minutes to find the end of the runway, Kim spotted a few planes that his father in law had not flown . . . they had jet engines!

Welcome Gavin . . .

Day 11: Peebles to Perth . . . all the P's . . . 71 miles

2008-08-11T19:26:00.005+01:00

The day started with a bang! Ed dived for cover when Richard over inflated his rubber . . . after finding a small hole in the tube . . .

Good weather . . . sunshine, Seggs got sun burned . . . again!

Queensferry was a great lunch stop with the Picnic Cafe being a great cafe to stop at . . .

The Forth road bridge was another milestone in the journey north . . . Bryan stated that the Forth rail bridge was painted 24/7 6 days a week since it was built ;-)

Two punctures in one day . . . only one was right opposite a cycle store in Perth . . . Thats the way to do it!

Only 4 days to go . . .

A few pictures . . .

2008-08-11T19:19:00.005+01:00

Day 10: Carlisle to Peebles . . . 69 miles (felt like 169)

2008-08-11T18:33:00.013+01:00

Again another wet wet wet day, cold, windy and probably the hardest day yet . . . but arrived in Scotland after about 2 hours cycling . . . So we have cycled the length of England now all we have to do is cycle the lengh of Scotland . . .

A really great day for views of the borders . . . when it stopped raining! The Tibetan Tea Centre was a welcome break and their scotch broth was the best thing we have eaten.

Thanks to Sue at the Crown Hotel for the donation to the hospice . . . Oliver Reid spent his 60th birthday party at the Crown the picture on the wall looked like he had spend 60 years in the Crown bar.

We slipped into a small chippy and had the best haddock and chips in Scotland.

Day 9: Lancaster to Carlisle . . . 74 miles

2008-08-11T18:15:00.004+01:00

Wet all day . . . Shap pass was cold, windy and no view when we finally got to the top . . . one of the longest wettest days that we have spent in the saddle . . . coming down shap Segg's speedo registered 65.8 mph . . . must be one of the fastest decents that we have seen this tour!

The Warwick Guest house was warm and welcoming and many thanks to Mary and Nick for washing our clothes for nothing.

Carlisle was a good night out with Karaoke and Kebabs later on in the evening after a good all you could eat Chinese.

Thanks to LGCC . . . . The Friday Nighters!!!

2008-08-10T08:53:00.002+01:00

Many thanks to all that donated at the cricket club a fantastic amount of money . . . It's given us all a big lift . . . Thanks . . .

Day 8 Warrington to Lancaster. . . 70 miles

2008-08-09T08:27:00.002+01:00

Steamed up the A6 via Preston, not a lot to see apart from the Reebok stadium . . . and PNE Deepdale where the FA museum is housed.

Arrived at 3.30 p.m. then took a leisurely ride to Morecambe . . . nice weather.

Passed Roy (Richard's new friend) who had a puncture . . . Roy claims he has some other people with him but we have not seen them yet. Bit like Harvey the rabbit . . .

Spent the evening in the Lansil Social Club after eating fish and chips and drinking too much ale . . . Angie the barmaid and Debbie the one who was always cold were very hospitable. George the dog was dynamic to say the least . . . we came second in the quiz but the winning team donated their winnings to our charity. Thanks very much . . . Also thanks to Nicola at Enterprise Car Rentals for giving us a blinding deal on a car hire for Ed.

Day 7: Shrewsbury to Warrington . . . 68 miles

2008-08-09T08:21:00.003+01:00

Good day but we got wet in the last half hour . . . visited the Anderton boat lift . . . a great picece of Victorian engineering.

We met Alistair and Jean, son and mother who are taking 20 days to do LeJog . . . the difference between us and them is that they had everything with them, including the kitchen sink . . . but they did send 25 kilos of luggage back home to Cambridge. We all felt very humble . . . we have a 6 ton truck carrying our cases . . . Well done to both of them.

Day 6: Forest of Dean to Shrewsbury . . . 83 miles

2008-08-07T08:09:00.002+01:00

A great day for cycling, weather perfect . . . 83 miles a big ride but everyone coped and finished together . . .

Richard had some work done to his machine but caught up with the pelaton with 15 miles to go . . . Ludlow was a lovely town . . . good jacket potato's . . .

Bryan's birthday cake was carrot . . . which was enjoyed by almost all of us . . .

Day 6: Bryans Birthday . . .

2008-08-07T08:06:00.003+01:00

We can't divulge his age but its somewhere between Britvic 55 and Heinz 57!

He still insists in wearing that grey comedy wig . . . even when cycling.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYAN . . .

Thanks to many . . .

2008-08-07T08:03:00.002+01:00

James at the cycle centre Monmouth for fixing Kim's burning rubber . . .

John Martin at the Dulux Center Hemel Hempstead . . . John is collecting at the shop in Hemel, pop in and make your donation . . .

Bryan the old chap in his electric wheel chair in a garage in Ludlow who donated £10 . . .

Thanks to you all!

Day 5: 74 Miles . . . The tale of two bridges . . .

2008-08-07T07:59:00.003+01:00

The ride to Clifton was wet all the way, thanks to the Cooks for a donation to our charity at the Chew Valley tea rooms . . .

The clifton suspension bridge was high but worth the effort . . . the old Seven bridge is still a spectacular structure and it does move when you get to the middle of it!

Hard going today with the inclement elements, after 50 miles we took a bit of a dive but soon rallied after snacking in a deli that seemed to come out of knowwhere!
Let's hope that tomorrow brings some sushine . . .

Celebrity Picture Opportunity . . .

2008-08-07T07:57:00.001+01:00

It's amazing who you meet in Street, this is a picture of Ian and Steve with Michael Eavis, Mr. Glastonbury!

Special thanks to Jon Brown . . .

2008-08-04T21:36:00.006+01:00

What can we say about Jon Brown that's not been said before . . . nothing on this blog . . . but seriously Jon and his grand daughers met us at strategic points and they were most welcome . . . we especially enjoyed the frankfurters . . .

Day 4: Moretonhampstead to Street . . . 77 miles

2008-08-04T19:21:00.004+01:00

We have broken the back of the hills . . . Cornwall and Devon are done, Somerset is next . . .

Exeter Cathedral looked very picturesque . . . Don't you think . . . If it wasn't for those damm cyclists in the front of it!

Losing your way is not good it adds about 8 miles to the standard route . . .

Judging by tomorrows weather forecast . . . there may be trouble ahead . . . but we are prepared with our colleagues fantastic wind deflector . . . this will come in very handy when we cross the seven bridge . . . all going to bed now . . . and it's only 21.36 . . . Goodnight!

Day 3 continued . . . 67 miles in total

2008-08-04T19:10:00.003+01:00

After the tea stop we continued on and the weather changed . . . for the worst . . . Wet Wet Wet . . . I never want to hear one of their records again . . .

We arrived at Moretonhampstead . . . one horse, one phone mast town . . . could only get a signal for the phones in the top car park near the swimming pool hence we could not update the blog . . .

The White Hart was very accommodating and the rooms were comfortable. Jill the receptionist was loveleeeey . . . many thanks to Emma and David and Jim Hobbs locals in the bar were very generous towards our designated charity the Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted.

You can still donate it's not to late. The lady at the corner coffee shop in St Austell also donated towards the charity.

Day 3: Tea Stop 10.39

2008-08-03T10:36:00.007+01:00

Beware the Bodmin Beast!!!! Wet, raining with sunny intervals . . . bed and breakfast in Vietnam!!! Well it seemed like it . . . Tenko for 4 of us . . .

Stopped for tea at Minions Tea Shop and Post office the highest post office and internet cafe in Cornwall .

Just as we were leaving the cafe owner said . . .
Don't go out on the moor today . . . the beast has recently been spotted . . .

Day 2: 56 miles . . . Hills, hills and more hills . . .

2008-08-02T18:54:00.007+01:00

A good day weather wise . . . plenty of hills to get us in the mood, ferry's, pasties and cream teas . . . it's hard being a finely tuned athlete . . .

Started in the mist . . . finshed in the sunshine . . . wonderful scenery.

Richard seemed to be training for the London taxi driver "Knowledge" . . . can you tell me the quickest way from St Austell to Kings Cross please mate! His wonderful map holder seems to double up as a spoiler and a map holder . . . Lewis Hamilton would be proud.

Day 1: We've started so we'll finish . . . .

2008-08-01T19:14:00.005+01:00

We are off and riding . . . Car journey hours of boredem populated by moments of sheer terror . . . but made it to St Just after 7 hours with many stops to view different service stations. Seggs ticked all of them off in his I Spy Book of Service Stations.
Rode from St Just to Land's End . . . 12 miles round trip . . . nice photo of team. Bryan moaning . . . drove 450 miles cycled 12 . . . I don't understand what his problem is . . . Jenny our hostess at the Boscean Country Hotel seems very accommodating . . . more from Noel tomorrow . . .

Hours to go . . . On Your Marx . . .

2008-07-31T22:17:00.007+01:00

Many many thanks for all donations flying into our charity fund . . . we are ready . . . loaded with carbs . . . eating cakes . . . pasta etc.

Don't forget, keep watching the blog . . .

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines, On Your Marxs Brothers . . . Get Set . . . Go . . .

Frightening

2008-07-31T09:01:00.006+01:00

I don't want to frighten anybody at this stage of the game but these three graphs depict the elevation of up and down hills on the first three days of our trip.

HELP.......I want out......NOW.

Accident or premeditated?

2008-07-30T13:30:00.003+01:00

The word on the street is that there are a couple of syndicates going on!
Not only at the cricket club but also where I work. Both syndicates are based around if one of us becomes maimed in some way.
The choice of person and type are believed to be the main groups.

The alternative selections are:
1/ Decapitation (wire across pathway).
2/ Vehicle collision. (Types of vehicle should be specified).
3/ Collision with tree, bush, gate etc.
4/ Cattle grid death trap.
5/ Low bridge (Kim only).
6/ Attacked by flock of geese.
7/ Rail impalement.
8/ Dog attack.
9/ Bull, cow, sheep, goat attack.
10/ Malaria (Scotland).
11/ Rabies.
12/ Myxomatosis.
13/ Mad Welsh axe woman.

The categories are numerous, but a few obvious ones are depicted here. Good luck to the winner. My bet is on a Rabid caber tossing Scotsman.

The seven 'P's

2008-07-30T11:27:00.001+01:00

2 days to go! - who's not ready?

Leather Bottle Quizzers . . .

2008-07-28T07:10:00.002+01:00

Many thanks to the generosity of the quiz goers at the Leather Bottle, Leverstock Green who last night donated £150 to our nominated charity . . .

We won't let you down . . . the ride will be hard but I believe that we are all well prepared . . . thanks once again.

p.s. we won the quiz for the third week running . . . well done guys . . . sorry Stu . . . ;-)

Training complete - its now or never!

2008-07-27T16:21:00.002+01:00

Went out for our last training ride today, Sunday 27th July.
A gentle 50 miles to 'warm down' ready for the main event, it even included lunch on Bryan, paid out his winnings on the horses. - thanks Silver Wind.

I have calculated that during 2008, building up to LeJog - I have spent around 16 hours on the cycle cross trainer in the early stages and then cycled around 1730 miles on the bike in the later stages.

Is it enough?

Hair today gone tomorrow . . .

2008-07-25T13:27:00.003+01:00

I went with Kim to get our tour haircuts at Michael's in Adeyfield and young Sharon threw down the gauntlet . . . I mentioned that for the first week of LeJog that I would not be partaking in alcohol as it would impair my performance . . . Sharon then pledged £50 to our charity fund if I picked up this gauntlet . . . so from August 1st until August 9th I will not be drinking!!! If I do then I will pay the £50 myself . . .

Nettle Rash

2008-07-23T14:30:00.006+01:00

Cycle Training Update

It is at this time of year that the hedgerows are in abundance with many varieties of colourful and scented plants and flowers. Absolutely wonderful to cycle past……. until one gets too close. I now have nettle rash against my left leg, my left arm and two digits of my left hand. Nice.

The training miles are piling up for most of the team riders. It’s just the length of time that one spends in the saddle when other things need to be done at home. Thankfully, the wives are bearing up under this stress, which is very much appreciated by all. With only one week to go the heavy training will not be required for much longer!!!!

My bike has decided to stop falling apart and the puncture resistant tyres I bought with an extra protective layer I placed inside the tyre itself originally did nothing to stop three consecutive punctures. This very annoying problem has also ceased at the moment. I think for fear of me lobbing the bike over a hedge and walking the rest of the way. (I will teach that bike a lesson. Thrashing it with nettles would help I’m sure.)

I have also lost even more weight. I am now down to 10st 11lbs. Beat that Kim. Nice legs shame about the very spare ribs. I wonder if I can get down to 8st by John O Groats. I will keep you posted.

LON TONG WON CHAPS……

Spoke too soon!

2008-07-20T09:48:00.002+01:00

With only 12 days to go until Le Jog, out on yesterdays 60+ miler, all was going well, until my rear wheel buckled. On further investigation I found a broken spoke.
We can rebuild it though [well I know a man who can, anyway]

Going cranky . . . 738,724 times

2008-07-15T03:51:00.005+01:00

Traveling a mile requires the 700x28 wheel to rotate 753.8 times, or 153 pedal revolutions in the 54x11 gear.

What does that mean, well at an average of 70 miles per day our legs will rotate approximately 52,766 times . . .

So over the 14 days our legs will spin the pedals around for an average of 738,724 times . . .

Training Update

2008-07-14T11:00:00.006+01:00

Training Update

Training has become a bit of a chore now, as the trip looms ever closer. Weekends have been taken up by sitting in the saddle for long durations, riding in all weathers and enduring the discomforts associated. Not many complaints but the general feeling now is that we would just like to get on with the trip. Until that date though we need to continue cycling elongated miles to keep the fitness up.
Saturday 5th July, three mentally retarded team members (Noel, Bryan and The 3rd) set out for a cycle ride to Cambridge and back. 113 miles in all with a severe head wind to tackle on the return journey. (Nice.) The 3rd’s bike had had enough at Cambridge and decided to fall apart. This is the second time in nearly as many weeks. The jockey wheel decided to come apart and ping across the road. One piece was never to be seen again. Luckily, this did occur in the right place and after an hour, the three retards had found a very nice bike shop who assisted in our needs and supplied us with a spare part. Flipping bikes…..where’s Ed the bike mechanic when you need him?
Sat/ Sun 12th & 13th were taken up by two 60 mile runs for some of the team. (Other members continuing with their own regimes of training.) Sunday was a tester as many hills were included in the ride in preparation for Devon and Cornwall.

Still losing weight and am now down from 11St 6Lbs to 11St 1Lb. I can’t afford to lose anymore. Does anyone know a good tune to play on my now showing ribs?

Bit of a weight competition I believe between the bulky Kim Darker and myself.

T Shirt Design . . .

2008-07-08T03:27:00.004+01:00

This design is for the T Shirt . . . Writing on graphic says GO . . . Land's End to John O'Groats . . . 2008 . . . Leverstock Green Cycling Team . . . The Magnificent Seven . . .

Polo Shirt Design . . .

2008-07-08T03:23:00.006+01:00

Polo shirt design incorporates graphic as a badge . . .

Wild Life

2008-07-06T07:42:00.000+01:00

On our cycling runs around the country side, we see a lot of wild life.
Some dead, some alive.
Rabbits, Hares, Foxes, Deer, Pheasents, Kites etc etc
I've even seen Wallabies and Bison!
but here is a new one - an Adder crossing the road.

Why did the adder cross the road?

What's flying in your mouth?

2008-07-04T09:46:00.006+01:00

The Nourishing Common Fly
Are flies nutritious?

Can they be taken as part of a cyclist’s diet whilst cycling on route?

With enough fly intake, would there be a need to stop for a meal break?

Instead of trying to spit the fly in mouth out, should said fly be just swallowed, enjoyed and digested?

It is known that more often than not when fly collides in mouth region, most become ingested anyhow. In a typical cycling day around a fly infested area, one could ingest at least five flies. Five flies a day, times fourteen days, total fly ingestion = 70. Times that by all cyclists on LeJog = 490 flies.

This sum could be far higher if including mosquitoes, midges, the occasional bee and the odd moth. Mind you, it all depends on what the fly has been eating prior to intake. Could be wholesomely beneficial or could be darn nasty. I vote swallow and enjoy. You can’t beat a good big blue bottle. You can keep the green ones, I know where they’ve been!!

I AM NOT A NUMBER, I AM A FREE MAN!

2008-07-01T18:22:00.006+01:00

The Zermatt Resort and Spa village in Utah reminds me of an old TV series called The Prisoner, a television series created by Patrick McGoohan, who also played the title role. It first aired in England on October 1, 1967.

The opening dialog was always the same . . .
Prisoner: Where am I?
Number 2: In the Village.
Prisoner: What do you want?
Number 2: Information.
Prisoner: Whose side are you on?
Number 2: That would be telling. We want information.. information.. information.
Prisoner: You won't get it!
Number 2: By hook or by crook we will.
Prisoner: Who are you?
Number 2: The new Number 2.
Prisoner: Who is Number 1?
Number 2: You are Number 6.
Prisoner: I AM NOT A NUMBER, I AM A FREE MAN!

I am a number actually 2047 and my room is about a mile from everything else in this village, sorry resort spa!

My High Altitude Training Program

2008-06-30T22:34:00.004+01:00

This is me at Zermatt, Utah 5,500 feet above sea level . . . during my high altitude training week . . .

My workout consists of the following cycling and swimming plan:
Long hill rides, and 50 mile flat rides in the afternoon.

Every other day I am mixing some leg PT into the recovery to really burnout the legs with such exercises as:
Squats – 30-40 reps
Lunges - 20-30 reps per leg
Heel Raises – 30 reps

I did try the hypoxic swim workout - Hypoxic swim means - "low oxygen swimming". Basically you are asking your body to work harder with less oxygen by not breathing as often as you normally would.

This is tough training and should always be done with a buddy or lifeguard just in case you push yourself too hard and black out.

I do not think I need to discuss the dangers of blacking out in the water . . . but I did nearly black out in the bar on Sunday while watching my chosen team beat the Germans and putting £80 into my sky rocket . . . Result . . . ps 31 days to go . . .

Back in the land of the Baconator . . .

2008-06-30T20:31:00.005+01:00

This week I have started my high altitude training . . . just walking upstairs at 5000 ft makes you breathless . . . but I have to do it as I am currently in the land of the dreaded Wendy Baconator . . .

But seriously . . . you get on the exercise bike in the gym and for the first 10 minutes you are feeling like someone has grabbed you around the throat and is stopping you breathing . . . not a pleasant experience.

Apparently talking to the bell boys at the Zermatt Resort and Spa 18 miles from Park City where the 2002 winter Olympics were held many athletes who took part came to Park City well before the games and trained to allow them to acclimatise prior to the games.

Not that I would bracket myself as an Olympian but I really need to keep moving my muscles to ensure that my strength keeps improving . . .

Basically it's only 32 days to the ride now and I can't wait. it seems like the last two months has gone so slowly . . . BRING IT ON!!!

Cycle to work?

2008-06-27T10:42:00.002+01:00

Decided to cycle to work from my home in Hemel to office in Milton Keynes, via the back roads.
Journey of about 35 miles one way.
left at 06.00. After a days work, left at 17.00 and got home around 20.00 - felt absolutely wasted.
Put the bike on the packing room scales - found it weighs 16Kg [ 35 lbs ] - Note to blog - get rid
of the heavy security chain

T'RAINING

2008-06-24T08:53:00.011+01:00

Preparations are now in full flow as the one they call Bryan and myself took to the roads with a vengeance this weekend. 80 miles Saturday and 75 miles Sunday was the outcome of some heavy cycling. Sounds good, but does not reflect the horrible weather that we had to contend with.

Virtually all day Saturday, we cycled against severe drizzle. You know the type that gets into every part of ones body no matter what waterproof clothing you are wearing. However, we made good time and benefited from a cool glass of beer/cider at the end.

Sunday was different but in my opinion worse. Half of the trip we had to compete against extreme gale force 12 winds that we found was a struggle to cycle at 12mph. A very nice brunch was to be had in Thame, which did a lot to assist the continued journey. On the return leg, at one stage we were cruising on the flat at 28mph. Very beneficial, but a few brutal elongated hills were to be contemplated on a full stomach. Not recommended.

If our LeJog trip is based on anything like this weekend’s cycle experience then physically and mentally we will be tested to the extreme. Might need a therapist as part of our support team, any volunteers?

Divine Intervention

2008-06-17T09:03:00.004+01:00

Although our London to Brighton ride was somewhat elongated by starting at 03:00 from Hemel Hempstead, in general and after 87.64 miles it was a bit of a cruise. Some would say that this was due to the amount of heavy training that we are undertaking in preparation for the BIG ONE, but no ........this ride was made all the more easier because we were being supported by a far higher person in the echelons of the universe. Yes, God himself was looking down upon us and supporting us through our very souls. This enormous support came about through the one they call Lesley Stevens. Being the church going one of the family, she met Father John of the Boxmoor parish prior to entering church on Saturday. She explained where her good-looking husband was for the day and went on to give further enquired details of the LeJog trip. Father John used this information in his sermon speech to his flock, informing them that Richard the 3rd is not a typical couch potato husband but is one who gets out there and does something with his life. (Who me?) This led into a full congregational prayer for not only me but also the entire cycling squad. Consider yourselves fully supported by the divine one and thank him for helping us up Ditchling Hill. Can you feel it?????

Hemel Hempstead to Brighton . . . 88 miles?

2008-06-17T06:33:00.003+01:00

Who knows how far it was . . . but from Hemel Hempstead to London 26 and from London to Brighton 54 . . .

Leaving at 3.40 a.m. is not good news but the boys done well arriving at Clapham Common at 5.30 awaiting the rest of the victims from the annual cricket club L2B jaunt . . . picture of team to follow . . .

Ride completed in good time . . . everyone did really well . . . no accidents and there were a few . . . even in Garston as a gallant early worker rode to work on his steed he gave us a cheery wave and smile but then . . . rode straight into a post . . . lesson to be learned here, ignore stupid cyclists who ring their bells and wave and remember . . . don't ride on the pavement!

Amazing home made map holder

2008-06-11T08:33:00.006+01:00

Will you look at that!!!!

It is with deep joy that I now present you with the new homemade version in what can only be described as magnificence in the field of bicycle map holders. This innovation of brilliance has come about through sheer mishap. What was originally meant to be a 12M x 12M Perspex green house, is now an A4 size paper holder, with a few added attachments for bicycle use.

This beautiful specimen holds many of today’s technologies, including:
1/ Light Weight and See-Through
2/ Water and Wind Resistant
3/ Dirt & Grime Repellent
4/ Aerodynamically Enhanced
5/ UV Protective
6/ Crash Tested to 2MPH
7/ Easy to Clean Surface
8/ Added side bar for extra attachments
9/ Durable Rubber Band for A4 Hold Down

I now only have to master the art of map reading and direction following and all will be well.

Brighton Looms . . . Ladder's are not toys!!

2008-06-09T07:28:00.004+01:00

The warm up for LeJog continues with our trip to London on Sunday . . . this year we are riding from Hemel to London and London to Brighton . . . about 85 miles.
Training continues at a pace . . . apart from Ian the painter who fell off a ladder and injured himself . . . painting skirting is a very dangerous thing . . . see artists impression . . . get well soon Ian, we hope it's not too painful.
Many thanks to LGCC for collecting £100 towards the Hospice of St Francis sponsorship at the Centenary day party . . .

Caught......by a roller blader....UP HILL.

2008-06-05T08:24:00.010+01:00

Embarrassing or what!

15 miles in on a 52 mile bike ride last night going through Gorhambury Estate on what was then a very pleasant sunny evening when WHAM.....like a bolt of lightning an elderly roller blade speed skater with orange day-glo skates and black lycra sped past me going up hill, plus being watched by a couple of parental bystandards...........

Oh the shame.........

60 Days To Go . . .

2008-06-02T07:48:00.004+01:00

Yes, 60 days to go . . . Training has reached a peak . . . Noel and Ian clocking up 100 miles on Saturday and probably the same on Sunday. I just hope that they can get back home before August 1st for the ride proper . . . me only 51 . . .

Tricky Dickey lost a couple of nuts but Kim and Bryan caught him up later . . . All on track . . .

Seggs not sure but I believe that after his contribution to the cricket on Saturday he could also have ridden a good 30 miles between his fielding and batting roles . . .

Can't wait now training is ok but you can't beat the real thing . . .

We're off and running . . . so to speak . . .

2008-05-23T10:45:00.005+01:00

The Hospice of St Francis is now £120 better off thanks to donations on the Just Giving web site.

If you are feeling that the £10 in your pocket should be donated to our sponsored charity then go ahead.

Just follow the link . . . http://www.justgiving.com/lgcce2e

Or if you want to give us cash or cheque's make them payable to The Hospice of St Francis . . . Many thanks in anticipation.

The LGCT LeJog Team

Biker V's Little Old Lady

2008-05-21T13:09:00.006+01:00

On many occasions it has been known for persons driving cars to have little time or concept of those who ride bicycles. So it was of no surprise last night whilst cycling through the top end of Abbots Langley that when indicating and maneuvering over to turn right at the roundabout, a car behind me decided that they would overtake to get to the roundabout first. Not only was this done with little concern for me peddling away but also for the car coming in the opposite direction. The driver rev'd past me ferociously to gain the advantage and also to avoid an accident. Alas the poor driver gained little and I soon crept up beside her at the junction. I looked round to give my full disappointed view of her driving but was taken aback by the fact that this driver was at least 85. I then felt the urge to applaud such determined driving until I met her ugly stare. Frightening one might say.

Beware all those who cycle in and around Abbots Langley, there is one strange slightly mad old lady out there who is out to get you.

← You too could end up looking like this

Or this ............ →

German Training Schedule . . .

2008-05-16T10:52:00.005+01:00

THIS WEEK I HAVE MAINLY BEING EATING BRATWURST!

Attending sales meetings in Beckum, Germany is always fun especially at Ernst's Bar & Grill on the last night . . . in fact I am Butt Dart Champion for 2008 . . . An easy game where you clench 4 coins between your butt cheeks, walk a couple of meters and try to drop as many as you can into an empty glass . . . after two rounds I finished with 5!

Anyway, the training has been going well. I have ridden the hotel bike every morning for 24km and twice yesterday, morning and afternoon.

My route was a great off road track by a river with no one else in sight. It went from Beckum to Ahlen. My next international training week will incorporate a week training on mountain bikes at altitude in the Utah mountains at Zermatt a ski resort near park city.

Show us yer money.....

2008-05-13T10:44:00.006+01:00

I would just like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Bob and Sally Masterson for their very kind donation to the cause.

Any donations from anyone out there will be very much appreciated as we all feel that The Hospice of St Francis is a really worthy cause that we are supporting on this epic journey. The more money we raise the more I feel that I am not getting a sore bottom area for nothing!!! (Pass the Sudocream someone?)

It's Official, Dried Apricots keep you regular!

2008-05-08T06:28:00.003+01:00

This weekend I have eaten enough dried apricots to keep me going for a lifetime . . . yes, a lifetime . . . Bryan's got a lot to answer for . . .

Everyone knows fruit and vegetables are good for you, but how many of us know why they're so good?

Fruit and vegetables need to be consumed, along with a variety of other quality foods, to ensure you're acquiring adequate amounts of all the vitamins and minerals . . . don't I know it . . .

Next time I will have to eat some nuts and raisins with the apricots . . . Bryan . . . Can you help us there?

Seriously

2008-05-07T21:08:00.002+01:00

Noel (he's the one who has done it before) sent out an e-mail saying with only so many weeks to go we should be doing 50 miles on a Sat and 50 miles on a Sun, rising to 70 and even 80 miles on three consecutive days. This had the desired effect and galvanised the team in do doing something.
We decided to ride from our base in Hemel Hempstead to Southend, with an over night stop and return the next day. Noel, Bryan, Kim, Steve and Richard all cycled 75 miles out on Saturday on a warm dry day and returned Sunday, 70 miles, again warm and dry. We were joined by Ian who clocked up around 100 miles on the day! This proved to be a very worth while exercise, we now know we can do it. We are getting to understand what works and what doesn't, how much we need to drink, how much to eat, when and what etc and we know what sort of times to expect. All in all, well worth it. We even managed to enjoy the Essex hospitality?
We need to just keep cycling!

Not so seriously . . . the Southend-on-Sea training ride . . .

2008-05-06T10:36:00.006+01:00

Excellent couple of days approx 70 miles on Saturday and 70 on Sunday . . . but the boys done well . . .

The White Hart in Hockley was the venue for a lunch appointment . . . the jacket spud and Chili Con Carne hit the spot . . .

Just also like to thank Emma at The Terrace Guest House for a very warm welcome . . . we would recommend this guest house to all . . .

In Emma's farewell speech she quoted her granddad . . . "If you are ever passing this way again . . . just keep on going . . . " Thanks Emma we'll remember that!

The weekend was a great ride . . . and I felt that the camaraderie was excellent, if this is what it's going to be like on LEJOG then the team spirit will be great . . .

Gone with the wind . . . and rain, hail, snow etc.

2008-04-25T09:38:00.003+01:00

I read this in Cycling Weekly . . . it's all true I am afraid . . . us cyclists will never learn!

IT'S AN ILL WIND

If you don't ride in the wet, then you probably haven't been out on a bike for the last six weeks or more. Yes, I know showers are a seasonal hazard at this time of year, but that cold wind - come on, it's meant to be spring.

OK, we were spoilt last year. The warmest April on record was always going to be a tough act to follow, but a 14-degree temperature drop is just ridiculous.

And it's not just me who's moaning judging by the exchanges on the CW forum. All week it's been one of the main topics - the hailstones, the gale-force winds and those arctic temperatures. You tell epic tales of man versus the elements and conditions so bad that one of you even had to seek refuge in a bus shelter.

Despite it all, one hardy soul managed a hilly 70-miles, but ride of the week goes to Gilbert Pantani 98 who recorded 105 kilometres on an exercise bike.

"Nosebleed after 12km, had to slow down for about 20min to make sure everything was fine. Kneecap flared up at about 75km and went to 105km. Good job I stayed in or I'd probably be in some ditch with my legs sticking out a bush. Can't walk now. That'll teach me!"

Dave from the Wirral replied: "105km on an exercise bike? How? Why?"

We're in the Gazette . . . This Week!

2008-04-14T20:42:00.013+01:00

It was the morning after the night before . . . boxing at the Harringey Police Community Boxing Club . . . one of our annual nights out . . . be up at 9.00 a.m. they said . . . But we all made it for the photo shoot at Leisure Wheels in the old high street.

Many thanks for your sponsorship . . . look out for the yellow shirts . . . you can't miss them!

You can read more at Hemel Today brought to you by the Gazette: http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/

Splish Splash

2008-04-11T09:57:00.002+01:00

Now this is really how to cycle on our tour of the year.

Previous experience not necessary.

Top and Bottom

2008-04-08T08:51:00.004+01:00

There is a purist thought amongst travellers that if the whole of Britain is to be navigated by what ever form of travel, then this should be achieved from the furthest points. As we (seven brain dead humanoids) are to embark on just such an event then it would not take many more miles out of our way to accomplish this goal. Lizard Point being the furthest south and Dunnet Head (Easter Head to be precise) the furthest northern point. Without this additional mileage then can we truly be correctly associated with this massive feat of LeJog without these points being undertaken. A few more miles on top of 900 is little to ask is it??

On the road again again

2008-03-09T19:29:00.002Z

.... back on the cross trainer and banging out the miles on the bike

'Q' the music - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm4MXwrXXgo

On The Road Again . . .

2008-03-03T22:49:00.004Z

HEAT CANNED lyrics

It was decided by Kim yesterday that this should be the e2e theme tune . . . so be it . . . just can't find the music at present . . .

Round the world record smashed . . . LEJOG 08 will be a doddle . . .

2008-02-19T08:25:00.006Z

I read with interest that the round the world record was smashed by Mark Beaumont a Scottish cyclist . . .
This makes the 1000 odd miles from LE to JOG look like a walk in the park . . . Respect . . . True Respect . . . Read more on his web site . . .

http://www.pedallingaround.com/start/

Back on the road again . . . it's so cold

2008-02-17T19:29:00.004Z

So this morning I went out at 8.00 p.m. it was -8! by 9.30 -6 when I went out it was 2 degrees. So cold for the fist 4 miles then it warmed up.

Bryan did 32 miles Noel did 52 miles I did 20 . . . some catcing up to do. Rich went out yeserday and Kim cycled from Hemel to Ascot . . . we are all on the fitness trail.

Anyway, I found a video clip that shows Kim at his best . . . vocally . . . on Snowdon. Take a look . . . http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4b6t-rHrQoc

Training starts again . . . it's spring like!!!

2008-02-09T20:56:00.000Z

After being away once again the the land of the Wendy Baconator Burger I am returning to a strict training regieme!
This has to be stuck to for at least three months
. . . I have to remove the winter layer . . . But at least the weather is getting better.
Better than it was a few weeks ago with -2 degrees to contend with.
Tomorrow will be suntan lotion day . . . oh the joys of cycling!

Happy 50th Birthday . . . Sorry it's a bit late

2008-01-20T18:22:00.000Z

Our old mate Kim was 50 on January 7th.
I found an old picture . . . I'm sure that you will agree . . . he does look kinda cute . . .

Happy Belated Birthday mate . . . no wonder you kept it quiet . . . Was that so you didn't have to buy your mates a beer?

This Friday coming is going to be a good night and you are coming out with us, no if buts or maybe's . . .

We are celebrating your birthday at the Horns . . . and Bryan is buying you beer all night!!

It's an Age Thing . . .

2008-01-20T18:10:00.001Z

Injuries can occur at anytime . . . it's unfortunate that your lack of physical exercise has finally caught up with you . . . sitting on a bike just peddaling is not really fitness is it.

It might not be a groin strain . . . It could be a hernia though . . . oh well . . . I've had a look on the net and found a few things that might help . . . and apparently an operation is not too invasive . . .

Or if its not too bad you could wear a device that will assist you during your sporting efforts.

Anyway . . . remember injuries take time to heal at your age so I will recommend a few basic points as a guide . . .

1. No Intercourse of any sort.
2. No exciting nights out.
3. No excessive drinking.

As I said, it's an age thing . . . and at your age . . . well, enough said . . . by the way how old are you?

Kim Darker, Thur Jan 17th - Training suspended

2008-01-20T11:58:00.000Z

Had my last go on the cycling cross trainer for a little while, I am getting a small amount of discomfort from my left groin, so I have decided to put the training on hold for a little while so that hopefully it repairs itself.
I had been doing 6 miles every night and was really feeling the benifit, but I thought at this early stage it was best to get it sorted out. I just hope it's nothing my serious than a bit of a tweak!

So What?

2008-01-14T20:40:00.000Z

Ion Grant Neville Keith-Falconer (1856-1887), Arabic scholar and champion amateur cyclist who, in June 1882, became the first recorded end-to-ender, pedalling from Land's end to John O'Groats in just under 13 days.

If cycling is so good for you how come he only lived for 31 years??

Official UK record for LeJog

Mens single 2001 G Butler 44 Hrs 4 mins 19 secs
Women single 2002 LEA Taylor 52 Hrs 45 mins 11 secs

were they drug tested?

The training has started at -2 degrees!

2008-01-07T13:08:00.000Z

Cycling in January . . . it's never been heard of, until now that is. We went out last weekend for our first ride of 2008 a quick trip up the
downs . . . then yesterday when we went out the roads were white!

Not the most sensible thing to do but a quick trip around the villages and back was enough . . . getting warm again was not so easy though, but who dares wins . . . or shivers for the rest of the day.

But I think I have found a solution for
this early winter training period should the weather get any worse . . .
I think it could catch on . . .

Our Designated Charity . . .

2008-01-03T14:32:00.001Z

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We have chosen to sponsor the Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted as our designated charity. There is a link to the sponsorship web site from the bottom of this blog page, please feel free to donate.

Many thanks,

Steve, Kim, Bryan, Kevin, Richard, Noel, John and Ed

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

2007-12-28T11:28:00.001Z

May we take this time to wish all of our readers a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year . . .

Keep watching training starts 2nd January . . . . countdown begins . . . 217 days to go . . .

Are we really doing this . . . . ?

Cycle training and beyond. The fall guy.

2007-12-14T21:39:00.000Z

You'll be happy to know that my training has become more and more intense and the legs plus breathing apparatus wish to be pushed further and further. Weight loss is going well, from 11stone 12 lbs to a nice 11stone 7lbs. But todays cycle ride became somewhat more interesting as I met with tarmac at the bottom of Barnacres and became part of the mini roundabout for a short time. The pub landlord of the 'George' offered me a quick brandy before remounting, but sadly I declined. It wasn't until I came home that the full damage was understood that I now realise I have a severe limp wrist aswell as a rather red and sore thigh that rubs constantly on my clothing. (I get off on that actually.) You will all be happy to know that my bike survived with out a scratch as my body took the brunt of the fall. Nice.

Still the limp wrist should keep me busy for a while!!

Le JoG Tour music

2007-12-11T21:34:00.000Z

Never really got Led Zeppelin, I prefer Girls Aloud [apart from minger the singer]

but stick this in your i pod when you're on the cycle machinehttp://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=92fyc3Rst8g

Any other suggestions?

Land's End to John O'Groats . . . like spealt the write way and ritten proper ain it . . .

2007-12-06T17:20:00.000Z

That last post . . . and I don't mean a trumpet call . . . prompted me to investigate . . . so visiting the websites for Land's End and John O'Groats and reading the correct way to enter both start or finish point or beginning and end or first and last or any other combination you wish to enter . . . this now defines how we write it for this blog . . .

http://www.cornwall-online.co.uk/attractions/lands-end/Welcome.html

http://www.visitjohnogroats.com

!!!! ''''''

2007-12-04T12:55:00.000Z

We all know there is only one place name in England that includes the use of the exclamation mark !

.... but what about the apostrophe ...... '

John O'Groats has an apostrophe as shown, I have seen Land's End spelt as shown, but also without an apostrophe at all, or with the apostrophe after the S' and before the 'E

Which is correct?

My pocket English dictionary says the apostrophe is used to indicate 1] the omission of letters 2] the possessive case or 3] the plural of letters or figures

Latin is easier!!!

Now don't get shirty

2007-11-28T09:55:00.000Z

Jah!

Just to let all those who are not in the know and care about what we look like on the ride of a life time, suggestions for a group cycle shirt are being discussed. The one they call Noel has shown the item that he wore this year and it is very nice indeed. Here is a photo of a shirt design worn by another group earlier this year which is also very eye catching. Someone suggested pink again but I feel this wouldn't go well with my green tights!!

So if anybody else out there has any shirt design ideas that they would like to put forward then please do so as they would be greatly accepted.

Did you hear the one about . . .

2007-11-27T15:14:00.000Z

Bryan and Kim on their Tandem . . ?

Bryan and Kim are riding along on their tandem, when suddenly Kim slams on the brakes, gets off and starts letting air out of the tyres.

"HEY! What are you doing that for!? says Bryan"

Kim says, "My seat was too high and was hurting my butt. I wanted to lower it a bit."

With this Bryan has had enough. He jumps off, loosens his own seat and spins it round to face the other direction.

Kim Says. "What are you doing?"

"Look mate," says Bryan, "if you're going to do stupid stuff like that, I'm going home!!"

Tattoo . . . or not Tattoo . . . that is the question . . .

2007-11-26T17:44:00.000Z

So this weekend while out with Noel and Bryan, we got henna tattoos . . .
It seemed like an excellent idea at the time . . .

If we complete the end to end should we get a permanent one . . .
How about something simple like the ones on the right . . . ?

Witley Bay must have a tattoo parlour . . .
. . . There may be trouble ahead . . .

Gearing Up

2007-11-24T15:37:00.000Z

Garage has been cleared out and I've installed the cycling machine. This is ya' bog standard machine not like brian's, his has got a sheep skin saddle cover and why does he call it 'flossy'?
Already done 3 miles on 'Mr Motivator', going for a lay down now!

Deposit Paid . . . No turning back . . .

2007-11-23T15:07:00.000Z

Yesterday we met at our HQ and paid our deposit of £500 . . . Hotels are booked . . . transport still an issue.

Unfortunately Gavin the postie can't deliver . . . Shame . . . but replacement will be announced soon . . .

Training started for a couple of people . . . hope they don't peak too early though.

World Record Holders . . .

2007-11-20T17:42:00.000Z

It came to me in a flash . . . If I did LeJog, how could I be a part of a world record?

I have a cunning plan . . . Not even my fellow riders know about this, in fact they are also going to be world record holders after this event . . .

Keep watching . . . more later . . .

The most romantic story ever . . .

2007-11-18T10:53:00.001Z

When I read this on the BBC website I couldn't stop laughing . . . Fantastic . . . I know we like cycling but . . . I do believe that we have someone on the tour with us who likes sheep though . . . also he is just about to embark on a personal project with Claude Butler . . .

Kim's Cycling History

2007-11-18T09:57:00.000Z

I am a born again cyclist, I was living next to the Nicky line http://enquire.hertscc.gov.uk/cms/explore/walk/nickyline.htm and often watched the bikers, so when Bryan asked if a wanted to cycle the British Heart foundation London to Brighton, some 12 years ago, I said yes but the only problem is I haven't got a bike.
I purchased a second hand mountain bike for £120 and the first time I trained for the L2B I did 8 miles and thought that was some going! After a Spring spent building up the miles, the L2B which was more like 60 miles then, was duly completed.I was devastated when we finished because there was nothing left to aim for. I think I said at the time we must now cycle from Lands End to John O Groats ( LE JOG ) - so 12 years later here we are.
That mountain bike served me very well, and we have gone on the cycle all over Britain including the Sustrans http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ C2C, Reivers, Devon C2C, Coasts & Castles, Lochs & Glens, and others. I even managed to cycle 100 miles in a day and that was with the strength sapping nobbly tyres. Today is the 18th of November and its cold and raining, so I think I'll start the training next week (or is that after Christmas)

The art of falling off a bike . . .

2007-11-13T20:54:00.000Z

Kim,

Just checking in on the blog, just checking I've got the hang of this - Yep it's as easy as falling off a bike!

15 Days . . . LE JOG

2007-11-12T20:29:00.000Z

This weekend I learnt that we are going to be on the road for 15 days . . . 15 days! 1st day 20 miles then 48, 66, 74, 60, 79, 66, 65, 74, 71, 72, 60, 80, 79, 51 Phew . . . sounds like a bingo re-call!

LE JOG, Land End - John o Groats . . . is the nickname for the ride . . . sounds like Le Tour . . . cool . . . I like it . . .

My next role for the next few weeks is to design the tour shirt . . . should be interesting . . . what do you think the yellow or the pink!

262 days to go . . . not bored yet . . . are you?

The Diet Has Started . . . I'm So Hungry!!

2007-11-08T17:09:00.000Z

Before . . .

Well, the diet has started. Oats in the morning, nothing but a banana during the day and a meal in the evening with plenty of fresh fruit and cups of tea . . .

This is going to be hard . . . Yesterday, my work colleagues sat and ate Cornish pasties in front of me . . .

Just wait for the after picture . . .
I'll show them . . .

The Diet Starts Tomorrow!

2007-11-05T23:07:00.000Z

Back from USA, a hectic weekend, dogs on Saturday, out with the lads on Sunday evening . . . it was like a Friday! Now the search for an exercise bike is underway . . . Bryan has his and has done over 20 miles already . . . He says it's a bit of a pain though carrying the thing back to where he lives, maybe someone should have told him that you don't tow it behind your road bike . . . oh well . . .

269 days to go . . .

Answer: I have got to lose weight

2007-10-31T23:45:00.000Z

How depressing, the very next day the BBC web site runs an article on weight and diet etc.

I calculate my BMI . . . 34.90 . . . I'm Obese!

When I return from the land of the "Baconater Wendy Hamburger" I will have to make an effort.

274 days to go . . .

Question: Well Why Not, What have I got to lose?

2007-10-31T00:00:00.000Z

So I got a call from Noel on Thursday 25th October . . . come to the cricket club next week to discuss our end to end trip . . . What! I replied, I can't I'm away, but I am interested . . .

We met on Friday for out night out as usual . . . this was Noel's dialogue . . .

The hotels have been reserved, the mini bus has been booked, Bryan has ordered his exercise bike . . . and a support driver has been selected . . . Edwin Bates, the Snowdon Sherpa! . . . more about Ed later . . . we drive down on Friday 1st August, stop off about 10 miles from Lands End, cycle down to get our pictures taken, cycle 10 miles back to hotel and bed down for the night . . .

Who's on this tour . . . Noel, Bryan, Kim, Segs, Richard, me and driver Ed.

There is no option I thought, I would like to do it . . . So I'm going to . . .

Now, I have to be honest and share all the highs and lows of getting fit over the next 10 months . . . with anyone sad enough to read it.

So 14.5 stone, 5'4" and not very fit . . . here we go . . . 275 days to go!