We came across this old and antique AA Box alongside the road today. Still in very good condition.
Tuesday 31 May 2011
CYCLING DAY 14 Windermere – Carlisle, 58.79miles, 31.5.2011
We have dedicated this cycling day to our friends, Rob, Anne, and Carol from Old Harlow, Peter and Sallyanne from Brundall. As we cycled in the Lake district we remembered, that many a time they did their serious walking here. So here is to you. We thought about you as we admired this stunning countryside better suited for walking then cycling. We wish you all well.
We left early this morning to catch the train back to Windermere, the place we finished last. Once in Windermere we had to go on the A591, which was beautiful but a bit horrendous. So many people and cars everywhere. On to Ambleside, Grasmere and we then turned left to cycle the west side of Thirlmere. This a ‘must cycle road’ for anyone cycling Lejog this way. It is so beautiful and hardly any traffic. Then on the B5322 to Threlkeld, on the A66 unfortunately, albeit for a short while. Turn left at Scales, stopped at the pub in Mungrisdale where we met many other cyclists. From here it was hard work. Many hills and some just dragged on for ages. Went across to Haltcliff Bridge, Church Town, Raughton Head (we got lost there), across the M6, Cotehill and lastly Knott Hill, where the campsite is. These country roads do slow you down though and we didn’t get back until 5.30
We have seen a beautiful part of the country. Many folk were out with their children walking as it is half-term. Talked to some people, who were interested in our story and we in theirs. Birds were singing, the different scents of the trees came our way and although it was a hard day, we feel very blessed.
We have dedicated this cycling day to our friends, Rob, Anne, and Carol from Old Harlow, Peter and Sallyanne from Brundall. As we cycled in the Lake district we remembered, that many a time they did their serious walking here. So here is to you. We thought about you as we admired this stunning countryside better suited for walking then cycling. We wish you all well.
We left early this morning to catch the train back to Windermere, the place we finished last. Once in Windermere we had to go on the A591, which was beautiful but a bit horrendous. So many people and cars everywhere. On to Ambleside, Grasmere and we then turned left to cycle the west side of Thirlmere. This a ‘must cycle road’ for anyone cycling Lejog this way. It is so beautiful and hardly any traffic. Then on the B5322 to Threlkeld, on the A66 unfortunately, albeit for a short while. Turn left at Scales, stopped at the pub in Mungrisdale where we met many other cyclists. From here it was hard work. Many hills and some just dragged on for ages. Went across to Haltcliff Bridge, Church Town, Raughton Head (we got lost there), across the M6, Cotehill and lastly Knott Hill, where the campsite is. These country roads do slow you down though and we didn’t get back until 5.30
We have seen a beautiful part of the country. Many folk were out with their children walking as it is half-term. Talked to some people, who were interested in our story and we in theirs. Birds were singing, the different scents of the trees came our way and although it was a hard day, we feel very blessed.
Sunday 29 May 2011
CYCLING DAY 13 Milnthorpe – Windermere 19.14 miles, 29.5.2011
We knew it would rain today and so it did. Therefore we wanted to cycle as quick as possible to Windermere and took the A6, part of the A590 and then on to the A 591. Towards the end there was even a cycle track, so that helped. We wouldn’t have used this route on a weekday but again it was do-able. Reached Windermere before 12, low mileage, but we wanted it that way as we had to go back by train.
You may find it a little boring to read all about these A and B roads. But I know, that people from the US and Russia are following this blog – perhaps they want to come over and cycle this route too. People have written books about Lejog but the more info the better you can prepare yourself by listening to other people’s stories, also if I don’t write it down I may forget.
We talked to several policeman/woman today. They find our bike fascinating and want to know all about it. Yesterday there was a huge accident, never seen so many police cars, ambulances and fire engines, yet one policeman came over, told us to walk around the scene and get back on the bike. But first he quickly wanted to know about our bike. Today a policewoman wanted to show us her Brompton she had bought today and on the train we had the company of a policeman just gone off duty. It has been a good 3 days. Tomorrow we drive to a campsite near Carlisle.
We knew it would rain today and so it did. Therefore we wanted to cycle as quick as possible to Windermere and took the A6, part of the A590 and then on to the A 591. Towards the end there was even a cycle track, so that helped. We wouldn’t have used this route on a weekday but again it was do-able. Reached Windermere before 12, low mileage, but we wanted it that way as we had to go back by train.
You may find it a little boring to read all about these A and B roads. But I know, that people from the US and Russia are following this blog – perhaps they want to come over and cycle this route too. People have written books about Lejog but the more info the better you can prepare yourself by listening to other people’s stories, also if I don’t write it down I may forget.
We talked to several policeman/woman today. They find our bike fascinating and want to know all about it. Yesterday there was a huge accident, never seen so many police cars, ambulances and fire engines, yet one policeman came over, told us to walk around the scene and get back on the bike. But first he quickly wanted to know about our bike. Today a policewoman wanted to show us her Brompton she had bought today and on the train we had the company of a policeman just gone off duty. It has been a good 3 days. Tomorrow we drive to a campsite near Carlisle.
CYCLING DAY 12 Eccleston – Milnthorpe 46.66 miles, 28.5.2011
We left a very nice B&B in good spirits but after 5 min. we got a very heavy shower. Quickly into raingear, but it was just a shower and the wind soon dried our jackets. Leaving Leyland on our right we took the B5253, A582, onto the B5411, also leaving Preston on our right. We did have a bit of help from 2 local cyclists. We had to join then the A6 at Bilsborrow reaching Garstang at midday. Visited the T.I.C. as we needed accommodation, which they found us in Milnthorpe; right on the route. Many places are full due to the B.H., also prices are at times ridiculously high.
In Garstang – nice place – and also the first town in the world to have a Fair Trade shop, we stopped for a soup lunch. The food is excellent here, people usually produce home cooking. After lunch we made the decision to use the A6 all the way to Milnthorpe. You may think that a crazy idea but on the country roads you often get lost and it holds you up. Don’t forget this is not a ‘signed’ route, I always use my torned out pages from the Philip’s Navagator; quite accurate, but I still manage to get it wrong a few times.The A6 is certainly do-able on a Saturday or Sunday, not too much heavy traffic. We sailed through Lancaster, busy city and noticed rows and rows of Victorian houses all having beautiful chimneys. I believe they are called ‘Crowns’. In Carnforth we stopped at the railway station and purchased our tickets for Sunday and booked the bike. Virgin trains are very, very strict. No reservations, no bike! We have to travel back to the farm(CL) where we left the motorhome and we will do that after reaching Windermere. Tonight we are staying at a B&B in Milnthorpe.
We left a very nice B&B in good spirits but after 5 min. we got a very heavy shower. Quickly into raingear, but it was just a shower and the wind soon dried our jackets. Leaving Leyland on our right we took the B5253, A582, onto the B5411, also leaving Preston on our right. We did have a bit of help from 2 local cyclists. We had to join then the A6 at Bilsborrow reaching Garstang at midday. Visited the T.I.C. as we needed accommodation, which they found us in Milnthorpe; right on the route. Many places are full due to the B.H., also prices are at times ridiculously high.
In Garstang – nice place – and also the first town in the world to have a Fair Trade shop, we stopped for a soup lunch. The food is excellent here, people usually produce home cooking. After lunch we made the decision to use the A6 all the way to Milnthorpe. You may think that a crazy idea but on the country roads you often get lost and it holds you up. Don’t forget this is not a ‘signed’ route, I always use my torned out pages from the Philip’s Navagator; quite accurate, but I still manage to get it wrong a few times.The A6 is certainly do-able on a Saturday or Sunday, not too much heavy traffic. We sailed through Lancaster, busy city and noticed rows and rows of Victorian houses all having beautiful chimneys. I believe they are called ‘Crowns’. In Carnforth we stopped at the railway station and purchased our tickets for Sunday and booked the bike. Virgin trains are very, very strict. No reservations, no bike! We have to travel back to the farm(CL) where we left the motorhome and we will do that after reaching Windermere. Tonight we are staying at a B&B in Milnthorpe.
CYCLING DAY 11 Frodsham(nr.Chester)-Eccleston 51,75 miles, 27.5.2011
Left at 9 on A56 from Piper’sAsh to Frodsham.(we are staying at a farm there, couldn’t get anything nearer to Frodsham due to BH week-end). It was cold, windy and we both put on our Merino base layer, which kept us warm.
We knew, that today wouldn’t go smoothly as we had to negotiate the route, leaving busy Warrington, Gr.Manchester on our right and of course we lost it a couple of times. I had acquired a map from Warrington council, but the map proved to be out of date and I slipped up – just a few miles. From Frodsham we turned left for Higher Walton, through the nature reserve and we saw a beautiful jay flying very near us. Stopped for a break at the Fiddler’s Ferry, then on to Burtonwood, Haydock,Orrel, Appley Bridge reaching our B&B destination at Eccleston. Lots of country lanes today but still busy. Very build up area this part of the country but beautiful and find the people very friendly, really nice folk.
Just had a pub meal of Steak and Kidney Pie and a glass of good red wine, excellent. That will make us sleep well. We are staying at a B&B in Eccleston.
Thursday 26 May 2011
Wednesday 25 May 2011
CYCLING DAY 10 – Wem – Frodsham, 41.37miles, 25.5.2011
Started on the B5476 from Wem to Whitchurch, the town known for Town clocks. Moved on the ringroad the A41 and were overtaken by a peleton of racers. Wonderful sight! We then took the B5395 to Malpas and at this point we decided not to go to Chester but to Frodsham, cutting off quite a corner. Good decision as this route was such a delight. From Malpas on to the B5069 to Bickerton, Peckforton, past Beeston Castle, Cotebrook, on to the B5152 through Delamere Forest and lastly our destination Frodsham. It has been an easy day, almost flat terrain, wind behind us, meeting other cyclists on the way, met the chairman of the tandem club UK at Crewe Station, who will also check our verification sheet as he is involved with the end to end organisation. What a chance meeting!
It has been a magic day. Tomorrow we drive to our next location near Chester and have a break.
Started on the B5476 from Wem to Whitchurch, the town known for Town clocks. Moved on the ringroad the A41 and were overtaken by a peleton of racers. Wonderful sight! We then took the B5395 to Malpas and at this point we decided not to go to Chester but to Frodsham, cutting off quite a corner. Good decision as this route was such a delight. From Malpas on to the B5069 to Bickerton, Peckforton, past Beeston Castle, Cotebrook, on to the B5152 through Delamere Forest and lastly our destination Frodsham. It has been an easy day, almost flat terrain, wind behind us, meeting other cyclists on the way, met the chairman of the tandem club UK at Crewe Station, who will also check our verification sheet as he is involved with the end to end organisation. What a chance meeting!
It has been a magic day. Tomorrow we drive to our next location near Chester and have a break.
Tuesday 24 May 2011
CYCLING DAY 9, Craven Arms – Wem, 41.56 miles 24.5.2011
Today we have dedicated our cycling to our friends John and Anne, who are also cycling friends from way back. We are thinking of you and wish you both well.
We started cycling from Craven Arms on the A49 for just a short while. Turned left at Wistanstow and had to climb for quite a while, which gave us a wonderful view over the valley. At Church Stretton, which area is also called little Switzerland, we stopped for coffee and met some nice folk in a good coffee shop. At the Bank we had our verification paper duly stamped and moved on from this very charming town on to the Roman Road to Dorrington, Condover and into Shrewsbury, which is the birthplace of Charles Darwin. As we hate to get lost in big towns/cities, I acquired some months back a town plan with all the cycle paths. It was worth it as we had no trouble at all.
We were soon back at Wem which is famous for its most famous breeder of Sweet Peas, Henry Eckford. The Eckford Sweet Pea, is of course also known as the Lathyrus Odoratus ‘Dorothy Eckford’.
In all we had a wonderful day, good cycling, especially on the Roman Road, good weather, we are well pleased.
Today we have dedicated our cycling to our friends John and Anne, who are also cycling friends from way back. We are thinking of you and wish you both well.
We started cycling from Craven Arms on the A49 for just a short while. Turned left at Wistanstow and had to climb for quite a while, which gave us a wonderful view over the valley. At Church Stretton, which area is also called little Switzerland, we stopped for coffee and met some nice folk in a good coffee shop. At the Bank we had our verification paper duly stamped and moved on from this very charming town on to the Roman Road to Dorrington, Condover and into Shrewsbury, which is the birthplace of Charles Darwin. As we hate to get lost in big towns/cities, I acquired some months back a town plan with all the cycle paths. It was worth it as we had no trouble at all.
We were soon back at Wem which is famous for its most famous breeder of Sweet Peas, Henry Eckford. The Eckford Sweet Pea, is of course also known as the Lathyrus Odoratus ‘Dorothy Eckford’.
In all we had a wonderful day, good cycling, especially on the Roman Road, good weather, we are well pleased.
Sunday 22 May 2011
CYCLING DAY 8 Hereford – Craven Arms, 34.78miles – 22.5.2011
The plan was to cycle to Ludlow, but that was too low a mileage, so we carried on. Strong w.s.w winds and our faces are burning, but not burned. We have now entered Shropshire and what a beautiful countryside, houses and little gems we have come across. Cycled on the A49 (it was a quiet sundaymorning), stopped at Dinmore Hill and turned in at the Queenswood Estate for a coffee. Fantastic old barn, full of character. At Newton we decided on taking the B4361. That did take us right through Leominster, but didn’t get lost. On to Orleton, through Ludlow and stopped for our sandwiches near Bromfield. Turned right on to a countryroad, over the railway line to Old Field, then next to the railway line to Onibury, Greenway Cross, turning left for Craven Arms. Hope you don’t get bored with all these name places, but it also serves as our reference.
It has been a very good day. Yes, we had to climb a few nasty long hills, but we don’t mind it anymore, getting used to it. They are there and that’s the way it is. If my calculations are right, then we must be about 1/3 of the way and doesn’t that sound encouraging!
Tomorrow we move the van to a small campsite just above Wem, Ryebank and do some washing.
The plan was to cycle to Ludlow, but that was too low a mileage, so we carried on. Strong w.s.w winds and our faces are burning, but not burned. We have now entered Shropshire and what a beautiful countryside, houses and little gems we have come across. Cycled on the A49 (it was a quiet sundaymorning), stopped at Dinmore Hill and turned in at the Queenswood Estate for a coffee. Fantastic old barn, full of character. At Newton we decided on taking the B4361. That did take us right through Leominster, but didn’t get lost. On to Orleton, through Ludlow and stopped for our sandwiches near Bromfield. Turned right on to a countryroad, over the railway line to Old Field, then next to the railway line to Onibury, Greenway Cross, turning left for Craven Arms. Hope you don’t get bored with all these name places, but it also serves as our reference.
It has been a very good day. Yes, we had to climb a few nasty long hills, but we don’t mind it anymore, getting used to it. They are there and that’s the way it is. If my calculations are right, then we must be about 1/3 of the way and doesn’t that sound encouraging!
Tomorrow we move the van to a small campsite just above Wem, Ryebank and do some washing.
Saturday 21 May 2011
CYCLING DAY 7 Chepstow – Hereford, 43.7 miles – 21.5.2011
We got up early at 6 to catch the 8.15 train back to Chepstow. Chepstow by the way has the oldest dateable stone castle in Britain. The train had many football supporters on board and they were very happy, singing and some were a little drunk and only 9 o'clock in the morning! Today we had to cycle from Chepstow to Hereford. The first half, to Monmouth, was an absolute delight right through the Wye Valley. Stunningly beautiful and not too many hills. Only at the beginning did we have to climb up to 600ft, after which we then descended all the way down for 4 miles. It was heaven. Cars behind us just watched us descend. They couldn’t overtake us because there was a double white line and oncoming traffic just made them unable to overtake. Afterwards they waved to us and gave us a big smile, so they had fun too. So, we travelled from Chepstow with the wind in the back on the A466 to Tintern Parva, where we stopped to have a quick look at Tintern Abbey, now a ruin thanks to Henry VIII. From there on to Monmouth, straight through, busy place on a Saturday afternoon with shoppers. We carried on to Hereford and had to deal with monster hills, but we yet have to ‘walk’ a hill! We were not too late back and had fish and chips for supper cooked by an Award Winning Fish and Chip shop in Herefordshire. Lovely!
We got up early at 6 to catch the 8.15 train back to Chepstow. Chepstow by the way has the oldest dateable stone castle in Britain. The train had many football supporters on board and they were very happy, singing and some were a little drunk and only 9 o'clock in the morning! Today we had to cycle from Chepstow to Hereford. The first half, to Monmouth, was an absolute delight right through the Wye Valley. Stunningly beautiful and not too many hills. Only at the beginning did we have to climb up to 600ft, after which we then descended all the way down for 4 miles. It was heaven. Cars behind us just watched us descend. They couldn’t overtake us because there was a double white line and oncoming traffic just made them unable to overtake. Afterwards they waved to us and gave us a big smile, so they had fun too. So, we travelled from Chepstow with the wind in the back on the A466 to Tintern Parva, where we stopped to have a quick look at Tintern Abbey, now a ruin thanks to Henry VIII. From there on to Monmouth, straight through, busy place on a Saturday afternoon with shoppers. We carried on to Hereford and had to deal with monster hills, but we yet have to ‘walk’ a hill! We were not too late back and had fish and chips for supper cooked by an Award Winning Fish and Chip shop in Herefordshire. Lovely!
Friday 20 May 2011
CYCLING DAY 6 - Highbridge-Chepstow 55 miles, 19.5.11
As we have moved the van yesterday to a small campsite in Chepstow we had to take the train back to where we finished last, namely Highbridge. It was quite hilarious on the train. We all were packed like sardines in a tin, Bikes, people reading newspapers, books, chatting with other riders, one guy already drunk and the ticket man couldn’t even get through.
Started cycling from Highbridge at 9. It was a nice sunny day, side wind and the roads were mostly flat. Along the coast to Burnham-on-Sea, where we quickly said Hello to an old friend, on to Berrow, Weston-super-Mare, then more inland to Congresbury, Clevedon, using the cycleway on the M5 over the river Avon. On to the Severn Road Bridge, reaching Chepstow our place of finishing off for the day. It has been a mixed day. Got lost a few times and that is annoying but signs are sparse or broken off and confuses the riders. We used the Avon Cycleway, which was wonderful. We find the gears are much better now that they have been checked over. Tomorrow we drive to Cuckoo's Corner, Moreton-on-Lugg (Hereford).
,
As we have moved the van yesterday to a small campsite in Chepstow we had to take the train back to where we finished last, namely Highbridge. It was quite hilarious on the train. We all were packed like sardines in a tin, Bikes, people reading newspapers, books, chatting with other riders, one guy already drunk and the ticket man couldn’t even get through.
Started cycling from Highbridge at 9. It was a nice sunny day, side wind and the roads were mostly flat. Along the coast to Burnham-on-Sea, where we quickly said Hello to an old friend, on to Berrow, Weston-super-Mare, then more inland to Congresbury, Clevedon, using the cycleway on the M5 over the river Avon. On to the Severn Road Bridge, reaching Chepstow our place of finishing off for the day. It has been a mixed day. Got lost a few times and that is annoying but signs are sparse or broken off and confuses the riders. We used the Avon Cycleway, which was wonderful. We find the gears are much better now that they have been checked over. Tomorrow we drive to Cuckoo's Corner, Moreton-on-Lugg (Hereford).
,
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Tuesday 17 May 2011
CYCLING DAY 5 – Sampford Peverel-Highbridge – 39.17 miles
Today has been an easy day. Just as well as we were both shattered, but after we had our morning coffee we felt much better. Started off by cycling straight away alongside The Grand Western Canal, then joining the A38 for Wellington. Most of the time downhill, that really added to the mileage in a speedy way. From Wellington to Taunton where we joined the Bridgwater and Taunton canal in the centre of this lovely Town. All along the canal are masses of yellow irises, beautiful and the reflection of them in the water gives us even more joy. On to Creech St.Michael up to Maunsel Lock, where we had tea and tasted the best ever lemon cake. The canal path from that point wasn’t good so we joined the road leading up to Bridgwater. We needed to go back to SJS Cycles there, who serviced our bike last Wednesday. We were experiencing problems with the gears, which now has been sorted out –we hope-. We carried on to Highbridge, got on the train and went back to Sampford Peverel. Tomorrow we move the van to a CL nr. Chepstow and have the rest of the day off.
Today has been an easy day. Just as well as we were both shattered, but after we had our morning coffee we felt much better. Started off by cycling straight away alongside The Grand Western Canal, then joining the A38 for Wellington. Most of the time downhill, that really added to the mileage in a speedy way. From Wellington to Taunton where we joined the Bridgwater and Taunton canal in the centre of this lovely Town. All along the canal are masses of yellow irises, beautiful and the reflection of them in the water gives us even more joy. On to Creech St.Michael up to Maunsel Lock, where we had tea and tasted the best ever lemon cake. The canal path from that point wasn’t good so we joined the road leading up to Bridgwater. We needed to go back to SJS Cycles there, who serviced our bike last Wednesday. We were experiencing problems with the gears, which now has been sorted out –we hope-. We carried on to Highbridge, got on the train and went back to Sampford Peverel. Tomorrow we move the van to a CL nr. Chepstow and have the rest of the day off.
Monday 16 May 2011
CYCLING DAY 3 and 4 – Lostwithiel –Okehampton – 41.85 miles and Okehampton – Sampford Peverel – 46.29 miles
As we are now staying at a Campsite in Sampford Peverel we took the first train back on Sundaymorning to Lostwithiel. As this took 2 ½ hours we didn’t start cycling until nearly midday. Took the A390 to Dobwalls, across the A38 to Redgate, Minnions(we had a Cornish Cream Tea here and had our verification sheet stamped, as they were also a Post Office) Berriowbridge, Launceston, Lifton, Lewdown, Okehampton. We had to find a B&B as there is no railway station there. We found one right on the road we were cycling on and which was very welcome, because we were shattered. It was again a hard day’s ride, 7 hours in total, but we enjoyed it. Past Dobwalls we noticed an interesting ancient monument. It was the King Doniert's Inscribed monument and relates to a 9th century Cornish King. We also notice the many disused Cornish Tin mines, often a ruin. There is however one preserved and listed as a World Heritage Site. We didn't go in to see it, it would hold us up too long. We decided to leave that for another year. The next morning we left at 9 and found the terrain easier. Went from Okehampton on a country road next to the A30 to South Zeal, Cheriton Bishop, Tedburn St.Mary, Exeter, up alongside the M5 to Broadclyst, Cullompton, finishing again at Sampford Peverel. Along the way late in the morning, we were overtaken by 4 young riders and I quickly asked them as they passed if they were End2Enders, which they confirmed. They stopped and we had quite a chat about their journey and ours. They have the back-up of a friend with a caravan. They will do the run in 12 days as they have to go back to work. One of them was Dutch and we shall have a look at his website. They left and we found them later –as they were having a cup of tea along the way- waiting for us to pass by and they took a picture of us. That was nice. By one o'clock we were getting quite exhausted and needed sustenance and decided on the first pub we passed. The Royal Oak in Whitestone just before Exeter, looked very well after us. It was your usual local Devon Pub with a number of men drinking their midday beers. Nice crowd, and of course they wanted to know everything. One of the man came over on his way out to shake our hands and told us we were mad, but he liked what we were doing. We have just had our evening meal, ready for a coffee and we shall be off to sleep soon.
As we are now staying at a Campsite in Sampford Peverel we took the first train back on Sundaymorning to Lostwithiel. As this took 2 ½ hours we didn’t start cycling until nearly midday. Took the A390 to Dobwalls, across the A38 to Redgate, Minnions(we had a Cornish Cream Tea here and had our verification sheet stamped, as they were also a Post Office) Berriowbridge, Launceston, Lifton, Lewdown, Okehampton. We had to find a B&B as there is no railway station there. We found one right on the road we were cycling on and which was very welcome, because we were shattered. It was again a hard day’s ride, 7 hours in total, but we enjoyed it. Past Dobwalls we noticed an interesting ancient monument. It was the King Doniert's Inscribed monument and relates to a 9th century Cornish King. We also notice the many disused Cornish Tin mines, often a ruin. There is however one preserved and listed as a World Heritage Site. We didn't go in to see it, it would hold us up too long. We decided to leave that for another year. The next morning we left at 9 and found the terrain easier. Went from Okehampton on a country road next to the A30 to South Zeal, Cheriton Bishop, Tedburn St.Mary, Exeter, up alongside the M5 to Broadclyst, Cullompton, finishing again at Sampford Peverel. Along the way late in the morning, we were overtaken by 4 young riders and I quickly asked them as they passed if they were End2Enders, which they confirmed. They stopped and we had quite a chat about their journey and ours. They have the back-up of a friend with a caravan. They will do the run in 12 days as they have to go back to work. One of them was Dutch and we shall have a look at his website. They left and we found them later –as they were having a cup of tea along the way- waiting for us to pass by and they took a picture of us. That was nice. By one o'clock we were getting quite exhausted and needed sustenance and decided on the first pub we passed. The Royal Oak in Whitestone just before Exeter, looked very well after us. It was your usual local Devon Pub with a number of men drinking their midday beers. Nice crowd, and of course they wanted to know everything. One of the man came over on his way out to shake our hands and told us we were mad, but he liked what we were doing. We have just had our evening meal, ready for a coffee and we shall be off to sleep soon.
Saturday 14 May 2011
Cycling Day 2 (13.5.11)– Carnon Downs to Lostwithiel - 28.72miles
Although the mileage is less than half of yesterday, there were twice as many hills and some were real killers. The other reason for doing less mileage than planned, was the fact, that we took an A road - a lesser A road - as the country roads’ steepness in places can be quite daunting with all the bends. Lionel does like to go down fast, but I don’t as some drivers go fast too. But we conquered all the hills– we never ‘walked’ any of them. It truly was hard work. Some very young riders overtook us on one of those very long and steep hills and they were struggling too. We set off from Carnon Downs and took the King Harry Ferry over the river Truro and all for 50p! Met a fellow cyclist at the ferry who had cycled round Britain and cycled the End2End twice. Then from the ferry to Veryan, Tregony, St.Austell, St.Blazey and finished at Lostwithiel. We met all sorts of folk along the way and we find the Cornish people very friendly and helpful. You only have to look at your map and someone will come over to ask if they can be of help. Countryside is lovely with many different colour wild flowers in the verges.
Tomorrow we have a rest day, we need it, but first we must drive to Minnows Caravan Park in Sampford Peverel.
Although the mileage is less than half of yesterday, there were twice as many hills and some were real killers. The other reason for doing less mileage than planned, was the fact, that we took an A road - a lesser A road - as the country roads’ steepness in places can be quite daunting with all the bends. Lionel does like to go down fast, but I don’t as some drivers go fast too. But we conquered all the hills– we never ‘walked’ any of them. It truly was hard work. Some very young riders overtook us on one of those very long and steep hills and they were struggling too. We set off from Carnon Downs and took the King Harry Ferry over the river Truro and all for 50p! Met a fellow cyclist at the ferry who had cycled round Britain and cycled the End2End twice. Then from the ferry to Veryan, Tregony, St.Austell, St.Blazey and finished at Lostwithiel. We met all sorts of folk along the way and we find the Cornish people very friendly and helpful. You only have to look at your map and someone will come over to ask if they can be of help. Countryside is lovely with many different colour wild flowers in the verges.
Tomorrow we have a rest day, we need it, but first we must drive to Minnows Caravan Park in Sampford Peverel.
Thursday 12 May 2011
Cycling Day 1 (12.5.11) – Lands's End - Carnon Downs - 66.5 miles
When I woke at 5.30 this morning, my first thought was ‘Why are we doing this?’ Soon we had to get up and get on with it.
Left with the 7.12 am train for Penzance. One other cyclist on board. Good journey. At Penzance station organised a taxi to Land’s End. Just as well we did, the total mileage would have been too high for us.
Once at Land’s End we had a picture taken at THE Signpost. We took a picture for a group of students, who were making a short film, and they took our picture and emailed it to us. We then went to the Land’s End Hotel where we signed the visitor’s book and registered our ‘LeJog’. Papers were duly stamped, we had a coffee and off we went. Took The A30 to Penzance, it was hilly but we felt ok about it. From Penzance to Marazion, past St.Michaels Mount, then more inland to Goldsithney, Nancegollan, Porkellis, Stithians, Perranwell to Carnon Downs where we are staying. It has been a wonderful first day, a day dedicated to Michael and Alice, who both had to attend hospital. We wish them well. Some much younger cyclists passed us on a killer hill and made a joke about it as we were all pushing hard on the pedals. The joke was on the hill, not about us, I hasten to add. People respect ‘silver cyclists’! And so they should.
When I woke at 5.30 this morning, my first thought was ‘Why are we doing this?’ Soon we had to get up and get on with it.
Left with the 7.12 am train for Penzance. One other cyclist on board. Good journey. At Penzance station organised a taxi to Land’s End. Just as well we did, the total mileage would have been too high for us.
Once at Land’s End we had a picture taken at THE Signpost. We took a picture for a group of students, who were making a short film, and they took our picture and emailed it to us. We then went to the Land’s End Hotel where we signed the visitor’s book and registered our ‘LeJog’. Papers were duly stamped, we had a coffee and off we went. Took The A30 to Penzance, it was hilly but we felt ok about it. From Penzance to Marazion, past St.Michaels Mount, then more inland to Goldsithney, Nancegollan, Porkellis, Stithians, Perranwell to Carnon Downs where we are staying. It has been a wonderful first day, a day dedicated to Michael and Alice, who both had to attend hospital. We wish them well. Some much younger cyclists passed us on a killer hill and made a joke about it as we were all pushing hard on the pedals. The joke was on the hill, not about us, I hasten to add. People respect ‘silver cyclists’! And so they should.
Wednesday 11 May 2011
The day before the 1st cycling day
All set. Booked the 7.12 train tomorrow morning from Truro to Penzance and on to Land's End.
Have to register at the Land's End hotel and off we go cycling back to Carnon Downs, south of Truro after first having our picture taken at the Land's End signpost.
It has been quite an organising project so far; hope we have got it right. The Hills around here look quite frightening, but we have to move on. No time for regrets now.
The tandem has been serviced this morning. A full systems check, incl. adjustment of gears and brakes, replacement of essential worn parts, incl. of cables and a new shimano bottom bracket put in place.
Let's hope this makes our pedalling smoother.
Have to register at the Land's End hotel and off we go cycling back to Carnon Downs, south of Truro after first having our picture taken at the Land's End signpost.
It has been quite an organising project so far; hope we have got it right. The Hills around here look quite frightening, but we have to move on. No time for regrets now.
The tandem has been serviced this morning. A full systems check, incl. adjustment of gears and brakes, replacement of essential worn parts, incl. of cables and a new shimano bottom bracket put in place.
Let's hope this makes our pedalling smoother.
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