RIDE COMPLETE
15 Days, 1,100+ miles, 110+ hours riding, 120+ hours
I arrived at Lands End 15 days later

See Event log for full details
Raised over

£12,000

Thank you all so much for your support
 
THE EVENT
   
This event is a solo bike ride that starts at John O'Groats and passes Loch Ness, Fort William, Hadrian's Wall, Alton Towers, Witham in Essex, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, Stonehenge, Tintagel, amongst others and finishing at Lands End, some 1,200-1,500 miles. This route will cover about 300-600 miles more than the direct route, hoping to cover around 80 miles a day and visiting more than 390 Village's, Town and Cities.
 
The ride will start at John O'Groats on Monday 24th June 2002 and will take approximately 12-16 days to reach Lands End.
I have been training hard and for this ride / event for some 6 months and now have above average fitness level which hoping will help me complete this.
For further information on my training click on this link --> TRAINING
 
Why do it during the summer...? Any earlier would have reduced training time and any later would have taken me into the school holidays, and any later than that would have made the weather even more unpredictable. Riding in the rain is not my idea of fun.
 
 
 
BUDGET
 
Just to give a rough outline into the cost of this event. I must highlight that all sponsor money raised was given to Cancer Research UK, all costs below were from my own pocket or help from support team. I did however have help from Phil Corley cycles for bike equipment and a few event clothes
 
The accommodations cost about £1,395.00 per 2 persons for 15 nights. This could have been done cheaper by camping out, which isn't for me or fair for my support team.
The other high cost was food and drink which was about £15.00 per day for me during the ride. The evening meal 2x persons for 15 nights come to around £ 1,200.00. Support team had sandwiches during the day and we all had a hot meal in evening, this could be cut down but not by much.
Another high cost was the bike and equipement. This price can vary a lot dependant on your current equipment and requirements. Most new bike do not include a saddle or peddles, which I had to also purchase
The training coach, clothes, equipment and event clothes all in came to about £2,000.00. The training coach cost could be dropped but due to little time I had to train I needed assistance and guidance as me failing wasn't an option
The cost of a hire van and petrol this came to about £ 900.00. This can be dropped a bit if you have a friend with a van or you can get one supplied for the event, which I couldn't.
The last was the setup and design of the web site which included connection, web space, e:mail addresses and book to learn web-design
 
I would never have guest how much this would have cost, I think most people manage to do this cheaper by camping, already have a good bike, not having a training coach and no supprt van. Respect to those that camp and don't have a support van
 
 
 
MAP AND ROUTE
 
Starting at John O'Groats on Monday 24th June 2002 with a planned start time of 10:00am
The planned route which is subject to change, we will be visting around 397+ Villages, Towns or Cities during the bike ride:
   
115+ Scotland
Aberchalder Achallader Alness Altnafeadh Altura Ardchyle
Armdale Ashkirk Auchessan Auchreoch Avonbridge Ballachulish
Balnaguisich Benmore Berriedale Blackness Borgue Braehead
Bridge of Orchy Brora Bruan Burnfoot Caddonfoot Callander
Carnwath Corrychurrachan Crakaig Crianlarich Culgower Culmaily
Dores Druimarbin Dunbreath East Helmsdale Easter Drummond Elsrickle
Evanton Everley Falkirt Findon Mains Fort Augustus Fort William
Foyers Glentress Golspie Greenhill Inchree Innerleithen
Inver Inverardran Inverfarigaig Invergloy Inverherive Inverness
Janetstown John O'Groats Keiss Kingshouse (North) Kingshouse (South) Kintradwell
Kirkton (North) Kirkton (South) Labert Laggan Lamington Latheron
Ledcharrie Letterfinlay Lochearnhead Lonridge Lothbeg Lybster
Mid Lix Morangie Navidale Newtown North Ballachulish North Kessock
Northfield Occumster Onich Ousdale Peebles Plean
Reiss Rootpark Saughtree Scaniport Scotsburn Selkirk
Shieldhill Singdean South Ballachulish South Kessock Spean Bridge St. Ninians
Stonenaba Strathyre Swiney Tain Thornhill Toftcarl
Tofts Tore Toremore Torlundy Torran Trumster
Tyndrum Ulbster Walkerburn Whaligoe Whitburn White Bridge
Whitefield Witerow  
49+ North England (between Scotland and the M62)
Aysgarth Barkisland Becket Well Bellingham Bernard Castle Blanchland
Buckden Carperby Charlton Cracoe Crawleyside Frernington
Grinton Haworth Hebden Hexham Hott Ingro
Keighley Kettlewell Kidstones Kildwick Kilnsey Lanehead
Langthwaite Leeds Linnels Low Bolton Midgley Numwick
Oxenhope Park End Redmire Reeth Rylstone Skipton
Sowerby Stannersburn Starbutton Steeton Stonehop Sunnyside
Thoralby Threshfield Triangle Utley Wark Walrick
Warden  
74+ Middle England (between M62 and Northampton)
Alton Ashby Folville Astbury Barley Thorpe Barrow upon Trent Basford Green
Biddulph Biddulph moor Bury Cambridge Cheddleton Chunal
Cold Overton Collyweston Congleton Cotes Earith Elton
Empingham Farley Fenton Foston Gaddesby Gillow Heath
Girton Glossop Hatton Hayfield Hilton Holme
Horse Bridge Ipstones Isley Walton Ketton King's Newton Langley
Little Hayfield Long Stanton Long Whatton Marston Montgomary Melbourne Meltam
Morborne Near Cotton Newtown Normanton upon Soar Oakgrove Oakington
Peterborough Pidley Rainow Ramsey Ramsey Saint Mary Rearsby
Rocester Seagrave Somerby Somersham Stanford upon Soar Staton by Bridge
Sutton Lands End Swarkeston Thornsett Trussington Twyford (North) Twyford (South)
Walton Le Wolds Wansford Warboys Whitwell Willingham Willington
Woodhead Yaxley  
159+ South England (South of Northampton)
Aldermaston Aldermaston Wharf Amesbury Ashcombe Ashdon Ashe
Aylesbury Baldock Bartlow Barripper Bayford Bickenhall
Bishop's Stortford Blackwater Bocking Bossiney Bourton Bovey Tracey
Bradfields Braintree Buntingford Cambourne Cane End Chicklade
Chicksands Chudleigh Chudleigh Knighton Churchingford Chyandour Clophill
Cobler's Green Cockwood Compton Pauncefood Cottered Countess Wear Cressing
Curland Curry Rivel Dartmeet Dog Village Dunstone Egypt
Exminster Fairmile Fawley Felldownhead Felsted Finchingfield
Ford Fraddam Frieth Goldsithney Great Dunmow Great Leighs
Great Sampford Hallworthy Ham Hannington Hardwick Harnlet
Hay Street Haytor Vale Heath End Henlow Honiton Kelly
Lamerton Lands End Lane End Langport Linton Little Dunmow
Little Hadham Little Sampford Longrock Longwick Lower Assendon Mere
Merrivale Milton Abbot Milton Keynes Monkton Mursley Newlyn East
North Oakley Owlswick Palestine Paul Penzance Pinhoe
Pidsbury Piper's Pool Podimore Pool Prince Risborough Queens Camel
Radwinter Rawridge Red Oaks Hill Relubbus Rosewarne Rotherfield Peppard
Rundlestone Saint Kew Highway Saunderton Saunderton Lee Sennen Shalford
Silver-end Skirmett Shepard's Green Smiths Green South Penerwin Southend
St. Buryan St. Columb Major St. Day St. Hilary St. Teath Starcross
Stockbridge Stotford Sutton Montis Sutton Scotney Swanborne Tavistock
Terling Three Burrows Tintagel Trebarwith Trebudannon Trelill
Trevanson Trevescan Tuckingmill Two Bridges Wadebridge West Wycombe
Westdowns Wethersfield Whaddon Whipton Whitchurch(North) Whitchurch (South)
Whitchurch Hill Whitecross Widecombe in the Moor Wincanton Winnards Perch Winterbourne Stoke
Witham Woburn Wolverton Wonford Wylye Zeals
Zelah  
 
 
EVENT LOG / STATS
RIDE COMPLETE
John O'Groats to Lands End COMPLETED
Arrived at Lands End on 8th July 2002
 
15 days To complete event from John O'Groats to Lands End via Essex
121:42 Time spent on the event (hh:mm)
10:20am Average start time (GMT)
Cloudy / Rain Average weather during the event
16.7c Average temperature during the event
1,138.64 miles Distance covered riding
76 miles Average distance cycled per day
83:51 Total cycling time (hh:mm)
13.6 mph Overall average speed (miles per hour)
38.0 mph Maximum speed reached (miles per hour)
141.4 bpm Overall average Heart rate (beats per minute)
187 bpm Maximum Heart rate reached (beats per minute)
16:12 Time spent at AT Heart rate 169-175 bpm (hh:mm)
49:03 Time spent at UT1 Heart rate 158-169 bpm (hh:mm)
13:12 Time spent at UT2 Heart rate 140-158 bpm (hh:mm)
50,808 kcal kcal burnt
1,699 feet Maximum altitude reached
54,899 feet Altitude climbed cycling
32.27 rpm Overall average Cadence (pedel rotations per minute)
169 rpm Maximum Cadence
85.47 watts Overall average power output
336 watts Maximum power output
 
 
 
Comments
 
I read so many comment about people having issues and so glad I took note as I don't think I would have completed it without being fully prepared. Now I've done the ride, the comments mean so much more to me now. If you are thinking about doing this, people aren't trying to put you off but more trying to make you prepare for it.
The poor weather made the ride harder, I was physically OK but at times the rain pushed me to my mental limits. I can understand why riders doing this, call it a day when it rains day after day. This out support crew / Helen who helped me during those moments.
I hit my wall on day 6 with 18mph+ winds and rain going over the Pennines. My legs just couldn't push the bike any further after 58 miles
Day 7 the clouds were covering The Pennines and Yorkshire Dales which was agreed too dangerous to cycle. The support crew and I agreed to move the route below the cloud line but at the same distance
My best cycle day was day 9 from Swinscoe to Morcott which I averaged about 16.4 mph over a period of 4:38 and covered 76.03 miles. I did my fastest mile around 2 minutes at a near constant speed of 22-25 mph.
Day 10 got a bit lost, I came to a crossroad's and needed to head east. There so happened to be a policeman at a lay-by at the crossroad's, I asked which way to Colchester Essex which the policeman pointed me right. So being a trusty person I waited until my support car came with the map, which showed me that right was back to Cambridge (where I had come from) left was to Colchester... I went left. I suspect right would have been quicker by car
Unlucky day 13, my left knee started to hurt when going up hills, the knee never recovered during the event which slowed me down. The knee seems to have recovered a few days after the finish, but is still a bit stiff. The good news about today was I clocked 1,000 miles
Day 15 towards Lands End, well I did it and covered the direct route by day 11, Most of the visiters at Lands End were waiting to greet me and give donations, Big thanks to all there.
 
 
 
This following log files contains information about each day on the event
Day1 Monday 24th June John O'Groats - Evelix
 
I started in mild rain and minor wind but this soon increase as I got higher and closer to the cliff edges with no barries. Cross winds of upto 14mph and rain was making it hard going up hills and far to dangerious going down with brake full on at some points.
Being near cliff edges with no barries and car, vans and some small lorries passing me it was getting very scarey and dangerious
 
  Todays Personal status Physical Tired but OK
  Mental Exhausted and very tired
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 12:15    
Weather Rain with 14mph winds
Average Temperature 17c    
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 07:45    
Cycling time (hh:mm) 06:22    
Distance Covered 74.46 miles    
Average Speed 11.7 mph    
Maximum Speed 28.0 mph    
Averager Heart rate 146 bpm    
Maximum Heart rate 175 bpm    
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 03:51    
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 02:10    
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 0:46    
kcal Burnt 3,559 kcal    
Maximun Altitude 830 feet    
Altitude Climbed 4,800 feet    
Average Cadence 34 rpm    
Maximum Cadence 95 rpm    
Average Power Output 74 watts    
Maximum Power Output 243 watts    
 
 
 
Day 2 Tuesday 25th June Evelix - Ben Nevis
 
15 miles into the ride and I come across my first big hill, 14% up from about 200 feet to 660 feet. I got to the top and sat down for 5 minutes with a Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Elevenses bar. I think over the whole event I went through something like 40+ bars and 30 litres of Lucozade Sport isotonic body fuel pouches.
56 miles and my first big down hill for about 3 miles, at the end it was about 16% down but finished at a 'T' junction, so it was brakes on all the way down
 
Only day2 and beat most of my stats from day1. Clocked my first 100 miles today, hoping this would be one of many but the weather had other plans.
 
  Todays Personal status Physical OK
  Mental OK
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 09:40   10:57
Weather Cloudy, windy but dry
Average Temperature 15c 17c 16c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 11:52   19:37
Cycling time (hh:mm) 08:00 08:00 14:22 / 07:11
Distance Covered 100.03 miles 100.03 miles 174.49 / 87.25 miles
Average Speed 12.4 mph 12.4 mph 12.1 mph
Maximum Speed 33.6 mph 33.6 mph 33.6 / 30.8 mph
Averager Heart rate 146 bpm 146 bpm 146 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 187 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 181 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 02:13 03:51 06:04 / 03:02
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 05:04 05:04 07:14 / 03:37
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 01:22 01:22 02:08 / 01:04
kcal Burnt 5,537 kcal 5,537 kcal 9,096 / 4,548 kcal
Maximun Altitude 948 feet 948 feet 948 / 898 feet
Altitude Climbed 4,829 feet 4,829 feet 9,629 / 4,815 feet
Average Cadence 40 rpm 40 rpm 37 rpm
Maximum Cadence 89 rpm 95 rpm 95 / 92 rpm
Average Power Output 77 watts 77 watts 75.5 watts
Maximum Power Output 304 watts 304 watts 304 / 274 watts
 
 
 
Day 3 Wednesday 26th June Ben Nevis - Crianlarich (Glen Coe)
 
Left Ben Nevis, rode through Fort William and into Glen Coe valley as the rain started. This was the best day for scenary, highly recommend but best in a car as it was tough getting up Glen Coe valley
Got to the top and the rain got heavier and the wind faster. Thinking this couldn't get any worse as the heavens opened and the water proofs couldn't handle the amount of the rain. I stopped to call the support car but had no signal on mobile. I conituned through the heavy rain towards Bridge of Orchy. I entered Bridge of Ochy and found a phone box to wait for the support car. The rain had cooled off before support arrived
 
Not sure why the HR monitor failed to record other than possibly being soaked
 
  Todays Personal status Physical Tired
  Mental Tired of the Rain
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 09:40   10:31
Weather Heavy rain, fast winds
Average Temperature 13c 17c 15c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 05:20   24:57
Cycling time (hh:mm) 04:00 08:00 18:22 / 06:07
Distance Covered 60.47 miles 100.03 miles 234.96 / 78.32 miles
Average Speed 14.9 mph 14.9 mph 13.0 mph
Maximum Speed 34.7 mph 34.7 mph 34.7 / 32.1 mph
Averager Heart rate Monitor did not record 146 bpm 146 bpm
Maximum Heart rate Monitor did not record 187 bpm 187 / 181 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm Monitor did not record 06:04 06:04 / 03:02
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm Monitor did not record 07:14 07:14 / 03:37
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm Monitor did not record 02:08 02:08 / 01:04
kcal Burnt 2,875 kcal 5,537 kcal 11,971 / 3,990 kcal
Maximun Altitude 1,441 feet 1,441 feet 1,441 / 1,073 feet
Altitude Climbed 2,562 feet 4,829 feet 12,191 / 4,064 feet
Average Cadence 38 rpm 40 rpm 37.3 rpm
Maximum Cadence 94 rpm 95 rpm 95 / 92.7 rpm
Average Power Output 84 watts 84 watts 78.3 watts
Maximum Power Output 238 watts 304 watts 304 / 262 watts
 
 
 
Day 4 Thursday 27th June Crianlarich - Forth
 
The first 2 hours I had small rain showers but the rest of the day was dry. I had done 55+ miles by lunch time. Dave (Friend) joined me for the rest of the day which was great
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical Feeling Good
  Mental Tired of the Rain
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 09:15   10:12
Weather Cloudy, head wind
Average Temperature 17c 17c 15.5c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 08:52   33:49
Cycling time (hh:mm) 06:18 8:00 24:40 / 06:10
Distance Covered 88.79 miles 100.03 miles 323.75 / 80.94 miles
Average Speed 14.1 mph 14.9 mph 13.3 mph
Maximum Speed 38.0 mph 38.0 mph 38.0 / 36.6 mph
Averager Heart rate 135 bpm 146 bpm 142.7 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 169 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 177 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 01:11 06:04 07:15 / 02:25
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 03:58 07:14 11:12 / 03:44
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 01:14 02:08 03:22 / 01:07
kcal Burnt 3,961 kcal 5,537 kcal 15,932 / 3,983 kcal
Maximun Altitude 1,266 feet 1,441 feet 1,441 / 1,121 feet
Altitude Climbed 4,560 feet 4,829 feet 16,751 / 4,188 feet
Average Cadence 36 rpm 40 rpm 37 rpm
Maximum Cadence 97 rpm 97 rpm 97 / 93.8 rpm
Average Power Output 90 watts 90 watts 81.3 watts
Maximum Power Output 304 watts 304 watts 304 / 272 watts
 
 
 
Day 5 Friday 28th June Forth - Bellingham (The Border)
 
Crossed the Scotland / England border and clocked up 112.6 miles. My right hip has started to hurt making it hard going up the hills.
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical Right hip hurting
  Mental OK
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 09:45   10:07
Weather Cloudy, head wind
Average Temperature 18c 18c 16c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 10:41   44:30
Cycling time (hh:mm) 08:00 08:00 32:40 / 06:32
Distance Covered 112.6 miles 112.6 miles 436.35 87.27 miles
Average Speed 14.0 mph 14.9 mph 13.4 mph
Maximum Speed 36.9 mph 38.0 mph 38.0 / 34.2 mph
Averager Heart rate 130 bpm 146 bpm 139.5 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 169 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 175 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 01:16 06:04 08:31 / 02:07
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 04:34 07:14 15:46 / 03:56
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 01:42 02:08 05:04 / 01:16
kcal Burnt 4,613 kcal 5,537 kcal 20,545 / 4,109 kcal
Maximun Altitude 1,585 feet 1,585 feet 1,585 / 1,284 feet
Altitude Climbed 6,181 feet 6,181 feet 22,932 / 4,586 feet
Average Cadence 36 rpm 40 rpm 36.8 rpm
Maximum Cadence 99 rpm 99 rpm 99 / 94.8 rpm
Average Power Output 96 watts 96 watts 84.2 watts
Maximum Power Output 283 watts 304 watts 304 / 274 watts
 
 
 
Day 6 Saturday 29th June Bellingham - The Strang (The Pennines)
 
This was my hardest day, going across The Pennines. My hip hurting and 18mph+ winds plus drizzle rain. I was finding it very hard staying up right, let along getting up the hills.
lots of cattle grids designed to stop animal...and cyclist.
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical Tired and finding it hard
  Mental Tired of rain and wind
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 09:40   10:02
Weather 18+ mph wind, rain
Average Temperature 17c 18c 16.2c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 08:40   53:10
Cycling time (hh:mm) 05:33 08:00 38:13 / 06:22
Distance Covered 58.12 miles 112.6 miles 494.47 / 82.41 miles
Average Speed 10.5 mph 14.9 mph 12.9 mph
Maximum Speed 32.4 mph 38.0 mph 38 / 33.9 mph
Averager Heart rate 118 bpm 146 bpm 135.2 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 173 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 174.6 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 00:51 06:04 09:22 / 01:52
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 03:16 07:14 19:02 / 03:48
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 00:57 02:08 06:02 / 01:12
kcal Burnt 3,178 kcal 5,537 kcal 23,723 / 3,954 kcal
Maximun Altitude 1,699 feet 1,699 feet 1,295 / 1,295 feet
Altitude Climbed 5,709 feet 6,181 feet 28,641 / 4,774 feet
Average Cadence 23 rpm 40 rpm 34.5 rpm
Maximum Cadence 88 rpm 99 rpm 99 / 93.7 rpm
Average Power Output 108 watts 108 watts 88.2 watts
Maximum Power Output 336 watts 336 watts 336 / 285 watts
 
 
 
Day 7 Sunday 30th June Ingleton - Bolton (Yorkshire)
 
Had clouds covering The Pennines and Yorkshire Dales which was agreed too dangerous to cycle in. The support crew and I agreed to move the route below the cloud line but at the same distance
The moring was raining again but after lunch the rain got a lot heavier. Braking was getting difficult so after 3+ hours cycling I called it a day and nearly gave up on the event. A big thanks to my support crew again for there positive help.
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical OK
  Mental Fed-up of the rain
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 11:50   10:17
Weather Heavy rain & stong winds
Average Temperature 15c 18c 16c  
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 06:10   59:20
Cycling time (hh:mm) 03:42 08:00 41:55 / 05:59
Distance Covered 48.99 miles 112.6 miles 543.46 / 77.64 miles
Average Speed 13.2 mph 14.9 mph 13.0 mph
Maximum Speed 28.0 mph 38.0 mph 38 / 33.1 mph
Averager Heart rate 138 bpm 146 bpm 135.7 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 173 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 174.3 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 01:17 06:04 10:39 / 01:46
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 01:47 07:14 20:49 / 03:28
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 00:33 02:08 06:35 / 01:05
kcal Burnt 2,409 kcal 5,537 kcal 26,132 / 3,733 kcal
Maximun Altitude 1,230 feet 1,699 feet 1,699 / 1,286 feet
Altitude Climbed 2,700 feet 6,181 feet 31,341 / 4,477 feet
Average Cadence 35 rpm 40 rpm 34.6 rpm
Maximum Cadence 89 rpm 99 rpm 99 / 93.0 rpm
Average Power Output 93 watts 108 watts 88.9 watts
Maximum Power Output 255 watts 336 watts 336 / 280 watts
 
 
 
Day 8 Monday 1st July Bolton - Swincoe
 
The rain started 10 miles into the ride and got heavier after lunch.
Just to give you an idea how wet it was, near Leek with the rain pouring down I was going up a 1:7 hill and about half way up my back wheel was losing grip, I was spinning on the road. I ended up walking up some of the steep hills.
As I was going up another hill the rear wheel slipped again feeling like the chain had come off. Got to the top and started to cycle only to notice the rear mechanism started clicking. I stopped and checked the wheel and gears which all looked OK but making clicking sound. Took to bike shop the next day (Day 9)
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical OK
  Mental Fed-up of the rain
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 10:55   10:22
Weather Heavy rain, light Wind
Average Temperature 12c 18c 15.5c  
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 06:59   66:19
Cycling time (hh:mm) 04:05 08:00 46:00 / 05:45
Distance Covered 56.48 miles 112.6 miles 599.94 / 74.99 miles
Average Speed 13.8 mph 14.9 mph 13.1 mph
Maximum Speed 26.8 mph 38.0 mph 38 / 32.3 mph
Averager Heart rate 144 bpm 146 bpm 136.9 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 175 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 174.4 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 01:16 06:04 11:55 / 01:42
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 02:04 07:14 22:53 / 03:16
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 00:32 02:08 07:07 / 01:01
kcal Burnt 2,620 kcal 5,537 kcal 28,752 / 3,594 kcal
Maximun Altitude 1,677 feet 1,699 feet 1,699 / 1,335 feet
Altitude Climbed 2,831 feet 6,181 feet 34,172 / 4,272 feet
Average Cadence 33 rpm 40 rpm 34.4 rpm
Maximum Cadence 98 rpm 99 rpm 99 / 93.6 rpm
Average Power Output 88 watts 108 watts 88.8 watts
Maximum Power Output 268 watts 336 watts 336 / 279 watts
 
 
 
Day 9 Tuesday 2nd July Swincoe - Morcott (Midlands)
 
Took the bike to Cycles in Congleton to check the clicking on the rear wheel. The gears where re-aligned, rear mech was cleaned, the rear wheel and gears all reported as OK. This was good news but held us up. A man in the shop donated some money and the shop discounted us on parts - Thank you
Just before we got to the starting point (finish point from yesterday) the heavens opened. Good news was as I set of the rain started easied off. The rest of the day was minor showers but I made it to the next stop point
This was my best cycle day averaging about 16.4 miles per hour and clocking my fastest ever mile around 2 minutes averaging about a constant 22-25+ miles per hour
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical OK
  Mental Fed-up of the rain
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 12:50   10:38
Weather Showers & Wind
Average Temperature 18c 18c 15.8c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 06:18   72:37
Cycling time (hh:mm) 04:38 08:00 50:38 / 05:37
Distance Covered 76.03 miles 112.6 miles 675.97 / 75.11 miles
Average Speed 16.4 mph 16.4 mph 13.4 mph
Maximum Speed 31.3 mph 38.0 mph 38.0 / 32.2 mph
Averager Heart rate 136 bpm 146 bpm 136.8 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 172 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 174.1 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 01:21 06:04 13:16 / 01:39
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 02:50 07:14 25:43 / 03:12
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 00:34 02:08 07:41 / 0:57
kcal Burnt 3,056 kcal 5,537 kcal 31,808 / 3,534 kcal
Maximun Altitude 1,529 feet 1,699 feet 1,699 / 1,356 feet
Altitude Climbed 2,408 feet 6,181 feet 36,580 / 4,064 feet
Average Cadence 49 rpm 49 rpm 36.0 rpm
Maximum Cadence 169 rpm 169 rpm 169 / 102.0 rpm
Average Power Output 83 watts 108 watts 88.1 watts
Maximum Power Output 270 watts 336 watts 336 / 278 watts
 
 
 
Day 10 Wednesday 3rd July Morcott - Witham (Essex)
 
The day started as all the others with rain but was light which was a bonus. Did about 78 miles before lunch which took be past Cambridge.
Coming into Felstead and the rain came down so fast and sudden, I remember laughing, don't know why I just did. Found a garage and waited their until it slowed down / stopped.
Stopped off to see 2 friends en-route to Witham. Clive (friend) escorted me the last 4 miles to Witham on his motorbike. As I entered Witham, Family and Friends with balloons, streamers and poppers were to welcome me into Witham. This fantastic and a massive boost for me. It was so great to see them all and so special.
 
Thank you all....
 
Clocked my 3rd 100 mile in one day. YES...!!!
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical OK
  Mental OK - In Mums Home area
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 9:50   10:34
Weather Showers & Wind
Average Temperature 14c 18c 15.6c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 10:34   83:11
Cycling time (hh:mm) 06:44 08:00 57:22 / 05:44
Distance Covered 106.86 miles 112.6 miles 782.83 / 78.28 miles
Average Speed 15.9 mph 16.4 mph 13.7 mph
Maximum Speed 28.0 mph 38.0 mph 38.0 / 31.8 mph
Averager Heart rate 130 bpm 146 bpm 136.0 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 170 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 173.7 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 01:09 06:04 14:25 / 01:36
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 04:32 07:14 30:15 / 03:21
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 01:12 02:08 08:52 / 0:59
kcal Burnt 4,358 kcal 5,537 kcal 36,166 / 3,617 kcal
Maximun Altitude 938 feet 1,699 feet 1,699 / 1,314 feet
Altitude Climbed 2,113 feet 6,181 feet 38,693 / 3,869 feet
Average Cadence 39 rpm 49 rpm 36.3 rpm
Maximum Cadence 97 rpm 169 rpm 169 / 101.5 rpm
Average Power Output 67 watts 108 watts 86.0 watts
Maximum Power Output 231 watts 336 watts 336 / 273 watts
 
 
 
Day 11 Thursday 4th July Witham - Milton Keynes (Buckinghamshire)
 
The weather started cloudy but got better in the day. The ride started at the Witham Town Hall with the News papers and the Mayor presenting me with an XL 'T' shirt (what are you saying :) ) and a certificate.
The best part was going to the nursing home where mum worked. I had my photo taken with all the nurses and felt great about being with them.
I continued on my journey and popped in to see another work friend - Tony from (A.D.W) - Thank for all your support.
The sky was nearly completly cloudless and temperature was climbing. Drink a lot to keep cool.
Coming over the M1 J13 onto the A421 to Milton Keynes, the road was so uneven, had little potholes which were dangous for bike as I was having to swerve them. I was cursing the MK council.
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical OK - Feeling abit tired
  Mental OK - In Mums Home area
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 8:57   10:25
Weather Sunny and HOT!
Average Temperature 22c 22c 16.2c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 8:57   92.08
Cycling time (hh:mm) 05:59 08:00 63:21 / 05:45
Distance Covered 83.2 miles 112.6 miles 866.03 / 78.73 miles
Average Speed 13.9 mph 16.4 mph 13.7 mph
Maximum Speed 30.2 mph 38.0 mph 38.0 / 31.6 mph
Averager Heart rate 118 bpm 146 bpm 134.2 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 159 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 172.2 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 0:07 06:04 14:32 / 01:27
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 04:41 07:14 34:56 / 03:29
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 0:57 02:08 09:50 / 0:59
kcal Burnt 3,449 kcal 5,537 kcal 39,615 / 3,601 kcal
Maximun Altitude 476 feet 1,699 feet 1,699 / 1,238 feet
Altitude Climbed 3,045 feet 6,181 feet 41,738 / 3,794 feet
Average Cadence 40 rpm 49 rpm 36.6 rpm
Maximum Cadence 97 rpm 169 rpm 169 / 101.1 rpm
Average Power Output 73 watts 108 watts 84.8 watts
Maximum Power Output 218 watts 336 watts 336 / 268 watts
 
 
 
Day 12 Friday 5th July Milton Kenyes - Overton
 
My personal trainers husband Kevan joined me to today from Milton Keynes to Overton. The original destination was Stone Henge but due to rain and time we only made it to Overton.
We stopped off at my work 'The Entertainment Network' to say hi. Had a nice little welcome party at reception. Brian took our photos for the local news papers.
We continued on our way over the Chilton Hills. I think I have cycled over every Hill, Moors and Dales in England.
With Kevan cycling with me today was a massive help mentally as the rain was very heavy that day. Thank you Kevan.
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical OK
  Mental raining - give me a break!
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 8:44   10:16
Weather Heavy rain and winds
Average Temperature 18c 22c 16.3c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 8:58   101.06
Cycling time (hh:mm) 05:55 08:00 69:16 / 05:46
Distance Covered 82.66 miles 112.6 miles 948.69 / 79.06 miles
Average Speed 14.0 mph 16.4 mph 13.7 mph
Maximum Speed 32.4 mph 38.0 mph 38.0 / 31.7 mph
Averager Heart rate 120 bpm 146 bpm 132.9 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 164 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 171.5 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 0:18 06:04 14:50 / 01:20
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 4:07 07:14 39:03 / 03:33
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 1:13 02:08 11:03 / 01:00
kcal Burnt 3,420 kcal 5,537 kcal 43,035 / 3,586 kcal
Maximun Altitude 860 feet 1,699 feet 1,699 / 1,207 feet
Altitude Climbed 2,995 feet 6,181 feet 44,733 / 3,728 feet
Average Cadence 40 rpm 49 rpm 36.9 rpm
Maximum Cadence 95 rpm 169 rpm 169 / 100.6 rpm
Average Power Output 74 watts 108 watts 83.9 watts
Maximum Power Output 277 watts 336 watts 336 / 269 watts
 
 
 
Day 13 Saturday 6th July Overton - Milborne Port
 
30 miles into my journey I hit a pot hole near a drain and blow my back tyre, which was my first and only puncher during the event.
I stopped at a farmers field gate waiting for my support van to bring spares. I noticed on the gate a sign with MOD Property under the words in bold 'Danger' next to this was a board hiden behind bushes, basically saying beyond this point your right no longer exist. Whilst waiting a jeep entered and 5 minutes later left.? The only thing I saw from the gate was a barn which had phone and power lines going to it? (should I be saying this?)
 
Clocked 1,000 miles into my ride, this was a great moment.
 
Whilst going up a hill I knew I wasn't going to make it, so I clipped my foot out of the right pedel but the bike decided to lean left. What seemed to happen so fast, I went down, falling to the left hitting my knee on the road kerb. I quickly got up, looked around and continued on my way hoping no one say this. At the top of the hill I checked the bike over and nothing was damaged or scratched. Felt sign of relief. I got back on the bike and continued when my knee reminded me with a sharp pain that maybe the bike wasn't the only thing to check.
From this point on, my knee was no good on hills. About 10 miles I was finding really hard but tryed another 5 miles to see if I could reach my destingation but decided to call it a day without risking the rest of the event.
My knee never recovery for the rest of the event. I put packs of ice each night on my knee hopeing it won't get worse for the rest of the event
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical Legs feeling very tired
  Mental Good as clocked 1,000 miles
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 10:30   10:17
Weather Cloudy with showers
Average Temperature 17c 22c 16.4c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 7:40   108.46
Cycling time (hh:mm) 05:05 08:00 74.21 / 05:43
Distance Covered 65.2 miles 112.6 miles 1,013.89 / 77.99 miles
Average Speed 12.8 mph 16.4 mph 13.7 mph
Maximum Speed 27.6 mph 38.0 mph 38.0 / 31.4 mph
Averager Heart rate 135 bpm 146 bpm 133.1 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 159 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 170.4 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 0:45 06:04 14:35 / 01:17
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 3:34 07:14 42:37 / 03:33
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 0:36 02:08 11:37 / 0:58
kcal Burnt 2,579 kcal 5,537 kcal 46,614 / 3,509 kcal
Maximun Altitude 689 feet 1,699 feet 1,699 / 1,167 feet
Altitude Climbed 2,325 feet 6,181 feet 44,733 / 3,620 feet
Average Cadence 34 rpm 49 rpm 36.7 rpm
Maximum Cadence 92 rpm 169 rpm 169 / 99.9 rpm
Average Power Output 81 watts 108 watts 83.7 watts
Maximum Power Output 241 watts 336 watts 336 / 267 watts
 
 
 
Day 14 Sunday 7th July Milborne Port - St Columb Major (Dartmoor)
 
The day was cloudy with the occational light shower. My knee still hurt on the hills. The Terraine was getting hilly, up and down like a yoyo which wasn't good for my knee.
Just outside St. Columb Major I was being followed by a hawk about 50 feet to the left of me. I rode under some trees, existing and the hawk had gone. I then noticed the shadow of the hawk, which was about 20 feet above and behind me. The Hawk followed me for a few minutes which was fantaic, being escorted by a Hawk. Sadly the hawk circled back and fly off.
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical OK except Left knee hurting
  Mental OK near the end
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 9:45   10:15
Weather Cloudy
Average Temperature 20c 22c 16.6c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 8:04   116:50
Cycling time (hh:mm) 05:39 08:00 80:00 / 05:42
Distance Covered 73:03 miles 112.6 miles 1,086.93 / 77.64 miles
Average Speed 12.9 mph 16.4 mph 13.6 mph
Maximum Speed 32.4 mph 38.0 mph 38.0 / 31.5 mph
Averager Heart rate 117 bpm 146 bpm 131.8 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 162 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 169.8 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 0:18 06:04 15:53 / 01:13
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 04:04 07:14 46:41 / 03:35
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 0:52 02:08 12:31 / 0:57
kcal Burnt 3,036 kcal 5,537 kcal 48,650 / 3,475 kcal
Maximun Altitude 1,089 feet 1,699 feet 1,699 / 1,161 feet
Altitude Climbed 4,462 feet 6,181 feet 51,700 / 3,693 feet
Average Cadence 39 rpm 49 rpm 36.9 rpm
Maximum Cadence 93 rpm 169 rpm 169 / 99.4 rpm
Average Power Output 95 watts 108 watts 84.7 watts
Maximum Power Output 252 watts 336 watts 336 / 266 watts
 
 
 
Day 15 Monday 8th July St Columb Major - Lands End
 
The day is as I started the ride, cloudy and showers but I am looking forward to seeing family and friends at Lands End.
Watching the mileage into the day, I wasn't going to make the 1,200+ miles due to the very poor weather. The very poor weather I had on some days I needed to make the route a lot more direct, the last 3 days with a left injured knee also didn't help.
Coming over the hill around the corner heading into Lands End, I saw a crowd wondering what was going on. As I approached the Finish Line they where there to greet me which was fantastic and a great feeling. People shaking my hand and putting donations into my hat, Thank to all at Lands End today.
A lady with a young boy recovering / suffered from cancer was there, I wished her the boy the very best health. The boy handed me some money with a smile.
This is what the ride is all about, to help and safe a life from cancer, to help all like the young boy I meet. The ride was also in memory of my dear mum, Bob, Sandra Jen, Karen, Lynne and Bridget
People have asked:
  "was you amazed in completing the route"
When I finished I was glad to see family and friends, I didn't think I did well as I had to cut the route down.
  "what did you do first"
Once I got my stamp and the photo's taken at Lands Ends sign post I got the biggest Cappuccino as I hadn't had one in the last six months.
  "What was the hardest part" The Pennines and cycling in constant rain
  "what was the best time"
1)The start on day one with friends and not knowing what was ahead of me was great.
2) Cycling through Glenn Coe was tough but the views were fantastic and highly recommend a visit.
3) Coming into Witham with family and friends greeting me. This was a great boost
4) Visiting the nursing home where mum worked
5) Day 12 - Kevan a friend (my trainers husband) joined me for the day, The weather was very wet but I had a few laughs about it. I had a good time.
6) Coming into Lands End and seeing family, friends and the little boy.
  "What was the worst moments"
1) Cycling near cliff edges with no barriers in the rain and strong side winds
2) Cycling around Yorkshire, the rain was so very heavy and car drives didn't seem to care about cyclist.
3) Not making 1,200+ miles
  "would you do this again"
1) At first I would have said NO WAY, but maybe with better weather.
Anyone doing this and it rains a lot, don't give up, I've read about various people giving up and each one has regretted it. About 3 times I nearly pulled out, I am so glad I didn't
To all who have done this ride, I personally congratulate you and anyone thinking of doing it, go for it. Remember to train and choose your route very carefully, recommend contour maps. Overall your priority should be to enjoy it

RideForLife - Riding to save a life
 
Day3 - The HR monitor failed to record so these figures would have been higher
 
  Todays Personal status Physical OK except left knee
  Good, last day OK
 
  PERFORMANCE: Todays Best so far Overall / Average
Start Time 10:40   10:14
Weather Drizzle and Cloudy
Average Temperature 17c 18c 16.7c
Elapsed time (hh:mm) 04:52   121:42
Cycling time (hh:mm) 03:51 08:00 83:51 / 05:42
Distance Covered 52.18 miles 112.6 miles 1,139.10 / 75.94 miles
Average Speed 13.5 mph 16.4 mph 13.6 mph
Maximum Speed 33.6 mph 38.0 mph 38.0 / 31.6 mph
Averager Heart rate 125 bpm 146 bpm 131.4 bpm
Maximum Heart rate 169 bpm 187 bpm 187 / 169.7 bpm
AT Heart rate 169-175bpm 00:19 06:04 16:12 / 01:19
UT1 Heart rate 158-169bpm 02:32 07:14 49:13 / 03:30
UT2 Heart rate 140-158bpm 00:42 02:08 13:12 / 0:56
kcal Burnt 2,158 kcal 5,537 kcal 50,808 / 3,387 kcal
Maximun Altitude 761 feet 1,699 feet 1,699 / 1,135 feet
Altitude Climbed 3,199 feet 6,181 feet 54,899 / 3,660 feet
Average Cadence 43 rpm 49 rpm 37.3 rpm
Maximum Cadence 98 rpm 169 rpm 169 / 99.3 rpm
Average Power Output 99 watts 108 watts 85.5 watts
Maximum Power Output 273 watts 336 watts 336 / 266 watts