I may be wrong, but I think this is likely to be one of the most epic challenges I have faced and I don't anticipate making another journey like this in the very near future. Therefore I thought I should make a record of the build-up; and the journey as it unfolds. I plan to take video and pictures and record the effort, the people and the places we travel to on our way. I am mindful that we are not hopping across the Serengeti nor swimming the Amazon , but never the less we are going to places that I have never seen - that most Britons will never see. And we are doing it for a good cause. Ed cannot be beside us, but is always with us. I know he will be happy with what we are doing to help.
Posted on April 21, 2011
The name says it all. Sandwiched between the Premier Inn and Macdonalds, next to a main road, should I have expected more?
A modern building with a mock aged interior, trying to look like a ‘real tavern’ just like they have at the Epcot center in Florida.
It’s busy, families trying to feed impatient kids , just like my own. I know I shall have to wait, but after 40 minutes and with obvious empty tables around I had to speak to three staff before I am finally shown my table.
Finally I get to see the ‘fayre’ on offer. Finally I get to queue up at the checkout and pay for my fayre before it’s arrived. It’s a functional, efficient, pre-fabricated and totally devoid of charm, intrigue, interest. I don’t have high hopes for the fayre and my senses are correct. School dinners were better. Thank the lord that this sort of crap has not invaded Ireland … Yet
Posted on April 22, 2011
Tomorrow we head off on the first leg of our 1000 mile cycle. As I am here a day early I had thought I spend the day rebuilding my bike and going for a gentle spin. But no.
I woke at 2.30am with neck pain and acute vertigo, I can hardly move without feeling sick. Lots of phone calls to find help on Good Friday have lead to an appointment at Penzance hospital. Lets hope they have a miracle cure.
Posted on April 22, 2011
The firendly doctor explained I had probably got an inner ear infection, or a sinus infection, or I had something wrong in my neck. He gave me medication for the first two, and said a Chiropractor could help with the third. He recommended “3 or 4 days of rest” …. some chance.
I have taken the medicine and feel a lot better – 70% at least, and still hoping for a miracle tonight.
Doc and Graham met me at the Hospital, suitably amused. The others have started arriving and we went for coffee in Penzance (in the rain). They all think its funny that I have vertigo at sea level.
The weather is oppressively hot and humid. More rain beckons.
Posted on April 23, 2011
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Finished Cycle: 23 Apr 2011 13:46:43
Route: New Route
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Ride Time: 3:18:36
Stopped Time: 1:58:50
Distance: 41.21 miles
Average: 12.45 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 31.35 miles/h
Ascent: 3328 feet
Calories: 2383
Wow that day was harder than we thought it would be … for us and all the other teams
As a group we descended with both vans to a point near Lands End and cycled the last 2 miles to it. Lands End is not an attractive site, any geological or cartographic feature obscured by some pretty gaudy amusements. In blustering wind, and grey skies we took a few photos and headed off.
In group 1, I headed towards Penzance, and immediately we varied the route. We saw that the Bikemap software had not spotted a very steep hill just 3 miles into the ride. “It wasn’t shown on our map” was a common theme for everyone throughout the day.
We arrived in Newlyn down a 1 in 3 hill, testing the bakes and avoiding the traffic (just) and spun along the promenade to the first photo opportunity of Mount St Michael form Marazion. A beautiful place indeed.
Heading uphill, and up more hills and down a few we eventually arrived at Helston and attempting to ride up to the high street there was the first (of many) times when I just had to get off and walk – we all did. After coffee and cake we set off for the 2nd section of the ride – confident it was easier. Oh dear.
We climbed out of Helston and then turned off the main road and through a hamlet called Brill. On the Bikemap software software its shown as a gentle downhill spin through the country towards Falmouth – not a bit of it. I think the software does not work correctly for country lanes at all. As we found ourselves descending into and climbing out of deep valleys one after another. By the time we arrived in Falmouth I was exhausted – and we were late – we’d missed the first half of Man Utd v Everton – although I hadn’t missed any goals.
We met Ali and Connie in Falmouth and eat at Rick Steins fish and chip bar – very nice. I wanted to show Falmouth to Doc and Bails and as we walked towards Ed’s favourite pub -the Chainlocker- Chiccarito scored for Man U. 🙂
Falmouth was bustling, sunny, blustery warm wind and just great. It was the kind of day Ed would have loved, as the sailing in the bay was amazing, he’d had had the boat leaning over as far as he could, and racing his aging westerly consort cruiser with anyone else out there – just for laughs.
We sailed across the bay on the very pleasant ferry and arrived at St. Mawes. simply stunning. I had never landed there before – just beautiful, tranquil, fabulous. A shame we could not stay. It was getting on for 4pm and we needed to get going to Exeter.
We drove along the second groups course, convinced ours had been harder than theirs. It wasn’t. Wow they had had it tough too. We found ourselves driving right behind them – so well matched had been their day and ours. Both vans headed onto the 3rd section – the toughest. We were all surprised that the journey onto the moor seemed tough but OK, but the gentle ride downhill to Exeter did not materialise – it was hills hills hills all the way. We caught them up just 3 miles before the hotel – they were exhausted too.
Plans to explore Exeter that night were immediately squashed. It was 7.30pm, we wanted a shower a quick drink, something to eat and bed. So it was that we ended up in the Harry Ramsden's concession in the hotel – more fish and chips.
Posted on April 24, 2011
Day 2 – 24 Apr 2011 10:23:45
Finished Cycle: 24 Apr 2011 14:11:24
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL:
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Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/afb0/b358/4c66/ef36/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110424-1023.kml
Ride Time: 2:37:56
Stopped Time: 1:09:42
Distance: 35.79 miles
Average: 13.22 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 43.65 miles/h
Ascent: 1021 feet
Calories: 1779
Posted on April 24, 2011
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It was hard work all day for me, though not for the others. The going was so so much easier, only a stiff head wind to hold us back. The heat too, took it’s toll.
The route went through Bristol, and the Clifton suspension bridge. To get to it we avoided a professional standard hill climb, but the easier route was too much for us all, I walked half of it. The others stopped for a breather.
The view was stunning, Clifton was fabulous, see the first picture. Notice the other side of the bridge, this is Clifton in Bristol a large and well signposted area. Note too the road beneath the bridge a long way down. We had just climbed up from the equivalent road on this side of the river and were to meet Glenn and the van, at the other side of the bridge in Clifton. He wasn’t there. After a number of calls he told us he was “on the road underneath the bridge” and “could we come to him” – how abseil?
We rearranged another rendevous, major road junction north of the city. Glenn had trouble finding this too and at one point found himself driving across the Clifton suspension bridge the wrong way. Was it all a ruse to ensure he’s never driver navigator again?
From Bristol I took over the driving, but it seemed like the easiest part of the whole tour so far.
That evening we stayed in Gloucester city centre. It looks fabulous, an ancient cathedral, restored warehouses by the docks (yes docks, so far from the sea, but its on the river Severn). However thoughts of exploring were vanquished. There was no where to park the vans safely so we had to wait til all were assembled and empty them – bikes in rooms. Finally showered just after 7pm.
Nick came and joined us for the night. Great to see him – its been too long. Nick should have been with us on the tour but has just had major back surgery and we don’t know yet how mobile he will ever be again – will he reclaim his place as midfield general at football?
We actually ventured out of the hotel as there was a pub next door, and better still, a good chinese over the road. We ventured all of 30 yards…. The chinese only had one offer – eat as much as you like. We did.
Posted on April 25, 2011
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Three generations of the Berry family came out to meet us on our ride today. It was wonderful to see them and catch up on events. They treated us to flasks of tea and bananas, what a treat.
In fact, the whole day was great. The roads were pretty quiet, and meandered through the most verdant countryside you can imagine. The weather hot and sunny. The only downside, was the stiff breeze in our face which we fought all day.
Our ‘leg’ of the journey ended in Ludlow. Its a shame we did not have more time to look around – its a facinating old town – one to visit again one day.
Posted on April 25, 2011
I thought I had finished for the day, but the weather was so great I was itching to get out and ride again. We caught up with the other team some of us decided the ride their last leg too. Dominic put in even more miles on a solitary cruise through the Cheshire countryside guided by his Garmin. Dom had some time to make up as he had broken a spoke the night before and had presented himself at Halfords Gloucester before 9.00 am hoping to find a replacement wheel. In fact they opened early, repaired and tuned his old wheel and would not take a penny for it. Well done Halfords!
We were all on a high, and enjoyed the nice pub in the Travelodge compound. We were not tempted by Doc (plus Chubbie and Will who came to meet us) to go into Crewe’s miserable town centre to watch Man City. The Man City boys went, it was as grim as expected, and the town centre was bad too. City got a last minute winner to keep Doc happy.
Finished Cycle: 25 Apr 2011 17:51:31
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL:
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Ride Time: 44:02
Stopped Time: 5:25
Distance: 12.40 miles
Average: 14.17 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 24.33 miles/h
Ascent: 1119 feet
Calories: 660
Posted on April 26, 2011
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> Finished Cycle: 26 Apr 2011 11:02:53
> Route: New Route
> Google Maps URL:
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> Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/afb0/b358/4c66/ef36/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110426-0813.kml
> Ride Time: 1:19:33
> Stopped Time: 1:30:10
> Distance: 30.39 miles
> Average: 14.62 miles/h
> Fastest Speed: 24.78 miles/h
> Ascent: 945 feet
> Calories: 1155
> Oops I messed up and didn’t have the map tracker on for 11 of the miles 🙂
> > >
Posted on April 26, 2011
If I had prepared my commentary beforehand I don’t think what I’d have written this about today. I love the north west of England, but I just couldn’t love this part. As we rode we got lost a few times, just like George Orwell 75 years ago “through the industrial towns, you lose yourself in labyrinths of little brick houses blackened by smoke” .
Reflecting later that evening, with Phil, we thought that we might have been unfair. We thought that we could construct such a depressing route through other towns, including his own, Sheffield. We imagined a route through Sheffield, Tinsley and on to Barnsley. I only found out later that Orwell had stayed in Sheffield and Barnsley too while researching “The Road to Wigan Pier”.
Anyway reflections aside, this is what we though when we finally got into the van, after hours of soaking rain and getting lost in this depressing land …..
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> Finished Cycle: 26 Apr 2011 > Route: New Route
> Google Maps URL:
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> Ride Time: 1:43:19
> Stopped Time: 1:56:51
> Distance: 23.76 miles
> Average: 13.80 miles/h
> Fastest Speed: 27.63 miles/h
> Ascent: 758 feet
> Calories: 1447
> > >
Posted on April 27, 2011
It’s incredible, after 4 days we are leaving England. We have come so far, and yet we are are only half way. It’s and exciting time for me as I have travelled through most parts of England (by Motorway at least) but I don’t know Soctland at all outside of Glasgow and Edinburgh … and we are not going close to either.
I am awake early, 5.30am. We have an early start today with a lot of miles to cover, but I am also hungry. Last night while the others went to a fabulous lakeside pub for dinner, Phil and I dashed in Penrith and watched the European Cup semi final between Shalke and Man Utd. Man Utd were as good as Shalke were bad, we won 2:0 but it could have been 5:0. The match was great, but the “Good Food served all day” was “not on today” … so we dined on tow packets of crisps. I am waiting for the Littel Chef to open up next door.
The weather has cleared up, blue skies and though it may be colder the wind might have dropped too … the wind has been against us all the way so far.
I hope I can continue by personal mileage improvements and finish around 50 miles again today, but it depends on 3 things – my fitness, how many hills and the patience of my friends – as I am the slowest of the whole group. So I have been able to keep up – lets hope it continues. It’s not easy, but I am motivated and knowing why I am doing this pushes me on.
Posted on April 27, 2011
Its been a beautiful day today – and we are already in Scotland!
Posted on April 27, 2011
Finished Cycle: 27 Apr 2011 11:34
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL:
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Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/f1qQev
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/afb0/b358/4c66/ef36/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110427-0758.kml
Ride Time: 2:11:59
Distance: 33.51 miles
Average: 15.23 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 30.92 miles/h
Ascent: 1023 feet
Calories: 1915
Posted on April 27, 2011
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Finished Cycle: 27 Apr 2011 14:40:58
Route: New Route
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/e9YXtp Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/afb0/b358/4c66/ef36/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110427-1215.kml
Ride Time: 1:02:34
Stopped Time: 1:22:59
Distance: 15.49 miles
Average: 14.85 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 25.88 miles/h
Ascent: 272 feet
Calories: 948
Words fail me. Just an absolutely fabulous day. Bright sunshine, fabulous scenery. 50 miles today were a joy, a real treat.
We sprinted across the top of England and onto Gretna. We called in at Dunfries for lunch. A pretty town by the river, we decided to picnic in the sun. Dunfries is a tourist trap (the centre of Robbie Burns memorabilia) but the area by the river and old bridges has seen better times. We scoured the kebab shops and cafes for some decent sandwiches. Coming across a better looking cafe we ventured in.
“Do you do sandwiches to take away” said Phil. “Only rolls” said the large woman with the shocking blue eye-makup behind the formica topped counter. “What kind of rolls do you have” asked Phil, scouring the counter and hoping for a fine fresh baked selection from which to choose. “Breeeaad rolls” said the woman, her head tilted and with an unblinking stare cum glare towards Phil. “What kind of bread” said Phil, heart sinking but still hoping there might be a magnificent bakery selection hidden in the display case. “White bread” said the woman, and then (as if in anticipation of another question) “…about this big” she said; marking out a saucer sized circle on the counter top. White bread rolls it was; and despite our initial reservations they were very nice too 🙂
As we left with our ‘carry oot’ Jonathan surveyed the fish and chip shop next door, it was festooned with ballons; a desperate attempt to attract passing trade. “I didn’t see those when we walked past” he said pointing to the balloons. This must surely be proof positive that sellotaping balloons to the front window is an ineffective method of promoting a Fish and Chip shop. Sadly the level of marketing had sunk even further than that. In the window of the same chippie a solitary hand written A4 page had also been sellotaped, it simply said ‘Toast’. Times must be hard, and take-away toast might be a new and profitable niche, but I am not sure that this sign will attract many of the the toast seeking tourists of Dunfries.
After sandwiches by the river we set off again. The very south of Scotland is flat, and in this light its just beautiful. The houses have changed to Scots designs, lots of stone built, unrendered, unpainted honey coloured sandstone walls, but other than that you could think you were in France.
The land is mostly used by livestock; large hairy cattle tell you that its not always so warm here. On our route the roads were deserted, and the air filled with sounds of songbirds. I took some shots on a hillside as Phil, Graham and Dom rode the last climb of the day. I wished I was doing it with them, despite the effort; it was just so invigorating being there.
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While waiting for them to arrive at our ultimate cycling destination for the day, I was in the lovely village of Moniaive looking for an ice-cream but I found Chapel Street Chocolatiers. “Using only fresh, organic, seasonal and fairly traded ingredients we produce quality, individual great tasting chocolates”. The very helpful owner showed me their unique tartan chocolate and I ordered a box of assorted choccies to be sent home for the kids. Jonathan thought this was an excellent idea as pressie buying is not something we have had any other time for so far.
Posted on April 28, 2011
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Another glorious day … We are so lucky to be here 🙂
Posted on April 28, 2011
My iPhone finally died today. I think I was asking to much of it … to work all day on a single overnight charge. I hope photos, podcasts etc… are not all lost. But it doesnot look good, my iphone is now a smooth paperweight 🙁
Posted on April 29, 2011
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The day started early. Up and out of the hotel at 5.45am and heading to the port at Ardrosson. Spirits were were high, everyone had such a great day getting to Irvine and looking forward to this day – though it was going to be long.
The ferry to Oban took less than an hour, and we were able to breakfast on board. Arriving in Arran was magnificent, the high mountains along its spine, and the pretty town and houses next to the flat calm seas. I had volunteered to drive and I was green with envy as the others got to bowl along a beautiful seafront around the island. Then there was a big hill, to cut a across to Lochranza and the other port for a ferry to back to the mainland. Coffee on the lawn of a little cafe in Lochranza, the aboard the small ferry to Cloanaig in a very remote part of west Scotland. Here the groups split up, group 1 set of cycling to Oban, my group moved forward to 11 miles from Oban and set off for Fort William.
Bike route 938316 – powered by Bikemap
As I had already done my driving stint I knew I would be cycling for most o fthe rest of the day. But the amount of travelling we’d already done meamt that we had 60 miles to cover and it was already 1pm. Breeezing towards Oban we had a biggest climb of the day before lunch. Lunch was a short stop (at an excellent sandwich shop in Oban – great food and service with a smile).
The rest of the day was straight forward navigating, it was basically one road. But the distance and the lack of a break made it hard. It made it hard too the take in the spectacular views all along the route. The stillness of the glassy water, the mountains. If the only the sun had shone … but at least there was no rain.
The journey took its toll on the van, but an hour later the AA man had it going again. I was oblivious to this, I was charging on, and my iPhone had simply died.
At 6.45pm, after nearly 60 miles of riding, I arrived exhausted – we all were. Team 1 had a tough day too, the whole trip is taking its toll.
But then, in the pub, I had a brief chat with a lovely old man. He told me he’s seen the Navy team doing the reverse journey (JoGLE) and asked about our charity. When I told him he immediately reached in his pocket and pulled out a pound coin, and pressed in to the table for our cause. It means a lot, and is refocussing me away from my aches and pains.
Posted on April 29, 2011
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This was originally billed as an ‘easy’ day and a chance to ride together. It’s turned out to be far from easy. This is a 67 mile route alongside some of the largest and most famous lakes in Scotland (Loch Ness mostly), and the Caledonian canal. We kept both vans and both groups together and set off. It was a beautifully picturesque setting, with some moderately tough cycling made much harder by a stroooong headwind roaring down the valley onto us, making us work even on downhill stretches … no easy miles here. I struggled to a modest 32 miles, while others forced themselves to do more. Hats off to Ann Marie and Glenn for completing the torturous hill climb up to the higher route (which we didn’t take in the end).
We are all tired now, exhaustion permeates us. Tempers would fray if we were not such close friends.
Inverness is an attractive city, its prominent castle hanging high above the river Ness, the town spreading down from it. It seems to have some nice bars and restaurants. Oh how we’d love to have time to visit them. But our hotel is on an industrial estate some way out of town, and we don’t get there until 7pm – its just too much effort to go out.
We are all thankful that we are, at least, staying here for more than 1 night – we can even unpack a bit. But tomorrow is going to be a really hard day to try and finish this task off. We will return to Inversness tomorrow night – maybe then we can have a night in town.
Posted on April 30, 2011
We are all tired but today is the last day … one last push. Some of the crew are going for 70 miles today to complete a massive 500 mile effort. For me, my targets were always more modest, because I am am not as fit. I wanted to cycle 250 miles, I dreamed I might cover 300 miles. In fact I have cycled 317 miles so far, so I would like to cover 33 miles today in the wind to get to 350 total.
We’ll see …off we go.
Posted on April 30, 2011
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We made it, tired but delighted. My personal total 351 miles…
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The last day was tough. There were plenty of hills,but mentally we were all thinking about the end, just getting to the end. The sun was high and the weather gorgeous again, but that wind! The wind has been on our face all week, not what we wanted at all. On the exposed shorelines in the extreme north of Scotland the wind hit us hard.
But the end was in sight. I wanted to do just 33 miles, and along with Bails and Jonathan we acted as ‘Domestiques’ for Graham and Glenn who needed to cover 70 miles to reach their 500 mile total. We set off at 7.15am from Inverness and stopped, completely by chance, at a fabulous bakers in the lovely town of Tain. Bacon sarnies devoured we headed to Golspie and started cycling. Much of the terrrain was like a Devon or Cornish seaside vista, the blue sky and large beaches. But the wind, and the chill in the air reminded us how far north we were.
I struggled to get the miles in – I have aches and sores where they should not be. But I soldiered on as the others powered their way north. Helmsdale and Berriedale were particularly tough and well beyond me now, I sat them out.
We lunched in Lybster at a fne hotel. Cullen Skink was a real hit. The village itself is a bit odd. It has a long high street stretching from the main road towards the quay, with many high quality small stone built houses – like a model village might have. At one point the main street is about 50 yards wide, and it could be used as a football pitch its so big.
We pushed on, the end in sight. We were synchronising with the other team to get them to JOG for 5pm. Just south of Wick, and very tired, I tried to push on for my final 10 miles – I thought to play my iPod while I rode. Why oh why did I not do that earlier? I was turbocharged and sprinted to the end of my sector, hungry to do more.
We waited for all the team to assemble 2 miles out of town and finally rolled into JOG after 6pm. We had a few minutes to celebrate, Christine had come along and bought some champagne. Photo’s snapped, and a few tweets made and then we had to start our sprint back to Inverness.
Doc’s plans of finally, and for once, eating away from the Travelodge compound were scotched by our exhaustion. We would eat at the place next door again (in this case a driving range with cafeteria/bar), but last orders were 9pm. We had a sprint there in the vans, we ordered while driving and ate a ramshackled meal in our cycling gear – so much for a celebratory dinner …. maybe later.
Posted on May 1, 2011
I have just said goodbye to the whole crew. I was in a hotel before everyone arrived, so I am as they depart. For the majority there is a long long long way to go in the vans – 12 hours to London. For me, two flights, I might be home by 9pm. I can’t wait
Reflections
Posted on May 1, 2011
It’s half time in my journey home (and half time Arsenal v. Man Utd), and I’m at Gatwick. Time to begin reflections on the journey just complete.
If you must do this, do it for a good reason, and do it with friends
Its hard mentally and physically. No matter how fit you are you will be pushing yourself. You need the motivation of goals : mine was to raise money for Our Appeal – and I have.
You need to rely upon others and trust in them to help you get there. You will get stressed and so will your colleagues, you need a solid foundation of friendship to reduce anxiety and tension. I was very lucky to have such a great bunch of friends to do this with.
Be prepared – get fit and lose weight
It should be obvious that you should not attempt this unless you have trained for it, by cycling. As a rule of thumb. Think of the distance you intend to cycle in the week and cycle at least that far in the month before you set off. You should also try and lose weight, I hadn’t and I regretted it. Every lb you lose is a lb less that you have to drag up numerous hills.
Be prepared – plan your itinerary
Prepare you route. We did a good job, delegating each day’s planning to a team member. Each day we were briefed and knew what we were doing, we had fixed objectives and insights into where it might be tough. You will be too focussed on the miles (and aften too tired) to want to mess around finding your route. Websites like bikemap.net a good, they allow you to create a route dynamically and share online (and on phone), but DON’T trust the terrain maps apart for major roads, they simply are not accurate enough. Have a good terrain road atlas as well as a normal road atlas to hand, in the van, and at your brifeing.
Stay in touch
Unless you are cycling solo, you need to stay in touch with your colleagues. Primarily, they need to know where you are. They also need to know if you are in difficulty. A functioning (turned on, powered up) mobile phone* is essential for all riders to carry at all times. Everyone in your group must have all other phone numbers for the other group members. Google Latitude is a wonderful help, showing exact positions of riders without having to call them. We used Google Latitude countless times, and regretted its inavailability at other times where iPhone batteries had run down.
* iPhones are great, and have great apps that I like and use when cycling. Sadly iPhones failed us every day, their batteries drained before the day was out. Solutions are needed to keep your iphone powered when you are cycling.
Water and Snacks
All riders must drink lots of water all the time. Fresh water is easy to come by for most parts of the route (but not all). Allways replenish water at every opportunity. If you have support vehicles you must carry lots of water.
Almost as important are snacks – bananas, chocolate, nuts or energy bars.
Equipment
Bikes are reliable if not mistreated, your bike will, usually last the pace. You may get a puncture, so carry a spare inner tube. Helmets are essential, padded gloves and shorts recommended, as is some cream to prevent chaffing … ouch. I worried about locks and chains, and I took 2 but they were never used. And I took more clothes than I needed – cycling gear and a change into ‘civvies’ is all you need.
Be lucky with the weather
Wind and rain can ruin your trip. Wind makes it hard, rain makes it very unpleasant and possibly dangerous. I complained about the wind, but truth be told, we had almost perfect weather with just an annoying headwind. It could have been much worse. Get a plan if rain and wind stop play.
Enjoy it
It will be hard, there will be moments when you question why you are doing this. But remember your goals (and sponsors and beneficiaries if you have them). Take in what’s around you. There may be days where the vista is bleak and depressing, the hills too steep, the traffic tool heavy …. but there will be more days when the cycling is inspiring and simply beautiful – drink them in, commit them to long term memory, focus on those moments.