Nearly a week

Hi everyone - For those who are following the blog it is interesting to note that my right hand is still suffering from being numb.  This is affecting the little finger and next as well as half of the palm.  The feeling of cold and hot is fine along with the fact that you can still feel a bit of sensation.  The reason for this numbness is something I suffered last time I did the ride.  If you lean too much on the handlebars you can trap the nerve in the wrist which causes the problem.  So if you are going to do the ride dont forget move your hands about so not causing the problem in the first place.  I am still collecting the money which I hope I should have by the end of the month then I can arrange to present it to the three charities.

If anyone would like to know more about the ride, the route or anything else please leave a comment or in fact you can email me on end2end12@gmail.com or if you still want to donate to the charities you can do so by going to www.charitygiving.co.uk and searching for Alan Clark, Mike Cocks or Alan Buxton.  Thanks Everyone.

A final thankyou to Celia, Stella Buxton and Nicky Cocks for their understanding and releasing their Husbands for the challenge.

Recovering

Now that the recovery is well underway I will be posting shortly some of the photographs that were taken by myself, Alan B and Mike C.  We are also available to do presentations about the trip to various groups if they are required.  In order to raise further funds we will hopefully be doing a presention called End2End12 an insight in words and pictures - in the not to distant future when we have put it together.  Thanks everyone for their help and support and if you have sponsored me then unfortunately now is the time to pass the pfunds to me for counting.  Thanks again - Alan C, Alan B and Mike C.

Final Comments

There are a number of people I have to thank and the most important must be Celia my wife who puts up with my hairbrain ideas of raising money for charity by cycling for the second time from John O'Groats to Lands End.  I must thank my son's, grandson's and daughter in law for supporting us all and especially my wife when I was not there. My own parents and family who think I am mad but still support me.  I must then thank my team especially Alan B who was a stalwart support driver and friend who put up with my moods and shouting at him through frustration but he did a first class job.  I must thank Mike C who managed to keep up with me in Scotland and did a first class job until his bike tyre exploded in the mountains - he did finish to the scottish border on a spare bike so well done mike even though he was suffering with achilles problems.  I must then thank the London Borough of Havering PTS for the loan of the minibus which we couldnt have done the ride without and all of those people who have sponsored us in doing the ride and raising the much needed funds for the charities we are supporting.

The whole ride took 8.5 days which is less than my previous 13 days in 2000 and was only 867.5 miles instead of the 907.8 miles last time.  People throughout the country that we have met during the ride have taken and interest in what we have been doing - we have had rain, snow, sleet, hailstones, sun and overcast periods of frost but whatever the weather and whatever the conditions this time I have never felt like packing in.  For those who have not managed to sponsor or donate to the charities you can still donation at www.charitygiving.co.uk and search for Alan Clark.

Thanks I will let you know what the outcome of the final amount raised.

Day Nine

Jamaica Inn to Lands End - Well after staying in a Travelodge at Saltash that was more like a ghost town than a service area we woke early and decided that we would give it a big push to finish today at Lands End.  The drive through to Jamaica Inn wasn't too bad although we had locked the bikes into the back without remembering where the key was so we had to stop.  Found and only sat at the traffic lights through two sequences - it would have looked good if we couldnt get the bike out.  Eventually got to start point for the day and guess what after a lovely sunny day yesterday only to find that the rain had started.  I decided that I would change my route fronm that planned and head straight down the A30 even though the rain and traffic made it quite hair-raising.  Alan as support really excelled today with cleaning the glasses every layby or at least thats what it felt like along with hot soup, egg sandwich, mars bars (snack size), kendal mint cake, coffee and mileage information which I hadn't previously wanted because it can be quite depressing knowing how far you have to go.  I pushed on and with the breaks and refreshments then the miles just went by quickly.  I decided to move off briefly from the A30 and the traffic so went off through past Redruth School and through Cambourne before rejoining the A30 at Haley roundabout.  With another stop I then moved on to Penzance with only 10 miles to go to reach Lands End.  The legs got stronger and the determination was greater even though the rain and breeze had not relented trying its hardest to prevent the celebration of arrival at Lands End.  The number of hills between Penzance and the end seemed to increase in severity and length until I reached a sign that said 6 miles. I cycled about a mile and the next sign said 6 miles.  Alan as driver said he would meet me at the end which I agreed to then oh no my chain came off and jammed in the cog - typical no support back up bike to finish.  Fortunately I was able to unblock the chain and set off again.  The last 5 miles flew by and I got through to Lands End by 1pm.  I signed in at the hotel reception and made my comment in the End to End book receiving from Danielle the receptionist the final stamp on the transit verification form.  I HAD DONE IT.
The obligatory photo at the signpost was done and paid for and we went to return to Rayleigh.

Day Eight

Bridgewater - Launceston.  Today we set off from Bridgewater fully rested and raring to head for Cornwall.  The sun was out with blue sky and a full sun - fortunately last night we went shopping in morrisons and bought a variety of things including some Baby & Toddler 50+ sun lotion for my legs and the nose, some cold sore cream for under the nose, some antiseptic cream for a long way under the nose and for Alan B some imodium, because he had thrown away the wine bottle cork, and cough linctus. I also bought some shampoo because we were running out of Alan B's. The ride through to Taunton (what a superb Town Hall for Somerset County Council), was very easy as was the trip through Wellington to Tiverton hitting the penultimate County of Devon. On to Crediton via Bickleigh which saw a number of hills to negotiate with a little village called Cadbury up on the top.  I eventually stopped in a layby overlooking Crediton so that Alan in the van couldd catch up. Headed down from the hills and towards Okehampton where the ten tors competition was taking place. Looking on the hills overlooking the valley it appeared just like a scene from Zulu with the warriors looking down on us. Okehampton onto the A30 and off to Lewdown saw me stop at Jethro's Club the Cornish Comedian which is just on the entrance to the village.  Through to Launceston on the A30 passing the welcom to Cornwall (Kernow) sign which meant I am on the final leg.  Continued towards Bodmin but at Jamaica Inn the legs were ready to rest. The extra miles today have reduced the number of milesfor tomorrow to 56 so heres hoping I can complete the ride tomorrow.  The hotel reception said there was an army guy stayed last night on his way to John O'Groats - we wish him well.  Staying in the Travelodge at Saltash - It is just a shame that the service area it is in has a Burger King and everything else is closed down.  Very derelict.  It was cheap. Today we received at Comment from Chris the guy I met who guided me through Severn Beach.  He has included his blog so I will make reference to it in a later blog.

Day Seven

Hereford to Bridgewater - Before the ride today we awoke bright and early because the Anneka Rice show were going to ring us. We had spoken to them on the way to John O'Groats last Saturday and as we had no mobile signal in the room we went and sat in the van in the car park waiting and waiting.  No call , we tried ringing but no answer during the whole show there was still no call.  I was particularly gutted that they hadn't the decency to let us know.  Thank you BBC Radio 2.  As we were up early then what was the point in hanging around - we set off with vigour and with Alan backing up so reliably I went off from the Travelodge and was faced with a long climb out of Herefordshire. With legs going well the trip to Monmouth was easy and I was disappointed not to find a Welcome to Wales sign but it was a lovely ride.  Along the Wye Valley to Tintern Abbey where we stopped for a break with an ice cream maybe not the thing for 08.30 but it was nice.  On from the Abbey saw a winding climb out of the valley to Chepstow - passed the racecourse and then down a long hill onto the Severn Bridge.  The surprise was that it was closed to traffic apart from bikes and motorbikes.  Sorry Alan - he had to find his own way round.  Along the A403 to Avonmouth where I met a group of cyclists who were kind enough to guide me round the Severn Beach and onto Bristol beyond. One of them, sorry I didnt get your name, had also done the End 2 End. Thanks to you all.  Under the Clifton suspension Bridge and then around Bristol onto the A38 to head for Bridgewater.  Met Alan in the first layby on the A38 where there was a snack van where I had the biggest egg sandwich you have ever seen even bigger than Godfreys Romford. Carried on along the A38 and arrived at the Travelodge by 3.00 another early finish.  Breeze was starting to pick up so getting tougher. Since relaxing in the Hotel it is nice to see the fire brigade and the fire alarm sounding. Interrupted the Fellowship of the ring.  Good night.

Day Six

Tarporley to Hereford -  Well, after we ended up getting a 12inch steak Subway last night, being the only place we could have got anything, it was up at a reasonable hour with Bran Flakes for Breakfast and sausage baps from the local coop store.  We then drove from the Hotel back to Tarporley for the start of the day with the 92 miles from Tarporley to Whitchurch. From there to Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Leominster and finally finishing 2.6 miles south of Hereford on the A49 ready for tomorrow.  The journey was uneventful and the weather forecast for the day was sunny and clear.  They didn't mention the downpour just as we were passing through  Shrewsbury getting absolutely soaked but after all what we all went through earlier in the trip whats a bit of rain.
The run today really went well with an average speed of 18mph which resulted in doing 92 miles in 5 hours the quickest trip yet finishing at the Hotel by 4.40. Traffic going through Craven Arms was appalling for vehicles but for a bike it meant that the support vehicle was beaten to Ludlow - beaten to Leominster and was only just in front of the bike for the Hotel in Hereford.  Felt great.  For everyone's note there may be a possibility that sometime between 06.00 and 08.00 I will be on the Anneka Rice Show on BBC Radio 2 - we were mentioned last Saturday but we are to be contacted this Saturday.  Problem we have is the signal for our phone is non existent in the rooms so we have to sit in the van from 0600.

Day Five

Lancaster to Tarporley Cheshire -  Well as you know the van suffered some damage to the rooflight and rain had never stopped so the need to do something about it was very important. A suggestion from Havering PTS  Ian was to speak with Carlisle Council and see what they could do.  I spoke with Steve at the council garage and he put me in touch with their contractor.  Enter two Knights in shining armour - I know that is a cliche but  they were the nicest guys you could meet.  Enter number one Dan Nixon of Vehicle Glazing Carlisle who had made arrangements to meet us at Carleton Body works with a piece of perspex to redo the roof.  Arrived at Carleton and put straight into workshop. Dan then started the work - Enter Knight number 2 Ian MacNabb from SGS Mobile Plant & Vehicle Glazing -  together these two guys did a superb job of carrying out a temporary repair.  The total charge for the job was zero and even in addition a donation for the charities.  We cannot recommend these guys enough for their kindness, efficiency and all round entertainment in doing a job. They deserve the biggest thank you so far on this trip.  Also guys the repair is still holding up.

Now the ride - because of the delay we didn't arrive at Lancaster Station until 13.45 so I didnt start riding until 13.55.  The power of reduced time really made the muscles move and the determination to head for Preston with some speed.  I was so fast I went through Preston without seeing it.  On to Wigan which was quite a good visit through and then onto Warrington.  I was quite surprised that all there seemed to be in Warrington are shops and the impressive stadium of the Warrington Wolves Rugby League Team.  From Warrington to Tarporley was quite a struggle as it was getting late and with 13 miles to go they never seemed to go down.  However arrived Tarporley at 20.23 and then to the Hotel in Crewe.  We have opened a bottle of wine tonight to celebrate 530 miles completed so we are off to Hereford tomorrow.

Thanks again to Dan of Vehicle Glazing Carlisle and Ian of SGS Plant and Vehicle Glazing.

Day Four

Hawick to Lancaster - Today with blue sky and sun saw Mike joining me to the English Border just south of Canonbie.  Mike was using my second bike following his tyre exploding on the ride yesterday. We had a superb trip which started with 22 miles to Langholm where we used to take our kids when they were young to feed the ducks. Noticed the duck was still there. Alan then took Mike back up to Edinburgh to catch his plane back to stansted.  I wont say there was a problem but the van now requires a new glass roof and the reversing camera reconnected.  This has put a bit of a damper on the whole thing but its happened and we cannot undo it but must cope with it - at least no-one was hurt apart from my feelings.  The ride then continued with me on my own down to Lancaster - Well everything went well until like the last time i did the ride it started raining at shap and all the way to Lancaster but i wasnt disheartened this time and coped really well.  Got up to an amazing 42 mph going down from the summit which drove the rain straight through me.  Lost power in the old legs about 11 miles from Lancaster but saw a garage which had a fantastic display of Kendal mint cake.  Ate tmost of it and the sugar rush say me cover those 11 miles in 40 minutes with a top speed along the flat of 24 mph.  Finally thanks to Virgin staff at Lancaster for getting me onto a train with bike etc for the journey back to Carlisle to stay with mum and dad before travelling down tomorrow to Lancaster for the next leg. I must thank everyone for the tremendous support they have given me with all the texts blog comments, emails and calls it really does chirp you up.  Goodnight everyone!!!

Day Three

Perth to Hawick - Today saw the weather much improved with sun and clear blue sky for the first section to Kinross.  Got a really good run and arrived just through the town where we had mars bars and soup. Next section was down to the Forth Bridge and on the way this time we stopped at Baynes the Bakers in Inverkeithing and introduced Mike to the wonders of pineapple fodant tarts. Fortunately Alan didnt have the same pleasure but during the next few days i will make sure he has one.  We then arrived at the Forth bridge and sailed across it with no bother but trying to find your way around the City was impossible even with a map and sat nav.  Thanks to the guys in the Tattoo parlour. On through Edinburgh via the A701 to Penicuik and we then sped through to Peebles then it all went wrong when the sat nav decided that a tour of the Scottish Borders which ended with Mikes back tyre exploding so he was picked up by van and i went 20 miles out of the way until eventually arriving belatedly in Hawick.  This visit to Hawick was so far the jewel in the crown and really makes you appreciate Hospitality of the highest order especially from Liz Wood President of the Rotary Club of Hawick and their members.  Their hospitality and friendship was exceptional and we were made to feel so welcome not only from Rotary but also the Elm House Hotel that Rotary had arranged for us to stay in.  They also brought along Colin and Pam who were non rotarians but had done the John O Groats to Lands End ride allowing us to quiz them on the next sections.  We cannot thank them all and praise them so highly.  Thanks again. Tomorrow we move to England.

Day Two

Route today was from Inverness to Perth.  We started the day with  blue sky and sun and a little bit of a head wind.  The two hills out of Inverness really test your reserves but having had a good nights sleep we were fresh and raring to go. We made our way to Slochd Summit being the first of our mountain pass clims but being onle 1345 feet we didnt have a great deal of a problem and then a descent into Carrbridge known for the Golden Spurtle Competion which is the world porridge eating championships. Moving on from Carrbridge we head for Dalwhinnie where we will stop for lunch before facing the Pass of Drumochter where I had problems last time i did the ride.  This time there was no problem and we went over with some speed arriving at Blair Atholl well. We then went on to Pitlochry and on to Perth but the cycle track No 7 and 77 are not exactly joined up so we took a long time to get to Perth arriving cold, wet and very dejected for having cycled 12hrs 45minutes.  At least we did it.  Receptionist was excellent even sponsoring us. See you tomorrow moving down to Hawick.

Day one

Day one was the long ride from John O Groats to Inverness.  Having done it before there was the struggles of the Berridale Braes and the wind and hailstones.  At least the weather for the start saw us very soon getting into blue sky and sun but the wind caused us a number of problems especially having to pedal downhill. Mik e and I found the whole day quite traumatic with aching muscles, bums and hands.  The Berridale Braes saw us hurtling down scarily from 1500 feet to sealevel in about 200 yards.  At least alan B continued to service our needs with hot cup o soup. We travelled on to Golspie where Mike and I had to take shelter in a telephone kiosk because the hailstorm was quite ferocious in its delivery.  We then pushed on and the ride became so monotonous with long straight roads especially leading up to Tain the home of the Glenmorangie Distillery.
We eventually arrived at 6.45 making the whole day 12 hours riding with the odd few 10-15minute breaks.
Following arrival at the hotel we had a long soak individually of course and a meal in the pub next door.

Today a strange thing happened in that i became so tired I could have gone to sleep riding obviously this was due to exhaustion however mikes dextrose tablets and a mars bar gave me a second wind and we completed the ride for the day.

Down to Perth tomorrow.

travelling yesterday

With a 4am start yesterday and a long drive up to John O Groats we eventually arrived at about 7.15pm only to find we struggled to find anyone to sign the end to end form.  howver you can go to the kiosk who did it for  us or the Seaview Hotel just up the road.  With that signed we embarked on putting up our three two person tents and the campbeds wow was that a struggle.  After that we decided it was probably better to go to bed so we did - i for one only got about 4hrs sleep because the cold and wind kept us awake although i could hear Alan B snoring so he must have slept.  We got up at 4.45 instead of 5 am because the wind, snow and cold left us all huddling in the van.

Todays the start

Well it's early in the morning and we ave finally got to the day of the long journey up to John O'Groats for the start of the ride.  Contact has been made from Hawick Rotary Club so we are looking forward to day three when we can be cycling from Perth down to there to meet fellow rotarians.  But before that we will have two long days down to Inverness and Perth although I will tell you more when we are actually doing that later.  Today is the start of a big adventure and one I have been looking forward to since I did it in 2001.  Mike has been preparing well for the ride and Alan is a good support especially agreeing to do all the washing, ironing, cooking, cycling repairs, counselling as well as driving all the way with us. I must thank both of them and their families for letting them join the team especially Nicola & Stella respectfully for their patience and support -without that we wouldnt be able to do it.  I of course can not finish this first blog of the beginning of the ride without thanking Celia for her support and putting up with my hairbrained ideas.  While we are thinking of people Ben and Josh have promised to be good while I'm away and I have your pictures you did with me. Mike Amy Richard & Sian -thanks for your support and well wishes along with everyone else to many to mention.

I could go on rabbiting for ever but I will be back on today when we arrive at the start so keep in touch everyone.

Minibus day today

Well we are nearly there! Today we pick up the minibus from Passenger Transport Service of the London Borough of Havering.  Thanks go to Ian Dunsdon, Norman Webb and Head of Service Mark Butler as well as Councillor Barry Tebbutt who have all made it possible for us to have the use of the support vehicle for the ride.  There are numerous other people we would like to thank so we will try and name them all over the coming days.  If we miss any thanks go to you anyway for your support and donations.  If you havent made a donation you can at www.charitygiving.co.uk and put in Alan Clark and that will take you to our page.  The donations are being adminstered by the Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill and will be equally donated to Havens Hospices, St Francis Hospice, Havering and Rotary End Polio Campaign.

Charity giving

Hi everyone following the blog - the team now have a charity giving page which allows you to give a donation on line.  The link is http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/alanclarkend2end12 .  This link has been set up to pass on the donations to the rotary club of rayleigh mill who will administer those donations for the three supported charities which are Havens Hospices, St Francis Hospice and Rotary's End Polio Campaign.  If you can support these worthwhile charities please do.

Only 2 days to go so we are winding up or down depending which way you look at it.  The weather is looking nice to awful so we have to be prepared afterall it is only water.

Raining again

Well it is nearly there only a few more days to go and the meeting last night with Rotary and the team is bringing it home.  Could have set off yesterday as the sun was shining and the blue sky called us to get on our bikes and pedal into the sunset but what happened at sunset yes it rained again.  I suppose we could change the bikes for canoes and see if anyone has rowed from End to End.  That would be novel.  Anyway if you would like to leave a message of support or you are a business who wants to sponsor us we can be contacted at end2end12@gmail.com and you can be part of the trip.