Tuesday 17th August - Castelnandry to Quillan 45 miles.
After possibly the worst night's sleep of the tour, the peleton managed to get out of the campsite at 9am. An amazing feat given George's narcolepsy. After pastries, the guys set off at a blistering pace towards the rolling hills in the distance. With the temperatures hitting 32 degrees Celsius, a stop was needed for water and they headed to Limoux. In scenes reminiscent of the allies in Eindhoven, they were welcomed into the town by lots of British tourists who wanted to find out how the guys were getting on. After the welcome distraction, James and Alex led everyone into the majestic foothills of the Pyrenees before Simon, Phil, Bush and George bombed on to the overnight stop in Quillan. They were made up to find a pool at the campsite and Ed 'Mad Dogg' Musson wasted no time in pulling out a John Smiths special to fire himself to bellyflop stardom (video to follow). This was accompanied by a number of controversial videos shot by Bustard around the kid's pool. However, they don't think he is at Gary Glitter's level yet. All in all it was a picturesque day as they move in to the business end of the tour. Even the sight of flames amongst the trees in the evening was not enough to dampen spirits. Louis claims it won't amount to much, so watch this space...
Tuesday 17 August 2010
Day 15 - More Updates Unwind From Tom
Again I apologise for the lack of updates but I can only post what I've been told via sms from the boys.
This whole crap knee business and having to come home early is not recommended.
Anyway, the guys progress reports.
Friday (the 13th August) - The guys travelled from Cognac to Mussidan, I haven't been informed of any revelations during this day so I'm guessing the curse of friday the 13th didn't phase our hardened cycling giants.
Saturday (14th) - Mussidan to Montaiguy. A reasonably uneventful day in the sunshine spiralled into depression and depression upon trying to find the campsite. After a 3km detour to find the campsite in the middle of nowhere, the guys were confronted with every french holidaymaker in central France and a full campsite. Negotiations via a happy dutch camper and an irate Thomas Bustard proved futile. A particularly motherly British lady offered the guys her pitch but the fascist of a campsite manager was having none of it. The despair spread through the group, but a chink of light appeared as their new dutch chum got them booked into a campsite 8km away. The ride involved a gruelling hill climb, George stealing Ed's map and throwing it in the road to his own and Si's childish amusement and several infuriating stops for Louis due to his questionable pannier loading. We then arrived at an idyllic spot on the river where they settled down to a refreshing glass of wine and the sounds of some chirpy ducks, which Louis enjoyed a bit too much.
Sunday 15th August - Montaigu to Grisolles - 50 miles. After the drama of the preceeding night, the team took the morning off. This involved Tom Bustard taking part in the inaugural Montaigu triathlon starting in the lake. This was met with complete disinterest by everyone else. Further mellowness ensued as George treated everyone to story time from his new mountaineering book. When the guys finally set off, the French had turned against them. Perhaps it was Bush donning the Union Jack, or perhaps it was Alex's insulting intimation of a French man. Two motorists took exception to us, one woman nearly causing a pile up. George chastised the said woman by shouting in the Queen's English 'What are you doing WOMAN!??'. The rest of the day involved drizzle and dreariness. The campsite was questionable at best but the Bike for Life team marched on.
Monday 16th August - Grisolles to Castell Naudiery 62 miles. After some sound advice from two more upstanding Dutch citizens the guys took a break from the roads and hit the canals. Flat and shady, they ate up the miles, only stopping to get lost in Toulouse and bring the city to a standstill with their repeated ignorance of red lights and one way systems. The guys also conversed with a Frenchman and his wolf of a dog called Shadow, who Phil yet again befriended. Other ports of call included an intermarche to the displeasure of Bustard where the faint tunes of Kasabian where met with dancing in the cheese aisle. After arriving at Castell in good time they hit the town. First port of call here was the local kebaby courtesy of Louis' kebaby sixth sense. After a fine scouse impression, Adille, the kebab man treating them to some breakdancing after some bullying from Bustard. It was surreal. Phil enjoyed the local vino a bit too much and Louis went back for his second kebab and it was another athletic end to the evening.
This whole crap knee business and having to come home early is not recommended.
Anyway, the guys progress reports.
Friday (the 13th August) - The guys travelled from Cognac to Mussidan, I haven't been informed of any revelations during this day so I'm guessing the curse of friday the 13th didn't phase our hardened cycling giants.
Saturday (14th) - Mussidan to Montaiguy. A reasonably uneventful day in the sunshine spiralled into depression and depression upon trying to find the campsite. After a 3km detour to find the campsite in the middle of nowhere, the guys were confronted with every french holidaymaker in central France and a full campsite. Negotiations via a happy dutch camper and an irate Thomas Bustard proved futile. A particularly motherly British lady offered the guys her pitch but the fascist of a campsite manager was having none of it. The despair spread through the group, but a chink of light appeared as their new dutch chum got them booked into a campsite 8km away. The ride involved a gruelling hill climb, George stealing Ed's map and throwing it in the road to his own and Si's childish amusement and several infuriating stops for Louis due to his questionable pannier loading. We then arrived at an idyllic spot on the river where they settled down to a refreshing glass of wine and the sounds of some chirpy ducks, which Louis enjoyed a bit too much.
Sunday 15th August - Montaigu to Grisolles - 50 miles. After the drama of the preceeding night, the team took the morning off. This involved Tom Bustard taking part in the inaugural Montaigu triathlon starting in the lake. This was met with complete disinterest by everyone else. Further mellowness ensued as George treated everyone to story time from his new mountaineering book. When the guys finally set off, the French had turned against them. Perhaps it was Bush donning the Union Jack, or perhaps it was Alex's insulting intimation of a French man. Two motorists took exception to us, one woman nearly causing a pile up. George chastised the said woman by shouting in the Queen's English 'What are you doing WOMAN!??'. The rest of the day involved drizzle and dreariness. The campsite was questionable at best but the Bike for Life team marched on.
Monday 16th August - Grisolles to Castell Naudiery 62 miles. After some sound advice from two more upstanding Dutch citizens the guys took a break from the roads and hit the canals. Flat and shady, they ate up the miles, only stopping to get lost in Toulouse and bring the city to a standstill with their repeated ignorance of red lights and one way systems. The guys also conversed with a Frenchman and his wolf of a dog called Shadow, who Phil yet again befriended. Other ports of call included an intermarche to the displeasure of Bustard where the faint tunes of Kasabian where met with dancing in the cheese aisle. After arriving at Castell in good time they hit the town. First port of call here was the local kebaby courtesy of Louis' kebaby sixth sense. After a fine scouse impression, Adille, the kebab man treating them to some breakdancing after some bullying from Bustard. It was surreal. Phil enjoyed the local vino a bit too much and Louis went back for his second kebab and it was another athletic end to the evening.
Thursday 12 August 2010
Day 11 - Wind Down and Lets Have A Catch Up
Due to my injury, which has been diagnosed as strained ligaments, I have not been able to commentate and illustrate the groups progression across the French landscape.
Earlier, Bustard informed me of what I have been missing.
On Sunday (Day 7), they travelled to Segre, 76 miles for the day.
Monday, they travelled to Vihiers, 57 miles.
Tuesday, they travelled to Chavauex near Nihort, 74 miles.
Wednesday, they travelled to Cognac, 74 miles.
Thursday, the guys took a well deserved rest day.
Notable stories and trivia.
After departing from Villedieu des Poeles and leaving me in the hands of the French (Marine in particular), Alex and Tom Brokebacked it up but caught up the rest of the guys the day after.
Back as a whole group, Bustard had a scare with a car and the french man driving the car wasn't very happy with Bustard's englishness.
George apparently walked along a pole over a raging river in a spectacle of daredevilness.
The guys bumped into a Bull with a rather large manhood. Bustard was jealous.
James is on France's most wanted for theft from a decathlon store.
Bustard has been trying it on with the local french girls but to no avail. It must be his fantastic french accent.
The guys met the president of a french cycling team. There are some national competitions in France at the moment.
One of the campsites was closed, instead the guys got invited into someones home and got showered and fed for free!
Phil has been a hero for translating, the guys would have probably been in a different country by now if he wasn't around.
Singing has got the guys through some of the rainy days, seriously rainy days.
Bustard had his ipod stolen when he was in the shower, he went mental but to no avail.
They have had a tour of the Martell Cognac distillery and it was good banter, and a bbq finished off the evening so they are refreshed for tomorrow's ride.
They are roughly just over half way through the ride but the Pyrenees are dawning...
Earlier, Bustard informed me of what I have been missing.
On Sunday (Day 7), they travelled to Segre, 76 miles for the day.
Monday, they travelled to Vihiers, 57 miles.
Tuesday, they travelled to Chavauex near Nihort, 74 miles.
Wednesday, they travelled to Cognac, 74 miles.
Thursday, the guys took a well deserved rest day.
Notable stories and trivia.
After departing from Villedieu des Poeles and leaving me in the hands of the French (Marine in particular), Alex and Tom Brokebacked it up but caught up the rest of the guys the day after.
Back as a whole group, Bustard had a scare with a car and the french man driving the car wasn't very happy with Bustard's englishness.
George apparently walked along a pole over a raging river in a spectacle of daredevilness.
The guys bumped into a Bull with a rather large manhood. Bustard was jealous.
James is on France's most wanted for theft from a decathlon store.
Bustard has been trying it on with the local french girls but to no avail. It must be his fantastic french accent.
The guys met the president of a french cycling team. There are some national competitions in France at the moment.
One of the campsites was closed, instead the guys got invited into someones home and got showered and fed for free!
Phil has been a hero for translating, the guys would have probably been in a different country by now if he wasn't around.
Singing has got the guys through some of the rainy days, seriously rainy days.
Bustard had his ipod stolen when he was in the shower, he went mental but to no avail.
They have had a tour of the Martell Cognac distillery and it was good banter, and a bbq finished off the evening so they are refreshed for tomorrow's ride.
They are roughly just over half way through the ride but the Pyrenees are dawning...
Tuesday 10 August 2010
Day 9 - Curvy Hills and Closed Campsites
The guys have texted me what has happened in France today.
I've been told it has been a pretty uneventful day but the terrain that has been covered has been of the hilly type. But luckily no injuries or punctures on the way.
However, once the guys reached the designated campsite it was closed therefore they headed into the local town where a very kind french couple welcomed the guys into their home. They have had a very warm welcome with showers all round and they are currently waiting for dinner, courtesy of the couple.
The town they are in is a tiny village called San Christophe near Chemille and the speedo says 50 miles for the day but due to the hard going terrain it has been a good days work.
I've been told it has been a pretty uneventful day but the terrain that has been covered has been of the hilly type. But luckily no injuries or punctures on the way.
However, once the guys reached the designated campsite it was closed therefore they headed into the local town where a very kind french couple welcomed the guys into their home. They have had a very warm welcome with showers all round and they are currently waiting for dinner, courtesy of the couple.
The town they are in is a tiny village called San Christophe near Chemille and the speedo says 50 miles for the day but due to the hard going terrain it has been a good days work.
Monday 9 August 2010
Day 8 - Travelling on Trains
It would be a long day of travelling for me.
I woke up nice and early to meet Marine and headed to the train station.
After lugging my bike up the stairs over the track I soon spotted a level crossing I could have used, but never mind.
Marine helped me in buying the correct tickets for the day. And the journey started. We travelled from Villedieu to Argentan. Waited for our next train which was delayed to Caen where Marine helped me get on the right train to Cherbourg. I can not thank her enough for helping me out when I needed it. She even bought me a sandwich!
Whilst on the Cherbourg train a friendly homeless irish man decided to spark up a conversation with me. Informing me about many conspiracies about certain bad people in ireland and gave me newspaper cuttings to match the stories. It was informing but maybe a little intimidating.
After arriving in Cherbourg I found my way to the dock where I waited and prayed that my ferry was on time and hoped my dad found his way to Portsmouth well. He is a hero for picking me up from Portsmouth and I think it puts him in the super dad category.
The rest of the guys have had another good day of progress. All the way to Vihiers. I will try and find out some stories from them.
My summary:
I travelled 330 miles on my bike in 5 and a half days, but it was my knee that let me down. I'm already thinking about another bike tour but who knows when. I will just have to see what the doctor says about my knee and take it from there. Thanks for all your donations. I know I didn't complete what I set out to do but there are still 9 other riders who are still enroute and were all supporting the same charity.
Thank you.
I woke up nice and early to meet Marine and headed to the train station.
After lugging my bike up the stairs over the track I soon spotted a level crossing I could have used, but never mind.
Marine helped me in buying the correct tickets for the day. And the journey started. We travelled from Villedieu to Argentan. Waited for our next train which was delayed to Caen where Marine helped me get on the right train to Cherbourg. I can not thank her enough for helping me out when I needed it. She even bought me a sandwich!
Whilst on the Cherbourg train a friendly homeless irish man decided to spark up a conversation with me. Informing me about many conspiracies about certain bad people in ireland and gave me newspaper cuttings to match the stories. It was informing but maybe a little intimidating.
After arriving in Cherbourg I found my way to the dock where I waited and prayed that my ferry was on time and hoped my dad found his way to Portsmouth well. He is a hero for picking me up from Portsmouth and I think it puts him in the super dad category.
The rest of the guys have had another good day of progress. All the way to Vihiers. I will try and find out some stories from them.
My summary:
I travelled 330 miles on my bike in 5 and a half days, but it was my knee that let me down. I'm already thinking about another bike tour but who knows when. I will just have to see what the doctor says about my knee and take it from there. Thanks for all your donations. I know I didn't complete what I set out to do but there are still 9 other riders who are still enroute and were all supporting the same charity.
Thank you.
Day 7 - Stiff Sodding Sunday
This morning wasn't as comfy as the night before.
I woke up with stiffness and pain in my knee knowing that one nights rest would not do it good with suspected tendonitus.
I got on my bike and rode around the campsite to evaluate the damage.
I was done. There was no way I could cycle fully kitted up without causing myself serious damage. So I had to make the right choice and quit the tour.
Being upset I had to discover a way I could get back to england easily.
Tom and Alex asked some fellow Brits where they were heading but it was of no use. Therefore we headed down to the tourist information desk to see what they could organise.
There were buses that travelled to Cherbourg but they wouldn't accept the bike. Therefore the train was the next best option to get to Cherbourg for the ferry.
In order to get to Cherbourg I had to take three trains in a country where I only know little bits of the language.
Luckily I had a Guardian Angel, Marine, who is a young lady who works at the tourist information desk and has a very kind heart. She needed to travel to Caen the next day which was on the way to Cherbourg. After agreeing to meet at 8.45am the next day I left to set up my tent alone at the campsite.
Alex and Tom were great support but now needed to head off to catch the others. We said our goodbyes and off they went.
At the campsite I read most of my book and had a few beers. I tried to get involved in the table tennis but the dutch weren't having any of it!
The Brokeback mountain duo of Tom and Alex made to Loiron before sunset and the others had made is Segre. A good 40 miles ahead.
I woke up with stiffness and pain in my knee knowing that one nights rest would not do it good with suspected tendonitus.
I got on my bike and rode around the campsite to evaluate the damage.
I was done. There was no way I could cycle fully kitted up without causing myself serious damage. So I had to make the right choice and quit the tour.
Being upset I had to discover a way I could get back to england easily.
Tom and Alex asked some fellow Brits where they were heading but it was of no use. Therefore we headed down to the tourist information desk to see what they could organise.
There were buses that travelled to Cherbourg but they wouldn't accept the bike. Therefore the train was the next best option to get to Cherbourg for the ferry.
In order to get to Cherbourg I had to take three trains in a country where I only know little bits of the language.
Luckily I had a Guardian Angel, Marine, who is a young lady who works at the tourist information desk and has a very kind heart. She needed to travel to Caen the next day which was on the way to Cherbourg. After agreeing to meet at 8.45am the next day I left to set up my tent alone at the campsite.
Alex and Tom were great support but now needed to head off to catch the others. We said our goodbyes and off they went.
At the campsite I read most of my book and had a few beers. I tried to get involved in the table tennis but the dutch weren't having any of it!
The Brokeback mountain duo of Tom and Alex made to Loiron before sunset and the others had made is Segre. A good 40 miles ahead.
Day 6 - Wet and Wretched
It was a wet start to the day. It had been raining throughout the night and with no surprise a few of the tents had decided to add swimming pools to the list of their features.
After a groggy start we finally managed to pack up the wet camp and get on the road around 11am, ponchos and all.
Some of the guys didn't have much breakfast so they decided to go to the creperie in the town centre not realising it was market day. This caused some kerfuffle as we had to walk our bikes through the town centre. After filling up on pain au chocolats we set on the road but not before knowing which road to take! We stopped a couple of cars and vans for directions and were told multiple things. In the end we decided the downhill road was much more preferable.
Again, my pace suffered due to my knee pain. Tom and Phil fell behind with me as we rode on but Phil made a charge for our first stop, Villedieu les Poeles. Tom stayed with me to Villedieu but enroute I told him that I was staying there for the night due despite it only being 20 miles for the day.
I was in far too much pain to cycle very far so I wanted to see if a nights rest would help my knee.
After arriving at Villedieu I announced to the guys I was staying there for the night to see how my knee recovered and Alex and Tom kindly offered to stay with me.
After some lunch the others moved on and made some good progress around 60-70 miles for the day making it to Louvigne.
Me, Tom and Alex needed somewhere to stay for the night so went to the tourist information desk and enquired. We were told that the Cheval Noir (the black horse for those who aren't good at french...) was the cheapest around so we trekked up a hill past it and then back round to find a very derelict hotel and restaurant with no one answering the door.
Consequently we left and headed back down to the tourist information desk. They told us that a static caravan might be our best bet so headed down to the local caravan site and found that we could have a caravan for one night. Perfect for what we needed.
We set out to wash all of our clothes and lighten my panniers in order to lessen the blow on my knee. Me, Alex and Tom then had a lovely evening meal of snack pasta and cupasoups. Delightful. We then curled up in our comfy beds and slept away the night with some magic cream on my knee.
Hoping the next day would be better.
After a groggy start we finally managed to pack up the wet camp and get on the road around 11am, ponchos and all.
Some of the guys didn't have much breakfast so they decided to go to the creperie in the town centre not realising it was market day. This caused some kerfuffle as we had to walk our bikes through the town centre. After filling up on pain au chocolats we set on the road but not before knowing which road to take! We stopped a couple of cars and vans for directions and were told multiple things. In the end we decided the downhill road was much more preferable.
Again, my pace suffered due to my knee pain. Tom and Phil fell behind with me as we rode on but Phil made a charge for our first stop, Villedieu les Poeles. Tom stayed with me to Villedieu but enroute I told him that I was staying there for the night due despite it only being 20 miles for the day.
I was in far too much pain to cycle very far so I wanted to see if a nights rest would help my knee.
After arriving at Villedieu I announced to the guys I was staying there for the night to see how my knee recovered and Alex and Tom kindly offered to stay with me.
After some lunch the others moved on and made some good progress around 60-70 miles for the day making it to Louvigne.
Me, Tom and Alex needed somewhere to stay for the night so went to the tourist information desk and enquired. We were told that the Cheval Noir (the black horse for those who aren't good at french...) was the cheapest around so we trekked up a hill past it and then back round to find a very derelict hotel and restaurant with no one answering the door.
Consequently we left and headed back down to the tourist information desk. They told us that a static caravan might be our best bet so headed down to the local caravan site and found that we could have a caravan for one night. Perfect for what we needed.
We set out to wash all of our clothes and lighten my panniers in order to lessen the blow on my knee. Me, Alex and Tom then had a lovely evening meal of snack pasta and cupasoups. Delightful. We then curled up in our comfy beds and slept away the night with some magic cream on my knee.
Hoping the next day would be better.
Day 5 - Funny Stomachs and Ferries
It was an early start in the bike for life camp. 5am to be precise.
Bustard was up a tad earlier than the rest of us. He had to say goodbye to some food the same way it went in, were all convinced it was karma for the seagull incident.
After packing up we cruised down to the dock and boarded the ferry with no problems.
The ferry was a time to relax and rest our weary heads for the 50 miles ahead when we docked in Cherbourg.
After asking a pizza man for directions we set off on some good hill climbs but I was feeling the strain of my knee and fell behind off the pace with Phil staying behind to keep me company.
We trudged on through with a swift stop at aldi and met the others in la haye where the guys were enjoying a beer.
After resting for a while we set off once more towards our destination, Coutances. Then a good 12 miles down the road a realisation dawned on Bustard.
He had left his phone behind the bar to charge but forgot to pick it up on the way out. So he had a nice return trip to make to la haye. Adding 30 miles of riding to his day.
Due to my slow pace with george and louis we popped into a campsite to see if the guys had stopped there but were greeted by a fiesty dog and an english couple.
The others managed to find the town centre where Phil managed to stack it once more. His tally of falling over is increasing quickly.
After some very straight and flat roads we made it to the Coutances campsite. Were we all set up camp. Whilst Bustard turned up a little later.
Later we went into town and visited a restaurant where James tucked into the finest kid meals known to man, not.
51 miles
4 hrs 52 mins
Bustard was up a tad earlier than the rest of us. He had to say goodbye to some food the same way it went in, were all convinced it was karma for the seagull incident.
After packing up we cruised down to the dock and boarded the ferry with no problems.
The ferry was a time to relax and rest our weary heads for the 50 miles ahead when we docked in Cherbourg.
After asking a pizza man for directions we set off on some good hill climbs but I was feeling the strain of my knee and fell behind off the pace with Phil staying behind to keep me company.
We trudged on through with a swift stop at aldi and met the others in la haye where the guys were enjoying a beer.
After resting for a while we set off once more towards our destination, Coutances. Then a good 12 miles down the road a realisation dawned on Bustard.
He had left his phone behind the bar to charge but forgot to pick it up on the way out. So he had a nice return trip to make to la haye. Adding 30 miles of riding to his day.
Due to my slow pace with george and louis we popped into a campsite to see if the guys had stopped there but were greeted by a fiesty dog and an english couple.
The others managed to find the town centre where Phil managed to stack it once more. His tally of falling over is increasing quickly.
After some very straight and flat roads we made it to the Coutances campsite. Were we all set up camp. Whilst Bustard turned up a little later.
Later we went into town and visited a restaurant where James tucked into the finest kid meals known to man, not.
51 miles
4 hrs 52 mins
Thursday 5 August 2010
Day 4 - Bustard the Bully
It was a repair-free day in the bike for life camp.
No one suffered a puncture or any problem at all with their bike which was a pleasant feeling.
The problems faced were related to our own components. Specifically our knees. Myself, George and James were all suffering so combined with Tom we were the later group setting off from the campsite.
Ed and Louis set of first. Setting the standard with Bustard, Alex, Phil and Simon following soon after as a foursome.
After a stop in Westbury for Tom to relieve himself before soiling the cycling shorts I had lent him due to a washing machine/human error with his own shorts. As well as screwing over his own shorts we also managed to ruin half the teams gear, confusing rinse and spin with spin. After Tom lost a couple of pounds I headed to the chemists to pick up a knee support and we headed out at an indifferent pace towards Shaftesbury were we stopped for lunch.
After being revitalised by Tom Hext's advice the pace after Shaftesbury was good and we made it to the campsite via some nice scenery until Tom had a fight with a wasp and lost. We were flying down a hill and with his shirt slightly unzipped a wasp fancied a bit of Tom's chest. And no man points for screaming like a girl.
Meanwhile, Simon was shouted at for asking to put his rubbish in a mans bin. I suppose that is better than littering so I don't see what the mans problem was and I'm sure that Phil wouldn't approve of littering.
After all meeting at the campsite some of the guys took an icey cool dip in the pool. And we revitalised and we all headed to Poole down the road for fish and chips, bar Tom and Louis.
After waiting a very long time for fish and chips Bustard decided to out wit a seagull by putting a fork in a chip. Don't worry, we have reported to him to the RSPCA.
We then proceeded to have a couple of chilled beers and headed back to the campsite. Sore knees and all.
Bike for life out.
Day 4 Stats
Distance - 49 miles
Time on the saddle - 4 hrs 33 mins
Saddle soreness - 4 out of 10
Knee soreness - 6 out of 10
No one suffered a puncture or any problem at all with their bike which was a pleasant feeling.
The problems faced were related to our own components. Specifically our knees. Myself, George and James were all suffering so combined with Tom we were the later group setting off from the campsite.
Ed and Louis set of first. Setting the standard with Bustard, Alex, Phil and Simon following soon after as a foursome.
After a stop in Westbury for Tom to relieve himself before soiling the cycling shorts I had lent him due to a washing machine/human error with his own shorts. As well as screwing over his own shorts we also managed to ruin half the teams gear, confusing rinse and spin with spin. After Tom lost a couple of pounds I headed to the chemists to pick up a knee support and we headed out at an indifferent pace towards Shaftesbury were we stopped for lunch.
After being revitalised by Tom Hext's advice the pace after Shaftesbury was good and we made it to the campsite via some nice scenery until Tom had a fight with a wasp and lost. We were flying down a hill and with his shirt slightly unzipped a wasp fancied a bit of Tom's chest. And no man points for screaming like a girl.
Meanwhile, Simon was shouted at for asking to put his rubbish in a mans bin. I suppose that is better than littering so I don't see what the mans problem was and I'm sure that Phil wouldn't approve of littering.
After all meeting at the campsite some of the guys took an icey cool dip in the pool. And we revitalised and we all headed to Poole down the road for fish and chips, bar Tom and Louis.
After waiting a very long time for fish and chips Bustard decided to out wit a seagull by putting a fork in a chip. Don't worry, we have reported to him to the RSPCA.
We then proceeded to have a couple of chilled beers and headed back to the campsite. Sore knees and all.
Bike for life out.
Day 4 Stats
Distance - 49 miles
Time on the saddle - 4 hrs 33 mins
Saddle soreness - 4 out of 10
Knee soreness - 6 out of 10
Day 3 Stats
Distance - 60 miles
Time on the saddle - 4hrs 34mins
Saddle Sorness - 4 out of 10
Knee Soreness - 7 out of 10
Time on the saddle - 4hrs 34mins
Saddle Sorness - 4 out of 10
Knee Soreness - 7 out of 10
Wednesday 4 August 2010
Day 3 - Pannier Problems, Punctures and Pissing in Private Places
The day started off well. George and James warmed up their tender knees. And we made good speed and made it to Cirencester with no problems.
We met up with the others and after stocking up on Boots meal deals I started to mock the Halfords across the road with Tom. How I was so wrong to do so.
We set off as a strong group of 10 and our peleton was going strong but after around 6 miles Louis decided to do the disco shuffle on his bike. Nearly ending in disaster. After recovering we journeyed on for another few hundred yards disaster really struck.
After falling to spot the mother of all potholes at the back of the peleton my pannier rack decided to fall backwards with the screws becoming loose. I stopped the back and called George and Bustard back to help me out to attach the pannier rack back on.
After some awkward fixing we managed to reattach the pannier rack and I took a couple of pedals only to realise that my front tyre had punctured. A true double whammy.
To add to insult the spare inner tubes I carried seemed to be too large for my wheels. Ending in a folded inner tube to be used.
Due to the amount of time wasted. A fivesome of Alex, George, James, Simon and Bustard headed out to scout ahead whilst the others stayed with me.
After hitting the road again we made good progress until my pannier rack refused to stay together and the insulation tape came out.
Meanwhile, the others stopped off for a light refreshment and Bustard stood in the wrong place to relieve himself and a fierce gentleman questioned his location to empty his bladder. The gentleman didn't take kindly to Bustard's wit and he swiftly moved on.
In my group we made more good progress until after a brief stop at Morrisons I suffered another puncture but luckily there was a Halfords a few miles away so Tom volunteered to come with me to Halfords. Scott at Halfords was happy enough to help me with my problems and I can't give him enough credit for it.
Elsewhere, George decided to taste some of the grass on the side of the road. Removing his panniers at the same time. Whilst recovering the others moved onto a shopping centre for some grub. George made it to the shopping centre but was asked to move his bike. Down four flights of stairs. George wasn't overly impressed.
Due to our detour to Halfords myself and Tom arrived to Brokerswood County Park later than the others. Just before we arrived Bustard decided to punch his tray of food out his hand trying to hit a bee. Adding gravel to his meal. He proceeded to finish his meal. Gravel and all.
The team at the campsite were kind enough to offer free accommodation and charge up our phones! Very kind of them.
Fun at the campsite involved cricket. Which was shortlived by Louis hitting a six out of the campsite. Not off my bowling I'm happy to say!
We later visited the Kicking Donkey pub down the road were Phil decided to have a sing song to himself. It capped off a good bad day.
Bike for Life out.
P.S. Knees are not made for cycling!
We met up with the others and after stocking up on Boots meal deals I started to mock the Halfords across the road with Tom. How I was so wrong to do so.
We set off as a strong group of 10 and our peleton was going strong but after around 6 miles Louis decided to do the disco shuffle on his bike. Nearly ending in disaster. After recovering we journeyed on for another few hundred yards disaster really struck.
After falling to spot the mother of all potholes at the back of the peleton my pannier rack decided to fall backwards with the screws becoming loose. I stopped the back and called George and Bustard back to help me out to attach the pannier rack back on.
After some awkward fixing we managed to reattach the pannier rack and I took a couple of pedals only to realise that my front tyre had punctured. A true double whammy.
To add to insult the spare inner tubes I carried seemed to be too large for my wheels. Ending in a folded inner tube to be used.
Due to the amount of time wasted. A fivesome of Alex, George, James, Simon and Bustard headed out to scout ahead whilst the others stayed with me.
After hitting the road again we made good progress until my pannier rack refused to stay together and the insulation tape came out.
Meanwhile, the others stopped off for a light refreshment and Bustard stood in the wrong place to relieve himself and a fierce gentleman questioned his location to empty his bladder. The gentleman didn't take kindly to Bustard's wit and he swiftly moved on.
In my group we made more good progress until after a brief stop at Morrisons I suffered another puncture but luckily there was a Halfords a few miles away so Tom volunteered to come with me to Halfords. Scott at Halfords was happy enough to help me with my problems and I can't give him enough credit for it.
Elsewhere, George decided to taste some of the grass on the side of the road. Removing his panniers at the same time. Whilst recovering the others moved onto a shopping centre for some grub. George made it to the shopping centre but was asked to move his bike. Down four flights of stairs. George wasn't overly impressed.
Due to our detour to Halfords myself and Tom arrived to Brokerswood County Park later than the others. Just before we arrived Bustard decided to punch his tray of food out his hand trying to hit a bee. Adding gravel to his meal. He proceeded to finish his meal. Gravel and all.
The team at the campsite were kind enough to offer free accommodation and charge up our phones! Very kind of them.
Fun at the campsite involved cricket. Which was shortlived by Louis hitting a six out of the campsite. Not off my bowling I'm happy to say!
We later visited the Kicking Donkey pub down the road were Phil decided to have a sing song to himself. It capped off a good bad day.
Bike for Life out.
P.S. Knees are not made for cycling!
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Day 2 - Niggley Knees, A Strong Breeze and No Camping Fees
What an extremely difficult day.
It started off with Phil managing to fall of his bike 1 min 25 seconds into the day. Luckily he was ok. Just a gentle taste of gravel.
Tom, Bustard and George headed to Nuneaton in order to pick up Tom's brand new spanker from Halfords. Luckily the Halfords team had managed to construct Tom's bike in record time. Maybe this hindered the bikes performance as Tom found changing gears rather difficult.
The other group headed down Fosse way with good speed and the guys thought it would be a great day but that wasn't the case.
After stopping at Glebe farm cafe we had a banging all day breakfast and after some deliberation about waiting for the other three, James and Simon decided to wait for them whilst the others headed out.
But only a mile and half down the road from Glebe farm disaster struck! Tom Hext had a complication changing gear and his knee popped out causing him sheer agony. We phoned an ambulance and the hospital confirmed his fate and he is out of the bike ride.
Were all gutted for him and hope for him to have a good recovery.
After the ambulance left because of the amount of time lost we waited for James, Simon and Bustard. With Tom and George trailing due to poor navigation.
With time handy, Myself, Ed, Alex, Louis and Phil devised a fun rock game to kill time. Very entertaining. This was not before I was at one with nature and left my mark in a Warwickshire field.
After setting out. The main group made some good speed but I kept falling behind due to the constant hills and the bulkiness of my bike. Eventually, in the approach to Stow, which is one hell of a hill, the foursome of Alex, Bustard, Simon and Phil powered through. Leaving Myself, Ed, Louis and Rudi in Stow pondering which step to take next.
After resting for a while, George appeared out of the mist. Doing his best Lance Armstrong impression. Happy to see us. Soon after Tom appeared and we were reunited at last. After hearing the other four were making good progress we decided to go to Folly Farm campsite, 6 miles away as we all felt it was too far to Cirencester. We set off and after a winding hill we made it to the campsite.
The owner was kind enough not to charge us and even gave us a lift to a store for supplies.
The other four made is to Cirencester and managed to talk their way into free pizza.
Hopefully there are not too many days that are eventful as that.
The morale in the camp is ok, let's hope today is an improvement.
Day 2 Stats:
50 miles/68 miles (For Tom, George and Bustard)
Saddle Time - 4 hours 25 mins
Campsite - Folly Farm Campsite
Saddle Soreness - 4 out of 10
It started off with Phil managing to fall of his bike 1 min 25 seconds into the day. Luckily he was ok. Just a gentle taste of gravel.
Tom, Bustard and George headed to Nuneaton in order to pick up Tom's brand new spanker from Halfords. Luckily the Halfords team had managed to construct Tom's bike in record time. Maybe this hindered the bikes performance as Tom found changing gears rather difficult.
The other group headed down Fosse way with good speed and the guys thought it would be a great day but that wasn't the case.
After stopping at Glebe farm cafe we had a banging all day breakfast and after some deliberation about waiting for the other three, James and Simon decided to wait for them whilst the others headed out.
But only a mile and half down the road from Glebe farm disaster struck! Tom Hext had a complication changing gear and his knee popped out causing him sheer agony. We phoned an ambulance and the hospital confirmed his fate and he is out of the bike ride.
Were all gutted for him and hope for him to have a good recovery.
After the ambulance left because of the amount of time lost we waited for James, Simon and Bustard. With Tom and George trailing due to poor navigation.
With time handy, Myself, Ed, Alex, Louis and Phil devised a fun rock game to kill time. Very entertaining. This was not before I was at one with nature and left my mark in a Warwickshire field.
After setting out. The main group made some good speed but I kept falling behind due to the constant hills and the bulkiness of my bike. Eventually, in the approach to Stow, which is one hell of a hill, the foursome of Alex, Bustard, Simon and Phil powered through. Leaving Myself, Ed, Louis and Rudi in Stow pondering which step to take next.
After resting for a while, George appeared out of the mist. Doing his best Lance Armstrong impression. Happy to see us. Soon after Tom appeared and we were reunited at last. After hearing the other four were making good progress we decided to go to Folly Farm campsite, 6 miles away as we all felt it was too far to Cirencester. We set off and after a winding hill we made it to the campsite.
The owner was kind enough not to charge us and even gave us a lift to a store for supplies.
The other four made is to Cirencester and managed to talk their way into free pizza.
Hopefully there are not too many days that are eventful as that.
The morale in the camp is ok, let's hope today is an improvement.
Day 2 Stats:
50 miles/68 miles (For Tom, George and Bustard)
Saddle Time - 4 hours 25 mins
Campsite - Folly Farm Campsite
Saddle Soreness - 4 out of 10
Monday 2 August 2010
Day 1 Stats
Distance Travelled - 75.6 miles
Saddle Time - 6hrs 9mins 24secs
Campsite - Wolvey Camp Site
Saddle Soreness - 3 out of 10.
Missed info. People at the cavery donated 19.50.
Saddle Time - 6hrs 9mins 24secs
Campsite - Wolvey Camp Site
Saddle Soreness - 3 out of 10.
Missed info. People at the cavery donated 19.50.
Day 1 - Buckled Wheels, Blowouts and Brand New Bikes
It was a truly eventful day.
The morning started well. The house was buzzing with activity and everything seemed to be going smoothly. Then 2 minutes before setting out for the photo at the childrens hospital Ed's eagle eyes spotted that Alex's back wheel wasn't quite right. Seemed there was a bearing problem. Alex was not a happy chappy.
Myself, Ed, Louis and Tom Hext set off as a four whilst the others visited JE James to sort Alex's life out.
Whilst on the exit to Sheffield I spotted that my wheel was slightly buckled, then very buckled. Knowing it was a problem to sort later on in the day.
After a brief tour of Chesterfield industrial estate, with Tom Hext's bottle being a casualty of the road we felt the breeze of lorries of on the dual carriageway we battled through Chesterfield with some help from Mick a local cyclist and went on to Derby and stopped for a cavery. And what a carvery it was.
After refuelling we trudged our way to Hinckley tesco to stock up for the campsite.
At this point we contacted the others to discover Thomas Bustard had suffered a blowout and Tom Arnold was considering buying a new bike.
Hearing that a Halfords was nearby and my bike of need its wheel being straightened I managed to get to Halfords just in time for a sound guy to sort my wheel out, bought a new tyre and inner tube for Bustard and Tom Arnold ordered a new bike to be picked up tomorrow. After experiencing the sluggishness of his current bike.
After joining up again we headed to the campsite where George's dad, Tim, was a hero and supplied us with fish and chips.
What a day. More to come tomorrow.
The morning started well. The house was buzzing with activity and everything seemed to be going smoothly. Then 2 minutes before setting out for the photo at the childrens hospital Ed's eagle eyes spotted that Alex's back wheel wasn't quite right. Seemed there was a bearing problem. Alex was not a happy chappy.
Myself, Ed, Louis and Tom Hext set off as a four whilst the others visited JE James to sort Alex's life out.
Whilst on the exit to Sheffield I spotted that my wheel was slightly buckled, then very buckled. Knowing it was a problem to sort later on in the day.
After a brief tour of Chesterfield industrial estate, with Tom Hext's bottle being a casualty of the road we felt the breeze of lorries of on the dual carriageway we battled through Chesterfield with some help from Mick a local cyclist and went on to Derby and stopped for a cavery. And what a carvery it was.
After refuelling we trudged our way to Hinckley tesco to stock up for the campsite.
At this point we contacted the others to discover Thomas Bustard had suffered a blowout and Tom Arnold was considering buying a new bike.
Hearing that a Halfords was nearby and my bike of need its wheel being straightened I managed to get to Halfords just in time for a sound guy to sort my wheel out, bought a new tyre and inner tube for Bustard and Tom Arnold ordered a new bike to be picked up tomorrow. After experiencing the sluggishness of his current bike.
After joining up again we headed to the campsite where George's dad, Tim, was a hero and supplied us with fish and chips.
What a day. More to come tomorrow.
Sunday 1 August 2010
Panic Sunday
Its been a slightly stressful day at the camp today.
10 of the 11 riders are in Sheffield at the moment with only Thomas Bustard to join us tomorrow morning (hopefully his alarm doesn't fail).
Equipment wise, a couple of riders are still short of an inner tube or two so it will involve a couple of early morning purchases. Surprise, surprise James falls into this category.
Talking about James, Louis decided to have a food related bet with him. A fiver that James couldn't finish a 400g block of Cathedral mature cheddar. Consequently, Louis won the bet. James is currently lying on the floor passed out. Not the best start to the bike ride. Especially as we have discovered that some of the side effects of eating too much cheese is the shits and nausea. Special times for him and his bike seat I think.
I shall let you know how the first day goes tomorrow and how James' bowels react to the cheese.
Bike for Life out.
10 of the 11 riders are in Sheffield at the moment with only Thomas Bustard to join us tomorrow morning (hopefully his alarm doesn't fail).
Equipment wise, a couple of riders are still short of an inner tube or two so it will involve a couple of early morning purchases. Surprise, surprise James falls into this category.
Talking about James, Louis decided to have a food related bet with him. A fiver that James couldn't finish a 400g block of Cathedral mature cheddar. Consequently, Louis won the bet. James is currently lying on the floor passed out. Not the best start to the bike ride. Especially as we have discovered that some of the side effects of eating too much cheese is the shits and nausea. Special times for him and his bike seat I think.
I shall let you know how the first day goes tomorrow and how James' bowels react to the cheese.
Bike for Life out.
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