24th June 2025

Alnmouth  -  Berwick on Tweed       78kms   1562'

I know the blog is late and all will become clear as you read on. I think that I already mentioned the route can be influenced by many factors. Yesterday all the negative ones contrived to make a 78kms journey into a bit of an epic - we arrived in Berwick at 19.30! On a different occasion the same distance allowed us to arrive at 15.00. Let me explain the anomaly.  Once again the wind were strong (as bad as yesterday) but this time, for the last 40kms we were riding directly into it. Even downhill, not that there was much, we had to pedal. Add to that the wierd and wonderful cycle paths we were obliged to follow, slow and slower spring to mind. We have experienced some excellent tracks but these were none of them. Single track, wheel width, dikes, and endless gravel of all varieties. But we got here! All in one piece, if totally knackered. Enjoyed the delights of two dried pasta meals which Al had carried since Land's End and a hot chocolate. We know how to live.

Sadly, this is to be our last blog entry. We had decided at the beginning of the day that we owed it to the rest of our lives to accept that we were no longer the spring chickens we had once been. Accepting that we were not going to finish at John o Groats was not easy. We have thoroughly enjoyed this journey although at times it has been very demanding. Much of what we have achieved has been , in no small way, aided by the support and encouragement of family and friends. We are deeply appreciative of follower' s comments as long as they have been nice! Seriously, I will miss you all.

Before we hang up our boots/bikes, I have to thank Master Navigator for his everlasting competence and for also, always finding appropriate accommodation at the end of each day. We have also to thank profusely, our son in law, Mike for agreeing to make the journey up here to pick us up. Way beyond any call of duty, especially as all our Old Bones are intact if very sore.

So adieu. I doubt there will be another long ride, at least on a bike. Thank you all for being with us.

 23rd June 2025

Blyth - Alnmouth         50.5 kms      955'

This might look like a take it easy day. Not so. The most significant thing, for me anyway, was the strength of the wind!!!!! And as you may have guessed it was indeed, a NOSTRIL wind. I am very proud of the fact that we have made 50 plus kms when one considers, that according to the weather boffins, we had gusts of 50kms an hour. I think that is quite a lot. Just as we were coming into Alnmouth there was a hill with the wind behind - I hardly had to pedal at all.

The other, and much more pleasant aspect of today, was viewing the beautiful North East coast. For much of the route today we spent on tracks or no through roads which ran parallel to the dunes and the beaches. Despite expectations of rain, we had none and the sunshine was reasonably abundant. Did think about a paddle but didn't  want to get sand in between my toes. Nothing to do with the temperature of the water! Virtually no building development for miles but quite a few caravan sites. What a fabulous place to enjoy your holiday.

On the meet and greet front, we shared our dinner time with a group of lads who had just biked, in relays, from east to West and then turned round and ridden west to east, all to raise money for charity. Mind you, they spent a bit on celebratory drinks. A good bunch though. We also briefly encountered a gentleman bending down over his bike so we checked he was okay - which he was  - but then he spotted Al's shirt and we spent a good few minutes while he reminisced about north Wales.

This was one bit of the journey that I was really looking forward to and it has not disappointed in spite of the fight with the wind. Wouldn't really be an Old Bones journey without me moaning about a NOSTRIL wind. I suspect I  might have another go tomorrow, at moaning, I mean. 

  22nd June 2025

Sunderland  -  Blyth          34kms!

An interesting and unusual Sunday day. Read on to find out more.

On our arrival yesterday into Sunderland, Al had contacted his cousin Dawn who takes care of his uncle John and Aunt Cathy neither of whom we have seen for a long time. In his youth, Al and his uncle, the much younger brother of his mother, had spent a lot of time together walking the fells and enjoying each other's company. The decision to call in was a good one. Clearly, John was delighted to see Alan and even Cathy in her reduced state recognised Al. Quite an  emotional visit but so glad we took the opportunity to call in.

Having stayed a little longer than planned in Sunderland,  we set off to the coast and a new but unfinished cycle route. A short crossing of the Tyne on the S Shields ferry and we were into Northumberland.

These north eastern folk are a hardy bunch. The weather was, admittedly dry, but not that sunny or warm and very windy. But where was everyone? on the beach of course - some even swimming in the North Sea. Chapeau to the lot of you. The coastal path was very busy with all these folk talking, walking, looking at their phones and some on bikes. Pretty chaotic but in a good way. 

I mentioned that the weather was windy, well it got a lot windier and then the rain began. We were already well behind any normal schedule and very anxious not to repeat our experience of the earlier storms in Devon, we chose to curtail the day and stop in Blyth. An excellent decision. Missed the storm ( as in not in it) safely ensconced in our hotel room. Still blowing a hooly  but momentarily the sun is out again. Much cooler than of late but very fickle is the weather. The short distance we have covered today is small price to pay for seeing John and our comfort and safety. Must be getting old! 

Weather not very good for tomorrow but we will wait and see - can't really do much else!

P.S. 1067 kms cycled in 17 days. We're slow but we're getting closer.

 21st June 2025 & Seren's 21st birthday & the longest day.

Northallerton - Sunderland       78kms      1926'

Last night's stopover was in the Village Inn in Brompton, which was one of the nicest of the pubs we have stayed in and the food was excellent. 

We got off to  another really punctual start and the first 20 kms flew by. The flying finished when we reached Yarm. Seems like the whole of the local population was making a visit. Bit of a log jam, and after such a gentle start.

Another quite complicated journey, made more difficult by the absence of clear, or even  any signs. The actual path was often accessed via a tiny single line mud track before turning into the M1 of cycle paths. Actually, when we found them, they were excellent and we spent a good part of the day on dedicated byways. However,  as always, much time was taken circumnavigating complicated roundabout systems.  Nonetheless,  today we reached the North Sea, which was a grand view in spite of the potholes and the traffic.

As I am writing this from the security of a room in a Premier Inn, there is a thunderstorm lurking. Really pleased not to be part of it!

Very inspired  by having reached Al's birthplace and hoping to call on his uncle on our way further north, tomorrow. 

It can storm all it likes tonight, even I won't hear it.

 20th June 2025

York  -  Northallerton         67kms    720'

Our air b&b was a haven of peace and tranquility and really gave us time to draw breath.  However, we did join the thousands of visitors to the city and took in the ambiance. We duly admired the minster from the outside ( 20quid to go in !) We wandered the walls, the gardens, the posh shops and the river, vying for space with the multitude. However, beyond the centre, York was much like any city and M & S was never far away! So armed with two microwave meals, we eventually found our way back to our house. Glad we had the opportunity to see the old town.

This morning, Master  Navigator played a blinder getting us through the endless traffic and onto finding our route north. On our way along another cycle lane blocked by cars, we were taken aback by the fact that the offending vehicles were all German registered Aston Martins of the type that you might view on Top Gear. Why they were in York, I have no idea. Couldn't see any cameras! Ironically, only around an hour later, on much quieter highways, we were beguiled by the appearance of truly vintage cars with drivers and passengers all dressed up. Once again I have no idea where they were off too either. 

We enjoyed a couple of meet and greet sessions. This time I was joined by a gentleman who decided to ride alongside me and explain how he had lost his confidence on a bike although had been a bit of a whizz in his day. Now he was riding a top of the range electric bike which he had acquired from a friend. Somewhere in the telling of the story, I lost the plot - sorry. Nice man though. As we were heading through Northallerton, we passed a Tesco (don't they just get everywhere?) Anyway,  needed cash and cold sore cream, so Al was left in charge of the bikes while I shopped. He made the mistake of sitting on a bench! When I returned, he was being chatted up by a great grandmother! Anyway port in a storm. No, she was quite harmless and had made the ride to John o' Groats some 25 years ago and was sure that we were in need of invaluable information on the topography of Scotland in particular. She had obviously thoroughly enjoyed her experience and wished us all luck.

It has been a good day, if very hot and now quite humid. Still, much better than the rain. In fact, we have made such good time, that I am writing this before dinner so am slightly less befuddled than usual. Tomorrow, it looks as if we will make Al's home town - Sunderland - for those who are new to this blog and to Old Bones. It's yet another little milestone. Be lovely to see the sea.

 Wednesday  18th June 2025

Thorne  -  York    58kms   not much in the way of height.

What a truly splendid day.I

It didn't start quite so well, as our overnight accommodation was in yet another pub clearly marked for closure or upgrading. Just one member of staff on duty for breakfast and a cook. No breakfast was, apparently, available when we showed up except for a hot water urn with instant coffee or tea bags. We were instructed to take a seat and wait for our order to be taken (all with a smile). Cooked or cooked? Alan asked after the possibility of cereal only  to be told that was a available at weekends only! So, we had cooked. Sometimes , you just have to roll with it.

Today was a day for meeting and greeting. We stopped for our coffee break on an old airfield and hailed a passing dog walker. Not always a wise move. Clearly our dog person was  keen to chat. After 20 minutes of explaining his life history in the army followed by a  career as a dog handler in the prison service and how the latter was / had gone to the dogs, we did finally manage to explain that we needed to move on. As we left the airfield, a glider came in to land. Such a peaceful and graceful craft.

Having found ourselves on the trans pennine way, we then found ourselves off it and almost into the middle of the  canal (my shout). Fortunately, a nice young man redirected us to a route which should take us into York. We only got so far when we spotted a bench on a college green and, it being around lunchtime, decided to stop. We shared the space with a guy on a very engrossed  phone call  and  we consumed sandwiches and coffee. His call complete, we seemed fair game for a chat! Another life history - a very highly qualified decorator who had worked for royalty. You couldn't make it up.

We now, eventually found our green Lane into York which went through the York race track before we found ourselves consumed in crowds of people, one of whom provided good advice as to how to locate our destination. It wasn't his fault that we got lost dicing with death with cyclists, buses not to mention,  cars. Master Navigator found our house. Should never have doubted him. Took a while to access the key. How many codes does one need? 

All sorted now. A decent  microwave meal and a  bottle of wine and we will take on York tomorrow  -  for good or ill. 

 Tuesday 17th June 2025

Southwell - Thorne             85kms!!   Height gained  -  not much

Well, apart from the obvious ( we are k.....nackered) we have reached Yorkshire or we think we have. We definitely passed a sign but maybe we left again.

Last evening was unusual, in that we arrived and stowed the bikes and then discovered the pub didn't do food. Directed by our landlady to the Chinese. I should have known that a meal for two would be far too much - it was. To our amusement, what we couldn't eat was devoured by other clients in the pub! Great,  no leftovers and lots of satisfied punters.  Our room was situated on a busy road junction and Al was afraid the traffic noise would keep me awake. No chance, but when the traffic finally went to sleep and had not disturbed me at all, the church clock dinged every quarter of an hour and the wee waah of a police car woke everyone at around 04.30! Hope it was important. Over breakfast, which was really good, we were regaled with our landlady's tales of woe with which we were sympathetic but needed to get on the road.

Lovely and dry again and a fairly flattish ride. Great for legs, not so good for bums. Fields of crops. Mostly green (Not good on wheaty things) but fields of blue and gold marred a little by the bashing of the side winds. I have tried to avoid commenting on road surfaces as I realise this is a bit of a sore subject, but today they have been bad to atrocious.  Probably added a few kilometers with all the weaving around really  nasty potholes and very uneven surfaces. I have to confess to a few expletives when I have been nearly thrown from the bike.

I must confess that after 70kms, I was beginning to believe that Thorne existed only in Al's imagination. Thankfully, the land was flat but without any habitation in sight. We did encounter our very first car driver who had pulled into a passing place and waited patiently for us to pass. What a nice man. Thank you, whoever you were. You compensated for the yob who had previously hurled some sort of unintelligible abuse from a passing car. Was hoping he might stop!!! The kms rolled on, the legs complained and then the wind turned and old nostril was back just when we really didn't need it.

Nonetheless, we are now fed and watered and looking forward to two days in York. Alan has never been  before and it is years since I have been ( nearly seventy) actually.  Probably changed a bit! Will let you know how we get on.

 Monday 16th June.

Loughborough  -  Southwell    57kms    1,027'

I forgot to mention yesterday the warm welcome and the sorting of the bike storage. Everything was done with a smile and efficiency. Does make all the difference. So well done the Link Hotel  in Loughborough. 

Today has been very hot and fascinating. I think we were both a bit worried about traversing Nottingham so we made the most of the tranquil countryside in the morning. Found a delightful spot for coffee on a traditional village green, the name of  which eludes me. It wasn't long before we made the outskirts of Nottingham and the increase in the volume and the noise of traffic. While the way through entailed a lot of stopping and  checking,  the guys in the office had made a good job finding the interesting and the picturesque.  Very noticeable is the amount of new housing areas being developed and thus a few roads going in new directions. Master Navigator was on top of the job and made never a wrong turn and believe me, there was plenty of opportunity for that to happen. We followed paths through houses, paths through playing fields, tracks along the river and the canal and along the tramway - we crossed the river over a stunning bridge to which folk had added padlocks - not sure what that is all about but very pretty they looked glinting in the sunshine. We passed lots of university residences and colleges, all of which looked well cared for. Lots of cycle tracks and lots of, mostly young fit guys, using them. You may have guessed, we were impressed with Nottingham although once we got onto the main drag out of the city, we must have passed an Aldi or a Lidl at every roundabout and the traffic was incessant. The good news was that cycle lanes ran alongside the road.

We did manage to find a haven of peace in a churchyard with a shaded bench and a lot of dead people. It was at this point that we made the, very sensible decision, to not ride another 30 kms. Instead, we opted for a much less ambitious destination at 12 further kms. A bit disappointing not to have added another monster ride, but good sense prevailed and in view of the hills we encountered on the way to Southwell, it was a decision well made.

I think tomorrow may be hot again and we do have to factor that in when we attempt the next stage. Still, much easier to manage than the rain!

 Sunday 15th June 2025    

Haseley - Loughborough  80.5kms    2,100'

Well, an interesting day and a father's day to remember. If anyone had asked me a few weeks ago if I would consider riding 80 kms on a laden bike I would have laughed! Very tired but very chuffed.

Anyway, I feel I must comment on the Indian meal which we enjoyed last evening. It was quite exceptional and the chef is, apparently, a Michelin star chef who has taken on this restaurant.  A real treat. 

This morning, all went smoothly and we took a punt and started the ride by bypassing the route and following a main road with only Sunday traffic using it. Saved some time which, in retrospect,  was a good thing as we didn't arrive at our accommodation until around six this evening - a little weary! Tonight's understatement! 

Weather has been very kind and lunch was a pleasure taken on a proper bench surrounded by ,kiddies playground activities. At this point we  made the decision to book tonight's hotel and thus commit ourselves to a long continuation. It started so well. Lots of very fit cyclists on unladen bikes waved and hailed the old couple on the heavy bikes. Their day will come. No, really delighted to see so many people of similar mind. The terrain had ceased to be up and down and was nearly flat for quite some time and we were making really good time and then we entered Coalville and the route went haywire following tracks which were badly signposted and then others which were so neglected, they were unridable. However,  the tenacity of Master  a gator untangled the devious paths but we lost a lot of time. What we did do though, was cross the M1 which seemed quite a milestone.

Planning on tomorrow being a little shorter as we have to conquer the maze through Nottingham.

 Saturday 14th June 2025

Tewkesbury  -  Hasely 77kms   1752'

I  must start by thanking Wendy and Paul for providing us with a very comfortable day off! We washed all our very smelly gear, Al changed my front brakes and generally checked the bikes. My sister provided delicious food and everything else to make our stay a delight.

We set off in good time this morning and we're soon dicing with death on normally quiet roads (it was Saturday!) No they were okay and just at  coffee time we passed a village hall where a van was providing coffee and  cakes. Very English villagey and very good coffee.

We chose to ride this route from south to north based on some knowledge of prevailing winds and today was a good example. Fot the most part, the wind was behind us and very strong. When we changed direction cross winds could be guaged by the flattened grass in-between the hedges. Certainly made me wobble but fortunately it was blowing me into the side of the road and not into the middle.! 

Unexpectedly, because I had forgotten that it was Saturday, Evesham was heaving and the way through took a while, entailing some careful route finding. The final approach into Stratford was a joy, along the Stratford Greenway - several kms of flat well surfaced path and lots of folk to say hello to. Stratford town was pretty  chaotic ( I think I  mentioned it was Saturday) and then tourists were out in  full, wandering aimlessly, unaware of two cyclists trying to get to the other side of town. But we did.

We had stopped for lunch on a suitable bench and researched possible accommodation for the night. Options were so limited that there was only one, and that was a teeny bit further than we planned. How unusual is that!  Anyway it was duly booked so we  had to make the extra distance which we did and , in the process accepted that there is a general improvement in our performance which is increasing our overall confidence. The latter has also been enhanced by the encouragement of our followers and folk along the way. Thanks all.

Must tell you this - at some point we took a  cycle path, the easy access to which was a gate, well two in fact and both were locked! The only alternative was a bike hike over two wierd wooden steps. Quite a challenge with heavy bikes. Al went for it and then man mountain appeared and asked if I wanted help. 'Oh yes please," I simpered. And with that, he picked up my bike, panniers and all, and waltzed over the obstacles! My hero! 

Anyway here's to tomorrow, the route of which Al is working on right now.

Thursday 12.06.25

Berkeley - Tewkesbury        60kms     1,300'

Well, the good news is that we are safely arrived in Tewkesbury staying for two nights with my sister, Wendy. 

Wednesday was a beautiful day but the navigation around Bristol required very careful observation so lots of stops and starts. Not the prettiest of routes taking in the docklands of Avonmouth.  Once clear of all river and motorway crossings, the countryside was much appreciated. However,  we had used up a lot of time, and Berkeley was still a way off. Having checked alternative stopoffs, of which there were  none, Berkeley it had to be and a very charming hotel it was too. It was also encouraging to realise that the old legs and lungs are becoming a little more efficient.

Today (Thursday) got off to a cracking start. Excellent breakfast and we were packed and ready to go pretty smartish. (we are getting better at that too). Mistakenly, we thought this was to be a flattish day. Should have known better! It is true that we spent some time on a canal path, but after " no mow May" the overgrowth was attacking us at eye level. It began to drizzle and blow a bit as we rode beside the river but that was the baby of what followed! The storm arrived with torrential rain and what seemed like hurricane force winds. Our only choice was to sit it out underneath the trolley bay of Sainsbury's in Gloucester - not a bus shelter in sight! After some 3/4 of an hour, it began to abate so we set off again and in another hour or so, the sun was shining.!? To add insult to injury, our FLAT route had developed  carbuncles. While white van man excused himself for nearly killing Alan in a head on collisions on a blind bend on a single track  road, explaining that he was only going 30mph and the limit was 60mph. Good job a second white van coming in the opposite direction didn't share the same view of road etiquette. 

Great accommodation tonight! Washing already whirring in the machine and a lasagne in the oven. How good is it to have a sister, especially one who lives in a lovely house in Tewkesbury.

P S  Winged one of many road closures to find THIS as the reason!!

 Wednesday 11.06.25 

Yatton - Berkeley   72kms   1,500'

Evening all. This is a short comment on today with a full account tomorrow. The route we needed to follow around Bristol was quite, no really, tortuous and took a very long time. It entailed the  crossing of rivers, three motorways and any number of lanes and  cycle tracks. Thus our arrival at our b&b was subsequently delayed and added to that I am knackered.  Until the morrow.

 Tuesday 10.06.25

Taunton - Yatton     73kms   950'

Super day! We made a very speedy (for us) start as with the bikes sharing our room, loading was quick and easy so with the skill of Master Navigator returning us to our route, we were soon whizzing along the canal path. Sun was shining and hedgerows alive with birds and dragon  flies. Even the child minders and the dog walkers smiled as they kept their dogs and children under control. There was bound to be a hiccup to this idyll but it was only a minor one. The blame lay nowhere obvious, but someone was using very large machinery to do something significant with the canal or the path, the latter very definitely SHUT - and absolutely no way through. On the ball, as ever,  Master  Navigator had the solution so it really wasn't his fault that we found ourselves on another push up 20%! BUT we were soon back on route.

Why is it, you can never find a bench when you want one to sit on and enjoy a frugal lunch? We even managed that today and witnessed a family of three spreading the ashes of someone clearly loved into a small leat. No mean feat as the bank was steep. Lots of hugging followed and then off they went. A plaque at the site told the story of 35 trees being planted on that spot to commemorate the Jubilee of George the something in 1935. Maybe this was significant? Just thought I'd share that with you.

We knew today would be a long one, but the bonus of an old railway line at the end of the day was the business. Hope tomorrow goes well - too much to hope for?.............of course not!

 Monday 09.06.25

Tiverton - Taunton (should have been Bridgewater!) 49kms  1200'

The day didn't start as planned. All set to go and Alan noticed a flat front tyre! Something of a mechanical. Front wheel off and a pretty efficient replacement of the inner tube. However,  with the wheel off, it became obvious that the brake pads were in a sorry state, as in not really there. So Mr. Mechanic got on with the job of replacing them. ( I crossed the road to M & S foods). We did , after all, need lunch. Some 2 hours later, we were  ready to roll! 

An excellent start to the actual riding. Old railway, followed quite quickly by a canal path. Both charmingly flat. And people always keen for a morning chinwag. One couple had been chased off the canal by a ferocious swan which, thankfully, we didn't encounter. What we did encounter, if you haven't already sussed, was more of the going up things! Even the flat bits, and even  more so the down, require much vigilance as one could disappear forever in a pothole. These lanes have seen so much rainfall, that the banks have eroded and formed sand dunes in the middle of the road. Al thought to climb one and almost skidded into obscurity. It all adds to the excitement of eluding death from drivers hurtling along a single lane road. We met the daddy of them all today - an humongous tractor! Took up the whole road and looked like something from outer space. Really scarey as we were hard against the bank with tyres taller than me, just inches away from me and my bike. 

Anyway, all this meant that our original goal of 60kms to Bridgewater, didn't quite happen so Taunton was to be our next stop. I don't know who advised sacking Master Navigator, but this evening he has excelled himself and is definitely reinstated with all honours. He has led the way through Taunton, in the rush hour, without a fault. 11/10 mate.

That is why we have another comfortable night in a Premier Inn. 

 Sunday 07.06 25  

Oakhampton - Tiverton  60.5kms    2000' height gained

Well, after yesterday anything is going to be better and so it was. When we arrived at the Fountain Inn and stowed our bikes in the very small secure room, much of said space had already been taken up with two touring bikes and while we carefully but unobtrusively, surveyed the dining room, we were unable to identify the other cyclists. However, on retrieving our bikes, we found ourselves sharing the loading space with, surprisingly, the other two cyclists. They were a Dutch couple on a three month tour around the UK and Eire. If we thought we carried a lot of weight, these guys took it to a whole new level. I have to admit to being open mouthed at the amount of gear they/ he was carrying -  made us look very inadequate. And he actually managed to make the bike move! Off they went and we made the mistake of following them without giving much thought to our route. We should have realised even quicker than we did as we were not going uphill! Very soon, we were doing just that!

Sun was shining, weather dry and warm so a few hills were of little account. By lunch time (and a few more hills) we stopped for lunch and enjoyed a long conversation with a lady and her whippet on the merits of bike riding and, particularly, of borrowing her grandfather's bike to ride  into Crediton 4 miles up the road. (Lunch rolls are now about four or five days old). Need to buy some more ,I think. Kate gone into meltdown?..

We did only get lost once but it was a goody. At the top of another kilometer push, and consulting the route, Master Navigator announced we were not where we should have been! In fact it had been an unnecessary effort. Can you believe it. I just smiled and if you believe that you are way off. Anyway,  not lost for long. Cornwall and Devon have many beautiful small villages and we see even more of them when we  meander off the trail?....

Much of today has been along quiet lanes with little traffic but the last 15 kms or so not so quiet. It is at these times that we notice the continual evidence of collisions -  mirrors, bumpers, windscreen glass, wiper blades - so caution is the key. So far, dead bodies have been mostly of the rat variety but one roe deer had, sadly, met its maker.

Hoping for a less hilly day tomorrow?.......but just as much sunshine. Mmm.....

Flatlands await 

   

 Saturday 07.06.25

Launceston  - Oakhampton  45kms 1600'

The best that can be said of today is that we are 45kms nearer to our goal! I have eaten almost my entire elephaSant and we are now recovered from our bout of hyperthermia. We did want an adventure but today was just a tad ott. We had gone no more than 3kms when the heavens opened very wide indeed! Within minutes we were soaked and I mean down to knickers. Not content with ensuring we were wet (did I mention the rain?) the temperature plummeted and we had to seek our first bus shelter of this trip to take on hot drinks and for me to don a  extra layer just to get more stuff wet. Chill factor on the downhills was quite serious. When we reached Oakhampton, which did seem to get further and further away, we headed straight for a cafe at the station and discovered we couldn't even use our phones as we were trembling so much with the cold! Clothes were, by now sodden, but fortunately the chairs in said cafe were wooden so no cushions to soak. A large bacon and brie baguette and  cups of tea later, we (Alan) managed to open his phone with only a slightly shaking finger. The man really can come up trumps sometimes. This time he remembered the pub that we stayed in  5 years ago! They had a room! With a hot shower and radiators that are now blasting out the heat. Riding a bike is never without memorable experiences but this one can bugger off. No photos today as rain stopped play, (have I mentioned the rain/storm?).

Tomorrow is looking better, (apart from hail and snow, it couldn't be much worse )so maybe we can manage 50kms! I forgot to mention the added challenge of riding/walking uphill against a rising stream of water running downhill. Have I told you about the rain?!

Early night then onwards and definitely upwards in the morning. 

 Friday 06.06.2025.

Bodmin  - Launceston.     57kms   2500 ' Height gained.

Not nearly such a tricky day. A really whoopee start along 14kms of old railway line minus the rails obviously.  The Camel trail, so called as it follows the river Camel.  Not many camels in Cornwall. Ended at a coffee shop (tea and scones before tackling no 1 uphill of the day.  Worth the effort as we then spent much of the day high up on the moors - good weather and stunning views. Being that high meant that we really enjoyed a longish ride  down - so much so that we missed a turning. Found it, but then more of  the same ups and downs. 

This is called the Easy East Coaster ( Not that we are anywhere near the east coast yet) Uneasy might be a more accurate definition. ( Alan is thinking of suing under the trades description act).  However, to give the route finders' their due,  much of today was, mercifully traffic free. 

Our happy ending is an hotel situated at the top of another 20% climb and a room up three flights of stairs. Happy days!

 Thursday 5th June 2025

Perrenporth  - Bodmin   50kms   2,500 height gained. 

To say this was a  tricky day would be a huge understatement.  It was the hardest day we have ever ridden since we began our long rides - thank you Cornwall. Lots of uphill, lots of traffic, despite the route organiser's best efforts to make the route bike friendly. Quite a lot of the uphill was on Shank's Pony ( Not so much steep as  very intimidating with single lane traffic, potholes and gravel. ) Enough moaning, the topography is what it is and we must jolly well get on with it. Our first downhill of the morning came to a halt at a road closed sign. We winged it but it was completely blocked by the local electricity works. Undaunted, we sought a solution and the electric guys were well up for helping. Take the panniers off and we'll carry or wade through the stream running alongside the road. How heroic was that. As it turned out, the local neighbour arrived, having heard the conversation and offered us an alternative route through his garden and onto the road bypassing the lorries. All went well until we reached the final gate which was electronically controlled and the power was off! Not to be beaten, our new friend found a spanner and twisted some mechanism which released the gate. Hooray, and we were off and much impressed by the kindness of strangers. 

We had planned to spend this night in Camelford but had we continued we would be still going up and down! Might have to revise expectations for the morrow as I suspect more ups and downs can be expected. Anyway, we like Bodmin and it's friendly hotel. We have been given to understand that the reason for the increase in the traffic is likely to be the result of visitors to the Royal Cornish show in Wadebridge. We'll see. 

We are now, quite definitely ready to hit the sack. So, until tomorrow, we bid you good night.

 ednesday 4th June 2025

St. Bryan- Perrenporth 60+kms  2100'

Today we started by covering ground already ridden in the opposite direction. Thus, we went down the 16% hill in Neyland (burning  brakes) and then rode the coastal path for some 5 kms in sunshine with a following wind - what a difference. As you may imagine the euphoria lasted only until the next uphill. We are learning to love them! 

Route finding is causing Master Navigator considerable problems not helped at all by the fact that the GPS has finally overloaded and gone on long term sick. Today has been so demanding of attention that Master Navigator made the unforgivable mistake of going uphill and then realised that our turning had been at the bottom of the hill! Not something he makes a habit of. To be fair the road that we wanted did have a large road closed sign which we ignored and found just enough room for a body and a pannier carrying bike. So onward to a long but traffic free gravel track. Just another fine example of the varying terrain all designed to keep us off the A30 and very much appreciated. We have enjoyed some  very fine  views especially on the seaside at Portreath where we met an expat who lives in Western Australia who had much to say. And equally from the summit of our climbs. The views I mean.

I know I have made a bit of an issue of these uphills and I know that they will diminish but we have  now got the measure of them. We walk! It is not the hill which is so daunting it is the vehicles we are sharing the space with. Laden  bikes in our hands are a bit wobbly and unpredictable and cars and, even worse, huge farm machinery are very scary when they overtake at speed. Walking takes away all the angst.

Today has gone well and we finished it off with a very fine hotel having given up with air b and b. Nothing so helpful as a sign saying Rose in Vale Country Hotel. Admittedly at the bottom of another hill but very fine indeed.

So follows a good night's sleep and a large breakfast before the walk back up the hill in the  morning on fresh legs. 

Lejog - Day 1

 

Tuesday 03 June 2025

Penzance - Land's End - St. Bryan. 34.6 kms  1,400 feet. (felt a lot more!)

All Al's planning has born fruit. We left the van in Penzance, cycled to Land's End for the official start of the journey and then a little bit of the route north for our overnight accommodation.The distance is not great but at least 3/4 of that was with a "nostril wind" and for those of you who have followed us before, you will know how much I hate said wind! We have also spent some time pushing as we discover the idiosyncrasies of the Cornish hills.

That we did any riding at all was a surprise. I woke to gale force winds and pouring rain - not unusual but not great for a bike ride! So you can imagine my surprise and delight as the clouds broke,sun shone  but the f.......g wind continued!

It was never planned to do more than this on the first day and just as well as returning the van which Al had driven here and hired from Enterprise in Swansea, turned into a bit of an epic. Not interesting enough to include in detail but suffice to say there were defects on the tyres  ( Not our fault). Thus, our ride didn't start until late.  It was, however, a delightful start along the front into Penzance,  then the lovely ended when we hit the steepest climb ever - 16% and over 1km. Suddenly max power required.

Really pleased to have got going and had the best start with some fabulous accommodation which, sadly, we will leave behind tomorrow.

LEJOG - Easy East Coaster!

Old Bones are back with much older bones! We are attempting one more long ride from Land's End to John o'Groats. How far we shall get is anybody's guess. I'm not even sure whose bright idea it was to even attempt this - just sort of evolved. There was some talk of electric bikes but that didn't sit comfortably so we are borrowing back our Thorn road bikes from Greig and Lizzie. So, with preparations well under way, we land on the right country next week with a good deal of trepidation and some enthusiasm (hopefully the latter emotion will see us through). A couple of short training weekends have gone some way to restoring confidence and positivity. Mind you, the weather was great, which was just as well as we had seriously misjudged the amount of climbing involved and we had no lights required for a late return. I jest, it didn't take us that long. It did require some serious conversations with leg muscles though. Always so we'll prepared?

The route we are following is apparently one with less ascent than the traditional ride but I remain unconvinced that it is anywhere near flat! However, it will be a new experience to ride in the busyness of the UK and to converse in our mother tongue with the folk we meet on the way. As always, it is the people we encounter that have made our rides so interesting and we look forward to encountering many more, for good or ill.

Our thanks go to all those who have encouraged us to ignore our increasing age and go for it! We shall do our best and look forward to sharing some of the fun and not so fun, with you, our followers.