Hicksons + Best Man Lands End to John O'Groats

Day 9 - the final push

2009-06-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

Cromarty – John O’Groats

96 miles into a head wind

Despite this being the last leg, everyone knew it was going to be a toughie. Cycling up the East coast on the infamous A9 was not going to be as easy as riding a bike (sorry couldn’t resist that one…)
Ham strings were at breaking point and Dad assured us that someone could play a violin concerto on his! The bleak tundra-esque landscape offered little inspiration either. However, good weather conditions, Jo’s wonderful high energy, delicious cake which had kept everyone going for so long and the sight of the Orkneys in the far distance meant that at around 4.30pm on Saturday, the cyclists peddled over the finish line in 9 days! With only 1 puncture throughout the whole trip – WE MADE IT!!!

However, the Team were soon put in their place as they met a Japanese cyclist who spoke very little English but by heck could he cycle. Carrying all his worldly goods with him including lighter fuel in his drinks bottle he had been cycling for 10 years all over the world from Pakistan to Argentina, Iran to Canada and today he also finished LeJog. Was this man going to be the inspiration for the Team’s next challenge?

Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout our trip: N. Gunn from Tain, Joy Miller from Thrumpster, Jean Burrows from Surrey and everyone at home – many thanks indeed. So far we’ve managed to raise well over £1000 for Willen Hospice. Thank you.

Day 8

2009-06-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

Ballahullish - Cromarty
105 miles

The morning ride took the Team north along Loch Lochie (I have not made this name up) – a Loch so good they named it twice! Then on to Loch Ness where unfortunately they did not see the elusive Loch Ness monster – but instead saw another monster in the form of a 1600 ft climb which would have had great views if the cyclists didn’t feel that their legs were going to fall off at the top.
Encouraged along by the beautiful views throughout the ride the Team eventually arrived in Cromarty after getting through Inverness in one piece. The only time we had ever heard of this place was in the incomprehensible broadcasts that are the Radio 4 shipping forecasts but actually, as it turns out, it’s definitely worth visiting this beautiful little fishing village.

Day 7

2009-06-28T04:43:00.000-07:00

Arran - Ballahullish
96 miles

The Team left the stunning island of Arran (a minute version of Scotland) by ferry from Catacol Bay where they met lots of cyclists doing LeJog (foolish people...)
As they cycled through the NW Highlands they were hurried along by rather large long-haired cows and hungry looking eagles!

Day 6 - oh look, another Robbie Burns Memorial site...

2009-06-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

Annan - Arran
110 miles

Inbetween cycling past yet another Robbie Burns Memorial site and the Kirk Patrick MacMillan memorial where the first bike was apparently invented, the beautiful scenery of South West Scotland could be enjoyed. After a few "managerial disputes" we crossed onto Arran by ferry (unfortunately/fortunately no Jerry and the Pacemakers this time) and arrived with Liz on the stunning island of Arran in glorious sunshine! In fact it's so glorious that it is only dark for a couple of hours each night - great for the midges!

Day 5 - Half - way point

2009-06-23T23:29:00.000-07:00

Lancaster - Annan
110 miles

The Team rode on through the Lake District in beautiful sunshine up into the Scottish city of Annan. Grandpa Hickson came and supported the trip and spoke of his bike ride in 1938 from Lancaster to Bristol on a bike with no gears!
Must dash as we've got a ferry to catch - se ya Jimmy!

Day 4
Shrewsbury - Condor Green
120 miles

As the Team cycled through Liverpool and Chester they had to swerve out of the way of "dangerous car drivers" as one of the cyclists who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of his wellbeing told me. They caught the ferry across the Mersey to the very sound of "Ferry Across the Mersey" by Gerry and the PaceMakers - an appropriate song given the circumstances, unless of course, you are under the age of 40 then this cultural reference will probably pass you by. Here's a link for all you folks that know what/who he/it is all about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loyRYFUYg9g Enjoy!

Day 3 - an International Day

2009-06-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Bristol - Shrewsbury
108 miles

Today the Team crossed the border into Wales and were greeted by.... downpour! This didn't dampen their sprits though as cycled on through Herefordshire and onto Shrewsbury - all in all a 108 miler.

Day 2 – It’s all in the planning

2009-06-21T03:23:00.000-07:00

Okehampton – Bristol
106.5 miles
This was the longest day so far and careful planning was needed in order to avoid Dreaded Dartmoor. Luckily for the Team, Ally’s local knowledge of the area meant that the National Park could be shunned as the Team swore that they wouldn’t touch the area with a bike pump. However, and there always is a ‘however’ in Hicksons + Best Man adventures, the final leg of the day saw the Team zigzagging their way through Bristol Park and over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Day 1 – “The Longest rollercoaster I’ve ever been on… Up-down – up-down!”

2009-06-21T03:19:00.000-07:00

Mamazion – Okehampton
90 miles

The Team left the attractive town of Mamazion to start their first full day of LeJog – a 90 mile route to get the party started. The arduous terrain of the South of England meant that the ride was less like a bike ride and more like a rollercoaster ride. The day passed without any accidents of the bike variety… however a reversing accident has left a slight dent in the car – to be seen as a souvenir from Dartmoor. Whilst the Team peddle away - Caroline is also hard at work preparing energy replacement snacks as the riders require feeding stops every 3 hours.

Michael's Mount

2009-06-21T02:44:00.000-07:00

2009-06-21T02:43:00.001-07:00

2009-06-21T02:41:00.001-07:00

Lands End

2009-06-21T02:36:00.000-07:00

Day 0

2009-06-21T01:03:00.000-07:00

Lands End – Marazion
13 miles. Warm-up

A very short 13 mile warm-up ride kicked off the Land’s End to John O’Groats Willen Hospice Charity Cycle ride on Thursday 18th June. As the team cycled through Cornwell’s beautiful landscapes there was the niggling thought at the back of their minds: “this was about a 10th of the distance of what they would be doing for the next 9 days”. But dramatic views of Michael’s Mount spurred the team on.

The Kit List

2009-06-16T03:18:00.000-07:00

Below is a list of what's needed for the trip...in case anyone wants to join us - it's not too late!
Kit List

Personal

Bike, pump and cycling shoes!
2 or 3 pairs kit- cycle shorts and jerseys (better with back pockets) and socks and gloves
Sleeved cycling top
Sunglasses (dark and yellow lenses if poss. because you always want eyes protected)
Asseos cream
Sun cream
Anti midge spray
Waterproof (small enough to be stuffed into rear pockets)- any other waterproof gear, e.g. overshoes (useful for winter as well as Scottish down pours)
Helmet
2 large water bottles
Saddlebag containing 2 spare inner tubes and levers)
Small rear red light (flashing if poss. for bad/wet weather).
2 or 3 spare spokes

Non-cycling kit for evening- try to keep to minimum and hopefully will fit into 1 bag per person. Swimming trunks as pool in 1 hotel.

General

I will get central spares and supplies comprising:-

1 front wheel
2 rear wheels (one for 10 speed and other for 9 speed set up)
Inner tubes
4 spare tyres
High pressure pump and some basic bike tools
2 large tubs of Recovery drink (i.e. for immediately after riding each day)
2 large tubs of electrolyte/ carb drink for making up bottles to be consumed on ride
Supply of energy bars and gels. If you need a particular type then bring your own otherwise potluck.
Rug and fold up stools for lunch time stops plus mugs plates cutlery etc

Let's hit the road....

2009-06-16T03:09:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (Wednesday 16th June) Ian, Tom, Hugo and Caroline will leave Milton Keynes and travel down to Bristol (by car) to join up with Ally and Andrew. Then on Thursday the team shall travel on to Lands End where the hard work will really start...

About Willen Hospice

2009-06-09T03:36:00.000-07:00

The team are raising money for the local charity Willen Hospice.

Willen Hospice provides specialist facilities for people with life limiting conditions. Covering Milton Keynes and surrounding areas, care is provided within the hospice, our day hospice, or the patient's own home.

Money raised through fundraising helps to provide these services at no cost to patients or their families.

If you would like to support this very worthwhile charity then please visit

http://www.justgiving.com/hicksons-lejog

A week to go....

2009-06-09T03:27:00.000-07:00

....until the start of LeJog!

Ian, Ally, Tom, Hugo and Andrew will be cycling the length of Great Britain, that's 985 miles to raise money for Willen Hopice from 18th June - 26th June 2009.

They will be supported by Caroline, Liz and Amy who make up the Back-Up Support Team (BUST).

The team aim to complete the challenge in 9 days. So that's an average of 109 miles/day

This blog will be updated daily throughout the trip. You will be able to experience cycling through the moors, dales, mountains and cities of Great Britain from Lands End to John O'Groats without having to don the lyrca, fix punctures or apply cream to saddle soar spots.

Please feel free to contribute to the blog by leaving your messages for the team.

Thanks for your support.