Thursday, 30 August 2007
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Day 3
Monday
What better way to spend one’s August bank holiday than cycling through some of the more deprived parts of Lancashire? That’s what we thought and duly indulged this fetish by cycling from Golborne north through Preston onto Lancaster and then into the Lake District. Bliss.
The first session was going very badly. John’s bike was playing up in a big way and no sooner were we fixing it than it was breaking again. Surely this beautiful piece of machinery that cost nearly £100 wasn’t going to prove the weak link in the chain? Of course it was. After 15 miles it was knackered. Just like us, but for the bike it was permanent. John switched onto Matt’s bike and we set off to try to catch up some time. We passed Preston and headed on towards Lancaster when we saw a “Buy a Bike” store. Despite disguising their retail intentions incredibly well with that vague name, they in fact sold bikes and happily sold one to John. Having wasted loads of time by now, we then made great pace after this. Lancaster came and went, and then we started the haul up to Kendal.
This is where the hills started. We made great pace through the flatter parts of Lancashire but as we got closer to Kendal we really started the climbing. There was one particularly painful two mile climb on the A591 which really separated the men from the boys. We lost sight of the men after the first 50 yards of this climb and completed the rest in a cloud of sweat and swearing, clearly being the boys in that particularly equation. However, the good news with any climb is at some point there must be a descent and this one was a doozy. From Kendal we decided we still had some leg power so went another seven miles to Windermere. In an effort to make the horrible looking day four easier, we then kept going another four miles into the very pretty Ambleside, completing our first 80 mile day.
Dinner that night was much better than the horrible Little Chefs that had punctuated the first few days. We dined in a great gastropub by the lake and had food that had really been cooked and not just reheated, and simultaneously set a new world record for carb-loading. Unfortunately we then had to return to the Kendal Travelodge that looked remarkably like a remand centre for a well-earned sleep.
What better way to spend one’s August bank holiday than cycling through some of the more deprived parts of Lancashire? That’s what we thought and duly indulged this fetish by cycling from Golborne north through Preston onto Lancaster and then into the Lake District. Bliss.
The first session was going very badly. John’s bike was playing up in a big way and no sooner were we fixing it than it was breaking again. Surely this beautiful piece of machinery that cost nearly £100 wasn’t going to prove the weak link in the chain? Of course it was. After 15 miles it was knackered. Just like us, but for the bike it was permanent. John switched onto Matt’s bike and we set off to try to catch up some time. We passed Preston and headed on towards Lancaster when we saw a “Buy a Bike” store. Despite disguising their retail intentions incredibly well with that vague name, they in fact sold bikes and happily sold one to John. Having wasted loads of time by now, we then made great pace after this. Lancaster came and went, and then we started the haul up to Kendal.
This is where the hills started. We made great pace through the flatter parts of Lancashire but as we got closer to Kendal we really started the climbing. There was one particularly painful two mile climb on the A591 which really separated the men from the boys. We lost sight of the men after the first 50 yards of this climb and completed the rest in a cloud of sweat and swearing, clearly being the boys in that particularly equation. However, the good news with any climb is at some point there must be a descent and this one was a doozy. From Kendal we decided we still had some leg power so went another seven miles to Windermere. In an effort to make the horrible looking day four easier, we then kept going another four miles into the very pretty Ambleside, completing our first 80 mile day.
Dinner that night was much better than the horrible Little Chefs that had punctuated the first few days. We dined in a great gastropub by the lake and had food that had really been cooked and not just reheated, and simultaneously set a new world record for carb-loading. Unfortunately we then had to return to the Kendal Travelodge that looked remarkably like a remand centre for a well-earned sleep.
Day 2
Sunday
So, we arrive at Sunday which is the first full day of cycling. After all the mechanical problems of Saturday, we had high hopes for getting some serious mileage done and for settling some of the nerves about the challenge. Things started well – Jonny dropped us off on the A55 at Conwy and we set off in pretty decent, bright weather. Progress was good: the bikes were all working, we were getting a decent pace up and were shocked to find that after an hour we had covered about 15 miles.
Unfortunately that was about the point where we ran into the first hill. Not only was the sheer effort of hauling ourselves up it pretty shocking, but we also made the mistake of stopping halfway up for a rest. The lay-by we chose was also populated by a caravan café whose owner came out to have a chat with us whilst smoking half a dozen bensons. This conversation basically centred around how steep the rest of the hill was and how likely we were to be wiped out by a lunatic juggernaut. Apparently that part of the A55 is a complete death-trap. Great. Of course, why we should have paid attention to a fat bloke smoking fags and looking like he hadn’t been on a bike in years made us think twice about his crappy advice. And anyway, what exactly he meant by us “being careful” wasn’t clear. Short of cycling halfway up the verge, we would be as vulnerable to juggernauts where being careful or not. Cheers fat bloke.
Luckily we survived the Armageddon of the A55 and made it to Holywell where we took a break and indulged in one of the first acts of public urination which have been as much a staple of this trip as the cycling and Little Chef breakfasts. The bad news is that this was the highlight of the morning session because three miles from restarting John W’s back wheel inner tube blew up on a great downhill run, sounding like a gunshot and enforcing a half hour break while Jonny arrived with the van. Given the 20cm gash in the tube, fixing it was impossible so we took the “Tour de France” option and John switched bikes and we ploughed on. The next 20 miles were pretty minging as we cycled through the industrial parks of North Wales until we reached Saughall and the inevitable Little Chef where we changed over riders and had a repulsive lunch.
The afternoon session was another 35 miles through Ellsmere Port and up to Golborne which is just north of Warrington. The going was reasonably flat and no mechanical problems meant that progress was good. The boys eventually rolled into Golborne at 5.30 and we quickly rolled out of Golborne to avoid being shot or having the van nicked. The destination for the evening was the grimmest Travelodge known to man, on a dual carriage way in Haydock. We had a quick meal in the pub over the road and then fixed John’s puncture before crashing out. The night passed uneventfully except for us being woken up by gunfire about 4am and then the noise of the police helicopter flying overhead. Nice.
So, we arrive at Sunday which is the first full day of cycling. After all the mechanical problems of Saturday, we had high hopes for getting some serious mileage done and for settling some of the nerves about the challenge. Things started well – Jonny dropped us off on the A55 at Conwy and we set off in pretty decent, bright weather. Progress was good: the bikes were all working, we were getting a decent pace up and were shocked to find that after an hour we had covered about 15 miles.
Unfortunately that was about the point where we ran into the first hill. Not only was the sheer effort of hauling ourselves up it pretty shocking, but we also made the mistake of stopping halfway up for a rest. The lay-by we chose was also populated by a caravan café whose owner came out to have a chat with us whilst smoking half a dozen bensons. This conversation basically centred around how steep the rest of the hill was and how likely we were to be wiped out by a lunatic juggernaut. Apparently that part of the A55 is a complete death-trap. Great. Of course, why we should have paid attention to a fat bloke smoking fags and looking like he hadn’t been on a bike in years made us think twice about his crappy advice. And anyway, what exactly he meant by us “being careful” wasn’t clear. Short of cycling halfway up the verge, we would be as vulnerable to juggernauts where being careful or not. Cheers fat bloke.
Luckily we survived the Armageddon of the A55 and made it to Holywell where we took a break and indulged in one of the first acts of public urination which have been as much a staple of this trip as the cycling and Little Chef breakfasts. The bad news is that this was the highlight of the morning session because three miles from restarting John W’s back wheel inner tube blew up on a great downhill run, sounding like a gunshot and enforcing a half hour break while Jonny arrived with the van. Given the 20cm gash in the tube, fixing it was impossible so we took the “Tour de France” option and John switched bikes and we ploughed on. The next 20 miles were pretty minging as we cycled through the industrial parks of North Wales until we reached Saughall and the inevitable Little Chef where we changed over riders and had a repulsive lunch.
The afternoon session was another 35 miles through Ellsmere Port and up to Golborne which is just north of Warrington. The going was reasonably flat and no mechanical problems meant that progress was good. The boys eventually rolled into Golborne at 5.30 and we quickly rolled out of Golborne to avoid being shot or having the van nicked. The destination for the evening was the grimmest Travelodge known to man, on a dual carriage way in Haydock. We had a quick meal in the pub over the road and then fixed John’s puncture before crashing out. The night passed uneventfully except for us being woken up by gunfire about 4am and then the noise of the police helicopter flying overhead. Nice.
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
Day 1
We're doing this for FUN. That's the name of the charity. It isn't synonymous with the experience. Most of us are using muscles we're still pretty sure we don't have and some of us are using bikes we know we didn't have when we started.
Friday night - rocked up to the first of our many Travelodges at 1.30 am. First of far too many Rubbish Chef's for breakfast.
Day 1 - The popular and well trodden ascent of Snowdon is never quite as relaxing as we remember it to be. The train is out of action from the half way point so that wasn't an option. This having been the first time most of us had walked up hill for some months, the amount of isotonics and dextrose imbibed was probably not medically advisable but in the absence of fitness, it was all we had. We gathered some chap called Mark along the way and spurred him on to complete the walk, although we then left him and didn't see him again, so not sure he survived. They're rebuilding the cafe at the top, a striking modern design, so there was no stopping for more than the obligatory photocall. There's old hut half way down that's been taken over been scousers (like much of North Wales) and they've added to the conviviality of the walk by plastering one of their walls with stories of people dying because they were wearing flip flops and hotpants, and that was just the men, haha! Back at the bottom and disappointingly the van was still there. John's clever ruse to avoid the cycling by spending £8 on his bike immediately paid dividends when the brakes wouldn't let his front wheel go round at all. Fraser nobly donated his bike (his turn to drive) and we set off. I spent the first mile or so desperately trying to get my feet out of the clipless pedals so that I didn't smash my knees on the tarmac and John ploughed on ahead, demonstrating remarkable physical prowess for one so seemingly sofa bound. These distractions enabled Matt to slip his hand gun out of his pannier bag and shoot his front derailleur. Sadly for him, that meant he had to retire for the day and head in to Bangor for repairs. Waterhouse maintained a gruelling pace to Colwyn Bay, which nigh on killed me, but we made it. Colwyn is one of Wales' many town which hope forgot so we counted ourselves lucky to find a pretty decent pub for supper. Michael, our hotelier, kindly scrubbed our clothes for charity, a task I wouldn't have undertaken for any price.
Whilst this foulness was being undertaken at the hotel, we indulged in the finery of a local boozer where we made an attempt on the "eating fatty crap" world record. I think we did quite well, particularly showing a desire and aptitude for eating garlic bread which has proved a new skill for us all. The night finished as all great nights out do: in a quiet bar with some weird locals watching "Match of the Day" on a tiny telly at an awkward viewing angle. I think it was a highlight for us all.
Friday night - rocked up to the first of our many Travelodges at 1.30 am. First of far too many Rubbish Chef's for breakfast.
Day 1 - The popular and well trodden ascent of Snowdon is never quite as relaxing as we remember it to be. The train is out of action from the half way point so that wasn't an option. This having been the first time most of us had walked up hill for some months, the amount of isotonics and dextrose imbibed was probably not medically advisable but in the absence of fitness, it was all we had. We gathered some chap called Mark along the way and spurred him on to complete the walk, although we then left him and didn't see him again, so not sure he survived. They're rebuilding the cafe at the top, a striking modern design, so there was no stopping for more than the obligatory photocall. There's old hut half way down that's been taken over been scousers (like much of North Wales) and they've added to the conviviality of the walk by plastering one of their walls with stories of people dying because they were wearing flip flops and hotpants, and that was just the men, haha! Back at the bottom and disappointingly the van was still there. John's clever ruse to avoid the cycling by spending £8 on his bike immediately paid dividends when the brakes wouldn't let his front wheel go round at all. Fraser nobly donated his bike (his turn to drive) and we set off. I spent the first mile or so desperately trying to get my feet out of the clipless pedals so that I didn't smash my knees on the tarmac and John ploughed on ahead, demonstrating remarkable physical prowess for one so seemingly sofa bound. These distractions enabled Matt to slip his hand gun out of his pannier bag and shoot his front derailleur. Sadly for him, that meant he had to retire for the day and head in to Bangor for repairs. Waterhouse maintained a gruelling pace to Colwyn Bay, which nigh on killed me, but we made it. Colwyn is one of Wales' many town which hope forgot so we counted ourselves lucky to find a pretty decent pub for supper. Michael, our hotelier, kindly scrubbed our clothes for charity, a task I wouldn't have undertaken for any price.
Whilst this foulness was being undertaken at the hotel, we indulged in the finery of a local boozer where we made an attempt on the "eating fatty crap" world record. I think we did quite well, particularly showing a desire and aptitude for eating garlic bread which has proved a new skill for us all. The night finished as all great nights out do: in a quiet bar with some weird locals watching "Match of the Day" on a tiny telly at an awkward viewing angle. I think it was a highlight for us all.
Friday, 24 August 2007
Ready?
We pick the van up at 1730 hours in Olympia. Before then I have to do half a day's work, a sizeable trek around London for a number of items I thought I had, need to have, but don't as yet have, still need to pack, then carry large wheely suitcase on bike I haven't ridden properly for about 4 years upto the Sixt depot.
Ready?
No.
Ready?
No.
Thursday, 23 August 2007
Tranny sorted
Panic over. Well, van panic anyway. Normal "oh my god we are cycling 500 miles in a week" panic can continue. We now have a transit, short wheel base, from Sixt picking up tomorrow at 5.30 and dropping off anytime Monday. Bit of a rip off, but at least we are mobile...
Further transport arseache
Clearly our "integrated transport policy" is slightly lacking. The new transit has now fallen through and I just spoke to Chiswick Van Hire who refused to give us a break for doing things for charity and want £350 for a tranny for a week. The van is extra. Ha ha.
So, now we are onto plan Z which is to ring around the van hire section of the yellow pages for the next couple of hours...
So, now we are onto plan Z which is to ring around the van hire section of the yellow pages for the next couple of hours...
Transport...
Once more, our preparation stands us in good stead for never getting to do this godforsaken trip. As we collected our Transit this morning, it was unexpectedly hit by a volcanic lava flow. Unfortunately, although still mechanically sound, the damage to the paint work has rendered it no longer commensurate with our aesthetic ideal.
As luck would have it, a colleague of one of us had the enormous fortune of driving his car into the sea over the weekend. As he'd had it well over a month, he wasn't too sad to see it go and has decided that his CLK days are behind him and it's time to progress to something more mature and functional. A Transit then. Cut a long story short and we've got a van again.
Arse.
As luck would have it, a colleague of one of us had the enormous fortune of driving his car into the sea over the weekend. As he'd had it well over a month, he wasn't too sad to see it go and has decided that his CLK days are behind him and it's time to progress to something more mature and functional. A Transit then. Cut a long story short and we've got a van again.
Arse.
Comments
Comment away, people. Comment away.
Someone's got to fill this blog...
One day to go and I'm still just as prepared as I was 6 months ago.
Someone's got to fill this blog...
One day to go and I'm still just as prepared as I was 6 months ago.
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
Test video
Right - having got my new video camera so we can do some 'Tour de France' style video blogs, here goes the first test...
This is a video of my cat Molly prancing around the windowsill. Hopefully this is a low point for content and it will improve from here. Of course, those who remember my fateful video diary from a previous 3 Peaks may beg to differ...
This is a video of my cat Molly prancing around the windowsill. Hopefully this is a low point for content and it will improve from here. Of course, those who remember my fateful video diary from a previous 3 Peaks may beg to differ...
Health and Safety 2
Still nothing new. So emails again.
We'll get down to this properly when we're on the road next week.
JW
What exactly does a double stroke pump do? I tell you what, after last night’s ride (oo-er) I am definitely going to invest in some cycling shades. I had about 50 flies land in my eyes in an hour. Nice.
__
MS
Temperature in Wales on Sat and Sun: 13C. A mite chilly.
In northwest England Mon Tue: 20C.
Lakes Wed Thur: 17C
Scotland Fri Sat: not sure yet but for Wed Thur it's set to be 15C
Seems ok to me, the only thing kit-wise that might be a good idea is gloves so your little fingers don't get chilly in Wales and maybe Scotland.
Mr Waterhouse: still set for the maintenance class this evening? Please bring £50 cash.
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JW
Yes - definitely sorted for tonight barring transport issues...
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JH
Double action pump inflates on both strokes. An action i'm not unfamiliar with.
Bought some fairly skimpy gloves but they have very good padding - stumping for theory that i'm going to be incredibly hot from all the effort so comfort is what i should accomodate...
Got some waterproof cycling socks - seem to remember someone recommending those.
What's the difference between normal shades and cycling shades, apart from the obvious dashing styling differences?
New crank so far today. That was cheap!
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MS
Last night's maintenance session was fun -- we learned a lot but may not retain any of it as the bloke's housemates were smoking quite a lot of weed.
Normal shades should be fine, although maybe not ideal in dark light. Dark light -- odd phrase.
I just bought some GT85 (the cyclist's WD40), some Wet Lube (yes really), tyre levers and a chain breaking tool. Stopped short of the cable cutters as they were another £30. Toyed with the idea of waterproof covers for my shoes given the unpleasant soaking I got last week, but turned them down as they too were £30. Likewise said "sod it" to a spare tyre. Have got lots of inner tubes instead.
I will try to go and get a walking pole or two today. Shout if you want one too -- I will possibly go at about 1pm.
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JW
Good call on the tool set. I am also contemplating the socks and shades but am pleased to report the rest of my kit is working fine. Matt didn’t mention the best news: George the bike maintenance guy is the first person with any idea about these things who thinks that we will have no problem with the challenge. Bless him!
I’m OK for walking poles cheers.
I’m sorting out the van today so we can plan Friday…
__
JH
Super dooper. I changed two tyres on my bike and added a few accessories over the weekend. It's not bike maintenance per se, but there were no instructions to speak of for the cycle computer so at least I know the 6 years of engineering i did at uni have paid off.
I love George.
I've got some tyre levers, a set of allen keys, and some recommended puncture patches (better and easier than an old school repair apparently). I've got 2 spare inner tubes and the tyres I got have the word Armadillo on the side which made them £5 more expensive than the ones without. I've got lube for myself - might pick up some for the bike later.
I'm suitably poled too.
Anyone think we should add the majority of these emails to the blog? We should do something to maintain it anyway...
__
JW
Good call. The blog could do with some life to it. If anyone is feeling creative they could change the format too. I couldn’t be arsed…
__
JH
Oh. I've saved us all some money. We no longer have mountain guides. There's a good chance we'll be ok. A 30% chance, I'd say.
__
JW
Winner. I would much rather have £50 in my pocket and be dead. Only joking.
We'll get down to this properly when we're on the road next week.
JW
What exactly does a double stroke pump do? I tell you what, after last night’s ride (oo-er) I am definitely going to invest in some cycling shades. I had about 50 flies land in my eyes in an hour. Nice.
__
MS
Temperature in Wales on Sat and Sun: 13C. A mite chilly.
In northwest England Mon Tue: 20C.
Lakes Wed Thur: 17C
Scotland Fri Sat: not sure yet but for Wed Thur it's set to be 15C
Seems ok to me, the only thing kit-wise that might be a good idea is gloves so your little fingers don't get chilly in Wales and maybe Scotland.
Mr Waterhouse: still set for the maintenance class this evening? Please bring £50 cash.
__
JW
Yes - definitely sorted for tonight barring transport issues...
__
JH
Double action pump inflates on both strokes. An action i'm not unfamiliar with.
Bought some fairly skimpy gloves but they have very good padding - stumping for theory that i'm going to be incredibly hot from all the effort so comfort is what i should accomodate...
Got some waterproof cycling socks - seem to remember someone recommending those.
What's the difference between normal shades and cycling shades, apart from the obvious dashing styling differences?
New crank so far today. That was cheap!
__
MS
Last night's maintenance session was fun -- we learned a lot but may not retain any of it as the bloke's housemates were smoking quite a lot of weed.
Normal shades should be fine, although maybe not ideal in dark light. Dark light -- odd phrase.
I just bought some GT85 (the cyclist's WD40), some Wet Lube (yes really), tyre levers and a chain breaking tool. Stopped short of the cable cutters as they were another £30. Toyed with the idea of waterproof covers for my shoes given the unpleasant soaking I got last week, but turned them down as they too were £30. Likewise said "sod it" to a spare tyre. Have got lots of inner tubes instead.
I will try to go and get a walking pole or two today. Shout if you want one too -- I will possibly go at about 1pm.
__
JW
Good call on the tool set. I am also contemplating the socks and shades but am pleased to report the rest of my kit is working fine. Matt didn’t mention the best news: George the bike maintenance guy is the first person with any idea about these things who thinks that we will have no problem with the challenge. Bless him!
I’m OK for walking poles cheers.
I’m sorting out the van today so we can plan Friday…
__
JH
Super dooper. I changed two tyres on my bike and added a few accessories over the weekend. It's not bike maintenance per se, but there were no instructions to speak of for the cycle computer so at least I know the 6 years of engineering i did at uni have paid off.
I love George.
I've got some tyre levers, a set of allen keys, and some recommended puncture patches (better and easier than an old school repair apparently). I've got 2 spare inner tubes and the tyres I got have the word Armadillo on the side which made them £5 more expensive than the ones without. I've got lube for myself - might pick up some for the bike later.
I'm suitably poled too.
Anyone think we should add the majority of these emails to the blog? We should do something to maintain it anyway...
__
JW
Good call. The blog could do with some life to it. If anyone is feeling creative they could change the format too. I couldn’t be arsed…
__
JH
Oh. I've saved us all some money. We no longer have mountain guides. There's a good chance we'll be ok. A 30% chance, I'd say.
__
JW
Winner. I would much rather have £50 in my pocket and be dead. Only joking.
Health and Safety
More email posts as substitute for proper blogs...
MS
In a moment of dark pessimism I invested in a first aid kit. Sadly it doesn't contain oxygen masks/tanks. Or motorbikes.
What are the plans on Friday? Do I need to take some time off on Friday afternoon to get to wherever the van is and out of London at a reasonable hour?
One more kit comment: weather.com is showing fog, fog, fog, and then fog for north Wales this weekend. Reflective gear, lights and spare batteries might make sense.
__
JH
I've got something called Nature's Kiss to apply netherly. This will supplement the already stout efforts of the gallons of vaseline I'll be applying. If that doesn't work I can go and pick up some pethidine. Or smack.
I'd imagined we'd be convening fairly early on Friday? N'est ce pas?
Bought some reasonably heavy duty lights over the weekend (heavy duty in terms lighting things up, not as in a set of lights and a battery out of a car), but not a great deal in the way of high vis. Spare batteries are an excellent idea.
__
JW
Good call on the fog front. I am sorting the van tomorrow so should be in a better position to let you know the Friday thing then…
I cycled for an hour today on flat London roads. It wasn’t too hard. I think those Welsh ponces have totally over-egged it.
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JW
If Nature’s Kiss doesn’t work I’ll kiss you netherly if I can take your driving shifts for the whole week.
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JH
Took my bike out last night for the first time since it was serviced. Managed a full 300 metres before the chain broke. Super dooper. Took it straight to Evans and they'll sort it today. One of the chain rings has a kink in it, that's probably what did it. Clever of the guys who serviced it to miss that.
Picked up a double stroke pump while I was in there. Didn't need it, just wanted to add to the list of euphemistic accessories we have.
MS
In a moment of dark pessimism I invested in a first aid kit. Sadly it doesn't contain oxygen masks/tanks. Or motorbikes.
What are the plans on Friday? Do I need to take some time off on Friday afternoon to get to wherever the van is and out of London at a reasonable hour?
One more kit comment: weather.com is showing fog, fog, fog, and then fog for north Wales this weekend. Reflective gear, lights and spare batteries might make sense.
__
JH
I've got something called Nature's Kiss to apply netherly. This will supplement the already stout efforts of the gallons of vaseline I'll be applying. If that doesn't work I can go and pick up some pethidine. Or smack.
I'd imagined we'd be convening fairly early on Friday? N'est ce pas?
Bought some reasonably heavy duty lights over the weekend (heavy duty in terms lighting things up, not as in a set of lights and a battery out of a car), but not a great deal in the way of high vis. Spare batteries are an excellent idea.
__
JW
Good call on the fog front. I am sorting the van tomorrow so should be in a better position to let you know the Friday thing then…
I cycled for an hour today on flat London roads. It wasn’t too hard. I think those Welsh ponces have totally over-egged it.
__
JW
If Nature’s Kiss doesn’t work I’ll kiss you netherly if I can take your driving shifts for the whole week.
__
JH
Took my bike out last night for the first time since it was serviced. Managed a full 300 metres before the chain broke. Super dooper. Took it straight to Evans and they'll sort it today. One of the chain rings has a kink in it, that's probably what did it. Clever of the guys who serviced it to miss that.
Picked up a double stroke pump while I was in there. Didn't need it, just wanted to add to the list of euphemistic accessories we have.
Email threads of the professional athlete
In the absence of any original material for this blog we've simply opted for sticking the email threads between us up here for now. It makes for quite a gripping read, I can tell you...
JW
How’s everyone feeling?
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JH
Like I'm nowhere near fit enough, haven't raised enough money, really don't need the time off work, will miss the pay as I'm a contractor, and it's going to cost about £600 to do it.
My usual cheery self then...
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JW
Good call. Appallingly enough though, I am looking forward to it. I am alone?
__
MS
Hartley calls it as I feel it. I have been very at work for the last month or so and have accomplished about 1% of what I need to have done for this little jaunt.
But... I am slightly looking forward to it. Still terrified about the hills but luckily my ethics have crumbled in the face of pain and I am now completely up for cheating.
__
JH
Grudgingly, I concede to a frighteningly miniscule element of eager anticipation. I remain, however, predominantly grouchy about the whole debacle.
Am with Matt on the ethics thing. Anyway we can conduct our imaginary pursuit from the discomfort of our offices? I nominate Donald Crowhurst as a role model. He's dead, unfortunately, but the theory is otherwise sound.
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JW
What a great role model! I can think of worse outcomes from our expedition that insanity and suicide and most of them involve waking up to find Matt rearing up over me… Urgh.
I just bought my final kit so am pretty much ready. How is everyone else for kit?
Jonny – I also need your driving licence details: full name, date of birth, years holding a full licence and any (driving-related) convictions.
Also, when and where are we meeting Mountain Mike’s people for each climb?
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FB
Whilst trying to remain positive, and I am, the fear is growing as each e-mail lands...........
But, yeah of course, I have been running and cycling to ensure peak fitness - only problem is that peak fitness in my world equates to being able use the Sky remote
Godspeed, we'll need it
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JW
How’s everyone feeling?
__
JH
Like I'm nowhere near fit enough, haven't raised enough money, really don't need the time off work, will miss the pay as I'm a contractor, and it's going to cost about £600 to do it.
My usual cheery self then...
__
JW
Good call. Appallingly enough though, I am looking forward to it. I am alone?
__
MS
Hartley calls it as I feel it. I have been very at work for the last month or so and have accomplished about 1% of what I need to have done for this little jaunt.
But... I am slightly looking forward to it. Still terrified about the hills but luckily my ethics have crumbled in the face of pain and I am now completely up for cheating.
__
JH
Grudgingly, I concede to a frighteningly miniscule element of eager anticipation. I remain, however, predominantly grouchy about the whole debacle.
Am with Matt on the ethics thing. Anyway we can conduct our imaginary pursuit from the discomfort of our offices? I nominate Donald Crowhurst as a role model. He's dead, unfortunately, but the theory is otherwise sound.
__
JW
What a great role model! I can think of worse outcomes from our expedition that insanity and suicide and most of them involve waking up to find Matt rearing up over me… Urgh.
I just bought my final kit so am pretty much ready. How is everyone else for kit?
Jonny – I also need your driving licence details: full name, date of birth, years holding a full licence and any (driving-related) convictions.
Also, when and where are we meeting Mountain Mike’s people for each climb?
__
FB
Whilst trying to remain positive, and I am, the fear is growing as each e-mail lands...........
But, yeah of course, I have been running and cycling to ensure peak fitness - only problem is that peak fitness in my world equates to being able use the Sky remote
Godspeed, we'll need it
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Tuesday, 14 August 2007
OK. Terrifyingly enough, it is only 9 full days until we head to Wales to start this ridiculous 3 Peaks By Bike thing. How I wish I had trained more. Or just said no. Or bought a proper bike.
Anyway, it's too late for any of that now. I have bought some mega-padded cycling shorts and loads of creams to rub into various bits and the time is nearly upon us...
First things first, here's the route:
Day 1: Climb Snowdon then cycle http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/llanberis/564474958
Day 2: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/conwy/565106562
Day 3 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/golborne/565861356
Day 3 PM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/garstang/565889710
Day 4 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/windermere/565931470
Day 4 PM: Climb Scafell
Day 5 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/seathwaite/565970853
Day 5 PM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/carlisle/566431954
Day 6 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/dumfries/566463378
Day 6 PM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/cumnock/566536505
Day 7 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/paisley/566560640
Day 7 PM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/paisley/566600359
Day 8 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/loch-nah-achlaise/566616974
Bloody hell - that's a lot of cycling!!!!!!
Anyway, it's too late for any of that now. I have bought some mega-padded cycling shorts and loads of creams to rub into various bits and the time is nearly upon us...
First things first, here's the route:
Day 1: Climb Snowdon then cycle http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/llanberis/564474958
Day 2: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/conwy/565106562
Day 3 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/golborne/565861356
Day 3 PM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/garstang/565889710
Day 4 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/windermere/565931470
Day 4 PM: Climb Scafell
Day 5 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/seathwaite/565970853
Day 5 PM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/carlisle/566431954
Day 6 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/dumfries/566463378
Day 6 PM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/cumnock/566536505
Day 7 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/paisley/566560640
Day 7 PM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/paisley/566600359
Day 8 AM: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/loch-nah-achlaise/566616974
Bloody hell - that's a lot of cycling!!!!!!
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