I'm not sure who/what was most responsible for my completing the trip, but I want to thank the backup support cars (Tracey, Sue and Charis), my family enduring months of training and not training, ibuprofen, the GirtonPhysio, everyone's company during the rides and rest stops, the refreshment providers of tea/coffee and cakes (Nigel's Mum, Sally and Jerrard, Alison's parents, Katie and Sandy), Frank ("the taxi") from Combe Lancey to the Lamb Inn, my 'granny gear' which allowed me to climb hills at speeds as slow as 2.5mph, various pubs, hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and of course Pauline in Much Wenlock for the full evening meal + B&B + washing. Apologies to anyone I've inadvertently missed from the list.
The trip was fantastic: weather was better than could have been hoped for; marvelous views and scenery just as you might expect for England and Scotland on a scenic route; and good company everywhere with riders and supporters.
The are some mysteries: I'll have to ask Ifor what he was doing after being left by the support car to repair his tyre at Halfords, Ayr, at 10.30, yet missing everyone and only catching the 6pm ferry at Ardrossan; or Phillip S who was at least an hour ahead of me reaching Greystoke on the way down from the Kirkstone Pass, yet I had finished my tea and cakes at Ivegill (10 miles further on) before he got there.
Below are some of my highlights.
Dave H and I negotiate the coastal route at Penzance
, but look at that sky.
Sunset at Treyarnon Bay
Good news, leaving the Cornish hills behind, bad news Devon hills still to come!
Arrived Combe Lancey B&B, nr Crediton, at 8pm, shattered with Frank's "taxi", thank goodness, promised to the Lamb Inn for beer and curry.
Another legacy of this year's storms almost thwarted the planned route, but we just ignored it and carried on:
Glastonbury: sheltering from the storm having high tea with Nigel's mum, before an evening meal at the George and Pilgrims.
Canal into Gloucester, with many beautiful early evening views from Slimbridge through Frampton Green and onwards, but no time to stop for pictures.
Malvern hills out of Gloucester on day 5.
Much Wenlock with Pauline, fully refreshed
The Wrekin over the Severn, early on Day 6
Mytton Antiques with Sally and Jerrard, for tea/coffe and cake with bunting
On the way into Runcorn, I practise my selfie technique on the Sustrans route which is a cow field!
Setting off, Day 7, joined by Phil C: the bikes lightened by Tracey and the support car.
You might just be able to see Nigel's grin, as he realises I've nipped ahead by using a shortcut in Garstang (the only time I was in the lead at any time after 9am).
The Crook of Lune nr Lancaster, and all roads lead the Nether Kellet!
Day 8, reaching the top of the Kirkstone Pass with Nigel, Dave H and Phil C (Paul taking the photo)
View on the way down (I did stop to take it).
Crossing the Esk into Scotland
Gretna, retirement party, Nigel's fine speech
Day 9, morning rain into Castle Douglas with Gill and Bob ...
... evening sun over the River Cree into Newton Stewart
Day 10
Taking the 'Hill Road' out of Newton Stewart, 4 hours later at 10.20am and half way to the Ardrossan ferry on target to get there before 3.15pm
No time for a proper breakfast stop but still got to Greggs (missed the bacon butty) at Ayr for lunch...
... quick putting practice at Troon in torrential rain, 
... the Burns statue in Irvine ...
and I made the ferry with 30 mins to spare before a glorious eveing on Arran
After the worst climb of the trip (1300ft, but only a 1400ft peak! whereas Kirkstone was 1500ft but from a 300ft start point), we enjoyed the (down-)hills on the way to Inverness on day 13.
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| Loch Tarff |
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| Kessock Bridge |
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| Nigel's on-the-move view |
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| Sunshine on the run into Tain after tea and cakes with Katie and Sandy |
Day 15, a mere 17 mile amble...
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| Nigel's "interview" 2 miles from JoG. |
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| With Sue and Charis at the finish |
