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| Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 | | 11:12 pm |
EXMOUTH EXODUS 2009
Curry Sandwich! It was certainly a night of two halves, with curry in the middle. In the afternoon it belted down with rain for hours – our garden turned into a river. Luckily as I finished packing ready to get the train, the rains ceased. I set off down the hill ready for a battle with XC trains. The only issue was Mr. Grumpy at Newton Abbot station, the signs said first class at the rear, so I waited at the far end, and then the train came in the other way. I started clattering down the platform, “ I’m not holding this train for you!” he shouted to me. I contemplated deliberately opening all the doors on the train as I went down the platform, but thought I’d better start with a clean slate! Clambering into the guards van which was the old fashioned 125 type, there was space for about 10 bikes, and no sign of “Exodus” type machines. On the train I had an entire carriage to myself. I was a bit baffled, had the event been cancelled, surely there must be other riders on the train. A guy got on at Exeter which turned out to be Matt. From the Bike Shed in Exeter, but at Bristol TempleMeads it was just he an me getting off. We rode together across town and up to Clifton. I could remember where Channings was as I started at the Bridge last year! We found Pembroke Road and then spotted the other brightly coloured loons. There seemed to be a few dozen people about including a few familiar SW faces and Dave with Chuffy & Baggy. I rattled off up to bridge with Matt. And took a few photos – not much good! Must get a decent flash or a faster camera! Just after most of the riders had gone through the light came on on the bridge, very pwetty! We set off, and soon caught a group who’d has a puncture. Just after the right truen at the lights on the Clevedon Road the was a huge bang, and every flew off the bike, and my handlebars swung right down. I’d failed to spot a large drain cover with broken repairs around the edge and gone straight down it. I thought it was the end of the front wheel, but apart from a punctured front tyre, and various bits that had flown off the bike, and two aching wrists, all seemed OK. I fixed the tyre, reset the bars which needed an Allen key so it must have been a fair impact, probably the bars dropping saved me going over the top. We were off again into the lanes and the rain was with us, although fairly light and we had a tail wind. Turned too early at Yatton ( AGAIN ) and had to track down a bit of the A370 to pick up the road through. The climb up Burrington wasn’t bad, a bit damp as was the descent of Cheddar Gorge. The Lobster Cafe was on the right near the bottom complete with gazebo– did I have any brake blocks left? Chuffy and Baggy were doing stirling work dishing out the teas and coffees, and helping to try and warm one or two riders who had chilled. It was warmer than last year despite the rain – soon the Dawlish Boys arrived having been on a later train, and then Brian Jago turned up grinning from cheek to cheek. We pressed on through Wedmore with the rain getting heavier, and now quite irritating. I stopped to check the route sheet and the Dawlish lads caught us up and then turned right towards Burnham – we shouted but they were gone into the night! Navigation to North Curry was better than Geoff and I managed last year with his CPS! This time we got the right turn and arrived there at about 3am where Helen almost instantly produced a plate of pasta and sauce. The Dawlish boys arrived again having done the Tour of Burnham and Wrantage. A few more photos were taken through a sopping wet lens – I considered putting on arm warmers but they were sopping wet aswell, so we set off again and noticed that the rain had stopped. We only travelled a few hundred yards and it started again. There was a hint of light in the east indicating that Dawn wasn’t far off, and as we headed down past Burrow Mump, we had broken glimpses of a full moon setting behind dark grey clouds. Before long we hit the climb at Blagdon, and by now it was light, the rain had cleared, roads were drying out and the views were superb. At the top of the climb I broke out the Jelly Babies, Stewart was there from Exeter with his friend, and me Matt, and Brian. The five of us rode on past Smetharpe accompanied by the dawn chorus, and then we spotted the lamp indicating that the mobile Lobster Cafe was open for a morning cuppa. The temperature was dropping a bit, and mists rolled around as we tucked into a few rations ready for that last 25 miles to Exmouth. Matt hurtled down in Broadhembury, I followed, Brian was much more cautious as his front brakes were on the way out. Soon the sun broke and it was a fantastic finish through the lanes around Feniton and Tipton St. John. I could almost smell the sea at Otterton when a dull rumble indicated that my back tyre was flat. A piece of white quartz had hammered through the case, - time for another tube change, - the wheel was a right mess with 50 miles worth of Somerset crud on the rim. Sorted – and we were on our way up the hill to Yettington – this seemed quite hard this year, - hardly noticed it last year! We said cheerio to Matt in Exmouth as he had family to meet so Brian and I rattled down the Sea Front to the Harbour View café , and indulged in the Cyclists Special Breakfast! Brian went off home on the train, I had a tailwind ride home to Newton Abbot, with very tired legs going over Haldon with 136 on the clock including going up to Clifton. Well done to everyone who got to the finish – it was a memorable run made more so by the weather, and huge thanks to Dave, Chuffy, Baggy, Helen and all who helped to make the event ……. EE5…..bring it on! | | Saturday, May 30th, 2009 | | 7:58 pm |
Moretonhampstead tomorrow
We'll done to all of you - hope you feel better than I do at the moment,having dragged 205 miles down from London overnight with Mark - silly idea! What's this 933 miles? - that's only just over 100 a day - did you stop in pubs? Anyway well done the boys - and see you tomorrow. ATTENTION READERS! - Tomorrows Torbay run is scheduled to meet at the Bakery at Moretonhampstead at around 11.20 to greet the weary heros! Brodibike | | 1:35 pm |
| | 8:32 am |
The Fast Boys at Lands End, Day 9
The Fast Team have arrived, well done guys, excellent result. They left Liskeard 9 ish, using the 390 to St. Austell, stopping for lunch at Truro, then using the back lanes to coffee stop opposite St Michaels Mount, then Penzance ( to be met by Anna, Lee,s girlfriend ) and on to Lands End; around 940 miles the trip. Official photos were duly taken at the sign post with the ride motto " How Hard Can It Be ? ",. They also met some club members who were camping in the area. Weather today was cracking hot with quite a bit of wind, after Lands End the wind swung round to blow from the side which made a hard ride back to Penzance. " How Hard Can It Be. " This ride was designed and organised by John Cooper, which was deliberately set at the outer limits of his ability and the other members of the team were invited to join if they thought they could keep up ! A ride to the new forest was supposed to be a training ride but I think was a secret test. How did it go ? John Cooper was definitely the weakest rider as he somewhat expected, finding the last 2 days extremely hard, I asked how close this was to his limits of ability and he gave it 9.5 out of 10, but never close to giving up. ( I hate to think what kind of mess he would be in to force him to give up ! ). Hopefully I can add the thoughts of the others later but for the moment; John Beesley was rock solid, setting a fast steady pace for the whole event and great to sit behind. Lee ( now to be known as "Sprinter Lee" ) was full of energy the whole time. Malcom the punture king maintained a steadier pace and put in some solid navigational work. John Cooper had done a lot of organising before the event and as always the organiser is in a difficult position and he is grateful to the rest of the team for their patience and good humour on the trip. All in all, well done and a good result. Personal challenges set and met, what more could you ask for. They ride back Sat and Sunday hopefully meeting some club members at Mortonhampstead on Sunday. | | Friday, May 29th, 2009 | | 8:08 am |
The Fast Boys at Liskeard, Day 8.
Leaving Bridgewater today and John Cooper was down for an early puncture, route was Taunton, Wellington, Cullumpton, lunch at Crediton, Oakhampton, Launceston and then B roads across to Liskeard. 100 miles today. Much to my surprise John Cooper was absolutely shattered on arriving at the hotel in Liskeard, when I queried this he explained that today was the hardest day they have had ; it is well known that end to enders have given up on entering Devon and Cornwall which I find inconceivable having come all that way and put in so much effort , still if the fast team have run up against their hardest day in their home territory it must be completely devastating for riders used to the flat, John says the route was littered with arrows ( those arrows on the map for hills ) . Sergeant John was left behind on the hills again, a position I am well used to and seems to be exhausting in itself. John Beesley, Lee and Malcolm are going well although at the time of calling Malcolm was laid out flat waiting for his dinner. Lands End tomorrow. | | Thursday, May 28th, 2009 | | 2:43 am |
The Fast Boys, at Bridgewater, Day 7
Leaving Hereford with a damp start its down the Wye Valley, towards Monmouth, on the main road they find the road completely blocked by a fallen tree, its a case of hauling the bikes through the branches, Sergeant John chips out to a lorry driver " you try doing that then "; here they met a group of 3 end to enders going the other way, how many end to enders are there on the roads ? and why are most of them doing it the uphill way ? Down to Chepstow and over the bridge, then Nailsea Clevedon, arriving at Bridgewater for 7pm. 90 miles today. The weather dried up around midday and for the last 20 miles John Beesley was out in front blocking the wind and setting a cracking pace 20 - 23 mph; great stuff. Tomorrow its home territory and our lovely hills. edit. looking at the map Nailsea and Clevedon can,t be right, surely ? | | Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 | | 2:42 pm |
The Fast Boys at Hereford, Day 6
Away form Wigan for 9 am, A49 for Warrington, Nantwich, Whitchurch, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Leominster, arriving Hereford 8.40 pm. Sounds to me like a Train announcement, did they take the train ? Jesting does not always work, I must remind myself not to do it before I get into trouble. Lunch stop today was Nantwich which was a bit of a pain riding into the centre of town and then finding the way out, the team ended going down a road the wrong way ( walking the bikes of course ! ), Coffee and cake at Leominster, no wonder it was a long day. The terrain was reasonably flat with very long gentle gradients and the wind crossing from the rear quarter. Today was a staggering 122 miles, the schedule was for 106, it would seem to be an error in the original distance. Malcome said his knees were getting stiff towards the end of the day, oh, and Malcome is now the officially the fastest puncture fixer in the club, having had 6 or 7 punctures so far; he bought brand new tubes and tyres for this trip and as soon as he see a bike shop they are in the bin and replaced. ! I asked if they would now be dreaming of Lands End, apparently they all felt today was harder going than the first day, the explanation was the first day they had been whipped up into a frenzy of anticipation and with the evil weather they just switched off for the day. Looking at the map, I can see home territory just down the road. Hoping the bad weather tomorrow misses them. | | Monday, May 25th, 2009 | | 8:27 pm |
The Fast Boys, at Wigan, Day 5
Weather was really warm today and most importantly, no wind; it threatened rain around 5 pm but stayed off. It was a long hard climb (one of 2.5 miles , not in the granny ring, wow) from Carlisle to Ship, 1400 feet , they stopped at Shap as it was the halfway point of the trip. Malcolm wants to know why its hours uphill and 10 mins down the other side ?, easy, time flies when you are having fun ! A lunch stop today at Kendal and then relatively easy as the roads were quite flat, 18-20 mph cruising. Malcolm is pleased to report that they have not been overtaken by any riders going south, not caught any up though , they have seen loads of groups going the other way. Arrived at Wigan ( Premier Inn ) 8.30 pm, a bit late due to getting lost in Wigan, two roads with the same name apparently. 114 miles today including 6 mile detour. The team have now ridden into the trip and are as fit as fiddles. Rock on the fast boys. | | 6:54 am |
The Fast Boys, Day 4 at Carlisle
The team were away from Glasgow at 9 am. The late start was because with Premier Inns breakfast starts at 8 am, the advantage is at the other end of the day, rooms, evening meal and pub are all in one place which saves time and effort looking around for a evening meal and means a later arrival is possible. The route today down the Clyde valley, on the old A roads now declassified to B as the M74 has replaced them, this meant a good route over quiet main roads which was useful as the day started with strong headwinds, thankfully sliding round behind them later in the day. John Cooper got left behind on a 2 mile climb, come on chaps, the technique is to fall in behind and use encouraging words !! Coffee stop was at Abingdon, Scotland's highest lead mining village, oddly being at 2000ft today was higher than when in the highlands. Afternoon stop was a short detour navigated by Malcolm to Lockerbie. 101 miles today and arrival at Carlisle at 7 pm. A good result. Four days in and despite a demanding itinerary and not ideal conditions they have stuck to plan. After 4 days the body knows what's coming so it will either charge happily on or refuse to function, judging by John,s mood this evening all will be well and Lands End can be envisioned. Wigan tomorrow. | | Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 | | 9:37 pm |
The Fast Boys, Day 3 Glasgow
My mistake, it was Sergeant Cooper with the broken spoke, for some strange reason it necessitated a new wheel, and delayed departure till 11 am. It was a quick call tonight as they were not in until 9.30 and still had to wash and feed, personally I would be just thinking of sleep for a week. It was a very windy day which made heavy going particularly with the climb through Glencoe, lunch was a quick snack at Loch Lomond ( sounds nice ), Malcolm did the navigating at Glasgow and took them straight through the centre as it was late, the traffic was light. An attempt was made to find a nearer Premier Inn but there were no rooms. This was the third day and at 116 miles a real test of endurance, two riders have struggled today, tomorrow is a new day with 97 miles to be out of Scotland. | | 10:15 am |
The Fast Boys, Day 2 at Fort William
Friday Night, I caught the team on the phone just finishing a meal stop at 8.30 pm, 8 miles short of Fort William, it had been a hard day, 120 plus miles, the terrain was flattish, a bit like our Teign Valley with few hills but they were very long, traffic was surprisingly busy, or was this just different after the wilds of Scotland. The route was down from The Crask Inn and then along the lochs to Fort William. Will the Crask Inn turn into a legendary cycling tale ? Up at 6.45 am with no power, there is no mains electricity and the generator wasn,t turned on, no TV either, Malcome didn,t like his porridge, being a McKendry he should be right at home with Scots Porridge, ( salt instead of sugar ), they were away at 8am. Good weather today, It was a bit windy and they took turn and turn about in the lead, John Beesley found the extra distance today challenging, he has also had a spoke break ( too much power John ) so this will mean finding a Bike Shop in the morning and a late start, I am sure everyone will enjoy the extra lie in, next stop is a Premier Inn so they can eat late if needs be, Glasgow, is this back to civilisation ? | | Thursday, May 21st, 2009 | | 9:04 pm |
The Fast Boys at Wick
Sergeant John managed to get Lee out of bed for an 8.20 start, Wick to John O,Groats ( about 16 miles ) and then off following the A836 Westwards along the coast to BettyHill and then South to Altnaharra and to the Crask Inn at Wick. Much to my surprise the team hadn't mutinied and left John tied to a signpost, I was expecting severe hills from the map but luckily for John it was reasonably flat. Lee sounded buoyant, reporting an average speed of 15.5 mph, phew, really shifting, especially as the weather was rain AND showers. the Crask Inn was closed when they arrived 4.45pm ( out walking the dog ), I admit I don't understand the reference but apparently the atmosphere is a little strange, the Inn Keepers wife is exactly like the Scottish Hotelier but without the flute in the TV programme " Little Britain ", I was told this sotto voce, so if the internet has spread to these remote lands they could be in for a dodgy breakfast. Thanks to all for the texts of support that our club members are sending in. Lets hope they get the sunshine we had today tomorrow. | | Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 | | 8:49 pm |
The Fast Boys have arrived !
Sergeant Cooper is extremely relieved that the bikes are ok, they have all been out for a road test and all is fine; Sending the bikes by courier to the B&B was untried, it has worked extremely well as the team flew at 7am from Exeter to Edinburgh and then transferred to a 36 seater Dash 8 aircraft, here it gets a bit weird or is John kidding me ?, firstly they had to walk right around the airport and then the plane had a flat battery needing a jumper pack, as the plane had a female pilot John thought they might end up in Wick Ireland, ( if Mrs Cooper reads this he will get a well deserved thick ear ); after a bumpy ride and landing they arrived at Wick for 12.30, a great result. The weather is warm with mixed sunshine and showers, B&B is good, there is another pair of end to enders staying but they are going down the coast road. Spirits are high and they are looking forward to tomorrow, the team have no idea what's in store, have a look on Google maps (terrain view) the Crask Inn is the first stop. Breakfast at 7.30, depart 8am sharp! | | Monday, May 18th, 2009 | | 3:32 pm |
The Fast boys, End to End
Hi, News is that John Cooper has organised a John o Groats to Land End. Hopefully I ( Phil ) will be reporting on a daily basis for anyone interested in their endevours ! Riders are John Cooper John Beesley Malcome McKendry Lea Atkinson John is the organiser and shall be know as "Sergeant Cooper" and the team is "The Fast Boys" as the Sergeant has laid fixed plans for 9 days at 100-120 miles a day. In case Rod reads this there is space in the naming for "the SUPER Fast Boys". Bikes were packed up and sent by courier on Tuesday 12th with help from BreakingWind cycle shop at Teignmouth. They fly North on Wednesday 20th, reports will be in soon after, so keep reading and fingers crossed for some good weather. Cheers Phil | | Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 | | 9:31 pm |
| | Saturday, March 29th, 2008 | | 8:11 pm |
Vietnam message
Hi there everyone Hanoi is a great place for everything! We have been up to the border with China to see the mountains but the mist stayed put and we couldnt see anything. We are back in Hanoi and we really enjoyed returning. There is such a buzz about it. We have been getting some culture, sampling lots of food - it's got fantastic restaurants - and tonight we're going to the water puppets. Tomorrow we go to another hotel -a prebooked one - so looking forward to a spot of luxury and must try and pack up the poor old bikes. We have only our hand luggage after that so will have to throw away as much as we can to avoid paying 37 pounds sterling per extra kilo! We are looking forward to coming home but wonder what weather will be greeting us. It is very pleasantly warm here (at last). love to you all Derek and Ursula | | Sunday, March 23rd, 2008 | | 3:59 pm |
Vietnam - Easter update
Hi everyone Now in Hanoi, quite the most fascinating place we have been to yet. Lots of food as well and making up for all the fasting. In fact fast becoming fatsos so cancel the food parcels! Cycling all finished for now. In fact if Roger could see the state of our bikes-filthy, caked in mud and dirt, chains all rusty- I fear he would vote us out of the CTC. Off to mountains near China for a look see. Soon be home. Hope you all had a good Easter Love Ursula and Derek | | 3:57 pm |
| | 1:02 am |
Vietnam update from D&U
Pirates! We have just got back from the 'cruise' vietnam style. An old Chinese junk with just one compartment with 2 doible beds for us and 2 French girls. Derek not Phased by this! I was told there was a loo but never got to see it. We chugged off into the murk and explored little islands with big caves full of stalagmites and the other things.In the evening we were kidnapped by pirates and forced to do Karaoke. when they heard our rendition of the Rhinestone Cowboy the pirates opted for walking the plank! Did rock climbing on Monkey Island (me with flip flops!) and Derek had to be rescued by Kayak. Saw a troop of wild monkeys. Hope you are all well. see you soon | | Monday, March 17th, 2008 | | 10:17 pm |
More from Vietnam
17th March - in between power cuts............ Hi everyone We are in the north of Vietnam on the delightful island of Cat Ba. Lovely cycling,no traffic,hardly any litter, SUNNY AT LAST,and food available. Life is looking up. (Would someone tell Pete Lewis we lost his e-mail so cant include him inthe updates,please) Tomorrow we are going on a 2 day cruise. I have a sneaking suspicion that 'cruise' May be a bit grandiose a term for the unseaworthy junk we are going on but hopefully we will be pleasantly surprised.After that it's Hanoi. On balance, although we have done some fantastic cycling the overall reality is that Vietnam doesnt figure on the cyclist's must do list of cycling countries. The pollution, litter,noise and traffic on the roads where there are hotels and food make it unpleasant and where its beautiful and unspoilt there's nowhere to stay and nothing to eat unless you co camping and cook your own food. We have had a lot of laughs and its an eye opener everyday but give me the good old Newton Road every time! Thanks to all who have answered us by the way, we really appreciate it Love, Ursula and Derek 14th March - ........foot rot setting in. hello there again We are in north Vietnam about 60 miles short of Haiphong (where U.S. troops used to go to for hospitalization). We have been cycling round godforsaken paddyfields and also on motorbikes over so many potholes and disintegrating roads (roads?) admiring mountain after mountain of filthy plastic bags and rotting rubbish. We had one dry day but then the rain came back and the water and mud threw itself at us and our poor little tootsies stink to high heaven with foot rot or fungal infections. Everyone looks round and sniffs when we appear and we do our best to look uninvolved. Been on boat trips. I told Derek that people row with their feet. Oh, Pedalos, says Derek. No, they actually lean back on their hands and row with the side of their feet and their little toes. They dont have foot rot. Cant imagine why not as they are always knee deep in water either sowing rice or digging mud or washing the dishes or worse. Anyway, off cycling to Haiphong tomorrow and hoping for dry. Love, Ursula and Derek |
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