Check back regularly to hear how Gary is getting on..
Thank you to all the people who have phoned , sent messages via other people and left messages on the website. It all helps - so thank you and keep them coming.
Latest Blog
Hello
everyone, Well it's been quite a few weeks now since I ended my
Quest. This has given me time to reflect on what I achieved and
I have to be pleased with that. Everybody has been very kind in
praising my achievement but there is still unfinished business to
be done, and until that time I feel I cannot celebrate it fully.
As for sponsorship, that has been coming in steadily and we have
reached £4041 which is fantastic. We are keeping all avenues for
sponsorship open until after I have completed the remainder of the
Quest, if I am able. My focus at work at the moment is trying to
get the harvest in. The weather is not helping with this as we seem
to have rain most days. We did get the barley in eventually, we
now need a couple of weeks of hot sunny conditions for the wheat
harvest but that doesn't seem likely at the moment. What has happened
to global warming and the hot dry conditions from it? Just now we
could do with some.
Day Twenty Seven
43
miles, 4.5 hours Well, this was going to be my final day. I was
going to visit St. Albans cathedral then make my way to Beaconsfield
where Julia and Amy would pick me up and we would go home from there.
I didn't sleep much last night but that didn't matter - I was going
home. There was no breakfast at the place I was staying so I got
packed up and rode into the centre of Ware and found an early morning
cafe and had tea and toast. I then set off for St. Albans fighting
with the rush hour traffic again, but for the last time. I found
the cathedral well tucked away. As I went in a member of the clergy
was there so he signed my form. So that was it, I came outside,
took a couple of photos, took off my Cathedral Quest T shirt - it
was over. I found the road to Hemel Hempstead and onto Berkhampstead,
Amersham and finally Beaconsfield. There were some long hills to
cope with just for good measure. Julia and Amy were waiting at the
station and I saw both of them as I rode down and then it all got
rather emotional. Once I had sorted myself out, we unpacked the
bike, took the front wheel out and laid it gently in the car. Amy
went back to London on the train and we headed home to Hereford.
Tonight I'm staying at Bull Farm, Letton, and had spaghetti bolonaise
followed by ice cream for dinner and am very glad that I'm home.
Grand total 39 cathedrals 2044 miles
Day Twenty Six
92.5
miles 8 hours. A long, difficult, frustrating day. Left Barningham
and headed for Bury St. Edmunds where I was signed in by the Head
Verger. The day was cloudy but dry. Getting to Chelmsford proved
a lot longer than anticipated mainly because I had trouble getting
round Braintree and had to double back when I got lost. I was trying
to avoid the dual carriageways but identifying the smaller roads
was very hard. I found the cathedral easily once in Chelmsford -
it was in the middle of the town with some old walls nearby. Then
headed off for Harlow where I again had trouble following the B
roads and kept being redirected back onto the A roads. In the end
a bus driver helped me find the right road and eventually I arrived
at a B and B in Ware where I stayed the night.
Tonight I made the decision that I would finish this adventure for now, after visiting the cathedral in St. Albans tomorrow . This was a difficult thing to do, but I had been considering it for a couple of days. things built up during the day yesterday. I had to back track a couple of times which was frustrating and I had started to lose concentration and make mistakes and in the heavy traffic in the South East you can't afford to make mistakes. This is what really persuaded me to finish at this point. The traffic is relentless, and it was becoming quite scary and I felt it dangerous to be amongst it. In the end, I couldn't face going through London and down into Kent. Also, after four weeks away, living out of my panniers and a different B & B every night, I just wanted to be home. I had allowed four weeks for this challenge and although it wasn't enough to complete it, something or somebody was telling me it was time to call it a day. Obviously, I am very disappointed but after a few days I will look back at what I have achieved and be pleased at what I have managed to do. During my journey I have seen some wonderful places and met some very generous and friendly people. I have discovered that there are lots of places in Britain to see and explore, so why go abroad when there is so much here to discover? I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have put so much work and effort into this project. . During my time on the road, I have had various visitors, friends and family, who have give me a real boost through some difficult days. I have also had many phone calls and messages from well wishers from all over the world so many thanks to them. I'd also like to praise my bike, which apart from the problem the first day, has never let me down and I'm surprised that nothing has broken or worn out with all the weight and rough roads it has been subjected to. Finally, I know many of you have been saying the odd prayer for me and I am sure that this has helped keep me safe and would like to think it has helped me with my difficult decision to finish..
Day Twenty Five
7.5
hours 91.4 miles. Left Littleport in the rain this morning after
a good breakfast. Good straight runs to Downham Market and onwards.
Fairly flat terrain with lots of dykes again - these ones higher
(by about 20 ft in places) than the surrounding road and fields
which was a bit disconcerting. On the way to Swaffham a car stopped
along the road in front of me and the lady driver flagged me down
(was this my lucky day I thought). She gave me £20, chatted for
a bit, and offered me a lift to Norwich - which I reluctantly turned
down (the lift, not the £20). A bit further on, Radio Norfolk phoned
and made arrangements to interview me when I reached Norwich. The
rain had stopped by now. At Norwich cathedral I was met by another
'welcomer' (who gave me £5) and then signed in by the verger. The
cathedral was simpler than many I've visited and there was a school
next to it. On leaving the cathedral I set off for the radio station
anticipating a sit down in the warm and a cup of tea - however,
I was interviewed outside by Nicky (who originally came from Worcester).
Left Norfolk and set off for Diss. The sky got darker and it began
to drizzle. Tonight I'm staying at Barningham about 10 miles from
Bury St. Edmunds at College House Farm. I've had a T bone pork chop
and treacle pudding at the local pub. The best bit of the day was
the two donations. The worst bit was getting damp - but it could
have been worse. Tomorrow I head for Bury St. Edmunds and Chelmsford..
Day Twenty Four
75.8
miles, just over 6 hours. Punctured tyre seems to be holding out
ok. Left Goadby after a good breakfast and set off for Peterborough.
Dull and overcast but dry to begin with. Found a lot of hills on
the way - although not very steep they were quite long. Was signed
in by a Canon and the lady behind the desk knew some people who
lived just up the road from Letton at Winforton. Left for Ely, stopping
for lunch along the way. Passed by a windmill - first one on the
journey and cycled across fens and dykes with ducks and swans on
them. Reached Ely at about 3.45 p.m. It was a lovely cathedral,
very large for such a small place and I could see the tower from
a long way off. Was signed in by a 'welcomer' who just happened
to have moved to Ely from Hereford during the 80s (home from home
today!). Was also met by mum and dad who had travelled up to the
area for a couple of days and bought a parcel - clean socks & pyjamas,
letters from home (and a photo of Amy with her 21st birthday cake)
, supply of Snickers, slices of homemade fruit cake and some pocket
money. As I left Ely it started to rain but my overnight stop at
72 Wisbech Rd., Littleport, was only 7 miles away and I made it
there without getting too wet. Picked up fish and chips for his
meal. Best bit of the day was seeing mum and dad at Ely and the
lovely cathedral there. Worst bit was the long deceptive hills and
the easterly wind. I've been read out the recent supporters' messages
on the website and was surprised and pleased that I now have an
international following (message from an American)! Going to bed
tonight with a feeling that I may get wet tomorrow as I head for
Norwich.
Day Twenty Three
I
was dreading today with the 3 cathedrals in very built up areas
and busy cities but it hasn't been as bad as I had feared. Being
Sunday, the roads into the cities were quieter and there was no
rush hour to contend with. Also, Gill and Arthur had given me good
directions into Birmingham and then met me there and I followed
them out of the city (they drove very slowly so I didn't have to
pedal too fast). Done 81.5 miles in 7 hours. Left Lichfield, travelling
under spaghetti junction (I was warned in no uncertain terms not
to go over it!) and reached Birmingham cathedral and was signed
in by a church warden. The cathedral was fairly small and there
was a service underway when I got there. After being signed in,
I met up with Gill and Arthur again, followed them out of the city
and said goodbye to them. Then I set off for Coventry on the A45.
I could see the cathedral as I came into the city and found it quite
easily. It was the newest cathedral visited so far and I was signed
in by a Reader. Then had lunch outside and set off for Leicester.
One of the cathedral staff told me which way to go out of the city
to get to Leicester, unfortunately, this involved a motorway and
I had to take a detour onto some B roads. Leicester cathedral was
amongst the buildings but had a nice water feature outside it. I
was signed in by a member of the clergy and then set off on the
A47 towards Peterborough. Along the road to my accommodation, the
police had set up a diversion, but I had a word with them and said
that no way, at that end of the day, was I going to be diverted,
and they took pity and let me through. Had dinner at the Fox and
Hounds at Tugby (lasagne and guess what for pudding) and am staying
at The Hollies at Goadby. Best bit of the day was the all help and
kindness given by Gill and Arthur - many thanks to them. Worst bit
was saying good bye to them. Heading for Peterborough and Ely tomorrow.
Another day, another week
Day Twenty Two
5.5
hours, 61.5 miles. A different sort of day today with different
challenges. The weather started off sunny and has been warm. I left
Lowdham and set off for Derby - decided to try using B roads rather
than the dual carriageways. This was quite time consuming but I
made it to Derby and was met at the cathedral by Lynn (our curate)
and family again. There was a wedding taking place in the cathedral
so I had lunch with Lynn, Robert and Daniel in a cafe opposite.
I was then signed in by the verger. Meanwhile, Robert had got some
details of cycle routes to Lichfied and I decided to try these.
This was fine to start with and then I started to lose signs and
had to get the compass out once or twice. The signing of the routes
was very inconsistent - good in places and then only stickers in
other places - often covered by overgrown vegetation. The paths
were also very rough in places and covered in rubbish and I didn't
really know where I was from time to time. However, I made it to
Lichfield where I was met by Gill and Arthur (Aunt and Uncle) and
signed in by a Canon at the Cathedral. I was due to stay the night
with Gill and Arthur and got on the bike to set off for their house
when I discovered I'd got my first puncture in 3 weeks travelling.
So we loaded the bike into Gill and Arthur's car and waited until
I got to their house to mend it. The puncture was caused by some
very wicked thorns. I will have to go back to the point I stopped
cycling tomorrow morning. I've got a welcome overnight stop tonight
with family and have had steak, chips, salad and bread and butter
pudding and tomorrow will set off for Birmingham, Coventry and Leicester
- probably avoiding cycle paths and hoping the air stays in the
tyre..
Day Twenty One
A
good day. 89.79 miles in 7 hrs 33 mins. Dry, no wind but dull. Left
Elsecar and luckily found another cyclist who helped me into Sheffield.
Signed in at Sheffield cathedral by a member of staff and then set
off for Lincoln. Could see Lincoln cathedral from a long way off
as it was on top of a hill but that didn't mean it was easy to find
but eventually I got there and was signed in. It then took me ages
to get out of Lincoln and find the right road. Got to Southwell
as Evensong was underway - very small congregation - reminded me
of Letton services! The Dean signed me in. Staying at a B & B at
Lowdham. Lynn Money (our curate) and her husband Robert and her
son Daniel met me and we had a meal at The Ship Inn (fish and chips
and bread and butter pudding). They had been in the area for a few
days on holiday. They will hopefully meet me again tomorrow at Derby
Best bit was meeting up with Lyn and family - many thanks to them.
Worst bit - constant traffic and dual carriageways. ..
Day Twenty
Well,
another slow day. 62 miles 6 hrs 18 minutes. Left Tadcaster and
set off for Bradford. It was dry and sunny but hilly all the way
today. Signed in at Bradford by a member of staff. The cathedral
wasn't very big and I found it by chance. Moved on to Wakefield
- still very hilly. It seemed like it took 2 minutes to go down
the hills and half an hour to go up them! Wakefield cathedral was
in the middle of the town and I was signed in by a shop manager.
Then headed off towards Sheffield. Today I've had heavy traffic
all the time as its all been very much a built up area. Stopped
tonight on the other side of Barnsley at Elsecar at Old Bank B &
B. Had a pub meal of Steak and Kidney pice and hot chocolate pudding.
Going to try and get an early night in order to be fresh to tackle
the traffic in Sheffield in the morning and then head off for Lincoln.
Have passed 1500 miles today though so must be over half way and
has ticked off another 2 cathedrals. Worst bit of the day was the
hills again. Best bit was finishing for the day.....
Day Nineteen
A
good day: 84.7 miles 6 hrs 42 mins. Weather was good, bit drizzly
but no wind. Terrain was flat - no hills. Left Kirk Merrington and
reached Ripon at 1.15. where I was signed in by a Canon. Ripon was
a very old cathedral, very big and grand. Was met here by Arlene,
a Friend of the cathedral, who had very kindly offered to put me
up for a night if needed, but unfortunately I arrived at the wrong
time of day so it was another B & B tonight. However, Arlene took
me home and gave me a good lunch of cheese on toast, bread and jam
and cake. I enjoyed meeting Arlene's dog who was very excited to
meet me - my fame has obviously spread. Reached York at about 5
pm and was signed in by a member of the cathedral staff. York Minster
dominates the city and is covered in scaffolding for the next few
years apparently. Staying tonight at Tadcaster at Oakleigh Guest
House. The bike is in the garage and I have had dinner at a cafe
- Bangers and mash and treacle pudding. Hope to get to Bradford,
Wakefield and Sheffield tomorrow. Best bit of the day - lunch with
Arlene Unusually, no really bad bits....
Day Eighteen
Well,
another tough day but another two cathedrals ticked off. Left West
Woodburn after two helpings of porridge which was probably a good
thing as the wind was so strong I had to walk the bike more than
ride it for the first hour and a half. It was also very cold again.
This was the Cheviot Hills and was very bleak with few trees to
break up the wind force. Reached Newcastle and found the cathedral
and was signed in. Leaving Newcastle was trickier as one of the
bridges I had planned to use was closed and so I had to take a detour
and then got lost in Gateshead. However, I found the way out and
had lunch looking at the Angel of the North. Then travelled on to
Durham which was a lovely city with a huge cathedral. The cobbles
were a bit uncomfortable though. I was signed in by the man behind
the desk and then set off again in the drizzle. Now stopped for
the night at Kirk Merrington at Highview Country House - the bike
is parked in the hall as Jayne, the B & B owner, was worried someone
may steal it - at this moment I wouldn't mind too much! Been tired
today and because of the cold, I haven't been drinking much of the
energy drink and therefore haven''t taken in enough carbs. However,
I've had a good meal at the Ship Inn, soup, huge mixed grill, treacle
pudding and custard (best bit of the day). The worst bit of the
day was the first hour and a half. Done 57.5 miles in 6.5 hours
with total mileage to date of 1361 and I think that I've underestimated
how far I'm going to have to go. Tomorrow heading for Ripon and
then setting off towards York...
Day Seventeen
A
tough day again. 79 miles in just over 8 hours. Very hilly all the
way and a strong and gusty headwind. In some places I had to walk
the bike as I couldn't hold it straight. Had an early morning visit
to the Edinburgh Cathedral where I was signed in by the provost
and said goodbye to Rev. Millard who very kindly put me up last
night. At Dalkeith I was met by Tracy and Derys from our village
who had flown up to Edinburgh, hired a car, met me and then took
some of the heavy baggage for most of the day. They then went into
Edinburgh for the morning. They had also brought some things from
home, not all of which arrived as airport authorities confiscated
a tub of peanut butter and a dinner knife and fork from their hand
luggage! They left the spoon though and clean pyjamas. Had lunch
just before Jedburgh and then as I crossed the English/Scottish
border I met again Thelma and Louise - oops, I mean Tracy and Derys,
and they reloaded me and saw me on my way before heading off to
catch the plane home from Newcastle. I could quite happily have
got into the car with them and flown home. It was a difficult ride
today. Very cold and windy. However, seeing Tracy and Derys was
the best bit of the day - many thanks to them. Staying tonight with
the Waltons (!) at Yellow House B & B at West Woodburn and has had
a good meal at the local pub - soup, bangers and mash and bread
and butter pudding. Hoping for a better day tomorrow when I hope
to get to Newcastle and Durham and then press on towards Ripon..
Day Sixteen
Forgot
to say that I enjoyed having a chance to look at the website the
other evening. Very pleased to see how many hits it had had and
to read all the messages. Thank you to all the people who have phoned
, sent messages via other people and left messages on the site.
It all helps - so thank you and keep them coming.
Very good day again today. 98.9 miles in 7.5 hours and have reached Edinburgh! Left Ishbel and Duncan at Montrose after speaking to Phil Simpson on BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester and set off for Dundee. Ishbel gave me some massage balm with arnica for all the aches and pains so I should now be well oiled. It was a fine sunny day in Scotland - unlike here. A service was just about to start at Dundee but the vice provost signed me in. Had lunch (sandwich) just outside Perth and then headed for the cathedral which was locked and no-one around. However, I found someone on the street who lived in Perth and they signed the form and took a photo to prove I was there. Passed another cyclist who said he was in training for a long distance cycle ride - more than one mad man around then! I then set off and pedalled hard until I saw the Forth rail bridge in the distance and then the Road bridge. There was a good cycle lane across the bridge but on the other side bikes were prohibited. I ended up taking a scenic tour of Edinburch and its surrounding districts along cycle paths but managed to get into the centre (after cycing through a few housing estates) by asking people the right way. Staying the night with the Rev Jane Millard and her husband Jeff in a huge Georgian house just by the cathedral. Had lasagne for dinner and guess what for pudding? Will visit the cathedral at about 7.15 am tomorrow. Their first service is 7.30. Best bit of today was the tailwind again, and the worst bit was from the Forth Road Bridge into Edinburgh - the trickiest city to negotiate so far....
Day Fifteen
A
really good day 91 miles in 7 hrs 21 mins. The wind was behind me
all the way and the going was fairly level, especially after Aberdeen.
Left Keith at about 8 a.m and got to Aberdeen at 1.45 and was signed
in by the Provost. The cathedral was in amongst the buildings in
the city and unlike some of them, still had most of its pews in
place. They very kindly gave me a cup of tea and a piece of cake
in the church hall. I then set off down the coast, through Stonehaven.
The dual carriageway was a bit scary again and needed plenty of
concentration but I changed roads to get off it where I could. Staying
at a B & B in Montrose tonight, Greenbank with Duncan Gray and his
partner. They have looked after me very well. Had fish and chips
again tonight but Cat has said that " chips good for the carb intake
and so good for energy, fish good for protein so good for muscle
recovery, naughtiness of whole dish good for balance in life so
good for mind!!" - nothing like seeing the positive side of things
is there? The best bit today was the tailwind which blew me along
most of the day and the worst bit was a long hill from Keith and
the dual carriageway. Need a good night's sleep tonight as I am
going to push on tomorrow to Dundee, Perth and hopefully an overnight
stop in Edinburgh. Watch this space...
Day Fourteen
Very
tough day, travelled 68 miles in 7 hours. Terrain was fine but cycling
into the wind all day with no trees for shelter - very hard going
and frustrating. I have an aching arm from gripping the handlebars
so tightly to prevent the bike swerving in the wind (the vibrations
from the rough road don't help either). The windiest day so far.
Left Drumnadrochit after a good breakfast - only monster sighting
was on the postcard I bought to send to Amy. Reached Inverness and
then had to wait to go in as there was a funeral taking place. Was
signed in by the maintenance man as the clergy were all busy. Inverness
cathedral was in a nice setting with some lovely stained glass windows.
Stopped for lunch at Nairn - pot of pasta with a fold-up fork in
the lid - very ingenious. Between Elgin and Fochabers another cyclist
came alongside and said that he thought I was doing very well so
laden down in all the wind. His name was Ian and he invited me for
a cup of tea as he lived in Fochabers. His wife Ann and himself
made me very welcome and I enjoyed a tea break with someone to talk
to. Then found a fish and chip shop (Cat, cover your ears) and a
young lad called Curtis, who was 11. came and gave me £10 - I spoke
to the boy's mum and she had been a Macmillan Nurse and they wanted
to contribute to the cause. These two kindnesses were the best bit
of the day. The worst bit was the wind - again. Staying in Keith
tonight with Mrs. Jackson at The Haughes who have allowed me to
reheat the fish and chips. They have also let me have access to
their pc and I'm going to have a look at my website for the first
time in 2 weeks.!
Day Thirteen
79
miles 7 hours. Left Appin after sleeping well but had a big fried
breakfast which I shouldn't have had. Headed up to Fort William,
the going was fairly good but had a very strong headwind. At one
point I was having to pedal hard on a very steep downhill run! Passed
another dead deer and had lunch at the Commando Memorial at Speans
Bridge and could see snow on the top of the mountains from there.
Went passed Loch Lochy and on to Fort Augustus and from there on
had my eyes peeled for the Loch Ness Monster. The road runs so you
are looking down on the water - but no sightings yet. The best bit
was the good progress, the worst was the headwind. Also, after boasting
about lack of aches and pains, today I had an aching calf and knee
but wasn't too bad towards the latter part of the journey. I'm staying
at Drumnadrochit, Benleva Hotel which is very old and historic apparently
and has a hanging tree in the grounds (lets hope I don't feel the
need to use it!). Also have a tartan bedspread on the bed tonight.
During the day I have been contacted by BBC H & W and will probably
be on air on Sunday morning during the Phil Simpson show sometime
around 8 a.m. There's also a bit of PR in the Hereford Times this
week. I hope all this fame doesn't go to my head!.
Day Twelve
A
reasonably uneventful, stress free day. 69 miles in 6 hours. Slept
well at Tarbert and left for Oban. Saw a dead deer on the road -
I'm not guilty! The terrain was quite hilly with some very steep
climbs, very bleak on the summit and then long downhill runs into
a green valley. Bought myself some rolls, a jar of marmelade and
some plastic knives and made my own lunch. I had phoned ahead to
a bike shop in Oban and, on arrival, left the bike with Mark Evans
at Evo Bikes who checked it over and cleaned it up. Meanwhile, I
set off for the cathedral which I found easily and sat inside for
a while waiting for someone to come. A tourist asked what I was
doing and I said visiting all the Anglican cathedrals in the country.
The man then asked what I was doing there then as it was a Roman
Catholic cathedral! The vicar from the Anglican cathedral then found
me and signed my form but I couldn't get inside the Anglican cathedral
because it was all locked up. I left Oban when the bike was finished.
Many thanks to Evo Bikes for fitting it in. Passed lots of lochs
and ended up at Tynribble House, Appin for B & B. Had a meal at
Creagan Inn - Steak Pie and, well, you can guess what dessert. Tomorrow
I'm heading towards Inverness and hopefully passing by Ben Nevis
and not climbing it.
PS Cat, My personal trainer at Gym and Tonic in Hay has asked the following questions which I thought people may be interested in:
What gees me up?
Speaking to the wife (ha ha) and Vicar!
Whether I feel down?
Yes sometimes when the going is tough and the hills keep appearing
at the end of the day.
Do I regret starting?
No, but the first day I did wonder what I was doing.
How do I keep positive?
Keep pushing on through the bad times.
Any aches?
Surprising no. Bit stiff in the calves in the morning if I've pushed
on hard the day before. Knee twinges, but it does that at home anyway.
Day Eleven
Left
the youth hostel quite early and then had to wait until 9.20 for
the Glasgow Cathedral to open. Forgot to say yesterday that I ran
over a very jagged broken bottle on the outskirts of Glasgow but
luckily it doesn't seem to have damaged the tyre. The general public
in Glasgow were very helpful in assisting me to find my way out.
One cyclist led me through the cycle lanes onto the right road and
quite a few offered help when they could see I was lost. Travelled
through Paisley onto Largs where I got the ferry to Great Cumbrae.
The road from Largs was full of enormous potholes which I avoided
by cycling up the middle of the road where I could. Cycled to the
other side of the island to Millport where the cathedral was very
quiet and in a nice setting. Then had to rush back to the ferry
and get back on the mainland, cycle to Ardrossan and catch the ferry
to Arran. This ferry ride was probably the best bit of the day -
although I only just caught it by the skin of my teeth. The ride
took 50 mins - time to rest, eat a sandwich and have a cup of tea.
Was pushed for time once on Arran though and had 1.5 hours to do
15 miles - in a very steep region - but I managed and caught the
6.30 ferry to Kintyre. Found a man in a kilt to talk to on this
ferry who worked at the distillery on Arran. Then cycled across
Kintyre (which was hilly and quite bleak) and am staying at the
West Loch Hotel in West Tarbert. Had a decent meal tonight, lasagne,
chips and guess what, sticky toffee pudding. Been told that 'the
midges have started' so I may have some problems with them tomorrow.
The worst bit of the day was all the rushing to catch all the ferries.
Cycled 80.5 miles in 6.75 hours. Tomorrow I head for Oban - looks
very hilly on the map..
Day Ten
Left
Dunscore after a really hearty breakfast - didn't try the haggis
though! Travelling has been straightforward most of the day. Dry
but cold and cloudy. Had lunch on the side of the road just before
Kilmarnock. Used the oldest Post Office in Scotland to send some
post home. Travelling into Glasgow was difficult and will be visiting
the cathedral first thing and then get out as quickly as possible.
Staying at a Youth Hostel tonight for the first and last time. 76
miles in 6 hours 12 mins (wind behind me).
Day Nine
Reached
Scotland! The day has been fine but cloudy with a few spots of rain
in the wind. The terrain has been fairly easy. Left Thrimby (after
a good breakfast of porridge) and travelled to Carlisle cathedral,
arriving just after a Trinity Sunday service - met the dean and
was invited to join the people for drinks and nibbles, made very
welcome by all. Also spoke to a local reporter from The Chronicle.
Met another cyclist on route called Andrew who was camping every
night and had travelled from Reading. He accompanied me for a while
but was even slower up the hills so we parted company and went our
own ways. Had lunch in a churchyard outside Carlisle and then travelled
on to north of Dumfries where I am staying at a B & B at Dunscore.
I stopped and picked up a meal from KFC en route but unfortunately
couldn't fit the bucket of chips and chicken pieces in my bags so
it was hanging off the handlebars for the last 10 miles. Hope someone
got a photo. Hoping to have porridge for breakfast again but have
also been offered haggis and as I may never get to Scotland again
I may give it a try! Watch this space! Tomorrow I'm heading for
Glasgow - don't know whether I'll get all the way or not but will
give it a go depending on weather, terrain and the effects of the
haggis.
Day Eight
Left
Derwen after staying with Tony at the St. Albans Guest House and
travelled to Blackburn cathedral arriving before 9 a.m so there
weren't many people around but I did find someone to sign me in.
Then made good time to Preston, Lancaster and Kendal. Bob King,
our vicar, met me again just after Lancaster and handed me my parcel
from home (full of replacement food/drink supplies, batteries, support
stocking (!) and some Snickers bars) and then said goodbye as Bob
headed back to Herefordshire in time for Sunday services. Thank
you Bob, we're all very grateful.
78.5 miles in 7 cycling hours and met lots of other cyclists between Lancaster and Kendal. They were on their way to John O Groats and had a good laugh at all my luggage. They obviously knew what was ahead. From Kendal onwards it got very tough. Very steep, very windy and very very cold. This time last week I was complaining about the heat and here I am complaining about the cold. There's no pleasing me. This was an area called Shap - and people keep telling me now, after the event, how steep it is there! Perhaps it's a good job no one told me before. At one point it took me an hour and a half to do 7.5 miles.Before I got to the summit I thought if I got to the top of the next hill and saw that there was another one before me I'd get off the bike and sit on the side of the road and cry.Anyway, after a struggle some accommodation was found just the other side of Shap and I stopped in the town and had a cup of tea and Cumberland Sausage, mashed potato and Spotted Dick and a good warm up. Stayed at Thrimby Farm, Thrimby with Mr. and Mrs. Ross who have kindly done some washing. Tomorrow: Penrith and then Carlisle Cathedral
Day Seven
Had
a dry warm day with flatter terrain. Left the Travel Lodge and cycled
to Liverpool - on to the Mersey ferry and met the visitor manager
at the cathedral. She was very nice and gave me a cup of tea, cake
and sandwiches. The cathedral was a fantastic building and Liverpool
was lovely - a bit like a building site at the moment though.Then
travelled on to Manchester and met up with our vicar Bob King again
and was signed in by a Canon. Liverpool was the best bit of the
day. The worst bit was having to change route as bikes were prohibited
on the road I wanted to go on so I had to take a 4/5 mile detour
to a road with no signs saying bikes prohibited but they probably
should have been as it was very scary, three lanes, on a Friday
at rush hour. Lots of tooting - perhaps not so friendly today. Stopping
a B & B in Derwen between Bolton and Blackburn tonight. The bike
is being spoilt - it's in the dining room - no where else to put
it!
Day Six
Another
sunny day and windy day. Travelled 76 miles in 7 hours. Met by the
Dean at St. Asaph and by Bob King (our local vicar) - nice to see
a familiar face from home - and the Assistant Dean at Chester. Staying
in a Travel Lodge tonight at East Ham in the Wirral and being looked
after by Bob. Hopefully tackling Liverpool and Manchester tomorrow.
Day Five
Well
looked after last night and cycled 55 miles in 5 hours 20 mins today.
Stopped cycling at Bangor cathedral where I was signed in by the
man in the shop (all the clergy were away on a day trip). It was
another hot day but with less wind than yesterday and the hills
were slightly gentler. Lots of roadworks en route today. Stopped
at a pub for a cup of tea at lunchtime and met some people who had
friends in Weobley - small world. Bike is going well - body is holding
up. Staying tonight on Anglesey with some friends of my sister Bev.
They will drop me back at Bangor in the morning and then I'll head
off to St. Asaph and hopefully Chester
Day Four
Well,
another lovely sunny day but with a welcoming very strong breeze
- unfortunately in front and not behind . Cycled all day into the
wind but reached Dolgellau after 7 hours 17 minutes and 73 miles.
Mum and dad met me just below Aberystwyth and I stopped and had
lunch with them. They also took some bags and met me again at Machynlleth
to give them back . They also took a parcel containing a pair of
more comfortable trainers (others were rubbing the heels because
of all the walking up hills). Best bit of the day was the spectacular
views - especially in one very deep valley when I looked up at the
sound of a jet and saw that it was in the valley below and I was
looking down on top of it. Lots of drivers waved and tooted today
- in a friendly way I thought - not angrily. Staying the night with
Paul Smalley by the river in Dolgellau and have received a very
warm welcome and been well fed on Steak tonight. Perhaps the wind
will be behind me tomorrow as I set off for Bangor..
Day Three
Well
today was a good day food-wise. Cycled 77 miles in 7 hours 15 mins.
It has been very hot, very hilly, lots of ups and downs and having
to walk the bike in places. However, St. Davids was the best bit
of the day. A lovely town and cathedral, signed in by the Dean and
a wonderful lunch courtesy of Jo and Steven (and Sara Girling) in
the refectory. It was very steep going down into St. Davids and
tested the brakes. The countryside was very like Cornwall (up and
down!) with lots of dairy cattle and people silaging. Still having
a few problems with the bike - front gears this time - but I've
adjusted them and bought 2 new spanners en route. Ended the day
at Cardigan in the Highbury Guest House where I have been very well
fed - pasta, cheese sauce and vegetables and sticky toffee pudding
(again). The lady running the house (Angela) has also washed some
clothes- many thanks to her. Hopefully I'll have a good night's
sleep and am looking forward to another hilly day tomorrow..
Day Two
Well,
today was a better day than yesterday and a shorter one as well.
57 miles, 5 hours cycling. Had problems with the bike yesterday
- couldn't get into low gears - and so that made the hills very
tricky. So this morning I set off knowing I had to find somewhere
to have a look at the bike. Derys dropped me off where I was picked
up at about 9.15 this morning. However, she very kindly dropped
me off at the top of a hill so I had a small downhill run to get
me going! Also shed some luggage - bike lock, camping stove and
gas - not enough really. It was easier going today terrain-wise
but with a very steep hill from Morriston when trying to find the
A48 and avoid the motorway. This was easier said than done as every
road seemed to lead to the motorway- ended up asking a policeman
who didn't know the way either. Cycled past the Port Talbot Steelworks
which was very smelly. No cathedral visits today - but a stop a
Carmarthen at Halfords where they looked at the bike and fixed the
problem - free of charge - very grateful thanks to them. They took
some slack out of the gearchange cable and I have taken note if
the need arises again. It made the ride a lot easier from Carmarthen
onwards - apart from a heavy thunderstorm which soaked me - but
dried out now. Stopped for the night at Manordaf B & B at St. Clears,
by the river, and they've made me very welcome. Now had a meal in
the local pub - Fish and Chips followed by Sticky Toffee Pudding
and am going to get an early night. Tomorrow I'm looking forward
to seeing St. Davids and having a cup of tea in the refectory there
and then heading up the coast towards Aberstwyth.
Day One
After
a wonderful seeing-off party
at Letton Church this morning at 7.30 a.m. it's been a tough first
day involving hot weather and an unexpectedly steep and long mountain
from Llangynidr onwards. Total distance cycled is 99.6 miles and
9 hours actually spent cycling. 25 miles away from Swansea which
was due to be the overnight stop Christos, Joyce and Derys came
to the rescue and have transported me and the bike to Swansea and
Derys will take me back to the point at which I stopped cycling
tomorrow - so, no cheating. Many thanks to them. Cathedrals visited
are Brecon, Newport and Cardiff cathedrals - so that's 3 ticked
off the list and was met by people at Cardiff and Newport. The maintenance
man at Brecon signed me in! So, tomorrow I'm going to try and lessen
the load in all ways and hope for a cooler day after a good night's
sleep..
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