Day 21 - 27 September 2009 - 21 miles

Great decision to continue on yesterday. I awoke to very gray skies and a fine mist. By the time breakfast was eaten and I got underway, that mist became a drizzle. Very shortly thereafter, it evolved into a proper rain.

Did I care? Hell, no! This was it! The culmination of one of the most wonderful journeys I have ever undertaken!

I rode into John O' Groats thoroughly soaked but delightfully happy! 1,137 miles from my starting point in Land's End. As I approached the concession photographer for the obligatory photo at the finish, he asked me what I wanted on the sign. I just smiled and replied, "55 and still cranking!"

The wonderful whiskey from an angel at the Glenmorangie Distillery was consumed. Congratulations were exchanged with other End-To-Enders. After logging my name in the official registry book, I spent a few quiet moments reflecting on the trip, all the wonderful places and people I had met along the way. What a great way to celebrate my 55th!

I hope you have enjoyed the ramblings of a cycling nut, Gentle Readers! It was wonderful having you along for the ride.

Happy trails!

Day 20 - 26 September 2009 - 77 miles

Well, all the talk of 'it just gets better as you head north' was spot on! This is one of the best days I have ever had whilst riding a bicycle! I left Lairg around 09:00 on single-track road under partly cloudy skies with lots of bright sun-shiny bits. Rode along the Loch Shin and then into mixed moor and pine forest country.

The first hour was marked by heavy side winds but I hardly noticed. In fact, I'm not sure my wheels were even touching the pavement! The culmination of wonderful days in the saddle through spectacular country and John O' Groats so close... It was incredible! The iPod playing great tunes, the clouds disappearing and the panoramic vistas... God, it was fabulous!

Stopped at the first bit of civilization I encountered at Crask Inn near the base
of Ben Klibrek. Had a coffee and took this picture of the Millenium Marker. Whilst relaxing at the inn, another solo End-To-End rider, Colin Jones, came riding in for a cuppa. We compared routes, swapped stories for a bit and I set off.

The next 6 miles were magical. Fresh pavement, great tunes, a tail wind, combined with sun beaming down on golden moorland and glistening off the creek was an intoxicating combination. I suffered from a facial condition known as HSEG - a huge shit-eating grin! Then I came around a corner at Altnaharra where I got my first breathtaking glimpse of Loch Naver. Whilst taking a photo stop, I wondered if Colin might be suffering from the same facial condition. I positioned myself with camera at the ready and waited. Sure enough, as he rode into my viewfinder, I confirmed that HSEG was contagious!

We rode together the rest of the day. It was nice to have someone to share the road with after so many solo days on the trail. Proceeded north along the western shore of Loch Naver, followed the River Naver through Leckfurrin, Inernaver, and Achina with negligible wind and more of that glorious sunshine. Fantastic conditions and the miles clicked off rapidly. Before you knew it, we were pulling into Bettyhill on the northern coast of Scotland. It was wonderful to see the surf breaking along the shore!

After lunch at Bettyhill (where my original itinerary specified a stop for the night) I decided to keep riding with Colin. The day was sublime, the company was fine, the wind was now at our backs and the fever was upon me.

We rode on to Thurso where I secured lodging. Colin rode on to John O' Groats to achieve a 9-day passage (1,001.01 miles for his route). He's coming back to Thurso to meet up with his wife and 2 boys and will do a Family Photo Finish tomorrow. Me, I'm saving the finish for my 55th birthday present!

Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I'll make it! Tomorrow!
Its only 21 miles a-way!

Cheers, Gentle Readers!

Day 19 - 25 September 2009 - 72 miles

What a beautiful day! I left Inverness under mostly sunny skies which lasted the whole day through! The wind which has been my regular companion was nowhere to be found today. I have been so lucky this trip that I hate to tempt fate by commenting on it but there you are! Tanked up last night on some fine ale so carbohydrate levels not an issue today.

Rode west along the Moray Firth to the village of Beauly for the first coffee stop. Then a brief visit to wander about the Beauly Priory. Is it just me or is the church in serious decline in Britain?

Rode east along the north side of the Cromarty Firth (ain't that poetic fate?) through Muir of Ord, Conan Bridge, Dingwall, Evanton, Alness and into Tain where I stopped for lunch. Actually, 'lunch' was just an excuse to pay a visit to the holy ground - Glen Morangie distillery.

I didn't do the tour as it took 90 minutes and I had a 72 mile day. However, I did stop to replenish necessary stores. Something special to drink upon arrival at John O' Groats ... you know ... to celebrate!

A lovely lady working the sales counter assured me they had plenty of special things suitable for a celebration. I believed her but explained my dilemma where size and weight were concerned. Upon learning that I was riding LEJOG solo, she told me to stay put a moment and disappeared into a back room. Returning shortly with 3-double dram jars of different special whiskeys, she placed them in a bag and wouldn't take a farthing! I told her she was an angel and the first tipple would be drunk in her honor! Stowed the supplies and pressed on.

Continued northwest along the Dornoch Firth through Edderton, Ardgay and stopped to rest me bum and check the e-mail. A buddy in the states who had been receiving daily updates commented on how much he loved the village names - John O' Groats being his favorite. 'Well, Barney, you won't believe this,' I told him, 'but right now I'm takin' a bum break in Bonar Bridge!' Male adolescents are chortling the world over!

A short distance later, I came upon Carbisdale Castle. Built in 1917, it was the last castle built in Scotland and today is an elegant youth hostel. Then a long climb over a pass and arrived knackered in Lairg around 17:30. Secured lodging and headed for the pub.

That's when the trouble started...

Strolled over to the Thistle Lounge for a pint. 3 gents where sitting at the bar. I asked the barkeep if there was anything left to drink or had this lot already drank him dry? Once they sorted through my Cockney accent, they twigged straight away that here was a guest from parts afar.

I had barely begun to drink my first pint when . "Would you have a dram with that?" one asked. "Sure!" I quickly replied. "Give him a Cragganmore," the barkeep was instructed. (T'was a luvley 12 year old!)

After repaying his kindness with a drink, another spry gent named Andy, told the barkeep to give him an empty glass. He strolled out to his car and reappeared with a healthy double dram of whiskey. "Try that," I was instructed. I did and, Lord, what a fabulous beverage! When I asked him what it was, he told me to come out to his car where he showed me the bottle - Whyte & Mackay's 'Old Luxury' - a wonderful 19 year old whiskey.

Sitting on the backseat of his vehicle was a small wooden boat - approx 4ft from bow to stern and 1.5ft at the beam - which he had specially built to carry a good fishing buddy's ashes out on Loch Shin for a Viking-style funeral. Equipped with an electric motor, 2 small oars and a small fishing rod, it was a remarkable bit of craftsmanship and a wonderful gesture of friendship. "So you are going to shoot flaming arrows at it?", I asked. Andy laughed and replied, "Nay, we'd NEVER hit it! I'll set a wee fire in the bow, put my mate's ashes here in the middle and send it out in the loch on Saturday." Now there is a good friend!

All the Highland hospitality was having the predictable effect. I quickly ordered some food and was told that it would have to be consumed in the dining room. I beat a hasty retreat from the bar, took my dinner in solitude. Sneaking out the side door, I returned my B&B safe from more hospitality. A most memorable evening... I think!

Cheers, Faithful Readers!

Day 18 - 24 September 2009 - 47 miles

Woke up to clear-ish skies and left Grantown-on-Spey riding north through tall stands of pines for several miles before crossing beautiful open moors. Today's ride was through remote country and little traffic. Excellent cycling!

At Dava, I turned west and continued along quiet single-track roads through pine
forests carpeted with moss and heather - really gorgeous country! A short stop at Dulsie Bridge on the River Findhorn for a photo.

Visited Cawdor Castle with a legendary connection to William Shakespeare's Macbeth. 'This Castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses.'

Carried on past Kirkton of Barevan and Cantradoune where there is a huge
multi-arched railroad bridge - the Culloden viaduct - over the River Nairn. A short, steep climb out of the Nairn valley and it was back in civilization. Rode through Balloch, Culloden, Smithson and into Inverness and its castle along the River Ness.

Replaced my spare derailleur cable at the bike shop. Considered upgrading the bike and bought my train ticket for the return to London next Monday. Hard to believe I will be in John O' Groats in 3 days! I'm told that the country to the north is the prettiest of the lot. Wahoo!

47 miles today and only 170 miles to go! What's that? Oh, sorry. My pint is calling! Cheers all!

Day 17 - 23 September 2009 - 57 miles

Today's ride was through Britain's big country - the heart of the Grampian and Cairngorm Mountains. I crossed seven big hills and the elevation profile from the gps recording was reminiscent of a shark's jaw. Three of these "hills" had teeth!

Left Braemar (elev. approx 1,100ft) passing Braemar Castle and rode along the River Dee to Balmoral Castle (elev. approx 800ft). Lots of beautiful pine forests and wonderful weather too. Her Majesty was in residence so no photographs of the castle (and no invitation left at the gate to join them for a cuppa! Cheeky!). Climbed the first pass (elev. approx 1,600ft) and dropped back to 1,100ft and immediately climbed again to 1,800ft dropping back to 1,200ft and passing through Calnabaichin, Corgaff, and Cock Bridge. All this over 10-mile stretch!

Then a memorable ascent as I climbed Lecht Pass (elev. 2,089ft) with another ski area at the summit (even in the autumn sunshine, the ski area looked cold!) so almost 900ft in a 5-mile stretch. Wonderful downhill coast (with some 20% grades) to Blairnamorrow and Tomintoul where I picked up the Whiskey Trail and stopped for a bite to eat.

Just north of Tomintoul is this lovely old Bridge of Avon which was built in 1745 as part of a military road.

A few miles beyond the bridge, I snapped my front derailleur cable and had to effect a quick roadside repair. Weather turned to rain so out came the rain gear for a brief 15 minute shower. Just pass Bridge of Brown, you hit a really steep climb which then settles into a more 'reasonable' pitch. Well, it would have been more reasonable but for the strong headwinds all the way into Grantown-on-Spey. The nice thing about a good blow is it does tend to move the clouds along.

I'm sitting in a lovely pub where a much-deserved pint is quenching my thirst! In the Glen Avon Hotel bar in Tomintoul, a fellow cyclist discovered this poem (author unknown) pinned on the wall which I wanted to share with you.

Glen Avon Nights

Crankin’ up Craighalkie
On a cracklin winter night
The hills an’ trees around me
Are all bathed wi cold moonlight

Not a sound disturbs the silence
But ma bike tyres’ gentle hummin’
An’ the rustlin’ by the roadside
When wee beasties hear me comin’

The Glen Avon bar, it brightly beckons
My step, it ne’er does falter
I take my place, with frost flushed face
At the alchoholic’s altar

57 miles today leaves 217 to go. Cheers, Gentle Readers!

Day 16 - 22 September 2009 - 51 Miles

Left Perth (elevation approx 40ft) under mostly clear skies and what the Scots called "a wee bit of a breeze" (gusts up to 60mph). Fortunately, most have been from the side and even a bit of tail wind would you believe?

It was a good thing I got out of Edinburgh yesterday because the bridge over the Firth was closed to pedestrians and cyclists today!

My route took me through Old Scone, Blairgowrie & Rattray, and then the first of several climbs to Bridge of Cally (elevation approx 500ft). Continued on climbing into the moors to Spittal of Glemshee (elevation approx 1,250ft).

Then the climbing got serious up the Glen Shee ('Valley of Peace' in Gaelic). It
was a long, demanding climb. You gain 984ft in 6 miles and the last 3 were
exceptionally steep. Finally reached the summit (elevation approx 2,250ft) and saw my first Scottish ski area. Ski Scotland?!? Hmmm... nah!!!

The payoff was a long coast into Braemar which is a very twee village where they hold the Highland Games.

Got a great B&B, a scrubbing, and am looking at a beautiful pint as I compose this. (Excuse me a moment whilst I sample same! Ahhhh! 'Do you know how FINE you are to me, dear Pint?')

This has been 1 of the best days riding I've ever had! And my hosts tell me tomorrow is even better!! Wahoo!!!

So, 51 miles today leaves us 274 to go. Cheers!

Day 15 - 21 September 2009 - 50 miles

Well, decision to stay in Edinburgh and not push on turned out to be a good one. Woke up to find 2 spokes pulled out of the rear wheel rim and had to buy a new wheel. 2 hours later, picked up bike from the shop, rode 3 blocks and the rear tube blew out like gunshot. Replaced tube, began inflating and the 2nd blew out before I could get it fully inflated. Back to the shop (on the lightly inflated 3rd tube) and reworked the rear wheel. Put on a new tire, bought a couple spare tubes to replenish stocks and finally got on my way around 13:00... just in time for some classic Scottish weather!

Yes, dear readers, the sunny autumn days have departed and yours truly is getting a dose! Guess it really has been too good to last (though I wish it would have). Riding the bridge over the Firth Of Forth was a bit ticklish! Peddling along in the wind and rain and suddenly 5 feet to the right without turning the handlebars! Only a wee bit of a blow, I'm told.

From Edinburgh, rode to Queen's Landing, across the Firth Of Forth, through
Inverkeithing, Dunfermline, Townhill, Bowershall, Kinross, Bridge of Earn and
into Perth. The photograph is the Perth waterfront.

A gruelling 50 miles means only 325 remain. Cheers, Gentle Readers!

Day 14 - 20 September 2009 - 36 miles

Left Innerleithen under sunny skies and, thank goodness, crisp temperatures. Immediately began the long climb over the Moorfoot Hills. Not terribly steep like, say Cornish hills, but l-o-n-g like, say Scottish hills! Passed through Colquhar and Dewar. Worked up a lather getting to the top. Once there though, there was a terrific view of Edinburgh and the Firth Of Forth off in the distance.

Great coast down through Heriot and then a meandering route over some rough roads through Tynehead, Crichton, Pathhead, Dalkeith, Glimmerton and into Edinburgh.

Was tempted (briefly) to keep going - a condition I will henceforth refer to as
John O' Groats Fever (JOGF) - but thought better of it after reviewing the next
few days elevation charts! Tanking up on the carbs as we speak.

36 miles in the bag - approximately 375 to go! Decided to treat myself to a
sports massage. Very nice!

Day 13 - 19 September 2009 - 45 miles

Left Langholm in a northwesterly direction along the B709 and immediately began climbing. The road follows the River Esk for most of its length to the watershed in the Eskdalemuir Forest.

This is one of the more remote stretches of road I have traveled on this trip. Very beautiful and typical northern European countryside - hills, pine and deciduous trees, clear-water streams. Oh, and some rain. Yep, first rain of the entire trip (touching wood as I type) and the rain gear came out for about an hour. Repacked the rain gear and continued under gray skies through some fine country.

Nice long climbs and incredibly long sustained coasts. Little traffic and great
riding! Out in the middle of nowhere you encounter the Kagyu Samye Ling
Monastery & Tibetan Center - the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the West. They had a tea room open to the public and I got a great cuppa and pastry to help me over the next couple passes.

Then it was one beautiful long coast into Innerleithen! All in all, a day short on miles (45), long on climbs (and coasts) and beautiful country! Fantastic day with 411 miles left to go.

Day 12 - 18 September 2009 - 47 miles

After yesterdays report was sent, a good mate emailed the following: "You are now a long way North boy and you need to watch out for men in skirts."

With this warning in mind, I decided to take a little detour from the itinerary. Heading east under dry gray skies, I left Carlisle and made my way to Hadrian's Wall via Brampton to Greenhead, Northumberland (approx. 1/3 of the way to Newcastle). Then slightly northwest to Gilsland and on to Birdoswald Roman Fort along Hadrian's Wall. Begun in 122 AD, during the rule of emperor Hadrian, it was a stone and turf fortification built by the Roman Empire across the width of what is now northern England. Aparently, the Romans were wary of men in skirts too.

From thence to West Hall, Kirkcambeck, Roadhead, Sleebeck, Catlowdy and (cautiously!) into Langholm, Scotland.

This is the Langholm Church on the River Esk. No men in skirts spotted yet but the accents are getting a wee bit more difficult to understand and gloriously fun to hear! I'm ever hopeful of acquir-r-r-ring a luvely br-r-r-r-rogue over the next few days.

So, after today's par-r-r-tial detour-r-r-r of 47 miles, I have a further-r-r 456 to go. Cheer-r-r-rs!

Day 11 - 17 September 2009 - 45 miles

Left Kirkby Stephens 'bout 9-ish and proceeded north through Appleby, Melmerby and on to Carlisle. Another beautiful day! Spent the afternoon exploring Carlisle. Founded in 1122, Carlisle Cathedral is one of the smallest in England.

So, a relatively easy 45 miles today leaves 503 to go. Cheers!

Day 10 - 16 September 2009 - 53 miles

Left Lancaster under partly cloudy skies and rode north through Kirkby Lonsdale up the west side of the Pennines. Entered the northwest corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park at Sedbergh.

It is incredibly beautiful country and my morning ride was under mostly sunny skies! There were a few hellish climbs but the upside was the downside. One climb of about 2.5 miles from Cowgill to Garsdale Head was especially memorable. I'm sure there are plenty of good climbs still to come.

Temperatures dropped significantly at the summit under cloudy skies and a strong headwind out of the north. Had to slip on leggins, thermal top and warm gloves for the first time on the journey. Cumbria is quite a bit cooler.

Riding down the Vale of Mallerstang, I came upon the ruins of Uther Pendragon's castle.

Made my way into Kirkby Stephens for a much-needed pint and shower. Amazing how 53 miles with climbs is so much harder than 75 miles of comparatively flatter terrain. Only 548 miles left though which means ... WE'RE OVER THE HUMP, BABY!!! Somewhere today it all started going downhill! (If only it were so!)

Day 9 - 15 September 2009 - 75 miles

Left Northwich under sunny skies early this morning. Whilst friends back in London were getting wet, yours truly was spinning in the sun! Rode through beautiful farming country up to Preston leaving Shropshire behind and entering Lancashire.

Spending the night in Lancaster which is a lovely city. Good food, good beer, good spirits! Your complimentary photo is The Priory and Lancaster Castle - both built on the site of a Roman fort.

75 miles today means 601 left. Cheers!

Interlude Message From Me Brother!

Methinks him going too fast. Dost thou employ other methods of propulsion, not connected to thy buttocks? Wilst thou arrive at John O’ Groats with only a willy-nilly blur in thy memory? Must we interpret thy experience thence from thy scars on thy nether end? Pray, exercise restraint! Thy journey is nigh over. Art thou more related to the plodding athletic side of thy family? Hast thou no recollection of thy artistic sentiment? Surely thy journey is more than a simple summation of miles. Methinks …

Me

Day 8 - 14 September 2009 - 72 miles

Got a late start from Ironbridge. Bad move! Rode 72 miles mostly into headwinds. Passed through Longdon On Tern, Eaton Upon Tern, Longslow, Nantwich, Windsford, Whitegate and Northwich.

Sorry but no photos today. Bit of a long slog really. I'm bushed. With today's 72 miles, a mere 676 to go! Feel like those sheep in "Babe"... "Our butts hurt!"

Day 7 - 13 September 2009 - 42 miles

Rode through Worcester this morning and the weather could not have been better. Then on through Hallow where I left Gloucestershire and entered Shropshire. Rode through Shrawley, Bewdley, Billingsley, Glazeley, Nordley and Brosley. Things were going swimmingley (sic) and the bike was rollingley (sic-ker) well.

Lots of climbing and a great coast into Ironbridge - the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution - where I am spending the night. Built in 1779, the Iron Bridge is the world's first cast-iron bridge spanning the River Severn in Ironbridge Gorge. Had one of the best Indian dinners of my life at the Pondicherry Restaurant. Fabulous!

England is a lovely country! With today's 42 miles, my log shows 748 miles to
go. All the best!

Day 6 - 12 September 2009 - 60 miles

Left Sedbury under sunny skies and followed the north shore of the Severn River through Newnham, Westbury, and Tibberton. Stopped at the old Hartpury Church to see the Bee Shelter carved from Cotswold limestone in 1852. Proceeded into Tewkesbury to explore Tewkesbury Abbey and grab a bite.

Then rode east through Eckington, Evesham and into Bretforton where I spent the night with dear friends in their cottage at the foot of the Cotswolds. Excellent 5-star treatment and good to see familiar faces!

With 60 miles today, approximately 790 miles left to go.

Day 5 - 11 September 2009 - 65 miles

Spent the early morning wandering about Glastonbury. Beautiful weather! Walked up to the Tor - a tower built on top of a hill above town - for a great view of the surroundings. Then strolled around the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey where I saw the site of King Arthur's tomb.

Leaving Glastonbury, I had a nice run of flatter terrain. Bit of a steep climb into Wedmore but a lovely coast into the town of Cheddar. Then a long climb up Cheddar Gorge where the cheddar cheese was stored in caves to age. One hell of a climb! Continued climbing over the top of the Mendip Hills with spectacular views and finally dropped down to Chew Valley Lake south of Bristol. Passed through Chew Stoke and Chew Magna and climbed (of course) up the approach to Bristol.

Getting through Bristol can be tricky but the fine folks at Sustrans were a big help. Picked up National Cycle Route (NCR) 3 at Chew Magna and followed it to Queen's Square. At the center of Queen's Square, NCR 3 becomes NCR 4 which takes you through the rest of Bristol and across the Severn Bridge. Whilst a bit tricky to follow the signing, the route works well.

Crossed into Wales and the city of Chepstow. After my late start from Glastonbury, I finally arrived in the village of Sedbury - back in Gloucestershire England - just as the sun was setting.

With today's 65 miles, I reckon about 850 to go.

Day 4 - 10 September 2009 - 52 miles

Left Tiverton under a beautiful sunny sky heading north up the Exe Valley. Through Bampton, Wiveliscombe, Taunton, Street and into Glastonbury.

Stopped at Burrow Mump to explore the ruins of a medieval church dedicated to St Michael which dates from at least the mid-15th century and formed a sanctuary for royalist troops in 1642 and 1645 during the English Civil War. A detachment of the king's army occupied it in 1685 during the course of the Monmouth Rebellion.

Going to explore the Abbey ruins in Glastonbury and the Tor early tomorrow and then press on. Weather (touch wood!) has been terrific. Actually felt like the load was lighter today. Maybe I'm getting in shape!

52 miles today! With 53 in the bag from Day 3, I reckon only 915 left!

Day 3 - 9 September 2009 - 52 miles

Spent last night in Launceston, the capitol of Cornwall. I'm now in Devonshire and the hills whilst plentiful seem a bit more moderate. Left the B&B on a beautiful, sunny morning and immediately began climbing. My route took me through Lifton, Lewdown and Bridestow. The views are a treat. Loads of rolling hills and pastures delineated by hedgerows and stone walls.

Had a nice coast down to Okehampton where I stopped for a coffee. Made a quick visit to check out Okehampton Castle. It ain't England without a castle or 2! Now it is on to Crediton and Tiverton.

Weather is perfect! My butt is a bit saddle-sore but my spirits are high! A mere 967 miles left to go. Cheers!

Day 2 - 8 September 2009 - 53 miles

Set out from Newquay under grey skies following the Atlantic coast north to Padstow. More hills (some 17-18% grade). Lance, I ain't!

At Padstow, I picked up the Camel Trail along the Camel River inland (east) for about 6 miles. Back on paved road at Wadebridge, I headed northeast toward St Mabyn, St Tudy and Camelford - much of it single track lanes between hedgerows. Oh, and more hills - same sort of grade! Makes for interesting riding when all one wants to do is keep the damn pedals spinning and the approaching car wants only to get past!

Spent a few hours riding through thick coastal mist on 2-lane highway from Camelford into Trewen. Lit up all the flashing lights on front and rear and wearing every bit of yellow clothing I had with me. Bit of white knuckle riding!

Finally made it to Launceston some 53 miles later. So, at the end of Day 2, it
is 118 miles down - and a mere 1,019 to go! This pint in front of me is tasting
especially good!

Day 1 - 7 September 2009 - 65 miles

Spent last night in a farmhouse B&B 5 miles west of Penzance so the day started with an early 14-mile ride west for the obligatory starting photo. Getting used to the load but the bike feels very unstable. Having no panniers on the front means the load is unbalanced front to rear. This will take some getting used to as it is difficult to stand up to peddle the many hills.

Can't tell what the weather wants to do yet. This morning was quite foggy but I sense the sun trying to break through. Got to Land's End only to find that the photographer who owns the concession would not arrive until 10:00. The official sign is nothing but a naked pole. Story is people kept nicking the sign so he takes it down each evening. Nothing to do but wait for it.

After finally getting the picture, I retraced my route easterly through Penzance and along the Channel coast to Marazion. Left the coast at this point and began a northeasterly heading through Goldsithney, Praze-an-Beeble and Four Lanes. Here the path turned towards the north through Redruth and Mawla and back to the Atlantic coastal city of Perranporth, about 10 miles below Newquay.

Peddled into Newquay where I spent the night. "Hill" (a 4-letter word!) was the theme of the day! Carbed up on some pasta and beer in preparation for tomorrow's climbs. After today's 65 miles, I slept like a baby.

The saga begins...

... at the southwest tip of Cornwall, Land's End, on 7 September, 2009.

After years of talking about it and months of planning it, I am about to set off on a 1,100+ mile cycle ride for Multiple Sclerosis.

If you would like to make a contribution to the cause, please contact ________________