Jerry & Joe JOGLE 2010

2010-08-10T09:14:00.002+01:00

2010-08-10T09:07:00.003+01:00

Presenting the cheque to the British Legion

2010-08-10T08:57:00.003+01:00

Presenting the Cheque to Howard ,Charlie and William for the Little Hearts Matter charity

2010-08-10T08:40:00.002+01:00

2010-08-10T08:29:00.003+01:00

Sunday 8th August over the finishing line at Lands End. Champagne reception!

2010-08-10T08:13:00.003+01:00

Saturday 7th Aug Bissoe

2010-08-10T08:04:00.003+01:00

After leaving St Columb on to BissoeA welcome party at Bissoe Bike Chain Cafe laid on by liz. Saturday 7th Aug

The final few days photos

2010-08-10T07:38:00.004+01:00

Welcome party at St Columb and a lovely tea laid on by Sally (Jerry`s sister)

Day 12 - The Final Day

2010-08-10T06:08:00.002+01:00

The last and final day of the bike ride, Sunday 08 August, and guess what – it rained as Joe cycled from his grand-parents house near Bissoe to the cycle café. The forecast was for the rain to clear and to brighten up during the day, which was what we needed as a BBQ was planned for later in the in the day. On arrival at cycle club, a group of riders met Joe and they all tucked in to a huge complimentary breakfast provided by Liz and her great tem of assistants. At 10:30, having all been fed and watered, the cyclists all set-off for Lands End, the last remaining 32 miles of the End-to-End ride. The planned arrival time at Lands End was 13:30. Jerry travelled west in the car and met the guys at Mounts Bay, The weather was fantastic: it was the best weather we had seen, as it had rained everyday since departing John O Groats. Many friends, family and supporters had persuaded Jerry to join Joe on his bike for the final run into Lands End as everyone felt having completed 700 hundred miles in 9 days and supported Joe for his last remaining 2 days from Bristol to the finishing line it was appropriate to cross the line with Joe. Jerry prepared his bike 1 mile from the line, and struggled to cycle on the flat outside the “First and Last” pub. At 13:15 Joe and his escort of fellow cyclists arrived at Sennen, 1 mile from the finish line. Joe stayed behind with his dad whilst the escort continued to Lands End. At the required time it was a gentle ride, just Joe and Jerry, who crossed the line at 13:32, into a shower of champagne, load applause, cheering and shouting. A large crowd of friends and family had made the journey to the most westerly point of the UK mainland to welcome Joe and Jerry. Our family had prepared drinks and cake for all those who made it to Lands End. It was a great atmosphere, the sun was shining, and the wind was hardly blowing – a huge contrast to what we had experienced during the previous 12 days. Joe and Jerry presented our chosen charities with cheques for just over £1600 each. A huge thank you to everyone who had sponsored us during the ride. It is the intention for Jerry to return to Bristol at some time in the future and complete the last 3 remaining days of the challenge. Photos will b posted very soon.

More pics

2010-08-08T18:09:00.006+01:00

The One & All Cycle Club, ready to depart with Joe to Lands End on the Final 32 miles, great turnout - fantastic

more pics

2010-08-08T18:05:00.002+01:00

The tuff Devon HillsCruising down the Devon Roads - good average speed

Refuel stop at Bickleigh

More Pics

2010-08-08T17:49:00.005+01:00

Phil and joe heading west down the old A30 near BridgewaterPhil and Joe prepare to leave Bristol for Oakhampton

Joe tucking into his welldeserved dinner after a long ride of 88 miles

More pics

2010-08-08T17:45:00.002+01:00

OUCH, this hurts

At the Severn Bridge, only 18 milkes to go to the B&B (and then the locals sent us 6 miles the wrong way!!)

Joe looking towards the West Country

More pics

2010-08-08T17:43:00.002+01:00

This knee is killing me!!Ice is just PERFECT!!!!

Rest stop by the side of the road

Photo's sorry for the delay

2010-08-08T17:39:00.005+01:00

Enjoying a rest in a garden centre near HerefordJoe, enjoying his ice cream at the garden centre

DAY 11 UPDATE

2010-08-07T18:01:00.002+01:00

Jerry, Joe, Julie and Phil had a good nights rest at Oakhampton, Devon.
After a good breakfast Joe and Phil made their exit from Oakhampton in the rain again!
Julie and Jerry supported them in the car feeding them bananas, energy bars and high energy drinks. The wind was from the West throughout the day, therefore it made the riding tiring and much harder. Phil did a fantastic job of making a hole in the wind for Joe to slipstream behind.
Yesterday's mileage was 97 miles. Therefore Joe's legs were heavy, and it was remarkable to watch him grind the peddles up some enormous hills in Cornwall today and he seemed to be comfortable throughout.
We took a break at Aunty Sallys in Fraddon where a fantastic lunch spread was provided in her new house - Thankyou so much Sally, we are so grateful.XXX
At this stage Joe's cycling mate Jake joined the ride from Fraddon to Bissoe - which is the end of today's ride.
On arrival at Bissoe Cyle Hire the flags were flying. Family and friends were there to greet the arrival of the three of them. We had champagne and cake to celebrate kindly provided by Liz of Bissoe Cycle Hire - Thankyou Liz XX.
Tomorrow is our final day with a late departure (10:30am) from Bissoe Cycle Hire to the finish line at Lands End, a short distance of only 32 miles. We will be joined by friends from the cycle club who will accompany us to Lands End.
Regretably there are no further updates from the GPS (finger trouble!!)

DAY 10 UPDATE

2010-08-06T21:27:00.002+01:00

Julie and Phil arrived at Bristol at 08:30am.

Jerry's bike was prepared and panniers removed. Joe and Phil set off for Oakhampton at 09:45am with Jerry and Julie following in the car. Surprise, surprise it rained for the tenth day running! They averaged 17mph for the first three hours, cycling through Somerset plains. We stopped for lunch in Taunton. There was a strong headwind throughout the day and the ride got harder and harder as the day progressed. The last 20 miles were extremely difficult. We arrived in Oakhampton at 7pm, checked into the B&B and went into town for dinner as all very hungry.

Tomorrow morning Joe and Phil will cycle from Oakhampton to Bissoe nr Truro.

At the first opportunity photos will be downloaded.

Thank you very much to everyone who has sent their best wishes to us.

DAY 9 UPDATE

2010-08-06T21:18:00.003+01:00

We both had a very good overnight stay at The Mount B&B in Ludlow.

When we arrived on Wednesday night we were so tired, we ordered chinese take-away to be delivered. ~We were so hungry and looked forward to, but it was awful when it arrived.

We left Ludlow after breakfast on Thursday and cycled through Herriford, Monmouth, through the Wye Valley and onwards to Bristol. We took a wrong turn in Monmouth, which added an extra hour to our journey. During the ride through the Wye Valley Jerry's knee was of great cause for concern. We went over the old Seven Bridge, turned right into Avonmouth, through the industrial estate where there is more broken glass on the roads and pavements than in all the household recycling centres in the UK put together!. It was amazing we didn't get a puncture.

Progress was extremely slow in the day because of Jerry's knee. We asked directions to our B&B in a local pub, only to find out six miles later that they had sent us the wrong way, so having cycled 83 miles it was a great disappointment.

On arrival at the B&B at Bristol Jerry had decided that it was not possible to continue his ride the Lands End because of his right knee. We then made the decision to call Julie and it was decided that Julie and Phil would drive up early morning. Jerry would go in the car with Julie as support and Phil would ride with Joe for company. It was with great disappointment that we have to report that Jerry could no longer continue with the ride having got so far.

DAY 8 UPDATE

2010-08-04T20:25:00.002+01:00

Woke up this morning, opened the curtains, guess what - it's raining!!!

We both had a very nice breakfast at our friend's house (Nicky and Shirley) and then we off loaded all our unnecessary luggage to reduce the weight in the panniers.

We set off at 09:00am, heading South to our final destination of Ludlow.

After only half a mile of cycling Jerry's right knee was screaming out in pain. At this point the thought of hiring a car crossed his mind and to let Joe continue solo with Jerry as a support driver. No amount of Ibobrufen and Paracetamol was going to lessen the pain. Very close to Crewe we passed a large NHS building which looked like a hospital. Jerry shouted to Joe that he was going to go in and ask for help with his knee. The receptionist very kindly explained that this was the North Cheshire Vinereal Disease Clinic - OOOPPPPS! and as such was not able to offer any assistant to the knee area at least. She did give us directions to the A&E department half a mile down the road. We took a detour to the A&E Dept. in the hope that they were not busy and may be able to offer help. Luckily the wait was only 15 mins. and he was seen by an ex-doctor of the Scottish Football Team - so he knew what he was dealing with in knee injuries. After an examination he prescribed the strongest painkillers known to man! We then had to cycle three miles to the pharmacy. Four hours after taking the tablets the pain had not decreased. The good news is that as I am sat in Ludlow eating my chinese take-away I have no feeling in my legs at all!

It eventually stopped raining just after mid-day and Joe was leaving Jerry way behind. The views as we travelled through the valley from Shrewsbury to Ludlow were amazing.

We covered 76 miles today. The GPS data will be uploaded as soon as have access to internet.

Tomorrow (Thursday) we plan to depart Ludlow for Bristol, estimated mileage is 80.

Day 7 Update

2010-08-03T20:51:00.005+01:00

Our bedroom used as a drying room - nice tiy room (not).... Joe 2, Jerry Nil

Joe will inflate the tyre using the hose that disappears between his legs...

We had a hearty breakfast in the B&B at Morecambe, which was on the sea front with a fantastic view to the south of the Lake District. Surprise Surprise - it was raining, dull and cold. We loaded the bikes up, put on all our winter clothing and set-off heading south for Northwich (15 miles south east of Warrington). We followed a cycle track to Lancaster and Jerry's right knee was very painful. With each revolution of the pedal it was like someone poking a red hot poker in behind the knee cap. By the time we had cycled outside Lancaster, the pain was intense. It was not until about 16 miles further down the road that the pain barrier was broken - but how long would it last? Not long enough. we stopped at Preston for a sarny and a cup of tea, then continued through Euxton,Standish,Wigan,Newtown-Le-Willows, and Warrington. The traffic at the major intersections was something we never experience in Cornwall, they were scary. The rain did stop after lunch and we saw the sunshine for 17 minutes which made a huge change. Cycling along an A-Road to the southeast of Warrington we passed at least 5 very large road signs saying"52 Casualties in the Last 3 Years". This was obviously a dangerous stretch of road, but did not stop man in white van overtake us on a very sharp right hand bend with combine harvester travelling in opposite direction. We arrived at our friends house at 18:00, having covered only 65 miles. Joe was desperate to race ahead but Dad kept him back as his pace was only just faster than walking pace when climbing up the most shallowest hills........Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Quess What? - Joe had his 2nd Puncture, so that is Joe 2, Jerry Nil.

Day 6 Half Way Update

2010-08-02T21:39:00.006+01:00

We had a good nights sleep in Carlisle at the Warick House. The owners looked after us very well. At breakfast this morning we got a £10donation from some very nice people from Gloucester, thanks, make it all worthwhile. We had a slightly later departure tan lanned as Joe feel asleep afterI woke him up. He had a single room to himself, so I guess that comes with the territory!! We lef Carlisle at 10 am and headed for Morcambe, 67 ileso he souh. My right knee was screaming out for less activity, but as my left knee was shot, there was not much I could do other than pop big pink Ibrufen tblets and paracetomol, and think of better things. It was a hard day - eve a gentle incline in a low gear was very painful. We met Blind Dave - a man who has ran 7 marathons, in 7 days on 7 continents - what an achievement.Next year he is planning to run a marathon each day and cycle (on a tandam) for 120miles each day from John O Groats to Lands End - what a guy, an inspiration to us all. More ics tomorrow, its getting late now. We have 65 miles tmorrow to Northwich in Cheshire where we are staying at Nicky and Shirley's - looking forward to a hot soak in the tub as this B&B only has a shower!!

Photos

2010-08-01T21:19:00.014+01:00

Deserted road and cycle path between Glasgow & Carlisle

More rain cloudsNot more Cyclists taking my picture!!

Seen it - The Monster

Mum can you pick me up- Dad is doing my head-in!!!!!!

Tea and cake with our fan club in Drumnadrockit (still cant spell it!!)

Points out of 10 for the pic?? Fort Augustus outside our B&B

MADE-IT ENGLAND (need to spend those Scottish tenners!!)

Tired - need my bed

Glad we are not down there!

Just love Malt Loaf xx

Joe 1, Jerry Nil

day 5 update

2010-08-01T21:06:00.002+01:00

last nite stayed at a hotel called Rissons in Strathaven , south east of Glasgow. Started the day at 9 am and got a mile down the road and joe had to turn around and go back to the hotel to use their track pump because he had a tire buldge, because of the puncture he got yesterday in Glasgow.
The weather was very good today we had a tail wind all day it stayed dry, only had one rain shower for 10 minites. Went into a truck stop on the old A74, where there was the tail-end of a bikers convention. A couple of the older bikers showed some interest in what we where doing - one of the grumpy was heard to mutter"You must be off your ******* heads"!!!! We both enjoyed the downhill descent which went on for miles - what a change to be able to free-wheel. The old A74 runs parrallel with the motorway, and is all but deserted of vehicles. At 3pm, having completed 55 miles, we were both starving and were lucky to find a 2nd truck stop. The food was great, we ate loads and even managed to buy a huge slice of homemade Ginger cake for later on in the afternoon.
Towards the latter part of the afternoon both of us where feeling pretty well done-in. With a further 10 miles to Carlisle it was a case of digging deep into the reserves. We finally arrived into Carlisle, found the B&B, and what a bonus I found - my room has a bath - first one since leaving Cornwall last Monday (I have had a shower since then!!!) Photos to follow....

Catch-up time - photos - what you have all been waiting for.

2010-07-31T19:10:00.012+01:00

cold ,wet, tired and 17 miles to go

water fall on the climb up glencoe

the view down the valley towards glencoe village

the Commondo Memorial at Spean Bridge

happy chappy

wet cold grummpy

ohh the sun has come out not for long, loch ness

onwards towards Fort augustus

Golspie inn end of first day

GPS Details for Day 2 & 3 & 4 combined

2010-07-31T19:02:00.000+01:00

JOGLE Day 2 & 3 & 4 - Details

I need to find out how to only log the data for one day and not all together - check out the gain in elevation - no wonder my knees are aching!!!!

Untitled by jjbikeride at Garmin Connect - Details

2010-07-31T18:55:00.000+01:00

JOGLE Day 1 GPS - Details

Day 3 Update

2010-07-30T21:46:00.001+01:00

No PC available here in Tyndrum so am sending using blackberry. We left Fort Augustus later than would have liked as breakfast did not start until 0830. A huge breakfast was served, only for Joe to say he felt sick afterwards. We both felt very tired and did not really get into the ride until after lunchtime. We had haddock and chips for lunch in Fort William and met a solo end to ender who lives in Falmouth, a school teacher at Hayle school. He will complete at John O Groats on Sunday. We had a massive up Glen Coe in the rain, luckily the wind behind us. The road was very busy which was scary at times. We could not see the tops of the mountains as they were covered in clouds. We were both wet and tired, and the ascent just went on and on. My estimated and planned mileage have consistently been lower than the actual mileage. We completed 80 hard miles today and arrived in Tyndrum at 1915. The landlady filled us up with homemade cake and cups of hot tea. She even took all our wet clothes to dry including my cycle shorts which are hanging as there are the remains of a handful of Doctor Moulins Minty Botty lard in the gusset (for those not in the know this prevents saddle sore) and believe me having completed 235 miles in 3 days it is sore!!!!! Tomorrow will see us descend past Loch Lomand and through Glasgow to Strathaven.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Day 2 Update

2010-07-29T21:41:00.001+01:00

This update is sent using my blackberry as we do not have access to a PC. Today we completed 85 miles from Golspie to Fort Augustus, longer than we had planned as the ferry from Nigg to Cromarty is not operating. The revised route took us through Digwall and Beauly and up a huge long steep hill. The mozzies were the size of sparrows and managed to keep up with us - even going at 20 mph. At Drumnadockit we met up with Stuart and Pat. The carrot cake was great. Tomorrow will be tuff as we climb up through Glen Coe. The weather forecast is terrible- can't change that so just get on with it. Our B and B is on the locks at Fort Augustus, great position, very scenic. As soon as we have access to a PC we can download the route from the GPS and upload some photos. That's all for now as it is time for some well deserved sleep. PS - Joe is leaving me way behind on the hills. All he keeps saying is "come on Dad, Man-up"!!!!!!!!!
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Day 1 Photos

2010-07-28T19:54:00.001+01:00

Day 1 Completed

2010-07-28T19:05:00.002+01:00

All well, started at JOG at 08:00, got the official form signed and stamped, and away we went - 3 and half miles up hill!!!! What a way to start. B & B was good, landlord even brought the beer in the local pub. It rained for all of the ride, apart from the last 2 hours. We had a headwind to battle with - so far from ideal conditions. I was very surprised at how long and - at times steep - the hills are. The A9 was quite busy and the HGV's fly past very fast. The spray was horrible. No midges today, must of stayed at home in the dry!!!!! Made it to Golspie just after 4pm, in the Golspie Inn, very comfortable, single rooms so Joe does not have to hear me snore, and I do not have to listen to him wittering away in some strange language in the middle of the night. Tomorrow should be less hilly, approx 75 miles to Fort Augustus, where we have arranged tea and Stuart and Pat, Max and Corrie in Drumnadrockit (not spelt correctly).

Arrived at JOG

2010-07-27T19:48:00.003+01:00

GOT THERE AT LAST !!!

Todays photos

2010-07-27T19:39:00.007+01:00

Joe is not sure about getting inside- The Northern Gypsy Van..... OMG

The fan club, Stuart, Pat, Corrie, & Max

Arrived in Inverness and were met by our fan club sporting Jerry & Joe go faster T-Shirts

Misty Mountain

The Scottish Highlands

Journey to the start line

2010-07-27T19:28:00.002+01:00

We both slept reasonably well at the Holiday Inn in Hamilton. Google Maps suggested it will take 3 hours to drive to Inverness where we had arranged lunch with friends. I woke up early and thought about an earlier planned departure and Joe agreed. Good job he did as it took 5 hours!!!!! The drive past Loch Lomand was stunning and the climb into the highlands was awesome. The descent down into Glen Coe was incredible. We did not see the summits of any of the mountains as the cloud base was low. I must admit I was and am still slightly apprehensive about the climb out of Glen Coe Village to the summit as it is a long fairly steep climb. We drove like madmen to make the lunch which was a shame as a slower drive would have been perfect. I guess as we ride through the area we will be able to enjoy. We have arrived safely at John O Groats, within 1 minute of jumping out of the van (that the driver thought was modified - See photo- Joe was embarrassed to be seen in it!!), the mozzies where around like the plague. The B&B is comfortable, and even better the landlord has agreed to drive us to the pub - nice one.

We're on our way to Scotland

2010-07-26T21:09:00.006+01:00

Departed home at 08:15, arrived Truro and collected the hire car.

Total miles today - too many....

4 stops for tea and comfort.....

Most expensive cup of tea - £2.19... Cosat Rip-Off, North of Lancaster....

Weather - a mixed bag....

Incoming calls on mobile - too many.....

Mssg's of good luck.... Many.... so thanks to you all.

Plan is to drive to Inverness for Lunch with friends Stiaurt and Pat, then a taxi to John O Groats... Weather forecast is good.....

A few pics of the journey heading North.

joes racing

2010-07-25T16:39:00.004+01:00

racing crits at portreath and came 1st and to day i went on a ride with my bags on the back of my bike that is 10 times harder climbing up them hills now

2010-07-25T16:36:00.002+01:00

Come on Dad, what are you doing, I've been ready to go for days!!

2010-07-25T16:34:00.002+01:00

If you see this - give us a toot :)

2010-07-25T16:32:00.002+01:00

Julie, have you seen my toothbrush??

2010-07-25T16:31:00.002+01:00

Brakes work!!

Nearly ready for a start

2010-07-25T16:28:00.003+01:00

Joe, help me find the nut...

How does this go on?

Pannier Covers and update

2010-07-20T04:16:00.002+01:00

Julie has done a great job of designing our pannier covers and printing and laminating these onto the covers. Hopefully by having the logos of the charities and the wording "John O Groats to Lands End" will make people aware of what we are doing and might just help to make the great British public part with their hard earnt cash. Joe and I rode with the One & All Cycle Club on Sunday. I stayed in Group 1, whilst Joe raced off with Group 2. The weather was not so good, strong south westerly wind and cornish "mizzle" - the kind of drizzle that gets through everything. Luckily I took my wind proof jacket, which did the job of keeping me warm, but not dry. Joe unfortunately learnt a lesson - dress for the weather. He peeled off from the group as he went home as he was soking wet and cold. Better not pull that one next week up in the mountains of Scotland!! Booked our hotel for the drive up to Inverness next Monday. We are staying in Hamilton, south east Glasgow at the Holiday Inn Express. I googled the hotel using Google Street View (after having made the reservation). It is located on what appears to be the largest roundabout in Europe - oh dear, I can just imagine the blog for Tuesday morning "Managed 2 hours sleep last night - boy racers wheel spinning all night outside!!!" The good news is that the donations are still coming inn, the total raised to date is just under £3k.........

Training in the hills of Cornwall

2010-07-20T04:15:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday's ride in Cornwall with the One & All Cycling Club - Click Here

Bike being stripped down ready for packing.

2010-07-16T05:18:00.004+01:00

Completed my last ride last evening, and to top it all I fell off!! No damage, though a dent to my pride. I was looking at a sign post going very slow still clipped-in, when a small twig/branch got stuck in the front wheel, got to the fork and that was it - ALL STOP - gravity takes over and down I went. Bike OK, Jerry OK. The bike is all packed away, ready for this afternoons flight back to Bristol, then hire care to home - cant wait.

Last & final training ride in Germany

2010-07-16T05:17:00.000+01:00

Here it is - final ride in Germany

Joe`s training

2010-07-15T16:25:00.004+01:00

I have done 1430 miles so far of training. I have competed in a few races and time trials. My fastest time so far for a time trial is 25mins and 53 secs and for road racing i have got a few 2nd places and just trying hard to get the 1sts. I try and ride 5 times every week and i have also joined a club called One and All. The club have helped me a lot with my training and racing with all of their support. I also use my mountain bike, it is very good for my training because it makes me stronger in my legs. For mtb racing I came first in the under 16s and 2nd in the under 18s

Last training ride in Germany this evening........

2010-07-15T04:59:00.002+01:00

My bike is booked on tomorrows OLT flight from Bremen to Bristol, so will need to pack the bike this evening. I am planning on a 2 hour loop ride, this will then give me enough time to break the bike down and pack it into the bike bag ready for the journey home. The down side to this is when I return next week for a short working week I will be bike-less. I wanted the bike back in the UK early to ensure the bike was ready for the transit to John O Groats which is not far away now - only 11 days away. It would be a diaster if I arrive back at home next week and the airline refused to take my bike. If that happened, I guess my only option would be to dump the hire car at one of the channel ports and take the bike on a ferry - what a hassle that would be..........

Jerry Training ride Sunday 10 July by jjbikeride at Garmin Connect - Details

2010-07-14T12:09:00.000+01:00

Jerry Training ride Sunday 10 July by jjbikeride at Garmin Connect - Details

Click the above link to see the ride.

Feel like S**T

2010-07-14T08:12:00.002+01:00

Went out for a gentle ride, just to keep up the training having had a rest day on Monday and came across a small Kiosk in a village in the middle of nowhere. Thought it would be a good idea to refuel so bought a German Hot dog and a bottle of apple juice. Waited and waited and waited, and eventually a head popped out the kiosk window, grunted something in German, dumped the dead dog on the sill and slammed the kiosk window closed. "Thanks" I replied. It stared at what looked like fresh road-kill on a paper plate, covered in re-constituted onion, tomato sauce, mustard sauce, gerkins, other unknown vegetable matter and a burnt roll. I should have known better, but I was fairly hungry. I did question what I was doing and threw the remaining half in the bin and washed it down as best I could with the apple juice. Surprise surprise - yes I have the squits this morning. Lesson learnt - I truely hope so........

Untitled by jjbikeride at Garmin Connect - Details

2010-07-10T17:10:00.000+01:00

Click here for this afternoon's ride

Very hot at 31 deg c. kept the pace slow as I did not want to boil and get myself in a bad way. German cyclists do not like being friendly and saying hello!!!!!!!!!

Untitled by jjbikeride at Garmin Connect - Details

2010-07-09T20:19:00.001+01:00

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THE LINK

Just follow the link.

Tonights training ride

2010-07-09T20:09:00.005+01:00

Follow the link above to view this evening training ride. It was very warm, so made sure I was hydrated - drank 2 liters of water. Really getting tired of cycling alone on these very flat and dull roads. The only good point to note is the lack of cars and cycle paths which are in very good condition. If you can imagine the best surface in Cornwall, then these cycle paths are without a doubt even better!!

Photos from last Saturday's race at Portreath

2010-07-09T05:39:00.003+01:00

Joe preparing his bike for the race - slightly nervous at this stage.

Jerry Training ride this evening

2010-07-07T18:57:00.000+01:00

Untitled by jjbikeride at Garmin Connect - Details

Just follow this link..........

This evenings Training Ride

2010-07-07T18:47:00.001+01:00

I had problems with the Garmin and lost the data for this ride - therefore it is not possible to view the ride on Google maps.......Last night I managed 34 miles in 2 hr 11 mins - well chuffed.

MADE IT!!!! Not Land's End but our Target £2500

2010-07-07T14:01:00.002+01:00

Great News. Joe and I have made our target of £2500 which is fantastic. Many thanks to all of our sponsors - a really good effort. This will give us tremendous focus during the ride. Thank you once again. We will continue our efforts to raise more money - Lovely Jubbly :))

2010-07-04T21:51:00.002+01:00

Had a great weekend, no long distance rides, just a gentle 6 miles with Julie around the local lanes, me on my trusted old Trek Mountain Bike, and Julie on her Trek road bike. Went to our daughters house warming party last night, followed by a live band in a local barn, drank far too much and woke with a dreadful hangover......... Then jumped out of bed, and attended the British Cycling Assistant Commissaire Course from 10am till 5pm - very interesting stuff but found it hard to concentrate. Went to Portreath to see race yesterday afternoon. Great weather, good result for joe came in 2nd - well done. Back to Germany tomorrow and more training. Plan to recce some of the minor roads in Devon tomorrow on my way to Bristol Airport. I did try this 2 weeks ago and got lost - ended up in Exeter, then realised I was running late for my flight. So after driving like a man possessed, got lost a(again) around Tiverton, dumped the car off at the airport and just made it for the KLM flight to Amsterdam, well fed-up as I could not even by a newspaper.......... Oh, photos of joes race will be uploaded in the next couple of days.

2010-06-30T11:51:00.002+01:00

For many years I have wanted to cycle from John O Groats to Lands End, but with family and work commitments the time was never right. Towards the latter part of last year it suddenly dawned on me that I will be 48 years old, and if I was going to do the ride I will need to do it sooner rather than later. My original intent was to ride on my own, but it was my daughter who jumped at the chance as she had just purchased a Cannondale road bike. I was initially not keen, but as soon as my son Joe got wind of this he was going to join-us. So much for wanting to have "me-time!!". It didn't take long for Nicky to drop out, so the more I thought about it I realised there was a fantastic opportunity to have some good dad/son bonding. At Christmas lunch kast year I asked Joe if he was committed to the ride. "Yes, definately" was his reply. Sorted - that's it we were committed. Why cycle from John O Groats to Lands End - easy - we live 32 miles from Lands End, so everyday on the ride is a day closer to home and my gorgeous wife!!!!!!!

2010-06-29T19:53:00.002+01:00

Straight after work it was back to the hotel, change, fill up my water bottle and off. Fairly brisk headwind blowing in off the North sea, head down fresh legs and then after about 10 miles turn left, and downwind - perfect. Managed 28 miles in 1 hour 48 mins, average speed 15.9mph......well pleased. Still not sure if my saddle is right for the ride, after about 15 miles it frigging hurts :((

2010-06-29T15:56:00.002+01:00

I have finally managed to book each nights accommodation during the ride, with the exception of one nights accommodation in the Glasgow area as we head north in the hire car to the start. The places we will have a night stopovers are as follows:27 July John O Groats Hamnavoe B & B

28 July Golspie Inn

29 July Caledonian House B&B, Fort Augustus

30 July Tyndrum, Tigh-na-froach (try saying that when your pissed)

31 July Strathaven, Scissons Guest House

1 Aug Carlisle, Warick Lodge

02 Aug Morecombe, Yacht Bay View (bet the view is not as good as Falmouth Bay)

03 Aug Nikki’s House (friend) Northwich

04 Aug Ludlow, The Mount B&B

05 Aug Bristol, Bridgewater Farm

06 Aug Oakhampton, Capella (Hope it is not named after the England Manager)

07 Aug Perranwell Stn, “The Outlaws” (wife will not let me stay at home” unsupported she says – and bloody means it too!!)

08 Aug Cross the finish line at Land’s End approx 14:00…………………….

2010-06-29T12:37:00.000+01:00

Its so so hot and muggy, there's no breeze and my trousers are stuck to my legs - hate it.... Why cant the management change the rules and relax the dress code - not that I want to sit here in my lycra shorts....... Looking forward to getting out of here and going for a 30 mile training ride as yesterday was my rest day.

2010-06-28T18:41:00.000+01:00

Lookout - Coming through............

2010-06-28T18:32:00.000+01:00

2010-06-28T18:29:00.000+01:00

2010-06-28T15:33:00.002+01:00

I spoke with Julie earlier today and she tells me Joe completed a 42 mile ride with the One & All Cycle Club on Sunday. Well done Joe - keep up the hard training. I managed a 50 mile ride from Nordenham to Bremen. It was a good ride, mostly on cycle paths with small sections of road, though not busy almost completely devoid of cars. German cyclists are not very social creatures. In the UK I have noticed that road cyclists will acknowledge on another, but here in Germany I am normally greeted by a look of astonishment when nodding/saying Hiya to them. I got lost in Bremen, which was a pain as I needed to catch the train back to Nordenham to watch the footy at 4pm. I guess by getting lost added extra miles, which was mostly through open countryside along a river - it was awesome, very different than the cliff road between Portreath and Godrevy!! Got back just in time for the footy, drank far too much ale, and have been feeling like shit all day!! (Lesson learn't? Probably not!!!!)

England V Germany World Cup

2010-06-27T06:29:00.002+01:00

Germany is gripped by footy - there are flags everywhere, cars have flags flying, they even have wing mirror covers in their national colours. I have planned a 60 mile ride this morning, departing Nordenham for Bremen, and catching the train back in time for the kick-off. I am not really a footy fan, but it will be interesting to be on the fringe in the bar with the locals!!!!

Empty Roads

2010-06-27T06:04:00.002+01:00

Training ride yesterday was completed in 2h 15 mins, 28.5 miles, again no hills, flat as as a table. The attached photo is typical of the roads - straight and empty - why cant the roads in the UK be like this?

2010-06-26T05:41:00.002+01:00

Yesterday can only be described as a beautiful summers day. I was stuck in the office (clock watching) ready to make my escape and leap on the bike as soon as the time was right. I left the office just after 5pm, went back to the hotel, changed into my bike clothes and went for it!! It was great cycling with a steady 10kt wind from the north. The route was a clockwise loop, 33.3 miles, 2hr 13 mins,max 23.9mph, average 14.9mph. Spoke to Joe yesterday - he was sent home from school as he felt sick, so unfortunately canceled his evening ride with his cycling mate Jake. Strange though, it did not stop him going fishing with his older brother on the boat ;).......

2010-06-24T21:18:00.002+01:00

This evening after work I managed a 23 mile training ride, 1 hour 25 minutes, average speed 15mph. Cycling in Northern Germany is very different from Cornwall - there are no hills! It is very flat, the only incline is the fly-over over the main road! The roads are almost car-less, it is amazing to ride miles and see only a few cars. Drivers are very considerate to cyclists, and there is a very good network of cycle paths, well sign posted and the surface is smooth with very little in the way of poor surface conditions. Looking forward to the weekend and getting in some serious mileage. Photos of the local area will be posted soon.....

Equipment List

2010-06-22T21:56:00.001+01:00

The equipment we take with us on the ride will need to be lightweight and compact as we will carry everything we need. All of life’s luxuries will be ignored for 12 days. I have said to Joe that if he over packs his panniers he will either take them on the whole ride or find a skip by the side of the road. I have read reports of fellow end-to-enders that have five bags strapped to their bikes and even take paper back books to read. No chance – not for us. Our kit will consist of the following per person:

Trek 2.3 Road bike
2 x Altura 46 litre side panniers + rack
Mud guards
2 water bottles
Front and rear LED lights

First aid/medical kit:
Paracetomol Capsules
Rennie Tablets
Deep Heat
Plasters of various shapes & sizes
Sterile Compress
Folded Space Blanket (You'd be amazed how small it folds to!)
Sterile Wound dressing with bandage
Elasticated Bandage
Triangular Bandage
Antiseptic Wipes
Safety Pins
Latex gloves
Lip sun block
Midge cream (to keep the northern mozzies away)

Clothes:
2 changes of cycling tops, shorts, and 2 pairs of socks
Waterproof Jacket
Cycling shoes
Helmet
Gloves
1 T shirts,
2 pair’s pants
1 x pair of light weight trousers
Flip-flops
Sunglasses
Hi-Viz tabard
Base layer
Long sleeved t-shirt
Shoe covers
Arm/leg warmers

Cycle spares.

Chain breaker
1 x Tyre
2 x Inner Tubes
Puncture repair kit
Tyre levers
Multi-tool
Tie- wraps
Duct tape
Penknife
Chain lube

Misc
Notebook and pen
Money
Credit card
Travel Towel
Wet wipes
Toothpaste
Half a toothbrush
Watch
Verification form (to be signed at JOG and LE, plus our overnight stopovers)
Energy drink, REGO
Bungee straps
Blackberry Mobile + charger
Maps (loose laminated pages from a 99 pence Morrison’s road atlas)
Sun screen
Wash kit + deodorant
Kernow Flag

Training Update

2010-06-22T21:44:00.003+01:00

Training started in January this year, once Joe and I had committed to the ride. We joined our local cycle club "One and All" and it just got better from then. I have found it difficult to train on several occasions due to work commitments and being away from home. Joe has really put in a great effort and has cycled more miles that the total distance between John O Groats and Land's End, which is a huge achievement considering he was in a wheel chair, post-operation, to insert titanium pins in his hips to hold them together when he was 11 years old.

Friday 30 April

2010-04-30T14:12:00.001+01:00

Still constructing this site - please wait for the official opening