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Day 8 - Evanton to John O' Groats

We set off a bit earlier today, at 8am, and headed up the A9 towards Wick. The day started cold, windy (easterly wind) and ominously overcast. We went over a long bridge over the Firth of Cromarty and basically followed the coast line. The wind was very strong and when it started to rain, the conditions were quite scary on the exposed coastal road with the side wind. Toby passed us at around 20 miles, and thankfully stopped for a coffee. At around 50 miles, we stopped at a cafe, and met the driver of the other cyclists that we had previously met at Carlisle and Loch Ness, and the drivers were thinking of changing their route to cut inland to John O' Groats in order to get away from the strong wind. We worked out that we must be around 1 hour ahead of the cyclists - even though they had set off early at 7am - the race was now on! We decided to keep going along the coastal route. We passed by a couple of Whisky distilleries (incl. Glenmorangie) and then met Toby for lunch at Dunbeath, where we changed into our winter clothes. After a brief lunch we set off up the A9 and then hit two killer 15% hills, which in the rain and wind were tough going, particularly the one at Helmsdale. We got to Wick and then took the A99 to John O'Groats. The weather by now was horrendous, the coastal road hilly, and the scenery was really bleak and we were very exposed to the wind. By this time we were stopping regularly for energy bars and gels. However, after Wick we turned slightly and the wind was now diagonally behind us and we picked up our pace to a steady 30mph for around 10 miles! We eventually arrived at John O' Groats at 3.50pm, and met Toby (wearing a 'see-you-jimmy' hat). We were also congratulated by the drivers of the other team (who still had not arrived).

In total today we cycled 103miles at an average of 15.2mph, a maximum of 41mph and a total of 6hours and 42mins in the saddle.

In summary we cycled from Land's End to John O' Groats in a total of 881 miles, which is pretty good going as the signpost in John O'Groats said 874miles. It's quite a big island.

We would just like to thank everyone for their support, both with their sponsorship and also with the encouragement that we have had on the way. It has made a huge difference to us knowing that we were being so well supported.

We would also like to thank Chester Motor Homes for giving us 3 free days with the Campervan, Dave Hall (Exeter Camp Site) and Pat (Kendal Camp site) for allwoing us to camp for free and thanks to Andrew and Mary for their hospitality in Hereford. Thank you to Ali and Julie Carmichael for the first aid medication which turned out to be a blessing.
We would particularly like to thank Emma, Maria and Claire for their support and allowing us to take the time for this trip, and through the year with our training. We would not have done this without your support.

Day 7 - Glencoe to Evanton (Alness)

We set off around 9am, up Glencoe in spectacular scenery and swarms of midges (yes Will, there were swarms). Toby's self-assumed authority in midge entomology, was quickly questioned when the theories that midges only bite at night, don't come into the caravan and only bite when in swarms, were clearly not true. However, going up Glencoe was fantastic, and the weather was great. We cycled up to Fort William, passing Ben Nevis (shrouded in cloud). Next we went alongside Lochs Lochie, Oich and then onto Loch Ness. The weather was the best so far on this trip. During our lunch, we saw two cyclists pass by who had also left Land's End last Saturday (on an 8 dayer also), having also seen them near Carlisle the other day. We caught up with them after lunch, and pushed on to Inverness and over the Black Isle. At 90 miles, Ben 'hit the wall' and we needed to stop to take more food and energy gels, in order to get through the rest of the day. We crossed back onto the mainland, past the Black Isle Brewery, and with alot of self restraint, then onto the campsite in Evanton (near Alness).

The weather today was great, initially overcast then sunny and no wind. We finished the day off with a takeaway curry! That should keep the midges away. In total we cycled 111 miles in 6hours 40 minutes in the saddle at an average of 16.3mph. One more day.

Day 6 - Abington to Glencoe

Woke up early to a howling gale outside. Set off at around 9am to the 30mph south-westerly winds. The wind was getting us side-on which was a bit hairy for the first few miles as we were quite exposed. However, the road was really good (actually a disused road had been converted into a cycle path). We headed towards Strathaven then onto East Kilbride, Paisley and over Erskine Bridge in horrendous rain. The wind had died down, but the rain was very heavy. We met Toby for lunch after 65miles at Balloch at the start of Loch Lomond, and after the earlier towns/suburbs, the scenery was fantastic. During our lunch we did an emergency shoe and clothes drying session using newspaper and the gas heater. Despite the fact that it was conbtinuously raining, Loch Lomond was beautiful, and we cycled along it for around 25miles. After this we had some long climbs up, crossing several glens. Instead of stopping at the Bridge of Orchy as planned, we decided to push on to Glencoe, in order to make the next two days a little easier.

Meanwhile, Toby had some interesting experiences involving the campervan toilet cassette and a burst bottle of vegetable oil. After showering and changing his clothes, he was able to continue up to Loch Lomond. Once at Glencoe, his problems continued when he was 'moved on', forgetting that he had a kettle of water on the cooker, and in the panic of spilled water also managed to get the campervan stuck. Luckily the bar staff at the King's House Hotel rallied to the cause, and pushed the van out of the mud.

It was a very long and wet day, but with incredible scenery (after we had got past Glasgow). In total we cycled 122miles, with 7 hours 32mins in the saddle, with an average of 16.0mph and a maximum of 42mph. We had a great meal in the King's House with deer in the carpark.

The reception is not good enough to upload photos. We will add more tomorrow.

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starting at land's end...

end of day 4 - Kendal

Day 5 - Kendal to Abington

Last night Richard (from Matt's work) joined us, and pitched his tent in the camp site for a wet and windy night. In the morning we set off around 9.30am (again difficult to get going) and headed up to Kendal, Penrith and Carlisle via Shap. The climb up to Shap from Kendal went on for approximately 10 miles, but the day was clear and the views spectacular. It was really good cycling. Richard was stung by a wasp under his helmet (serves him right as he had too much energy). At Carlisle we parted with Richard, and carried on up to the Scottish border at Gretna along fantastic deserted roads. The road ran parallel to the M74 and was really well laid out with a cycle lane and no traffic at all. In addition we had a good tail wind!. The rain eventually came just after Gretna and it was wet from then on as we went through Lockerbie and onto Abington. However the day was overall really good with fantastic views, great roads and helpful wind direction.

In total we cylced 113 miles at an average of 16.4mph, a maximum of 42.1mph (down Shap), an average of 70 pedals per minute and a total of 6 hours and 41minutes in the saddle.

We would just like to acknowledge that we have made good use of Ali and Julie Carmichael's kind donation of pharmacy first aid items, especially for Ben's wounds from his fall on day 1 and also general pain killers etc.

Day 4 - Tarporley to Kendal

The day started with the sound of rain hitting the campervan, and it was a challenge to get out of bed. We eventually set off, Toby leaving too, so that he didnt get stuck in the field, at around 9am, heading up the A49 through Warrington and Wigan. The route was not particularly pleasant, as progress was slow through these towns, followed by Chorley and Preston. Going was really slow, as there were traffic lights every few hundred yards, and the rain was lashing it down. At Lancaster, Matt fell off at traffic lights (unable to get his feet out in time), and the guy in the car alongside wound down his window, asked if he was alright, then said ' are you feeling fit enough for a race??'. Once through Lancaster, we worked our way up the A6 up to just south of Kendal, where we met Toby and cleaned our bikes, as they were filthy from the grim day.

In total we cycled 89miles today at an average of 15.5mph, which was slow going through very heavy traffic and towns. We are now half way.

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Day 3 - Monmouth to Tarporley

Set off at 9am, and we found the first two hours difficult. However, after an early nutrition stop we felt much better and then luckily the A49 was closed to traffic around Ludlow. We carried on in the hope that we would still be able to get through, and this paid off, as we had the road to ourselves for around 10 miles and we got through OK. Toby on the other hand needed to make various diversions which also included (by the appearance of the campervan) some serious off road driving, not linked to the cider trip we hasten to add. We met Toby in Church Stretton, then headed off with a nice tail wind up to Tarporley. The campsite is basically a field (with sheep and a bull) and the van has already needed towing out of the swamp, again not linked to the Weston's Cider, we understand. A better day, 96 miles in total, at an average of 17mph and 5hours and 30 mins in the saddle. Met up with our wives and kids which was really nice, and also heard of the support that we are getting in Farndon. Thank you, it means a lot to us.

Day 2 - Exeter to Monmouth

Some emergency repairs to Ben's bike (having fallen off yesterday) meant we set off at 9.30am from Exeter. The day was dry, but there was a North-Easterly wind, which was very unwelcome. We headed up towards Bristol, and met Toby just south of the city, in Churchill for lunch. We pressed on to Bristol, along Clifton and avonmouth to the old Severn Bridge. It was a bit of an optical illusion in that it seemed to get further away from us as we cycled towards it, taking about an hour to get to it after we had spotted it. Going over the bridge was fantastic, and then from Chepstow to Monmouth was great - up the wye valley through Tintern. We met up Toby in Monmouth and then headed to Matt's parents house near Hereford, for a welcome shower, meal and wine. The day was dry, but the wind was a pain. In total we cycled 119 miles at 15.5 mph average, with a total of 7hrs 31mins in the saddle.

Day 1 - Land's End to Exeter

We woke up at around 7am, and it was a nice sunny morning. We drove up to Land's End, where a number of other cyclists (mugs) were also preparing to set off. We talked to two of the groups and they were doing the trip in 9 and 10 days. However there was also a Royal Navy team that were expected to arrive (having come down from John O'Groats), and they were aimin g to complete the trip in under 100 hours (4 days).

We took a few photos, a nd rather than wait for 10.30am for the official Land's End sign post to be erected, we set off at 9am. Soon after we passed the Royal Navy team coming in (looking pretty tired). Cornwall is very hilly.

We had a reasonable tail wind, but the weather quickly turned against us, and it rained heavily. We arranged to meet Toby near Launceston (70 miles), and despite the fact that he passed us quite early on, we actually caught him up in a traffic jam on the A30 (after 50miles), where we cycled motorbike-style through the middle of the cars. He soon passed us, and by the time we eventually met him for lunch, we were getting tired and cold in the persistent rain. Toby had some hot bacon sandwiches ready which was really welcome.

After this, we carried on to Okehampton, where Ben got a puncture (piece of metal) and Matt had carried on down a long hill before realising that Ben was missing. So Matt cycled back up the hill (unwelcome), only to be stopped by the Police for cycling up the dual carriageway the wrong way. Actually we were cycling in the region between the edge of the road and the white lines. The Policeman was quite understanding!

Eventually we got through Exeter and arrived at the Brooklands Farm Campsite at 18.15 after seven and a half hours in the saddle, averaging 17.1MPH with a total of 128 miles, with a maximum mph of 40.9, down one of the many tiring hills in cornwall.

We're feeling really tired, and let's see what tomorrow brings.

Day 0 - Drive down to Land's End

We picked up the campervan, called 'Laura' at 3.30pm from Chester, and set off for Land's End. Cycling is a sport in which every detail is meticulously planned, including nutrition. Which is why we stopped off in Taunton on the way down for a Donner Kebab and Chips, which we ate in a layby near B+Q. We set off and eventually arrived at Sennen (near Land's End) at half past twelve at night. We pulled into a layby next to another campervan with two aged motorcyclists on board. We were exhausted after the journey, and the waiting around in the rain for the campervan.

Ben, Matt and Toby's LEJOG Trip

We are trying to raise money for the benefit of all of the children at Farndon School, by cycling approx 880 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats in 8 days, starting on Saturday 6th September in Land’s End and finishing on Saturday 13th September.

Toby is providing the driving support throughout the trip, and we have hired motorhome from Chester Motorhomes, as we plan to stay at campsites along the way, except for the second night where we will stay at Matt’s parents. We will be leaving on Friday 5th September, driving down to Cornwall, and parking up/sleeping somewhere close to Land’s End, as we will not get there until quite late on. We will set off once we can register our start.

We are trying to make the route as direct as possible, so that it can be done reasonably quickly. We therefore decided to keep to main roads, which also have the advantage of typically being less steep than smaller roads. The route is as follows:

Route Summary:

Day 1 Land's End to Exeter
Daily Miles: 122
Cumulative Miles: 122

Day 2 Exeter to Monmouth
Daily Miles: 120
Cumulative Miles: 242

Day 3 Monmouth to Tarporley
Daily Miles: 104
Cumulative Miles: 346

Day 4 Tarporley to Kendal
Daily Miles: 91
Cumulative Miles: 437

Day 5 Kendal to Abington
Daily Miles: 114
Cumulative Miles: 551

Day 6 Abington to Bridge of Orchy
Daily Miles: 101
Cumulative Miles: 652

Day 7 Bridge of Orchy to Alness
Daily Miles: 123
Cumulative Miles: 775

Day 8 Alness to John O' Groats
Daily Miles: 99
Cumulative Miles: 874

TOTAL: 874 miles
Daily Average Distance: 109

The idea of starting at Land’s End is that this direction tends to have the prevailing winds behind us, but we’ll see!

Why are we doing this? Basically we have two reasons. Firstly it is a huge personal challenge for us to train and complete such a trip. Our training began on 4th January, and we have been gradually building up our weekly mileage, and trying to fit this around our home lives and work commitments, getting up early to go out cycling before work, and where possible cycling to work in a 50-60 mile round trip.

And secondly, we would like to raise money for Farndon School.

Farndon Primary School has been serving the community of Farndon and surrounding areas for many generations. It continues to do so successfully but in spite of its status as a highly regarded and sustainable school, it struggles in its efforts to secure funding for its vital infrastructure needs. These include:

- the wholly inadequate mobile classrooms

- the grossly inadequate toilet facilities

- the urgent need for improvements to the playground area

Clearly we are not going to raise enough to cover these, however it is our intention for this fundraiser to go towards this activity, and also to use this fundraising activity to help with Sarah Hazel’s lobbying of the County Council. We aim for Farndon Primary School to be fit for the 21st century. The school needs our support.

We are grateful for any support that you can offer, and if you are able to sponsor us, please visit www.justgiving.com/farndonlejog.

We would just like to thank everyone for their kind sponsorship and support, and we will keep you updated of our progress.

Some facts about our trip:

880 miles in 8 days

7 hours in the saddle per day, 58 hours total cycling

Around 310,000 pedals each

Equivalent to 8 consecutive marathons (according to Iron Man Challenge 112miles is equivalent to 1 marathon)

57 Litres of energy drink

3 flies swallowed each and 2 sore backsides

Toby - driving 2000 miles and 8 chickens in a basket.