Diary of End to End to End 2009

Day 19: Tongue to John O'Groats

YouTube:  Clip of the team arriving at the finish!

YouTube: Clip of the team celebrating at JOG

And they made it! After a long hot final day in the saddle the team arrived in JOG around 6pm to be piped home and were greeted by friends and family. Congratulations to the whole team!

The evening was spent in a jolly mode, but time was given to reflecting on both individual and team achievements. A slide show of the journey became the focus of memories and everyone agreed that the journey seems to have happened in a blink,  but it does seem a long time since the start.                                                                                                   

The final few feet.......

And they are off!  

Team huddle on morning of last day.

Day 18: Alness to Tongue

The day started with a beautiful ride to Bonar Bridge with spectacular views over the Dornoch Firth. At the morning break "Team extream" (Rob and Nigel) decided they would head to Tongue via a scenic route and headed off on a 100+ mile ride while the other 4 embarked on a long, hot, fly-ridden, winding road to lunch at Crask Inn. On this particular stint it was established that 14mph is not fast enough to out ride a fly and the pesky little critters can still swarm nastily around you at this speed....

Within 10 mins of starting out after lunch David and Neil had a puncture. Unfortunately this ended up taking over an hour to fix by which time John and Rachel where 5 miles ahead and a terrific storm was approaching from the south. D&N almost managed to out run the thunder and lightening but ended up having to take shelter in a bothy for some time while the heavens opened above.  John and Rachel eventually made it into Tongue around 6 with David and Neil arriving very soggy about an hour later.

Another day surrounded by stunning rugged countryside and suddenly there is only one day left...

Quotes of the day:
"Now I know what it feels to be a cow" - John
"You must have the most delicious legs around" Sara to Neil

Day 17: Newtonmore to Alness

Started out hot again - and a nice ride to Rothiemurchus visitors centre at the feet of the Cairngorns got the day underway. However there was a prolonged visit to the bike shop for Nigel to sort out a wheel buckeled in yesterdays tumble. The rest of the morning was spent weaving around the A9 on cycle paths again then a lunch stop in Moy (where the midgies were out in full force).

Yet more spectacular scenary crossing the Firth and onto an amazing afternoon rest stop at Redcastle. A hidden treasure of a picnic spot complete with stunning views and the occasional sight of a local Osprey. A final slog to Alness (with the first sighting of a road sign with the remaining mileage to JOG!) ended the longest leg of the trip. Almost 11pm as this is written and still light as day outside....

Quote of the day "Couldn't you get a team of dwarves to carry you?" John to Rob

Day 16: Crieff to Newtonmore

A different story this morning with the weather....drizzle...mist...and lots of it... A damp and soggy morning made the climb out of Crieff a touch miserable but a stop at the Dewar distillery late morning seemed to revive the spirits of the team. By this time the sun had decided to come out and things were looking distinctly up by the lunch stop in Pitlochry.

The afternoon was spent winding along a cycle path alongside the A9 as it headed north through the pass of Drumochter which summits at 1480 ft. The path was variable (nice tarmac to muddy track) but the scenery was utterly spectacular. A couple of punctures and a nasty tumble for Nigel blighted the end of the day but otherwise it was a magnificent 80+ mile ride today.

Quote of the Day: "When I am Master of the Universe, Prime minister and have been knighted...." - Rob

Day 15: Edinburgh to Crieff

The team wound their way out of Edinburgh and over the spectacular River Forth and headed off deeper into Scotland. Again they made good progress and arrived in Crieff late afternoon to be greeted again by the Parkinson's Disease society mobile unit at the Crieff visitors centre.

A reasonable uneventlful day - another 60 miles down and a nice dinner in the centre of Crieff topped it off.

Day 14: Berwick to Edinburgh

High speed down hills

Reception at last cathedral

Another gloriously hot sunny day but the wind has been cold behind us.  Joined at breakfast by wizz cyclist Andrew Simm, Regional Manager for Scotland for the PDS who left home in Edinburgh at 4.00 am had a cuppa then cycled back to Edinburgh with us.  We had so much time to spare that we detoured to Musselburgh for a Luca icecream.  Another pit stop in St. Andrews Square for coffee to kill time, then we popped on the bikes and rode round the corner looking weary and tired after our horrendous day. With the morning coffee in Preston and long lunch at the Liz and Geoff mobile cafe, we probably spent more time resting than riding.  We are just so fast.

The reception at our last cathedral was well staged with the Mobile info unit back for us family and friends of Rach and a wonderful surprize,a lone piper.  An early dinner at an excellent fish restaurant then a cold ride to our accommodation at the university campus.  Excellent Day.

Day 13: Amble to Berwick

The riders needed to be on Holy Island for 1.00pm, 40 miles in 4 hours. That seemed reasonsable. The first 20 miles to Seahouses were achieved in 85 minutes.  Morning refreshments then on to Lindisfarne. A very strong Headwind on the causeway made the crossing tedious. An RV at the Priory was followed by a quick retreat to beat the tide. No one wanted to leave the lunch stop in the blistering heat back on the mainland but Berwick was only a few miles north. 

After checking into a very comfortable B&B, the evening was spent having a BBQ. Thanks Liz and Geoff. We'll come again, but with the sun still hot at 8pm, this day could not be beaten.

Day 12:  Darlington to Amble

Two cathedrals, in one day was a tall order, but the team are very strong and are now capable of riding endlessly at speed. Durham was achieved with lots of time to spare and after the reception at the Cathedral, the riders were interviewed by the BBC.

BBC Newcastle interview - starts about 39 mins into programme    here   

The ride to Newcastle was always going to be a challenge, but the ride in over the Tyne Bridge in a spectacularly modern waterfront setting was amazing. Greetings by the Dean was followed by an interesting ride on cycle paths out to Tynemouth where 'lunch' awaited at 4 o'clock. The day was blisteringly hot. The riders had to drag themselves away to face another 30 miles to Amble, but the journey was very enjoyable, except for escaping from Blyth. The riders even managed to catch their broadcast on Viv's car radio. Fish and chips on the harbour wall rounded off the day.

Fish and chips at sunset - Amble

Day 11: York to Ripon to Darlington

Fast riding, great receptions at cathedral and Well (David's home village). 

An excellent day. The six man core team are riding alone today for the first time. After a day of rest, they feel exceptionally strong. Using cycle routes they avoid the rush hour traffic of Clifton Moor and cover the miles to Aldborough, via Benningborough Hall and Aldwalk Toll Bridge in amazing time. The new back-up team have quickly slotted into their role and await them on the ancient village geen with morning drinks and snacks. Time to relax with time to pose in the stocks. Another fast ride with regular contact with the RAF and the group arrive in the ancient city of Ripon to be met by family and friends of David and Nigel, the Mayor, the Dean, the fire brigade, the PDS Mobile Unit and representatives of many Yorkshire branches.

At exactly 11.30am a lone Hawk jet from 100 Squadron, RAF Leeming roared overhead, banked and climbed in a spectacular tribute to the riders. Many thanks to Martin Jones for making it possible.

Rob discovered a few days ago that his ancestors were Wakemen in Ripon in the 15th Century and kept watch and blew the horn in the Market square, a tradition unbroken to this day for 1100 years. After press and drinks on to a lunch reception in David's home village. Another fast ride up to Darlington completes a memorable day.

Day 10: York Bike Show

Sun 21st June 2009, 0 miles  :-)   Messages of congratulations are being received in recognition of the team''s success so far.  The story of the ride is being spread to the public by TV Radio and press.  Hits on the team's web site have rocketed.  Today the team are resting, which suggests staying in bed and being generally lazy, but that is far from the truth. In reality the day started at 7am, as usual to leave at 8am for the Minster.  At 9am the Canon, the civic party representatives of the CTC, followed by the End to End Team, processed down the central isle of the magnificent Minster at York, to start the Annual Cycle Service, a moving occasion which included a tribute to Pedal for Parkinson's. The hundreds of riders who formed the congregation then assembled for the ride to the Cycle show. Team members then manned the PD stand until late afternoon, selling raffle and tombola tickets. A  great effort team. Thanks for the support of branch and regional staff and members for their support.

PLEASE SEND A DONATION  NOW - WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW

Quote of the day: "Can I interest you in a raffle ticket?" - Rachel/Liz/Geoff/Jean/etc.....

YOUTUBE: Clip of team in the bike show procession here

Left: Support team in York           

Right: The Pedal for Parkinson's Raffle at the York bike show

Halfway reports:

Puncture league table:

Tumble league table:

Day 9: Brigg to York

Sat 20th June 2009, 69 miles (56 for day riders).  An early morning pedal into Brigg was required to meet up with the day riders (11 in all). The team set off toward Humber Bridge as one and enjoyed spectacular views as they crossed the Humber. A variety of experience was present in the team and so several riders headed off as an advanced party in order to arrive at the Cathedral at 3pm as planned, while the others battled on pedalling mile after mile.... Lunch was another picnic affair at North Cliffe village hall. The afternoon was spent dodging showers on the approach to York. Today the stories, courage and determination of day riders shone through. The core riders have trained for weeks and are prepared for this ride... it was clear today that many of the day riders are making exceptional efforts to honour their sponsors. Luckily some fantastic chocolate cake was on hand (thanks Kate!) to provide an much needed afternoon snack. Several riders didn't arrive into York untill after 7pm, but all should be thoroughly proud of themselves.  Some of the core riders also visited the York Bike show and PD Soc Van in the early evening.

An evening team curry was excellent. Today we say a massive "Thank you" and Goodbye to Jean who has magnificantly supported the team from her mobile home from Lands End up to York. Geoff and Liz will take over from here on in. Jean - you are a wonder and will be missed!  

Word of the day: Cake...
Quote of the day: "It's a cheap arse that can't break in a saddle" - John

Day Riders:

Left: Some very tired day riders resting on Jean's van!

Right: Which way!?
                       

Day 8: Thurlby to Brigg

Fri 19th June 2009, 76 miles.  A strong and blustery wind made riding difficult today. Lunch was had in Waddington and after being moved on from the medical practice car park (see below), the team parked up in the fire station car park (a mere few feet away) and were welcomed by the friendly firefighters! A stop at Lincoln cathedral at 3 pm was followed by a windy afternoon of riding and a latish arrival at Barnetby-le-wold.

Word of the Day: Blowy

Quote of the day: "I'm sorry, you can't park in our car park for Health and Safety reasons" - Waddington medical practice administrator

Day 7: Milton Keynes to Thurlby

Thu 18th June 2009, 69 miles. Getting out of Milton Keynes was distinctly easier than getting in and once out of town the flat country roads lent themselves to some serious pedalling. The team had 50 miles to do before 3.30 but this proved no problem at all and in fact the support vehicle had to catch up with them to provide lunch! After a lovely reception at Peterborough cathedral, with a moving reading by the Canon, the team hit the road again and were on fire - hitting some serious speeds and arriving at the Thurlby YHA (a superb YHA it should be said!) at around 6ish. Dinner at the local pub, some route planning for tomorrow and another day done!

Word of the day: Flying

Quote of the day: "15 naked cyclists - if they were really old they might make me gay" - Rob

Left: cyclists tan

Right: Nigel

Day 6: Oxford to Milton Keynes

Wed 17th June 2009, 41 miles. 7 day riders joined us today, including one on a motor assisted 3 wheeled bike who was keenly supported by her dog Max! We battled our way out of Oxford through the morning traffic and were relieved when things got quieter after Kidlington. The pace was more sedate than previous days but this suited the core riders perfectly by giving their legs a chance to recover after the last few grueling days. Bicester town centre provided a bit of a challenge navigation wise (we were beaten back by a completely overgrown "cycle route") but reached Launton in perfect time for lunch. The afternoon was a gentle ride (for the core riders at least!) through country lanes until the rain and the outskirts of Milton Keynes both proved a bit of a challenge. But all involved made it back safely. A big well done to all the day riders today - some of whom found the going tough but showed great determination to reach the end!  A relaxed evening was had at the YHA and preparations made for a big day tomorrow....

Quote of the day: "Why is it so hard to order a pizza?" - Rob/Sara

Day Riders: Cecile, Rob, Sara, ....

Summary of ride Lands End to Oxford

– by group leader David Greaves

The team converged on Lands End during 11^th /12^th. We have two support vehicles manned by Viv and Jean, six team riders, David and Neil, PD vetrans of 2008, John new PD member 2009, Nigel, Rachel  and Robert non-PD members, Andy, Emma and Sara, day riders and families of the Team, thirteen in all.  As we all met together for the first time in the First and Last Inn at Sennan Cove for Dinner, I remember thinking how things had moved on since last year when  just three of us met for the first time to trial the End to End. We were not only riding an eastern route instead of the traditional Western route, but we were to visit 11 cathedrals and Lindisfarne Priory carrying an important message to all 120,000 sufferers to help us cure PD.  In addition we were a registered CTC Bike Week ride, charity of the York Cycle show, guests of the Civic Party at the York Minster Cycle Service, and we were being honoured an RAF Flypast in Ripon, met by Canons, Bishops, Deans, Mayors and celebrities throughout the land being joined by day riders representing Parkinson’s Branches. Things certainly had moved on.

The first five days have been a settling in period. Routines have been established, differences overcome, systems developed and lots of bonding has taken place. The Core Team are very relaxed, confident and pulling together.  We are a strong team, well able to pedal 18mph on the flat, all brave on the fast down hills and all attack the hills. The humour and banter is constant. Everyone is the butt of jokes and nobody takes offence. 

Day 5: Salisbury to Oxford

Tue 16th June 2009, 63 miles. Sunny again!! We piled out of Salisbury early and headed north. We passed through Nether Wallop (great name..) on route and then had a lovely lunch stop by the canal in Hungerford. The much feared climb to the ridgeway turned out to be not nearly as bad as expected ("There aren't any hills in Oxordshire....") and was rewarded by a spectacular view as we desended towards Wantage.

As we entered Oxfordshire we were informed by Viv in the support vehicle that he had realised that Lands End was only 3 miles from the Oxfordshire boarder and that we really shouldn't have bothered to go all the way to Cornwall!

We arrived in Oxford and headed to Christ Church College to be met by an amazing reception - many friends and supports of riders and day riders had turned out as well as the local PD Soc and cheered us home! The main quad made for a great photo op and the arrival was capped with a team drink at the Head of the River. Much needed massage therapy and stretching were applied to various members of the team (thanks Carol, Lisa and Nigel!!)  in the evening. A superb day.

Today we also said Goodbye to Andy and Emma - who had riden with the team since Lands End but who had to back to work in the real world tomorrow. They brought much to the ride (a snazzy GPS, a bell with flowers on, a shopping basket....) and it won't be the same without them.

Word of the day:  Helmet hair

Quote of the day: "I want to be a woman" - John

Day Riders: Emma&Andy, Sara

Day 4: Chard to Salisbury

Mon 15th June 2009, 60 miles. The morning dawned bright and sunny again, which was a good sign. A fabulous breakfast in the very nice B&B with marvellous views over open Somerset countryside. The ride was officially started by the Major of Crewkerne, who along with other local officials and member of the local PD Soc gave us a great send off!! 

A blast down the A30 to Salisbury and made up some time. A great lunch was laid on by Jean (from the supporting motor home) in Shaftesbury!

We finished the day at the Cathedral in good time and were met by the local Parkinson's Society who treated us to a well earned cup of tea! And a super evening meal was had in Salisbury market square.

Word of the day: Undulating

Quote of the day: "No - that is Russian" - waitress in Salisbury restaurant to Viv who was trying to prove he spoke Polish..

Day Riders: Emma&Andy

Day 3: Postbridge to Chard

Sun 14th June 2009, 59 miles. This morning the team left the youth Hostel in the middle of Dartmoor - a tough uphill up the drive of of the place. Then an absolutely fabulous ride to Exeter - this is what cycling is all about - absolutely corking! The cathedral visit to Exeter was a great success with many members of the local PD Soc turning out.  A longer afternoon through glorious scenery and weather made for a great day's cycling. The main group had a day rider with them that unfortunately struggled with cramp. As a result they made it to the destination very late and dinner was only possible thanks to the wonderful owners of the Manor House B&B just south of Crewkerne who were absoulutey fabulous!! The place is amazing and highly recommended!

There were an awful lot of hills in today's journey and it has been hard, but still rewarding and hugely enjoyable, we are done with Cornwall and Devon, now in Somerset (no chance to try the local zider though) - the flatlands of Oxford are calling us...

No more punctures today, but one rider did have an unfortunate tumble into some stinging nettles!

Word of the day:  Cramp

Quote of the day: "The first time I slept with David...." - Nigel

Day Riders: Emma&Andy, Anderson

Day 2: St. Austell to Postbridge

Day 1: Land's End to St. Austell

Fri 12th June 2009, 54 miles. The riders assembled at Land's End for photos and headed off at 9am into thick mist..... the ride to Penzance went without incident. The journey to Truro was a little more eventful with John Dickinson taking a wrong turn making a 15 mile detour! The riders were re-united at Truro Cathedral where lunch and the sun coming out revived some tired legs. The afternoon pedal to St.Austell was going well when a tire blow out led to an hasty repair session! But all riders made in by around 6pm. Day one complete - phew!

An interview with rider John Dickinson was broadcast on BBC South today! A story on the BBC webpage about him is here

Core Team: David, Neil, Nigel, Rob, John and Rachel

Support Team: Viv and Jean

Day Riders: Emma&Andy, Colin

Quote of the day: "Anyone know where John is?"

YOUTUBE:  Video of the start here

The End to End to End Parkinson's Disease 2009 has started

A 9.00am, exactly on time, starter Coxswain Terry George sounded a fog horn and the riders headed out into the gloom of foggy wet Cornish landscape.  With families, friends, press and PDS representatives at Lands End gathered to see them off, nine rider started their journey north.  By late morning the sunny weather predicted by the Coxswain arrived and the team headed to Truro to their first Cathedral.