Land's End to John o' Groats (1500km) - 7 days

BUMP!
OK, it's a couple of days before this epic (starts Saturday 3rd) and we've had a lot of adventures to this point that have certainly 'challenged' us but have also made us more determined to complete the journey.

This ‘End to End’ trip started off as an idea of my friend Brian from Portsmouth. We used to work together and do a lot of cycling and running events both sides of the water. Anyway, he turned 40 this year and as a kind of 'bucket list' he wanted to do some big challenges to mark the occasion. His first one was to run a marathon which he did a few months ago and said would be a 'unique' experience (i.e. 'never again!'). I did a couple when I was younger so didn’t feel compelled to join him, thankfully! The second one was to cycle from Land's End to John o' Groats – 1500k over 7 days. When we were discussing this in September it was all theoretical and fine - if maybe a bit difficult to get away for the week. In the end, what did it for me was that my Mam died in the Hospice in December and I was looking to do something that would raise some money for what is a fantastic cause, to say thanks for all their help. This trip was to be the answer.

So, the training began a bit earlier in the year than I would usually. I was out with the 'hardy' types (you know who you are) training in all the weather up on the hills with the Military Road half-blocked with snow and scary descents etc. I took part in a number of longer rides with Audax Ireland and various other events (some club racing) and now between training spins and events I have clocked over 7000k from January to June this year. This for me is about three times my annual training/ racing distance. It’s been fantastic, even when out on solo runs where I was less worried about the time and could stop occasionally and take in the beauty that was around me such as overlooking Lough Tay on a sunny day, while having a sandwich.

I was really enjoying the racing this year too (with Swords CC), though it’s fair to say I wasn’t worrying the faster lads, usually finishing ‘out the back’. Mind you, on one occasion I burst through to claim 6th after a near fall occurred beside me in a bunch sprint. I’d been so chuffed to finish with the bunch then to place on top of it, I couldn’t stop grinning. I’m usually dropped and have been the ‘Lantern Rouge’ at least once. In a bike shop the next day (the owner and one of the lads were also in the race), it was pointed out to me that of the last five races someone had come a cropper and broken something in four! I realised then that with the big journey coming up, I’d need to avoid risks so took a break from racing – ah well. I returned to concentrating on the long distance training and events up to 300k. Most of the rest of the group of 6 did the same but my friend (the leader and whose original idea it was) came a cropper in a track race two weeks ago and unfortunately broke his collarbone – out for 3 months!

This was the first challenge (well after getting fit, time off work, permit for time away from family, money etc.) but the next challenge was that his father-in-law (who was going to be the support driver in car) dropped out when he dropped out. Now we were down our friend and our support. My friend said to carry on anyway – that’s what he’d do. The driver problem was resolved when one of the lad’s brother volunteered – so we were back on. The training continued. I mentioned earlier that I’d done roughly 3 years worth of cycling this year already, well, that means that the bike bits have been used a lot and began to wear out. I now have new tyres, tubes, cables, headset, handlebars and cannibalised bits from my other bike like wheels, shifter, pedals, etc. My frame and saddle are the original! The next challenge occurred yesterday (Tuesday 29th) when the insurance co. who had been prepared to extend cover to our replacement driver, withdrew it. Today’s challenge is to find/ hire another vehicle suitably insured and capable of carrying bikes (for the support up and return trip down from Scotland).

We are ready to go and will do anything to avoid cancellation at this stage, all we need is a small change in our luck………..Oh and for my bike to be ready (it’s in the bike shop where they are trying to fix my slipping top gear!).

Did I mention this is for a really good cause, raising funds for those that look after people (and their families) who are in the end stage of their lives? Would anyone like to help by donating? The link below brings you to secure and direct payment screen and the money goes directly to the hospice account, we don’t even see it. The 5 of us doing the trip are paying for everything ourselves and all money raised will be handed over to the cause.
http://www.mycharity.ie/event/aidan_creaners_event/

Thanks a lot. Oh and Lough Tay included for you.....

Thanks and to you with yours - they're good causes. I think once you've been connected with one, you really appreciate what they do. I like the 'Ticker'!

Thanks man - any donation would be most welcome. The donation page is open until the end of September as it happens. I'd like to get at least most of it to them in the near future. I'm thinking of having a get together of some sort for the various supporters. Thanks.