Training?

Umm.. well…just about! Doing the usual stuff but, now the evenings are lighter, I’m trying to get at least 2 rides in a week, during the evenings, from about 10 to 15 miles each. Went out last night, in the pouring rain (well there was no wind, which is my main enemy!) and did my 15 mile route. A good mix of ups and downs and very little flat. Actually really enjoyed it, in a kind of bizarre way Found myself pootling up the hills in granny cog and decided that wasn’t really on, considering I’ve the Pennines to get over soon, so stepped on it a bit and managed to spin my way up faster than normal, which was an improvement. My new overshoes worked fabulously, no more cold soggy feet for me, which makes a huge difference. Bike has been overhauled by my local bike shop – the front chain mech wasn’t working properly – now its fab, and a joy to use. Once I’d returned home, it was Nic’s turn for a spin…

Nic’s hoping to get most of his training in by commuting to work, starting this week. Not every day but a couple of times a week – 14 miles each way.

I’ve got a ride planned on Sunday, with the CTC, aka Cafe to Cafe Group. I should go out Saturday too with the Cefni group but they are just too fast for me Last time, by the time I got home, I felt like I was going to expire, and had to retire to bed!

Accommodation all booked!

Finally seems like we really are going to be doing this. Confirmed via email all our accommodation.

We’re staying at Fellfoot Hostel for two days, which is a self catering annexe off a main house, with two twin bedrooms. Should be good – the owners sound lovely and very helpful. We’re staying there for two nights (landlord giving us a lift to Whitehaven for the start of the ride). They have also kindly agreed for us to leave our car in their car park for the duration of the trip.

Then off to The Old Vicarage in Rookhope for the next night. A bit more expensive but they provide a full english breakfast and sounds a bit more “luxurious” with guests’ sitting room, log fire etc. The owner used to run a restaurant I believe, and provide a an evening meal if requested. I’ve just recieved a sample menu:

Typically the table consists of an antipasto / mezze of feta salad, charcuterie, mozzarella & tomato salad, roasted peppers, taramosolata, hummus, pita bread & olives, etc., followed by a main course of a spicy chicken and a mild chilli beef (or vegetarian) enchilada served with sides of salad leaves and potatoes. Dessert to finish…

Drinks – to accompany your meal we offer an easy drinking house wine / bottled beers / soft drinks all at very reasonable cost.

We shall request!

Both the above B&Bs cater soley for cyclists / walkers so provide safe lock up for the bikes, cleaning facilities etc. and understanding if we arrive muddy and soaked!

Then our final stay is the Travelodge in the heart of Newcastle, so we can leave our bikes in our room and wander around the City.

Sponsorship

Well…as usual we’ve left everything to the last moment!  We’re raising money for the Ellen MacArthur Trust, which takes young people aged between 8-18 sailing to help them regain their confidence, on their way to recovery from cancer, leukaemia and other serious illness. Sailing is perfect for these children; it gives them a chance to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment. Simply the experience of going out on the water for the first time is an adventure. Each child has the challenge of helping sail the yachts throughout the voyage and takes part in all aspects of the trip from sailing the yacht to the washing up! The children come from all over the country, including Northern Ireland, London, Essex, Sheffield, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Kent, Nottingham & Ellen’s birthplace, Derbyshire.

So if you feel like donating, please do!  Link on the right, as you can see, to JustGiving.com.  All done online, very easy to do….

Why?

Well that’s a good question. Could be something to do with my last few days of being 39. Could be to do with our first time ever away from the children since they were born, just the two of us, reliving the times when we cycle toured across Holland. Could be to do with a goal to make us get fitter. Could be we want to raise some money for a worthwhile cause. Could be because we relish the idea of cycling across hill terrain in the cold and driving rain, carring a load. Really? It’s all of the above, well except for the last one

Our Agenda (so far)

Tuesday 6th May: Drive to Penrith and for the night and park at B&B. Leave car here for the duration of the trip

Wednesday 7th May: Have arranged a lift off Landlord of B&B to Whitehaven (he’s happy to do it for cost of petrol). Means we can leave our luggage at the B&B for our stay on Wed night. Cycle back to Penrith. Approx 50 miles. Stay at same B&B.

Thursday 8th May: Penrith to Rookhope. Approx 40 hilly miles across the north Pennines.

Friday 9th May: Rookhope to Sunderland. Approx 45 miles. Cycle round to Newcastle (an additional 20+ miles as we’re going round the coast rather than main roads) to stay in Travelodge (Central) for the night.

Saturday 10th May: Morning in Newcastle, check out of Travelodge midday and catch train to Carlisle. Cycle from Carlisle to Penrith to pick up car and drive home.

That’s the plan anyway. I’m sure it will “evolve”.