1200, September 3^rd 2106, mission accomplished.

We arrived at Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Great Britain, after more than 1,300 miles in the saddle. Job done.

Our day started with a splendid breakfast laid on by Fiona at the Craiglea Guest House (including a traditional, very salty Scottish porridge). I had posted my blog and was able to set off with the others. We only had 41 miles to cycle to finish this challenge, but there was an impatience to get away: partly because this was the final leg; partly because the sooner we finished at Dunnet Head, the sooner the Support Team could start the long drive back to Nottingham.

It was a fast run. That had something to do with the terrain being fairly flat, it also had something to do with adrenalin; the very final stretch of a long hard haul, mentally and physically.

It was overcast but bright when we left Latheronwheel. I set off with Nick and Susan. We started on the A9, then A99 to Wick. I surprised myself at how emotional I felt over that first couple of miles. I guess it was the realisation that this was not just the end of LC6, for me it was my final endurance ride. At one level odd, but at a deeper level unsurprising. This has been so much more than a series of cycle challenges.

So without really thinking about it, over the 19 miles between Latheronwheel and Wick, I found myself replaying every day of every Life Cycle, all six of them: where we went, where we stayed, the bad days, the perfect days, who I rode with. It was a remarkable series of flashbacks.

Once we cleared Wick, we headed north up the B876 to Castletown. We had progressed at a real lick, and eventually stopped for a comfort break by some farm gates in the middle of nowhere, where we waved everyone else through, except Karen, Kerry and Marion who joined us for a chat.

When we checked the distance we covered, it was 25 miles. Without planning to do so, we had stopped at exactly the 1,300 mile mark!

We were quickly on to Castletown, then a right turn along the coast towards Dunnet Bay and Dunnet Head. By now we were blessed by skies which were cloudless and blue, and little by way of winds. The setting looked simply glorious.

We stopped at Dunnet Bay for some soup, and thank you to the North Sands Hotel for opening early to allow that to happen. Then on to the final five miles.

Dunnet Head is a lovely peninsula, flat at first, then a steady two mile climb to the headland and its lighthouse. After the climb, we simply rolled down towards the lighthouse. The Support Team and Susan were already there, complete with the same finishing tape we have used in all the Life Cycles.

We have ended these Life Cycles at Land’s End, John O’Groats, Nottingham and Dover. None comes close to Dunnet Head. It is a truly incomparable setting; a dramatic headland with a 360 degree panorama across a vivid blue sea to the Orkneys, across the headlands towards John O’Groats, and back over the Dunnet peninsula to Dunnet Bay. What a place for it all to come to an end.

There was, understandably, an awful lot of emotion: a mixture of relief, exhilaration, pride, and just plain satisfaction. We had champagne to celebrate, took our pictures, repacked the vans, and the moment was gone. But what a moment to cherish, and the moment is held for us in the images we have, including one of the four riders and one Support Team member who have completed all six Life Cycles (Karen, Nick, Stefano, Paul and me).

The big van with Gary and Ian set off direct to Nottingham with our bikes and boxes; the minivan took us to Inverness Airport for a flight back to Birmingham.

The trip from Dunnet to Inverness was a very jolly, at times raucous one, but great fun. It even included a comfort break at Glenmorangie Distillery. So I finally got a (very brief) visit in, but one long enough to treat myself to an 18 year old special edition.

This was a really exacting ride, for me at least probably the toughest (and I am happy I have come through it with my new hip intact!).

Overwhelmingly, most people who have taken an interest in this Life Cycle understand what the riders go through, mentally and physically. Indeed the mental endurance associated with total concentration for eight or nine hours on the road day after day is just as exhausting as the physical endurance.

Karen, Kerry, Marion, Susan, Kate, Sara, Nick, Doug, John, Andy, Stefano, Steve, Paul, Gary, Ian and Louise / Gavin / Simon; I have nothing but respect and admiration for you all. I am proud to have done this with you.

My thanks to the riders for the time you all put in to preparing for this, including family time given up at weekends over a long period; and my thanks to our families for their support in general, and a willingness to put their lives on hold for the last 16 days (including births, birthdays and anniversaries missed).

To the Support Team, you have looked after us and our bikes wonderfully well, with consummate professionalism, humour and creativity. We are all proud of you.

Thank you also to the route planners, Gavin in particular, who did a splendid job, and the logistics team led by Clare Anderton, which made all of our bookings. Thank you to Lisa and Toni in my office , and Tom and Victoria in CARO who ensured the daily blog was posted.

But in all the emotion of completing this challenge, let’s not forget why we did it, and the work we still have to do.

Our Life Cycle miles on our final day were ridden in honour of Leanne Cann (nominated by Emma Oldham); Val Senior (nominated by Theresa Devaney); Sarah Carter (nominated by Kate Radford); David Talbot (nominated by Cheri Ambrose) and Rachel (nominated by Julie Miles). You, and all of the others who agreed to have your stories told have personalised this for us in a very meaningful way.

Total funds raised are almost £543,000 and other upcoming events, including tomorrow’s Community Day on University Park will continue to grow that.

And what of the Decomnium / Megomnium. Well, that was just an illusion. It served an important purpose in binding in new riders, reconnecting old riders, and just offering a distraction in those early days when there were 90 to 100 miles to do day after day. There is no final leader board. Everyone’s a winner.

We have the LC6 Community Day to look forward to tomorrow, with over 600 cyclists involved in distances from 10 mile to 75 miles. Then the bubble will burst, and we will be back to our normal lives. But things are never quite the same again, in a good way.

So, That’s it. Life Cycle 6 is over, and for me these endurance rides are over.

Thank you all. It has been a genuine privilege.

Professor Sir David Greenaway

September 3^rd 2016

The post Nottingham Life Cycle 6 – Day 16 Latheronwheel to Dunnet Head appeared first on Nottingham Life Cycle.

Almost there.

Another 87 miles completed. Tomorrow we head for our fourth compass point, and final destination, Dunnet Head. It hardly seems possible that two weeks ago we started out at Lizard Point.

Beauly (a lovely little Highland town) was grey, overcast and cool this morning. I again had connectivity issues in getting my blog despatched. By the time that was sorted and I was ready to go, everyone else had set off. Nick, Stefano and John waited back for me and we rode the day out together.
The first ten miles across the Black Isle to Dingwall was straightforward and pretty fast. Sustrans Route 1 then takes you off high above the A9 offering stunning views of the Cromarty Firth. After an initial downpour we were seeing the Firth at its best in the weak but bright sunshine.

The road drops back down to Alness, and goes via Dalmore and Invergordon. For quite a few miles you actually track the shoreline. Our first food stop was at Tain, a Royal Burgh and beautiful town. There we caught up with everyone else.

Another Life Cycle touchpoint, on the first Life Cycle, going the other way, we ate at the Old Bakery in Tain.

We all then spent the rest of the day on the A9, because you have to.

Quite quickly after Tain you cross Dornoch Firth, again to expansive panoramas in all directions. Dornoch is actually home to one of the great British links courses, seemingly more demanding than most that host the British Open. The only factor which prevents it hosting is its remoteness. When I have a little more time on my hands, it is top of my bucket list to play.

On we went tracking the coastline through Golspie to Brora, where we stopped to pick up cold drinks and snacks from the Co-op, to enjoy in the warm sunshine sitting on a concrete bench around a memorial to Queen Victoria. It was lovely.

Whilst there, six motorcyclists roared up, stopped and one jabbed his finger and shouted at us ‘Get back on those…..bikes and get the job done’. I’m thinking there’s six of them and four of us, they look like big guys, they are on motor bikes, we are on push bikes…….It turns out the lead cyclist was a friend of Nick’s and they were riding the North Coast 500 this weekend.

Next stop Helmsdale, which was our first stopover point on Life Cycle 1. Again we saw all the others, but they were just leaving as we were arriving. Karen directed us to the Thyme and Plaice, a homely  establishment with great food, and a number of (pedal) cyclists doing the North Coast 500.

There were only 19 miles left to do from Helmsdale. But, what a 19 miles.

Shortly after you leave the town there is a three mile steady ascent, a long tough climb inland followed by a long fast descent to the coast. Then there is another tough climb and a sign announces the Berriedale Braes.

These are legendary with end to enders. If you start at John O’Groats, you hit them very early before you have much in your legs; if your start is from Land’s End, you have too much in your legs when you get there. We had more 1,250 miles in ours.

The initial descent from the south is 13%, very straight and very fast, for over two miles. Even the experienced riders thought this a big one. At the bottom it turns abruptly uphill and you are confronted by a series of very sharp and very steep switchbacks, which actually kick on the turns.

It is a brutal ascent. Everything slows up, trucks, caravans, motor cyclists and pedal cyclists. And the tightness of the bends on the switchbacks results in heavy vehicles negotiating their path both ways jockeying for scarce space. It is a lung bursting test (well it was for me at least). We had a few close shaves.

After Berriedale, there are further ups and downs, but it was a gradual descent to our overnight accommodation.

We all made it to the Craiglea Guest House in Latheronwheel, a hamlet beyond Dunbeath. It is essentially a very well appointed self-catering complex of bedrooms and residential facilities, including a swimming pool which a number of riders took advantage of (involuntarily on Stefano’s part).

It was a long day, with too many miles on the A9, but we were still all in before 1800. After initial rain the weather had been kind to us. I don’t think I have ever passed so many distilleries on a single day, and without visiting any. Time is too tight!

Our Life Cycle Miles today were in honour of Ros Elphick (nominated by Sue Stannard); Rick Martin-Bacon (nominated by Cheri Ambrose); and Sally Chapple (nominated by Emma Oldham). All of their stories are set out on the Life Cycle Miles site. Recently I was moved in listening first hand to Sally’s story. Like so many others it is a powerful motivator to try and do something which might help make a difference. And the entire team genuinely believe they are doing just that.

The managers of our facility prepared an excellent meal for us this evening. The team are in good spirits, with many in a pensive mood as they reflect on what they have done over this past two weeks. There is a great sense of anticipation for tomorrow.

Our 87 miles today takes us to 1,275 completed, with one more leg to go.

Professor Sir David Greenaway

The post Nottingham Life Cycle – Day 15 Beauly to Latheronwheel appeared first on Nottingham Life Cycle.

We had our first midgie attack today as we were getting sorted out to depart the Ben View Hotel. They were out in force. When they swarm in such numbers they are almost impossible to deal with. Received wisdom is that ‘Oh So Soft’ is better at keeping them at bay than insect repellent. I think the midgies have worked that one out, it did not seem to make much difference.

Before reflecting on our day, let me start with a fundraising update. We are at almost £540,000. That is a huge tribute to the efforts of all involved: the team on this endurance ride; those who cycled ‘Way of the Roses’; those riding in the Community Day on Sunday; the organisers of all the bake offs and other events. Thank you to all of you.

It is also a tribute to our corporate supporters and the generosity of those we meet every single day on this challenge. Tonight that included a large number of patrons of the Lovat Arms in Beauly.

This all has a purpose, changing the life chances of those affected by breast cancer. Today our Life Cycle Miles were in honour of Mhairi Fleming (nominated by Emma Oldham); Pat Huxley (nominated by Susan Anderson); Jen Davis (nominated by Alex Taylor); and the late Jenny Hazelgrove (nominated by Linda East). We are grateful you allow us to do this in your name.

I had terrible problems posting the blog this morning, because of a lack of connectivity. By the time I had given up, everyone was on the road apart from Susan, who had waited back for me.

That forced an immediate change of plan. Rather than cycling up the west side of Loch Linnhe to cross from Camusnagaul to Fort William, we took the ferry from Ardgour to Corran, in the hope I could secure internet connectivity there. If so, we would then proceed up the east side of the Loch on the A82 to Fort William.

After a bit of hit and miss, I finally got the blog away to Lisa in my office, and we were on our way again.

It was a wet start. I was soaked through after 15 miles. The internet challenges had an upside though, I got a complete change of clothing in Corran, then on to Fort William and beyond. In the meantime, the other riders had crossed to Fort William, on a much smaller craft and a more exposed area of water. It was evidently a very choppy crossing.

Doug and Andy passed us just before Spean Bridge where we stopped and ate with them, and Nick who rolled in shortly after. Nick, Susan and I rode out the rest of the day together.

From Spean Bridge we headed up alongside Loch Lochy, through Fort Augustus and on to Loch Ness. Despite the forecast, the weather remained dry and increasingly bright. The A82 along the side of the Great Glen is fast, busy and winding, and you need to keep your wits about you when riding it.

We stopped at the Glen Rowan Café in Invermoriston, just off the north shore of Loch Ness, and met up again with Doug and Andy. It is owner managed and well worth leaving the main road to search out, a terrific café with superb home-made food. Stefano and Sara also found their way there before we left.

The final 26 miles split neatly into two halves: 13 miles to Drumnadrochit, and 13 miles on to Beauly.

The first half continued on a stretch of the A82 which climbs above the Loch and snakes down to Urquhart Castle. The second half starts with a steady climb out of Drumnadrochit, then turns sharply. You are faced with 1.5 miles at an average gradient of 15% and peaking at 21%, and it twists and turns.

The memory of coming down this hill on LC2, is very fresh. I was clear before I got there, I was not even going to attempt it. On gradients that steep and which go on for so long, there is risk you go so slow you topple over. It has happened to me before, and I was not taking the chance.

Everyone else had a go, and four riders made it to the top without stopping and walking. A great effort. They all deserve 10 points for that, and I get deducted 10 for not trying.

The final 10 miles to Beauly went in a flash. It is almost all downhill, fast and on good surfaces. Top speeds recorded going down were reported as 47 mph. It was a great end to a challenging day, and everyone was in by 1800.

Tonight, at the Lovat Arms Hotel, I ran a LC6 auction. This involved all riders, Support Team and Susan (Greenaway) who has re-joined us. It had a range of lots I bought or had donated: cycling and whisky related books, garments, framed pictures from past Life Cycles, soft toys, and other bits and pieces. It raised another £1,200 for our cause.

It also provoked a number of sponsored challenges, so tomorrow, Susan will be riding in a pink tutu, Kate and Sara will be sporting false moustaches, and Stefano will be in shorts he wore on LC3. They might be riding on their own!

Today we added a further 92 miles, taking us to 1,188 miles. Tomorrow we have an eighty mile plus day. I have not yet looked at the route map, I think it reverses a stretch of what we completed on LC1. Weather forecast is again not encouraging.

Professor Sir David Greenaway

The post Nottingham Life Cycle – Day 14 Strontian to Beauly appeared first on Nottingham Life Cycle.

It is 2235 and I am committing my first words on today’s blog. It will be some combination of a late night / early morning. Doug visited the Oban Distillery yesterday and has tucked me off with a glass of their 20 year old to help me write.

But, where to start? It has been a long short day; an extraordinary contrast in every respect to yesterday’s perfect day; but with an evening which is emblematic of Life Cycle experiences, though in truth I do not know where to start on that.

So let’s begin at the beginning.

Ardnamurchan Point is the most westerly point of mainland GB. Our route there was via Mull. It started with an early ferry from Oban to Craignure. That meant breakfast before our hotel provided it, so our Support Team did that job. The start of a very long day for them.

Oban was overcast and cold, which set the scene for the day. We did have a problem at the ferry terminal, because we did not have the right kind of ties for the truck. So, either pay £170 for a set, or find an overland route. Ian and Gary opted for the latter, and that bit of misfortune delivered some seriously good fortune later in the day.

The crossing was pretty smooth, with some great views, despite the weather. From Craignure we knew we had 22 miles to Tobermory, and the received wisdom was that would be ‘pretty flat’. Not only was it far from flat, between leaving Oban and arriving on Mull, the winds had really gained strength. When we were facing headwinds and rain, it was just hard; when they became crosswinds on fast descents it became scary, as rider and bike wobbled on the road.

Tobermory is a Hebridean gem. We had enough time there to enjoy the town, the views and have lunch before crossing back to the mainland to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula.

The Tobermory – Kilchoan ferry was smaller than our earlier craft and exposed to the full force of westerlies coming straight off the Atlantic. The swells topped out at about two metres, so we rolled around a fair bit. We were pleased to be on the boat for just 30 mins rather than a couple of hours.

Gary and Ian were waiting for us at Kilchoan. Having come overland, they had already travelled to Ardnamurchan Point and back. Their clear advice was we should not ride, based on the quality of the road surface, the fact it was single track, and the wind strengths on a very exposed area.

They had made the risk assessment, we accepted their advice and went to the Point in the van.

Any disappointment riders felt at not actually cycling there was quickly dissipated by a first-hand view of the road surface, and completely evaporated when they arrived at the lighthouse and felt the wind strength. It was just unsafe. I find it hard to estimate these things, but would have put it at 30 – 40 mph. it is a bleak windswept environment, but with a raw beauty. It is not quite the wilderness of Cape Wrath, but it comes close.

So, we did not arrive at our third point of the compass quite as planned, but we got there together and safe.

From Ardnamurchan we had 28 miles to Strontian, initially climbing over the west end of the peninsula, then weaving up and down the north shore of Loch Sunart. It was brutally hard work. On the high ground the views were spectacular, but most of the time we were in heavily wooded terrain, and with periodic drenchings.

The total miles cycled today was only 51. Yet because of ferry crossings, down time, and tough terrain, we left our hotel in Oban at 0715, and Stefano and I were last in at Strontian at 1830. Moreover, in those 51 miles there was 3,600 feet of climbing.

We are at the stage of this challenge where fatigue is visibly setting in. I am exhausted. The  combination of 1,100 miles in the saddle and short nights day after day has caught up with me, and I am not alone; we had quite a few sleepers on the ferries.

Our bikes are also showing the strain, they have taken a real hammering. Nick has spoke problems, John has gear problems, as do I. Today my chain jumped off the cog and jammed completely whilst going up a steep incline. I was immediately stationary and there was only one way I was going. I made sure I fell to the right rather than on my left hip.

We stayed at the Ben View Hotel, owned, managed and operated entirely by Graham. He ran the bar (although that became a job Nick took over). He cooked a three course dinner; he served that dinner; and he did our laundry. He will be clearing up after dinner and will be preparing and serving breakfast. At least he does not have to run a bar in the morning.

Inevitably a dinner planned for 2000 started nearer 2100. But when it came, the food was expertly cooked, presented and served with a running commentary from Graham. It was extraordinary.

No one complained. Karen’s playlists came out for ‘name that song’; Stefano inevitably had a boom box with him, and a sing song began. It was bonkers. As the saying goes ‘you had to be there’.

Fortunately it is remote and we had no near neighbours. But it proved yet again what a wonderful analgesic laughter is, and what a wonderful bunch of people I am with.

It is fair to say that the Ben View is a work in progress, but Graham really does deserve to succeed, and I hope he does.

Our Life Cycle miles today were in honour of Sarb Atwal (nominated by Susan); Stefano’s Aunt Mary (nominated by him); Phil Stannard (nominated by Sue Stannard); and Rita Lewis (nominated by Paul Barrett). Your stories inspire us to push on.

Finally, I want to pay tribute to our Support Team. Simon, Paul, Gary and Ian have long days every day. Today was an especially tricky one for them. But they are so resourceful and creative, nothing whatsoever phases them. They are remarkable people.

We are at 1,096 miles. Tomorrow we have 90+ miles to Beauly, and the weather forecast is grim!

Professor Sir David Greenaway

The post Nottingham Life Cycle 6 – Day 13 Oban to Strontian appeared first on Nottingham Life Cycle.

Every Life Cycle I have been on throws up a perfect day. Weather, terrain, scenery and pace combine to make for a unique cycling experience. When it happens, it lives long in the memory. This time it was Day 12.

Because we were late in yesterday, and had a downtown restaurant booked in Dunoon, I did not get started on the blog until after 2200. That inevitably meant working on it this morning, which also meant I was among the last out, with Steve, Doug and Nick. Doug broke away quite early on (a decision he may regret when he sees today’s points allocation) and the three of us rode out the day together, and at some pace.

Karen, Kerry, Marion and Susan were again out; followed by Andy, Sara and Kate. We were not last out. John had another physio appointment and Stefano waited for him.

It was overcast and cool, but bright as we left Dunoon. Back through Hunters Quay and Sandbank (where I holidayed as a child) and up the side of the Holy Loch. We then followed the A815 through the Argyll Forest Park, and up the western shore of Loch Eck. In contrast to other days, the road surfaces were excellent and we made rapid progress to join Loch Fyne at Strachur.

By this time conditions were very bright, and the vistas truly stunning. The first of two big climbs takes you away from the Loch, dropping back down at the northern end above Cairndow.

Just by the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, we reached another milestone, 1,000 miles cycled on LC6. Well done to everyone, but especially the Newbies who have never been anywhere near this. For me, it is my fifth (and last!) time.

The other riders were eating in the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, we went on to Inveraray and found a nice tea shop by the Loch.

When you leave Inveraray on the A85 to Oban, you are immediately confronted by a 13 degree ramp. It is not that long, but long enough to leave you struggling to fill your lungs. After that there is a steady climb for about seven miles, then a fast winding descent over four miles to Lochawe, on Loch Awe.

The sun was out in full by now and the vistas to the north and west were astounding.

We pressed on to Taynuilt because Nick and I remembered the Robin’s Nest Café, a nice touch point with LC4. It was closed, it only opens Thursday to Sunday. So grub from the grocer’s and a seat outside the Post Office it had to be.

From Taynuilt it is just 11 miles to Oban, a bit of up and down to Connel, then a surprisingly long pull, followed by a sharp descent to the town. I have never been here before, but I will come back, it is in the most exquisite setting.

Despite this being an eighty mile day, we were all in before 1600. It had been a great ride for everyone and spirits were high, aches and pains forgotten, and everyone had the luxury of a few hours downtime for the first time in a long time.

I agonised about visiting the Oban Distillery, but decided instead to catch up on washing, get ahead on the blog and make some calls.

Some of my gel pants are beginning to break up, which is not good news. They are probably not engineered for being stamped around in the shower, wrung out, then trampled in a towel to accelerate drying. My white base layers are also telling me that some garments they share a shower with are not completely colour fast! Apart from that the washing regime is working out just fine.

On washing, I am either tired or losing my touch. Of the five garments I lobbed over the shower cabinet in the sink for wringing, only three made it. Not good.

Competition was back in full swing in the Megomnium. The first event was the Inveraray Vuelta, from Dunoon to Inveraray. Teams with any number of riders can enter. All teams, apart from Team Steve were seduced by the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, we raced on and got there first. That’s 10 points each to Steve, Nick and David.

The daylong event was the Oban Giro, again open to teams of any number. Six miles out this looked as though it would be scooped by Team Karen or Team Andy. But all the other riders were seduced by the Connel Oyster Inn, and Team Steve raced on to be first in and claim victory, So another 10 points each for Steve, Nick and David.

All four Newbies get points for passing 1,000 miles, so that’s 10 each for Kerry, Sara, Kate and John. And Stefano earned himself another 10 for looking after John so well.

The leader board is starting to look a bit congested. When there is less to say about the day I will publish it in full. All I will say for now is that our pre competition favourite is still at the bottom (I bet he wishes he had not separated from Team Steve, 20 points down the pan). I am still out in front; it just shows you how you can benefit if you bother to understand the rules.

Today’s Life Cycle miles were in honour of Lisa Johnson (nominated by Emma Oldham), Jane Warder (nominated by Kate Radford), Liz Duckmanton (nominated by Sue Stannard) and Judith Meneaugh (nominated by Lisa Johnson).

Our fundraising total currently stands at over £538,000 and we continue to see wonderful spontaneous acts of generosity. Last night in Dunoon, Stefano went to a shop for frozen peas for John’s leg, the proprietor gave him the peas for free and a donation; at the café in Inveraray today, someone who was not even eating there came in and donated; and John bumped into an alumnus who did the same.

Our 89 miles today takes us to 1,045. Tomorrow we head for our third point of the compass, via Mull.

Professor Sir David Greenaway

The post Nottingham Life Cycle 6 – Day 12 Dunoon to Oban appeared first on Nottingham Life Cycle.

Good news at breakfast.

First, the 99 miles posted for today included six miles on a ferry from Gourock to Hunter’s Quay. That meant we were only cycling 93 miles!

Second, despite Stefano’s challenges on the ingredients of the Goat’s Cheese Tart he had for dinner last night, the chef showed up to cook us breakfast.

Our accommodation was very rural, and I had not really thought about that. I pulled back the curtains first thing, to check if two pairs of gel pants on the ledge had dried, and was rewarded with the most magnificent view of a mist laden field with the cattle still waking up. Lovely.

There was a fair bit of debate about the route, largely because the one initially plotted involved close to 6,000 feet of climbing, mainly of the short sharp variety. Nick (who grew up in this area) came up with an alternative, that was exactly the same distance, involved one third less climbing, and for the final 25 miles tracked the coast.

Steve, Sara, Doug, Kate and Andy went for the inland route; the rest of us opted for the coastal alternative.

We were a bit uncoordinated in setting off. John, who has a serious calf problem went out first to get ahead. Our women got fed up waiting for the men and Karen, Kerry, Marion and Susan left, with Nick, Stefano and me out last.

We took the A76, a busyish road which is up and down, but not in a spiky way. It runs through Thornhill, Sanquhar, Kirkconnel and Cumnock, to Kilmarnock. After 37 miles we stopped at the Dumfries Arms in Cumnock; another Life Cycle touch point as we stayed there on both LC2 and LC4. We were too early for the restaurant and ended up foraging on a mish mash of cake from the coffee shop, sausage rolls from Greggs, and stuff from the back of the van. Even by Life Cycle standards, an unbalanced first lunch.

As the others headed north towards Stewarton and Beith, we headed north west towards the coast, in hilly terrain, through Craigie and Dundonald, eventually landing at Irvine. For some proper food, we stopped at the Morrisons Superstore at Stevenson.

In the meantime, Stefano pressed on with John, who had secured an appointment with a physio in Dunoon to try and do something about his calf. He made it and now has a heavily strapped leg.

Beyond Irvine you continue on the A78 to Saltcoats, West Kilbride, Fairlie and on to Largs. At Ardrossan Nick peeled off to meet Julie, his Mum and his Sister coming off the Arran Ferry. What a nice picture.

From Ardrossan we headed for Largs. When I was a boy those from Shettleston headed for Saltcoats; those with a bit more money headed for Largs. So Largs was a new experience for me. Nice place. And we had a stop at Nardini’s, famous for its ice cream, and art deco interior.

And then there were four. Marion peeled off to meet a friend who had sailed from Rhu to see her. Karen, Kerry, Kate and I ploughed on to Gourock: sixteen miles in 45 minutes, at the end of a day. We impressed ourselves. We arrived at the ferry at 1800. Amazingly, despite the fact the other five had taken a completely different route, they arrived at more or less the same time, and were on the same ferry!

The coast run along the A 78 was superb, fine vistas, fresh sea odours, and a quick road. That was nicely topped off by the ferry crossing. Even in overcast conditions, we had 360 degree panoramic views down to Arran and the Mull of Kintyre, up to some of the inland lochs, of course to Bute itself, and of North Ayrshire.

We were all in at Dunoon by 1830, not bad for a 90+ miles day plus a ferry crossing. This is another place I visited as a boy, and I do remember it, though it is much closer to Glasgow than it seemed then. Marion, Nick and John also know these parts from their childhood.

We rode on some nice surfaces today. We also rode on corrugated concrete (and interestingly you only ever see signs on who is responsible for road maintenance at recently resurfaced stretches). Some of these surfaces absolutely batter you, and your bike. Today Doug’s frame actually fractured, a clean break. That is his favourite bike’s Life Cycle over, and he will have to ride out the remainder on one of the spares.

Our Support Team were again terrific, tracking two routes, undertaking running repairs and cleaning out the local Greggs in Cumnock. They even extended to reminding Kate it was her wedding anniversary.

Gavin completed his stint with us and will fly back to Glasgow tomorrow. His role for the final five days is taken up by Simon Hopkins. Simon supported us on the first three Life Cycles so has a lot of experience.

Our Life Cycle miles today were for Claire (nominated by Susan) who has sadly passed away; Elizabeth O’Riordan (nominated by Emma Oldham) whose blog is an inspiration to others; Doug Harper (nominated by Cheri Ambrose) another face of male breast cancer. They were also for my friend and colleague Sarah O’Hara who allowed me to nominate her; what a fabulous role model she is.

Just one reportable quote today. As bags were being unloaded, Paul asked for my backpack. Gary passed him a bag. Paul said, ‘that’s not David’s’. ‘I know’ replied Gary, ‘it has a hairbrush in the side pocket’. Thanks Gary.

Finally, a brief Magomnium update. First competition resumed today. The first event was the Cumnock Sprint, won by Kerry, Karen, Marion and Susan. So, 10 points each for them. Second, Stefano was awarded 10 bonus points for doing such a good job in getting John to the ferry in time for his physio appointment. Third, after much debate, Kerry was allocated the average of points awarded to others and is now in the game.

And there is a new discipline now that Simon has arrived, Kerby comes in to play. Watch out for the Support Team.

I know I said I would provide a full leader board today, but I have run out of space.

Another 93 miles completed, taking our total to 966. Tomorrow we head for Oban via some big climbs.

Professor Sir David Greenaway

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At 0800 the mood in the lobby of the Hallbank Guest House where we stayed last night was sombre. It was raining heavily, cold and blowy. We also knew the toughest of today’s climbing was facing us in the first 30 miles.

Out came the wet weather gear and off we went in four groups: Stefano, Steve and John; Andy, Karen and Kate; Marion, Kerry and Nick; and finally Doug, Sara, Susan and me.

It was grim, really grim. Very quickly we were climbing, and it was a brutal mix of short, sharp inclines, and longer pulls. After what seemed like a very long way, we spotted the van at one of the Hadrian’s Wall sites and I stopped to dump my over trousers (which were more or less useless). Since I had not wiped yesterday’s data from my Garmin, I didn’t know how much ground we had covered. Doug told me it was 11 miles. I was dismayed, it seemed so much longer.

Over breakfast Susan said that after that initial climb, you then ‘roll along the top’. That roll was a series of very spiky ups and downs, initially parallel to Hadrian’s Wall north of Haltwhistle, then on a B road through to Hethersgill, where it finally flattened out.

It was at almost 40 miles before we got a break at the Whitesyke Garden Centre just outside Longtown, and we needed it. That was where we also caught up with all of the others.

Longtown is only about 5 miles from Gretna, so we were quickly over the border. Having taken the obligatory pics at the ‘Scotland Welcomes You’ sign, we pressed on to a B road that sits below the A75 and offers lovely views over the Solway Firth, with the mountains of Cumbria clearly visible.  As we turned north towards Dumfries, we stopped off at the Brow Well, visited by Scotland’s most celebrated poet, Robert Burns, to bathe in its waters shortly before he died in 1796.

We had had some flat riding in dry conditions from Gretna, but from about 15 miles from Dumfries we were back in rolling country for the final pull into Auldgirth where we were staying overnight .

I think everyone found today’s 79 miles tough. I certainly did, there were occasions in the first half of the day when I thought my legs just couldn’t take any more. But you see the others pulling on, and you just have to pull after them. I was relieved to reach our destination.

Our Life Cycle miles today were in honour of five women: Kimberley Manns (nominated by Emma Oldham); Karen David Spencer-Pickup (nominated by Michaela Back); Christine Roberts (nominated by Kate); Marg Johnson (nominated by Lisa Johnson); and Dorothy Gawtry (nominated by Julie Miles). Today is the 21^st anniversary of Dorothy’s passing.

You can read more about these inspiring people on the LC6 website. Their strength helps keep front of mind why we are doing this, and the potential difference £1 million can make if we reach our target.

The other thing that keeps driving us on is the spontaneous generosity of people we meet. We eat at cafes and the proprietors give us a donation which has just wiped out their margin; we stop for a drink and people approach us and ask if we are collecting on the road; we eat in lodges and hotels and guests ask what we are doing, and why, then offer a donation. It is genuinely uplifting.

Then there is just the release that comes with a good laugh; a few hours of banter over dinner which pushes to the back of your memory what you have just done, how sore you are, and reminds you of the wonderful humanity of those you are in this bubble with.

Now some team matters.

You would not generally think of cyclists and golfers in the same group. But they do have one thing in common, they like buying stuff. And there is no shortage of high end, top brand cycling kit on display in the LC6 team. But a keener interest seems to be around who has made the best value purchases. There is Nick with his £2 Team GB cycling socks, Susan with her £5 lab glasses, me with my £3.49 cycling mitts (which compare favourably with a top brand pair I paid £20 for in a sale). I must find more.

A number of nice quotes from today.

At our accommodation this evening, there was some guessing about ages, which involved Fiona, who looked after us superbly well.  She underestimated Dr John’s age. A little later, when she was presenting tea, she said to John: ‘I will get it for you dearie, now I know your age’.

My Grandson Arlo asked his Grandma this morning where I was, and was told I was cycling. His response was: ‘last time Grandad cycled, he climbed a mountain’. Good lad Arlo.

Stefano reported that he was certain he could hear sheep bleating ‘Steeeeve, Steeeeve’. Stefano, you must drink more water.

At the Garden Centre I was soaked and needed a change of clothing. The Gents was occupied, so I used the Disabled toilet. As I was about to open the door to exit, there was a knock. The lady facing me asked if I was alright. ‘Yes, just needed to change, and needed the space’. ‘Nae bother. I was worried sumday might be in trouble. I was all set tae gie the kiss of life. But you’re too late now’.

Finally, given weather conditions, a rest day was declared in the Megomnium. Competition will resume tomorrow. In the meantime points have been tallied and we will have a full leader board report tomorrow.

We have now cycled 873 miles and are in to the final five and a half days. It hardly seems possible that the LC6 Community Day is next Sunday. We are looking forward to a record number of cyclists and visitors, and as always a great community day out.

Tomorrow we have a long pull of close to 100 miles, and a ferry crossing to Dunoon.

Professor Sir David Greenaway

The post Nottingham Life Cycle 6 – Day 10 Hexham to Auldgirth appeared first on Nottingham Life Cycle.

Steve became a Grandad for the first time this morning . Congratulations to Victoria and Matt on their first child. Steve, it’s a cliché, but true – this will change your life.

We also had an unexpected visitor at breakfast, Chris Jagger, who has completed four of the six Life Cycles and been closely involved with the planning of this one. It was great to have him join us, and he is with us this evening. That was especially useful in explaining the Barrett – Jagger method. He admonished many riders for not taking the trouble to know the rules.

At 72 miles, today was a short day compared to the previous three, but with some really tough climbing. It was also a day when four teams took four different routes.

First out were Andy and Doug. They were going to see their respective relatives in Richmond, then coming over the top of the Pennines. Steve, Karen and Kate were next, they followed the recommended route. Finally we had Nick, Sara, Susan and John; and Stefano, Kerry, Marion and me. We were both on a variation of the recommended route, plus the A68.

The first 20 miles was fast riding, through the lovely market town of Northallerton (with Saturday’s market in full flow) then towards Darlington. We knew there was 3,500 feet of climbing to be done and the choice was between doing that in more or less relentless short ups and downs, or long big climbs and long fast descents. We chose the latter and headed for the A68.

After 35 miles, and before the heavy duty climbing kicked in, we stopped in West Auckland and found the Antique Tea Shop; a proper antique shop, but with a lovely tea shop. It was a surprising find but a very welcome one. Stefano tried out a new hat whilst we were there.

Then the climbing started. I hate really sharp climbs first thing, or straight after a lunch. We were into them straight after lunch.

We seemed to top out at Tow Law , around 1,000 feet above sea level and with stunning views over Weardale. Then up and down, up and down. I found it hard going, but wonderful open terrain across the Pennines.

We goofed on the final stretch. We were due to leave the A68 and join the A695 through Corbridge to Hexham. At the end of a long downslope we had too much distance between us for effective communication, and ended up on the A69, the Newcastle to Carlisle trans Pennine route. It was horrible.

We pulled into a layby to review maps. Marion spotted a flyover ahead and pointed out it must lead to a B road. But how to get there? Stefano did some exploring. We figured out if we climbed a fence, spent about 800 metres on a recently harvested / fertilised (and therefore very smelly) field, it would get us to that road, which went through Corbridge and reach the A695 to Hexham. So that is what we did.  

Everyone was in before 1700, for the first time on this challenge. You might think that means a nice opportunity to relax and have a few beers. The biggest benefits are actually getting your washing done early to maximise drying time; emptying your case to find out what is actually in there, and re-packing with some sense of order; and in my case, getting to blog writing earlier.

The last of these is especially welcome. For the second night in a row, I woke with stabbing pains in my knee at 0400. I couldn’t find any Voltarol, so just tried to get off again. At 0430, the stands for the Thirsk Saturday Market began to be constructed directly under my window! Extra time was therefore especially welcome.

I again have to pay tribute to our Support Team . They had to cope with four different routes, and Gavin and Paul still found us in the West Auckland teashop.

Life Cycle miles today were in honour of Sally White (nominated by Sue Stannard) who sadly passed away in 2013; Anne Ashley (nominated by Kate) who is making great progress; and Andy Nicholl (nominated by Cheri Ambrose) to remind us breast cancer does not discriminate.

In the Megomnium, the first challenge of the day was to find a Caffè Nero, without our bikes. After all, athletes like Mo Farah swear by an espresso before they race. Seven of us managed to do this and were rewarded with 10 points. They are Susan, Sara, Kerry, Marion, Nick, Stefano and me. It was a great start to the day!

The other challenge was the point to point; the first team to get from Thirsk to Hexham. That was won by Nick’s team, so 10 points to Nick, Sara, Susan and John. I was part of Stefano’s team, which was second and there are no points for second. It is just as well I picked up 10 on the Caffè Nero challenge or it would have been a pointless day for me (only in the sense of winning no points of course).

With Chris Jagger present the Stewards are scrutinising all points awarded, challenges mounted, and penalties missed. I should be in a position to publish an authoritative leader board tomorrow.

Today’s 72 miles takes our total to 794. Tomorrow’s ride across the border to Thornhill is again in the 70s, but also with more climbing.

Our funds raised continue to grow (and were helped by a £40 bet I had with Stefano on the result of the Forest – Leeds match). Thank you all for your donations, your emails and your comments on the blogs. We really appreciate your interest and support.

Professor Sir David Greenaway

The post Nottingham Life Cycle 6 – Day 9 – Thirsk to Hexham appeared first on Nottingham Life Cycle.

This is my final Life Cycle, and there have been some rather nice touch points between this and the very first Life Cycle five years ago.

For example, on Day 1 we stayed at the Victoria Travelodge near Bodmin, which is where we stayed on the final night of the inaugural Life Cycle.

Tonight we are staying at the Golden Fleece Hotel in Thirsk, where we also stayed on Life Cycle 1. I remember it well. Two nights before we had stayed in the worst hotel imaginable in Berwick, the morning after I had a fall, ground it out to Gateshead where I checked in to the Travelodge not knowing whether I would be riding next day. I did, and the Golden Fleece felt like an oasis. And it was also Day 8.

Today we passed the halfway mark in both miles and days. It’s amazing to think just last Friday we set off from Lizard Point.

It was another 100 miler. For the first (and last) time in my life I have cycled three consecutive days of 100 miles. And now I think about it, I’m pretty pleased, but very heavy legged, and very glad we do not have the same distance tomorrow.

First out this morning were Doug, Peter and Andrew Leyshon; followed by Andy, Susan, Kerry and Fraser. Then came Steve, Marion, Sara, Stefano and John; and finally Nick, Karen, Kate and me.

Conditions were bright and very blustery as we climbed to the top of the outcrop on which Lincoln sits and headed north.

Despite the wind, it was good riding and we all pressed on to Crowle as the first stop, at around 35 miles. Our second breakfast was takeaways from the local bakery, eaten in the village square.

That first stretch was nice riding, surprisingly undulating and through attractive Lincolnshire villages. The second stage was a big contrast, 15 miles across windswept flat terrain, into headwinds and the smell of rotting turnips. But, by the time we got beyond Howden the environment had changed again to lovely East Riding towns and villages.

We all continued to make excellent progress in dry, if windy conditions. The other groups lunched in Sutton upon Derwent south east of York. We just took fluids there and pressed on to Strensall, so as to leave us just 22 miles for the final section.

Gavin had again done a great job with the route planning. The only time we were on major roads (apart from the final three miles on the A19) was when we crossed them.

The last 22 miles were very undulating, and very pretty. As we rounded a corner at Carlton Husthwaite we were rewarded with a magnificent view of the Hambleton Hills and south escarpment of the North Yorkshire Moors, complete with White Horse near the top. That gave us a lift to push through the final six miles.

We arrived at 1815, and everyone else was in. A great effort for a 100 mile day.

Now on to some team matters, starting with a few random things.

Over breakfast Sara told me that her extended family in Sweden have been reading the blog, and would like to know more about the rules of Mornington Crescent. Good luck Sara.

Kerry has just completed her second day, and was so tired she brushed her teeth with Savlon. Well at least they are unlikely to itch Kerry.

Our dinner at the Golden Fleece was in a private room. It was a warm evening and the windows were open. Two local ladies on a night out looked in the window to have a chat, and asked if we were a Tinder Group!

Now on to the Megomnium. I start with good news. Thirsk races are on, so some of our riders could not get access to the race course and repeat the Newmarket fiasco.

Today’s competition was the full leg road race. This goes to the team with the best time from Lincoln to Thirsk. But it is very complicated. The Stewards collect all the data on actual ride time and time spent off the bike. (It is important to give proper weight to the latter, to ensure riders do not skimp on eating and drinking).

Doug’s team had the best time. But in Peter and Andrew he had two strong guest riders. You are allowed one guest in any team, but not two, because they then become classed as pace makers. So, Doug was out.

After reviewing the data, the Stewards declared a dead heat between Andy’s Team (Andy, Susan Kerry and Fraser) and Nick’s Team (Nick, Karen, Kate and me) [Pic . They also explained that under the Barrett – Jagger rules Nick’s Team could claim victory because of a better gender balance and age distribution.

But, being the kind of people they are, Nick’s Team declined this, so a dead heat is recorded with 10 points each to Andy, Susan, Kerry, Nick, Karen, Kate and me. Since Karen was also smart enough to play a joker, she and Nick received 20 points each, with David and Kate sticking on 10. Seems unfair to us, but rules are rules.

Once the Stewards have finalised a points allocation for Kerry, and completed their investigations into Dr John, I will publish an updated leaderboard. It is getting close.

I have two nice quotes from today.

First, when we stopped at Crowle, a group of lads on scooters aged around 10 came over and said ‘Mister, I like your bikes they are really great’. I thanked them, and one responded ‘Yeah, real sick’. I think it was a further compliment.

At the same location, I told Karen that sharp pains in my right knee woke me before 0400, and prevented me from getting back to sleep. ‘That’s ‘cos you’ve been cycling’ was her response. Karen, thank you for allowing me to benefit from your 20+ years of clinical experience.

We have quite a number of Life Cycle miles nominees today. They are Doug’s Sister and Aunt (nominated by Doug); Jackie and Mavis Hamill (nominated by Jackie); Sally Woodward (nominated by Kate); and Tracey Nemerin (nominated by Kerry). It is our privilege to ride for you all.

We have now cycled 722 miles, and tomorrow we head for Hexham.

Funds raised were just under £510,000 yesterday, but we have received a major boost with a £25,000 donation from an alumnus who wants to help us make a difference. That takes us to almost £535,000.

Professor Sir David Greenaway

The post Nottingham Life Cycle 6 – Day 8 Lincoln to Thirsk appeared first on Nottingham Life Cycle.

Another 100 miler, taking our total to 622 miles. In terms of funds raised, we are now over £508,000. Thank you to everyone for your great support.

For the second successive day, I managed to post a blog before breakfast, and was able to leave with the others. First out were Doug, Karen, Marion and Kerry; then Steve, Kate, Peter and John; followed by Andy, Sara and me; then Nick, Tim, Susan and Stefano.

Conditions were overcast and cool, with a threat of rain, which duly appeared after about 10 miles. It was heavy, and before long we were soaked through. There was no point in calling in the van and changing: if it persisted, a change would not last long; if it cleared, we would dry out.

It cleared. By the time we got beyond Kings Lynn we were drying nicely, and there was finally a bit of warmth in the air.

We targeted Terrington St Clement for our first food stop, but there was nothing there. So we pressed on through Sutton Bridge to Long Sutton, where we were very well fed. At 43 miles that was good riding, so we were ready for it.

In Long Sutton, a shop owner called Sheila Tiller took the collecting tub from Gary, and proceeded to go around every single shop in the town requesting donations. Thank you Sheila.

At Long Sutton Team Andy made a call to head to Coningsby, another 30 miles on, then pick up the Water Rail Way, Sustrans Route 1 into Lincoln.

It was an excellent call on two counts. First we put good mileage behind us, in a featureless landscape with a constant reek of rotting cabbage; second it transformed the final 20 miles.

At Kirton, south of Boston, we picked up two of Sara’s colleagues from the School of Life Sciences, Michael Randall and Steve Alexander. They had driven from Nottingham to Lincoln, cycled to Kirton, then rode back to Lincoln with us. They were excellent company

Coningsby is dominated by the RAF base and both Tornados and Typhoons were roaring in and out as we approached. We ate at Penny’s Place Cottage Café, good food and hospitality, but gigantic portions, which were impossible to finish.

As we left for the final run to Lincoln, the rains returned, but not as heavy as this morning. At Tattershall Bridge we found an access point for Sustrans Route 1, with Lincoln 21 miles on

I have done many 100 mile days with Life Cycles (between 10 and 20). The final 20 miles is always a real killer as your destination approaches ever more slowly. Not so today, because of the wonderful landscape of the Water Rail Way. It is an excellent surface along the old Lincoln to Boston railway line, running between the River Witham and a canal. As well as the lovely flora, fauna and bird life, the route is also a sculpture trail, and it was empty. We covered that distance at a consistent 15 – 16 mph.

We arrived at the Premier Inn just before 1800, and just as the other groups were arriving.

This evening more guests arrived. Andrew Leyshon from the School of Geography will ride with us tomorrow, as will Fraser (Kerry’s partner) and Peter Gadsby will ride for a second day. Julie Miles (who saw us off at Lizard Point) and Alan Walker joined us, and Susan and Jenni are still here. It is great to have you all involved.

On to Team matters.

600 miles plus on the road is taking its toll on the riders and with six of the seven days thus far being 90 – 100 miles, it has been a heck of a physical challenge. Pressure on time (and I suspect mental fatigue) has resulted in items being misplaced, lost, even lost and found. Stefano lost his credit cards, cancelled them, then discovered they were in a trouser pocket in his case. Steve left a set of glasses by a roadside, and others have left cables behind in hotels.

As ever our Support Team, now led by Gavin, have been key to progress: keeping our bikes roadworthy, making running repairs, changing cleats, and just ensuring the van is available for fluids and any food top ups.

The Megomnium is back in competition.

First there was a review of footage of a dressage competition at Newmarket a couple of days ago. This involved Susan, Steve, Sara and Kate. It was a bit of a shambles, with most of the competitors looking as though they had been electrocuted. Steve gave the event some semblance of dignity with the balletic motions which we associate with his hand signals. So, that’s 10 points to Steve, and since he was smart enough to play a joker, it doubles to 20. A big move up the leader board for him.

Today’s discipline was the Water Rail Way Steeple Chase. This had an element of orienteering to it, in that you had to find the track, complete the 21 miles and negotiate any off road sections. Team Andy did all that. So 10 points each for Andy, Sara and David. Since Andy played his joker, he and Sara double to 20.

No  double points for me I’m afraid, because I have already benefited from a joker. Disappointing, but rules are rules. The current leader board now looks like this:

David 59

Stefano 40

John 35

Sara 30

Susan 27

Andy 27

Steve 27

Kate 25

Doug 17

Karen 14

Marion 14

Nick 10

Those in the teens have work to do, but even factoring in any further suspensions, they have plenty of time.

Two other things: the judges are figuring out how to incorporate Kerry, with an appropriate number of points applied; and I think they are planning a sting on Dr John.

Today’s Life Cycle miles were ridden for Frances Dean (nominated by Julia Bell) who despite secondary cancer is a tireless volunteer for Breast Cancer Care; Sue Stannard (nominated by Emma Oldham) who is one of the voices behind the LC6 campaign; and Edward Grant (nominated by Cheri Ambrose) to remind us that, although small in numbers, this disease does affect men too.

Tomorrow we head due north for Thirsk, the third 100 mile day in a row.

Professor Sir David Greenaway

August 25^th 2016

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