We did it - arrived at John O'Groats at 430pm in 10 days on Tuesday 1st June 2010.
I will post the stories from each stage but here's some facts.
LeJOG Distances by Damian Bell (as per my Garmin)
Day
1 98 Tintagel
2 133 Street
3 111 Llanthony
4 108 Peckforton
5 110 Arnside
6 154 Newton Stewart
7 98 Lochranza
8 133 Invergarry
9 98 Carbisdale
10 105 John O'Groats
Total 1148
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Llananthony to Peckforton Castle
LeJoG 2010 1100 Mile Challenge
Wednesday 26th May 2010
Having looked at the map, I realised that to meet the lads, I'd have to cycle back south down the valley. Whereas my destination lay north.
I had forgotten to take my sun cream with me when I had hurriedly setup my panniers to ride to Llanthony (pronounced Clan Tony). So, I contemplated going back. But decided I could either meet the lads in Hay-on-Wye and get my cream or if not just buy some. It sounds petty but I've only found one sun cream that I'm not allergic too - Boots Kids Factor 50. Bound to be a Boots Pharmacy in Hay.
So, earliest start yet, I went off to up to Hay - after a lovely breakfast - ovee the top of the Brecons - quite stunning! And then a long, incredible descent into Hay-on-Wye.
There had been no mobile phone reception whatsoever in Llanthony, but I'd borrowed the hotel phone to let the lads know my change of plan. So, we agreed to meet at 9-930am in Hay.
By 930am I hadn't heard from them despite texts & voicemails, so I decided to buy some sun cream and then head off.
First problem was no Boots - so I went to the only pharmacy there. They were very helpful. I bought another brand of factor 50 hypo-allergenic suncream. Put it on & hoped for the best.
The last time I did this my face swoll up for days & I looked quite scary for weeks afterwards. Still, I didn't want to get burned.
I planned out a route up through the boarders of England & Wales - the road weaved in & out. So, you never really knew which side of the boarder you were. Parts were very hilly but the conditions were perfect & I made good progress. I stopped for lunch in Leinwardine - about 47 miles from Llanathony. There was a petrol station there but I had packed some food from the hotel & made a flask of tea. So, I knew I still had a long way to go, so decided to crack on. I cycled up through Chirbury - then switched on the Garmin for Peckforton Castle - it took me down through Shrewsbury. Just into Shrewsbury, Ian passed with the car so we stopped and had a chat a quick snack - I grabbed some more food to carry with me.
Then at about 530pm the rain started. Luckily, I had my rain jacket with me so stopped and changed. But within 1 hour of torrential rain it didn't matter. I was soaked through & still had 28 miles to go at 630pm.
I was on the B5476 between Wem and Witchurch when the others caught me up & flew past in a train of speed. All kitted up in wet weather gear - Ian had obviuosly found them. I tried to keep up but just too fast so I went at my own pace.
Reaching Whitchurch, I saw they had stopped to look at the map. So' as I had the Garmin on, I cruised past. I felt like a rabbit at the Greyhounds going through Whitchurch as I weaved through the one way system chased by the greyhounds. As soon as they found the exit, they were off speeding down the road to Peckforton Castle.
The rain had eased so I just took my time not wanting to tear any muscles as John O'Groats was still a long way off.
I arrived at Peckforton Castle at 730pm - 111 miles from Llanathony.
The Castle is stunning - voted best hotel 2009 by the Hotel & Caterer Magazine, it wasn't difficult to see why.
We all ate together and mulled over the route. It sounded as if the lads had taken the same route as me. What happened to them was that Jorrin had 2 punctures coming up through Llanthony and Cape-le-Ffyn before Hay where there is no mobile phone reception.
Off for breakfast now & to get ready for another day - en route to Arnside in Cumbria - about 90 miles.
Wednesday 26th May 2010
Having looked at the map, I realised that to meet the lads, I'd have to cycle back south down the valley. Whereas my destination lay north.
I had forgotten to take my sun cream with me when I had hurriedly setup my panniers to ride to Llanthony (pronounced Clan Tony). So, I contemplated going back. But decided I could either meet the lads in Hay-on-Wye and get my cream or if not just buy some. It sounds petty but I've only found one sun cream that I'm not allergic too - Boots Kids Factor 50. Bound to be a Boots Pharmacy in Hay.
So, earliest start yet, I went off to up to Hay - after a lovely breakfast - ovee the top of the Brecons - quite stunning! And then a long, incredible descent into Hay-on-Wye.
There had been no mobile phone reception whatsoever in Llanthony, but I'd borrowed the hotel phone to let the lads know my change of plan. So, we agreed to meet at 9-930am in Hay.
By 930am I hadn't heard from them despite texts & voicemails, so I decided to buy some sun cream and then head off.
First problem was no Boots - so I went to the only pharmacy there. They were very helpful. I bought another brand of factor 50 hypo-allergenic suncream. Put it on & hoped for the best.
The last time I did this my face swoll up for days & I looked quite scary for weeks afterwards. Still, I didn't want to get burned.
I planned out a route up through the boarders of England & Wales - the road weaved in & out. So, you never really knew which side of the boarder you were. Parts were very hilly but the conditions were perfect & I made good progress. I stopped for lunch in Leinwardine - about 47 miles from Llanathony. There was a petrol station there but I had packed some food from the hotel & made a flask of tea. So, I knew I still had a long way to go, so decided to crack on. I cycled up through Chirbury - then switched on the Garmin for Peckforton Castle - it took me down through Shrewsbury. Just into Shrewsbury, Ian passed with the car so we stopped and had a chat a quick snack - I grabbed some more food to carry with me.
Then at about 530pm the rain started. Luckily, I had my rain jacket with me so stopped and changed. But within 1 hour of torrential rain it didn't matter. I was soaked through & still had 28 miles to go at 630pm.
I was on the B5476 between Wem and Witchurch when the others caught me up & flew past in a train of speed. All kitted up in wet weather gear - Ian had obviuosly found them. I tried to keep up but just too fast so I went at my own pace.
Reaching Whitchurch, I saw they had stopped to look at the map. So' as I had the Garmin on, I cruised past. I felt like a rabbit at the Greyhounds going through Whitchurch as I weaved through the one way system chased by the greyhounds. As soon as they found the exit, they were off speeding down the road to Peckforton Castle.
The rain had eased so I just took my time not wanting to tear any muscles as John O'Groats was still a long way off.
I arrived at Peckforton Castle at 730pm - 111 miles from Llanathony.
The Castle is stunning - voted best hotel 2009 by the Hotel & Caterer Magazine, it wasn't difficult to see why.
We all ate together and mulled over the route. It sounded as if the lads had taken the same route as me. What happened to them was that Jorrin had 2 punctures coming up through Llanthony and Cape-le-Ffyn before Hay where there is no mobile phone reception.
Off for breakfast now & to get ready for another day - en route to Arnside in Cumbria - about 90 miles.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
First post of trip
leJoG blog Challenge 2010
Sunday 23rd May 2010
I am writing this 2 days after the event as time has just been completely absorbed with cycling.
On the positive - the weather has been glorious - the scenery magnificent - the company inspiring. On the negative, the organisation could have been better - the timing quite Latin for 5 northern europeans - the rides absolutely gruelling - the hills through Cornwall so steep that you struggle to cycle down them yet alone find that last drop of energy to go up them - only to find that you've covered 20 miles instead of 50 with still 70 to go.
We set off from our Lands End Youth Hostel - finally at 12pm - we were ready at 8am but in the name of team we waited for Jorrin to sort out his bike - he rebuilt his bike from Ian's as his wheels had been crushed en route. This after having arrived the night before because of a combination of car troubles - yes Ollie's Saab decided not to start - unheard of - and having to visit PC World for SD cards for the cameras - very late at 10pm. So, no time but to eat quickly then sleep.
Andrea & I had travelled down on Friday morning - deciding wisely to drive rather than catch the train. We had a lovely time. My cousin Tony offered us his house in Falmouth for the night even though he was away. We managed to catch up with his sister Pam and her daughter Angela who made tea and Cornish saffron buns - yum! Then on Friday evening we met up with my other cousin John and his charming wife Lisa. We all jelled well and had a very tasty fish meal down in Falmouth. On Saturday we had a leisurely day buying last minute things before trotting off to St Just near Lands End Youth Hostel. We checked out Lands End visitors centre as we couldn't check in before 5pm. Then we had Spag Bol - perfect before a long cycle ride. And waited - watched the sun go down - and waited - and waited some more - then got ready for bed. Then just as I had given up they arrived.
Its a miracle that 4 people plus 4 bikes and all the kit & food managed to squeeze into Ollie's Saab. Aparently, this was another reason for delay.
Anyway - once we said our goodbyes to Andrea - who'd decided as it was so late now not to visit the Eden Project but just go straight home to London. We set off & at the first junction the Garmin disagreed with Jorrin's route. He complained but Ollie & Dirk followed me.
Later in Penzance we bumped into Jorrin. He then tried to manipulate us into going to the Eden Project but we knew that this would add 30 miles onto an already long journey to Tintagel plus EP closes at 6pm & we wouldn't make it - so we made our excuses & cycled off to Tintagel via St Ives (lunch in pub) & Newquay - absolutely stunning. Jorrin meanwhile had decided to stick to his plan & he & Ian went round EP & met the MD - but in so doing didn't turn up at Tintagel until 10pm by which time having all of our clothes, food & equipment in the car meant that we had to beg, borrow, steal to have a shower, keep warm & feed ourselves - all of which was possible thanks to two lovely volouteer workers at Tintagel.
Mileage 98 but felt like 150.
Predictably, having arrived late - jorrin was once again last up the next morning & we were all ready to leave at 8am but stood around while he made us feel guilty for waiting despite us all having cleaned the kitchen, emptied our rooms, packed the car - he still wasn't ready to leave unti 10am by which time our patience ran out. So, we just left again.
Monday turned out even more gruelling than Sunday with us covering 130 miles from Tintagel in Cornwall to Street, near Glastonbury.
Again to be part of the team we stopped off at Witherton to meet Tom an amazing para-olympian cyclist. But it did make us really late arriving into Street at 10pm. Ian had come up trumps - made dinner - all really appreciated. 130 miles that day - Dirk got saddle sore.
Clearly, the next day we didn't want a repeat of Monday so having been joined by Deuan from London - Ollie, Deuan & I set off at just after 8am. Dirk had injured himself so had decided not to participate that day.
Just after 9am we received a call to say that Jorrin & Ian had decided to go home to London. With Ollies car! Ollie was outraged.
Ollie went his own way to try & meet them & we agreed to rendez-vous in Winford just South of Bristol - worthy mention here is the Waterloo Pub where they do a mean breakfast - Deuan & I both concurr.
Anyway, we finally all met up in Chepstow (lunch in Limetree by St Marys Church) where Jorrin & I had a big show down. He accusing me of not being a team player while me accsing him of simply not being ready early enough. They had come in the car.
Then we decided to re-convene in Abergeveny. When I finally composed myself to cycle, Ollie &a Deuan had disappeared. So, I cycled alone up through the Pen-y-cae mawr moutainous woods. By the time I arrived they had all decided to stay, continue & go camping..
Thank fully I was booked in to the Llanthony Priory Hotel. Where I am now having washed & dinned superbly ready for what tomorrow brings. Notable mention here are Jeff & Harri (Female) who run the Priory - very friendly - locked my bike up & are coming in early to make me breakfast.
Mileage 98.
Sunday 23rd May 2010
I am writing this 2 days after the event as time has just been completely absorbed with cycling.
On the positive - the weather has been glorious - the scenery magnificent - the company inspiring. On the negative, the organisation could have been better - the timing quite Latin for 5 northern europeans - the rides absolutely gruelling - the hills through Cornwall so steep that you struggle to cycle down them yet alone find that last drop of energy to go up them - only to find that you've covered 20 miles instead of 50 with still 70 to go.
We set off from our Lands End Youth Hostel - finally at 12pm - we were ready at 8am but in the name of team we waited for Jorrin to sort out his bike - he rebuilt his bike from Ian's as his wheels had been crushed en route. This after having arrived the night before because of a combination of car troubles - yes Ollie's Saab decided not to start - unheard of - and having to visit PC World for SD cards for the cameras - very late at 10pm. So, no time but to eat quickly then sleep.
Andrea & I had travelled down on Friday morning - deciding wisely to drive rather than catch the train. We had a lovely time. My cousin Tony offered us his house in Falmouth for the night even though he was away. We managed to catch up with his sister Pam and her daughter Angela who made tea and Cornish saffron buns - yum! Then on Friday evening we met up with my other cousin John and his charming wife Lisa. We all jelled well and had a very tasty fish meal down in Falmouth. On Saturday we had a leisurely day buying last minute things before trotting off to St Just near Lands End Youth Hostel. We checked out Lands End visitors centre as we couldn't check in before 5pm. Then we had Spag Bol - perfect before a long cycle ride. And waited - watched the sun go down - and waited - and waited some more - then got ready for bed. Then just as I had given up they arrived.
Its a miracle that 4 people plus 4 bikes and all the kit & food managed to squeeze into Ollie's Saab. Aparently, this was another reason for delay.
Anyway - once we said our goodbyes to Andrea - who'd decided as it was so late now not to visit the Eden Project but just go straight home to London. We set off & at the first junction the Garmin disagreed with Jorrin's route. He complained but Ollie & Dirk followed me.
Later in Penzance we bumped into Jorrin. He then tried to manipulate us into going to the Eden Project but we knew that this would add 30 miles onto an already long journey to Tintagel plus EP closes at 6pm & we wouldn't make it - so we made our excuses & cycled off to Tintagel via St Ives (lunch in pub) & Newquay - absolutely stunning. Jorrin meanwhile had decided to stick to his plan & he & Ian went round EP & met the MD - but in so doing didn't turn up at Tintagel until 10pm by which time having all of our clothes, food & equipment in the car meant that we had to beg, borrow, steal to have a shower, keep warm & feed ourselves - all of which was possible thanks to two lovely volouteer workers at Tintagel.
Mileage 98 but felt like 150.
Predictably, having arrived late - jorrin was once again last up the next morning & we were all ready to leave at 8am but stood around while he made us feel guilty for waiting despite us all having cleaned the kitchen, emptied our rooms, packed the car - he still wasn't ready to leave unti 10am by which time our patience ran out. So, we just left again.
Monday turned out even more gruelling than Sunday with us covering 130 miles from Tintagel in Cornwall to Street, near Glastonbury.
Again to be part of the team we stopped off at Witherton to meet Tom an amazing para-olympian cyclist. But it did make us really late arriving into Street at 10pm. Ian had come up trumps - made dinner - all really appreciated. 130 miles that day - Dirk got saddle sore.
Clearly, the next day we didn't want a repeat of Monday so having been joined by Deuan from London - Ollie, Deuan & I set off at just after 8am. Dirk had injured himself so had decided not to participate that day.
Just after 9am we received a call to say that Jorrin & Ian had decided to go home to London. With Ollies car! Ollie was outraged.
Ollie went his own way to try & meet them & we agreed to rendez-vous in Winford just South of Bristol - worthy mention here is the Waterloo Pub where they do a mean breakfast - Deuan & I both concurr.
Anyway, we finally all met up in Chepstow (lunch in Limetree by St Marys Church) where Jorrin & I had a big show down. He accusing me of not being a team player while me accsing him of simply not being ready early enough. They had come in the car.
Then we decided to re-convene in Abergeveny. When I finally composed myself to cycle, Ollie &a Deuan had disappeared. So, I cycled alone up through the Pen-y-cae mawr moutainous woods. By the time I arrived they had all decided to stay, continue & go camping..
Thank fully I was booked in to the Llanthony Priory Hotel. Where I am now having washed & dinned superbly ready for what tomorrow brings. Notable mention here are Jeff & Harri (Female) who run the Priory - very friendly - locked my bike up & are coming in early to make me breakfast.
Mileage 98.
Monday, 17 May 2010
Dear All,
We, Jorrin, Dirk, Ollie and Damian with Ian in support start our epic cycle ride on Sunday 23rd May 2010 – leaving around 9am towards Tintagel in North West Cornwall for the 1st Night of our 10 day trip from Lands End to John O’Groats – 1,100 miles. The objective, apart from completing the gruelling ride, is to raise money for our chosen charity Project Peru.
“Project Peru runs a children's refuge in the shanty towns near Lima, caring for over 30 children; entirely funded through voluntary effort, Project Peru is a small, lively, totally voluntary UK-based charity offering food, clothes, education, shelter and fun to those in need in a country where nearly half the population exists on less than one dollar a day! see http://www.projectperu.org.uk.” http://www.projectperu.org.uk/
For all of you who have already supported us – a huge THANK YOU – there has been an enormous amount of preparation gone into the planning and funding of this ride. So, we all now have to do our bit and complete. However, we are still some way off our target of £25K – having collectively raised around £2K with Ollie having raised £1,125 for his charity http://www.arc.org.uk/.
Many of you who I have spoken to have pledged to donate so if you still intend to here’s how you can do it.
1. Visit my just giving page - http://www.justgiving.com/LEJOG-DamianBell
2. Or you can sponsor me on the form when I see you next.
3. Or you can send a cheque to Carole Hudson at Project Peru. Cheques made payable to Project Peru and send them to
Charity no. 1049413
Carole Hudson
Hudson, Project Peru, 1, St. Catherine's Hill, Guildford , Surrey GU2 4EF
or easiest maybe to pay into the Charity’s account - a/c direct Project Peru; Lloyds TSB,
Guildford ; sort code 77-95-02; a/c number 16368265.
We have been working with various sponsors and doing all the training we can manage. If you would like to follow our blogs then please sign up – they are listed below.
http://piperbell-1100milechallenge.blogspot.com/
http://ericjorrin.blogspot.com/
http://1000mileschallenge.blogspot.com/
We will be updating our blogs along the route – but we’ve already had some quite dramatic moments that almost de-railed the whole ride – read http://1000mileschallenge.blogspot.com/ for the full story.
If any of you are keen cyclists – I have posted the overnight stops on my blog - http://piperbell-1100milechallenge.blogspot.com/. If you feel you might like to ride 1 or more days with us, just book into the hostel then we will see you there for the next day’s ride.
Many thanks again for all your support.
Best wishes
Damian Bell
We, Jorrin, Dirk, Ollie and Damian with Ian in support start our epic cycle ride on Sunday 23rd May 2010 – leaving around 9am towards Tintagel in North West Cornwall for the 1st Night of our 10 day trip from Lands End to John O’Groats – 1,100 miles. The objective, apart from completing the gruelling ride, is to raise money for our chosen charity Project Peru.
“Project Peru runs a children's refuge in the shanty towns near Lima, caring for over 30 children; entirely funded through voluntary effort, Project Peru is a small, lively, totally voluntary UK-based charity offering food, clothes, education, shelter and fun to those in need in a country where nearly half the population exists on less than one dollar a day! see http://www.projectperu.org.uk.” http://www.projectperu.org.uk/
For all of you who have already supported us – a huge THANK YOU – there has been an enormous amount of preparation gone into the planning and funding of this ride. So, we all now have to do our bit and complete. However, we are still some way off our target of £25K – having collectively raised around £2K with Ollie having raised £1,125 for his charity http://www.arc.org.uk/.
Many of you who I have spoken to have pledged to donate so if you still intend to here’s how you can do it.
1. Visit my just giving page - http://www.justgiving.com/LEJOG-DamianBell
2. Or you can sponsor me on the form when I see you next.
3. Or you can send a cheque to Carole Hudson at Project Peru. Cheques made payable to Project Peru and send them to
Charity no. 1049413
Carole Hudson
Hudson, Project Peru, 1, St. Catherine's Hill, Guildford , Surrey GU2 4EF
or easiest maybe to pay into the Charity’s account - a/c direct Project Peru; Lloyds TSB,
Guildford ; sort code 77-95-02; a/c number 16368265.
We have been working with various sponsors and doing all the training we can manage. If you would like to follow our blogs then please sign up – they are listed below.
http://piperbell-1100milechallenge.blogspot.com/
http://ericjorrin.blogspot.com/
http://1000mileschallenge.blogspot.com/
We will be updating our blogs along the route – but we’ve already had some quite dramatic moments that almost de-railed the whole ride – read http://1000mileschallenge.blogspot.com/ for the full story.
If any of you are keen cyclists – I have posted the overnight stops on my blog - http://piperbell-1100milechallenge.blogspot.com/. If you feel you might like to ride 1 or more days with us, just book into the hostel then we will see you there for the next day’s ride.
Many thanks again for all your support.
Best wishes
Damian Bell
Sunday, 9 May 2010
The Latest
Update on what's happening - I am now going with Jorrin's route - planning the same start date 23rd May - I've updated the accommodation plan with where we will be. unfortunately, Deuan has decided he can't commit to 10 - 12 days out of his charity business as its a crucial fund raising stage. But he has said that he will join us on the leg from Street near Glastonbury to Wales and perhaps back into England.
Janine has had to return to Germany so we still don't have a driver. But I think Dirk is sorting one out. So, we seem to be all on track.
This last week, I haven't trained as I was away piping all week in Holland. Just back in GB now & off to Cornwall to my Aunt's funeral - aunty Jean was 90.
Janine has had to return to Germany so we still don't have a driver. But I think Dirk is sorting one out. So, we seem to be all on track.
This last week, I haven't trained as I was away piping all week in Holland. Just back in GB now & off to Cornwall to my Aunt's funeral - aunty Jean was 90.
Friday, 16 April 2010
Accommodation Plan - where to join us
LEJOG Any keen cyclists or helpers who fancy joining us at any point along the trip - just contact the hostel below book in for the date given & we will see you there.
ACCOMMODATION PLAN
1ST Night – Saturday 22nd May 2010
Booking reference: 135-20-1210
Letcha Vean
St Just-in-Penwith
Penzance
Cornwall
TR19 7NT
Prices from:
Adult: £9.95
Under 18: £7.50
T: 0845 371 9643
E: landsend@yha.org.uk < mailto:landsend@yha.org.uk>
2nd Night – Sunday 23rd May 2010
Booking ref. 227-20-449
Tintagel
Dunderhole Point
Tintagel
Cornwall
PL34 0DW
Prices from:
Adult: £11.95
Under 18: £8.95
T: 0845 371 9145
E: tintagel@yha.org.uk
3rd Night – Monday 24th May 2010
219-20-942
The Chalet
Ivythorn Hill
Street
Somerset
BA16 0TZ
T: 0845 371 9143
E: street@yha.org.uk < mailto:street@yha.org.uk>
4th Night – Tuesday 25th May 2010 (Camping Planned)
Capel-Y-Ffin Youth Hostel Capel-y-Ffin, Abergavenny, NP7 7NP Tel: (+44) 01873 890650 Located in the remote and stunningly beautiful Llanthony Valley in the Vale of Ewyas. Excellent walking opportunities with a series of fine ridges both sides of this valley. Horse and trail riding holidays are available from this hostel (see below). Local attractions include Hay on Wye (a full days walk away) and Llanthony Priory.
capelyffin@yha.org.uk
5th Night – Wednesday 26th May 2010
Peckforton Castle
www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk
Stone House Lane
Tarporley, Nr Chester, Cheshire CW6 9TN
01829 260 930
6th Night – Thursday 27th May 2010
Booking reference: 5-20-1475
Arnside YHA
Redhills Road
Arnside
Carnforth
Lancashire
LA5 0AT
T: 0845 371 9722
E: arnside@yha.org.uk
7th Night – Friday 28th May 2010
Thank you for your booking. Your reference number is 1139719.
Newton Stewart (Minnigaff)
Address: Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire
Tel: 01671 402 211
Directions: The hostel is just across from Newton Stewart on the eastern side of the river Cree.
8th Night – Saturday 29th May 2010
Thank you for your booking. Your reference number is 1139723.
Booking Statement
Lochranza Address: Lochranza, Isle of Arran
Tel: 01770 830 631
Directions: Bus No. 324 waiting on pier at Brodick Ferry Terminal and will drop you outside the hostel. Drivers and cyclists turn right off Brodick pier. Hostel 14 miles from Brodick.
9th Night – Sunday 30th May 2010
Your booking reference number: 2092416902
Invergarry Lodge
Mandally Road, Invergarry, Highlands PH35 4HP
01809 501 412
invergarrylodge.co.uk
13 reviews
Directions Search nearbymore
Categories: Hostel, Travel - Hostels, Hostels
Public transport: Invergarry Hotel (0.2 mi) 916, …
10th Night – Monday 31st May 2010
Your reference number is 1141489.
Carbisdale Castle
Ardgay, Highlands and Islands IV24 3DP
0870 004 1109
Address: Culrain, Sutherland
Tel: 01549 421 232
Directions: Hostel 0.25 mile from Culrain train station. Bus service 4.5 miles at Ardgay. By Road - from Inverness take the A9 north to Evanton then the A836 to Ardgay. Follow signposts from the Lady Ross Hotel.
Notes: Check in from 3pm until 11pm with night porter out of hours. Meals available at Hostel (Please ring for details).
11th Night – Tuesday 1st June 2010
John O’Groats YH, Canisbay, Near Wick, KW1 4YH
Tel: 01955 611 761
Map Ref: O.S.12 (GR 348721)
ACCOMMODATION PLAN
1ST Night – Saturday 22nd May 2010
Booking reference: 135-20-1210
Letcha Vean
St Just-in-Penwith
Penzance
Cornwall
TR19 7NT
Prices from:
Adult: £9.95
Under 18: £7.50
T: 0845 371 9643
E: landsend@yha.org.uk < mailto:landsend@yha.org.uk>
2nd Night – Sunday 23rd May 2010
Booking ref. 227-20-449
Tintagel
Dunderhole Point
Tintagel
Cornwall
PL34 0DW
Prices from:
Adult: £11.95
Under 18: £8.95
T: 0845 371 9145
E: tintagel@yha.org.uk
3rd Night – Monday 24th May 2010
219-20-942
The Chalet
Ivythorn Hill
Street
Somerset
BA16 0TZ
T: 0845 371 9143
E: street@yha.org.uk < mailto:street@yha.org.uk>
4th Night – Tuesday 25th May 2010 (Camping Planned)
Capel-Y-Ffin Youth Hostel Capel-y-Ffin, Abergavenny, NP7 7NP Tel: (+44) 01873 890650 Located in the remote and stunningly beautiful Llanthony Valley in the Vale of Ewyas. Excellent walking opportunities with a series of fine ridges both sides of this valley. Horse and trail riding holidays are available from this hostel (see below). Local attractions include Hay on Wye (a full days walk away) and Llanthony Priory.
capelyffin@yha.org.uk
5th Night – Wednesday 26th May 2010
Peckforton Castle
www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk
Stone House Lane
Tarporley, Nr Chester, Cheshire CW6 9TN
01829 260 930
6th Night – Thursday 27th May 2010
Booking reference: 5-20-1475
Arnside YHA
Redhills Road
Arnside
Carnforth
Lancashire
LA5 0AT
T: 0845 371 9722
E: arnside@yha.org.uk
7th Night – Friday 28th May 2010
Thank you for your booking. Your reference number is 1139719.
Newton Stewart (Minnigaff)
Address: Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire
Tel: 01671 402 211
Directions: The hostel is just across from Newton Stewart on the eastern side of the river Cree.
8th Night – Saturday 29th May 2010
Thank you for your booking. Your reference number is 1139723.
Booking Statement
Lochranza Address: Lochranza, Isle of Arran
Tel: 01770 830 631
Directions: Bus No. 324 waiting on pier at Brodick Ferry Terminal and will drop you outside the hostel. Drivers and cyclists turn right off Brodick pier. Hostel 14 miles from Brodick.
9th Night – Sunday 30th May 2010
Your booking reference number: 2092416902
Invergarry Lodge
Mandally Road, Invergarry, Highlands PH35 4HP
01809 501 412
invergarrylodge.co.uk
13 reviews
Directions Search nearbymore
Categories: Hostel, Travel - Hostels, Hostels
Public transport: Invergarry Hotel (0.2 mi) 916, …
10th Night – Monday 31st May 2010
Your reference number is 1141489.
Carbisdale Castle
Ardgay, Highlands and Islands IV24 3DP
0870 004 1109
Address: Culrain, Sutherland
Tel: 01549 421 232
Directions: Hostel 0.25 mile from Culrain train station. Bus service 4.5 miles at Ardgay. By Road - from Inverness take the A9 north to Evanton then the A836 to Ardgay. Follow signposts from the Lady Ross Hotel.
Notes: Check in from 3pm until 11pm with night porter out of hours. Meals available at Hostel (Please ring for details).
11th Night – Tuesday 1st June 2010
John O’Groats YH, Canisbay, Near Wick, KW1 4YH
Tel: 01955 611 761
Map Ref: O.S.12 (GR 348721)
The 1100 Mile Challenge
It does seem a strange way to start but I think I do need to put the record straight.
The grand plan was for Damian Bell (me), Jorrin Peereboom, Dirk Bischof, Oliver Hoare and Deuan German to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats supported by a van and driver and in so doing raise £5K each for Project Peru. We had planned to leave on Saturday 22nd of May 2010 and planned to arrive there in the very north of Scotland on 3rd of June 2010 - 12 days later.
At our first planning meeting - it was agreed that Jorrin and Dirk would work out the route, Damian (me) would work on sponsorship for Project Peru, setup the http://www.justgiving.com/LEJOG-DamianBell, and sort out the van and a driver. I had made it quite clear that accommodation wise - I was going to stay at the Youth Hostels which are conveniently dotted all the way along the route. Jorrin talked about the camping but just one night in the Welsh countryside which I agreed to.
We had the meeting in September 2009 and it was also agreed that I would meet with Carole Hudson of Project Peru to see how they could help and what advice they could give us. I met with Carole on Sunday 27th September and on Saturday 3rd October 2009 we had our first training ride to Brighton - it was a bit of a disaster.
I was not prepared - 5 punctures between us. My rucksack was too big and too full. My bike was in a sorry state. We were joined by Ian Redding - a keen road cyclist who helped me with my bag - good lad. But eventually, I was left behind as everyone sped off on their fast road bikes. I made it to Brighton in the dark and limped off home on the train. The planning continued.
Since then - I have made huge progress - bought a new road bike from PlanetX Bikes - its excellent. I've religiously been cycling in and back to work - 32 miles a day (only the days I'm in the office 2/3 per week) and then doing a long cycle at the weekends.
The first stumbling block was the driver. I asked all my contacts. The plan was to use my company's corporate deal with Budget Car & Van Rental to rent us a van. So, the driver needed to have a clean driving licence and at least 5 years driving experience and be over 25 years old. This ruled out the students we thought we could use. After our meeting in January 2010 we advertised in gumtree.com and had a few enquires but nothing materialised.
Dirk then said that their office manager, Janine at Embrace had agreed to be the driver. Problem solved. Well, so we thought.
Unfortunately and understandably, Janine's boyfriend was then not too happy for her to travel with 5 men alone the length and breadth of Great Britain. So, the boyfriend volunteered his services as cameraman to come along and film us. As a result we needed much more space. I was informed by Dirk and Jorrin that they now needed a mini bus. I explained that my corporate deal with Budget could only source a transit van. So, they then decided to get quotes for a mini bus. This was going to be more than double the cost of the transit van and Supply Direct would not sponsor this. But I wasn't consulted.
The next stumbling block was that the time period we decided to go during, coincided with two bank holidays and as such all the accommodation was going to book up very quickly. So, we needed the route to be ready quickly so we could then book the hostels and campsites (although I would not be camping).
Time marched on. We tried to have meetings in March to sort out what needed to happen. We managed half a meeting on 26th with only Jorrin and Dirk turning up. Jorrin showed us a route on his road atlas and promised that he would translate it into a google map. We were then going to have a follow up on Sktpe - I couldn't get online and Dirk had PC problems. Jorrin and Dirk then disappeared off to Europe for 2 weeks and are still there.
At this point - having already raised over £2.5K in sponsorship and with more pledges - I now feared that the whole plan was never going to come together. So, I decided to go out on a limb and book the train and plan my own route around the Youth Hostels in England, Wales and Scotland. I informed Dirk that I was going to do this on Sunday 11th April . He begged with me not to. I said that if the van was sorted out by Wednesday then I would stick with them. However, if not then I need to book the train and then the hostels. I made a plan around the route that Jorrin had shown us. Wednesday came and no van was booked. I decided to book everything. I emailed everyone and let them know. Then it all got silly. I confess I said some silly things too. Anyway, its a great shame, but now at least I am going albeit on my own.
The others are still planning on going. Their plan is to use Ollie's car with a bike rack. Janine is going to drive. I suppose that will be Janine, Jorrin, Dirk, Ollie, Duean and boyfriend sitting in a car designed for 5 with bikes and all the kit. Or maybe Janine's boyfriend is no longer going?
They are leaving on Sunday 23rd May and will be following Jorrin's route. They will have to camp as there are almost no hostel beds left as they are all booked. We may meet up en route. Maybe Deuan might come with me. We will see. Watch this space.
Here's what I currently have on my just giving page -
Damian, Dirk, Jorrin, Deuan and Ollie are setting off on 22nd May 2010 from Lands End to John O'Groates. The objective is to raise money for Project Peru. The charity is run by a lovely couple David and Carole and a band of other fantastic volunteers - who donate all their time and energy into the charity. As it is a small charity - there are no big admin costs - so virtually all the money raised goes to Project Peru. (See http://www.projectperu.org.uk.)
We now have a driver too who will drive our support van and look after us en route. So, a big "THANK YOU" to Janine from Embrace!!!
Jorrin has created his own just giving web page http://justgiving.com/Eric-Jorrin if you'd like to donate there no probs. Dirk has also setup a blog for the ride at http://1000mileschallenge.blogspot.com/ - so watch there for updates on how the training is going.
We will be creating a blog so you can follow us through the build up with all the training we are doing and also we will keep the blog updated every day of the trip. Please watch this space for more details.
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