On Friday 13th July 2007 four keen YMCA cyclists set off for Lands End to attempt the YMCA Bike It End to End challenge. The original inspiration came from Jim Allanson, a Board member who completed the trip unsupported a few years ago, but it was John Mulley a gym instructor at the Y who suggested we do it this year. The plan was to ride the 1000 mile journey to John O Groats in ten days and raise money for the Yippee Project.
The other three participants were Pete Yates, engineer by occupation and
navigator for the challenge, Sam Fradd, transport planner and committed
cyclist (he doesn't even own a car) and myself, CEO at the Reigate and
Redhill YMCA.
There had been a fifth member of the group, Ewart Lister who, unfortunately due to family health reasons had to pull out, but he was still very much part of the event by continuing in his role of webmaster for the challenge website Fiveguysonabike.com.
The team were to be supported by John's sister Joy, who would be carrying kit and a spare bike in the support car.
Six months of training and preparation had gone into the challenge and each of the riders had reached the level where they could cycle over a hundred miles in one day but none of us knew how we would cope with repeating this ten times on the trot.
A series of pre planned overnight stops had been arranged in youth hostels, camp sites and a guest house and these were Penzance, Okehampton, Cheddar, Leominster, Warrington, Helvellyn, Prestwick, Inverary, Fort William, Durnock and finally John O Groats.
On Friday 13th July the team made their way to Cornwall and after taking a
number of photos at Lands End we gave ourselves a head start by doing the
first 9 miles to our hostel in Penzance on the Friday evening. We all
looked the part in specially designed team shirts emblazoned with 'Bike It
End to End' and the logo of our sponsors, Brewers Decorating Materials.
John and I looked particularly daft in our Campagnolia cycling caps!!
Despite the drizzle everyone was in good spirits when they arrived back in
Penzance having finally been let off the leash!
The next section of the route going through Devon and Cornwall is well known for being particularly demanding as it passes through countless small valleys with steep climbs and although the countryside was beautiful we were all glad to complete the 100 miles stage and reach the Bundu Camp site in Okehampton. After putting up tents and eating in the on site pub we had an early night. I woke up a few hours later to the sound of heavy rain falling on the tents. This rain continued throughout the next day and by the time we reached our support stop at Tiverton we were drenched and freezing cold. I had also developed a worrying knee pain and spirits were low. We sheltered in Morrisons where we had hot food and drink before venturing out to continue towards Cheddar. Thankfully the weather improved and we reached Cheddar YHA feeling more cheerful.
The next day started with a steep and long climb over the ridge to the north of Cheddar and by now the group were starting to cycle as a team. We continued towards Bristol and with the wind behind us we flew along the main road in close formation taking turns to lead the group. After climbing into Bristol we were rewarded by the view from the Clifton Suspension Bridge. We stopped at a friendly coffee house while John's bike had a broken spoke repaired in a local bike shop. Progress had been good, the sun was out and a wave of optimism and contentment flowed through me. We soon got back on the bikes and made our way over the Severn Bridge past the Wye Valley and on to the historic market town of Leominster where we were staying at the YHA. Norman Phillips joined us on his motorbike at Aust Services and became our outrider and additional support as we passed through the rolling hills of the Wye Valley.
By this point in the challenge our appetites had grown to an almost insatiable level as our bodies tried to fuel the high calorie requirements of 7 hrs of hard cycling per day. It was then that we realised how lucky we were to have Joy in the team as she was a willing and very able cook. A typical day's menu would include copious amounts of porridge and toast for breakfast, rolls, fruit, flapjacks and snacks for support breaks and hot meals in the evenings. On top of this we also had a mid morning tea stop where some of us took to eating a full fried breakfast!
Soon after leaving Leominster Sam had a scare when his front rim exploded due to wear. Fortunately he was stationary at the time as if it had happened at speed the mangled rim would have locked his front wheel and sent him over the handlebars. A quick call to Joy and we were able to swop front wheels with the spare bike and get moving again.
Strong winds helped us make up time and we quickly progressed northwards to Warrington where we stayed at a bizarre Bed and Breakfast. The landlady was a little eccentric, demanding we take our shoes off before entering and insisting we make no noise in the house. This was in stark contrast to her husband and sister in law who were extremely friendly and welcoming. Sam and John had to share a double bed and Joy had to sleep in the stair well where there was no door.
After spending a couple of hrs maintaining and cleaning the bikes we met up with Pete's mum and dad for a few beers and a meal in a local pub. John, Sam and I walked back as the sun was setting, feeling pleased about our progress and optimistic about the remaining miles.
Day five saw the route make its way into the hills of the Lake District and the climb up to the Kirkstone Pass was one of the most gruelling yet scenic parts of the whole trip. The road from Windermere winds up the hill to the 1500 ft pass and this is followed by an exhilarating downhill section towards Glenriding. Pete was disappointed to find out we had to climb the shale track to the YHA which is situated a third of the way up the mountain but he soon cheered up when he found out the hostel had a bar!
The calmness and beauty of the hills and lake the next morning helped me focus on what I knew was going to be a tough day. Our next stop at Prestwick was 128 miles away. By this stage of the challenge the group were working like a well oiled machine and the strengths of each individual had become more evident. Pete was the expert on the route and he had a gift for almost instinctively knowing which road to take. He was also quick of the mark and very confident on his Cannondale racer. Sam's experience of daily commuting, his chilled attitude and his uncanny awareness of the other riders made him a great team member. John's stylish and innovative wet weather gear and his ability to make us all laugh helped keep our spirits up and as the ride went on he became an extremely strong rider.
On day 6 we hit 500 miles and crossed the border to Scotland. The route took us along the A74 which we had been warned was really a motorway in all but name and as you would expect we had to stop half way to mend a puncture! Once we got off the A74 we were in Scotland and immediately the landscape became more remote and the feel of the towns and villages changed. To celebrate crossing the border we stopped in Annan for a full Scottish Breakfast complete with Haggis, Tattie Scones and Black Pudding.
Night 6 was at Prestwick Caravan site which almost topped Warrington for title of worst place to stay. The camp site was in between the airport and the railway line and it was windy and rainy. After quickly putting up tents and showering we headed for the town where we enjoyed a warming curry at the Indian Restaurant.
Everyone was feeling good about reaching Scotland and there was sense of beginning the home stretch. The mood was broken when someone pointed out that there was still 400 miles to cover through Scotland and many of these would be hilly and windy!
After Prestwick the route followed the West Coast up to Gourock where we
took the passenger ferry across to Kilcreggan. The 128 miles of the
previous day had taken its toll on my knee which by now was beginning to
stiffen ominously and become almost unbearably painful. I began to use only
my left leg for doing the heavy work allowing my right leg to coast around
on the pedals. Even this was painful and I began to worry seriously about
my ability to keep going. There were still three more days after this one
and I had visions of not being able to carry on. All sorts of scenarios
went through my head as I watched the tarmac go under the bike but I vowed
to finish the journey even if it meant taking additional days and going it
alone.
The team were really supportive and suggested we take it easy to Inverary. Dropping the pace helped me to avoid using my right leg and this eased the stiffness. I was also by this stage eating ibuprofen tablets like sweets and this numbed the pain.
Jackie Phillips joined us at Inverary to ride the last three days and it
gave us all a boost to have another rider with us, especially Jackie with
her enthusiasm and sense of humour. Jackie's husband Norman who had already
spent three days with us on his motorbike was also back to help support and
this gave us all renewed confidence.
The pace eased gently to accommodate Jackie who had not benefited from 6 days of gradual increases in speed and this helped take the pressure of my ongoing injury. The landscape was stunning as we made our way up towards Fort William and we were on a high when we arrived at Glen Nevis YHA which nestles in the valley at the foot of the highest mountain in Britain. John, Pete, Jackie and I had fond memories of this hostel as it had been the base from which we set off on the 3 peaks, the first YMCA Challenge, back in 2003.
On the morning of Day 9 we were all looking forward to the spectacular scenery of Loch Ness and the Great Glen but low cloud and heavy rain limited the views and our ability to enjoy them. We battled on until we reached Inverness where we crossed the bridge onto the Black Isle. The route continued on to Tain and finally Dournock where we were staying in a beautiful camp site near the sea. Jackie and Norman deserted us for the comfort of the Castle Hotel but we all met up in town later that evening for a nice meal before making our way back to our contrasting accommodation.
On the morning of day ten it seemed as though we had been on the road forever. Lands End was a distant memory and everyone was now almost institutionalised into a routine of eating, cycling, sleeping. Our goal was now finally within reach and I felt a mixture of emotions including excitement, especially at the prospect of reaching JOG and meeting Pam who was flying up for the finish, relief that I would probably make the distance despite my knee problems and even sadness that the journey was soon to end.
We set off at 8.45am, later than usual to ensure that we didn't arrive before Pam whose flight was due to land at Inverness at 11.30am. Almost immediately John had a puncture and on inspection his front tyre was badly damaged and needed replacing which slowed us down somewhat.
The final leg of the journey followed the A9 along the East coast of Scotland, a relatively quiet main road winding its way along beautiful and remote headlands. We stopped in Helmsdale at the Heritage Centre for a BLT before climbing the two largest hills of the day. Soon after this we were overtaken by three mad women in a black car with flags and funny hats, who shouted and whistled as they passed us.
The car stopped further up the road and as we got nearer we recognised Pam, Dawn and Sheila cheering us on. After a brief hug and a chat we continued on our way inspired by regular episodes of enthusiastic cheering, flag waving and encouragement.
Ten miles from home the sun was shining the road was dry and flat and things couldn't be much better. We were going to make it, 1000 miles in ten days. It didn't seem possible but here we were on the final stretch. The sense of relief that we had completed the challenge and raised a decent sum for the YMCA work with disabled children was intense and I allowed myself to savour the feeling as we cruised along the last few miles. John O Groats is a sleepy village with just a few run down buildings but it looked pretty good to me as we cycled over the FINISH line painted on the road. We had a massive welcome from Pam and our other supporters. It was great to see Phil Baker, one of our most committed Board Members and his wife Jill who had interrupted their holiday to join us at the finish. After photos and champagne we made our way back for our last night in a youth hostel and a celebration meal before flying home the following day from Inverness to Gatwick.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged us especially Chris
Brewer who paid for our professional looking shirts and all those generous
sponsors who have given money for the Yippee Project.