Tuesday 3 June 2008

Day 2 – Bodmin to Exeter 65 miles

Day two on the end2end08 challenge achieved an impressive 65 miles and a terrifying maximum speed of 45 mph plus free accommodation! Equally, it was a day that ‘bike’ politely reminded us that we must remain respectful of her as she decided to present a blown tyre towards the end of the push to Exeter. If that had happened at 45 mph – let’s just say we might not be writing this blog…

After the best of a night’s sleep we awoke in our Bodmin B+B. It was the most delightful accommodation and possibly the best, most luxurious board I have ever seen. Jane and her Mother were so helpful and provide the best breakfast one has ever seen. We ensured our energy banks were well and truly filled. Bike checked, water bottles filled and after much ‘faffing’ about we departed. A power cut in Southport meant that we were unable to give our live link with the Danny Dune Breakfast Show. 1100 hrs we set off and suddenly realised that we must become more disciplined in the morning and get up and out, yet there is so much to do between the bike, repacking the support vehicle and doing Ali’s warm up session. With photos taken and goodbyes said we finally departed.

The weather was gorgeous, sunny and with light winds, we soon reacquainted ourselves with our A30 friend. How different from last night, the dark, the rain and shear fear that we were about to be squashed! Commander Jonty was determined to get some decent mileage under our tyres before we stopped. The A30 crossed the beauty and unspoilt green landscape of Bodmin Moor. [Is this where the Hounds of the Baskervilles was set?] The hills were very long but gradual. Two of the hills were so steep we came to a halt – the walk was long but steady. We were making good progress, then Alistair [who we’re sure had a tear in his eye] pleaded for us to stop [like a girl]… “my bum hurts!” The huge green direction sign provided a suitable backdrop for a ‘bum stop’. For those who might not realise – because you are cycling with 3 others on a single bike you can’t shift your position (therefore for bum) on the seat as it will affect the peddling. The pain can be excruciating although few would never ask for a stop…Mark use the opportunity to tape up his chaffed nipples…I will leave you to draw your own conclusion from the picture but I think Mark enjoyed it too much. James, another end2ender passed us dressed in combat trousers and yellow waterproof…we should have dragged him off the road and made him look as cool as us! With a quick radio interview with Dune FM Samantha we pressed on. We have now realised that our stops are too long, we lose too much time and then pay for it later. Launceston was our next stop.

Launceston was approx 1/3 into our day’s target destination. We first pulled into the local Police Station to get our attendance verified. I think they thought we had two heads! Time for lunch. Launceston is a picturesque local market town, we turned many heads and met a lady who wanted to provide us with a donation, but couldn’t find her purse and a family with their son Luke [just in case he reads this]. We had a lovely pasta lunch in ‘No 8’ restaurant Adi Harvey the owner got his picture taken with us outside his 6 month old restaurant and generously gave us a £10 donation for the charity and 4 flapjacks.

Launceston Cycles was our next stop, Ali and Tony sorted out the JD Cycle bike spares to be parcel forced to Exeter the nest day. Meanwhile Jonathan sorted out the accommodation via the Army. By 1600 hrs we had secured accommodation in Exeter and Bristol through the Army; fantastic. Once again our ability to consume time was demonstrated in our departure time of 1630 hrs, yet we still had 2/3 of the journey ahead. This was a major area we must address. Ray drove ahead to Exeter to take over the accommodation in the barracks.

With heads down and a serious determination to cover distance we set off; A30 hello again. We made impressive progress, showing that our stamina and bike fitness was improving. An impressive 45 mph (so should I say, stupid) record was set as we descended one of the cheeky downhills. We collectively decided not to beat this, as we might not get to see the end of this venture.

The afternoon and early evening was increasingly tiring. The sun was setting but the surrounding countryside was just beautiful. Suddenly we detected a regular vibration through the wheels, it clearly wasn’t the road, it could only be one of the tyres. An emergency inspection we realised that the rear tyre wall had split/blown thus exposing the inner tube. We had only one choice to cover the remaining 11 miles by nursing our poor bike to Exeter. Alistair kept our speed to 15 mph. By 2040 hrs we entered Exeter. Marks GPS guided us to our venue for the night. The red and white barriers of the military base were a delightful sight. We were all exhausted and sun/wind burnt. We were accommodated in 43 (Wessex) Brigade Regional Training Centre Block 10. It was like a palace with army bunks, sleeping bags and showers. How we appreciated the simple comforts. Ali and Tony gave the team a good physio session and after working on the bike and fixing the tyre we discussed tomorrow’s challenge. Unfortunately no beers for a second day – this is like some bike boot camp.

Day 3 will be a huge task. In order to secure our free accommodation we must cover 80 miles and arrive at Bristol University Officer Training Corps by 1830 hrs. In return for this we must ‘sing for our supper’ and deliver an End2end presentation that isn’t prepared yet to the students.

The route was planned and blog written. We have decided to depart by 0700 hrs tomorrow to make the tight timings. Lets hope we get off on time.

What a day – we were lucky with the bike – but team morale is high. Bristol here we come!

4 comments:

Lord Boiseau said...

Back down Cornwall and STILL not showing any natural ability!! Dean (Polzeath surfschool)

melly said...

hi guys its melly pickup just read your blog now, im really impressed with what you are all doing, ali i hope your bum muscles hold up!! Ill keep reading the blog.


Mel pops xxx

DJMARKPICKUP said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
DJMARKPICKUP said...

WELL I ONLY REGISTERED AND LOGGED IN CAUSE I GOT TOLD THERE WERE SOME NAKED PICTURES OF TONY AND ALI ON HERE, IVE BEEN HAD OFF!!!!

ONLY JOKING.....

BOYS, TREMENDOUS JOB, JUST WANNA SAY KEEP THE GOOD WORK UP, GOD KNOWS HOW SORE YOUR BUMS ARE, WELL ATLEAST ONE OF YOU IS USED TO THAT HEY AL!

LOOKIN FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT ENTRY


MARK