LEJOG Day 2 - Devon Deluge

No beating around the bush - today was tough! Yesterday's wind was joined by rain and we were buffeted for 130km before the rain stopped.

We started in the rain and rode and rode in the rain.

Even the ruddy ducks knew the weather was a wash out. Ou Baas (Chris) our lead mechanic, suffered a mechanical breakdown when his gear cable snapped, not ideal when there is a bit of climbing to come. Naturally he and those who are mechanically minded tried to remedy the dire situation, while others looked on.

In Taunton we found expert help and a real mechanic. While we waited, the frozen few indulged in retail therapy, thinking in vain that it may keep them dry and perhaps warm.

Lunch was a fuel stop only and there was no way that we were going to warm up. After lunch, we smashed the Somerset flats before we cruised up Chedder Gorge.

We cruised into Bristol over the famous Clifton suspension bridge and because we were cyclists we were toll free!

Adrian's support crew were waiting for him at the the end of Day 2 in Bristol. We showered swiftly and went to the the local Italian where Giovanni was was told in no uncertain terms that we were not interested in theatrics - just food, pronto, comprendo?

We are a bit weary - so off to bed. We have heard the weather is not going to be great - so sorry for all of you with May Bank holiday plans, we are just going for a ride!

LEJOG Day 1 - Clotted Cornwall

A beautiful morning in Penzance bode well for our ride to Okehampton in Devon. We rode for 157km  with 2853m of climbing.

Nothing was left to chance, Jo was given a full briefing of where and when nourishment was required.

We were suitably dressed for the prevailing weather conditions and took time to admire the local attractions.

We left the coast and discovered the back lanes of Cornwall which had total disregard for natures' beautiful contours in the most brutal way. Truro and its magnificent cathedral were a sight to behold, however it was too soon and indeed, too upmarket for coffee.

The camera does not lie, the normally weather resistant Ou baas was showing vulnerability despite wearing arm warmers. We had to hold onto our bikes, not for the fear that the local kleptocrats would steal our bikes but that the wind was blowing a gale and made handling quite a challenge.

Lunch was served at Golitha Falls, each honed athlete getting a tailored meal carefully crafted by our nutritional expert, Jo. Bernie's strategy to keep warm by over indulging on the wild bean salad may backfire on him!

The wind certainly did not abate, especially not on Bodmin Moor

Geoff, the director of pace and race marshall was taking his job seriously especially when it came to the many climbs.

Thank goodness we climbed all day as it gave us the luxury of a tea stop in Launceston at the top  - cycling coffee shop Number 8, which keeps a log of all LEJOGers coming through..

After tea we were into Devon in no time and the weather improved dramatically and so did Roger's mood. He was by now wearing his ski suit over his cycling kit. A great day was had by all, looking forward to our trek to Bristol tomorrow.

Prologue in Penzance with a cultural twist

Vans were packed and unpacked

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We are residing right next to the railway station, which is 'ideal' for a good nights sleep or for those who get cold feet and want to head home. None of that for the boys from Surrey.

The prologue takes us from Penzance to Lands End and then back again.

We took a cultural detour to explore Minack theatre,  a truly amazing place. If we continue in a similar vein of detours we will cover double the distance intended! The motor museum in Birmingham is off the cards!

Poised at the start, the rolling hills of Cornwall beckon. Bring it on.

All systems go .... well almost

The bikes are being loaded into the mini van this evening ready for departure tomorrow for Lands End. Geoff and Bernie will be the "White Van man/men" tomorrow and will try not to emulate their fellow white van drivers in trying to mow down as many cyclists as possible!

Jo is taking care of the rest of the crew and will drive the mini bus down. The cyclists can't wait to get started, or at least to get to the first coffee stop as the lure of the ultra moist fruit cake soaked in 10 year old MacAllan awaits. Jo have you lost your marbles? We are serious athletes!

All essential kit has been checked including the vital bits ....

Next update will be from Lands End ....... when the action starts.

Final Briefing - almost ready to go

Welcome to the HeyHo LEJOG 2017 blog

The team is ready and prepared for the ride from Lands End to John O'Groats. We will complete the 900 mile journey in 8 days and are looking forward to great camaraderie and fun and it has been emphasised to those with surplus testosterone that it is not a race!

Bobbo is organiser

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The instructions to the team are clear:

Chris, aka Ou Baas: you are the mechanic and keeper of the purse

Geoff: fashion police and director of pace

Adrian: Domestique/Sherpa 

Roger: Keep warm and follow instructions and under no circumstances navigate

Bernie: First aid/CPR specialist, definitely not race coordinator!

Jo: Head of nutrition and thanks for driving the mini bus and putting up with this lot.

Next blog will be the prologue from Lands End on Friday 28th April