Well it all started with an idea, a challenge. I wanted to cycle from Lands End to John O’ Groats. Why? Because it is on my ‘Bucket List’. Having already cycled Coast to Coast it seemed logical to cycle End to End. Then whilst talking to like minded cyclists on one of the U3A bike rides, the plan started to emerge. Two other people were recruited. Ralph Burgess and David Griffiths or DAG as he is known. A combined age of 195 years!

The Lands End to John O’ Groats bike ride, the ‘End to End’, or ‘Le Jog’ as it is known, is a classic 874 mile journey. Whilst there are several routes which one can take, fast or scenic, the mileage is going to be more. We did approximately 925 miles in 14 days and there are plenty of hills on the journey.

We started our training programme by increasing the length and frequency of our rides. We also had several meetings in order to plan the route, research transport to and from the start and finish and the types of accommodation that were available, whilst trying to keep the cost down. We also had to decide on what equipment to take with us on the journey.

One important decision to be made, was which way to do the ride, North to South or South to North. You would think that riding from Scotland to Cornwall would be all down hill wouldn’t you? Not so, although there are those who would have you believe this. Just remember that for every up there is a down and for every down an up, trust me. In the end, we decided to ride from Lands End in Cornwall. The most popular way. It has something to do with the wind direction, although that can’t be relied upon.

We also decided to do the ride for charity and we each chose a charity which we wanted to support. My choice was the Woodlands Hospice Charitable Trust. They provide palliative care for cancer patients and other life limiting illnesses. Ralph chose Macmillan Cancer Support and DAG the Southport Kidney Fund.

Our last training ride before leaving on the ‘big one’, was from Merseyside to Towyn in Mid Wales. A two day ride of over 150 miles. On our journey out, Ralph had several punctures and problems with the spokes on his wheel, which required the assistance of a cycle repair shop, who managed to fix it. We also had to battle against a head wind and pouring rain. A good test of our stamina and resolve.

The day finally arrived for the start of our epic journey. “It’s now or never”. On Friday, 7th June 2013, we set off for Cornwall very early in the morning in a hire van, with our bikes and equipment in the back. The journey was quick and we took turns in driving, so we didn’t have to stop for breaks. We finally arrived at Penzance just after lunch. After depositing the van at the hire companies Penzance office, we kitted up and set off on our bikes for Lands End, a 10 mile journey, in order to get our forms stamped and to take photographs at the start.

Unfortunately Ralph had more problems with punctures/blow outs to his bike just after leaving Penzance at the top of a hill. This was to be a recurring event and was due to poor road conditions, pot holes, the fact that he was riding his road bike and carrying heavy panniers. We were on mountain/hybrid bikes, which are of a sturdier build with wider tyres. As we did not have the luxury of a support vehicle and driver, we were forced to carry all our own kit in two pannier bags with a small bag on the front handlebars for personal items. It is amazing just how heavy they are (mine weighed 23 lb.)  This made the hills much harder to climb.

Having reached the start at Lands End, enjoyed the view and taken lots of photographs to prove we were there, we cycled to our overnight accommodation at the YHA St. Just (5 miles cycled).

Now you would think that a Youth Hostel would be full of young people wouldn’t you, but in the main they were all mature males with cycles, who were also ‘End to Enders’. After a lovely evening meal at the hostel, taken Al Fresco in the rear garden overlooking the sea, we opted for a walk to the cliffs, with lovely views, to watch the sun setting. Then back for a quick pint of beer before retiring for the night.

Day 1:  St Just to Bodmin

Next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we set off in the rain from St. Just to Bodmin, on our first full day of cycling, having said our goodbyes to several cyclists we were to meet again by chance along the route.  For lunch we each ate a large 2 handed Cornish pasty we had bought in Hayle, lovely.  During the day we had to cycle on the A30, which was really busy, a bit like being on the hard shoulder of the motorway. We also encountered a vehicle on fire at Hamburger Hill, on the opposite carriageway (no comments about the name but flame grill springs to mind). All traffic was halted by the emergency services due to the smoke and the risk of explosions. For half an hour we watched the burning vehicle, with bellowing black smoke and minor explosions as the tyres caught fire. Fortunately no one was injured. Eventually we were on our way and arrived in Bodmin at 18.00hrs, where we stayed the night at the White Heart Inn (60 miles cycled).

Whilst the accommodation for the first night had been pre-booked, we had decided not to book anything else, as we could not guarantee where we would be by the time we finished cycling each day. Unforeseen mechanical problems, difficult terrain and tiredness could mean we would not make the overnight venue, which has to be paid for in advance. So we had to find somewhere to stay each day, which proved to be difficult on occasions. One of the things that drives you on when cycling long distance or up hill, is the thought of a hot shower, large meal, several pints of real ale and a comfortable bed, not to mention a full English breakfast in the morning to set you up for the day.

Day 2:  Bodmin to Tiverton

The following day we left Bodmin, climbed a steep hill and joined the busy A30 to Oakhampton, crossing from Cornwall to Devon. Lunch was at Crediton. It was really sunny in the afternoon and the scenery was lush, green and pleasant in Devon. We managed to book into the Trout Inn, at Tiverton, a lovely place to stay.  Having had a pint in the sun in the garden waiting for our room to be made ready, we enjoyed a tasty evening meal and a walk round the village, before retiring for the night. Being up at 07.00hrs each morning meant we did not go to bed late (68 miles cycled).

Day 3:  Tiverton to Bristol

Next morning we cycled from Tiverton to Bristol. We had lunch at Bridgewater and met some of the cyclists we had seen at St. Just along the way. One of DAG’s new panniers broke under the weight and fell off in the street, so we had to secure it with bungee straps. Having made enquiries regarding accommodation for Bristol, at a Tourist Information Office along the way, we arrived that evening at Bristol Backpackers Hostel, in the city centre (70 mile cycled).

The hostel  was a former newspaper office. A Victorian red brick building with three floors of dormitories. We were on the top floor.  Whilst it was cheap, I would not want to repeat the experience.  We had however found a decent Italian restaurant in the city centre and a Weatherspoons that night for our food and drink (including a pint of Summerset cider), which were reasonably priced.    I was in a dormitory with five other people I had never met before and never got to meet.  I was in the top bunk, which meant climbing down the ladder in the early hours of the morning, without standing in the face of the person on the lower bunk, having stripped my bed, changed, packed and vacated the room, whilst everyone else was trying to sleep. Then retrieving ones bike from the cellar and squeezing through the narrow entrance doors with bulky panniers.

Day 4:  Bristol to Leominster

In the morning, we started off from Bristol along side the river and under the Clifton Suspension bridge in the rain, with heavy commuter traffic. We were all tired as we had not slept well and had not yet had breakfast. We managed to find a service station that served hot food and drink. Ralph got more punctures/blow outs before the Severn bridge. Then we crossed the Severn Bridge (2^nd crossing) and a cycle path to Monmouth and lunch. Then into Hereford and Leominster. Ralph had another puncture/blow out along the way, which delayed us somewhat. We found accommodation at Highgate House B & B, Leominster that night and yet another Weatherspoons for food and drink (70 miles cycled).

Day 5:  Leominster to Tarporley

From Leominster we cycled to Ludlow, a lovely place. Somehow, we managed to cycle through the town up a one-way street in the wrong direction! The sun shone and the bells of a church were peeling a nice hymn as we passed through. We then cycled to Craven Arms, where Ralph had yet another puncture/blow out. With no spare inner tubes left, I had to cycle off to find some. We had lunch at Church Stretton. Just outside Shrewsbury, Ralph had his 7th puncture/blow out. It was difficult getting through Shrewsbury due to traffic and it was now raining. We cycled through Whitchurch, where Ralph parted company from us, in order to cycle home (over 100 miles) for the night and change his bike for a mountain bike. DAG and I carried on to Tarporley, where we stayed at the Swan Inn, everywhere else being full. A very comfortable hotel with a lovely evening meal, good ale and a nice breakfast the following morning (79 miles cycled).

Where possible, we tried to keep the cost of the trip down by staying at Hostels and also B & B’s but sometimes we had to stay at hotels. Evening meals were at a Weatherspoons, when we could find them, as they do a meal deal including a pint. This is starting to sound like an advert for Weatherspoons isn’t it?  Lunches mainly consisted of sandwiches from Morrisons or the Co-op as they were cheap.  Having said all this, the cost of the journey was not cheap, taking into account our transport, accommodation, food and drink for a fortnight. So the next day we cycled to our respective homes in order to get a change of clothing and a good nights sleep in ones own bed, not to mention seeing our wives and family again and sampling some home cooking.

Day 6:  Tarporley to Aintree

Having left Tarporley, DAG and I cycled to Weaverham and Warrington, where we split up and cycled on to our respective homes. It started to rain heavily and there was a head wind on my route home, through Prescot and Knowsley to Aintree. I spent the afternoon washing my clothes and re packing for the onward journey the following day. It was nice to be home, even if only for the night. I had a nice evening meal and a bottle of wine with my family and a not so early night (40 miles cycled).

Day 7:  Aintree to Kendal

The following morning I left home and cycled to Melling, where I was joined by Ralph, who was now on his mountain bike with new tyres. He had no problems with punctures after changing his bike. Then to Ormskirk to meet up with DAG. We then cycled through Rufford, Tarleton and Preston. Then to Lancaster and lunch by the river. We decided to take the National Cycle Route 6 Lancaster Canal to Carnforth and on to Kendal (75 miles cycled).

Although we were told that the YHA in Kendal was closed, we found it was still open as a hostel and under new ownership.  We managed to get a dormitory for four. We were lucky as the place was full of cyclists and people doing the Great Lake Swim. There were so many bikes in the hostel that we had to carry them upstairs to our rooms. That night we found another Weatherspoons for our evening meal and drinks. It was whilst packing, that I discovered that I had lost my waterproof over trousers. Either they had fallen off the bike or gone missing at the hostel.

Day 8:  Kendal to Gretna

As the hostel did not provide breakfast, we left the following morning to find a supermarket serving breakfasts before climbing Shap. After breakfast we took the A6 to Shap. This is a long hard hill leading up to the 1,400 ft summit but we managed to climb it without stopping or having to walk up. We then cycled on to Penrith, where we had lunch in the sun and I purchased new waterproof trousers. Then on to Carlisle and Gretna in Scotland. Here we struggled to find accommodation as the whole town revolves around weddings and everywhere was full. Eventually we got into the Gretna Greenlaw B & B, Dumfries. The evening meal was at a local hotel with a wedding party going on. The men wore kilts and I got my first taste of haggis, an acquired taste (59 miles cycled).

Day 9:  Gretna to Lanark

Next morning we left Gretna, not forgetting to ride past the famous old blacksmiths in Gretna Green on the way out. We then cycled to Abingdon and lunch. The weather was fine and dry. Then on to Lanark, where we stayed at Summerlea, B & B, Lanark. We still managed to find a Weatherspoons for a meal (68 miles cycled).

Day 10:  Lanark to Crieff

Next morning we left Lanark for Carluke, Chapelhall and Airdrie. Then Cumbernauld, Deny, Dunipace and Sterling, where we had lunch in the sun by the bridge and the river. Then Bridge of Allan, Dunblane and Crieff in Perthshire. Here we stayed at Comleybank B & B, Crieff. The evening meal was at a pub (64 miles cycled).

Day 11:  Crieff to Newton More

From Crieff we rode to Amulree and had lunch at Tummel Bridge. The day was fine and dry. After lunch we cycled towards Kinloch Rannoch, then a minor road near Trinafour and a single track road to Dalnacardoch. Then the A9 (cycle track) to Newton More, where we stayed at Clone House B & B. That night we ate at a local pub (73 miles cycled).

Day 12:  Newton More to North Kessock

After leaving Newton More we went to Kingussie and Avimore, which is a winter ski resort in the Cairngorms. The Strathspey Steam Railway runs from here. Then we took the cycle path Routes 7 and 1 to Inverness, passing over the Slochd summit en route (1315 ft or 401m above sea level). Lunch was at Tomatin. It was after here that we became separated and it was some time before we were re united in Inverness. DAG’s I-phone, which was so useful during the first part of the ride, had not yet been updated to the new 4G and was not working. He had to buy a cheap phone in order to contact us. Although we each had walkie-talkies, the range was only 3 km and reception was poor due to the hills. We then crossed the Moray Forth bridge in heavy traffic. There was road works on the bridge causing delays of up to an hour. Although we managed to weave in and out of traffic in order to make progress, the cycle path across the bridge was closed. It was a difficult and dangerous crossing. Once on the other side we tried to find accommodation by phone. Eventually we stayed at the Mount Pleasant B & B in North Kessock, Inverness, on the Black Isle.  We then repaired to a local hotel for our evening meal.  Then a nice walk along the waterfront to the bridge we had crossed earlier. The day had been cool and dry (65 miles cycled).

Day 13:  North Kessock to Helmsdale

From North Kessock, Inverness, we cycled through Tore, Cromarty, then crossed the Firth Bridge to Alness, Tain and lunch at Evelix Dornoch. It was raining and was cloudy and dull. We then cycled through Golspie, Brora and Helmsdale, where we found a B & B at the Rouard Guest House, Helmsdale.  We then found a local pub for a meal and drinks and had a stroll by the harbour, which was nice (69 miles cycled).

Day 14:  Helmsdale to John O’ Groats

We started out from Helmsdale on our last day on a very steep hill on the A9. We had also been told that one of the worst hills on the journey was ahead of us. The hills were indeed difficult but we did them, without walking. We cycled to Occumster then on a cycle route to Watten. We had lunch at a picnic area in the forest en route. We feasted on sandwiches, whilst the midges feasted on us. We could not wait to leave. Then on to Kirk and a cycle route to Huna and John O’ Groats. It seemed to take for ever to get to John O’ Groats but suddenly it was there in front of us. We saw two people waving at us at the finish. It was John, an End to Ender we had met several times on the route. He was with his wife, who had driven their camper van support vehicle. He had also finished that day but had encountered many mechanical problems, including punctures, along the way.  DAG and I had been lucky as we had none. John’s wife gave us home made flapjack and John took our photographs, at the famous sign post at the finish.  We then spent an hour basking in the sun and the afterglow of having done it. We also talked to lots of End to Enders, some of whom had finished, whilst others were only just starting off, the other way (55 miles cycled).

We then cycled to Wick for the night, a further 17 miles. On arrival at Wick, Caithness, we eventually found beds for the night at Mackays Hotel. We then went to the local Weatherspoons, or ‘spoons’ as we now called it, for a good meal and celebratory drinks. The beer here was not so good and DAG and I ended up in the Hotel bar for a night cap whilst talking to a local Councillor.

Next morning we tried to hire a van for our return journey, from either Wick or Inverness but without success. We finally secured a place for our bikes on the Wick to Inverness train leaving at 12.36hrs. Due to the policy regarding the transportation of cycles on trains, it is very difficult to book a place. Most rail companies only allow four bikes per train and even then it is up to the Train Manager whether or not they let you on. We did manage to get on but the train, meandered all over the place, even going North to Thurso, near to John O’ Groats before heading South to Inverness.

We finally arrived at Inverness at 16.50hrs and managed to get on the Inverness to Glasgow train leaving at 17.30hrs. As there was four of us waiting to get on with bikes, the Train Manager, very kindly, allowed one of us to take the wheels off, so we could get them all on.

We arrived at Glasgow at 20.43hrs and had then to find the other main line station for our onward journey. We battled the busy streets of Glasgow, found the station and just managed to catch the Virgin Trains booking office before it closed for the night. We were in luck, as there was a Virgin Pendelino train leaving Glasgow for London the following morning. We booked our tickets, secured our bikes at the station bike store for the night and tried to find accommodation. Once again, everywhere was full due to a big bike race, which was taking place the following day. We made enquiries about accommodation with a doorman outside a Weatherspoons.  He pointed to the Euro Hostel across the road. He told us to book our meals at the restaurant first, then get a room and return for our meals, as the restaurant closed at 22.00hrs. We managed to get a four bed dorm at the hostel, which was £20 per person including a continental breakfast. We then returned for a nice meal and a pint. When we got back to the hostel, we bedded down for the night. The room was hot and noisy with the window open. We could hear late night revellers, the traffic and the trains. We were woken up when the anonymous fourth resident of the dorm returned after midnight and again around 02.00hrs, by the sound of heavy metal rock music, at full volume, from the room next door. I quite like a bit of rock music but not at that hour of the morning. We decided to ignore it and finally got back to sleep.

Again, leaving the room was difficult the following morning. I was on the top bunk and it was now our turn to disturb the other resident. After our continental breakfast we left for the train station. The train was 20 minutes late arriving, due to a points failure just outside the station. Finally it arrived and we packed our bikes on board and enjoyed the journey to Preston, where DAG’s friend was there to collect us. With the bikes in his trailer we were soon home, arriving at 13.30hrs. To my surprise, the whole family were there to greet me with banners saying ‘congratulations’ on the doors. There was food, drink (bubbly), cards and presents, including a cake. What a homecoming.

Lost during the ride was a pair of DAG’s reading glasses, my waterproof over trousers, some weight and the will to live on some of the hills. One of DAG’s new pannier bags collapsed under the strain but DAG did not.  Other than that all was well.

During the ride we received several donations from the proprietors of a tea shop, a guest house and also a lorry driver, who having passed us several times on a particularly lonely and hilly stretch of road in Scotland, gave us £20 as he was so impressed with what we were doing.  It kind of restores your faith in human nature doesn’t it?

All expenses including transport, accommodation, food and drink during the journey, were paid for out of our own funds and not by the charities we were supporting.

We would estimate at this stage that we will receive approximately £2,500 between the three charities but we are still collecting so it is not too late to make a donation. My web site for Woodlands is www.justgiving.com/iangent if anyone would like to make a donation please visit this site.  Thank you all for your support.

Just remember, anything is possible and it is never too late to try something new, so my advice is Carpe Diem or ‘Seize the day’.

Happy Cycling

Ian