Regies 2008 Jogle

Last Post

2008-06-23T09:20:00.001+01:00

Well little point in adding any more posts, the JOGLE came to a grinding halt after some 400 windy and mountainous miles due to circumstances beyond my control.

Would I do it again? Yes (even more so if the wind died down a bit!)
Will I? Not sure, I don't think I could face the disapointment I felt last Friday if the same thing happend again (or similar).

I met some great people and stayed at lovely B&B's, thank you to everyone and to those who supported me through this, in particular my wife Sharon, without whom none of this would have been possible and has been a rock to me through it all, the good and the bad.

Thanks to the following;

John O'Groats Guest House
http://www.radit.org.uk/noveltyhouse/

Alex in Milton (and baby!)

Dave Conner, his family and the Northern Constabulary Pipe Band
http://www.norconpipeband.co.uk/

Ptarmigan House B&B, Blair Atholl
http://www.ptarmiganhouse.co.uk/

Escape Route Bike Shop (Highly recommended)
http://www.escape-route.biz/

The Bike Shop, Dunfermline (Very helpful)
http://www.bikescot.co.uk/home.asp

Tom Gordon, Dumfries & Galloway Police
http://www.dumfriesandgalloway.police.uk/index.htm

Nether Boreland Guest House, Nr Lockerbie
http://www.netherboreland.co.uk/

Rosie Gibbs, B. Ost. M. Sc. (Osteopath)
http://www.dumfries-osteopathic-clinic.co.uk/

Richard Lloyd, DO, (Osteopath)
http://wsqo.co.uk/index.html

Regie

The time before it all came to a grinding halt!

2008-06-20T15:00:00.003+01:00

Today was going so well, the wind had dropped, almost flat terrain. Then bam!

To tell the story properly lets go back a day. Set off from falkirk and had a hard day, heavy winds and lots of little hills. By the end i had pins and needles in both hands. After a couple of hours my right hand was still tingling. The staff at my b & b arranged a local osteopath to c me. Bottom line is the riding has inflamed a historic slipped disc, and caused some nerve compression. After manipulation i had my first good nights sleep for a couple of days. Today i set off ready to set the world alight! Got to Gretna Green and met John Peet who is on a 1500 mile ride. Rode with him for a bit then the problems hit. It felt like i was getting electric shocks each time i used the gears or brakes. I rang the osteopath and was advised to get a second opinion in
Carlisle. After much manipulation and cracking i have now had advice from three osteopaths and it was not what i wanted. With much regret i must retire on medical grounds from the jogle. I have moaned to sharon about it but i have enjoyed it. I have cried at having to quit and am now on the train heading home wanting to cry some more. Absolutely gutted. Regie

Bad day

2008-06-18T22:31:00.001+01:00

And now i am hacked off! Left blair atholl this morning and popped into escape route bike shop at Pitlochry. Fantastic service, sorted my seating out and a new seat - nice! There i was riding along all me a sudden the bike was throwing the chain! I couldnt sort it and after a few calls the bike shop in dunfermline agreed to help. One very expensive taxi later the bike was in their hands. Then the news - i had bust 3 spokes! One got in the gears and caused the jumping. I am now down about 5 miles. Tired and it is gonna rain tomorrow! On target though!

Lunch

2008-06-17T12:31:00.001+01:00

At aviemore, hard going into wind, very chilly! Views cannot be described in words! Recommend ski ing doo here, food fantastic! Now donate! Regie

A trip through Scotland

2008-06-16T21:10:00.001+01:00

Would not be complete without bagpipes! Northern Constabulary pipe band practice - superb!

On my way

2008-06-16T14:56:00.001+01:00

Set off yesterday now just outside inverness and next stop. Bad cramps yesterday, have aggravated the muscle i injured a couple me months ago, still head down into the wind and just have to keep peddling! More later, internet coverage sparse ur here! Regie

Nearly there!

2008-06-14T09:23:00.001+01:00

Now at inverness waiting my connection and it is raining! Bodes well for tomorrow! Had a wonderful nights sleep on a plank of wood with a tissue covering me! Glad i am cycling back, wouldnt want the train ride again! Regie

Its a long way!

2008-06-13T22:16:00.001+01:00

Here we are at stafford, waiting for the connection. Train seats are worse than cattle class on airlines! Bed time soon on the sleeper train, should be an interesting experience ! Regie

And we are off

2008-06-13T14:49:00.001+01:00

Heres my steed loaded and waiting for the train. Now i am scared, absolutely bricking it! Ah well only 2 weeks me pain!

Find an excuse

2008-06-12T17:20:00.002+01:00

Quick before it's too late and I do this stupid stupid thing!

Yes it is the last day of sitting in front of the computer tapping away, most of the packing is done, what scares me is I seem to have packed almost everything and there is still room in the panniers! This means I will be in the middle of Scotland when I will discover I failed to pack something dreadfully vital!

It has been a case of writing out a list then cutting it back up to now to reduce everything to the bare minimum, now I might sneak a couple of extra bits in!

I am inspired with confidence by those who have gone before me, keeping in touch with people who have completed the ride and those in the same position as me has been a great help. Getting hints & tips and reassurance that it can be done and finding out I am not the only one worrying about silly things (like riding 900 blooming miles!)

The desire to just be getting on with it is tempered by the fact I will be away from the family for two weeks (there again this could be considered a blessing!!)

If you have dropped by for any reason please leave messages etc. I will be viewing & updating the blog from the road (well not literally as this could be dangerous!) and I would appreciate the support & encouragement. Just click on 'comments' and type away.

Finally before I sign off my last request before I start for donations, the links are on the left, We do not ask for much, a fiver will do, a tenner is better!

Regie

Feeling Good

2008-06-10T13:37:00.004+01:00

Managed to get out today, woke up feeling refreshed and determined to get some miles under the belt, probably the last chance before the big off as I have to do so some bits before I set off Friday. (This means doing house type things to keep the better half sweet as I am buggering off for two weeks!)

As you can see from the previous posts it is a glorious day, for once I was glad of the headwind as it cooled me off. I cycled down to St Austell again and up the flipping big hill that is the A391.

Taking the lead from Nick & the team over at http://jogleforalzheimers.blogspot.com/ I have plotted some of the route on Map My Ride, which also shows elevation details of the route. Now being the morbid soul I am and always wanting to stare scary things in the face I decided to have a look. Expecting to be frightened by blooming huge mountains I am pleasantly suprised, the biggest hill I face on day one is similar to the A391 for height, (can you hear me breathing what may well turn out to be a presumptious sigh of relief!!)

We will see and when you hear my screams echoing from up North you know whats up!

When I got back I jumped in the shower and as you do when soaping off checked to body for scrapes and grazes etc (3 x legs - check, 2 x heads ah no, not Cornish just live here so that will be one head then!)

I must say this cycling is doing me some good, a year ago I considered I already had the body of a God, admittedly it was closer to Buddha than Adonis as I was close to hitting 15 stone for the first time in my life (yes I know 'You Fat *!!), The 'Rugby' thighs were getting flabby (OK flabbier!) and my belly was making an entrance into a room before I did!

After about 14-15 months of cycling the weight is down to 13 stone, the belly is receeding and the legs are scary, all muscle (with a bit of mild deforming on the left calf from the accident!)

I had better make sure I stuff my face with lots of nosh on the way down or I will be like a stick insect when I hit Land End!!
(The downside of this weight loss is none of my bloody clothes fit anymore!)

Todays Ride - Icluding 800 foot plus hill

Day 1 Scotland - 794 foot hill - easy!

Regie

This is a big hill!

2008-06-10T10:57:00.001+01:00

Now i am very hot and very bloody sweaty! (The kinky bugger out there will like that!) Half way up this mammoth hill stopping for food and water, well thats my excuse!

Big hills and hot day

2008-06-10T10:18:00.001+01:00

Out on the bike getting knackered and hot! Look at the view!

I worry about some of you.......

2008-06-06T14:27:00.002+01:00

I have a feature that shows where the Blog readers are from (well the servers etc) and what search terms are used that bring people to the blog.
First off I want to say hello to all the international readers, USA, Israel, Mexico, Germany and Australia to name a few, please leave a comment to say hi, I never imagined international readership but that's the Internet for you!

Now the second bit and the one that really concerns me - the search terms include 'kinky Lycra' and 'Sexy Regie'! I mean people I have a bit of an ego but for someone to search 'Sexy Regie' is worrying, but help is out there and I am sure you can get counselling! (If not Dave & Nick will reserve a bed for you! http://jogleforalzheimers.blogspot.com/ )

I was on a late one again last night and back on nights for the next two, then quick turnaround onto lates again, is it any wonder I feel cream crackered!

The weather tempted me out this morning, finally getting the pedals turning again, as soon as I set off I knew I would just be going 'around the block'. I just do not have the energy for any good miles and just spent an hour on the bike. After Sunday I have one shift left before the off so I should be able to get some rest and recovery time in.

This time next week I will be on the train heading up North, I am now hitting that nervous anticipation stage, this is the biggest physical challenge I have faced, I am confident in my ability, steady and patient is the key but the nerves are still there!

Here some moosic to keep you entertained, not everyones cup of tea but I like Scooter, good Techno band (Not what you expect Coppers to like!!) and it helps me up hills!

Take care, leave a comment to say you were passing
Regie

Planning

2008-06-05T11:01:00.002+01:00

Just doing the final bit of planning on the route,
Pretty much sorted the Scotland stage, pretty happy with the route. (Ignorance is bliss - I have probably chosen the hardest route!!)

Here is a rough overview, for a better idea of the route visit the link on the side bar

View Larger Map

I see from the Lijit counter there seems to be a few 'viewers' from around the country (and world), why not leave a message and say hello? (Better still leave a message and a donation!)
Regie

Still no riding...

2008-06-03T11:04:00.004+01:00

And getting really teasy about it!

I finished nights Monday morning, looking like something from the land of the living dead, bloodshot eyes, pale skin, a fuse so short I was likely to rip the head off anyone who even thought of sharing my personal space!

I had just got used to the idea of 3 days off and was looking forward to it when that plan went out the window, and I was asked to go in Wednesday night. Due to a cock up (someone Else's not mine for once!) Instead of lates over the weekend I am having to go on nights - this is getting silly now!

The weather is perfect for a ride today, but the rels are down and as I haven't really seen them we are having to do the day out thing, tried to persuade them that a 40-50 mile bike ride along the Cornish hills would be nice but no chance!

On Sunday I dragged my weary carcass out of my pit so we could head down to the Plume of Feathers at Penhallow for Sunday dinner.

If anyone happens to be heading down this way on a Jogle / Lejog or holiday try and head along to this place for lunch on a Sunday. The dinners are excellent, loads of meat and veg and the bread and butter pudding is to die for! (The only danger if you are on a bike is you will not feel like riding again - ever!) It is on the A3075 between Newquay & Truro. (The food is good at other times as well but Sunday is the day to aim for!)

On the gadget front I ordered a Bluetooth GPS receiver, turned up really quick and is a lot smaller than I thought; (Another Ebay 'necessity'!)

I downloaded Nav4All software on to my phone (Sony Ericcson K800i) linked the two and hey presto a Sat Nav system for the bike (useful for those times when the map bears no resemblance to where I am - the map will obviously be wrong!)

The only draw back is maps are downloaded as needed from the Internet so I need to be in a GPRS signal area, coverage from 3 is pretty sparse up North but in the towns where I will really need it it seems to be OK. According to the web site I only need to be in the GPRS area when setting off and it stores the info - We will see! (When you read on here I am 'blogging' from Peru you will know it has all gone horribly wrong!)

Ah well everybody is now ready so got to head out, soon I will be back on the bike - probably on the Jogle!

Regie

7 of 9

2008-05-31T08:04:00.003+01:00

Days done, and I am starting to feel it now!

I try not to talk about work here too much as I am bound to say something contraversial and get in the brown smelly stuff again! (Actually thinking about it I am always in it, just the depth that varies!

But work is getting busier, lots of silly people consuming lots of beers and a few end up in my dungeon.

Why is it drunk people think they can tell me how to do my job? When I am paying for my shopping in the supermarket I don't tell the cashier how to scan my sad meal for one (night shift food!)

Unfortunately many people watch 'The Bill' and think that is how it is, (fools!)

I have a suggestion - watch 'Judge Dredd', 'The Sweeney' & 'Life On Mars', when you come into my dungeon that is closer to the truth! (Policing generally is more like 'The Thin Blue Line'!)

Me, at work!

Right time for bed and a few hours kip, here's a song for my customers (with a few clips from one of my fave films, 'Hot Fuzz') ;

Regie

Outside Events

2008-05-29T14:48:00.005+01:00

Have meant that I am spending a considerable amount of time at work at the mo', this weeks two rest days went away with the fairies and I am back on night shift, that wonderful state of existence between being alive and dead!

Unfortunately this does tend to bugger up the riding, I am under pressure from the better half to spend some time with the 'outlaws' whilst they are visiting (why?!) and it is two weeks or so from the off.

Yesterday I managed a couple of miles cycling round catching up with a few mates.

There are a couple of links to the left, if you are planning on a trip to Newquay Offshore run by my mate Pott's is a nice place to party & crash!

For adrenaling (note: crap spelling caused by nights!) junkies and those who want to go off the beaten trail give Dave a shout at SASWest.

I am now at that last couple of weeks and trying to think of anything I need (that is proper need not the Ebay need!) before I hop on the train.

Despite having butchered the road atlas I would still like a 'back up' and being a techno geek I got to thinking satellite navigation systems. Garmin have a new bike computer out, the Edge 705, essentially a 305 with sat Nav on - very nice shiny bit of kit that I classed as 'essential'. However she who must be obeyed has given me one of those looks that says do not even think about looking for one on Ebay!

The easiest (yeah right!) option seems to be to buy a bluetooth satellite reciever (no bigger than a mobile) pair it to the phone and download some navigation software then use the phone as a sat nav (along with mobile PC, camera, MP3 player etc - def gonna need my charger!)

So let's go hunting on Ebay....... it's time for more toys!

Heres one of this weeks fave tunes

Regie

PS If you are reading this (and I know you are - Big brother is watching!) Then please donate if you haven't already! The donations are still crap!!! These are some very worthy causes.

RTTS 2008

2008-05-25T17:43:00.002+01:00

This weekend I have been early shift, once again the joys of being in work at stoopid o'clock.

The other big event we have had to contend with this weekend is 'Run To The Sun', (!) What started as an annual pilgrimage of VW bug owners to Newquay but is now really an excuse for the world and it's dog to enjoy a rain soaked weekend in Newquay getting drunk!

This has had an impact on work and we have had to work long days at full throttle, unfortunately there is no energy left to get out on the bike.

The weather this morning was pants, as I rolled out of bed I heard the rain hitting the window and uttered something in Latin showing my deep joy!

However one has to look at the bright side and I have just taken delivery of my 'Rain Legs'.

For a cheap alternative to full waterproofs they are pretty good, kept the thighs dry and the wind chill at bay. Just need a set of waterpoof overshoes now :-)

Hopefully I will get some sort of ride in this week, if I could just get to bed earlier I might just have the energy for a 20 miler before work...

The end of the week will be more difficult as I am now working nights on what was supposed to be rest days.

The best bit about the Jogle is going to be the time off, it is worth cycling 70 odd miles a day just for that!

Regie

Wednesday Madness!

2008-05-22T09:17:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was a work 'training day' for me, which meant a joyful day sat in a classroom at Launceston nick, listening to our guest speaker and doing our first aid refresher training.

Launceston is 40 odd miles away from where I live and I thought what a great opportunity to get some miles under my belt and see how I get on with some 'proper' mileage. (I will learn to ignore the little voice in my head that says 'good idea' - it lies!)

The only fly in the ointment was I had to be there by 1000am, working on my previous average speed I decided to set off at 0600 in order that I had 30 minutes safety net / shower time. (Why do training rides before work inevitably mean getting up at stupid o'clock?)

I was on lates the night before so this meant a maximum of 6 1/2 hours kip - OK for a normal day ( I don't need beauty sleep - it is wasted on me !) but I would have preferred more before the ride and sitting in a stuffy class room all day!

The morning was a bit chilly and I was riding into a 15-20mph headwind from the start, the first ten miles were familiar territory, up the A392 and onto the A30. I had decided to ride the A30 as it is pretty much a 'straight' route to Launceston. As I mentioned on my previous post it is a fast road but with a nice yellow jacket on most drivers can see you and you get plenty of room. I would say it is probably a tad safer than the country roads at this time of year.

It is exposed though and by the the 15 mile mark I was feeling the effects of the constant wind and up and down of the hills, little did I realise it could only get harder!

I forced a smile on my face, looked at the view , cursed myself for the stupid stupid ideas I come up with, shoved some malt loaf down my neck and pedalled on!

Looking at the graph now I can see there was a cracking down hill section but I do not recall that, just the grind of going up! The ride would have been more enjoyable had I not been very aware that I had to be at Launceston nick by 10, no stopping to enjoy the view!

(The view I did get was usually road kill, there was loads of it, badgers, rabbits, hedeghogs, birds, no problems if I get peckish!)

After a pretty exciting day of playing with Resusi Annie, defib's and oxygen (I have thought the last two might be useful for the ride!) it was time for the return journey.

This time there was no real time pressure, just plodding along, enjoying the view (more roadkill).

But the early wake up was taking it's toll, the hills seemed longer and the wind was chilly then disaster - my batteries died on the MP3 player!

Now I was left with listening to traffic roar - how dull!

As I hit Bodmin my better half called, she was just leaving work in Bodmin and how was I getting on?

Oooh decision time, twenty miles to go, a fairly easy 20, mainly 'downhill', my backside is protesting, I have no music, an extra hour with the family, (who I have hardly seen for two days 'cos of late shift). No contest really, I am a wimp!

But... I completed 60 miles of hilly terrain, I felt good at the end and ready to go again.

I might try and get another ride in this week, got to do some house work now as the rels descend this weekend and I am under orders from the good lady.

Regie

Coast To Coast

2008-05-19T12:10:00.004+01:00

Feeling bloody good today, the sun was back out to play and it was time to go cycling again!

I set off from Newquay and headed towards St Austell, now for those who don't know St Austell not only do they eat small children but it is surrounded by clay pits, and some rather big hills! (I believe the 'Slaughtered Lamb' pub is in there somewhere!)

Getting there was OK, a few hills and a pain of a headwind that made some bit hard going and a bit chilly. Getting out was another thing entirely, I headed up the A391 towards Bodmin, now that is a long drag of a hill, made pleasurable by the view over the town and out to sea.

As is usual in these parts it was nice and narrow country roads again, made all the more exciting by the clay lorries driving past (adrenaline is brown!)

The A30 was upgraded to a dual carriageway last year (means we can get more 'emmets' in to fleece!)(Emmet/Grockle = tourist!)

Now this is a nice looking bit of road, fairly flat and a decent surface (makes such a change) and I have toyed with the idea of riding it before. The only thing that has put me off is having been on the road in an official capacity dealing with various incidents. One or two 'brown adrenaline' moments when I have been stood there in my bright yellow jacket, the panda lit up like a Christmas tree only to have a near miss from some pillock who did not see me!

Today I took the plunge and cycled the stretch from the A391 to the A392, and it was a bloody good ride, the 'hard shoulder' did not have much crap on it, the traffic seemed to give me some room and I was getting a pretty good pace on.

Will def be riding that again!

I had better go and get showered now, off to work soon. Heres the data from the Garmin and a video of a track tthat had me singing (Ok howling out of tune!) on the ride!

Regie

Planning

2008-05-18T11:17:00.004+01:00

The planning for the ride is coming along, the road atlas has been cut up and the route pencilled in, the final hurdle will be Cumbria and where to stay. The original plan was to stay at Police HQ's but that was thrown in Scotland as they do not have accomodation at HQ's. I am therefore having to rely on friends and B&b's. England looked easier and the relevant forces have agreed to help out except Cumbria who have limited accomodation and cannot tell me until a couple of weeks before if they have room for me!

I have started thinking of kit and what to carry, the initial list is as follows, any ideas and advice gratefully received;

2 x cycle shorts
1 x 3/4 cycle trousers
'Rain Legs'
3 x cycle tops
3 x cycle socks
Rain Jacket
Gilet
gloves
cycle shoes
Skid lid

Lightweight trousers (for non riding time!)
2 x t-shirts
micro fleece top
wash & shave kit
Assos cream
Sun cream (hoping!)
Small towel

Mp3 glasses
Garmin 305 & charger
Mobile phone & charger (doubles as camera!)
1st aid kit (lots of ibroprufen!)
small sewing kit
tool kit
puncture repair kit
Gaffer tape
Cable ties
chain breaker & spare links
chain lube
notebook & pen
spare inner tube
Maps & notes for ride!

Anything I have missed? (Apart from me!) Any Suggestions?

Regie

Nights & problems....

2008-05-14T16:14:00.002+01:00

This week I am nights, half way through and already I am sapped and there is no energy to do anything let alone ride. I can only ever sleep for a few hours (usually 5 or if lucky 6) so here I am half way through, the tolerance levels are at zero (they are never high in the first place as my customers tend to find out when they get lippy!)

I figure this week will be a 'rest & recover' for the muscles and I will crack on again in a few days.
My calf muscle I ruptured at the beginning of the year has been a bit achey so this rest will help.

The big off is creeping steadily closer, less than 4 weeks now and I am filled with nervous anticipation and just want to get on with it.

A few weeks ago I booked the rail tickets through Scot Rail, 24 hours of travelling on trains - deep deep joy!

I managed to reserve a space for the bike on almost the whole journey except for the twenty minute section between Stafford & Crewe because that will be on Virgin Trains and I have to book the cycle reservation direct with them. I was told that could only be done a month before so today I rang Virgin to sort it out - what a pleasant helpful company Virgin Trains are - Not!

After being bounced through various departments, speaking with various staff I had been given different information every time but the bottom line was they could not book the reservation online. I was told I have to go to a station booking office to do it,great plan except the nearest is in Truro and this is a pain to get to for me.
Virgin Trains Staff - about as useful as a chocolate fireguard!

If I had known this earlier in the week I might have been able to push the energy levels and cycle to Truro in the sun one afternoon, now the weather is pooh and I and knackered!

Lets just hope this is the biggest of my problems!

Regie

Guts & Determination

2008-05-12T08:09:00.007+01:00

And it has nothing to do with me or cycling!

Today I am one extremely proud dad, this weekend has been the annual Ten Tors event.
http://www.events.ex.ac.uk/tentors/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7393635.stm

The Ten Tors event - in parallel with the Jubilee Challenge - takes place one weekend in May every year, and is now limited to 2400 individuals - 400 teams of six teenagers. The teams, depending on age and ability, face hikes of 35, 45 or 55 miles between ten nominated Tors over two days. The intention is that the teams shall be self-sufficient, carrying everything they need to survive two days on the Moor.
My son, Chris, took part for the first time this year and along with his ATC team undertook the 35 mile challenge.
For those who don't know Dartmoor it is a rugged desolate place, you can see every type of weather in one day, the team have been training every other weekend since the beginning of the year in all sorts of weather (except what they faced this weekend - hot sun!)

Sunny (for once) dartmoor

It is not a challenge I would relish but my son has stuck with it.

The one they call 'Death Valley' very steep climb down & up!

Just past 4pm yesterday Chris and his team marched in, I got something in my eye and felt so proud of him, Sharon had the tissues out whilst he was still 500 metres away!

Chris (kneeling) and his team on finishing.

To complete the Ten Tors event (carrying a pack that weighs at least 15 kilos / 2 stone) is a massive achievement, I congratulate every body who took part.

Well earned medals.

Ouch!

I would like to say to every one involved, the team manager Julian, the ATC staff, and all the people involved in organising and running the event - Thank you for making me so proud.

Finally Chris - Well done son!

Reg

Donations

2008-05-07T20:07:00.002+01:00

When I first decided to do this mad ride it was initially for me, I wanted a challenge, something which was going to be hard but also achievable. I did not want a fuss, I wanted to get on my bike and pedal down to home, complete the ride and have a very self satisfied feeling (and sore backside!)

However once a few people knew the question they all asked was what charities I was riding for, this had not crossed my mind but I thought it a good idea. To my mind I knew plenty of people, raising money for charity would be a pretty good reward for the achievement.
There are plenty of worthy charities out there and it was hard choosing but eventually I narrowed it down to three which mean a lot to me and my family.

Watch the videos on the side bar to see what I (we) are raising money for.

Now as I said I really did not want that much fuss but in order to raise donations I needed to publicise, I have been in the local paper, in national police mags, sent emails, run the blog, let everybody possible know.

And the result has been on the one hand humbling, old ladies I don't know handing me donations whilst out shopping, single mums making big donations, and some of my friends supporting me.

On the other hand it is disappointing, I am a copper and at the very least I thought more members of my force, even district would be more forthcoming but this is not the case. Everybody is interested and asks me about it but the donations are crap!

To everybody who has donated a huge thank you, your support is a big drive and boost to me.

If you haven't donated yet once again, please do!

Regie

Bad News / Good News Day!

2008-05-06T12:23:00.002+01:00

Today has been a real up and down day;
Bad Bit - Getting up at 0615 to cycle 20 miles to work :-(
Good Bit - The weather was cracking :-)
Bad Bit- The bike chain started skipping :-(
Good Bit - an excuse to cut the ride short :-)
Bad Bit - The chain snapped! :-)
Good Bit - I was only 1/2 mile from work, not 10! :-)
Bad Bit - In work early :-(
Good bit - My colleague was poorly so me being early meant he could go and wimp at home (Only joking Simon, get well soon mate).

And so the day has gone on in a similar vein, roll on 2pm so I can get up the bike shop and pick up a new chain. I was considering replacing it before the JOGLE, good job it happened now and not in the middle of nowhere in a storm!

Regie

Converts.....

2008-05-05T16:06:00.002+01:00

By the end of last week I was starting to feel a bit weary, putting a reasonable amount of miles in each day was getting hard work.

The weekend was going to be 'easy', my plan was late shift Saturday, Sunday Monday off, lie around, do very little and enjoy some family time.

Well all was going well until I remembered that we are having a new shed being delivered Tuesday, this meant Sunday was preparing the part in the jungle /garden where it is going.

After a day of lopping trees (painful - they bite back, but I get to play with a big axe and fire!)
Lumbering paving slabs about and upsetting field mice by disturbing their nest (I did say sorry and leave it in place, even though it is in the way!) We were done - so much for a day of rest!

Today the weather was good so we had a family day riding the Wadebridge - Padstow section of the Camel Trail.

Before we set off the better half had to sort out colour co-ordination with her new bike / helmet / gloves etc. She wasn't impressed at first with wearing shorts with a chamois insert, telling me it felt like she was wearing a nappy but she reluctantly agreed after the ride that they are of benefit!

I have not ridden the trail before, it is lovely, winding along beside the river, a lovely flat 5 mile ride, (yes thats right, flat in Cornwall - amazing!)

We had a mooch around Padstow, along with several thousand other tourists and after a portion of chips (the smell got us - we are weak!) headed back.

The other half has admitted she enjoyed it and we are looking forward to the next opportunity (she has turned down my offer of joining me for some of the JOGLE with something that sounded distinctly like 'you cough? Not sure what she meant!)

Ah well back to work tomorrow, deep deep joy!

Regie

Should have stayed in......

2008-04-30T15:44:00.006+01:00

Well after the earlier post the rain seemed to have disappeared and I could not find any more excuses not to get on the bike, that is apart from complete apathy!

I had to go to Bike Chain in Redruth, a neat ride of 15 miles, to change my better halfs skid lid (always said she is a big head!) and to have a look at some 'Rain Legs'.

Not the sexiest thing about but given my dislike for long trousers they seem to be ideal for the days riding when it is hoofing down.

So I set off, found out the wind is evil today, I was even having to pedal downhill rather than free wheel!

The route I followed is not the most pleasant due to the amount of hills I have faced again, at least it is good practice for the big ride.

I only completed 35 odd miles but it has left me somewhat deflated, today was hard work, if the weather in June is like this how the hell I am I going to do 70 or even 90 miles a day for two weeks?

I was listening to some music on some of the quieter roads and this came on, thought it was so appropriate!

Regie

Pants weather

2008-04-30T09:29:00.002+01:00

Having the pleasure of two whole days not having to go to work down the dungeons I thought I might get the chance to stretch the distance and maybe crack the half century. Yesterday the weather was way too bad and my energy levels in my boots so I settled on doing the things I should have done a couple of weeks back. I have been sorting out the accomodation in Scotland and planning the route (well rough idea!).

It was a day of being sat in front of the computer,with the road atlas beside me trying to balance up the days riding and finding accomodation that is 'cycle' friendly, then phoning to check availability.

I could have just done the 'suck it and see' on the ride but this way I have definite goals to ride to each day.

The other half was most helpful when she got in, asking why I needed a 3 star b&b and why couldn't I find a cow shed or similar to save money! (Good point but I stick by my old chiefs saying - any fool can be uncomfortable!)

I have got to try to get down to Bike Chain today, only a 32 mile round trip but with the wind I feel it will be a battle. Now to find an excuse not too.......

Regie

Bust the Ton!

2008-04-26T14:48:00.003+01:00

Well to some more experienced cyclists covering a hundred miles in a week is a regular thing, but for this little weeble it is a first for me, 100 miles of hilly terrain - woo hoo!!

The main goal for this week was to do a reasonable amount of miles each day and push myself, building up the stamina.

The hardest thing was getting up each morning at stoopid o'clock, these are the sacrifices you have to make when juggling work, family and cycling but by Friday I was getting used to 0430.

In fact despite the muscles aching I found myself in a pretty good mood Friday morning, the flies were out and making kamikaze attacks on me (anyone know the nutritional value of flies?)

I had a variety of music on the MP3, some of which I will not admit to but at 0615 as I pushed up the last big hill this came on and I found myself singing along (apologies to the residents of Quintrell downs, it was not a cat being strangled it was in fact me warbling out of tune!)

Sad but a good sing along!

Picking up a bike for the better half tomorrow, she is resisting but soon she too will be sucked in by the lure of the lycra! She tells me never in a million years but we all know it is pretty sexy stuff really!!

Night shift tonight, deep joy, I have not really had a day off since last Friday, have coped with turmoils of new computers at work, got up very early each day and beat the target I set myself of cycling a 100 miles in a week. And I feel.....

Knackered and look like a bag of spanners!

Regie

2008-04-24T16:05:00.006+01:00

Morning Sheep

Not great fans of dawn cycling

This morning I didn't quite make it to 04.40, my poor better half has picked up some skin irritation on her feet and woke me up this morning at 04.20 scratching heck out of her feet. Poor soul has had a couple of rough nights and little sleep (No excuse for us both to suffer though!)

No point in trying to get back to sleep so I decided to get up and have a spare few minutes on breakfast, and a slightly more relaxed ride in.

It is quite nice riding along just as dawn breaks, (I would rather be in bed though!) The birds are singing, the sheep look on in amazement at the loon on his bike, my muscles scream as I try to attack each hill, listening to some great rock including these nutters;

The shades I mentioned on the last post I picked up off Ebay (again!)

They cost £50 but come with interchangeable lenses, clear for the night rides, normal tint and trendy yellow. Not the cheapest but seem pretty good and I am still able to hear the traffic.

Two shifts to go this week, one more early and a night shift to go then I can enjoy a whole Sunday off (well I will be sleeping for the first half!) before back on Monday.

Regie

I really am mad.....

2008-04-23T18:54:00.002+01:00

Nick, Steve, (http://jogleforalzheimers.blogspot.com/) Prepare the room I think I need to come in!

Yesterday was not a great day, the Garmin decided to pick up a glitch and would not turn on, I cycled the short route to work, an easy 5 miler, planning to do an 18 miler at the end of shift.

This week at work we have gone 'live' with a new computer system and yesterday was my first full day, and it was not an easy day! (I was pretty good, I only threatened to introduce it to the size 10's once!) After all the teething issues I finished tired and with a headache so I just cycled straight home and vegged out.

My target for the week is a regular batch of miles and to try to crack the hundred for the week, now I was behind, it was time to bite the bullet. Thinking today may hold similar to yesterdays joys at work I decided to get the ride in before work, this meant getting up at 04.40! What sort of insane lunatic gets up at half past blooming four to go cycling? It is the middle of the night!

Anyhow off I set, lit up like a Christmas tree, and apart from the odd loon sat nice and warm in their car the roads were nice and quiet. I have picked up a nice pair of shades with an MP3 player incorporated so the ride was made more pleasant thanks to a variety of tunes.

The day at work was pretty good today, only a couple of misunderstood miscreants enjoying our hospitality so at the end of the day as the sun was shining I decided to do the ride again!

Boy the legs weren't keen and it was an effort but somehow I managed to up my average speed, (this was probably something to do with the milky ways I munched on half way!)

I must apologise to any car drivers who were faced with some nutter on a bike going up hill just outside Newquay wobbling around and waving his leg like a man possessed - cramp is an evil thing and I couldn't find anywhere to stop safely!

So here I am, aching, pleased with myself and thinking of doing it again tomorrow! I must be flaming mad!

Regie

(PS Nick - You were right about the Assos cream - strange sensations in the nether regions but good kit!)
http://jogleforalzheimers.blogspot.com/2008/03/shorts.html

Monday Blues

2008-04-21T11:49:00.002+01:00

The planned ride for Friday went out of the window due to my body reacting badly to being back on English food, I didn't think the public would take kindly to seeing me dive from the bike to answer the urgent call of nature, there is no way the world is prepared for my bare bottom!

Anyhow got back in the saddle this morning, and what a joyful morning to welcome me back - blooming rain!

My plan this week is to try and crack the 100 mile mark, should be fun as I am on early shift all week so it will be after work as there is no way I am getting up at 4am to go cycling! I don't do getting up early well so it will take some will power by the end of the week.

The lesson I learnt today is at speed over 25mph rain hurts bare legs! I do not like wearing 'long' trousers when riding so usually just settle for a rain jacket and shorts. Might have to consider a pair of long waterproofs for the big ride. I went for an 18 miler to work today and when I jumped in the shower I found more pain as the warm water hit my legs!

I have now booked the tickets for the rail journey, even more difficulty weaseling out of it now! Rail travel is blooming expensive!

Just going to have to sort out accommodation in Scotland this week and chase up Cumbria police for accomodation.

Right better get back to work.

Regie

I'm Back!!

2008-04-17T11:53:00.005+01:00

Just a short post to let you know I am back.

My wife Sharon certainly had something planned, last Wednesday I was told to get in the car and follow the instructions of the Sat Nav.

We arrived at Heathrow and walked to the Emirates check in, then I found out what my wife had planned for my 40th - a week in the United Arab Emirates!!!!!

Boy did I do a good impression of a goldfish - absolutely blown away! (I have now realised how sneaky my wife is, all the planning and organising it took and I did not have a clue it was something on this scale!!)

We stayed at the Hatta Fort Hotel and Al Hamra Fort hotel, if ever you get the chance to visit the UAE do so, fantastic country, fantastic people and very hot!

We are now back in the UK shivering!! More write ups when I get back into the riding again (tomorrow!)

Pain....

2008-04-08T17:08:00.004+01:00

Prior to deciding I was going to embark upon the crazy idea of doing the 'Jogle' the most miles I had ridden in a day was 20, this was back in my younger Navy days when I cycled from my home to my base in the centre of London. since deciding on the Jogle I have slowly been increasing my mileage so I am 'cycling fit' for the Jogle.

So far the highest in one day was just over 32 miles, not a massive mileage but being Cornwall those miles include way too many hills!

Today I had already decided that I needed to bust that figure, the problem was I am still feeling the effects of the number of shifts I have just done. As soon as I set off I felt a real lack of energy but it was going to be a case of mind over matter (the pain doesn't matter and I don't mind - yeah right!)

The first 19 miles was not too bad, some lovely riding along country lanes (oh how I love the smell of muck spreading!) and past Idless woods, once through Truro (Big flaming hill!) I stopped for ten minutes down by Probus and had some lunch. A friend of mine who was on duty and passing stopped, he is convinced that I am not right (nothing new there then) and need therapy! This being the man who has terrible shakes and needs to lie down for an hour if you mention exercise!

From then on the ride was a battle, the legs were aching, the saddle uncomfortable and more blasted big hills!

As I come through St Stephen (just outside St Austell) I could see the black clouds gathering, now the weather forecast had been sunny spells with the chance of light showers. We all know by now what a bunch of evil toads weather forecasters are, telling lies and making things up, they should all be burnt at the stake! What they failed to mention was what the showers were going to be - Hail! Now being follicly challenged (bald bugger) hail is not good, cycling helmets are designed with very nice air holes which unfortunately let hail through. At 20mph hail is very very painful, hitting the legs and head I was squealing like a girl (again) and cursing everything!

After another couple of mountains (they had got beyond the hill stage by now!) I was home, the thighs hurt and I am definitely going to have to check out some alternative saddles of I feel my singing voice my go up a few octaves before the end of the Jogle!

Regie

Evil Hills and nasty black clouds conspiring against me!

Moment of fame

2008-04-07T15:00:00.002+01:00

Well OK a little interview for the Police Review magazine this week, not a bad write up, shame the 'Blog' address wasn't included which was the whole purpose !

I love the caricature they have done!

Very tired at the mo, only got a couple of hours kip yesterday as I wanted to be up the watch the Grand Prix (Hamilton woz robbed!!)

Saturday night was very Q (we never mention the word 'quiet' for as soon as the word has passed our lips the gates of hell will open and the shift will be beset with all sorts of evils, beasties and major incidents - oh no I said it - argh!)

Sunday was mad, I walked in and was working away before I even got my coat off (some people have no respect for the ethos of 'enter work, have coffee and biccy, breathe in, kit up and now I am ready for your problems'!!)

Today has been a lovely few hours kip rudely interupted by me leaping out of the bed, squealing like a girl, clutching my calf, tripping over and then cursing waking up with cramp!

No riding today, but tomorrow is another day as they say...

Regie

TGIF!

2008-04-04T15:15:00.003+01:00

I should be looking forward to the weekend, but due to leave, courses Etc. all my shifts are to pot at the moment and this is day 7 of a 9 day stretch, I am night shift Saturday & Sunday, oh deep joy! But then two weeks off - Yippee!!!

I have had to take time off as it is my birthday (big 40 - I know I don't look a day over 21!) and the better half has been secretly planning something.

I have managed to get a few miles in this week, my training plan is to increase my total mileage each week, by yesterday evening I had 85 miles under my belt and was planning to bust the 'ton' (100) today. However the amount of days I have worked finally got to me and I decided to walk in today (lazy so and so I am!)

The real benefit to all this riding is watching the body lose the excess. I have always been in shape, (round is a shape isn't it?!) Over the past 12 months I have managed to lose a stone and a half (don't ask what that is in kilo's. that is way too difficult!) I have found that I am really getting an appetite and the better half has noticed too with the grocery bill!

This week I pointed out after one 18 mile ride I had burnt about a thousand calories which she pointed out was about the equivalent of a Big Mac!

I was getting a bit disappointed with my average speed sticking around the 12.5 - 14 MPH average, even though I am not on a road bike I thought this would be higher. It was then pointed out to me the hilly terrain I am riding and I shouldn't expect much more.

I am not sure how much riding I will get in next week, I was hoping on Tuesday to have a real blast and spend the day tootling along the Sustrans national cycle route into Truro, along to St Austell then back up. A quick scout at the 5 day weather forecast tells me that the day is likely to be pants, sleet and rain! We will have to see as I know how (in)accurate the weather guessers are! After Tuesday I have no idea what I am doing, I have just been told to take the time off??

One of the freebie papers that get circulated around the nicks has put an article in highlighting the ride, if this is your first time here have a look through the old entries, and feel free to donate!
For those who have not used 'feeds' before whilst on this site click on the little orange button on the tool bar and subscribe. Your computer will automatically check daily for any new posts and you can read these from the 'favourites' button!

The donations seem to have slowed recently, I will have to get the whip out !!

Anyhow here is one of my fave videos at the moment, I love this...

Regie

2008-04-01T22:29:00.001+01:00

One to make you think, grab a quiet moment and watch, this is one reason to ride and raise money for H4H.

A good week so far...

2008-04-01T21:28:00.002+01:00

This week I am on a training course, luckily for me this means day shifts and a normal family life for a few days!

The real advantage of not getting up at stupid o'clock is I can do some reasonable rides before work (Although I am not as mad as Nick http://jogleforalzheimers.blogspot.com/2008/03/pros-and-cons-of-night-shifts.html who has done a few 30 mile + rides to & from work - mad mad man!)

This week I have done a few of the usual 14 milers out via St Columb Major and back, and this morning I stretched out to an 18 miler. (Graph above)

Yesterday was hard work with the wind, the first few miles weren't too bad then as soon as I turned North onto the A39 it was like being in a wind tunnel!

The weather this morning was great, not too cold and a reasonable amount of Sun, I chose a route that gave me long shallow downhills and a few sharp uphill sections (well that is how I convinced myself it was!)

Each week I am building up the mileage and whilst I have not done anywhere near the daily distances I will be doing on the Jogle I am confident I will be able to cope!

Bad news from Scotland, unfortunately the Scottish training college are unable to help with accom' as they are packed to the rafters. This means I am now going to have to rethink the first stage. I have a kind offer of accom from one ex bobby (cheers Dave - will be in touch). If any one else (cops / ex cops?) can help with accomodation please let me know.

Think I will have a day off the bike tomorrow, but there again....Nah, the extra half hour in bed is way too tempting!!

Regie

I really don't like early shift

2008-03-30T17:05:00.002+01:00

Especially when the clocks change and rather than getting up at 5.45 I am in fact getting up at 4.45, stoopid stoopid time of day to be climbing out of a perfectly good bed!

I decided the run in to work would be the short 4.75 miler, and in my wisdom I raced against my 'virtual partner' on the Garmin.

This is a wonderful feature where you ride a route and set it as a course, then in future you can 'race' your previous time, the Garmin has a nice display of matchstick cyclists and shows if you are ahead or behind and the distance. I originally set the course last June, well I think it was me because I struggled to get anywhere near the same time. I am now beginning to wonder if someone sneaked some performance enhancing extras in my cornflakes last year! (If you did can I have some more please!!)

Work was not as bad as yesterday, less customers but worse quality!

After a few hours being a mix of Judge Dredd, Gene Hunt and DI Reagan (with the odd tiny amount of social worker) it was the end of the day and the showers predicted were no where to be seen (no suprise there, "Weather forecasts are horoscopes with numbers.") and it was a nice sunny day again.

I rode the '14 miler' home and tried to put a bit of extra effort in, the air must have been cold as pretty soon my nose was running like Linford Christie, what a pleasant sight for the car drivers, not only do they get to follow my lycra clad backside but the windscreen gets covered with my ectoplasm!

My average speed was up on the usual so the effort paid off, must be all the successes at the indoor championships giving me some incentive!

Heres the lastest Cadburys ad and the follow up to the 'Gorilla', nice timing for travellers through terminal 5!!

Regie

Quote of today;
"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encounteredautomatic weapons." - General Macarthur

A Filthy morning!

2008-03-28T11:52:00.006Z

Now that got your attention didn't it!

Today I decided to go and have a play riding the trails around Cardinham woods in Bodmin and my lad joined me.

After the joys of lifting his overweight behemoth of a bike onto the car (the result of some 'quality' advice from Halfords and not listening to dad!) we dropped the better half into work and headed down to the woods.

The weather has been a little wet over the past few days (!) so we knew it was going to be a bit slippy. I realised too late last night I still had my road tyres on the bike (little tread) and did not have time to fit the knobbly tyres on, this was going to be interesting!

There are plenty of tracks and trails to explore, many are fairly hard surface but littered with slate and loose stone, there is also lots of wet leaves and muddy stretches.

We crossed the river using a narrow old stone foot bridge, and the came to a junction, a choice of hills to travel up - deep joy! Being the generous chap I am I gave my lad the choice and this was his choice;

So we ploughed up the hill, it may not look too bad but it is very slippy in places and my lack of tread soon showed as my back wheel span and I stayed still!

Not long after Chris soon realised again why I had advised against a heavy bike and had to walk !

That dot is my son struggling!

When we got to the top we found the track finished abruptly, I did consider going 'cross country' but with the slick tyres and my previous I had visions of an afternoon in A & E!!

We cycled back down the hill we had just travelled up, great fun and a few moments when the brown adrenaline started to run as the back wheel slid out on me!

We then headed back to the car, covered in mud but pleased with a nice morning out.

Regie

Well P###ed off!!

2008-03-26T12:39:00.002Z

I knew it was all going too well!

As regular readers (if I have any!!) will know I signed up for the Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive on May 11th, along with 1300 mad riders I was going to cycle 100 miles around Dartmoor and have a very nice day out thankyou! A nice little practice run a month before the big off!

http://www.dartmoorclassic.co.uk/

Clever readers will have noticed the use of the event in the past tense, what I did not realise was this event is on the same weekend as the annual Ten Tors event which my son is participating in.

http://www.events.ex.ac.uk/tentors/

Now completing the Ten Tors is a big thing and he will be finishing in the afternoon when I was planning to be 3/4 of the way around, on the opposite side of Dartmoor! I will have to be there to greet him and congratulate hime and his team.

Not having yet mastered time travel and the ability to be in two places at once something has to go and it is my ride.

I would love to know why two organisations have decided to run two major events on the same weekend, what is wrong with the other 51 weekends in the year?

Regie

Obviously not my way!

2008-03-25T16:28:00.001Z

Oh yeah!

2008-03-25T16:26:00.011Z

We finally got back from Warrington late last night, one of those horrible journeys that make you say never again. Both kids were poorly so we delayed setting off as late as possible, then we had various traffic hold ups. (Which the Tom Tom diverted us past and through some real quality part of Walsall!)

I felt a bit better at Bristol seeing the 20 mile tailback going the other way!

As we were hitting the final stretch home along the A38 (had to drop my daughter of in Torquay) we come across some pillock who has played bounce off each side of the road! Unfortunately it had just happened and it was a evil bit of road, blind bends and no lights, and even worse none of my lot in attendance! Being the dutiful bod I am I grabbed my reflective jacket from the car and did the 'copper' thing until the cavalry turned up, then I headed home.

After all that I really did not feel I would have the energy for a good ride today and settled on going for a 15 miler.

But then I got up and the sun was shining, it was a fantastic day and it was time to play!

My journey today was a bit of a magical mystery tour, I knew roughly where I was going and had a map in my pocket for those moments when I got stuck!

I started trawling along the A392 (Nice narrow bit of fast road, plenty of underpant changing moments when car and van drivers realise three of us cannot fit on the same stretch at the same time!) Then down the Castle an Dinas road, along the old A30 to Roche, down to Lanivet. After a climb up a hill that seemed to take forever I reached the top and my view was the one above!

This is what makes cycling so much fun, the ride down was great, eyes streaming, shouting yeah and catching flies in the mouth!

But for every down there are at least two ups! I then headed towards St Wenn and Winnards Perch, along the A39 and then back into Newquay by cycle route 32 (my old fave).

Now I am well used to riding in the country with all it's pleasures, but today I was taken aback - how much mess can one bloomin horse make? And what the hell have they been feeding the bloomin thing? The trail must have gone on for a few hundred yards and it was all over the road, no way of avoiding the sloppy horrible mess. All I could do was keep my mouth shut and think of the nice hot shower I was going to jump into when I got home!!

I walked in and my lad just started laughing, was it the John Wayne walk after 34 miles cycling or the speckled face and body!

Regie

More Easter fun

2008-03-21T21:03:00.001Z

And people being attacked by rug rats with face paints!

More easter fun

2008-03-21T19:33:00.001Z

My sis in law who also got caught!

Good friday

2008-03-21T19:30:00.001Z

This is what happens when you are to tired to resist nieces and nephews who are running loose with blooming face paints!

I finished at 7 this morning and we set off to invade the north. After eight hours travelling we finally arrived. What donkey suggested driving up on Good Friday with the rest of the world! There are great arguements for carrying and using very large calibre weapons on all these eejits who have a licence to drive but no ability!

Regie

In the saddle again

2008-03-20T01:11:00.002Z

I have been on nights this week (hence posting at this daft time while I have 5 minutes free!)
Nights are a pain when it comes to getting some decent rides in, I never sleep that well during the day and never really have the energy to go out. (In fact I have no energy to do anything, usually it's a case of get up, drink lots of coffee, vegetate, grunt at better half & son, drink more coffee shower, go to work!)

Today when reluctantly climbed out of my bed and wandered into the lounge I was greeted by a glorious day outside, the sun was shining and there did not appear to be much wind. My tiredness went on the back burner, after a week of no riding due to injury this was way too good to miss.

As the leg is still not fully recovered and time was short I decided to go for a 'short' (15 miler) ride.

It was great riding along in the sun again and I am longing for the summer to get here, even the hills seemed smaller and I gave it my all.

The only thing about riding down country lanes in the sun is the amount of blooming flies - I quickly learnt to keep my mouth shut!

Regie

Who I am riding for (3)

2008-03-20T01:01:00.002Z

The third and final charity I am riding for is 'Help for Heroes', a charity that provides support for men and women of our armed forces who are wounded in current conflicts. To quote direct form their web site;

"What is H4H all about? It’s about the blokes, our men and women. It’s about Derri, a rugby player who has lost both his legs, it about Carl whose jaw is wired up so he has been drinking through a straw. It’s about Richard who was handed a mobile phone as he lay on the stretcher so he could say goodbye to his wife. It is about Ben, its about Steven and Andy and Mark, its about them all. They are just blokes but they are our blokes; they are our heroes. We want to help our heroes."

Now I have no wish to be political but our wounded service men and women are not given the support or care they need and deserve. Headleigh Court provides a fantastic service rehabilitating our injured troops but they need a swimming pool and gym. This is our chance to give something back, they have put their lives on the line for us, even if you do not agree with why we are there we owe them.

Regie

http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/screen_media/3_min.html

What I am riding for (2)

2008-03-18T14:27:00.003Z

The second charity I will highlight is the Police Dependants Trust, this is the only national charity that provides support to officers and their dependants who are injured or killed. This is not a well known charity and as police officers we are all afflicted with the knowledge we are invincible and nothing will ever harm us (well except the better halves because we know they are really in charge). But the reality is every day coppers are seriously hurt and cannot work again, some even lose their lives.

When a Police Officer is severely injured, or worse, killed, in the line of duty, their family is robbed. The officer's partner may have to be full time carer for the rest of their lives and the children never know what it's like to have two able bodied parents-or two parents at all. For over 30yrs the Police Dependents Trust has provided a lifeline for officers and their dependents, who have lost their lives or livelihood, but they need over £1.5 million pounds per annum to do so.
http://www.polfed.org/0106time_to_reflect.pdf

Regie

What I am raising money for (1)

2008-03-15T08:26:00.002Z

Seeing as I am stuck unable (make that not allowed!) to ride I thought I would add a few bits about who I am riding for (charities). The first is the NCH, my better half, Sharon and twin sister, Nic (still haven't worked out which one is the evil twin - think they both are!) were adopted as babies from an NCH home. My father in law, John is one of the most generous, open hearted guys I know and spent years raising funds, not only for the NCH but for many other good causes.

A large part of my work involves some interaction with kids, either as victims or offenders. I have seen kids who have the potential to be something good but due to circumstances and lack of guidance etc. Have fallen into the life of crime cycle and will never achieve their potential. For me helping kids early is the key, giving them the chance to break the cycle.

When I see the eleven year old living in squalor, addicted to drugs, subject of abuse, but in their eyes there is still spirit, there is still the chance, this is why I am riding for the NCH, they are a national organisation who are there to help the kids and their families.

This is one of three reasons why I am asking people to donate something, even a quid, thanks.

Regie

Bored, Bored, Very Bored!

2008-03-12T15:24:00.002Z

After my nagging and being told cold hard realities on Friday by the doc I have been trying to take things easy. Monday was a day off and after everyone had gone to work I grabbed my bucket of coffee and plonked myself on the couch ready to exhaust whatever is recorded on Sky Plus whilst my leg was put up. Well that lasted all of 45 minutes and I was thinking of what needed doing and started pottering around the house!

I was back at work yesterday and tried to take it easy, fortunately it wasn't too busy but I still couldn't sit down for more than ten minutes before I had to find something to do, I just cannot sit around in work doing nothing! (Despite vicious rumours to the contrary!!)

When I got home the leg was aching and the other half pointed out again I was not resting it and it was not healing that well (she also pointed out that she could tell I was frustrated as I was behaving like a miserable git!). After speaking with occupational health today (more horror stories of what could happen worst case - aren't these people supposed to make me feel better - not worse?) I have signed myself off for the rest of the week. (Probably best for the 'customers' too the way I am short tempered!!). Now normally a few days off would be great, but for me sitting around 'resting' is bloody torture! The only thing stopping me getting really teasy about not riding is the weather is still pants, if it was good weather then I might have trouble staying off the bike!

Heres a vid' to make you all smile

Regie

Hacked off

2008-03-08T12:09:00.003Z

Just as you think things are coming along great something comes and slaps you around the chops and brings you down to Earth with a bump!

As any woman will tell you when men get injured they fall into two distinct categories;

There are the ones who are going to die;

Then there are the martyrs;

Much to the annoyance of Sharon I fall into the latter category!

After the spill the other week I have just carried on as before, for the first couple of weeks walking was painful but cycling wasn't, so I though the exercise must have been helping.

The swelling in my leg has not gone down and it was getting painful touch, I just put it down to healing and 'soft tissue injury' as my Dr had stated, after all I am invincible, Super Reg, nothing can harm me!

Last night whilst at work I asked one of our our police doctors just to check it out, there was they great look of concern you see on doctors faces that says 'Oooh'!
The opinion was an infection and I should get it seen to, sooner rather than later, I tried putting it off until Monday and seeing the GP but after some heavy nagging from my colleagues I headed down to A&E.

The staff at Treliske hospital are great, and I was quickly seen to, after an examination by the nurse I was seen by a really nice doctor. I think the phrase to describe how she felt would be exasperated I had left it so long before seeking treatment. Apparently I could fry and egg on my left leg it was so hot! The diagnosis is my leg is infected and I have two weeks of antibiotics and must rest my leg.

These things are like horse tablets!

If I don't get this sorted I have been well and truly warned of the consequences and the Jogle will be in peril!

The other half is not impressed and I have been banned from riding until further notice - I am not brave enough to argue!

So I will not be riding for a few days (!) and no doubt will be getting very frustrated, I hate sitting around 'resting' but this is one time I think I will listen (well for a few days!)

Regie

Yesterdays Lessons

2008-03-06T08:58:00.006Z

Yesterday was a good day, however a couple of very important leson were learnt;

1/ When riding along muddy country lanes keep mouth closed!
2/ Plan the ride!

I started off in one of my non motivated moods again, looking out at the rain and wondering if weather forecasters guess randomly or if there is some technique in getting it wrong!

When the rain cleared I got out riding, the general plan was ride along cycle route 32 from Newquay to St Columb, head out to the old A30 and the mooch back to Newquay, a ride of about 15-20 miles (We will come onto the lack of planning in a mo'!)

Well this stretch of the national cycle route is lovely, lots of mud on the road and a few farms dotted along, coupled with the rain after a couple of miles I was completely splattered, I have got a mudguard on the front but this seem to be about as effective as a chocolate fireguard! As I was riding through I just seemed to be enveloped in a spray of wet mud (once again I do hope it was mud - tasted like it - yuk!) This was lesson 1!

Nice Freckles!

I never realised how daft the glasses look!

The nice thing was the hills weren't too bad and the wind was mild so I got to enjoy the riding.

I carried on and got to the old A30 which now is a real pleasant ride, little bit of a slope but hardly any traffic, I hooked a right towards Roche thinking I will just sort of hook back on myself and into Newquay.

So there I was, pedalling along, I hit that point of right ok, a couple more miles will be enough, can't be much longer to Newquay. My Garmin showed I had covered 17 miles, then I saw the sign for Newquay - 10 miles away! Here is lesson 2 - planning helps!

I had a little rainshower on the way back which helped clean some of the mud off, and some of the views were pretty impressive.

So 27 miles in total, totally unexpected but that is one ride I will be doing again, probably stretch it out a little bit in future.

Today I think it will be a rest day, back to work later (well turning up at a place of employment!)

Cheers for now

Regie

Rollercoaster

2008-03-04T12:13:00.004Z

Today I finally got past the apathy, looking out of the window and looking for an excuse not to go out, the wind was still blowing and the sky was cloudy. Everywhere else in the country was suffering snow but we had sun predicted. Having learnt my lesson about believing the weatherman I decided to wait. I decided if the sun showed and the temperature hit 6 degrees I would go out. The greater being upstairs obviously decided my spare tire around my waist needed further reductions and sure enough the sun came out and the temperature crept up to 6 degrees. Bugger!

I was going to try for a 30 miler out to Padstow today but a couple of minutes in the wind wiped that plan, so I thought I would have a nice amble through Crantock towards Perranporth, out to Zelah and then follow cycle route 32 into Newquay.

What a bloomin fool! Evil evil hills, even going down isn't that much fun as the lanes are so narrow and winding there is the risk of finding some farmer trundling the opposite way in his tractor so I had to rein back the speed.

Do not be fooled, it looks nice but an evil hill hides here!

I love the country side, all the wonderful smells of cows and cabbages, (These smell almost as bad as the toilet after my lad Chris has visited but then nothing is that bad!)

The other joy of country riding after rain is all the mud, I have got home and look like I have been rolling in it (I do hope it is mud and not something else!)

The first half of the ride wasn't actually too bad, the real joy came around Zelah when I turned into the 20mph + headwind, this was the cue once again for me to practice all the latin phrases I know!

Better go and get showered now and clean my kit.

Regie

PS all data from the rides are on the motionbased website for anyone who is interested.

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/network/digest/view.mb

Hail in March?

2008-03-03T14:23:00.006Z

I knew I would regret not making the most of the sunshine over the weekend!

Having woken a few hours ago my initial feeling was one of complete confusion, it was quite dark and I had trouble working out if it was day or night and consequently which day of the week it was, if I was late for work or what! (This is, as my colleagues will bear out nothing new, being confused is my usual condition!)

Night shifts can be a real pain, and this morning there were half hearted intentions to go out this afternoon on the bike even for a mild 4 or 5 miler.

However looking out of the window I am confronted with this view

(Please ignore the state of the garden, I am trying to convince Sharon it is a nature conservation area!)

The weather forecast;

(My outside thermometer actually tells me it is 4 degrees!)

Now I will admit to sometimes giving the impression of being a sandwich short of a picnic (ignore my mother when she tells you all I actually have left from the picnic is the sandwich!) But there is no way I am going out on the bike in a hail storm with 25mph winds!

I am sure Dave from Inverness will tell me it is good practice for riding in Scotland but no way, hail really hurts, especially baldies like me!

I am more than happy to sit here with a nice coffee, annoy the dog, get bored with annoying the dog and pick on the cat and when I get bored with that my son, Chris will be in from school and I can annoy him and pester him to do homework! (Chris - when your nan tells you I never did my homework it is all lies, she is old and her memory is going!!)

The accomodation in England is pretty much sorted, just waiting on Cumbria to get back to me, Avon & Somerset are being most generous and I will be crashing at their HQ (very nice place). Scotland is not going to be as easy as I first though as most of their nicks do not have accomodation. I am currently looking at options for the overnighter between Inverness and Kincardine the the overnighter somewhere short of Dumfries.

Will probably work on that tomorrow, NFI today!

Regie

Not Fair...

2008-03-01T12:58:00.003Z

What a glorious day, lovely sunshine and the roads are calling, unfortunately domestic bliss must come first and the ironing needs clearing! If I don't clear it then I will be in deep deep brown smelly stuff!

It is also nice to have some time with the better half, I was supposed to be day shifts this weekend but have now had to change to night shifts. This will throw out cycling tomorrow but it gives the better half chance to go shopping with her mate (and cane my bank account no doubt!) and gives us today together (Ahh - how sweet, now pass the bucket!)

Why is it women go shopping, spend a fortune, then explain that it was all bought in sales, and state they have saved money - never did understand that logic!

Had contact from a couple of other mad 'Joglers', Dave & Nick, who are riding in June as well, they are truly mad though and are intending to do it in seven days! (This just sums up what I have always thought about Psyche nurses, just a thin line between them and their clients!!) Just joking guys, give me a wave as you whizz by!

Right posty has just turned up so the ironing is on hold whilst I fit the new bar ends, (gonna be in trouble....)

Here is a tune I love and sums up my thoughts on hills!!
Regie

Morning Ride

2008-02-29T11:33:00.006Z

I was in one of those 'do I / Dont I' moods today, I had planned on getting out for a reasonable ride but the weather forecast showed rain and quite gusty winds. I also was having trouble motivating myself to get out and ride.

In the end I bit the bullet and set off, I kept telling myself that if it was too windy after a couple of miles I would turn back. I knew this was a lie, I am way too stubborn and will push myself all the way when I am going.

The first hurdle was the hill at Kestle Mill, not too steep but a drag, the best way to cycle up hills is to drop gears to keep the legs spinning, this helps conserve energy. I am having to rein myself in as I usually attack hills full on, in a high gear and standing out of the saddle. By the time I reach the top I am usually a fair old wreck (nothing new there then!) gasping for oxygen and cursing hills! It is a bit slower but a lot easier.

Somehow I don't think I will ever be pedalling this fast;
http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1307359,00.html?f=rss
Ouch!

Talking of pedalling fast, congratulations to Mark Beaumont, Puts my 'little' ride to shame! (The thought of 195 days away from the better half does make it look very tempting!)
(Message to better half - I am joking - honest!!)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7245381.stm

The wind was my enemy today, I seemed to be forever heading into it and there were some quite strong gusts (nothing to do with beans for tea last night!)

The real nice thing about riding this time of year is the lack of traffic, no holidaymakers racing around narrow country lanes only to find yours truly pedalling along! The locals are used to the country lanes and tend to be wary and give you plenty of room when overtaking.

I saw the doc yesterday and got sent to Newquay hospital for x-rays, big thanks to the nurses, real friendly bunch and the good news is nothing is broken, just going to be a few weeks while the tendons ligaments and muscles heal. They did not say no cycling (there again I did not exactly ask!) just have to rest when possible. I think this means I can ride my bike but should not do housework? Have to work on that one I think!!

Anyhow, here is a picture of my run in to Newquay, the last little downhill.

If anyone is reading this feel free to comment, be nice to know there is someone out there!

Take care

Regie

For the techno geeks

2008-02-28T08:53:00.001Z

Here is the data I downloaded from my Garmin 305 cycle computer for the ride a couple of days ago. The green line is basically the route I travelled if viewed from the side showing the ups and downs. I have to say on the ride it definitely felt like there were more ups than downs!

Cycling seems like such a nice pastime but once you start there is no going back. All the time you are on the look out for new bits of kit, the latest bit of ultra lightweight shiny thing that will give you an extra .00001 of a mile an hour. Add in Ebay and it starts to become fatal! I am now becoming an expert in justifying these expenditures to the other half. (Who of course can see straight through me and knows it is a man thing, take up new hobby, buy latest most expensive kit, use once and then find new hobby whilst the kit you have bought sits in the shed for the next few years!)

The latest changes for me are to change my handlebar set up. My excuse is that after a couple of hours in the saddle I get mild pins & needles in my hands (all to do with pressure on the nerves you know!!)

So I have now bought a set of bar ends, new gloves and there are some very nice looking ergonomic grips I am looking at! Of course all of this is necessary and essential, honest!

I have been asked why I use a mountain bike rather than a road, the simple answer is I do not like the riding position of a road bike and have never really got on with them. I also prefer a bike that is a bit sturdy and can take a pot hole or two without buckling a wheel.

I don't think I am going to be getting a chance to ride any distance today, this morning I have to wait for the shopping to be delivered and this afternoon I have to pop in to see the doc about my poorly legs (still swollen, bruised and sore to walk on).

The donations are still very slow - come on people, just donate a little bit!!

Regie

Fame

2008-02-27T09:45:00.004Z

Well OK may be not that famous! The local paper have given me some publicity and put a nice article in this week, reads pretty good and if you have navigated here from the Cornish Guardian hello, have a read and please donate some money! (Well however you got here please donate!!)

Here a picture of me in my sexy (!) cycling kit, I still cannot see why the other half disowns me when I am wearing this!

And here is my trusty steed;

Regie

The weather man tells porkies!

2008-02-26T14:44:00.007Z

Finally got out on the road again, nice little fifteen miler. The Beeb website said it would be sunny today, I should have remembered the lesson from 1987 - the infamous hurrican gaffe. The start was nice then after about 5 miles the heavens opened (At this point I used various phrases in Anglo Saxon to express my thoughts on weather forecasters!) The replacement jacket was superb (Another Ebay bargain - Tenn Outdoors, Light Flo Jacket) kept the rain and wind at bay and it did not feel like a sauna! Real top bit of kit for the money.

Half way round I suddenly started riding into the wind. Combined with the 'gentle' Cornish hills I am paying for the Christmas excesses and me being a lazy sod for the past couple of months! I am going to have to do some work to be ready for the big one in June! I feel sorry for the car drivers stuck behind me on the narrow lanes, the sight of my lycra clad rear struggling along must have left them needing counselling !

The RAF St Mawgan Windsock showing the pleasant little wind!

Talking of my rear end
(Well you probably dont want to but tough!)
I think my seat must be slightly out as there some tenderness! Currently walking like John Wayne!

The leg / ankle is still going different colours and each day I discover a new location that is bruised from the spill, riding isn't a problem (well not much of one!) But walking is still painful and I cannot do my work boot up because of the swelling!

Do not be decieved - there is an evil little hill coming up!!

All told it was superb to be back riding some miles again.

Regie

On the road again!

2008-02-25T17:33:00.003Z

Here is a nice piccy of my blue foot, I am sure this is not right but it is very pretty!

Any way got on the bike today, no snags and I managed to stay up right and avoid wooden posts!

The ride was only short, about 4 and a bit miles but enjoyable. Used the new panniers and they are pretty good and solid.

The weather report for tomorrow is good so might start stretching the miles a bit. (That is if I can successfully avoid the wooden posts on the way home!)

Right better get back to work
Regie

No ride today

2008-02-23T13:12:00.001Z

Well the plans for today went out the window at half seven this morning. Called into work as all the computers are down and extra staff are needed to get things done. My long suffering better half was most impressed at the early call, no saturday lie in! May be tomorrow. Regie

Nice Shade of Yellow!

2008-02-22T16:24:00.004Z

Dave dropped the bike back today, all ready to go, problem is I am not, the left leg is still very painful but seems to be improving, (I am not screaming like a girl every time I move now!)

Very annoying but I think by Monday I should be looking at getting some miles back in, the weekend is out as my daughter is down for the weekend and I will probably set back any recovery (not me being sensible just the better half has threatened me with violence if I get back on too soon!)

Here is a nice piccy of my yellow and green leg, the othe leg is similar colours but the photo did not show it well!

West Mercia have been in touch and the accomodation is sorted there, doing well so far. (Except the donations seem to have dried up!!)

Anyone know of a company who could print & design a cycle jersey or two for a reasonable price?

More posts on Monday hopefully when I can regale you with tales of riding up and down hills etc!

Have a good weekend

Regie

Update, my daughter has had to postpone as she is poorly, little personal message - Get Well soon Gem's, miss ya princess xx

On the up..

2008-02-21T17:52:00.003Z

Good news today, the pedals turned up (Thanks DHCyclesport via Ebay - very quick delivery!) The bike is sorted and back tomorrow so I will have to ride home from work! (Don't tell the better half or my doctor!)

In a moment of further madness today I signed up for the Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive
http://www.dartmoorclassic.co.uk/index.php

100 miles of riding blooming great hills on Dartmoor, why do I do these silly silly things? It is dead easy to tell the weather on Dartmoor, Clear sky - it is going to rain, Cloudy - It is raining!
The ride is a month before the big off so should give me a good idea of the bike set up etc and iron out any niggles before I am a long way from home and help.

Nice call from a skipper from Dumfries & Galloway plod, they are unable to assist with accomodation but one of their chiefs will be more than willing to pose for a photograph and they will try to raise some sponsorship, nice one, thank you.

Right I had better go and beat my lad for not doing homework then sort out some food, more updates tomorrow on me in the saddle and can I stay on this time!!
Regie

Frustrated!

2008-02-20T19:44:00.004Z

I am now getting so bored with this not being able to ride / do exercise, the bike is off for a service and awaiting delivery of new pedal so no riding at the mo'. The weather is pretty mild and I could be getting some miles in, but no I had to go and fall off.
Which brings me onto the next point, the leg still looks like something that really does not belong to me but to the elephant man. Today I was back at work on early shift (Oh how I hate getting up before 6!!) and walked the mile or so into work. After a short time the legs let me know they still weren't 100% and it has been pretty uncomfortable for most of the day. (There seems to be a recurrent theme about me and my legs in this blog!)
I have had to put up with plenty of mickey taking at work, asking how I will cope with 900 miles of cycling when I cannot manage 4 miles home! Do I need a set of stabilisers?
Later a couple of our police doctors came in and heard about my misfortune, when I showed them my swollen leg all they could do was laugh! (They were very nice after though!)
I have had a couple of replies from Police forces along the route, Lancs police are superb, B&B and publicity, thank you!
I have spent the past couple of days researching routes etc, thanks to members on the CTC forums I have plenty of good advice and the route is nearly set.
I have done a couple of phone interviews for the local paper and our force newspaper so hopefully it will get the donations rolling in a bit more
(subtle hint for those who have not yet ;-) !!)
Ah well hopefully the next post will be tales of my bike returning and pictures of rolling scenery I have ridden across!!
Regie

2008-02-18T08:12:00.004Z

Today some bruises are not as painful, others are (my left leg seems to have been drafted from 'The Elephant Man'), I never knew the body had such a wide variety of colours for bruising!
My son has returned from a weekend on Dartmoor and thinks it is great he can take the mick and give me lip without being caught! Revenge will be mine when I can hobble faster!
The cat and dog also seem to have twigged as well, the cat has taken to sneaking into bedrooms and sleeping on beds and the dog has been caught trying to climb up the shelving unit to get her biscuits. I am sure both think there is little chance of being caught at the moment!

I downloaded the data from my Garmin 305 (Cycle computer with GPS, heart rate monitor etc - flash toy!) from Saturday morning. This clearly shows the moment my little ride came to a rather sudden and abrupt halt. I am sure if the Garmin was attached to my body rather than the bike it would show a rapid increase in speed as I took flight!

Frustration at being immobile is kicking in, I briefly mentioned to my better half that I was hoping to be back riding by the end of the week, after she had finished laughing she kindly pointed out A) I can only just walk at the moment and B) The advice I usually give - a weeks rest and recuperation after an injury!
I have tried to explain that rule is for normal mortals and not me but I think I am floundering!

Regie

Flying....

2008-02-16T15:52:00.004Z

Well just as things seem to be going to plan something goes wrong!

Yesterday started very well, my leave has been approved and the start date is set for Sunday 15th June. I have started making enquiries regarding route and stopping points, the rear rack and panniers have arrived and were going to be fitted today. I purchased a nice little mirror for the handlebars which was a great bit of kit.

Now notice those important words - were and was!

After finishing work last night I decided to ride the long (well 5 miles) way home, (the straight route is just a mile). It was just after 2am and the route takes in some quality unlit country roads, which are not too bad as I tend to be lit up like a Christmas tree!

On the last stretch of unlit road there is a cycle / footpath off the main road, thinking this would be safer I used this. Unfortunately along this mile long stretch of path the dear old local council have stuck 3 foot high dark wood square bollards every so often! (See picture above!)

Well there was I poodling along, thinking of my bed, how mild the weather felt and I am sure there is another of those blasted bollards due when there it was. Directly in front of me with no time to brake or swerve! Funny how time then seems to go soooo slowly, there was enough time to let out a startled 'Oh gosh' (I used Latin) and try to swerve but my left leg and pedal hit, the bike stopped and turned 90 degrees whilst I then discovered the joys of unpowered flight (again using latin phrases for 'gosh I think this is not right')! After a couple of feet physics and gravity resumed normal service and I met the path close up, or rather my right thigh did followed by my elbow and head! (I am suprised my landing did not register on the richter scale!!)

After a few minutes laying on the ground pondering the stars, how nasty gravity is and counting limbs I picked myself up and limped home.

This morning I am seriously blooming sore and having snags moving, the bike seemed to fare slightly better, one pedal is shafted, the right brake pedal is bent and the new mirror is now a two piece seperate module!

The smallest injury, I will spare you

the picture of my black & blue bottom!

So that will be my riding up the swanny for a few days, my mate Dave will pick the bike up Monday for a check & fix, my poor suffering wife will have to suffer with me whinging and moaning and being short for a few days (injuries like this are worse than man flu!!)

Lessons Learnt -

Cycling on unlit roads at night is dodgy

Carry a torch at night

Helmets are a must and save heads!

Gravity sucks!

Ah well it can only get better from here!!

Regie

Industrial Action!

2008-02-15T09:22:00.002Z

Today my legs have decided to take industrial action and appear to have distanced themselves from the rest of the body! The brain says forward and one leg goes left the other right! I have been using the gym at work to bring my fitness along. Last night I was on the treadmill for an hour (and yes it was moving at the time!) This morning I am feeling it, anyone know if you can get WD40 for joints?
The original plan was to get out on the bike this morning for a gentle ride however I am going to let the legs settle (and the temperature warm up a bit) and ride into work this afternoon. Of course this being Cornwall there is no such thing as a gentle ride, you cannot go more than a mile without some blooming great hill getting in the way!
Ah well easy morning it is then, take the mutt for a bimble, watch Ashes to Ashes and then think about going to my place of employment.
Thanks to everyone donating, much appreciated.
Reg

2008-02-14T08:42:00.002Z

Second day of 'blogging' and some more info for you (that is if there is anyone out there!!!)
The first sponsor has stepped forward, Bev thank you.
(I suppose this means that unless I can break something I am obligated to carry this daft idea through?!)
The general plan for the ride is to ride an average of 80 miles each day, and if I can organise things to visit (and hopefully stay at) the HQ for each police force I travel through. I will be stopping for one day with relatives in Warrington to rest and recharge.
I have been pretty slack over the last couple of months not riding as much as I should, a combination of pants weather and long hours at work curtailed my enthusiasm some what!!
However I have seen a glimpse of sunshine this week and I have dug out the lycra and started pedalling again. Whilst my fitness has diminished slightly the backside is discovering the joys of narrow bike seats again!
For those who want to know the tech details Iwill be riding a Scott Reflex 20 bike with slick tyres. Whilst a roadbike is probably more appropriate I want something nice and solid and I do not get on with the roadbike style.
The date for the ride will hopefully be confirmed in the next few days (if the boss agrees to my time off in the middle of summer!) And as I work the blogging thing out I will try add more bits to the side.
Cheers for reading
Reg

Me on a good day!

2008-02-14T08:02:00.001Z

A quick post from the phone to see how it works! I am such a techno nerd!

2008-02-13T16:53:00.001Z

Hi, Welcome, you may have got here by accident or design, I dont mind as long as you have a look around and leave some money on your way out!
The plan is around the middle of June 2008 I will jump on my trusty bike at John O’Groats, roll down hill to sunny Cornwall, step off and say ‘Easy’!
Somehow I think it may be a wee bit more difficult than that.
Ah well, going to see what else I can do with the site, pop back soon and see what I have cocked up on the site! (Oh and feel free to leave messages of support / abuse!)
Reg
More posts to follow as I get up to speed with this blogging lark