Chatting to Pete Glanville (WaterCoolersDirect) & Stuart Diesel (GroupHES)
Saturday 6 September to Sunday 13 September 2014
Land's End to John O'Groats. 969 miles in 9 days.
An epic journey for 17 intrepid cyclists comprising former Gloucester Rugby players and friends, raising funds for the Pied Piper Appeal for sick children in Gloucestershire and Gloucester Rugby Community.
@gloucesterrugby | @piedpiperappeal | @DeloitteRAB
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Day 9 - Sun 14 Sept
Today we reached after 969 miles that started 9 long days ago in Lands End in Cornwall, the famous John O Groats!
We all met up five miles out from JoG and cycled these last few miles together as team Gloucester.
All 17 of us. Our thoughts are also with Sally's family and we did this day for her.
We rode as a true team and received comments and praise on our unified and polished finish.
Words cannot describe the elation and joy we all felt on traveling this epic journey together. Something we will remember forever.
its been hard, exhausting, we are tired, have blisters like crazy and our muscles ache -- but nothing that loads of beers won't cure!
In true British style we finished in glory and then joined an orderly queue to have our pic taken by the JoG signpost!
Thank you to all our family, friends and colleagues who have supported us and kindly donated.
See you all soon!
Day 8 - Sat 13 Sept
The penultimate day. And without a doubt the most stunning ride of the LEJOG journey.
A few beers ahead of the final day tomorrow in hungry anticipation of an epic end to our journey.
From Fort William we aimed for Kyle of Sutherland, north of Inverness to spend our last night under canvas.
The team is buzzing and spirits high.
JoG here we come ! Thanks to all for the great support we have received.
Day 7 - Fri 12 Sept
This is the signature day ride for us LEJOGGERS! 126 long miles taking in some of the most beauitiful views of the Scottish Highlands, ending at Fort William at the base of Ben Nevis.
Very sadly a serious accident halted the ride for many, resulting in 500 cyclists being bussed to the end point.
Ten of our 17 man team were ahead of the incident and completed the ride successfully. A sad day indeed.
The team remains strong, apprehensive but the focus is top drawer.
Day 6 - Thurs 11 Sept
We cannot believe the fine weather we have had, with the great news being that it is set to stay this way for the foreseeable. What are the odds for backing a 9 day ride across Britain in early September without 1 drop of rain falling on any riders?
Today's ride saw us going from Haydock Park racecourse to Hamilton Racecourse.
There was certainly something special about crossing the border in to Scotland. Could this could be the last "Ride across Britain"? Who knows.
The ride itself was not particularly scenic but the real highlight was seeing a team of 17 riders really working well together and finally "getting it" !
The road surface was something approaching Paris Roubaix in places, which lead to some interesting responses from guys who have been sat on a bicycle seat for 8 hours a day - 6 days in a row! Every time we hit smooth tarmac there were loud whoops for joy - unfortunately not enough of those.
Says Stuart Diesel (@grouphes): "I felt so incredibly lucky just to be with the team and back on the ride. It is incredible how much more you value something when you have just about lost it."
Everyone is really apprehensive about tomorrow's ride. It is 127 miles long and takes in some tough climbs. The organisers are considering letting riders go off an hour earlier to give them a chance of finishing in daylight.
Spirits remain high and there is no doubt everyone will finish this! #bringiton
Day 5 - Wed 10 Sept
A beautiful day for a long 100 mile cycle from Haydock Park to Penrith add we hit the half way mark.
Tired and sad to see Stu Diesel dip out for the day but thrilled when he returned safe and well in the evening, ready to go again on Day 6. Fizz in hand and smiles all round.
Today's highlight was the stunning Shap Fell hill climb, not so much steep as long. Amazing views.
Tomorrow we enter Scotland and head for Hamilton. Everyone is well - we are supporting each other not only on the bike but at pit stops managing our very sore muscles and blisters #nuffsaid
Day 4 - Tues 9 Sept
Aching, fatigued and sore. A tough mental day as much as physical.
Had a handful of punctures and broken wheels and accidental knock between 2 close riders.
111 miles north of Ludlow we arrived at Haydock Racecourse.
Battered and bruised and blistered (for some!)
A fairly flat ride today but tiring.
Need to pick up our spirits and rejuvenate.
Here is a pic of our accommodation. My very own one man tent that is cosy and has become my little private retreat - except for my noisy 400 neighbours. Yes 400!
Day 3 - Mon 8 Sept
With the weather still holding we had a rather tougher day than anticipated cycling from Bath to Ludlow.
Great to see some familiar faces as we wizzed through Coleford.
Thanks to the Gloucester Community bus for turning out to support us.
A hard ride too, as roadworks took us on a diversion and added unwanted extra miles !
Again hats off to the organisers. The food and back room set up is superb!
Hard to adjust to camping again after the luxurious Uni digs the day before!
Great team spirit among us and some great cycling as a team.
Day 2 - Sun 7 Sept
Another beautiful day, perfect for a bike ride.
We rode from Okehampton to Bath, with a special treat being a nite in a proper bed in the University student digs.
The ride went through stunning countryside, especially Cheddar Gorge. Although not quite as tough as yesterday we achieved 111 miles and a 2200m climb).
Certainly second day fatigue was kicking in.
Shamus Wall went the wrong way but came back on track eventually, need to keep tabs on him!
And another rider suffered a broken rear wheel. The mechanics supporting us are brilliant though and get us sorted.
Tomorrow we ride to Ludlow which hopes to be an easier day but still not trivial
Day 1 - Sat 6 Sept
After a disturbed night's sleep with the constant zipping/unziping of tents through the night, we were woken at 5,30am to the blast of the 'Eye of the Tiger" which is their idea of a laugh we suppose!
We set off at 7am from Land's End towards Callestick Farm (famous for its delicious ice cream) and our first camp at Okehampton.
The set up and organisation is fantastic as is the weather and Day 1 was completed without any dramas just a few loose cycle chains here and there and no punctures!
It was tough though, very hilly. We did 105 miles climbing 2950m.
The organisation has been absolutely outstanding, can't fault it.
So many people to shower, feed, water yet the queues have been slick.
The support crew have been brilliant.
