Vinnie's Land's End to John O'Groats Cycle Ride

Radio and TV

Miles

Covered

Total

Miles

Day 9

If you have a sponsor sheet it can you let me know how much is promised on it - it would be nice to give an idea of the final figure on the radio.  A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED JOHN!!!

Day 8

At 2.45 John was leaving Helmsdale after which "there is a tough 4.5 mile climb."  Perhaps 50 miles to go.

He arrived at John o'Groats at 6 and at the signpost which includes the distance to Lands End at 6.05 - absolutely shattered and waiting for it to sink in what he's done.

average speed=16.1

Day 7

By 11am John had covered 35miles, was "tired but alright" and said his "legs aren't what they were at the beginning."

He finally rolled into Beauly at 7.40, "tired but legs alright".  He says he's been "spinning the gears" but is himself surprised that he seems to be getting stronger day by day.  Doing 135 miles on day 5 gave John a lot of confidence.  The views all today have been the best of the whole tour, particularly by the lochs.  The wind over Glencoe was unbelievable and John says, "looking back, how did I even do it?" 

average speed = 14.8

Day 6

average speed=15.4                         average heart rate 125

Day 5

By 12.30 John had covered over 50 miles and was perhaps an hour away from the Kirkstone Pass - "the highest mountain pass in England and the toughest climb of the tour, a 1,300ft gain in elevation over 6 miles, a tough ride."  His Dad is hoping to reach him in time to offer to take the pannier bags for the worst part of the climb. 

16.15 - short stop at Greystoke near Penrith. John made it to the top of the pass with his panniers on and said, "Was that all there was to it?"  Perhaps he'll get to John o'Groats tomorrow!

8pm - I can't believe it!! - John's decided to push on to Dumfries and will probably arrive after 9pm and have a lie-in tomorrow morning.  He's feeling good, motoring! John's light batteries faded just 10 miles before Dumfries so he's in his Dad's car now, looking forward to a good night's sleep.  He's covered 135 miles today and feels great but wonders how his legs will feel tomorrow.              

average speed=14.9                         average heart rate=forgot to check but it was 170 going up Kirkstone Pass

Day 4

The media come to Condover - both Radio Shropshire and BBC TV (West Midlands) arrived this morning. John was interviewed live (download here mp3, 800K) on Radio Shropshire 

and filmed on his bike for the BBC, on tonight at 18:30, Midland's Today. 

see the 0.5MB version as realplayer file

see the 3MB version as realplayer file

Also a repeat of the radio plus more of Wendy on Radio Shropshire Drive Time this evening.                                                

John arrived in Eccleston about 6, just in time for a torrential downpour while he was searching for his lodgings for the night.  His landlady kindly rang him to guide him in and then offered to wash and dry his clothes while he popped into the pub over the road for a well-earned supper.

average speed = 15.4mph

Day 3

8am start from Bath on A46 - very easy riding, weather at 9.30 overcast but fine.  The whole day went very well, no bananas or punctures, just a belt of very heavy rain to welcome him home.  John made it  home way ahead of estimate, turning up at 5.15.  He showered, cleaned his bike and was then too tired to finish his tea.  Caught up with friends & family on the phone and then turned in about 7.45 but spent another 45 minutes on the phone to friends wanting to hear his news.  His friend Steve rang to say he had £230 sponsored - a real boost for John.

average speed = 14.3mph

average heart rate 135

Day 2

John phoned mid-morning. Pleasant weather, good cycling.  Just had second puncture (forget to mention he had one yesterday).  Decided to overcome his hate of bananas and use them as energy food.  Arrived at Patrick's house (friend of a friend) in Bath about 7.30.  John found Day 2 similar to Day 1 but it had a bit of a kick towards the end.  Long day ahead tomorrow to make it to Condover!

average speed = 14.7mph

average heart rate 141

Day 1

It's the end of Day one and John has reached the target most of us thought was over-ambitious.  It rained on and off for a lot of the day, once driving so hard it stung his face.  John's new high-tech waterproof jacket kept the rain out but the perspiration in and the waterproof overboots didn't keep the water out.  Luckily, the Youth Hostel has really good drying facilities.  As for the cycling, John found it easier than he had anticipated. He found the last 30-60 minutes quite annoying - not steep but draggy and against a headwind.

average speed = 14.5mph

average heart rate 141