Monday, July 2, 2007
Sunday, May 6, 2007
SURREY CYCLISTS VISIT PAWLETT ARTS FESTIVAL
Four charity fundraisers, on their way by bicycle from Lands End to John O’ Groats, found refreshment and an artistic diversion at Pawlett Village hall, in Somerset, on Sunday. The Arts Festival, organized by Somerset Life Model, Dave Clarke from Pawlett, is in its second year and shows work by local artists – 17 exhibited this year. ‘We also provide an evening of swing music for jazz fans’, says Dave. His aim is to provide a long weekend of art experience for local people, so a visitation from residents of the Home Counties was a welcome surprise.
The cyclists, Bob Florentine, Tony Dawson, Martin Penny and Geoff McDonald, from Leatherhead, Ashtead and Horsely in Surrey are cycling the 874 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats, which they expect to reach on Saturday 5th May. Sponsors are helping them to raise money for two charities – Cancer Research and Rianna’s Fund, a charity which was established in memory of eight year old Rianna, who died tragically when a tree fell at her school in Ashtead Surrey in January 2003.
The cyclists, Bob Florentine, Tony Dawson, Martin Penny and Geoff McDonald, from Leatherhead, Ashtead and Horsely in Surrey are cycling the 874 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats, which they expect to reach on Saturday 5th May. Sponsors are helping them to raise money for two charities – Cancer Research and Rianna’s Fund, a charity which was established in memory of eight year old Rianna, who died tragically when a tree fell at her school in Ashtead Surrey in January 2003.
The Fund helps underprivileged children around the world to reach their full potential – raising funds for projects such as providing a home for orphans in Yala, Kenya, and paying for education and boarding fees for sixty orphans. Full details of the charity can be found at http://www.riannasfund.org/.
The Third Pawlett Arts Festival will be held over the last weekend in April 2008 – for information telephone Dave Clarke on 01278 686588
Ends
Attached photograph – L to R Bob Florentine, Dave Clarke, Geoff McDonald, Martin Penny,
Tony Dawson
Press release compiled and photographed by Joan Roberts
JR PR
Vineyard Studios
Moorlynch Vineyard
Somerset TA7 9DD tel 01458 210177
Email info@photoguild.co.uk
Ends
Attached photograph – L to R Bob Florentine, Dave Clarke, Geoff McDonald, Martin Penny,
Tony Dawson
Press release compiled and photographed by Joan Roberts
JR PR
Vineyard Studios
Moorlynch Vineyard
Somerset TA7 9DD tel 01458 210177
Email info@photoguild.co.uk
Day 8 - to the end!
Last day and we were all raring to go at 6.30am. Many thanks again to Kim for the use of his wheels. Tony chose to replace his damaged front one for the final leg. We arrived at the lay-by where I had picked them up the night before around 7am and they were soon off. Adding 20 miles to yesterday made this last leg around 100 miles and meant they would be able to finish earlier – a great move. Another dry day with the wind behind them – looking good!
The roads were quiet and the scenery beautiful – the Scottish Highlands at their absolute finest. I popped in to Alness to pick up lunch and overtook them on the way to Brora, our pre agreed breakfast stop. The local postman pointed me in the direction of a florist/coffee shop down a side road a few yards from the main road that we would never have found otherwise. Between us we downed many toasties and much tea and coffee in a great little place full of the scent of flowers - thank you so much too for the donation. A quick loo stop and the guys were off again – they had picked Wick for a later than usual lunch so the last leg could be a short 20 mile blast.
We agreed over the toasties that staying closer to ‘jog’ would give them more time to relax after they had completed their epic journey, so I went to check out the local Marine Hotel. After a bit of negotiating I agreed a rate for dinner and accommodation and checked out the facilities. Martin and Geoff told me not to let their wives think they were having too good a time so the hotel did not have a swimming pool, sauna or Jacuzzi and did not have any trunks left behind by guests that they would be able to borrow if necessary. I also got the number for a sport masseur that was available if necessary later that day.
I met up with my mum Jean and her husband John, who live 20 miles east of Inverness, half way by the very steep Berriedale Braes and we waited for the guys to come past. Mum had made a banner which she waved at them as I took some pictures.
We headed to Wick and found a good spot that John knew of near a hotel that he had stayed in. Although the sun was shining brightly the weather definitely had a nip in the air as we waited. The usual picnic was enhanced by home made Scotch eggs and a fruit cake that mum had brought along and the cold drinks in the cool box were a great bonus.
Off for the last blast!
They reached John O’ Groats at 4pm to great whoops and hollers’ and their fan club of three. We did the obligatory photo session before retiring to the pub to get their ‘end to enders’ paperwork signed and enjoy a well deserved refreshment in the (fairly grotty) bar. It was a bit of an anti climax to a great adventure in this desolate place. We signed the book and noticed that the Chichester 3 had not yet arrived. There were some interesting tales there including a woman who had taken a year to do the journey on bike and a guy who had walked it in 30 days.
No sign of the Chichester 3 on our drive back – it would be great to find out what happened to them so if anyone out there has any information please let us know.
Back at the hotel by 5.30pm there was no time for a massage but Martin, Geoff and Bob enjoyed a quick dip to stretch those tired muscles. The al a carte dinner in the very grand restaurant at 8pm was excellent – Cullen Skink, the most popular starter followed by locally reared beef steaks. Yum. We relaxed in the lounge with our coffees before retiring at around 9.30am.
One more early start tomorrow. The guys are going to drop me at Inverness airport so I can get home in time to spend a few hours with my 11 year old son George and put a bag together for his week long school trip starting on Monday. Thank you so much to our wonderful neighbours Mary and Jim Fullalove who have been taking care of George and Rae, our 9 year old daughter, while we have been away. Thank you too Ambrose and Leah for sharing your bedrooms and making them feel so welcome. We couldn’t have done this trip without your support and will be forever in your debt
It’s been a wonderful adventure for all five of us. The weather has been amazing – not one single drop of rain and much brilliant sunshine. Memories of the Kirkstone Pass, the Durdar Road, Ullswater and Annies tea house at Greystoke in the lake district will be with us forever together with the excellent quality of the Scottish roads and the breathtaking scenery of the Highlands.
Signing off now, watch this space for local press announcements including our visit to the International Arts Festival in Pawlet. I hope to get some coverage back home when we hand the money raised over to the charities that have benefited. If you haven’t already please pass on your promised donations to one of the guys so we can do a final tally up. Tony estimates that it could be as much as £3,000 – wow! and thank you.
Hope you have enjoyed the daily updates – I have enjoyed doing them, Joanne xx
The roads were quiet and the scenery beautiful – the Scottish Highlands at their absolute finest. I popped in to Alness to pick up lunch and overtook them on the way to Brora, our pre agreed breakfast stop. The local postman pointed me in the direction of a florist/coffee shop down a side road a few yards from the main road that we would never have found otherwise. Between us we downed many toasties and much tea and coffee in a great little place full of the scent of flowers - thank you so much too for the donation. A quick loo stop and the guys were off again – they had picked Wick for a later than usual lunch so the last leg could be a short 20 mile blast.
We agreed over the toasties that staying closer to ‘jog’ would give them more time to relax after they had completed their epic journey, so I went to check out the local Marine Hotel. After a bit of negotiating I agreed a rate for dinner and accommodation and checked out the facilities. Martin and Geoff told me not to let their wives think they were having too good a time so the hotel did not have a swimming pool, sauna or Jacuzzi and did not have any trunks left behind by guests that they would be able to borrow if necessary. I also got the number for a sport masseur that was available if necessary later that day.
I met up with my mum Jean and her husband John, who live 20 miles east of Inverness, half way by the very steep Berriedale Braes and we waited for the guys to come past. Mum had made a banner which she waved at them as I took some pictures.
We headed to Wick and found a good spot that John knew of near a hotel that he had stayed in. Although the sun was shining brightly the weather definitely had a nip in the air as we waited. The usual picnic was enhanced by home made Scotch eggs and a fruit cake that mum had brought along and the cold drinks in the cool box were a great bonus.
Off for the last blast!
They reached John O’ Groats at 4pm to great whoops and hollers’ and their fan club of three. We did the obligatory photo session before retiring to the pub to get their ‘end to enders’ paperwork signed and enjoy a well deserved refreshment in the (fairly grotty) bar. It was a bit of an anti climax to a great adventure in this desolate place. We signed the book and noticed that the Chichester 3 had not yet arrived. There were some interesting tales there including a woman who had taken a year to do the journey on bike and a guy who had walked it in 30 days.
No sign of the Chichester 3 on our drive back – it would be great to find out what happened to them so if anyone out there has any information please let us know.
Back at the hotel by 5.30pm there was no time for a massage but Martin, Geoff and Bob enjoyed a quick dip to stretch those tired muscles. The al a carte dinner in the very grand restaurant at 8pm was excellent – Cullen Skink, the most popular starter followed by locally reared beef steaks. Yum. We relaxed in the lounge with our coffees before retiring at around 9.30am.
One more early start tomorrow. The guys are going to drop me at Inverness airport so I can get home in time to spend a few hours with my 11 year old son George and put a bag together for his week long school trip starting on Monday. Thank you so much to our wonderful neighbours Mary and Jim Fullalove who have been taking care of George and Rae, our 9 year old daughter, while we have been away. Thank you too Ambrose and Leah for sharing your bedrooms and making them feel so welcome. We couldn’t have done this trip without your support and will be forever in your debt
It’s been a wonderful adventure for all five of us. The weather has been amazing – not one single drop of rain and much brilliant sunshine. Memories of the Kirkstone Pass, the Durdar Road, Ullswater and Annies tea house at Greystoke in the lake district will be with us forever together with the excellent quality of the Scottish roads and the breathtaking scenery of the Highlands.
Signing off now, watch this space for local press announcements including our visit to the International Arts Festival in Pawlet. I hope to get some coverage back home when we hand the money raised over to the charities that have benefited. If you haven’t already please pass on your promised donations to one of the guys so we can do a final tally up. Tony estimates that it could be as much as £3,000 – wow! and thank you.
Hope you have enjoyed the daily updates – I have enjoyed doing them, Joanne xx
Day 7 - Ayrshire to Inverness
After a cold start and the usual muesli we met for breakfast at the Corran Ferry Inn just outside Fort William. The very subdued diners at the hotel soon came to life as four exuberant cyclists entered the breakfast room. We ordered breakfasts from the very helpful but flustered chap who was in charge, darting from one half finished job to the other, we realised we were in for a bit of a wait.
Geoff who was beside the window soon had a small camera, which had been balanced on the top window ledge, tumbling down on him. Within minutes another fellow arrived who explained that it was a web cam and the site, which had been displaying the Corran ferry making its way across the Loch Linnhe, was now showing our breakfast table.
He put it back where it was but before we had finished breakfast it had come tumbling down again. Geoff then pointed it at us all in turn making for great hilarity but soon a booming voice came thundering into the room and we thought for a minute the guy was having a serious sense of humour failure. He told us to make sure we looked like we were having a good time if we were going to keep doing that and conceded that a bit of tape may help the problem.
Back into the elements and the cold. Relentless piercing wind meant heads were down and taking it in turns to lead, changing every 10k’s, was the only thing that broke the monotony of the morning. The hole in Geoffs shorts was something to focus on as they tucked in.
We found a picnic spot beside Loch Ness for lunch next to the obligatory highland cattle that seem to frequent the fields around the tourist areas and downed the Tesco’s lunch I had picked up in Fort William. Not the usual standard of fair but it did the trick and the guys were soon off again.
Tony heard a spoke ping towards the end of the day but continued on, his wheel has many, unlike some of the others, and can manage with one down. Another spoke out and he would have been in trouble.
The guys had decided to avoid the centre of Inverness and keep heading up the road to make the last day a little shorter. I picked them and the bikes up 20 miles north of Inverness and we headed back in the car to the Inverness Travelodge arriving at 7.30pm. A quick turnaround before enjoying some tasty fare at a great little Italian place on the west of the river overlooking the castle. The boys were tired and anxious to get to bed which we managed around 9.30.
Down to the last 100 miles!!!!!
Friday, May 4, 2007
Day 6 - Lanarkshire to Ayrshire
A very cold start to the day – Geoff was the only wise one who was wearing enough warm weather gear. The fashion police are giving Bob a really hard time about some of his old and un-cool clothing, threads hanging from flappy jacket and painters gloves….. Early morning riders in Surrey may have seen him wearing bandages as the next best thing to proper leg warmers and I am desperate to get a picture of this for you all to see. Geoffs’ wife Debbie thought he had blood clots running down his!!
The road they took to Glasgow was in a terrible state. They followed the A7078 whose care has been abandoned in favour of the new main road – Bob’s blown bum blister did suffer. Low temperatures combined with bumps in the road meant that the plants were watered frequently.
Passing through Glasgow was not without incident. The guys got squirted with a seriously large water pistol from a car window – they wisely did nothing….. It will be remembered as a scary place with bad smells, although there was a fair amount of hey ho material.
Martin had the first puncture of the trip at 1009kms (thank you Ivor), amazing really when you think how far they have come.
Once over the Erskine Bridge the scenery and riding got better and better as the journey continued. Following along the banks of Loch Lomond (I’ll tak’ the high road…) was breathtaking. We stopped at the Falls of Falloch for lunch and came across some locals who were waterfall jumping. I stayed with the bikes while the guys went to explore and I was surprised when they all came back dry – I had expected at least one of them to have had a go….
Bridge of Orchy is a one horse town straddling the A82 to Fort William. I was expecting the bunk house to be old and basic. It turned out to be the ticket office on the platform, newly refurbished and immaculate. The room we were in had three storey bunks and Martin and Tony climbed into the sky. It sleeps 15 in three rooms and had a spacious common area with fully equipped kitchen and a drying room. It was full for the night and all the other guests were walking the West Highland Way. Our room took six and we were joined by a mature walker from Swansea.
We ate at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel, and had a good but expensive meal with some friends of Bob and I who live in Glasgow and came up to join us. The hotel is run by Australians and a fairly fierce Zimbabwean girl.
We had an early night and early start as usual and everybody behaved very well. I only heard one tune in the night and it’s feasible that it came from our companion. I had never experienced it before but you are given a cotton sleeping back which tucks over the pillow and you climb into the gap. It keeps the laundry bill down as they don’t have to wash pillow cases and quilt covers so often. At £65 for five it was good value. As he left our companion gave me a donation for the charities – thanks mate!
Only two days to go – I can’t believe they have got so far so quickly under their own steam – amazing!
The road they took to Glasgow was in a terrible state. They followed the A7078 whose care has been abandoned in favour of the new main road – Bob’s blown bum blister did suffer. Low temperatures combined with bumps in the road meant that the plants were watered frequently.
Passing through Glasgow was not without incident. The guys got squirted with a seriously large water pistol from a car window – they wisely did nothing….. It will be remembered as a scary place with bad smells, although there was a fair amount of hey ho material.
Martin had the first puncture of the trip at 1009kms (thank you Ivor), amazing really when you think how far they have come.
Once over the Erskine Bridge the scenery and riding got better and better as the journey continued. Following along the banks of Loch Lomond (I’ll tak’ the high road…) was breathtaking. We stopped at the Falls of Falloch for lunch and came across some locals who were waterfall jumping. I stayed with the bikes while the guys went to explore and I was surprised when they all came back dry – I had expected at least one of them to have had a go….
Bridge of Orchy is a one horse town straddling the A82 to Fort William. I was expecting the bunk house to be old and basic. It turned out to be the ticket office on the platform, newly refurbished and immaculate. The room we were in had three storey bunks and Martin and Tony climbed into the sky. It sleeps 15 in three rooms and had a spacious common area with fully equipped kitchen and a drying room. It was full for the night and all the other guests were walking the West Highland Way. Our room took six and we were joined by a mature walker from Swansea.
We ate at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel, and had a good but expensive meal with some friends of Bob and I who live in Glasgow and came up to join us. The hotel is run by Australians and a fairly fierce Zimbabwean girl.
We had an early night and early start as usual and everybody behaved very well. I only heard one tune in the night and it’s feasible that it came from our companion. I had never experienced it before but you are given a cotton sleeping back which tucks over the pillow and you climb into the gap. It keeps the laundry bill down as they don’t have to wash pillow cases and quilt covers so often. At £65 for five it was good value. As he left our companion gave me a donation for the charities – thanks mate!
Only two days to go – I can’t believe they have got so far so quickly under their own steam – amazing!
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Day 5 - Cumbria to Lanarkshire
Well the guys have survived another day on schedule. They left at 7am and arrived in Abington at 4.30pm. The earliest arrival yet – and it gave them time for a bit of well needed evening relaxation.
A tough start to the morning with an immediate ascent of the Kirkstone pass. A very beautiful, as can be seen from the many pictures, but steep climb up to the top. The guys were rewarded with a great run down the other side of course. My car journey on the same route was not without its excitement either. Only though that I didn’t get any petrol before I left and forgot until it was too late that petrol stations can we few and far between in these remote places. My prayers were answered however when I came upon a little independent ‘we serve you’ petrol place. I was going to fill up anyway as without support these sorts of places will disappear but I was delighted to see that the price was very reasonable.
Bob had told the guys that the tea places would now be few and far between and they were very happy then to come across the Greystoke Cycle café (www.greystokecyclecafe.co.uk). What a find. Annie there couldn’t have been more helpful and anyone visiting the area should be aware of the ‘quirky workshops and creative days’ to be held there in 2007. The setting is idyllic and you will receive a very warm welcome.
Unfortunately Geoff broke the loo (something to do with his Thai curry the night before?) during their visit which reminds me to mention their bottoms. Bob has a blister (ouch) and although it is not oft mentioned in company I know they’re all suffering big time with down below uncomfortableness. The salvon I bought yesterday is nearly all used up so spare a thought for them as you relax in your comfy chair with no bum pain.
Other beautiful places included Ullswater and the Durdar Road where they reached speeds of 50 kph. You may have noticed many pictures of Geoff on his bike today. He was most upset not to have been in any of the earlier ones (he takes most the pictures you see!) so we have put lots on today to prove that he is actually on his bike and not in the car with me!
The journey around Carlisle was not so pleasant – the Fab 4 had to travel, very briefly, on one of the major A roads. Dangerous – Martin took the back and stayed wide enough to force the traffic to slow right down and give them space but they were glad to be out of there. I fear the next day of their journey will have more of the same as they head around Glasgow.
I managed to time it nicely again and came up behind them about 1pm with their, now familiar, M&S packed lunch which I picked up in Carlisle. The guys had got a bit lost going through there and managed to ask the wrong person for directions. She said she couldn’t help as she wasn’t from the area but only visiting – Martin wanted to know why she would want to come to a place like that (he can be so rude!). By now the guys thought something wasn’t quite right and she finished by explaining that she wouldn’t have been able to help them in any case because she was blind! What was that about asking a blind man for directions!
The church garden we found was lovely and the old dear already there soon came over for a chat. Within two syllables I realised that my years spent living in Scotland would stand me in good stead as this was a very strong local accent. The guys hadn’t noticed where we were so asked – I was delighted to hear that we were at the famous village of Ecclefechan – one of my favourite Scottish words when said with the right accent and this old lady had a beauty. As I chatted to her about her life and where we was going I could hear much stifled laughter coming from the SA contingent who did not have a clue what was going on – what gigglers they are!
In general the Scottish roads have been very good, lots of cycle lanes (not often usable because they are rarely swept) but they do help keep drivers cycle aware.
The Abington Hotel is great. Its claim to fame is a chair, which takes pride of place and acts as a good reference point on the upper floor where our rooms were. It was used by Napoleon 111 in 1839 when he rested there on his way to the Eglington Tournaments. The same family still own the hotel with Duncan now at the helm and long may it stay independently run. He makes for a very genial host so thank you Duncan for a very pleasant stay.
Our meal was simple but delicious. Good quality local fare – and inexpensive. Another early night (9.30pm). Heated towel rails (sadly missing from Travelodges), means the inside of the car will not look so much like Widow Twanky’s laundry for one day.
I believe the donations are around the £2,100 mark now – thank you so much every one – it makes us feel great that you are all with us on this adventure. I’m delighted too that so many of you are reading this.
We’re staying in a bunkhouse at Bridge of Orchy tomorrow – should be fun!
A tough start to the morning with an immediate ascent of the Kirkstone pass. A very beautiful, as can be seen from the many pictures, but steep climb up to the top. The guys were rewarded with a great run down the other side of course. My car journey on the same route was not without its excitement either. Only though that I didn’t get any petrol before I left and forgot until it was too late that petrol stations can we few and far between in these remote places. My prayers were answered however when I came upon a little independent ‘we serve you’ petrol place. I was going to fill up anyway as without support these sorts of places will disappear but I was delighted to see that the price was very reasonable.
Bob had told the guys that the tea places would now be few and far between and they were very happy then to come across the Greystoke Cycle café (www.greystokecyclecafe.co.uk). What a find. Annie there couldn’t have been more helpful and anyone visiting the area should be aware of the ‘quirky workshops and creative days’ to be held there in 2007. The setting is idyllic and you will receive a very warm welcome.
Unfortunately Geoff broke the loo (something to do with his Thai curry the night before?) during their visit which reminds me to mention their bottoms. Bob has a blister (ouch) and although it is not oft mentioned in company I know they’re all suffering big time with down below uncomfortableness. The salvon I bought yesterday is nearly all used up so spare a thought for them as you relax in your comfy chair with no bum pain.
Other beautiful places included Ullswater and the Durdar Road where they reached speeds of 50 kph. You may have noticed many pictures of Geoff on his bike today. He was most upset not to have been in any of the earlier ones (he takes most the pictures you see!) so we have put lots on today to prove that he is actually on his bike and not in the car with me!
The journey around Carlisle was not so pleasant – the Fab 4 had to travel, very briefly, on one of the major A roads. Dangerous – Martin took the back and stayed wide enough to force the traffic to slow right down and give them space but they were glad to be out of there. I fear the next day of their journey will have more of the same as they head around Glasgow.
I managed to time it nicely again and came up behind them about 1pm with their, now familiar, M&S packed lunch which I picked up in Carlisle. The guys had got a bit lost going through there and managed to ask the wrong person for directions. She said she couldn’t help as she wasn’t from the area but only visiting – Martin wanted to know why she would want to come to a place like that (he can be so rude!). By now the guys thought something wasn’t quite right and she finished by explaining that she wouldn’t have been able to help them in any case because she was blind! What was that about asking a blind man for directions!
The church garden we found was lovely and the old dear already there soon came over for a chat. Within two syllables I realised that my years spent living in Scotland would stand me in good stead as this was a very strong local accent. The guys hadn’t noticed where we were so asked – I was delighted to hear that we were at the famous village of Ecclefechan – one of my favourite Scottish words when said with the right accent and this old lady had a beauty. As I chatted to her about her life and where we was going I could hear much stifled laughter coming from the SA contingent who did not have a clue what was going on – what gigglers they are!
In general the Scottish roads have been very good, lots of cycle lanes (not often usable because they are rarely swept) but they do help keep drivers cycle aware.
The Abington Hotel is great. Its claim to fame is a chair, which takes pride of place and acts as a good reference point on the upper floor where our rooms were. It was used by Napoleon 111 in 1839 when he rested there on his way to the Eglington Tournaments. The same family still own the hotel with Duncan now at the helm and long may it stay independently run. He makes for a very genial host so thank you Duncan for a very pleasant stay.
Our meal was simple but delicious. Good quality local fare – and inexpensive. Another early night (9.30pm). Heated towel rails (sadly missing from Travelodges), means the inside of the car will not look so much like Widow Twanky’s laundry for one day.
I believe the donations are around the £2,100 mark now – thank you so much every one – it makes us feel great that you are all with us on this adventure. I’m delighted too that so many of you are reading this.
We’re staying in a bunkhouse at Bridge of Orchy tomorrow – should be fun!
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