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Details of the final day

2007-07-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

For those following this blog from afar, please accept my apologies for the delay in posting this. Three days into the acclimatisation process and all I can say is it's going to take some time longer. But anyway; the final day.

As I cycled the two miles from my B&B to Boston branch I was contacted separately by both Rich (a fellow sufferer - err I mean supporter - of Northampton Saints) and Steve (husband of a work colleague) to say they couldn't find the branch! Fortunately the three of us left more or less on time - after some last minute jettisonning of items from rucksacks and panniers as we realised that Liz (Steve's wife) was going to drive a support vehicle for the journey. The wind was much milder than in recent days so the 35 flat miles to Grantham was thoroughly enjoyable. If you'd have driven past us you'd have been hard pressed to work out which one of us had been practising for 6 weeks (although Steve's lack of cleats and Rich's mountain bike tyres would have been the clue - neither seemed to impede them unduly).

The reception at Grantham was wonderful (large sign and balloons) - made more so by the fact that they've only been in the property for a week. The three of us cyclists were joined by John S (see the end of week 2 for details) and Samantha (another good friend). At one point on the road to Scraptoft, I was behind the others and seeing us all in the same Samaritans T-shirts (well nearly all - I'd messed up so we were one T-shirt short) I swelled with pride. These guys were doing this not in some small part for me.

For part of the route we'd stumbled across some other cycling event (possibly a time trial of some sort) so we encountered some suspicious, turning to curious looks from various marshalls as "Team Samaritan" all in green passed by. Although there were a few slopes to split the pack, we kept together pretty well and our timing was close to impeccable as we arrived at Scraptoft more or less exactly at 4:30pm.

I have no regrets about the tour but of course, with the benefit of hindsight, there'd be a few things I'd have done differently. One of which would have been the planning of the last 5 miles. These turned out to be just about the most difficult of all of them (certainly from a logistics point of view). I hope everyone's photos came out because I cannot adequately describe the scene at Scraptoft. But there must have been (including spectators) 50 people there.

In addition to the 5 cyclists so far, we were joined by work colleagues, Sam volunteer colleagues, friends, family and family of all of the above. Cyclists varied from young to old(er); some wore jeans some had child seats on the back and there was even one of those two seater child carts (propelled with admiral perserverence by Claire).

Then there was Lawrence (publicity) and Norma (director) in our new Samaritans van and of course Jeremy (responsible for so much that is good on this website). Jeremy decided not to cycle the 5 miles and instead to film it in progress. I hope someone has captured Jez lying prostrate along the folded down seats of his hatchback while his wife Jane drove along and prayed for no policemen to pass by.

The problem was that keeping such a group together was not easy and as I'd not bothered to explain the route in any detail to anyone else there was no-one at the back to keep everyone together. So we quickly lost two cyclists (mercifully they found their way to the branch) and there was more than one more stop for dropped chains etc. We also lost most of the vehicles driven by spectators; altogether not my finest hour. After doubling back twice (up hills that I'd promised, myself as well as everyone else, that we would only be going down) I was quite tired.

So, quite a bit later than the planned 5pm, we arrived to an even larger gathering of people at Elmfield Avenue. Various Sams had joined with Norma to make it a great homecoming with food and drink aplenty. Amidst the crowds it was all very touching.

It's going to take a long time for me to absorb what it all means but, for now and before people turn off, I'd like to finish by thanking everyone who has helped to make it happen.

Week Six: Day Seven

2007-07-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

It's over and I've done it!

Wow - what a final day. I have so much to be grateful for and so many people to thank but it's late and I've come over rather tired so I think I'll keep this blog running a few more days so that I can say thank you to everyone properly.

But please know that all riders on the last day made it safely - as I say; more details to follow in the next couple of days.

And just to keep it consistent - Pre-tour estimated miles: 72
Actual miles: 74 (my digs were a couple of miles from the Boston branch)

Week Six: Day Six

2007-07-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

A long and very involved day. I left Brid slightly later than planned and the strong southwesterly meant I was never going to make up much time. Hull branch was very welcoming in spite of their basement still waiting to be tackled some three weeks after the flood devastation - a reminder of why they need funds. Still - I left Hull in good condition.

Now, those of you who've been following this blog will know that I am prone to getting lost from time to time but surely not even I could fail to find the Humber Bridge; it's massive after all. Seeing it was no problem but I seemed to cycle under it three times before I finally found the toll-free cycle path. Worth it in the end though my photo skills don't do it justice (hence the reason for showing you me outside Hull branch rather than the more obvious photo op of the day).

It was on the way to Grimsby that I began to realise that a) I'd undercooked the estimated mileage for the day and b) I was going to arrive very late unless I got a wriggle on. So I took advantage of the westerly, tucked myself into a Bradley Wiggins style time-trial position and just pelted down the A180 dual carriageway doing 12 miles in just half an hour.

I still had a lot (50 miles) to do but the sun shone and I arrived safely in Boston (114 miles in total; my tour record) at 7:30pm - with all my thoughts on tomorrow; the last day.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 100
Actual miles: 114

Week Six: Day Five

2007-07-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

A good morning today - crossed the Tees on the Transporter Bridge (pictured) at Middlesbrough (something I'd never done before).
But then ...just before Whitby it started to rain (sound familiar at all?) and it didn't stop all day.

Fortunately a good reception in the Middlesbrough, Scarborough and Bridlington branches helped to brighten the day.

Nearly there now! If you want to join me on Sunday then see the 'Final Day' page. We set off from Boston around 10am, Grantham around 1.30pm and Scraptoft around 4:30pm. Hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 80
Actual miles: 78

Week Six: Day Four

2007-07-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

A quiet day and successful inasmuch as I managed to avoid the showers. The Tyne cycle tunnel (pictured) was a bit of a disappointment as it meant I missed some of the best scenery. This area is close to my old stomping ground as I used to swim around here but of course I still managed to get lost a couple of times.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 85
Actual miles: 91

Week Six: Day Three

2007-07-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

Bernie (from Edinburgh branch) insisted I wear my Sams T-shirt for the occasion of the Forth Bridge.

Cycling across the Forth Bridge was a real highlight today. Everyone at Edinburgh was very friendly. Great weather as I made my way through the Borders and into the first chunk of Northumbria - even a tailwind as well. So as the journey nears its end things are looking good. The bike has a new rear tyre but unfortunately another water bottle has been lost along the way!

Pre-tour estimated miles: 90
Actual miles: 92

Week Six: Day Two

2007-07-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

Really good day today with more good weather. We made good progress to Dundee, arriving at lunchtime so John had chance to shower and change at the very plush Dundee branch before being waved off on the train home (in case you're wondering whether John normally wears such clothes when on a bike). Big thanks to you John for the company and help over the last few days. I got a warm reception from the Kircaldy branch when I arrived in the evening. My last full day in Scotland today - the end is drawing nearer...

Pre-tour estimated miles: 95
Actual miles: 91

Week Six: Day One

2007-07-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

Really sunny day today, and an enjoyable ride down from Elgin to Aberdeen and on to Stonehaven. Unfortunately got another puncture en route, but fortunately John was still with me to help. We met up with Karen from Mercia Scotland (many thanks to her for all her enthusiastic support) and had a very enjoyable meal together.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 85
Actual miles: 92

Week Five: Day Seven

2007-07-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

Started the day with a puncture. John W helped me change the wheel (i.e. he changed it for me) and we made it down to Inverness (where if I hadn't taken a wrong turn we would have missed the castle in this picture) facing rain and a headwind. Fortunately, by the time we reached Inverness the rain had stopped and the wind was behind us and we fair tonked it over to Elgin. Finished the day at a great Italian restaurant - all in all, a pretty fine day.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 95
Actual miles: 100

Week Five: Day Six

2007-07-07T23:59:00.000-07:00

Today it was raining and very windy. Started on Orkney and cycled to St. Margaret's Hope. The ferry crossing was rainy, extremely windy and late. Got to Gills and cycled to a rainy and very windy John O' Groats where I met up with John Welsford (pictured - and that was the nearest thing to a smile I got for most of the first two days with him!) and we cycled down to Brora. You've probably got the idea that, unlike the rest of the UK today, here it was very rainy and extremely windy!

Pre-tour estimated miles: 75
Actual miles: 83

Week Five: Day Five

2007-07-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

I am running out of adjectives to describe the generosity of the branches on Orkney and here on Shetland. Special thanks to Kathy, Cathy, Jean, Ray and especially Pam who have all been wonderful today. (Whilst being so well looked after, I've quite forgottten to take many photos.) Very little cycling but the real work starts tomorrow again.

Pre-tour estimated miles (for today and yesterday): 18
Actual miles: 31

Week Five: Day Four

2007-07-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Really good afternoon on Orkney - the sun shone and all was well. Lots of thanks to Gavin (pictured) and his wife Elma, and to Liz the chair of the Orkney branch for their great hospitality. Now it's over to Shetland..

Week Five: Day Three

2007-07-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

Shem makes his mark in the north before we leave Durness. How none of the hills from Durness to Thurso warrant an arrow on my map is beyond me but at least there was less rain today and the scenery was still gorgeous. Perhaps the strong headwind was why I felt probably worse at the end of the day (only 76 miles) than any time before - fortunately less cycling ahead in the next two days.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 70
Actual miles: 76

Week Five: Day Two

2007-07-03T23:38:00.000-07:00

Pictured: The three Ss pose for a picture at Ullapool. Good news was that two (not one as it turns out) spokes were replaced (could have been much costlier if not picked up in time) - bad news is that it took half a day to do it so I only started the 70 miles at 3pm - possibly the worst weather so far and some enormous climbs but also some breathtaking views. Still I was relieved to emerge from the fog on the north coast of Scotland at Durness more or less in one piece!

Pre-tour estimated miles: 70
Actual miles: 79

Week Five: Day One

2007-07-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Bleak(in a word). I was drenched and freezing even before I boarded the ferry to Tarbert (at 5am!) - rain and mist accompanied me all 40 miles to Stornaway so I'd only glimpses of Lewis. A mix up in communication meant that I didn't even meet any Sams when I got there - it seemed a long way to go as a result. What with not wanting to stop en route and having no-one to meet at Stornoway, I had a three hours to kill before my ferry to Ullapool. So I decided to visit the local museum where I found my photo of the day. That summed the day up well really. Oh yes - I also have my first broken spoke. In a word - bleak!

Pre-tour estimated miles: 37
Actual miles: 41

Week Four: Day Seven

2007-07-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

A light day due to two ferries here not running on the Sabbath so a boat trip in the morning with the family where we saw otters and seals - another good day of weather (until the evening when I cycled from Portree to Uig) with some great views on Skye up to Uig. The picture is of my ferry (which was to leave at 5:30am the following morning).

Pre-tour estimated miles: 40
Actual miles: 50

Week Four: Day Six

2007-06-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

More great scenery on the way from Glencoe to Mallaig - the weather broke on the Isle of Skye but spirits are high at the end (or nearly so) of Week Four.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 80
Actual miles: 79

Week Four: Day Five

2007-06-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

The picture is of Sylvia and her Nanny at the foothills to Glencoe.

Fab day - I wasn't planning to visit any Samaritans branches today so it was a pleasant surprise to see Jack (from the Glasgow branch who I met yesterday) on the banks of Loch Lomond (very bonnie!) waving me on.

Later I rode alongside two cyclists (Craig and Richard) from Aberdeen doing the 'Land's End to John O' Groats' - they'd had shocking weather - as we were similarly paced they generously let me join them (splendid fellows).

But the biggest highlight was undoubtedly the views through Glencoe (good weather too).

Pre-tour estimated miles: 90
Actual miles: 91

Week Four: Day Four

2007-06-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

Drizzle and cold all day but the wind was not so strong and (from Greenock to Glasgow) what there was was behind me.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 60
Actual miles: 59

Week Four: Day Three

2007-06-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

Boy that was tough (possibly the hardest day so far) - 96 miles mainly into a strong headwind. It was made easier when Dougie (pictured) from Dumfries accompanied me to his branch where there was a terrific reception - likewise much later in the day another terrific reception when I made it to Kilmarnock. Still, let's hope every day in Scotland isn't this hard!

Pre-tour estimated miles: 95
Actual miles: 96

Week Four: Day Two

2007-06-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

In a moment of optimism I opted early on for the high road over Corney Fell - foolish perhaps but worth it for the view (although my photo doesn't do it justice). Fortunately the wind (though bad) was not as strong as forecast and amazingly it stayed dry so I made Carlisle safely.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 90
Actual miles: 74

Week Four: Day One

2007-06-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

Official rest day as I was back with the family again. We went to an aquarium in case I hadn't seen enough water. I popped into Barrow to reduce the task for tomorrow so, although he actually accompanied the previous day, the photo is of yet another champion helper in Ron (from the Barrow branch). More than a bit nervous about tomorrow with a very strong northerly forecast.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 0
Actual miles: 21

Week Three: Day Seven

2007-06-24T23:49:00.000-07:00

Another 100+ miler but it didn't feel like it - so many thank yous - first to Nick (pictured) from Blackpool branch who guided me through 70 miles - thanks also to Blackpool branch and the Director of Preston - finally to Ron from Barrow branch who steered me the last 25, avoiding the busiest roads and steepest hills.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 110
Actual miles: 103

Week Three: Day Six

2007-06-23T23:46:00.000-07:00

A number of people (when asking about the route) commented that I could miss out on the islands and get round the country a whole lot quicker. I'm really glad I didn't as the reception from the island branches was superb. Clive (pictured), a South African exile and director of the Isle of Man, being a prime example. My thanks to him and everyone else for making me so welcome.

Also nice to meet Liverpool branch (who were very busy yesterday) and Southport who awarded me a cap!

Pre-your estimated miles: 20
Actual miles: 24

Week Three: Day Five

2007-06-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

One of the more interesting ferry terminals (Birkenhead) I had to spend some time in.

Pleasant weather going across the North Wales coast, didn't rain till Flint, but then bucketed down after Chester.

On the way to Birkenhead, I was overtaken by a proper cyclist. I managed to catch up thanks to some red lights, and then stayed with him for two minutes before he left me for dead - just long enough to get splattered by the mud from his back tyre!

Caught a ferry across the Mersey, then another ferry to the Isle of Man where I rested for the night.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 85
Actual miles: 85

Week Three: Day Four

2007-06-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

Great day - some fantastic scenery and, although some showers, generally good weather too. All the 'ups and downs' were quickly eroding my brakes, so it was with some relief that I managed to find a (Dawes specialist, no less) bike shop in Beddgelert who promptly fixed them for me and got me back on the road so that I safely arrived in Bangor.

Last day in Wales tomorrow, but I am looking forward to getting to the Isle of Man.

Th picture above was taken by the team at Beddgelert Bikes - me in front of Mount Snowdon.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 85
Actual miles: 87

Week Three: Day Three

2007-06-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

No doubt Mynydd Preseli is very beautiful when you can see it, but in the cold wind, mist and rain it is not a nice place to be on a bike! I was glad to reach Aberystwyth (pictured) safely. Ironically, on arrival in A, the tourist board insisted it had been nice all day. I assured them that it had rained on me fairly constantly and, as I spoke, the heavens opened.

A longer day tomorrow with some big hills to come.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 65
Actual miles: 65 (first time I got it right)

Week Three: Day Two

2007-06-19T03:55:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was a short day (only 60 miles) from Swansea to Haverford West (pictured). I was lucky in that there was no rain at all until I arrived and then it started. I didn't get lost today - so a very good day! Not much to photograph though as I stuck to the main road most of the way (where it was difficult to stop) and then of course when I had a chance to take some snaps, it rained.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 65
Actual miles: 58

Week Three: Day One

2007-06-18T03:51:00.000-07:00

Well at least I won't have any difficulty finding that great big bridge.

Don't you believe it. It was a game of two halves! The first half (Bristol to Cardiff) was wet but fairly flat. The second half (Cardiff to Swansea) was hilly and very windy, although at least the sun came out. I got lost in both halves of course! However all at the branches throughout South Wales gave a very friendly welcome.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 80
Actual miles: 95

Week Two: Day Seven

2007-06-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Well he's still smiling so it can't have been all bad.

Having done slightly more miles on Friday than planned, John and I could afford a late start today. We underestimated the Quantock Hills but, to be honest, that was the only climb all day. Bridgewater to Weston Super Mare is about as flat as it gets; that and the tail wind meant we fair flew along. Indeed, we arrived in Bristol in time for us to go for a drink ("and while we're here why not some food" said John) before he departed with bike from Bristol Temple Meads Station. Many thanks to John.

I have been treated famously by the good people of Bristol branch (huge thanks to Steve, Lizzie and Nathan in particular).

A big day tomorrow (approx 100 miles again I think) as I enter South Wales.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 65
Actual miles: 52

Week Two: Day Six

2007-06-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

Another rest day and a great afternoon at Woolecombe beach with the family. (Pictured are John and the girls.)

Week Two: Day Five

2007-06-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

This is John at just about the only dry part of the day.

Unquestionably the wettest day so far (I hadn't realised how wet it's been elsewhere) so I was especially fortunate to be joined by John Sharkey. Up the first climb, the rain was falling so hard and the water flowing so fast downstream that it was like cycling through a car wash!

A warm welcome at a newly-opened coffee shop in Great Torrington (called 'Rix'), a very warm welcome and lunch at the North Devon branch (in Barnstaple) and another marvellous reception at a restaurant/cafe at Simonsbath in the middle of Exmoor (called 'Boeveys').

You may have noticed a lot of stops today; it's good having John S around. Safely made it across Exmoor.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 65
Actual miles: 74

Week Two: Day Four

2007-06-14T02:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget to stop to take photos. This is at the day's end just outside Holsworthy.

Started from St Austell in heavy rain but by Truro (the only Sams branch today) the sky was blue. At this point I turned a corner and by the end of the day I'd crossed the border out of Cornwall. Looking forward to have company (in the form of John) tomorrow.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 75
Actual miles: 77

Week Two: Day Three

2007-06-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

"You get a good view of the bridge from the ferry." I thought I'd pass that on in case my photo doesn't convince you.

In spite of more rain a good start as Torquay to Plymouth was relatively smooth - over the River Tamar on the Torpoint ferry and on to a little village called Duloe (up a steep hill). Still going well - here's where it got tricky - to avoid a big detour and dual carriageway I tried heading westwards on a narrow country lane. I soon lost my place on the map but after several 'leg-stingingly' steep climbs and 'brake-schreeching' descents I thought, "This sign should help" - it read 'Duloe'! Somewhat later than planned I made it to St Austell but the hills are unrelenting now.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 75
Actual miles: 71

Week Two: Day Two

2007-06-12T02:13:00.000-07:00

The director of operations with one of his old mates (Daisy) who now lives in Exeter.

Officially a rest day, I did a three mile round trip to buy a nut and bolt for the bike (hopefully all that is needed to cure yesterday's death rattle) - otherwise a great day with the family (if not entirely restful)!

Pre-tour estimated miles: 0
Actual miles: 3

Week Two: Day One

2007-06-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

Later than planned, I am warmly greeted in Torquay by the branch director Pat.

The 42 miles from Bridport to Exeter included several steep climbs but all went well in spite of the showers. I got lost on the way to Torquay and then the bike developed a death rattle - fortunately I have a rest day tomorrow so can sort it out.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 60
Actual miles: 72

Week One: Day Eight(!)

2007-06-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

A view from close to my digs in St Helier on Jersey.

A very civilised day - leisurely breakfast and then Mass, before visiting a very impressive branch on Jersey. Ended the day with a 20 mile spin from Weymouth to Bridport (including a stinging climb) before meeting up with the family.

Pre-tour estimated miles (for today and yesterday): 55
Actual miles; 69

Week One: Day Seven

2007-06-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

Pictured is the Guernsey branch (sadly closed during my three hours on the island).

A relatively quiet day today. After a late start (I left the Southampton branch at 10am) I had to put the hammer down to make the 13:55 ferry from Poole to Guernsey (stopping off at Bournemouth en route). A good meal in Guernsey was all the time I could afford before heading off again to Jersey where there is the unexpected bonus of internet access in the guest house. (Thanks Jez and Jane; you get a night off.)

I'm really looking forward to seeing the family tomorrow.

Week One: Day Six

2007-06-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

By the time I reached the Spinnaker (pictured) in Portsmouth, the bulk of the miles for the day had been covered.

I didn't know it at the time I originally penned the blog but the best of the weather for the whole six weeks was behind me. A wet start today (I was drenched by the time I reached Worthing) but had dried out by Bognor Regis. It was probably because things were going so well that I became a little complacent and lost concentration; this led to my first fall of the trip just outside Chichester. But I was patched up in Portsmouth and safely made all the connections to and from the Isle of Wight (where it is Festival Weekend so it was heaving).

Pre-tour estimated miles: 60
Actual miles: 69

Week One: Day Five

2007-06-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

A fabulous welcome in Brighton (my thanks to all there and especially Nikki, the director, pictured) when it was most needed.

Today I hit the south coast - when I eventually found it! As for the South Downs, they should be called the 'South Ups' as I spent a lot more time on the latter.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 95
Actual miles: 104

Week One: Day Four

2007-06-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

Fewer miles today which was deliberate as I knew central London would take time (stopping to eye the sights) - another good day but the hills are getting steeper!

Today I met a female cyclist from Canada who is spending HER six weeks cycling the entire Tour de France route. My confidence was strong until she got in front and then raced away from me...

Pre-tour estimated miles: 80
Actual miles: 74 (I got closer to London yesterday than originally planned)

Week One: Day Three

2007-06-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

Today the wheels came off - well, inasmuch as I got my first puncture, Photo is of the first (but far from the last) cycle shop (in Colchester) to keep me on the road. Pathetically, I limped from Manningtree to Colchester with a slow puncture (stopping three times to pump up the rear tyre) and then asked the shop for assistance.

But all branches successfully visited (Colchester, Chelmsford, Southend, Basildon) and all very friendly.
Arrived in Forest Gate at 8pm - tomorrow; central London!

Pre-tour estimated miles: 90
Actual miles: 106

Week One: Day Two

2007-06-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

You'll soon discover I'm no photographer. The first clear look at the sea (Lowestoft) and I contrive to put a bin in the foreground.

An extremely warm welcome at every branch I visited today (Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Ipswich).
Another good weather day and mercifully a tail wind for the second half.

Pre-tour estimated miles: 95
Actual miles: 100

Week One: Day One

2007-06-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

The first wobbly revolutions.

Left home without my water bottles (in fridge) - left the branch without my camera - left Peterborough branch without one of my water bottles. Not a good start.

However, a good crowd to send me off from Leicester, very friendly reception in Peterborough and glorious weather all day!

Pre-tour estimated miles: 105
Actual miles: 112 (as I say; not a great start)

Well - here I go

2007-06-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

Everything I can think of has been done (I've even learnt the basics of how to use our new digital camera). I'm off to bed and then it's an early start (actually hoping to set off from the branch at 8:30am).

Cheerio!

Sabbatical starts here!

2007-06-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

That's it. After a week of "this will probably be the last [insert as appropriate; eg. coffee round, expense claim, technical query] for three months", my sabbatical is finally underway. A very busy week as was always going to be the case but I'm done.

I've one day to think about what to pack etc. but, more importantly, to enjoy Sarah, Shem and Sylvia for a day before a week away from them.

Five more nights to go

2007-05-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

This evening I've been able to have my first peek at the forecast weather. According to the BBC's 5 day weather forecast the very poor weather is set to continue through to and including Saturday (which says "heavy rain" and a 17mph southerly). Then, according to the BBC (and they've never been wrong have they?), Sunday opens with "sunny intervals" and a 9mph south westerly.

I'll take that please (but will probably check this site every day until Sunday to see if it changes).

I'm beginning to tick off the "last time for 3 months" list. I've already done my last lecture, tomorrow is my last nursery run etc. I wouldn't say the tension is mounting as I have far too much else to do - but I guess it is all the same.

7 days and counting

2007-05-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know where you (the reader) are but here in the East Midlands the weather has been absolutely atrocious. OK - so that's fairly traditional for a bank holiday weekend but perhaps I've never noticed just how strong the winds can be in late May.

Still, let's hope this is someone clearing out all the bad weather before 6 weeks of glorious sunshine (actually I'll take overcast and drizzle if there was to be no strong winds).

It feels like it's too late to do anything about the lack of training at this stage and the weather does nothing to eliminate that. (I'm sure the same thought process applies to Lance Armstrong before he undertakes a task.) Add to the weather all the work I have to get done before close of play on Friday and ...

Nine days and counting

2007-05-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Just over a week to go! Oh help.

At the moment I'd just like to say a warm "Hello" to everyone supporting me on this tour. Over the remaining few days I will let you know how my final preparations are going before I hand control over to Jez who will be updating the blog and progress pages (hopefully we'll have some photos on the latter).

Please encourage people to donate, please write a comment in my guestbook and please don't forget to come back every so often to see how things are going! Thank you.

David