So, almost 5 years on, what did I learn? Would I do it again? Have I taken on any more challenges?
To answer the first question, although it's a bit of a cliche, I found a lot about myself. Lookin. Back it was a bit of a journey of discovery. I learned that when the chips are down, I can dig deep.I can be resourceful and most of all, I realised that my determination and will to win that I always thought I had was still intact. I learned that even when you think you can't do any more, you usually can. I realised that twice; on the first day not long aft setting off when I was just daunted by the whole thing and wanted to stop. The other time was when I cycled the heighest mileage I'd ever achieved at 129 miles.
Would I do it again! Certainly not. Once was enough and to be honest, standing at Lands End aft arrival there, wanting to throw the damned bike into the sea. Only a warning sign that to do so would cost me, literally, stopped me. To be honest, it's the biggest challenge I 've set out to do and I have no desire to take on anything else.
I haven't taken on any more challenges but have certainly had some!
In 2013 I slipped on ie and at first thought I had broken my wright wrist. Having had a plate inserted during surgery, it was only in the following weeks during physiotherapy that I realised ere was more damage which turns out to be torn hand ligaments. Further surgery followed and a warning from my urge on that any further injury may lead to him fusing the wrist hand angle, in effect 'welding' them. So I've hung up my inner tube and my Lycra pants and in fact on my 57th birthday tomorrow willbe dropping off a box of spares to my friend Daid Price.
2014 saw me being diagnosed with cancer. Completely out of the blue, e news came as a jolt but with a good attitude I'm back in good health and have returned to work.
So the challenges, at least the physical ones, are over for a while but in reali, probably forever.
Who is Chris Gutowski?
- Chris Gutowski
- Northampton, United Kingdom
- 50+. Very much a family man who still enjoys taking up physical challenges. "MOST PEOPLE TIPTOE THROUGH LIFE HOPING TO MAKE IT SAFELY TO DEATH"
Wednesday 11 February 2015
Saturday 8 May 2010
Big Softie
Unfortunately, I needed to know Chris' password to access his blog to update, so I can write this without any problems. He might waffle on about how wonderful I am, but he is truly a wonderful husband, and I would walk John O'Groats to Lands end for him. Bla Blah Blah.
CHRIS GUTOWSKI IS A HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love Bonita XXXXX
CHRIS GUTOWSKI IS A HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love Bonita XXXXX
"CYCLE FAT BOY, CYCLE"
Any thoughts of similarities between Lance Armstrong and myself as I span along at 25mph with a car alongside (not Johan Brunyeel of the Astana/Radioshack team but Bonita and Stan) on the last leg quickly evaporated as he wound the window down and rather than passing me food or drink as the 'big boys' do on TDF, Stan merely shouted "c'mon fat boy, you can do it"
It's all over now. I'm not going to recount daily trips here; that job has been done brilliantly by Bonita and Abby. I can summarise the trip though and answer sone already frequently asked questions:
1) Weather - I waas truly blessed with exceptional weather. Not too hot or cold. Apart from strong cross winds on the first day, I had a North wind blowing me down all the way. In Cornwall on Thursday and Friday, the wind then changed direction - North Easterly. Just how lucky was that? I can honestly say I probably couldn't have finished the event if I'd encountered lots of headwind. The cyclists among you will know just how demoralising they can be. I did have hailstones and rain on the first day, torrential rain on the final day but by then there would be no stopping me!
2) Worst part - Day 1 will go down as one of the darkest days of my life. I don't mind admitting I got very emotional at times. I don't think I was really ready for the enormity of what I was tackling and the drive from Inverness to John O' Groats really opened my eyes. It's bleak, desolate, in fact I can't think of a nice thing to say about Caithness. At one point I heard a truck behind me and thought "well if he nudges me off the bike and I'm unhurt but he crushes the bike, it will all be over!" But he didn't and I survived Berridale and Dunbeath and eventually reached Invergordon (not Inverness as planned) from where I set off the next day. Very, very, very hard.
3) The bike - Felt F80, Aluminium. Had a bike rack fitted for a Topeak rack bag (7 litres) and also a 7 litre handlebar bag fitted. Also carried small rucksack. Doesn't sound much but all in all, weighed a ton and made a real difference to the ride in all aspects. I took 2 spare tyres and about 6 inner tubes, with tools. My tires were new Michelin Krylion Carbons and I'm delighted to say I had no punctures, in fact no bike issues of any sort - fantastic! (Thanks to Alan and Ceri at Twenty3C cycles in Stony Stratford).
4) Injuries - I finished training early because I was concerned about knee pain I was encountering. My left knee was a known quantity, the right more worrying. I always use a knee brace on the left and decided to wear one on the right too as a precaution. However this seemed to cause more problems. Ditched this and from then on both knees worked perfectly! No bottom problems, Rido saddle worked a treat.
5) Food and drink - Gallons of Lucozade Isotonic orange, flapjack, home made nutrition bars, Kendal mint cake, jelly babies and massive steaks every night.
6) Best road - A9. Fantastic wide road, great smooth surface with little rolling resistance and cyclist friendly traffic.
7) Worst place to cycle through - Wolverhampton held the record until I reached Bristol, approaching the centre on the A38 - truly awful!
8) Best place to cycle through - Worcester without a doubt. Bus lane all the way in to the centre, well signposted - in and out in a flash.
I started planning this trip with the aim of being unsupported. However, without the support I received, I can honestly say I wouldn't have finished where |I did (Lands End of course), when I did. Mick & Georgie, Bonita's Uncle & Aunt saved me by stopping ahead of me at regular intervals on that first day and really kept me going when |I was at my lowest and darkest points. I'll never forget the support they gave me in those first 2 days!
Bonita was at the Forth Bridge to meet me on Day 3 and how fabulous was it to see her - more tears, but this time of happiness! Her presence on that day really lifted me and not only had she some nice food for me when I stopped, she also had some clean clothes (ever worn the same pair of sweaty underpants for 3 days?). She gave me loads of pep talks and convinced me that this really WAS possible.
Her Dad, Pete, took over at the peak of Shap and was there with me on both Tuesday and Wednesday. For those of you who know him, Pete's language can be colourful at times and I can tell you that I almost fell about in stitches when he finally caught up with me after Bristol. His language covered every colour in the rainbow and I and tell you he won't be driving there again in a hurry!
Thursday I was on my own until Bonita and Stan the Man arrived that evening in Launceston. To see Stan during Friday at every layby, out of the car, in the rain, clenching his fists and encouraging me on like (Sir) Harry Redknap really motivated me. I must admit to a bit of vanity on this final day. OK, it was raining so I couldn't wear my shades but with a strong North Easterly wind behind me as I sped towards Lands End, I really tried to look good for Bonita, trying to look good and relaxed as I sped by at 25 mph on occasions. Did it work? She said I looked "kind of good" but not TDF style...yet!
So there it is - finished. Since starting I've had so many messages telling me I'm a hero, a leg end (oh I see, legend!), 'the special one' etc but I've had a team of heroes to help me this last 8 days. Everyone who's sponsored me deserves special thanks - at this time you've raised nearly £1500 with more pledged. Everyone who left a message on my mobile, sent me a text etc was a hero because all the messages really cheered me up, inspired me and motivated me. To all those who came out to help me along the way by 'leapfrogging me' and being there with sustainance, you were and are all heroes and there were times when your help was needed more than you will ever know.
Mike, who turned up unexpectedly at Birmingham New Street and ensured I couldn't back out by getting me and the bike safely on board the train to Inverness. Elizabeth and Martin who drove from Southampton to Bristol for just a brief visit - but did they make me laugh - ever had your sister try and give you a head and shoulder massage in a busy restaurant? Jane who kep me updated with texts about Spurs (yes, we did it), Cobblers and of course, Gillian Duffy! Heroes all.
Pat, Frank's wife, and Sarah, Pat's daughter in law rode 30 miles before meeting me for the last mile to Lands End - in torrential rain; heroes both! Frank Mattock, in whose memory you raised such a large amount of money was a true hero and legend to all his friends and family.
But my hero(es) have to be my gorgeous wife Bonita, along with Abby and Stan. I feel like the person who takes all the praise, all the acclaim while actually all the hard work/pain has gone un-noticed in the background. All the weekend training rides which have curtailed our family activities, what must have been total boredom for them listening about the merits of this route and that route (but all the time managing to come up with sensible things to say!). Not minding as I bought various bits of kit (SatMap) convincing them we can all use it in the future. Everyone who knows Bonita knows she likes her sleep and she was up and out of the house without complaint at 4.30am on 2 occasions this last week. They put up with such a lot as I've moved from Triathlons, to climbing Ventoux, now Jogle. Well, the challenges can wait for a while now and I hope to return the time and love that you've given me over the last 6 months.
So, thank you all who've shared this adventure with me in many ways.
It's all over now. I'm not going to recount daily trips here; that job has been done brilliantly by Bonita and Abby. I can summarise the trip though and answer sone already frequently asked questions:
1) Weather - I waas truly blessed with exceptional weather. Not too hot or cold. Apart from strong cross winds on the first day, I had a North wind blowing me down all the way. In Cornwall on Thursday and Friday, the wind then changed direction - North Easterly. Just how lucky was that? I can honestly say I probably couldn't have finished the event if I'd encountered lots of headwind. The cyclists among you will know just how demoralising they can be. I did have hailstones and rain on the first day, torrential rain on the final day but by then there would be no stopping me!
2) Worst part - Day 1 will go down as one of the darkest days of my life. I don't mind admitting I got very emotional at times. I don't think I was really ready for the enormity of what I was tackling and the drive from Inverness to John O' Groats really opened my eyes. It's bleak, desolate, in fact I can't think of a nice thing to say about Caithness. At one point I heard a truck behind me and thought "well if he nudges me off the bike and I'm unhurt but he crushes the bike, it will all be over!" But he didn't and I survived Berridale and Dunbeath and eventually reached Invergordon (not Inverness as planned) from where I set off the next day. Very, very, very hard.
3) The bike - Felt F80, Aluminium. Had a bike rack fitted for a Topeak rack bag (7 litres) and also a 7 litre handlebar bag fitted. Also carried small rucksack. Doesn't sound much but all in all, weighed a ton and made a real difference to the ride in all aspects. I took 2 spare tyres and about 6 inner tubes, with tools. My tires were new Michelin Krylion Carbons and I'm delighted to say I had no punctures, in fact no bike issues of any sort - fantastic! (Thanks to Alan and Ceri at Twenty3C cycles in Stony Stratford).
4) Injuries - I finished training early because I was concerned about knee pain I was encountering. My left knee was a known quantity, the right more worrying. I always use a knee brace on the left and decided to wear one on the right too as a precaution. However this seemed to cause more problems. Ditched this and from then on both knees worked perfectly! No bottom problems, Rido saddle worked a treat.
5) Food and drink - Gallons of Lucozade Isotonic orange, flapjack, home made nutrition bars, Kendal mint cake, jelly babies and massive steaks every night.
6) Best road - A9. Fantastic wide road, great smooth surface with little rolling resistance and cyclist friendly traffic.
7) Worst place to cycle through - Wolverhampton held the record until I reached Bristol, approaching the centre on the A38 - truly awful!
8) Best place to cycle through - Worcester without a doubt. Bus lane all the way in to the centre, well signposted - in and out in a flash.
I started planning this trip with the aim of being unsupported. However, without the support I received, I can honestly say I wouldn't have finished where |I did (Lands End of course), when I did. Mick & Georgie, Bonita's Uncle & Aunt saved me by stopping ahead of me at regular intervals on that first day and really kept me going when |I was at my lowest and darkest points. I'll never forget the support they gave me in those first 2 days!
Bonita was at the Forth Bridge to meet me on Day 3 and how fabulous was it to see her - more tears, but this time of happiness! Her presence on that day really lifted me and not only had she some nice food for me when I stopped, she also had some clean clothes (ever worn the same pair of sweaty underpants for 3 days?). She gave me loads of pep talks and convinced me that this really WAS possible.
Her Dad, Pete, took over at the peak of Shap and was there with me on both Tuesday and Wednesday. For those of you who know him, Pete's language can be colourful at times and I can tell you that I almost fell about in stitches when he finally caught up with me after Bristol. His language covered every colour in the rainbow and I and tell you he won't be driving there again in a hurry!
Thursday I was on my own until Bonita and Stan the Man arrived that evening in Launceston. To see Stan during Friday at every layby, out of the car, in the rain, clenching his fists and encouraging me on like (Sir) Harry Redknap really motivated me. I must admit to a bit of vanity on this final day. OK, it was raining so I couldn't wear my shades but with a strong North Easterly wind behind me as I sped towards Lands End, I really tried to look good for Bonita, trying to look good and relaxed as I sped by at 25 mph on occasions. Did it work? She said I looked "kind of good" but not TDF style...yet!
So there it is - finished. Since starting I've had so many messages telling me I'm a hero, a leg end (oh I see, legend!), 'the special one' etc but I've had a team of heroes to help me this last 8 days. Everyone who's sponsored me deserves special thanks - at this time you've raised nearly £1500 with more pledged. Everyone who left a message on my mobile, sent me a text etc was a hero because all the messages really cheered me up, inspired me and motivated me. To all those who came out to help me along the way by 'leapfrogging me' and being there with sustainance, you were and are all heroes and there were times when your help was needed more than you will ever know.
Mike, who turned up unexpectedly at Birmingham New Street and ensured I couldn't back out by getting me and the bike safely on board the train to Inverness. Elizabeth and Martin who drove from Southampton to Bristol for just a brief visit - but did they make me laugh - ever had your sister try and give you a head and shoulder massage in a busy restaurant? Jane who kep me updated with texts about Spurs (yes, we did it), Cobblers and of course, Gillian Duffy! Heroes all.
Pat, Frank's wife, and Sarah, Pat's daughter in law rode 30 miles before meeting me for the last mile to Lands End - in torrential rain; heroes both! Frank Mattock, in whose memory you raised such a large amount of money was a true hero and legend to all his friends and family.
But my hero(es) have to be my gorgeous wife Bonita, along with Abby and Stan. I feel like the person who takes all the praise, all the acclaim while actually all the hard work/pain has gone un-noticed in the background. All the weekend training rides which have curtailed our family activities, what must have been total boredom for them listening about the merits of this route and that route (but all the time managing to come up with sensible things to say!). Not minding as I bought various bits of kit (SatMap) convincing them we can all use it in the future. Everyone who knows Bonita knows she likes her sleep and she was up and out of the house without complaint at 4.30am on 2 occasions this last week. They put up with such a lot as I've moved from Triathlons, to climbing Ventoux, now Jogle. Well, the challenges can wait for a while now and I hope to return the time and love that you've given me over the last 6 months.
So, thank you all who've shared this adventure with me in many ways.
Friday 7 May 2010
The big man HAS DONE IT!
I am very very happy to let you know that Chris arrived at Land's End (in a torrential downpour!), at around 14.00pm this afternoon, with Aunty Pat and Sarah cycling the last mile with him, having completing 30 miles previous to meeting him!
For all of you cycling geeks, here is Chris' final stats for Day 8:
Miles completed: 80
Average moving speed: 16.3mph
Total average speed: 13.8mph
Highest speed reached: 50.9mph
We are all very proud of Chris, and I know that you all will be too! Love Abby xxx
For all of you cycling geeks, here is Chris' final stats for Day 8:
Miles completed: 80
Average moving speed: 16.3mph
Total average speed: 13.8mph
Highest speed reached: 50.9mph
We are all very proud of Chris, and I know that you all will be too! Love Abby xxx
Thursday 6 May 2010
Launceston !
Just a quick update from me again I'm afraid! Chris reached Launceston this evening after travelling a huge 102 miles! He is staying at a hotel called the White Hart, which he says isn't brilliant but after a hard day's cycling he doesn't really mind too much! He was hoping to get to Sarah's mum's house in Bodmin who kindly offered him to stay at her house, however he was too tired to manage the extra 20 miles! Here is some of his stats for the day:
Total Average Speed: 10.2 mph
Climbed: Today Chris climbed a total of 3510 ft, which, as it was condensed into the final 40 miles of the day, was especially hard!
We all have our fingers crossed that Chris will arrive at Land's End tomorrow to reach his target of completing his ride in just 8 days! Go on Chrissa! A xxx
Total Average Speed: 10.2 mph
Climbed: Today Chris climbed a total of 3510 ft, which, as it was condensed into the final 40 miles of the day, was especially hard!
We all have our fingers crossed that Chris will arrive at Land's End tomorrow to reach his target of completing his ride in just 8 days! Go on Chrissa! A xxx
Day 7
Just a quick note this morning, (I'm a bit busy!!)
Chris set off just after 7, he is heading for Launceston in cornwall. About 101 miles from where he is, the terrain is very hilly and he is not looking forward to it!! Weather forecast is not good as regards rain, but the wind is still from the North so fingers crossed will be kind to him.
I will be setting off straight after work, so should leave about 4.00pm depending on the kids etc etc etc.
I will try and leave an update before then, maybe lunchtime if I've heard from him.
He's nearly there!! Bonita XXX
Chris set off just after 7, he is heading for Launceston in cornwall. About 101 miles from where he is, the terrain is very hilly and he is not looking forward to it!! Weather forecast is not good as regards rain, but the wind is still from the North so fingers crossed will be kind to him.
I will be setting off straight after work, so should leave about 4.00pm depending on the kids etc etc etc.
I will try and leave an update before then, maybe lunchtime if I've heard from him.
He's nearly there!! Bonita XXX
Wednesday 5 May 2010
end of Day 6 - A personal best !!!!
Yes an amazing achievement from Chris today, he passed Bristol and is actually in Sidcot. That is a total of 129 miles from Stafford. This is the most Chris has ever cycled in one day and is all the more fantastic considering this is the 6th day of continuous cycling.
So today's stats are
129 miles
5246 ft climbed
av speed 12.5mph
moving speed 15.5 mph
I can't believe it!
Chris say's he is shattered and needs his bed, I told him to go and eat first. He must feel bad if he's forgotten his dinner!! Not like Chris at all.
I'll let you know how tomorrow goes, but I'm leaving after work to catch up with him, so he may not have finished the day by then, so it will be down to the french expert Abby tomorrow.
So today's stats are
129 miles
5246 ft climbed
av speed 12.5mph
moving speed 15.5 mph
I can't believe it!
Chris say's he is shattered and needs his bed, I told him to go and eat first. He must feel bad if he's forgotten his dinner!! Not like Chris at all.
I'll let you know how tomorrow goes, but I'm leaving after work to catch up with him, so he may not have finished the day by then, so it will be down to the french expert Abby tomorrow.
day 6
Well I've had a few txts from Chris and he is in good spirits and is motoring along. His plan is to get to a place called Winscombe in Somerset which is 130 miles from Stafford.
He was just south of Bristol on the A38.
Stan has a rugby tournament now so I'm off to the ON's with coffee and biscuits for Mrs Millers (we need to keep on side because she does Stan's dreaded mental maths tests on a Friday!)
It should be finished by 6 so I'll let you know where Chris is then.
By the way, Abs said her exam went brilliantly and is beaming from ear to ear, she got a hug from the French teacher, so it must have been good. Thanks for all your positive thoughts!
Off to Rugby now. Love Bonita
He was just south of Bristol on the A38.
Stan has a rugby tournament now so I'm off to the ON's with coffee and biscuits for Mrs Millers (we need to keep on side because she does Stan's dreaded mental maths tests on a Friday!)
It should be finished by 6 so I'll let you know where Chris is then.
By the way, Abs said her exam went brilliantly and is beaming from ear to ear, she got a hug from the French teacher, so it must have been good. Thanks for all your positive thoughts!
Off to Rugby now. Love Bonita
Day 6
Good Morning!
Chris has set off, it's 9 degrees and slightly damp, but the wind is still favourable. Chris is hoping to make it to Bristol today, I think around 120 miles again, his route will take him through Wolverhampton, Kidderminster, Worcester and Gloucester.
He's generally a bit achy but the knee is absolutely fine. Chris took off the knee brace in Scotland and has not had a problem since!!
He said he had a restless night, thinking about the last day and the A30. I suppose at least he'll have the finish line to spur him on, but he's not looking forward to any more hills, or desolate landscape. He's changed his mind since Scotland and is no more a country bumpkin, but a townie through and through. (Abby he takes it all back)
Think of Abby at 2.30 she has her French speaking GCSE!!
It will be a late update today, as I work all day on Wednesday's and won't be home for lunch,(we take the kids swimming), still I should be able to let you know progress at about 3.30pm.
Have a good day! Love Bonita
Chris has set off, it's 9 degrees and slightly damp, but the wind is still favourable. Chris is hoping to make it to Bristol today, I think around 120 miles again, his route will take him through Wolverhampton, Kidderminster, Worcester and Gloucester.
He's generally a bit achy but the knee is absolutely fine. Chris took off the knee brace in Scotland and has not had a problem since!!
He said he had a restless night, thinking about the last day and the A30. I suppose at least he'll have the finish line to spur him on, but he's not looking forward to any more hills, or desolate landscape. He's changed his mind since Scotland and is no more a country bumpkin, but a townie through and through. (Abby he takes it all back)
Think of Abby at 2.30 she has her French speaking GCSE!!
It will be a late update today, as I work all day on Wednesday's and won't be home for lunch,(we take the kids swimming), still I should be able to let you know progress at about 3.30pm.
Have a good day! Love Bonita
Tuesday 4 May 2010
End day 5
Oh my goodness he's a legend!!!
120 miles to Stafford in 9.5 hours (satmap did not calculate hills for some reason today)
thats ave speed of 12.6mph
moving speed of 16mph
He is amazing and I love him!
120 miles to Stafford in 9.5 hours (satmap did not calculate hills for some reason today)
thats ave speed of 12.6mph
moving speed of 16mph
He is amazing and I love him!
update day 5
2.30pm Chris is in Kidsgrove, just about to join the A34 through Newcastle under lyme and thinks he will make Stafford which is about another 25 miles. All hail to my Hero.
Off to pick up Stan from Jennie now, Ooh, isn't he a lucky boy missing an extra day off school.
Bonita XX
Off to pick up Stan from Jennie now, Ooh, isn't he a lucky boy missing an extra day off school.
Bonita XX
Day 5 Lunch
Hi everyone, (well I hope it's everyone and I'm not just doing this blog for myself!)
Spoke to Chris at 12.05pm he had reached Knutsford. I think about 66 miles.
Much to my relief he said the traffic was OK through Preston and that he had actually beaten Dad to one of their checkpoints! He sounded really positive today, having had a cold start, the wind was still in the right direction and the rain had stayed away. He's going to have lunch and then he's heading off to see how far he can get. I think Stafford would be a journey of 105 miles and Wolverhampton 120 (which I think maybe pushing it after yesterday.)
I'll let you know. Love Bonita XX
Spoke to Chris at 12.05pm he had reached Knutsford. I think about 66 miles.
Much to my relief he said the traffic was OK through Preston and that he had actually beaten Dad to one of their checkpoints! He sounded really positive today, having had a cold start, the wind was still in the right direction and the rain had stayed away. He's going to have lunch and then he's heading off to see how far he can get. I think Stafford would be a journey of 105 miles and Wolverhampton 120 (which I think maybe pushing it after yesterday.)
I'll let you know. Love Bonita XX
Monday 3 May 2010
Stats Day 4
117 miles
total climb 4222 ft.
average speed 12 mph I think but can't find the bit of paper I wrote it down on.
total climb 4222 ft.
average speed 12 mph I think but can't find the bit of paper I wrote it down on.
I'm Home (Bonita that is) con't
We sat in the car at the bottom of Shap and Chris refuelled (Yes I did let him sit in the car!) The unsupported bit has gone out of the window but I don't think that matters if you actually look at what he's achieved.
And then at his insistence I left him alone to make it to the top, now I'm not sure exactly how he did it (walking was probably involved somewhere along the way) but low and behold he appeared at the top in the middle of a hail storm. He was just in time to catch the last few riders finish a time trial that had set off from Kendal. (Oh wow they were quick)
He then had the heroic notion that he should try and make it to Lancaster instead of Kendal 'as it's all downhill from here'. At that moment Dad appeared to relieve me of my duties, we swopped a few bits that I had been carrying for Chris and I followed Chris back down Shap through Kendal we had a quick kiss and I left him at about 2.30 to carry on.
He made it to Lancaster at 4. What a star. He is sharing a room with my Dad, now I shall leave you with that interesting thought!!
And then at his insistence I left him alone to make it to the top, now I'm not sure exactly how he did it (walking was probably involved somewhere along the way) but low and behold he appeared at the top in the middle of a hail storm. He was just in time to catch the last few riders finish a time trial that had set off from Kendal. (Oh wow they were quick)
He then had the heroic notion that he should try and make it to Lancaster instead of Kendal 'as it's all downhill from here'. At that moment Dad appeared to relieve me of my duties, we swopped a few bits that I had been carrying for Chris and I followed Chris back down Shap through Kendal we had a quick kiss and I left him at about 2.30 to carry on.
He made it to Lancaster at 4. What a star. He is sharing a room with my Dad, now I shall leave you with that interesting thought!!
I'm Home (Bonita that is)
Chris has been an absolute star today, for those of you who know him well, he's definitely a morning person. And had been awake since 4 wanting to see if an early start would suit him better. And so there we were at Abington services at 5.30am, he set off for England and I went back to have breakfast and a shower! Then a quick look at the blacksmiths shop at Gretna Green.(well you never know!) Chris was fantastic and made England by 10.10 which is about 50 miles I think.
The weather was gloriously sunny but really cold, a quick photo call at the England sign and he was off again we next met up at Carlisle, he was feeling good, the road was smooth (cycle path a nightmare) and no where near as hilly as we thought it would be.
The toughest part of the day by far was the road from Carlisle to Penrith, it was really hilly, I suppose undulating would be a good word if you were driving it like me, but a bit of a trial if you're on your bike. Penrith was a pain for us both as there was some sort of tractor fair in the center and so there were diversions everywhere. This could have been a good thing though because instead of stopping for a proper meal, Chris decided to head for Shap.
The weather was gloriously sunny but really cold, a quick photo call at the England sign and he was off again we next met up at Carlisle, he was feeling good, the road was smooth (cycle path a nightmare) and no where near as hilly as we thought it would be.
The toughest part of the day by far was the road from Carlisle to Penrith, it was really hilly, I suppose undulating would be a good word if you were driving it like me, but a bit of a trial if you're on your bike. Penrith was a pain for us both as there was some sort of tractor fair in the center and so there were diversions everywhere. This could have been a good thing though because instead of stopping for a proper meal, Chris decided to head for Shap.
Bright and Early :)
Morning everyone! Another update for you all...
Chris left Abington Services at about 5.30 this morning (mad man) as he wanted to get an early start. Mum said that the weather is good and that there is bright sunshine- I hope Chris has brought sun cream with him as we all know if anyone is going to get sun burnt in Scotland, it will be Chris! Today sounds as though it is going to be an easier (ish) day as there are fewer hills than on previous days. He reached Lockerbie at 8.00am, and Gretna Green at around 10.10am and has now arrived in England. He hopes to reach Kendal at around 4pm this evening.
He is doing exceptionally well today and I will let you now if he reaches his goal for today, which I'm sure he will. Watch this space! A x
Chris left Abington Services at about 5.30 this morning (mad man) as he wanted to get an early start. Mum said that the weather is good and that there is bright sunshine- I hope Chris has brought sun cream with him as we all know if anyone is going to get sun burnt in Scotland, it will be Chris! Today sounds as though it is going to be an easier (ish) day as there are fewer hills than on previous days. He reached Lockerbie at 8.00am, and Gretna Green at around 10.10am and has now arrived in England. He hopes to reach Kendal at around 4pm this evening.
He is doing exceptionally well today and I will let you now if he reaches his goal for today, which I'm sure he will. Watch this space! A x
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