Orc30- the journey has begun

Ok well im not sure if this should be the right place to post but thought i would keep you updated if you havent came across the blog page.
As an individual i thought i would keep you up to date and then after the final hurdle we can give Owen and his siblings the well done that they deserve. I have copy and pasted various parts from the blogs and the bits in brackets are added in by me.

Having left Lands End later than planned, we were off to a flying start averaging 17 mph through the ups and downs of Cornwall. We had done over 40 miles and looking for somewhere to stop for lunch when disaster struck. Sian sort of just stopped and dragged her bike to the side of the road. Investigation revealed a broken rear mech hanger and a bent rear mech. Not something that can be resolved at the roadside even with Owen's experience! After locating an open bike shop 15 miles away Huw and Owen head off towards the shop while Sian waited for rescue by Sarah and Dave. (Sian had her head screwed on and took a rest which is well deserved while leaving the lads to go to the rescue)

The team at Bodmin Bikes came to our rescue fitting a new rear mech hanger and rear mech. We were lucky to find then open as this was the first sunday they had done in 18 months. (They knew they were passing and thought they would be useful, obvi very greatful for the custom, altho im sure this trio were more greatful that they were open)

Even with the problems we didn't arrive much later than originally planned. Our hosts at the Lynhers Farm B&B were very welcoming. After tea and cake, and a shower they generously gave us a lift to and from the nearest restaurant, the Racehorse Inn where we had a wonderful meal. (its not very often you get such a warm welcome at these sort of places. *note the kindness of the hosts for your next break away*)
Posted by Owen at 21:11

good luck

Good luck xx

After a healthy breakfast the trio set off and were faced straight off with a sign

"Coming out of the B&B we were greeted with the unwelcome site of a 12% gradient climb!"

Dont forget to track the progress of Owen and his siblings at

http://crosweller-lejog.blogspot.com/

I wish you much luck!
Jenna

Well the journey seems to be going well at the moment and hopefully this will continue for them

"Progress was slower today due to taking the less direct route in order to avoid the traffic. On reaching Okehampton we met up with our first guest rider Lewis (Sian's friend Sara's dad). Using Lewis' local knowledge we fine tuned our route to avoid some of the worse hills in from our original route. After bidding farewell to Lewis 10 miles or so from Crediton we contined on to Creedy Bridge where we met up with Sara who cycled with us until just before Bradninch.

After leaving Sara the weather continued to be unsure if it wanted to rain or shine (or possibly both at the same time). Navigation became more tricky as we ventured into areas with little or no sign posts. The last 6 miles ended up taking 90 minutes with map reading and grinding climbs. We were however rewarded with a 20% downward gradient hill just before we finished. Another 82 miles under our belts. Plenty of people came to visit this evening. Thank you Kate for the homemade flap jacks. Thank you Dave for playing chauffeur and taking us into Taunton in search of food. And finally to Sarah and family for dropping off our supplies package. Today saw us cross from Cornwall to Devon to Somerset. Tomorrow we change countries (well for about 3 miles)."

"Day three began the same as day two! With a large breakfast. The group were pleased to see sunshine after the heavy downpour of the previous night.

Heading off with nice weather and flat roads we made good progress for the first hour or so after clearing Taunton.

Approaching Cheddar the jack of energy causes the group to descend into "potty humour" as we passed Cocklake. Then the heavens opened. We took a short detour to have a look at Cheddar Gorge then cycled up over the hills towards Bristol.

Having climbed through the hills surrounding the Cheddar Gorge we diverted from our original route along the back roads onto the busier main roads to catch up some of the lost time. We crossed into Bristol via the swing bridge and then climbed up to the level of the Clifton suspension bridge."

The journey is really underway now and im sure most of us will laugh at the name of cocklake. If any of you have ever been into Chedder Gorge you will realise the hills are steep, when i went there on holiday, we got the bus to the top of the hill and then walked back down as was too steep for my cousin to walk. So here is hoping that the rest of the journey continues to be as hopeful as the others already completed, and then we can wish then all a warm welcome on their return which we all agree is very deserved.

"Heading out of Bristol we picked up a cycle track and headed for the Severn Bridge. Crossing the bridge we were met by mum and David waving the Welsh flag. On the way to let our stop for the night we passed through Chepstow and after less than 3 miles we were back in England. The YHA in St Briavels is in the castle and this castle was on the top of a hill 7 miles away!

Eventually we arrived at the YHA just before 9pm. After dumping our kit mum and David took up our for a hearty meal at the George. Day 3 was long and tough going , with up travelling through sun, rain, wind and hail, while covering over 90 miles.

Again we wake to grey skies and rain, with 90+ miles to do again today. We headed out into the pouring rain and through the rivers that had formed in the streets. There turned what would have been am exciting downhill into a brown trousers affair."



Rather them than me in the first place but in all weathers, fair plar, keep up the good work.

"We continued to wind our way back and forth across the border between Wales and England making our way north. The weather was changeable between rain and sun. On the road to Abbey Dore potty humour took over again on spotting a sign to Dicks Pitch. After picking ourselves up off the floor we continued on our way

We continued along some flat roads near the Wye. Heading north we were greeted by a sign welcoming us to the Shropshire Hills! Carrying on through the hills and rain, to reach our bed for the night at the YHA in Bridges just before 9pm

Day 5 saw up wake to more rain. After breakfast we headed out into the drizzle and began climbing out of the valley where the hostel was located. We altered the original route to stick to more major routes to remove some troublesome navigation and increase the pace. This saw us heading towards Shrewsbury. Reaching the top of the hill we stopped to remove our extra layers as the sun had come out. On the road down into Shrewsbury Owen set the group's top speed of 49.3 mph"


The weather really doesnt know what it wants to do, in some ways i think this trio would be greatful and other other ways not, it helps to cool them after the riding and sun but it also can help delay the cycle

Thanks for posting this hun, finding it really interesting

GO OWEN

Just the way i looked at it is that not many people follow links each day to follow progresses, but being a stay at home mum i have time and bookmarked it so i could keep you guys updated! Glad it is being read as not many seem to be posting

Just a short one tonight by the looks, prob posting and sleeping. Does anyone know the plan as to how they are travelling home?

"Continuing our way north the sun carried on shining. Who said the south gets the better weather!"


Im from SOUTHampton and we dont get the better weather, we normally get the rain lol

"Carrying on north we crossed the Runcorn bridge and passed where Sian used to go rowing. We kept on going until we reached out rest stop at the top of Owen Street. We were all glad of a dry day, at last."

Along with all of these posts Owen has been posting photos to each this one had a picture of Owen pointing to the sign post, very Coincidentel

Day 6
"Leaving St Helens we continued our trek north. The weather was good again and so we were able to make good time as we travelled along. We stopped for lunch in Garstang and attracted lots of attention from some local keen cyclists"

Day 7
"Having reached halfway in the number of days as well as distance we met up with our third guest rider, Huw's friend Doug. We headed out into what was expected to be bad day with the weather. As it turned out the weather held all day.

We made good time and arrived in Ambleside on the shore of Windemere just after 6pm. Checking into the YHA we were assigned room 101. After we had done some bike maintenance and got cleaned up, we headed out for some food. We ended up eating in a nice restaurant which turned out to be a vegetarian restaurant.

There was a threat of showers predicted by the weathermen but fortunately we were able to avoid there all day. We were welcomed to the Lake District by the site of hills!"

I never knew they had a few guest riders joining them, lets hope they have earned some more money for charity along the way.

"Travelling through the lakes, we enjoyed the views. Today was probably the most picturesque day of the trip so far and we were able to appreciate it. Heading out of the lakes and down into Carlisle Owen broke the 50 barrier with a speed of 51.4 mph."

Go Owen thats 2 records of speed beaten now

"After our stop in Carlisle for lunch we continued our trek north. We crossed the border on our invasion of Scotland around 4pm and then headed off in search of our accommodation for the night. We're very grateful to Bill, Jenny and Rachel for putting us up for the night and feeding us so well."

Just to let you know. I'm following, thanks for keeping us updated eamsey! Xx

Wow they are in scotland already!! Doing great you guys

"Today sees the group set with two challenges. Challenge 1 is our longest day with around 100 miles of cycling. Challenge 2 was one of time, with the group having to make it to Ardrossen in time to catch the last ferry at 6pm. This called for an early start and for the group to raise their pace. Somehow we made the earlier sailing at 4:15 and the group boarded the ferry to Aaran."

"The weather was a big factor in us making the time we did. It was especially good considering the forecast was for rain. We made it to Aaran and the good weather continued to shine in this beautiful area of Scotland. From our landing point we had to trek 16 miles north to reach our end point for the day, with a 2 mile climb over the hills in the middle.

After our trek across the island we reached the YHA. And although tired from cycling 101 miles we took a moment to savour the view. We enjoyed dinner at one of the local hotels and sampled some whiskey from the island's distillary (yes, even Sian).

Another long day law ahead of us today. First we had to make sure we caught the 8:15 ferry across to the mainland. Upon landing we came across a field of hairy cattle. We then had a trek of 96 miles to reach our next destination. The weather was not so nice today, and could easily be described as Scottish (wet and windy)!

The wind and rain continued for most of the day. Occasional blue patches of sky could be spotted in the distance but never near enough for us to reach.

With the weather tiring up out we had to look to each other for support. Over 12 long and gruelling hours after setting out we finally reached the YHA in Glencoe."


It is getting very near the end and the longest days are now over if we continue to follow the guide Owen posted for us before he left with the 11 day plan, if i am remembering rightly they have just completed day 9 or 10 of 11 but wil check his post to find out for sure. Then i imagine he will get home a veg out for a few days and to be honest i really dont blame him haha

"Today saw us heading north east to Inverness taking in Ben Nevis and Loch Ness. With a shorter day than the two previous ones we were hoping for some good weather to allow up to stop and take in the views. Initial signs were positive but things gradually turned cold and grey with a horrid northerly wind, which at times required up to pedal just to keep moving downhill!"

And in answer to my bit just now today was day 10 of 11