I decided to start the journey at ShelterBox HQ in Helston,
Cornwall. The visit to ShelterBox
offered a chance for me to see first-hand what work ShelterBox do. The plan was then to cycle from Helston to
Reading, picking up a few friends upon the way, before then catching my flight
to Vancouver.
I cycled from Lizard to Bristol with my mate Paul, my
cycling buddy. The plan was then to pick
up a few more people for the weekend ride from Bristol to Reading.
Day 1 – Lizard to
Liskeard
The day started wet.
Having camped the night before in Lizard we were faced with a 10mile
cycle to Helston in the pouring rain. We
arrived at ShelterBox HQ dripping wet, handing over some damp soggy cheques for over £1,000 from recent fundraising events.
 |
| Boxhall in front of the Boxwall!
|
Fundraising Officer Laura showed us round ShelterBox HQ, where
all the boxes are packed before being distributed globally.
We were shown around ShelterBox HQ and given details of the
work they do and the equipment they send out.
Rather than try and do it justice with typing, I think this video about
ShelterBox says everything better than I could; if you have three minutes,
please watch it. It puts into context
where your generous donations have gone and why I am doing this.
When planning the trip, it was suggested to me that I could
take a ShelterBox tent for the journey.
I now understand what a ridiculous suggestions this was; a single ShelterBox
tent weighs the same as my bike and kit combined (32kg)!
The day was tough cycling.
I used to live on the border of Devon and Cornwall, but I admit I had
forgotten just how hilly Cornwall is! We
climbed many hills with jackets and over shoes coming off and on due to
changeable weather and over heating up hills.
After a long day in the saddle, we arrived at our planned
campsite to find it was up for sale (and thus closed)! As it was late and there were no alternative
campsites for another 10 miles we decided to cut our losses and stay in a
B&B in Liskeard. Not the best start
for my adventure, I’ll admit. There will
always be times when I will stay in Hostels/B&Bs/Motels, but I would always
prefer them to be planned than a get out of jail card.
Day 2 - Liskeard to Uffculme
We rose early to start the second day. We had our full English breakfast at the
B&B and set about conquering some hills.
We knew it would be a tough day; finishing off Cornwall, before climbing
up over Dartmoor to Exeter. I knew what
to expect though, as I had previously completed this ride in 2009 with comedian
Dave Gorman.
All I remember from the day was climbing hills and
rain. We managed to camp and find a
small weather window to assemble the tents in.
However, we were to discover both our tents were wet from camping in
Lizard!
A pint of Skinners later in the neighbouring pub and the
world seemed a nice place once again.
Day 3 - Uffculme to Bristol
I had arranged to stop by the Taunton Leisure shop in
Taunton on my way through. Taunton
Leisure have sponsored my trip, supplying me with a lightweight Easton Kilo 2p
tent and it seemed appropriate to stop by and meet the team.
Day 3 saw Paul and I start the day separately. I had arranged to meet Jon and Simon from
Taunton Leisure in Wellington and, as per usual, we were running late! As I was ready first I sped on to meet Jon
and Simon with Paul planning to meet me at Taunton Leisure.
The ride into Taunton was fantastic, sticking to quiet
country roads and I had a good chat to Jon and Simon who were both keen
cyclists. The visit to Taunton Leisure
was cracking, I felt like a celebrity! I
chatted with the staff about the trip and posed with Holly for loads of pictures
and was treated to coffee and croissants.
Unfortunately for Paul he arrived, having got lost, just as the coffee
and croissants were finished!
We had quite a frustrating day on the bike, losing time
navigating through both Taunton and Bridgwater……all the frustrations
disappeared with lunch at Rich’s Cider Farm.
A pint of medium and a three cheese ploughmans in the sun was a
fantastic lunch. That evening was my
last at home before leaving for the states.
Day 4 – Bristol to
Pewsey
The cycle started at Bristol Temple Meads. A group of 7 of us had arranged to ride
together, this was originally 15 until people started looking at the weather
forecast!! It turns out the weather
forecast was wrong, we had a glorious day!
Paul had planned a route for us, but the day started with a mutiny as
everyone realised it took in some of the huge hills of Bath…..a democratic vote
ensued and it was agreed to take the canal path to Bradford on Avon to avoid
the hills.
The canal path was a bit muddy and bumpy and made a right
mess of all the bikes. The joke was on
me as I had lent two friends bikes and Kelly my girlfriend was there too;
therefore I am sure I will end up cleaning four of the seven bike used on that
canal path!
At the end of the day, everyone was knackered and I was
forced to keep a low profile. I had
originaslly told everyone the ride would be an easy 40 miles. The final mileage was 54 miles with a lot of
cyclists disgruntled about the rate of tax they paid!
 |
| The shame! All of my team get off to push up a hill. |
Day 5 – Pewsey to
Reading
A shaky start saw us riding in a torrential downpour. Having been raining heavily since 3am, we
were prepared for the worst! However
about 45mins into the day the rain stopped and we ended up cycling in glorious
sunshine again.
 |
| le Peleton |
The highlight of the day was Rob crashing his bike and
landing face first in the mud. I say his
bike, it was my bike that I had lent him, but I am pleased to report she was
not harmed in the incident!
On to the USA
Next stop Gatwick Airport for my flight. I am sad to be leaving my friends and family
behind, especially after such an enjoyable 5 days, but the states are awaiting!
.jpg)
