Anyway, in my position as role-model for the intrepid generation I've agreed to do the Coast to Coast in 12 weeks time. No, it doesn't mean watching repeats of Neil Oliver on BBC2 all afternoon. It involves cycling the width of the Country from Whitehaven in Cumbria to Whitley Bay in the North East following in the footsteps of Britain's Greatest Fell-Walker, Alfred Bradbury.
These ideas are fine and dandy when discussed over a glass or two of wine in front of a warm radiator but once people have actually booked accommodation and train journeys the reality starts to dawn that the Coast to Coast will involve 50 miles of serious cycling. Every day. For 3 consecutive days. The first day being over the top of the Lake District. It's not quite the same route as Alfred Wainwright's original Coast-to-Coast Walk as it is a proper Sustrans Cycle Route using lanes and disused Railway tracks (and also I don't remember seeing the great man on a mountain bike at any stage in his career).
I will need to get out on my bicycle very soon (as soon as the green waves of manflu subside) and put in some serious practice as my PB of getting down to the local Post Office and back (7 miles on the flat) is not going to cut the mustard on the first stage to Penrith. Look out for regular updates to this exciting plan and further excuses to post pictures of Botox Bradbury.
If you can contain your excitement, I've acquired an iPhone App which turns my new phone into a Bike Computer which automatically sends "Tweets" to Twitter with progress and map positions during the trip so both my readers can follow my torture and humiliation from the comfort of their laptops. It hasn't been this good since the web site which followed David Walliams swimming the Channel.
22 comments:
My brother walked the route last year. It was quite muddy he said.
I shall be following you.
Not really! But I shall be following you on line.
I must saw Wainwright has weathered rather better than Vicus, since the days they used to set off over Helvellyn with nowt but a cheese sandwich and a pair of hobnailed boots between them.
Wainwright did used to get the bus most of the way (he left the window frames out of his pictures).
Even better than the bus, you could take the car?
Sx
You're doing this for fun, are you?
Very enterprising. Will you be taking Oz and Lil in that cart you sometimes tell us about?
Good luck with it. I cycled the 60 odd miles from Glasgow to Inverarie when I was young but I took 3 days to do it so it wasn't nearly as tough as what you're describing.
Take a pair of boxing gloves with you, it gets very busy! Oh, and a spare wooly, it will be bloody freezing!
Let me know when you are coming up here I will try and get a shot of you cruising up Hartside Pass!
What's the connection between Z,Zig and me and retirement at 86?
Never mind - You are obviously bonkers.
You'll need to get one of those kiddy carts to tow behind the bike for Oz and Lily.
Mind and wrap the dogs up warm though, it's cold up north...
Do you want to borrow my bike for the trip?
Ooooo I think you're very brave, if I could 'do' twitter' I'd follow you too, as it is I'll wait here for updates :)
Dave: I think he must have walked the original Wainwright route not the cycle track.
Vicus: What more motivation do I need?!
Dave: That Wainwright was a dark horse though!
Richard: Perhaps the bus was travelling too fast for his pencil?
Scarlet: Not very Intrepid for the Intrepid Generation though...
Z: It will be a release from the day to day pressures of the rag 'n bone industry.
Christopher: They will be here
Imp: I cycled from Kent to Wales when I was 16. Would get run over trying that today.
Jon: I've no idea where the Hartside Pass is yet but would love to appear on one of your landscapes!
Kaz: Er, no connection intended! It was a funny old week that's all. Geoff appeared onstage with Dave Cameron, that's how funny!
Macy: Yes, but it'll be a bit heavy.
Sir B: A harley would be a bit too uncomfortable for me!
Ziggi: It'll probably be on the National News anyway. Hopefully without a helicopter being involved.
I once cycled to Lullingstone and back.
Geoff: I tried to cycle through Eynesford Ford. Big mistake.
Was that you I splashed at Eynsford about 20 years ago?
I think I'm a bit late....what has JB got to do with your bike ride??
Ive always thought she/he's a man in drag.... ne'st pas?
I am so with you Sarah!!! Yes that is the answer! I always knew there was something odd about her/him!
I bet you tons of money you won't be able to cycle up the hill on the other side of Bowness Ferry... but there is a great, little church over the top on your left.
Richard: No, I was there about 45 years ago!
Sarah: I've never read such Botox!
Mrs Rine: Ah welcome to the blog! What a strange name you have!
Rosie: We've walked up Claiffe Heights a few times, once leading a party of 40 reluctant birthday guests. The paramedics were wonderful.
Yes, I think I have a photo of that.
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