I'm Home

I’m home

I woke up early on the final day of my journey. I was going to stay in my hotel room for a while because I didn’t have to get to the barracks in Warrington until 12.noon. I tried to relax but couldn’t and left the hotel at 9.00am. I've always been an impatient bugger. I cycled slowly, stopping occasionally to look at the countryside and reflect on what I had been through. It seemed all so unreal, had I cycled all that way? I know it sounds really odd but I even thought it was part of a dream….I know but you had to be there.
I stopped at a roadside café for some breakfast, poached egg on toast, which tasted lovely. I had begun to get my appetite back and hadn’t had toast for ages, lovely. I had three cups of tea but couldn’t wait any longer and decided to continue cycling. As I reached Stockton heath Village, only a mile or so from Warrington I began to walk. stopping to look in shops…. anything to delay my arrival at the barracks. I even went around a church graveyard looking at some military graves…ironically one grave was of a soldier who served with the South Lancashire Regimen and was killed in 1942….their base was at the barracks where I was going to finish my ride. I continued to walk into Warrington and eventually cycled down Orford Lane…I’d been thinking about this moment for quite a while and I laughed to myself as I did so. I don’t know what the motorists thought….”he enjoys his cycling”.
I was still early so I called into my brother’s hairdressing shop on Orford Lane to use the toilet…nerves.
The time had come and I nervously cycled the last few hundred yards to the barracks. I could not believe how nervous I was. This was the climax of two and a half months of sweat and tears, ups and downs, fear and unbelievable excitement. As I entered through the gates the noise was unbelievable. Marsha and Jeff had sent a large box full of horns and whistles. I was completely overawed. I didn’t know where to ride. I had been told that everyone would be waiting at least one hundred yards away from the gate for security reasons but there were people greeting me as soon as I entered. I eventually saw Daniel, my son and headed towards him. I gave him a big hug and felt really emotional but held it together really well…. stiff upper lip and all that. I asked where Thomas was and he stepped forward, he got a hug too…I’m their dad it’s my job to embarrass them. Jo approached…. eyes red from crying, bless her. She said she had the biggest horn…I begged to differ but didn’t pursue it. I received a phone call from my special friend to welcome me home. The sun got brighter, angels began to sing and my face wasn’t big enough to contain my smile…..or that’s the way it seemed. The rest is quite a blur. I was interviewed by Granada TV and two other camera crews. We all went inside the mess hall to have something to eat. As I entered everyone started clapping. It was a wonderful spontaneous gesture but I did feel like a Bride and Groom at a wedding…. I’m the groom by the way. The greeting was fantastic and I was completly overwhelmed....but it was great.
My biggest regret was that I didn’t speak to everyone and I missed saying goodbye to many people because I was doing interviews for the media. I appreciated that people made the effort to come and greet me home and it was fantastic. I apologise to anyone who I didn’t thank…. so I do now…thank you.
After everyone left the barracks I left my panniers bags with Daniel and Thomas and cycled to Auntie Hilda’s for a cup of tea….it was lovely. I also gave Uncle ken and auntie Hilda a big hug….the thought of doing that kept me going when I was having a bad time on the trip.
I eventually cycled home. It felt really weird to come back to my house…nothing had changed. Why would it? If burglars had broken in they would have had to bring something…. I’ve not got a lot of furniture…I’m a bachelor, it’s easier to clean.
The party that night was fantastic. Friends and family came, everyone had plenty to drink and Marie brought some lovely hotpot. Sophie baked two cakes…which you had to taste to appreciate how good they were. It was a really great night and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
The last few days have been pretty weird. I cycled to Chester yesterday to thank the Bike factory for their support. It was good to do some distance cycling. I did fifty-four miles and it felt really easy. I’ve visited a few friends and family and generally chilled out.
I’ve been asked to continue the blog and I will do until the party on the 5th September. I will do one final ‘spoof’ film to finish it off. After that my life becomes less interesting…for you anyway, so it will probably be a good time to finish.
I hope you have enjoyed reading the blog as much as I have enjoyed writing it. There were times when I was a little unsure about including things but I wanted you to share my bad times as well as the good times so I’ve wore my heart on my sleeve and just wrote it as it was. If you have enjoyed it please support the charities that the ride supports. Ask your family, friends and anyone who you know to contribute to the charity ride. It’s a big ask but I have played my part and now I’m asking everyone to play theirs…the charities are so worthy and although my journey has been difficult at times it is nothing when you compare it to the difficulties that the people we are supporting have to go through.
Will life ever be the same, for me probably not….for the people the charities support…that’s entirely up to people like you?
Keep watching.

So near yet so far

The final day before getting home
Distance travelled: 43.8 miles
Time in saddle: 3hrs 46 mins
Overall distance travelled: 5323.8 miles
We had a great night last night; Kevin, Gary and myself were quite tiddley and belly laughed at some of the old story, which we’ve probably heard before but who cares?
I shared a room with Gary, my twin brother, the first time in many years. He shouts in his sleeps and farts for England. I found myself giggling late into the night and early morning. We both woke up really early. I can’t sleep at the moment because I am really excited about going home. Kevin, Marie and Gary went home and I took my time getting ready. I need to really chill out today because I can’t get to Warrington until 12.00noon tomorrow. As I began cycling north again I saw a road sign for Warrington, it was 50 miles away. I felt really weird. I had thought about it for so long and now it was here…. it was like a dream. I actually laughed and started to sing as I cycled. I don’t know what the passing motorists must have thought. Bizarrely as I was cycling past a wood in the rain, it was only a passing shower, a sheep dog that had been lying in wait under a tree suddenly went for me. It must have thought I was a sheep or something. A size nine cycle shoes on the nose made it change its mind and it ran off barking. All this way and I nearly get bit a couple of miles from home…..as they say “it’s never over till the fat lady sings”
I cycled into Whitchurch, which is a lovely historic town and only about 35 miles from Warrington. I decided to do my washing and sought a Launderette. The place was called ‘Bubbles’ and unlike anything I have seen before. It was a launderette with two really comfortable settees in the rest area. The woman who ran it was really nice and even made me a cup of tea…brilliant. I stripped to my shorts and then put my waterproof jacket on so I could wash as many clothes as possible. I felt like that guy in the jeans advert from the 80’s. You have to be a certain age to remember it. I didn’t think the woman was watching but she said….”oh you’ve got a lovely tan”….cheeky lady, but lovely. After about one hour all my clothes were clean and I was ready to go. I went to a local pub for a pint and something to eat. It was lovely, down a side alley and out of the way. It’s amazing what gems there are only a short distance away from my hometown. It’s something that I need to look at when I get home.
I looked to get into a hotel about fifteen miles away from Warrington in a place called Tarporly, a lovely English village but….you guessed it…full, every hotel in the village. I cycled on and was a little worried that I was fast approaching Warrington. I’d promised that I wouldn’t go home just yet so I was desperate for something to happen and it did. The Holly Bush, eight miles away from Warrington on the A49 is lovely and very reasonable. The room is very nice, cosy and has a great atmosphere. Maybe I am just so pleased to be nearly home. I was speaking to a couple of people today, Daniel and Thomas and my brothers. I can’ believe that I have nearly finished the trip. Tomorrow will be a really good day. It’s one I’ve been looking forward to for ages and I am going to relish every moment. The places I have visited have been unbelievable; the people I have met have been incredibly kind and helpful and the messages I have received along the way heart warming and inspirational. The adventure has gone beyond all my expectations and although there were times when I felt down I have not regretted one single thing. The best is left until the last. As I approach the barracks tomorrow I will be thinking about everything that has happened over the last two and a half months. If I do get upset, and I hope I don’t, it will be tears of joy and relief that I have arrived home safely and probably the realisation that the adventure is over.

I am with family.

One day to go
Miles Travelled: None
Time in saddle: None
Overall distance…same as
I slept in a B&B last night and it was really nice. The lady who owned it gave me a discount for the room, which was really nice. I met Geoff this morning just over the ‘English Bridge’ in Shrewsbury for coffee. Geoff found me on the Dawes web site and started following my adventure as I started training. He has been an avid follower and supported me all the way. …Cheers Geoff It was great to have a chat today. I have met such lovely people on this trip, at home especially and it’s made it all worthwhile.
I hung around waiting for my two brothers and sister in law to come and see me. Shrewsbury is a beautiful town with so much history. It is something that we probably don’t appreciate, a shame really because it is on our doorstep. Ironically I have been drinking in pubs that are older than Europeans have been in America….which would impress some of the people I have met. Kevin, Marie and Gary finally showed up and we met on the ‘English Bridge’, which is quite ironic. It was fantastic to see them. Gary, my twin shook hands, that are as emotional as it gets with him, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. He rang me more than most during my trip to ask if I was OK. We have always been close, but in a laddish sort of way. I got a hug from Kevin and Marie and it was unbelievable. We went for something to eat and had a scream. It was so lovely to chat with family. As I have said so many times …family are so important. Like all families we have had problems but it’s right what they say” blood is thicker than water” and that is important.
I hung around waiting for my two brothers and sister in law to come and see me. Shrewsbury is a beautiful town with so much history. It is something that we probably don’t appreciate, a shame really because it is on our doorstep. Ironically I have been drinking in pubs that are older than Europeans have been in America….which would impress some of the people I have met. Kevin, Marie and Gary finally showed up and we met on the ‘English Bridge’, which is quite ironic. It was fantastic to see them. Gary, my twin shook hands, that are as emotional as it gets with him, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. He rang me more than most during my trip to ask if I was OK. We have always been close, but in a laddish sort of way. I got a hug from Kevin and Marie and it was unbelievable. We went for something to eat and had a scream. It was so lovely to chat with family. As I have said so many times …family are so important. Like all families we have had problems but it’s right what they say” blood is thicker than water” and that is important.
We’ve booked into a hotel and we are all going out for a drink tonight. I have not drunk so much for quite a while…I can see a late start tomorrow. I only have fifty-three miles to do to get home. I will probably do thirty to forty miles tomorrow and leave the last ten miles until Saturday. I will be cycling down the A49 tomorrow. I can’t tell you how many times I have thought about cycling down the A49. There were occasions when it kept me going and now it is happening…..fantastic. I feel as if it has all been a dream. It will take a while to sink in I suppose but as far as I’m concerned I’ve just been cycling…Ok it’s been quite away but that’s it. Nothing like our guys and girls in Afghanistan….just remember that.
Tomorrow I will have to see Gary, Kevin and Marie off until Saturday. I know it probably sounds a little daft but it will be quite emotional. I don’t want to ‘let the side down’ and get all ‘girly’ but we will see. I’ll let you know.

Beautiful Shrewsbuy

Two days to go
Distance travelled: 81.3 miles
Time in saddle: 7hrs 35 mins
Overall distance:5279.3
The B&B I stayed in last night was great, the woman who ran it was very nice and I had a lovely breakfast this morning. I have got my appetite back, perhaps it’s because the weather is more suitable and it’s not too hot.…..it’s great to be back in the UK.
My first stop was Kidderminster. When I was a child I saw Kidderminster on a map that I had at home. Funny, but it always stuck in my mind. I always wondered what it looked like. I imagined it to be a wondrous place. To be honest I was a little disappointed. There were lots of modern, not very attractive buildings…sometimes reality can disappoint.
I cycled through the Shropshire hills and they were quite challenging at times. I think I am beginning to wind down, which makes the riding much harder. I need to stay focussed until I get home. There were a couple of hills that I had to walk up, but that has never been a problem. I like walking at times, it gives me a chance to get off my bike, but still keep going forward.
I stopped at a pub on the way for something to eat. It was lovely and I had a photo taken of me having a pint. There were a couple of guys in there who were very chatty and wanted to know what I was doing. It was atypical English pub with a couple of regulars chatting as they read the paper, putting the world to rights…brilliant. The food was good too.
I was meeting Matty and Ryan in Shrewsbury, two of my students who were coming down to interview me. I cycled into Shrewsbury and asked directions for the A49, a road that eventually runs through my home town of Warrington. I can’t tell you how many times I have imagined cycling down the A49 during my journey, especially during the difficult days. It’s funny what keeps you going. Now I was doing it. I was elated. I cycled about five extra miles to see if there were any rooms available at the Travel Lodge. We are booked in tomorrow but I had arrived a day early. There were no rooms available for tonight…there’s a surprise.
I cycled back to Shrewsbury and looked for somewhere to stay. I passed two girls on the way back. I had asked them directions going out of the town now I was asking if they knew of any B&Bs. They must have thought I was a bit strange but they were very nice and chatty too. The Shewsbury Arms was the best bet but they were also full….I would be surprised if my house has been let while I’ve been away and I won’t be able to sleep in my bedroom. The receptionist very kindly phoned a few local hotels but guess what….full. She told me about a couple of B&Bs in the area and I cycled off to find them. I asked a very attractive girl if she knew where the ‘English Bridge’ was, that was where all the B&Bs were situated. She didn’t as she was not from the area but insisted on looking on the Internet on her phone so that she could give me some directions…..not only beautiful but considerate as well….there is a God.
I eventually found the B&B I am staying in now. The woman who runs it has reduced my fee for the night because I am doing a charity ride….. a lovely gesture.
I met Matty and Ryan for the interview and we went for a drink and something to eat. It was fantastic to be able to have a chat and a laugh. There are such great company and we had a really good time. They left to drive the seventy miles or so back to Wigan, where Matty lives. I really appreciate them coming down to see me and look forward to seeing them again on Saturday.
Geof got back to me, he’s the guy who has been following my blog and sending me regular messages, which are much appreciated. He lives near Shrewsbury and we have arranged to meet for a cup of tea tomorrow morning. It will be nice to have a chat.
Another good day, not many left on this adventure…..but enough to make it interesting.

To Everyone Who Has Registered Their Name For The Bike Ride Finish Event

I will finish the ride @ 12.00 noon on Saturday 22 August at the TA Peninsular Barracks, O'Leary Street Warrington.
Please arrive between 11.00 and 11.30. Refreshments will be available.

For security reasons only people who are named on the Guest List will be allowed on to the Barracks site. That list is now closed.

Please park on local streets or at ASDA / Wikes / Orford Lane Car Park (Cobden Street - next to Donatello's) and walk to the Barracks.
Special Parking Access on to the Barracks site has been arranged for the following people:

*
Organisers - Warburton, Jo & Ruth Jepson
*
Organisers - O’Brien, Kevin & Marie
*
Film Crew - Andrews, Matty & Partner, & Ryan Iredale
*
TV Staff - Brian Machin & Family
*
TV Staff - Caroline Ford & Family
*
Representative from - Help For Heroes
*
Representative from - Tim Parry & Jonathan Ball Foundation For Peace
*
Representative from - Granada TV
*
Family - Savage, John & Edna
*
Family - Coleman, Dave & Angela & Family
*
Family - Coleman, Ken & Hilda
* Press Representatives from: Warrington Guardian, Wire FM & Warrington Worldwide

Thanks
Jo


Poetry is BIGGER than Rock'n'Roll but not as BIG as Wayne's Ride

The countryside is lovely

Three days to go
Distance travelled: 77.6 miles
Time in saddle: 8hrs 5 mins
Overall distance traveled: 5198.4 miles
I was cold last night and I had to pull the bed sheets over me...I love it. I haven't been cold during the night for a while. It's good to be home. I always sleep better when its a little colder and I have to snuggle into the blankets. I saw the elderly gentleman cyclist from last night. We were both setting off at the same time, but in different directions. The riding this morning was brilliant. I don't know if the route is actually easier, although I have had to do some climbing o the rolling hills, or I'm just so pleased to be back in England. I certainly feel less pressure. I know that if anything goes wrong I can easily sort it out. I went to Oxford and looked for a pole for my flags. I want to get them on my bike for the last couple of days. I got one and attached all five flags to the back of my bike. I stopped an old guy in one of the small towns I passed through and asked directions. He was ever so nice, and really concerned for my safety. He asked if I had a cycling helmet. I told him that the strap had broken but promised him that I would get it fixed and wear it as soon as possible. I have met so many nice people on this trip, from every country. It has been an absolute pleasure. I have eaten more over these last couple of days than I have over the last two months. I think it's because it's not so hot. maybe I'm beginning to relax. I know I've got a little bit to do but I am definitely starting to unwind.....I just hope it's not too soon.
I find it hard to hold back on my cycling. I realise that I can't be back in Warrington until Saturday because of the reception but it is hard. I will have to chill out over the next couple of days, perhaps do some sight seeing. It is a beautiful part of the country so it shouldn't be a problem.
I have received a package from Jeff and Marsha in America. It has been delivered to jenny at the Warrington Campus of the university....I am gagging to know what it is but no one will tell me. Apparently they are going to give it to me when I get home, during the celebrations. If it's a doll I hope it's blown up....I've not got much breath left.
Thomas has been cleaning my hose after work, bless him. He's a fantastic lad and I love him to death. Daniel is bored at home already...he's been really busy on courses over the last month, like me he needs to learn to chill....like father like son. Out of everyone I am looking forward to seeing, Daniel and Thomas are the ones I can't wait to see. They have promised me big hugs and I'm going to collect.

Problems with the Internet

Four days to go
Distance travelled: 73.7 miles
Time in saddle: 6hrs 27 mins
Overall distance travelled: 5120.8 miles

I had trouble uploading my video last night. I eventually put one on the you tube website but I hadn’t edited it properly…I suppose I was tired when I did it.
There is a steep climb out of Portsmouth, but it was nothing like I’d already done. I stopped and asked at a garage for directions. A guy paying for petrol told me the way to go and asked me where I had been. After I told him he shook my hand and wished me all the best…a really nice gesture.
I kept on stopping and looking at the scenery, I absolutely love the British countryside….it truly is the best in the world. I passed through some small towns and loved the fact that there were lots of people about. I know Britain is a crowded Island, but I love it.
I was going to get a map in the next town I went through. They didn’t have any British maps, only local area maps, which wasn’t much use to me. I went the wrong way for a while but I didn’t mind. It meant that I had to go through a few lovely villages, beautiful places.
As I was cycling along a wasp flew into my eye. As an automatic reaction I closed my eye and caught the wasp, which was trying frantically to get away. I don’t think it stung me but it hurt like hell. I think it might have head butted me a few times and I don’t blame it. My eye has been hurting all day but it seems to be getting a little better now. I’ve lost my cycling glasses….there’s a surprise. I’ve got a reputation at work for losing my glasses. I’ve only lost or broke three pairs this trip…not bad for me.
A lovely guy and fellow cyclist stopped and showed me his map, at last I was on the right road. I cycled to Basingstoke and decided to stop for something to eat. I went to a Witherspoon’s, always a good deal for food and drink. They had WFI Internet access but it wouldn’t work. I don’t now if it’s my computer or the network. I will try to sort it over the next day or two.
I thought Basingstoke was unattractive but I did manage to get a wicker pole for my flags. I will try to get them put on tomorrow. I meant to only do about fifty miles today but I kept on thinking ‘a few more miles’. It’s difficult to slow down when you are used to doing eighty miles plus. It’s been a great day for cycling; cool but bright, beautiful countryside and interesting people…brilliant.
I eventually cycled into Newbury. A small town in West Berkshire. I was going to camp but decided to look for a hotel. A small and very old pub called the Bacon Arms beaconed and that’s where I am now. The room is lovely. The Internet still doesn’t work but it’s the same network as the one earlier. As I was waiting to register n old guy began talking to me. He’s been cycling around Bristol and Hampshire, he must be late 60’s to early 70’s and as fit as a fiddle. We had an interesting chat about cycling and he said that he had an old Dawes Cycle in his shed at home. He was a lovely guy called Mike. He epitomised everything I love about this country.
I can’t wait to get home. I need to wait until Saturday for the reception, which I am looking forward to so much. It has driven me over many hard days of cycling and it will be the highlight of this adventure…bring it on.

I'm in England

Five days to go
I cycled around Le Havre looking for a flag
Distance: 12.2 miles
Overall distance: 5046.9 miles

It was early when I awoke, the sound of the trucks engines made sure of that. They have to run their engines every so often to keep the refrigerators working. It kept me awake for quite a while last night and then early this morning. I didn’t want to wake Dave, he kindly left his wagon door open for me, and he just closed the lock without actually locking it, well done Dave. I opened the back door and it was bloody freezing. I hadn’t realised it would be that cold. I’d left my panniers on my bike, I’d taken my computer out but nothing else, and everything was frozen. I was pretty sure that I’d knackered the camera but it was working fine, hardy cameras those Canons.
I was dying for a drink but the water in the bottles on my bike had frozen. I laughed but needed to find somewhere to get a drink. Luckily the local shops were open and I quenched my thirst. I cycled around Le Havre looking for a shop that sold flags, I need a French flag to complete my collection but everywhere that might have sold them was shut. I seem to keep finishing my rides at large towns on a Sunday when the shops are shut…weird.
Le Havre is quite nice but you can tell that I had a lot of bomb damage during the war. Whole chunks of the town has modern and not very attractive buildings. There are parts that still have old attractive areas but not many. I waited until the booking office of the ferry line opened and booked my seat for 5.00pm, a few hours away. I went for a final search for my flag them boarded the ferry. As I was waiting in line to board the ferry Dave and Bill, from last night showed up with another truck driver. They had come to wish me a good journey, which I thought was very nice of them. The young truck driver, who was Irish and I hadn’t met was driving to Liverpool and offered me a lift. I had to turn him down but thanks for the offer. There is a joke there somewhere An English, Irish and a Welsh truck drivers…think of your own punch line. Bill gave me some money for my charity ride. What a great guy.
I also got talking to two motorcycle enthusiasts, they were asking me about my ride and seemed genuinely interested in what I was doing. They wished me all the luck…aren’t people brill.
I had a sleeper seat on the ferry but I needn’t have as there was plenty of room, the ship wasn’t full at all. The trip was quite a few hours but passed very quickly. I had a meal of the ship, they gave me loads, which I’m not used to at the moment….it was lovely but I felt sick after. As I left France I was a little sad. My journey is coming to an end, an epic adventure that I’ve enjoyed tremendously and I’ve met some fantastic people…..hang on I’ve still got 250 miles to do. Best not count my chickens. As I cycled into Portsmouth I stopped at a take away shop and asked if they knew of any hotels in the area. The guy in there was Chinese and his English wasn’t very good ….it was a Kentucky Fried Chicken take away, not Chinese….I can pick them can’t I?
I finally settled into my hotel….I can’t believe I am in England. It’s going to be a mad few days…stay tuned.