tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15683803313871071532011-07-31T00:32:46.363+01:00Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.comBlogger1201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-10332852250294844602009-08-27T13:32:00.002+01:002009-08-27T13:59:30.157+01:00

I’m homeI 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

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-42324674254989173932009-08-21T17:24:00.003+01:002009-08-21T18:18:37.014+01:00

The final day before getting homeDistance travelled: 43.8 milesTime in saddle: 3hrs 46 minsOverall distance travelled: 5323.8 milesWe 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

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-72781507059120893332009-08-20T18:33:00.002+01:002009-08-20T18:48:51.055+01:00

One day to goMiles Travelled: NoneTime in saddle: NoneOverall distance…same asI 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

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-35934403310636299922009-08-20T16:22:00.004+01:002009-08-20T16:36:49.936+01:00

Two days to goDistance travelled: 81.3 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 35 minsOverall distance:5279.3The 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

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-59150905904936085382009-08-18T18:52:00.004+01:002009-08-18T19:59:06.246+01:00

Three days to goDistance travelled: 77.6 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 5 minsOverall distance traveled: 5198.4 milesI 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

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-70310063154499904692009-08-18T11:15:00.001+01:002009-08-18T11:18:14.788+01:00

Four days to goDistance travelled: 73.7 milesTime in saddle: 6hrs 27 minsOverall distance travelled: 5120.8 milesI 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

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-24205019802513226442009-08-17T00:39:00.002+01:002009-08-17T02:18:01.205+01:00

Five days to goI cycled around Le Havre looking for a flagDistance: 12.2 milesOverall distance: 5046.9 milesIt 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

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-47900708484145160552009-08-16T10:25:00.004+01:002009-08-16T10:41:35.026+01:00

Six days to goDistance travelled: 116.5 milesTime in saddle: 9hrs 46 minsOverall distance travelled: 5034.6 milesIt seemed strange this morning because I was coming to the end of my journey across France. I started out a little later than usual because I wasn’t in any particular hurry. I cycled for a few hours and stopped in a lovely city called Sees, a beautiful town with a great atmosphere. It

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-19375982612704524092009-08-14T18:26:00.003+01:002009-08-14T19:38:58.156+01:00

Seven days to goDistance travelled: 94.9 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 58 minsOverall distance travelled: 4918 milesI got up really early this morning so I could have a poo in peace. The camp site is great but I will never get used to the idea of someone sat right next to me doing the same....weird. My twin brother won't even go to the toilet when there is anyone in his house. It seems like everyone

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-44942669885156379392009-08-13T20:51:00.001+01:002009-08-13T20:54:46.459+01:00

The stats from yesterday:Distance travelled: 88.5 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 32 minsOverall distance travelled: 4719 miles.Eight days to go.Distance travelled: 103 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 35 minsOverall distance travelled: 4822.4 milesIt was a beautiful day when I got up this morning. I slept with the window open and the sun greeted me nice and early……it’s like poetry isn’t it? I am getting

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-59549735846198728182009-08-13T02:28:00.004+01:002009-08-13T03:15:52.335+01:00

Nine days to go(I will give the stats tomorrow, my bike is locked away in the garage)I have travelled approximately 87 miles todayIt was beautiful this morning when I got up. I'd had trouble getting out of the city as usual but Bordeaux was beautiful so it was worth the hassle. I stopped and asked at a funeral parlour for directions....it was the only place that was open. I was dressed in black

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-13315161892497792262009-08-12T05:49:00.001+01:002009-08-12T06:33:38.346+01:00

Ten Days to goDistance travelled: 61.2 milesTime in the saddle: 5hrs 53 minsOverall distance covered: 4630 milesIt was raining this morning when I woke up, which was very early. I decided to stay in my tent to see if it stopped, which it did. The facilities at the camp were very good and the toilets had seat on them. It was still a little weird sitting next to someone having a poo. There is

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-32823931613750375402009-08-11T21:35:00.000+01:002009-08-11T21:40:35.548+01:00

11 days to goDistance travelled: 99.2 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 32 minsOverall distance: 4569.2 milesIt started off being pretty dull this morning, but that was not a problem, in fact it was a relief. I’ve been too hot most of the way, a bit of cold weather would be appreciated. I went down the ‘Canal Le Gonnarde, which was brilliant. I must say it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-58981101237510178632009-08-09T17:15:00.007+01:002009-08-09T18:10:55.190+01:00

12 Days to goDistance travlled: 70.8 milesTime in saddle: 6hrs 33 minsOverall distance travelled: 4469.7 milesA I woke this morning I could hear the rain. It actually woke me up a couple of times through the night along with some very load club music that was coming from down the valley. I spent half the night subconsciously dancing to it....it was knackered in the morning. I went to wash and use

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-35012096214345241362009-08-09T16:48:00.003+01:002009-08-09T16:58:03.821+01:00

13 days to goDistance travelled: 90.6 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 41 minsOverall distance: 4398.9 milesI think I was a little harsh about the hotel last night. Perhaps I had a grumbly head on because I was tired. The hotel wasn’t that bad and the lady who ran it was very nice. She made sure that my computer was set up right with the Internet and she was very polite…. the pizza was rubbish though.

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-12710116557210079622009-08-07T19:28:00.004+01:002009-08-07T20:03:58.576+01:00

14 days to goDistance travelled: 91.7 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 56 minsOverall distance travelled: 4308.3 milesAfter doing my blog last night I fell asleep on the bed. I woke up at about midnight and didn't know where I was or what I was doing, what a really weird experience. Up early this morning but I didn't start cycling until after nine because breakfast in the hotel wasn't until nine.....

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-32716168631925531582009-08-06T19:49:00.004+01:002009-08-06T20:35:11.430+01:00

15 days to godistance travelled:95.7 milesTime in saddle:8hrs 3 minsOverall time travelled: 4216.5 milesI had a terrible sleep last night. I had the most horrendous nightmare. I won't go into detail but I woke up sobbing about 3.00am. It's really weird what you dream isn't it? The room was fine . I had to share a bathroom. I was hoping it would be with a Scandinavian super model....but it was

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-26988320602053127202009-08-05T18:59:00.002+01:002009-08-05T19:07:33.748+01:00

16 days to homeDistance travelled: 79.7 milesTime in saddle: 6hrs 39 minsOverall distance travelled: 4120.8 milesMy hostel last night was really good but it had the smallest bath I have ever seen. You could have had nicky nacky noo (Where did that come from) in it but you would have had to have been on your own....what's unusual about that? It did have a bidet but I always make do with a

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-60047365106803726162009-08-04T20:24:00.003+01:002009-08-04T21:08:23.475+01:00

17 Days to getting home.Distance travelled: 92.8 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 22 minsOverall distance traveled: 4041 milesIt's been a brilliant brilliant day...that is not a typing error....it's been twice as brilliant. The heat was on and the hills were there, but only a couple of times. The rest was easy. I started late again as I tried to get my bike fixed for the second time in two days. I even

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-21582164702787493182009-08-03T22:31:00.003+01:002009-08-03T23:09:26.502+01:00

Distance travelled: 92.2 milesTime in saddle; 7hrs 35 minsOverall distance:3948 milesLast night I got chatting to a family from Aberdeen in Scotland, they were really nice and wished me the best of luck. I filmed a programme about tattooing in Aberdeen....interesting place, smells of fish.I woke up with a really bad sore throat this morning. In fact it woke me up in the night, I couldn't swallow.

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-76793491048619808142009-08-02T21:30:00.002+01:002009-08-02T21:46:24.525+01:00

Day 45I’m sorry I think I am getting my days mixed up…this seems right, about 45.Distance travelled: 97 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 53 minsOverall distance: 3855.9 milesAfter putting my blogs on the Internet last night I went for a stroll around the town. What a fantastic atmosphere. The place was buzzing. The families were all out with their children. Musical quartets were playing in the street

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-48117399841240353022009-08-01T20:34:00.002+01:002009-08-01T20:38:41.390+01:00

Day 43Distance travelled: 74.9 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 9 minsOverall distance travelled: 3758 milesStruggled to get out of bed this morning. As my son Daniel would say “ I need to get my shot sorted” I will do tonight and star afresh tomorrow. I am in a hotel, not very luxurious; the lights just went out when I plugged my computer into the main…scary. I had to go to reception so that they could

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-51073687297315749292009-08-01T20:24:00.001+01:002009-08-01T20:29:19.863+01:00

Stats from yesterdayDistance travelled: 97.5milesTime in saddle: 9hrs 27 minsOverall distance travelled: 3605 milesDay 42Distance travelled: 78 milesTimes in saddle: 7hrs 12 minsOverall distance travelled: 3683 milesI hardly slept last night. Firstly the church bells kept on ringing every half an hour up to twelve o’clock, then I just kept waking up. It was bit like the first time I went to

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-49488657683589411092009-07-30T21:13:00.001+01:002009-07-30T21:27:14.004+01:00

Day 42Distance travelled: Time in saddleOverall distance travelledMy bike is locked away in different part of the hostel. Will give you the details tomorrow. I cycled about 94 milesIt’s been a bit of a funny day today. I woke up feeling really good and set off in good spirits. The sea mist was about again but it was still pretty hot. I decided to roll my shorts up a touch and take my shirt off…

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-13213085257014063692009-07-29T19:12:00.001+01:002009-07-29T19:22:10.699+01:00

Day 41Distance travelled: 88,7 milesTime in saddle: 7hrsOverall distance travelled: 3508 milesI ended up sleeping on the beach last night. It was a little bumpy as it was a shingle beach and not very wide. It is illegal to do so but I’ve been told if you are discrete then it will be OK. How discrete can I be, a middle-aged cyclist, packed to the rafters dressed in black Lycra….no one will notice

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-9091153529989440272009-07-28T20:45:00.002+01:002009-07-28T21:18:30.536+01:00

Day 40Distance travelled: 44.5 milesTime in saddle: 4hrs 10 minsOverall distance travelled: 3416.4 milesBrian and Diane stayed at the villa with me last night, which was appreciated. Brian volunteered to take me to the bus station in Motril, on the coast. The bus was pretty simple but it would have been much more difficult if Brian hadn't used his Spanish to get me the tickets. I need to travel

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-56356488432951917922009-07-28T20:09:00.003+01:002009-07-28T20:45:27.854+01:00

Day 39No CyclingI didn't wake up until eleven o'clock...lazy git. Enjoyed the rest though. It was very hot through the night and I had been drinking beer the night before...obviously. Nature called about three o'clock in the morning.I was conscious of the fact that we wreer in a valley and noise travelled considerable distances. The corridor where the toilet was ituated was really dark. I

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-6661121603252244362009-07-27T22:16:00.000+01:002009-07-27T22:18:44.502+01:00

Day 38I couldn’t get the pedals off my bike last night. I went down to reception and asked if they had an adjustable spanner….in the end I had to say wrench…I can now speak fluent American. It took me ages to get to sleep and then I woke up really early today…God I’m knackered but really excited. I just want to get going. I finally had a guy from the hotel turn up at eight o’clock this morning

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-14384131395213161352009-07-25T03:38:00.004+01:002009-07-25T04:25:42.011+01:00

Day 37No cycling todayWhen I was looking for a hotel last night I passed a cycle shop, I went in and asked if I could have one of their cycle boxes so that I could pack my bike away for the trip to Spain. The guy told me to come back tomorrow and they would keep one for me.I woke up early, as usual but turned over and went back to sleep…heaven. I couldn’t believe that I wasn’t going to do any

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-72323947000512508732009-07-23T20:24:00.004+01:002009-07-23T21:14:48.249+01:00

Day 36Distance travelled: 61.4 milesTime in saddle: 5hrs 35 minsOverall distance travelled: 3322.4 milesI couldn't sleep last night. It was the same before Christmas Day when I was a child....I used to get so excited. Today was the same....and although I didn't get any presents it was a billion times better. The roads were relatively flat and I really ate up the miles pretty quickly. The traffic

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-77267041369863730072009-07-23T02:09:00.004+01:002009-07-23T03:08:59.537+01:00

Day 36Distance travelled: 107.2 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 52 minsOverall distance travelled: 3260.9 milesWhen went to bed last night I gave my bike a check over, just to make sure that everything was OK, which it was. I woke up this morning and I had a flat tyre. MY god it's even happening in my sleep. There are two obvious explanations. It was a very slow puncture or the puncture fairly paid me

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-60566808918938299172009-07-21T23:57:00.004+01:002009-07-22T00:31:55.114+01:00

Day 35Distance travelled: 92 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 55 minsOverall distance travelled: 3153.7 milesI had an early start this morning and felt fantastic. I decided to go north, on the 522, which probably doesn't mean that much to you....me neither. It was quite a nice road actually, again it probably doesn't man that much to you....unless you are a cyclist.I went pats quite a few farms that

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-67132813932275299302009-07-21T00:33:00.003+01:002009-07-21T00:41:46.681+01:00

Day 34Distance travelled: 30.6 milesTime in saddle: 2 hrs 44 minsOverall distance travelled: 3061 milesI had a restless night. I was trying to come to terms with the fact that I had missed eighty miles of the ride. I received some fantastic messages of support from many people and I appreciate everyone of those messages, thank you. I knew deep down what I was going to do and I was a little bit

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-87295734214530101232009-07-19T21:52:00.004+01:002009-07-19T22:31:50.282+01:00

Day 34Distance traveled: 5.2 miles (Yes I know...me too)Time in saddle: 24 minsOverall distance: 3031 milesI slept in the wood last night, about twenty metres from the roadway. It was pretty hot all night and I was restless. I was worried about my tyres. I suspect that I will have to get some new ones once I get to a large town which has a bike shop.I woke up at the crack of Dawn and got things

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-87900709605172573912009-07-19T21:51:00.001+01:002009-07-19T21:51:41.107+01:00

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-76729957480959186122009-07-19T21:19:00.003+01:002009-07-19T21:50:53.746+01:00

Day 33Distance travelled: 106.6 milesTime in saddle: 9hrs 24 minsOverall distance: 3025 milesGot up really early and set off with good intentions. Everything was going fine and then….I got a puncture, not once, not twice, not three times…yes four times in the space of a few miles. I called into a Wall Mart to get some inner tubes. They have cycle gear but it very general, nothing as specialised

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-7406950177419690802009-07-18T01:53:00.002+01:002009-07-18T02:11:59.467+01:00

Day 32Distance travelled: 45.2 milesTime in the saddle: 4 hrs 44 minsOverall distance travelled: 2919 milesI woke nice and early, which quite surprised me because I couldn’t sleep last night. It took me ages to get off. I started really well by squirting sun tan location into my eye, why don’t they colour code the spray button. I know it’s simple to point the spray in the right direction but

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-89511047854820433242009-07-16T23:29:00.004+01:002009-07-17T00:07:27.843+01:00

Day 32Distance travelled: 89.2 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 10 minsOverall distance travelled: 2873.6 milesI felt a lot better this morning when I woke up. My knee seems to have healed...well it didn't hurt anymore. I left Old Washington and travelled on to Highway 22. It was very hilly and they went on for a while but it didn't really bother me...I just gritted my teeth and walked up the steep ones

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-75446583706009984022009-07-16T01:49:00.002+01:002009-07-16T01:56:36.143+01:00

Day 31Distance travelled 68.2 milsTime in saddle: 5hrs 58 minsOverall distance covered: 2784 milesI knew when I woke up that it was going to be a really difficult day. My knee was sore and to be honest I just wasn’t in the mood for doing the cycling. I did lots of little organisational things …anything before getting on my bike. It was like revising when I was at college. I would do anything

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-75299451064773971862009-07-15T01:26:00.006+01:002009-07-15T02:09:22.396+01:00

Day 30Distance travelled: 99.4 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 15 minsOverall distance: 2716 milesYou don't know what I had to put up with to get on the Internet last night. The motel, although it was very nice...and cheap it didn't have the WIFI. I had to go to a restaurant, that specialised in pancakes. It was the size of a dinner plate, one on top of the other I only got half way. They seemed

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-31986486173551374322009-07-14T01:38:00.002+01:002009-07-14T01:48:29.867+01:00

Day 29Distance travelled: 84.6 milesTime in saddle: 6hrs 58 minsOverall distance: 2614 milesI was glad to get out of the motel. When I turned the taps on to have a shower the water was brown, however it soon cleared and I was able to wash my dangly bits. I woke to the sound of coughing; wheezing and farting…when I got out of my room it was worst. How dare they steal my thunder, pardon the pun.

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-35115941018469583942009-07-13T02:34:00.001+01:002009-07-13T02:41:31.632+01:00

Day 28Distance travelled 82 milesTime in Saddle: 6hrs 30 minsOverall distance travelled: 2529 milesI forgot to change my watch over to Eastern Time so I was an hour behind before I started this morning..if you know what I mean. I received a message from Jeff and Martha. They had left me a beer wrapped in ice at the covered bridge I past last night. I saw the bundle on a bench but I didn’t know it

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-1625074029257395282009-07-11T23:45:00.004+01:002009-07-12T00:13:31.984+01:00

Day 27Distance travelled: 75.3 milesTime in saddle: 5hrs 52 minsOverall distance; 2447 milesI woke up this morning after great sleep in a luxurious bed to the sound of thunder. It then started to pour down. I wasn’t looking forward to starting off. I had a little trouble with my editing system last night and it took me ages to sort it so it was quite late when I finally got to bed. It was well

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-66996344772001964692009-07-11T06:12:00.003+01:002009-07-11T06:44:28.375+01:00

Day 26Distance travelled: 110 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 33 minsOverall distance travelled: 2371 milesI woke up pretty early but didn't get out of bed straight away. Steve had been up late sorting out a new route form me so I was conscious of the fact that he would have been up pretty late. It was past twelve when I went to bed...I know it was a few hours after that he finally called it a night.

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-48372152841515179922009-07-10T01:52:00.002+01:002009-07-10T03:00:41.881+01:00

Day 25Distance travelled: 83.8 milesTime in the saddle: 7hrs 21 m insOverall distance travelled: 2260.7 milesI managed to wash all my clothes last night. The motel had an all night launderette service...up all night washing my smalls...Ok then bigs. I also had a swim in the pool...alone, it was a bit freaky. I am not a lover of swimming on my own. I always imagine something to be in the water....

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-47623281521759407302009-07-09T01:56:00.004+01:002009-07-09T02:28:46.912+01:00

Distance travelled: 101 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 34 minsOverall distance travelled: 2176.9 milesI left the motel quite late this morning. I just got busy doing things, with my bike and the Internet ...perhaps I was looking for things to do other than cycling. I didn't feel like it was going to be a bad day but you never know...it's funny how the mind works. As I left the town I saw a sign saying

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-60958642455127508532009-07-08T01:21:00.003+01:002009-07-08T02:14:07.369+01:00

Day 23Distance travelled: 100.6 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 52 minsOverall distance: 2073 milesWell I've cycled over two thousand miles..it feels like yesterday that I started.I have had some amazing messages about me doing well and not to feel down, thanks for all your support, the messages make hell of a difference. I am not too worried. I knew that I would have bad days as well as good days,

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-34748067541066525592009-07-08T00:35:00.002+01:002009-07-08T00:47:24.572+01:00

Day 22Distance travelled: 115.4 milesTime in saddle: 9hrs. 9 minsOverall distance travelled: 1972 milesI felt really positive this morning when I woke up. I had a chat to myself last night and told myself not to be such a wuss. I’m having the experience of a lifetime and meeting some really great people. I'm returning home to the best place and the best people in the world.....what’s the matter

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-36708909799430020802009-07-06T01:47:00.003+01:002009-07-06T02:17:13.636+01:00

Distance travelled: 55.3 milesTime in saddle: 5hrs 25 minsOverall distance covered: 1857.5 milesI woke up this morning and knew it was going to be a hard day. It's not the psychical element of the ride that is the problem. Yes it's tough going at times, but I just drop down a couple of gears and continue pedaling, easy as that...ish.I knew my head wasn't right today. I haven't been sleeping

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-3993767961125386362009-07-05T23:48:00.002+01:002009-07-05T23:55:30.282+01:00

Day 204th JulyDistance travelled: 93.6 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 47 minsOverall distance travelled: 1802 milesI hardly slept last night. I had some rally bad dreams. I’m not going into details but they kept waking me up through the night. I was going to have a rest day but decided against it. There may be things in the future where I may need some days in hand. I thought I might as well keep

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-89135595412059311582009-07-04T02:39:00.006+01:002009-07-04T03:38:34.679+01:00

Day 19Distance travelled: 97.7 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 14 minsOverall distance travelled: 1708 milesI didn't really want to get out of bed this morning. I felt a bit rough yesterday. I think it was the sun. The fact that I had to put my watch an hour forward probably messed with my body clock....when I woke up my little hand was pointing towards the nine rather than the twelve....not a good

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-37190556993502613032009-07-03T00:18:00.003+01:002009-07-03T01:36:19.828+01:00

Day 18Distance travelled: 72.6 MilesTime in saddle: 6hrs 23 minsOverall distanced covered: 1610 milesI checked my bike early this morning. When I fixed the puncture I had last night I heard a squeaking once I'd put my wheel back on, as if it was catching something. I didn't sort it last night as it was getting dark and I just wanted to get to cover away from the thunderstorm. It was pretty hot

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-8635021672901760192009-07-03T00:01:00.001+01:002009-07-03T00:06:09.045+01:00

Day 17Distance travelled: 110.9 milesTime in saddle: 8 hrs 46 mins Overall distance travelled: 1537.4 milesIt was already very hot when I left the motel. I was already on 36 so it was just a case of getting on the road and peddling. I wanted to have an early night last night but I was after midnight before I finally got to sleep so I’m pretty tired before begin this morning.I said in a blog the

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-85045676451899867822009-07-01T03:38:00.001+01:002009-07-01T03:42:33.957+01:00

Details for todayDistance travelled: 59.6 MilesTime in saddle: 5hrs 8 minsOverall distance: 1426.5 miles

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-89843300138612469592009-07-01T02:51:00.004+01:002009-07-01T03:11:18.116+01:00

I left Brian and Saphera's house about half past eight and felt great. It was a late night but I had a great sleep and was well fed, Brian even made me a bagel to take along for the trip... thanks guys. I cycled into Denver and followed the map that Brian had made up for me....as usual I got slightly lost but eventually made it to the 36, a road I needed to get out of town. I got some great phone

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-12040815688299887552009-07-01T02:24:00.002+01:002009-07-01T02:37:15.855+01:00

Day fifteenDistance travelled: 105.5 milesTime in saddle: 9hrs 23 minsOverall distance: 1366 milesI was freezing last night. I managed to drop off but woke through the night dithering. In the end I put my coat on and used my thick cycling top as leg warmers. I put my feet through the sleeves….ingenious hey? I finally got up about seven o’clock and put my tent away. It was wet trough from the

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-17307610111954890042009-07-01T02:10:00.002+01:002009-07-01T02:22:19.775+01:00

Day fourteen Distance Travelled: 92.1 MilesTime in saddle: 8hrs 2 minsOverall distance covered: 1,261 MilesI had a terrible nights sleep last nights. I actually woke up looking for someone in my room. Obviously no one was there…. do you think I would be that lucky? It wasn’t that I had heard anybody but for some reason I had to look for them. Weird hey. It was starting to get hot as soon as I

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-80392690449071004722009-06-28T04:13:00.002+01:002009-06-28T05:04:16.081+01:00

Distance covered: 83.7 MilesTime in saddle: 6 hrs 40 minsOverall distance covered: 1168.9 MilesI washed all my clothes last night, what a relief, I stank. I was always careful to stand down wind when I spoke to anyone. You don't really notice when you are cycling, it's when you stop that you begin to notice the smell.When I started to ride this morning I noticed that my back tyre had gone down a

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-77895093893215987262009-06-27T05:07:00.003+01:002009-06-27T06:05:01.150+01:00

Distance Travelled: 130.4 MilesTime in saddle: 8Hrs 56 MinsOverall distance: 1085 Miles.I woke up this morning pretty wet, my tent was fine but the weather was lousy last night. It kept waking me up, along with the strategically placed rocks, by whom I don't know but it made for an uncomfortable night.....rocks and stones don't go together...work it out your self. The tent nearly blew away, It's

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-69553977369279627642009-06-26T19:25:00.000+01:002009-06-26T19:26:47.475+01:00

Day 12Distance Travelled 71.9 MilesTime in saddle 7hrs 39 MinsOverall distance 955 milesOrdered a pizza last night, the guy, who was on his own said it would be about 20 minutes so I said I would call back. I went back to my motel to edit the footage and forgot what time it was. I quickly went back to the pizza place, the guy was on his way out with my pizza in his hand, He said “I thought you’d

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-56591867124401825412009-06-25T03:10:00.003+01:002009-06-25T03:57:46.753+01:00

Day ElevenDistance Travelled: 74.4 MilesTime in saddle: 6hrs 32 MinsOverall Distance Covered:883 MilesI woke up at 6.00am, I thought I'd overslept, I scurried around like a demented hamster trying to find my glasses to look at the watch....don't get old. I had great sleep. I managed to have a soak in the bath last night, glorious but I was really tired so I was falling a sleep by 9.30pm. I had

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-47288396349035520142009-06-24T00:14:00.007+01:002009-06-24T01:06:53.379+01:00

Distance covered: 76 MilesTime in saddle: 6hrs 34 Mins.Overall distance: 808 MilesI slept well in the desert last night. Jeremy left before I got up.....don't you hate it girls when they leave without saying goodbye...only kidding. I decided to cycle alone today. It was good to cycle with someone, but I felt a little obligated and it was probably the same with Jeremy so it's best we travel at our

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-59699142131739875722009-06-24T00:04:00.001+01:002009-06-24T00:11:23.950+01:00

Day NineDistance covered 85.1 milesTime in saddle 7 hours 55 MinsOverall Distance: 732 milesI woke up in the night a few times last night. The hotel was fine, very Victorian in its décor, although it was only built in 1927.The casino lights from across the road kept flashing. I did close the curtains but I could still see the light. I kept hearing noises too; perhaps my mind was active…first

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-40150339560236315682009-06-22T03:47:00.003+01:002009-06-22T04:41:48.507+01:00

Day EightDistance traveled: 79.9 milesTime in Saddle: 7hrs 25 minutesOverall Distance Covered:647 milesI started off this morning dreading the start. I'd been told by a guy in the bar last night that I had three massive hills to contend with as I left Eureka. Not a thought that I was happy about. I think the hills are getting the better of me psychologically. I have decided that I am not going to

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-5582818317672615082009-06-21T04:13:00.003+01:002009-06-21T05:09:30.300+01:00

Day SevenDistance: 71.1 milesTime in saddle: 6hrs 37 minsOverall distance: 567 milesEureka, I've got to Eureka. Sorry I know its corny but I've been dying to say it. The ride out of Austin started with a long climb. Why is every town on my route in a position where you have to enter the town with a climb and leave the town with a climb? Is it just to pi** me off? It’s working.I made some really

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-48088151648603946992009-06-21T03:06:00.005+01:002009-06-21T04:12:42.601+01:00

Day sixDistance: 79.4Time in Saddle: 7hrs 17 minsOverall distance: 495 milesWoke up nice and early this morning feeling really good. Had a great sleep, there were a few jets low flying over through the night, but I found out that it was the firing range for the Naval Top Gun Air force so it was to be expected. At least they didn’t drop anything near me, not that I would have wakened, I was

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-33907669570252923252009-06-21T01:53:00.004+01:002009-06-21T02:41:46.384+01:00

Distance: 98.4 milesTime in Saddle: 8hrs 17minsOverall distance: 416 milesDay FiveGot up in the middle of the night to make sure the video had down loaded to you tube…hadn’t so tried again, successfully this time. As I was riding out of town on highway 50 I got a wolf whistle from two ‘gals’ in a convertible. Admittedly they were coming from behind. I’ve been told that my bum is my best feature.

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-26703400807233878442009-06-18T05:48:00.006+01:002009-06-18T07:00:34.185+01:00

Forgot to put details for yesterday. I was shattered and wanted to go to bed.Day ThreeMiles traveled: 67.5 milesCan't remember the other statistics.Day FourMiles traveled: 83.9 milesTime riding: 9hrs 23 minutesOverall distance: 317.5 milesI woke up this morning with the hills in mind. I knew that it was going to be difficult with at least 30 miles of climbing ahead. Last night was frustrating,

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-30286047486153990012009-06-17T21:19:00.004+01:002009-06-17T21:56:48.887+01:00

The motel I stayed i was nice, very clean and comfortable. However as I was settling to bed there were some people from the next room talking loudly and keeping me awake. I'd seen the guy who occupied the room as I went to mine, he was a massive Mexican, probably had a gun...or was that in my imagination. I jumped up and down on my bed and shouted"OK baby who loves a bit of Wayneo then" and a

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-58845578878334947362009-06-16T05:28:00.004+01:002009-06-16T07:19:46.623+01:00

Day TwoToday's distance: 97.5 miles Time on saddle: 7.49hrsOverall distance covered: 167.5 milesHad a great sleep last night, before I came on this trip I hadn't been sleeping well, cycling across America is the cure...not sure it's good for everyone but it works for me. I was chased by my first dog today, it was massive. Luckily it was behind a fence, but it chased me for about half a mile along

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-45893546371150094162009-06-15T06:13:00.003+01:002009-06-15T07:24:42.403+01:00

I got up nice and early so that I could have a good start. My speedo wasn't working, which seemed odd, perhaps it was damaged in transit, at least it wasn't anything serious. I had to find a cycle shop, which wasn't too difficult, the problem was they didn't open until 11.00am. I had to hag around for four hours. I went for some breakfast in quite a nice district, even though it looked rough. I

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-16032024656452910492009-06-14T04:24:00.004+01:002009-06-14T12:47:33.831+01:00

I hardly slept last night but I was expecting that. I just hope I don't fall asleep for a few days like I did last time I came to the USA. I can't afford the time. Although I've not started my ride yet I seem to have ridden for miles today. I am knackered so please forgive me if there are any mistakes, again. I got up quite early today and wen to search for a camping and cycling shop, I found

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-18574481487131104742009-06-13T12:37:00.004+01:002009-06-13T12:54:03.301+01:00

It's 4.35am and I'm still buzzing from the flight. I am really tired but I cant sleep. I thought that I would show you some pics. There are pictures of my room at the Nob Inn, sorry still find it funny. I've started to unpack my bike but I don't want to make too much noise. What would the neighbours think, a guy on his own in a room with a bike shouting "come on you bugger" and the sound of

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-57190303094906840852009-06-13T06:40:00.003+01:002009-06-13T07:25:16.009+01:00

The journey beginsI hardly slept last night; it was late when I got to bed. By the time I’d finished all my packing and tidied the house up, I don’t want the burglars to think I’m not house-proud, it was 1.30am. I was up at 6.00am…. knackered but buzzing at the same time. It seems a little surreal. The last few months have passed really quickly and now I’m on my way. James and Jenny called right

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-64714612774681939892009-06-11T22:04:00.002+01:002009-06-11T22:07:57.200+01:00

It has been an interesting couple of days. Yesterday I was interviewed by Granada TV news. Jenny, our radio technician and the voice of an angel on the charity record used her contacts in Granada TV to get them interested in the story, thanks Jen you are a star.The filming was fun, and created a lot of interest. It will be on the news on Friday I hope. You will have to remember that I have a face

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-23744802933747604402009-06-10T08:04:00.007+01:002009-06-10T09:10:43.854+01:00

I bought a few items today for my ride. A new digital camera, light and compact for easy use....they say that but I don't thinks they realised who was going to use it...me. I've bought a new watch, relatively cheap. I don't want to take the watch Daniel and Thomas bought for me for my fiftieth birthday in case I lose it.I've also bought a head torch, I've never had on before and they are great...

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-52301397629778320152009-06-09T08:43:00.006+01:002009-06-09T09:24:41.227+01:00

I cycled to Chester yesterday morning and felt really good. I beat my usual time by ten minutes. I know that does not sound a lot but it felt good to me. The cleats problem was sorted. I was advised to keep the shoes I had because they were made for walking as well as riding and I would be doing both....do you think that they know something I don't? There are a little bit like trainers with the

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-21244526251077654642009-06-08T14:54:00.003+01:002009-06-08T16:04:12.952+01:00

It was absolutely poring down with rain when I woke up on Saturday morning so I knew that the BBQ would be off. It was a case of having a party with the traditional buffet. I went to Birchwood ASDA to do some shopping. I couldn’t believe how busy it was…. is Saturday shopping always like that? I don’t think I will be doing that again, although it was quite funny. The greeter, who announced

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-38007824992866558042009-06-05T16:13:00.005+01:002009-06-05T16:49:37.442+01:00

After what seems like ages the music video is finally up on the web site. I hope you have as much fun watching it as we did making it. The blood, sweat and tears...and that was just trying to get it on the web site. The settings were OK but it wouldn't upload as a wide screen. Technology and I are not compatible...thanks Matty for all your help. Now I've sorted that out I'm having the same

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-60488613918166010162009-06-04T18:13:00.005+01:002009-06-04T19:17:41.678+01:00

Had great fun yesterday filming a couple of scenes for the video...that's it now all done and dusted and it will be on You Tube tonight. I haven't been riding for a few days because of my sore knee but on the shoot last night whilst filming the last footage for the video I managed to cycle fifteen miles on the rollers. I'm not taking my bike into the Bike Factory until Monday now. It was going in

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-47679105617301499952009-06-02T12:39:00.006+01:002009-06-02T14:30:19.690+01:00

Another lovely day but as I was about to find out not very good for filming....in a hot pub. We arrived at the Farmers Arms, who very kindly let use use their pub once again as a filming location. It's great as it gives us an opportunity to have the obligatory pint after the filming has finished,before it begins and during the event. Apparently it's union rules; rules forty two, sub section five

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-29120812585973974832009-06-01T09:24:00.005+01:002009-06-01T11:11:31.843+01:00

I went for a cycle ride into Cheshire on Sunday. It was a fantastic day and I thought it would be nice to see what it was like riding with the sun beating down on my helmet....Oh hey madam....Carry On Cycling all over again. Seriously, I've been out in all types of weather over the last few months and it's been fine. Now that Summer is officially here it was nice to get out in the sort of weather

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-45545312914336396502009-05-29T17:08:00.004+01:002009-05-29T18:05:21.564+01:00

I was woken by my new mobile phone alarm this morning at 6.30am. I've only had it a day and I still don't know how it works properly. Once men you get over fifty anything electronic become like a women...you know how they work but you can't remember which buttons to press. I'm terrible with new gadgets. The trouble is I don't usually bother reading the instruction booklets until I really have to.

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-71520571678056054462009-05-27T15:38:00.007+01:002009-05-27T16:42:25.007+01:00

I was really nervous as I waited to cycle around the pitch during the Warrington/Wigan game at the Haliwell Jones Stadium. I had taken my cycle down to the stadium earlier that day and the groundsman locked it in his storeroom. It felt really funny not having my bike, perhaps I’m having an unhealthy reliance on what is fact a piece of machinery. I’ve given it a name ‘gusher’. An unusual name I

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-21707988070986166412009-05-19T09:18:00.003+01:002009-05-19T09:50:53.884+01:00

We had a really productive few days. On Thursday we filmed the end scene for the music video. I asked a number of people to come to the college for the shoot and amazingly most people turned up…. cheers for that. We had around thirty people who very nimbly walked backwards waving goodbye to me as I cycled on a static roller….bizarre but very funny. It will look really good on the music video. I

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-37208824859371407442009-05-12T19:35:00.003+01:002009-05-12T20:03:57.367+01:00

Went for my 'to work' ride this morning and took a different route, through Latchford, past Thelwall and over Warburton Bridge, through Culcheth and eventually into Padgate. A trip of around twenty miles, give or take a mile. As I approached Culcheth a lady had broken down in her car, along with two small children. I asked her what was wrong and she said that her engine wouldn't start. Now I am

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-78834934470693360532009-05-11T12:27:00.003+01:002009-05-11T13:01:23.727+01:00

I have had a bit of a cold for the last few days so I haven't been cycling too much. I decided to bite the bullet on Saturday and go for a ride. I cycled to Chester, my favorite ride at the moment. I don't know what was happening in Frodsham, the road was really busy. It took me about fifteen minutes to cross the road....why?.. to get to the other side obviously. It was really windy, which I hate

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-56831354986952815492009-05-08T14:41:00.003+01:002009-05-08T15:52:20.895+01:00

We've just recorded the backing track for the charity song and even if I say so myself it sounds really good. Lots of people showed up, thanks everyone you were brilliant. It's been ages since I've had so much fun without taking my clothes off.......I love swimming.There were some really nice singers, Jen'the voice of an angel' Mawson was on form and Jo' Big Breaths' Warburton, Yes I did spell it

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-52646866825106880242009-05-06T15:55:00.005+01:002009-05-06T17:02:54.318+01:00

I was teaching at Chester on Friday so I decided to use the ride there as a training session. I cycled early in the morning and it was fine. I love riding in the morning, no cars, or very few and it's quite therapeutic....it makes me feel better too!As the day progressed the skies darkened and I thought that I would be in for a soaking on the ride back to Warrington but I was lucky, until I got

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-51554836052433599882009-04-29T10:49:00.002+01:002009-04-29T11:08:10.844+01:00

The film is now on line…I told you that it wasn’t Gone With The Wind, but hey the budget was three pints of lager, a packet of crisps and a short ride on the crossbar of my bike so what do you expect? My intention was for it to be really cheesy…and I think I achieved that goal in abundance, what do you think?I keep looking at the clock on the web page and it’s making me really nervous. I keep

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-86397536289647489202009-04-25T19:00:00.004+01:002009-04-25T19:26:36.200+01:00

We filmed and edited the 'spoof' video today...in under five hours, including lunch. That's not bad really but it isn't Gone with the Wind or anything like that....maybe just wind, but at least we had fun. Thanks Johny and Matty you were brilliant as usual. Special guest appearances by Dave Twyman, one of my students who played 'the man in the tent'. It's not what it seems. You have to watch the

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-32287499540554628842009-04-24T14:01:00.003+01:002009-04-24T16:19:21.557+01:00

I hardly slept last night because I was thinking about recording the song this morning at college. I had been practicing to a track that Jim Mason had recorded for me. It was on my IPod and I just sang along. I do apologise if people in the street heard my screeching tones as I walked along with my Ipod. I was practicing again at 6.00am this morning and it sounded awful....at least it drove the

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-70555354194171779582009-04-20T09:44:00.003+01:002009-04-20T09:57:25.227+01:00

It has been a glorious weekend, the sun has finally appeared and what did I do? It certainly wasn't cycling. I did my usual ride to work this morning...the long way round and it felt good. However my knees hurt a little, which isn't really a worry but it's niggling away at the back of my mind. I suppose at fifty...OK, fifty one I should expect some 'twitches'. It is probably the result of a

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-31207720141654839412009-04-16T16:29:00.003+01:002009-04-16T16:38:40.175+01:00

Matty has been doing some changes to the home page, with regards to the set up. It looks better and is easy for me to upload my blog when I am cycling. The news feed is directed to the blogger, which obviously goes into more detail.I will be having a 'stall' in the town centre in a couple of weeks, where people will be able to see in more detail what I am doing during my bike ride. I am hoping

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-85462971867700771152009-04-15T19:34:00.002+01:002009-04-15T20:53:26.082+01:00

The Scarborough ride was interesting, to say the least. I prepared well on Thursday night, cleaned my bike, packed my panniers(bags on my bike) and went to bed nice and early. I was going to stay up and watch 'Deliverance' a classic film about some guys on a canoeing trip in the wilds of America. I promised myself that whatever happens I am not going to squeal like a pig....you have to watch the

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-30486522641489914012009-04-06T13:31:00.006+01:002009-04-06T14:02:46.590+01:00

I had a great weekend of riding, I'm building up the miles at the moment and feeling quite comfortable. I permed my Auntie Hilda's hair after a long ride to and from Chester...to pick up my front rack and panniers, you never lose it. I mean doing the hair, not riding to Chester. I asked her had she been away, obviously I knew she hadn't but that's what all hairdressers say, it felt so natural.

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-39911786510639487622009-04-02T13:39:00.009+01:002009-04-02T16:54:44.607+01:00

I rode over to Chester on Tuesday to visit the Bike Factory. I was having my rack and panniers fitted, which will be great. I need to get used to cycling with some weight on my bike. I know what you are thinking....I'm a fat git and that's all the weight I need, but you know what I mean. I had a a crew filming the occasion, thanks Matty and Lianne you were really good, as usual. The shop

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-84886018869940508982009-03-25T12:56:00.005Z2009-03-25T16:01:18.029Z

I didn't do much riding over the weekend. I decided that my garden needed doing so I settled down for some easy, relaxing toiling of the soil and planting 'new life'......I was bloody knackered when I'd finished. Whoever said that gardening was easy was either super fit or lying. I think it was probably all that bending...oh hey madam, it's like a Carry On sketch. I must admit my garden looks

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-51746543095249488642009-03-19T15:59:00.005Z2009-03-19T16:25:17.823Z

I've been riding over the last couple of days and it's been fantastic. Today was particularly beautiful. The English countryside in spring is a sight to behold...I know I'm going on a bit and sounding all poetic, but you can't get away from the fact there is nowhere is the world to compare with an English Spring Day.I went to see my bother in his hairdressing salon yesterday. A very nice lady

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-73849707024300578172009-03-16T17:03:00.004Z2009-03-16T17:33:35.130Z

I went for a nice ride on Sunday. The weather was lovely, the daffodils in full bloom, the birds singing in the sky.....and me knackered on my bike. Actually it wasn't that bad. In fact I felt really comfortable. My bum was a little sore but apart from that it was fine. I fell off again, twice in a couple of days. This time I fell onto pavement so it hurt a little more than the first time but it

Wayne O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03955201517734696314noreply@blogger.com0