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.

I've cycled across France

Six days to go
Distance travelled: 116.5 miles
Time in saddle: 9hrs 46 mins
Overall distance travelled: 5034.6 miles

It 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 had a magnificent Cathedral and some really quaint medieval houses surrounding the square…..it sounds like “Wish You Were Here’ doesn’t it. What is it about the French, they seem to be obsessed with bread. The only shops that are open first thing in the morning are bread shops and they always have queues. Everywhere you look French people are walking around with a couple of sticks of bread under their arm.....is it a secret code or something.
It was really difficult to find a shop that sold drinks other than a bar or restaurant, which were very expensive, five euros for a large glass of beer.
I decided to travel on along some lovely quiet road. I am so glad that I stayed off the beaten track an used the less busy roads. I thought that I had seen some attractive towns on my route through France but the best was yet to come. A town called Bernay. It is everything that you could imagine a medieval town to be like. I went into the centre and there was a flea market on. It was unbelievable. The houses were all wood and plaster construction and they leaned all over the place like something out of a fairy tale, beautiful. I sat and had a drink outside a charming pub and soaked up the wonderful atmosphere. I was going to spend a couple of days resting but I still had a yearning to cycles to Le Havre. I suppose that I just wanted everything to be sorted for my journey home on Monday. As I cycled on I intended to look for a campsite and stop but I didn’t come across any so I just kept cycling.Typical, been seeing them every few miles when I wasn't looking, now I can't find one. I saw a guy coming towards me on a very interesting cycle. It had the pedals right out in front of the bike frame, the cyclist almost lay flat as he pedaled…unusual. We stopped and had a chat. His name was Eric, seems to be a popular name in France. He spoke some English and he told me that it was the first day of his cycling holiday….It brought back so many memories about my first day in San Francisco. It seems a life time ago. He told me that if I went to a town called Quillebeut I could get a ferry across the Seine rather than using a very busy bridge further down river. I thanked Eric and continued onto the town he suggested. The ferry was fantastic. It crossed every fifteen minutes and didn’t cost anything, brilliant. By now I was on a mission. I wanted to get to Le Havre. I just had this compulsion to get home. It was a really strange feeling. As I entered le Havre it was getting dark. I went straight o the docks to see if there was a late sailing, there wasn’t. I stopped and asked a guy in the car park if he could speak English. His name was Dave and he was an English lorry driver, delivering chicken nuggets to Mc Donalds. What a relief. He told me that the next sailing was tomorrow afternoon and suggested a couple of cheap hotels in the town centre. They were all full, what is it about me and hotels? They started to call me ‘no room at the inn O’Brien’ I cycled back to the docks and Dave was chatting to a mate of his called Bill, a lorry driver from Wales who ended every sentence with “init” . He was quite a character. They suggested that I set up my tent on some grass next to their parked trucks, which I did and Dave produced a bottle of wine, which we shared. We had a good chat an laughed our heads off, Bill told some great stories. You can say what you want about us Brits but you can't beat our sense of humour. Dave put my bike in the back of his trailer for the night, which is a ‘cold store’ It should keep gusher nice and cool after a long ride. I’m still driven to getting back to England, I know I’ve booked a ferry for Monday night but I’m itching to get home. It’s hard to describe how I feel. If I had floats on my bike I’d cycle across that’s for sure. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

Nearly there

Seven days to go
Distance travelled: 94.9 miles
Time in saddle: 7hrs 58 mins
Overall distance travelled: 4918 miles
I 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 had the same idea the toilets were full. My older brother Kevin has a thing about the word sausages, ever since he was a child if you mention that word it makes him laugh, even now and he's fifty five. I'm the same with trumping....it just breaks me up.I don't now what the people sat next to me think, I'm giggling all the time.It must put them off. One person tried to cough to disguise the noise, but his timing wasn't quite right....my dad used to do the same, with the same result. I tried to distinguish who were the women and who were the men by the pitch of their wind breaking. Everyone is unique. I am sure that if I sorted out their position in the cubicles and get them in the right order I could get a decent tune....perhaps a song.....maybe something by Earth, Wind and Fire?
It started off really dull today and for a while I thought it might rain. It was lovely cycling weather. I know you won't appreciate this in England but I'm getting sick of the sun. However it came back with a vengeance this afternoon and I think I've burnt the top of my head. You don't appreciate what protection your hair gives you. Thanks for the advice Jim...read it a bit too late. I will be wearing my bandana tomorrow....Lancashire style of course.
I was speaking to the couple who were camped next to me this morning before I left. There are from Holland and slightly older than me, but both looked extremely fit. I talked about how beautiful France was and they said that they thought that England and Scotland were the most beautiful places that they have ever visited. I have to agree. It's funny how you don't appreciated how beautiful something is once you've been away for a while. I am determined to travel to more places in Britain. We've got it all on our doorstep, we just don't appreciate it. They also commented on how lovely the people in the UK were. It is always nice when you here you hear positive stories about home. I am probably biased but I do think it is the best country, with some of the best people in the world....but what would I know?
I found the ride quite easy today. There were plenty of rolling hills again but it's becoming less of a problem as I get nearer to home. I seem to have found my second wind....at last and I just pedal harder.
I am just past a town called Alencon, about one hundred miles from the coast. I was going to cycle for an hour more but I saw a hotel that was relatively cheap and decided to call it a day. I need to charge all my batteries up. I will be staying on camp grounds for the remainder of my time in France. Jo has kindly booked a ferry for me on Monday evening at 11.00pm and I will arrive in Portsmouth at 6.00am on the Tuesday. It will give me a chance to get my head down...or certainly legs up....it's a seat.
I am going to have a lazy day on Sunday, just soaking up the sun and cleaning gusher. I still need to get my flag pole sorted and a French flag, but I will do that on Monday in Le Havre.
I am trying not to lose focus. I still have three hundred and fifty miles to go before getting back to Warrington and things can still go wrong. If they don't I will be extremely surprised but we'll see. You'll be the first to know if it does.

100 miler

The stats from yesterday:
Distance travelled: 88.5 miles
Time in saddle: 7hrs 32 mins
Overall distance travelled: 4719 miles.

Eight days to go.
Distance travelled: 103 miles
Time in saddle: 8hrs 35 mins
Overall distance travelled: 4822.4 miles

It 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 nearer to home and as one guy said to me “once the horse smells it’s stable it runs faster” that is certainly the case with me. As I was cycling along I came across a beautiful meadow. I had to have a photo taken with me sat in the meadow, it felt like the Cadbury’s Flake advert…..you have to be a certain age….What do you think? I am completely besotted with the French countryside. I know I keep writing about it but I can’t help it, it is beautiful. There are some fantastic houses….brilliant.
I wanted to do one hundred miles today, which I did. I need to get near to the coast then I might have a day off, perhaps book onto a campsite or something. They are really nice.
I stopped in a few places to have snacks and a few drinks….coke only. The roads are fine but some of them have no cycle path, which is only to be expected. I know it sound really mad but I love it when the big trucks get really close because they carry you along in their slipstream…..there is a fine line between them being helpful and scary but I’ll live with it. I have been climbing long rolling hills all day. To be honest I don’t mind the hills. It makes me stand on my pedals to cycles up them and it gives my bum a rest. I eventually stopped at a town called Seamur…or something like that. My pronunciation of the French towns is really funny. I sound like that policeman out of Hello Hello. When I ask for directions I have to say at least four or five versions of the name so that they know what I am taking about.
I had my hair cut today…all off. The guy’s name was Ricard, I think. He didn’t speak English but we communicated. Called himself a hairdresser he didn’t even ask me if I had been away on holiday….what’s going on? When I was a hairdresser we could bullshit and believe it too….those were the days.
Seamur is beautiful. The camp site is quite nice, a bit more expensive that the other day but I’m not complaining…you can’t take it with you as they say….I suppose it depends where you are going.
Mike, my friend phoned today and his girlfriend is called O’Brien….how weird is that, we’re everywhere. It was great to hear from him as always. I love getting messages and phone calls from the UK. It cheers me up no end.
I’ve only got about 200 miles to go before the channel…then home. I keep getting emotional when I think about riding into the barracks in Warrington. I’ve lost some weight and I’m tanned but you will be able to recognise me because I will be the blubbering wreck full of snot and tears riding on the bike…easy really. I just hope I hold it together and don’t embarrass myself or anyone else….I can only try.

Three Frechman, an Englishman and which way to go

Nine days to go
(I will give the stats tomorrow, my bike is locked away in the garage)
I have travelled approximately 87 miles today

It 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 Lycra I bet the guy thought I was a kinky mourner or something....the look on his face was a picture. he spoke excellent English and was very helpful...brilliant.
More by accident than design I ended up taking the really isolated back roads through the countryside, which was fantastic. The French countryside is probably the most beautiful I have experienced on this journey. The trouble is I have to keep stopping to take it all in, I'll never get home. I always stop and ask for directions whenever the opportunity arises not just for the directon's it also gives me an opportunity to meet people. I stopped beside three old French guys who were just chatting by the side of the road. They couldn't speak English and I obviously couldn't speak French, which I told them. They insisted on talking loudly in French, repeating the lines louder and slower as the conversation went on thinking I would understand....it's not only the English who do that then. I pointed in French and showed them the map, it seemed to work. Another guy I spoke to was tending his garden, I chatted over the hedge. He walked quite a way to the front gate to talk to me. His large dog, a German Shepard, wanted me so badly you could see it in its eyes. The old guy was very stern with it and I laughed......I think the dog was really pissed off that he was about....I wasn't. I had some dinner in a small town called Jonzac. It was beautiful. It had a medieval church and the buildings were fantastic. I could have stayed there all day just chilling but i had to get going. I am definitely going to come back to France for an extended visit.
I eventually arrived at St Jean d'Angely, another lovely village and well on my way home. I decided to stay here because I needed to recharge all my batteries and finally get my blog sorted. The internet seems to be a lot better here. I don't know if I am getting desperate but the women in the village are gorgeous, especially the receptionist. We had a good chat about what I was doing and she looked hard at my passport photo....she asked if it was the same person. I told her that I'd been cycling a long way and lost weight...she laughed....beautifully. I fell asleep on the floor of all places when I got in my room. I woke up at 2.30am and eventually got to do my blog. Now I've finished I'm going back to bed. See you tomorrow.

Just a few problems

Ten Days to go
Distance travelled: 61.2 miles
Time in the saddle: 5hrs 53 mins
Overall distance covered: 4630 miles

It 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 complete silence until someone pulls a chain then all hell lets loose. It’s very funny…I bet they all wondered what I was laughing at….small things etc.
I set off with great intentions and a spring in my step…well peddle. Mike, my friend phones me pretty early and t was great to hear from him. He asked me how it was going and I said that everything was fine. I opened my mouth too soon as I always do. As soon as he put the phone down I noticed a wobble on my back wheel. I had to look for somewhere that had a bike shop. I cycled along the main road. There is more chance of seeing a shop. After about ten miles I stopped at a petrol station and asked a gorgeous girl if she could speak English…..no. I persevered, I had nowhere to go and desperately needed some kind of cycle repair shop…..anyway her voice was so sexy. I did my best impression of a broken bicycle . I think she was impressed when I did the bell. Eventually with pieces of paper and a pen, some remarkable impressions and my eyelashes fluttering like a humming birds wings I got my direction and I was off. It was only about two miles away and it was a fitness/sports shop. They discovered that two spokes on my back wheel had snapped….fat arse.
After a while I was on my way again. Bordeaux is a beautiful city, another one I would love to re-visit. Getting into the city was easy….getting out again was harder. After being sent in the wrong direction about three times I eventually made it over the river and heading North….ish. I had a puncture, which didn’t bother me . The sun was shining and I hadn’t had one for a while so I quite enjoyed playing handyman and fixing it. My tent was wet through from last night so I decided to have a short day and find a hotel. I’m in a place called La Mont…I think. ….that could be a brand name for something as far as I’m concerned. I will have a better idea tomorrow when I know which way I am going. It is supposed to have the Internet, which it does but the network is really slow and keeps going off. I can’t upload anything onto my web site at the moment so it will have to be another day I am afraid. I will try first thing to see if it gets better.
I’m tired and I want to go to bed….there’s a song there somewhere.

Helo hello

11 days to go
Distance travelled: 99.2 miles
Time in saddle: 8hrs 32 mins
Overall distance: 4569.2 miles

It 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 seen.
The paths are brilliant and the people I have met are great. The first person I met was Eric…sound better when he said it…in French. He was lovely but had a massive cold sore on his lip, full of cream, bless him. Thank God he didn’t try to give me a French kiss…I mean the one where they kiss each cheek, not the tongue one….. steady on.
I continued until I’d done about forty miles. I went into one of the many small villages situated near the canal. It was lovely….and sad too. I sat at the war memorial eating my dinner and I noticed that there were a number of names from the same family….at least two or three…on one occasion there were four people from the same family killed during the First World War…..I can only imagine what effect it had on a small community like this. We tend to think it only happened in Britain but it didn’t.
I was cycling along and came upon abridge, which was lovely. I asked a guy if he would take my picture…. his name was George, my dad’s name and he was from Burnley in Lancashire…. he now lives in Spain and is on holiday in France…how weird is that?
We had a good long chat about nothing in particular. I phoned a few people today from home and it was fantastic. I have cycled past some really English looking countryside today and it has made me feel really home sick. I cycled past a conker tree, which always reminds me of going conkering with my two son’s…priceless.
This part of the journey must be the most beautiful…every scene is like an oil painting it really is. It must be the most beautiful part of any country I have been in so far….except home of course. In fact it reminds me very much of Sankey Canal….built approximately the same time but on a bigger scale.
I went scrumping today (Stealing apples from trees). I’ve not done that since…well never mind. They were hard to resist…lovely too.
I said bonjouir, excuse the spelling, to everyone today as I cycled past them….many people ignored me. I stared to make things up…saying things like “ Hairy arsehole”….no reaction. Nicky –nacky noo…still no reaction….waterloo…always seemed to get a reaction, so it should …a great record…ABBA, what a group….and we beat the shit out of them in the battle too…perhaps that’s why? I know it’s immature but it’s still funny.
I was really getting tired at ninety miles and was looking for somewhere to sleep…probably at the side of the canal. I came across a camp site.. brilliant. Met some nice people…a guy called Roy Milton…bit of a mystery. Changed his name….Won’t tell me his real name. He is from Canada and is here on holiday. He offered to cook me some food…sod it that will do…it was a very nice too. I had two helpings, greedy git. I shared some wine I bought earlier and it was a fair swap. So is he a Russian spy…a criminal…good food though
Am knackered and off to bed. See you tomorrow.

Along the canal

12 Days to go
Distance travlled: 70.8 miles
Time in saddle: 6hrs 33 mins
Overall distance travelled: 4469.7 miles
A 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 the toilet first thing...there wasn't any, not as I recognise it. The two toilets were side by side with a gap under and over the top of each. they were mixed toilets...yes men and women together. No I am not a prude but I cannot have a poo knowing that there is a woman in the next cubicle, which was not fully enclosed. I'd be appologising every time I broke wind, which would obviously be a lots of "I'm so sorry".
There wasn't even anywhere to sit down. I like to embrace the culture of the countries I visit, but this is Europe for gods sake....Civilised people sit and have a poo....how do you read the paper?.....or eat your sandwiches....OK I just threw that one in. Two foot holes and a hole for the 'stuff' to go down. I worked out that you were supposed to squat like a Russian weight lifter waiting to do the 'jerk'....now now. I could imagine two people next to each other both waiting for the buzzer to go before they started....obviously not weightlifting but with the same expression of concentration on their faces. I'm sorry but I couldn't do it...I waited until an opportunity arose later that morning.
It was raining very heavily as I started of. I didn't mind, it reminded me of home.Once you get so wet it doesn't matter and that's how it was for a couple of hours. I passed some beautiful fields full of sunflowers. What was even more amazing was that some fields had the sunflowers with their heads up and some with them down. It was as if they communicated with each other....I know they can't....but I grew up with Bill and Ben and Weed so you never know....they even had their own TV show.
I asked a guy for directions and he suggested a lovely cycle path along a canal. It went all the way to Toulouse. I eventually found it and he was right it was beautiful. I bumped into a girl called Julie, but she said it in the French way...beautiful language. She was travelling to Toulouse too, we decided to ride together for a while. She was a fitness teacher from Corsica and spoke English very well. I told her the only French sentence I knew, from classes at Orford Secondary Modern forty years ago...The cat is on the wall (I'm not trying to write it in French) She complimented me on my pronunciation. Mr Rigg (French teacher) you did me proud.
We parted at Toulouse after a cup of coffee and appreciated each others company. I decided to travel on a bit along the canal...it goes all the way to Bordeaux. I met a couple, the guy was from Tangiers originally but lived with is wife in Bordeaux. He was the spitting image of my uncle Albert who passed away years ago...amazing. I actually thought someone had sent him to help me, funny what you think isn't it?
It looked like it was going to rain again and I had done about 65ish miles so I asked a family where there might be a hotel....they were lovely and directed me to where I am now. If I didn't have to recharge my batteries and do my blog it would be very easy to camp by the side of the canal. If I don't do my blog I get worried phone calls asking me if I am OK, bless you all. The couple who own the hotel are really nice...different again from some of the people I have met in many of the hotels. Even though they don't speak English and my Spanish is limited to 'the cat is on the wall'....still not seen one, we sorted out a room, a garage for my bike, some wine and something to eat...not bad really, and had a laugh doing it.
I'm drying out my tent....may use it again. Sorting out my kit and having a lovely shower....a good end to a good day.