Oh What a Lovely Day

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. I know they are essential but they bore me. My older brother is completely different. He is very methodical. He won't touch anything unless he fully reads the manual first. I would have loved to have been a fly one the wall when he had his first sexual experience....not in a pervy way...I'm just curious to know how he turned the pages.
I woke up to glorious sunshine, I wander how long this 'Summer' will last this year? Every year they say it's going to be a scorcher and it is for a few days. Not that it will affect me because as you know I will be cycling my little legs off in a couple of weeks....yes two weeks today. In fact this time tomorrow I will be on the plane....no I'm not going early I'm taking half an inch off the bottom of the door at home. I'm having a bit of a BBQ next weekend and I want to get those little jobs done...you know the ones that should have been done two years ago. Visitors are a great incentive. I only tidy up when there is a chance of bringing a 'girl' back to my house.....it's not been tidy for a long time.
I've not been cycling that much over the last few days I've been really busy doing other things. So this morning I went for a nice ride of about twenty miles and it felt great. As I rode through the lovely British countryside on my round trip into work I was admiring the baby lambs suckling at there mothers teats, the majestic black and white cows chewing the cud....the funny looking Lama...yes Lama and there was more than one...in fact a field full along with the occasional emu, without Rod Hull's arm up it's bottom. That's what I love about us British, the diversity, even the farm animals are multicultural.
I've been in touch with the Cycle factory in Chester. They've got a new manager called Steve and he seems very nice. I have only spoken to him on the phone but I'm meeting him next week....not a date or anything, just business. I'm taking my bike to the shop for a service. Steve has cycled from Chester to Gibraltar, which is obviously the opposite way that I am going to do the ride but equally as interesting. I'm sure he can give me some tips for my journey through Spain and France.
I'm filming the last few sequences for the music video on Monday. I think that it will be quite funny but I think everything is funny so what do I know. There will be some poignant moments too....well probably seconds rather than moments but that makes them extra special.
I had a real surprise yesterday. One of my students came to me and informed that unfortunately his gran had died. She left quite a sum of money and she wanted it to go to charity. He had seen my web site and wanted to make a contribution to the charity ride....and it was a substantial contribution. I was quite choked and very grateful. Thank you Michael. If you are wondering.....no it didn't...I'd already marked his work......you cynical lot. Seriously I was deeply moved by his gesture and extremely grateful for his Nan's generosity. I wrote a few days ago about the charity ride and how it puts me in contact with some lovely people...I never cease to be amazed....and I have no doubt that it will continue to be an amazing journey.

Cycling around the pitch at the Warrington Wolves Game

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 know but I like it. Ships have names; some people even name their cars so why shouldn't I ‘christen’ my bike? Why gusher?...sounds like knasher out of the Beano, He was an interesting character, always getting into trouble but surviving, which is what I intend to do.....back to the game....I watched the first half of the match, and very good it was. At half time I collected my bike and began to walk on the grass surrounding the pitch. I had Dawn and Ryan helping me. They were dressed in T-Shirts and were there to walk around the stadium along side me handing out leaflets. Dawn kept up but we lost Ryan somewhere in the crowd, the ladies love him..I was worried that I might have to pay a ransom to get him back but he eventually turned up. The guy with the mic read a scrip, which was nearly right, but what the heck....It was a really good experience. However I came over all shy...yes....shy and couldn't face looking into the crowd, who were clapping in appreciation, which was very nice. Apparently my niece, Lucy O’Brien was shouting me from the stands, but I couldn't hear her….sorry Lucy. James Evan took some footage on his camera, which I’ve uploaded. Sky would not let me film the event as they have the rights to do so……I know but that’s the rules. I appreciate Warrington Wolves giving me the opportunity to promote my ride.
I was out cycling on Saturday and as usual was cycling merrily away without a care in the world. I often get shouts from people in cars as I cycle along but they tend not to be that intelligent. It’s usually a wow, boo or maybe a grrrrr, but this particular passenger slowly wound down his window as he approached and softly said ‘anal bleaching. I nearly fell off my bike laughing…..thanks mate you made my day. Not that I’m going to do it but it was original and funny....I don't mind comments if they make me laugh. I had to explain to a friend what it was. The best way to explain it was to ask them to imagine what would happen if they sat in a bowl of Detol……not advised.
The days are really passing by. I’ve decided to not take a tent or sleeping bag with me….don’t worry I’m still getting them but I’m buying them in the states. I’ve been on line and there are a few good camping shops in San Francisco. It will save me taking the extra weight on the plane. I arrive there on the Friday so I will be able to do some shopping on the Saturday before I leave on the Sunday. I know it’s cutting it fine but that's what I'm usually like anyway.
I keep getting really bad butterflies as I think about the ride...lets call it nervous excitement but many people will recognise it as sh*ting myself.
I am going to put up my intended route on the website tomorrow. I say intended because I don't really know as yet what it is. I will cycle East and see what happens....that's what I love a foolproof strategy.
I've been on the Google Map page and looked at the places I will be traveling through....interesting. There are some really desolate places, but I'm not too worried about that, it's usually my association with people that gets me into trouble....I could tell you some stories. I should let you know something that I should have mentioned before...I'm not a great lover of the dark....and it's going to be very dark. Perhaps it's a childhood thing, the bogeyman and all that. When I was a child there used to be a cupboard at the top of our stairs which I hated walking past, but only during the night. Eerie sounds beckoned me as I stared at the handle waiting for it to turn but never did. I now realise that the sound was the old cistern groaning away as my mum aired her 'all in ones'. I've got a very fertile imagination and total darkness brings out the worst in me....plus I'm a bit of a mard-arse.

A really productive few days

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 got quite emotional as they all waved goodbye….a hint of things to come.
I was really nervous about Saturday in the town centre. I had never done anything like this before and wasn’t sure how it would turn out. I must say it was a fantastic success and a brilliant day out. It was a bad start as I lost my keys so had to cycle home to find them. They were outside my back door. I’d dropped them as I tried, with gloved hands to put them in my pocket. It started to rain as I cycled back to town and I thought that it would be a bit of a washout but in the end it was really sunny….I got a really red face. Sun block is definitely on my list. Martin from the Borough Council was really helpful and made our task easier…cheers Martin whatever the council are paying you it’s not enough.
It was only when I’d been cycling on my static roller for quite a while that I realised that three guys from the Army Air Corps had turned up and were collecting for me. I got into contact with them through Help For Heroes. Sorry lads I can’t remember your names, I was chasing my**e as usual but I will tell everyone who you are once I get to know. They looked fantastic in their uniforms and people were throwing money at them. It is at these times when you truly appreciate how much the members of our armed forces are appreciated by most of the British public and it made the hairs on the back on my neck stand on end. ….brilliant. I genuinely did not think that we would collect any money. I thought that the day would promote the ride and I was happy with that. Throughout the day we were inundated with people wanting to contribute. The appearance of ‘Wolfie’, the Warrington Wolves iconic mascot made all the difference. I could not believe how many people he attracted, amazing. Apart for the obvious children who wanted to meet him he had his bottom felt by at least four women…he’s coming out with me on our next night out. I have photos of punk rockers….yes they still exist, begging for a photo with Wolfie….he appeals to the masses.
I cycled over twenty five miles on my rollers, which probably does not sound a lot, but considering I was chatting to loads of people and doing other stuff it wasn’t bad. I came off the rails a couple of times but I didn’t have any injuries, which is a result. The buckets were filling nicely and I met loads of really interesting characters. I met a couple of Americans from Arizona. They asked if I was selling T-Shirts, which I wasn’t but with hindsight I should have given them one of the ones I had printed for the students who helped me.
I was amazed how many people approached me who had ridden across America. They gave me some sound advice, which was much appreciated. It is always nice to know that people have achieved what you want to do….it makes it seem more achievable.
What really impressed me on Saturday was the reaction from ‘teenagers’. We constantly hear negative stories about the youth of today. ( I sound like an old git…..I am) There were occasions when I was approached by large groups of fifteen to eighteen year olds when I thought ok we have a problem. I am ashamed to say I thought the worst….how wrong could I be. Every teenager, without exception gave me support and offered their sincerest wishes for my challenge, a group even danced with Jo for the cameras….brilliant.
Saturday was a fantastic day and there are so many people I want to thank: Jo, for shouting all day….in a nice way, Jenny for bringing Wolfie, Greg and everything else to the occasion, Nicola for shaking her bucket, oh hey……Dawn and Brian, past students who are still willing to contribute, Donna, a good friend who drove me everywhere, Liz, who danced all day and her little boy who sat there with infinite patience, James for technical support…..he should come with me to America to make sure everything is working ok, Leanne, my Broadcast Journalism student who did most of the filming on the day….good stuff too and Antony, who wore the T-Shirt even though it was two sizes too small….you are a legend mate and long may it continue.
The thing I like most about this project is the people I have got to know. Friends, colleagues and even people I have never previously met. I know it sounds naff but charity work brings out the best in people. It’s not about money or power it’s about being who you are….and you were all brilliant, cheers.

An interesting day

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 not a mechanic so after kicking the tyres and tutting as I shook my head (I've watched the professionals) I decided that the best thing to do was to push the car off the road as it was causing a massive jam....why no one else offered to help is beyond me. Eventually a couple of other guys came forward and we pushed away. I don't know what was worse, cycling against the wind for miles or pushing a car up a curb....my knees knew...the car every time. As I cycled away I was glad that I don't have a car. I know what you are going to think....smug git....true. Cyclists everywhere will understand, after being nearly run over bumped into and generally abused by frustrated want to be racers, usually old guys with sports cars and very small, well you know the saying, angry van drivers and buses we love it when they break down....or is it just me.
I've been organising the event for Saturday in Warrington Town Centre. I've got the Wolfie costume from Warrington Wolves. Yes I too was devastated to find out that Wolfie wasn't real. He either has another costume or the other Wolfie is doing their match on Saturday naked...might bring in bigger crowds.
I've been given a CD of the charity song. I'm doing the video this week and need something to 'mime' to. I've been told that under no circumstances must I give the CD to anyone until the release date....It feels all rather rock and roll...I'm loving it.
It is really a catchy tune. I played it to my Uncle Ken and Auntie Hilda.....I know but they are very special people and it doesn't count. They really liked it. Uncle Ken has a really good singing voice so his positive comments really meant something to me. I can't wait until the video is done...if nothing else it will be a blast. The team at work have worked hard to produce the song and everyone involved, students and staff alike have been absolutely fantastic. I know it probably sounds a bit naff but there are some really good people about and it makes me really happy....cheers everyone.

Lovely weekend

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, but it is good training. The ride back was great, the wind behind me, which makes a change as it usually changes direction when I'm riding, or is that just my imagination? It took me about twenty minutes less on the way back.
I've edited the footage of the singers doing the backing vocals. It's only a short one and it gives you some idea of the fun we had. I'm organising the video for the final record this week so I should have something for the weekend....does that sound like something a barber would say? It's a bloke thing.
I've been to Warrington Wolves today to see about cycling around the ground when they play Wigan...hopefully everything will be sorted this week. I have picked up my shirts for the weekend, when I am promoting the bike ride in the Centre of Warrington. Come along and have a chat, it should be fun and I need as much support as possible. We are there from 10.00am until 5.00pm, then it's off to the pub, shandies only for me.
I'm having a practice on the cycle rollers today. I don't want to fall off on Saturday and I'm also using the rollers in the music video that we are filming this week. I think that it will be quite funny....it is in my head anyway, I just hope that it comes out like that.

Backing singers

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 correctly was her usual professional self. The surprise in the pack was Liz 'WOW! what a voice' Johnson, she was brilliant. Trevor from catering brought us a bit of Elvis, but no butties and then 'left the building'. Antony, one of my students sang all the right notes....not necessarily in the right order but he was giving it loads and he really enjoyed himself, which is all I asked for. Johnathan Wernham, god bless him managed to survive the whole session without sustaining any injuries, or appealing for a penalty. You have to play on the staff football team to understand what I am talking about.
We even had ex-students returning to make an appearance, thanks Dawn. She had trouble with her car but still managed to be at the studio on time, brilliant. Dave Grimshaw, my colleague at the university looked every inch the iconic singing idol......the guy is so photogenic he always looks good...I hate him, only joking. Russ 'Dancing on Ice' Dyson led the way with a supreme performance that may become folk law, it will be talked about forever...well at least until the end of today.
Dominic helped with the camerawork, it's us guys behind the lens shun the glory, but work really hard. cheers Dominic. Then there was the legend that is Phil 'The rock god' Creaghan. Dressed for the part, hair grown to a suitable length (he can sit on it...no it's not a wig) and the voice like a fire eater chewing gravel, he came he saw and he conquered......or he might have been playing conkers...what every it was he was fantastic. Behind the scenes Andy and Jim once again worked their magic. Thank god for talented people.
All in all it was a really good afternoons work.

Bank Holiday Weekend

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 to Darsbury, about five miles from where I live. It absolutely poured down. I don't mind the rain, you can only get so wet then it doesn't really matter, but this was very heavy. I had to take my cycling glasses off as I couldn't see where I was going. It passed after about ten minutes and all was fine again. I did call to see my Uncle Ken but I was so wet I couldn't really sit and chat, so it was a fleeting visit to see how he was.
I've done some riding over the weekend but not a lot. I seem to have caught this bug that lots of other people have....not swine flu..more man flu, which is much worse as all men will tell you.
Every time I log onto my web site I see the clock counting down and it's really scary. I can't believe how fast the days are passing by. At this rate I will be home before I set off.....I know that's impossible but that's how it feels. It's the same with traffic lights, I am quite intelligent and I know that it cannot be true but I always get the feeling that there are little men in traffic light signals who wait for me to come along so they can turn to red...or even worse when on red they wait until I have twisted my foot out of the cleats on my peddles and put my foot down on the road until they change to green. I have tried slowing down, nearly to a stop as I approach a red signal. No matter how long I take the lights always stay red until I have put my foot on the floor, just as I do they change.....do you think I am getting paranoid?
I have received some fantastic cycling clothes from the company Dominic,s dad works for. Dominic is one of my students who is helping with the charity ride. The company is called ZYRO LTD and they have been really generous. The gear that they have given to me is fantastic and fits really well, it is so comfortable. It should make my ride easier...if not I should look the part as I suffer.
I am in the Centre of Warrington on Saturday 16th May trying not to fall off my bike. Come along and support the ride, or just watch me fall flat on my a**e. I will be on a rolling roller, or whatever you call them. It is basically a set of static rollers so that I can cycle on the spot...It's really hard.I am also cycling around the Halliwell Jones Stadium before the Warrington/Wigan match on Friday 22nd May. I am really nervous about that one. I understand the need to promote the ride but the idea of riding around a packed stadium is quite daunting......please be gentle with me.
I have included a short video of the charity song recording made last week. It was fun to do and hopefully may get some publicity.Have a look and see what you think.