Isn't life funny

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....boys with camping toys, we never grow up. I was out in the garden with it last night. I bet the neighbours thought I was a sophisticated burglar. I've taken a couple of pictures with my new camera for you to look at. One is of the box that my bike is traveling in and the other is the bike my brother has let me have for a couple of days to get about before I go. Not exciting I know but it could have been worse...when I first got a camera phone my friends saw me in a new light if you know what I mean? It's really weird riding a mountain bike after riding gusher. I rode mountain bikes for years but now I'm a 'racer' fan. I suppose it's what you get used to.
I'm going to try and change my arrival date for finishing the ride. I will have to get in touch with the people at Peninsular Barracks to see if they are OK with the the arrangements. I've decided to do that because if I arrive home on Saturday 29th August, which is Rugby Challenge Cup Day and Warrington get through to the final, which I am confident they will then there will be no one to meet me. They will all be at Wembley watching the lads......so I've moved the date back a week to the 22nd August. It means that I will have to peddle a little faster but it will be worth it.
I will let you know what happens. I know it seems a little late altering the schedule but as I've told you it makes it more exciting. My plans are set in 'jelly' rather than stone and that's the way I like it.
I had so many butterflies in my stomach this morning I flew to work. I know I keep going on about this but I can't believe that I'm going on Friday.....pinch me someone...but leave my bike alone.
Mike Berry, my friend from Preston who runs Viva TV has put my music video on www.blip.tv an American website and it seems to be attracting some interest. It would be nice for the Americans to get interesting in what I'm doing as it would make my journey in the country more interesting.
Thomas, my youngest son has been running about for me over the last few days, he's bee a star. He is going to look after my house for me why I'm away. I've put plenty of beer in the fridge and actually tidied the house so he should be as happy as Larry....not that he drinks much. but I bet his mates do. I don't care what he does in the house on condition that he's safe, the house is livable when I get back and I get to see the photos. Seriously, he's a good lad and I'm confident that he will look after the place.
I've got a few friends coming to my house tonight for a quick drink before I go. I'm nipping down to Uncle ken's and Auntie Hilda's today to see them before I go. I call round pretty often and it will seem strange not to see them for a few months. Uncle Ken is really good on the computer so he will be able to keep an eye on what I'm doing.
In 1970 when my family went to live in New Zealand I remember visiting Uncle Ken and Auntie Hilda before we left....although I was only thirteen at the time I felt a mixture of sadness and excitement, I felt that it was the start of a great adventure. Thirty nine years later it feel exactly the same....isn't life funny. On that occasion I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I had highs and lows, laughter and tears, met great people and had some life changing experiences.... eventually we all came home safe and sound.....a result I'm more than happy to repeat.

Bike is packed away

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 cleates hidden away in the sole. They altered the tension on my peddle and I found that I had more movement, which is the result I wanted. I feel much happier now that is sorted.
Father Ian Delinger, our campus chaplain. He was the guy singing in the music video, and a great job he did. He sent me an email wishing me luck and offered to mention me in Friday's prayers. I was quite overwhelmed, no one has ever prayed for me before, certainly not with my knowledge. I must admit I am not overly religious but it won't do me any harm having God in my corner.Thanks Ian I am really touched by your gesture.
I sorted out most of the things I am taking away with me, not a large amount. I still think that I've forgot something....I will only realise what it is when I get on the plane, which is the usual way. I was looking at a tent in Chester but they wanted nearly three hundred pounds for one, which I thought was quite steep. I will have a look at tents when I get to America.
I've got some beer left so I've invited a few friends over to mine after work on Wednesday to finish it off....should be fun.
James, my work colleague has offered to take me to the airport on Friday morning, cheers James. He has a nice big car and we should fit the boxed bike into the boot, or should I start saying trunk now I'm going to America. I once got pulled up for speeding when I was in Nevada, the policeman cautiously approached my car as I lowered the window. I told him I was British and he seemed to relax. He asked me for my driving licence which I informed him was in the boot.....he couldn't get that one. It was like that scene in Little Briton where the weight class teacher, Marjorie Doors is asking the Asian lady to keep repeating what she says. He let me go without giving me a ticket after informing me that he had a friend in Scotland and did I know him. I was tempted to ask him if his name was jock but didn't want to push my luck.
I have spoken to loads of people who actually read my blog, I'm amazed. I know that's what is supposed to happen but it still amazes me.I had a guy from Argintina get in touch with me asking me for the lyrics to my song....his name was Enrique....as long as it wasn't Nigelo Cowelleo. I thought that my blog was just the ramblings of a frustrated adventurer with a Lycra fetish.....I know exactly what you are thinking and you are probably right.
It was my Auntie Hilda's birthday yesterday. Unfortunately I couldn't go for the meal, I had to work late but I went to her house for a drink after I'd finished. I had a really nice time......eighty one and still has a twinkle in her eye and a spring in her step... we left her and Uncle Ken alone about ten o'clock laughing and joking.....I hope she was gentle with him.
The last few days before the off and so much to do...so I'd better get doing.

The Party

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 bargains over the shop tanoy, was a scream. He was quite camp….kettle calling pot on my part. He couldn’t pronounce some of the words but it didn’t bother him, he just kept going. He was certainly an asset to the store and cheered me up no end. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen people laughing at the checkout.
The party was really good, there were a couple of no shows but it didn’t spoil the atmosphere, it was great. We showed the music video and everyone seemed to enjoy it. I even got a round of applause….but that was when it stopped. The beer flowed and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I can’t believe how much alcohol I’ve got left, everyone brought something although I’d told them that I had bought quite a lot of drink.
Antony filmed people giving me messages, which was very nice. I’ve uploaded a short video to let you have a look.
I went for a ride this morning, I did twenty five miles to see how my knee held up…..it was fine. I’m going to the Bike Factory tomorrow to have a service on my bike. I’m cycling down first thing in the morning and Thomas, my son is going to meet me in Chester. I was going to get my bike boxed but I’m going to ask them to just give me the empty box and pack it myself. I need to get used to my new cleats so I want to ride back to Warrington.
I’ve got a few busy days before I go to America. I’ve got student work to mark and two days of studio work with a school in Manchester. I suppose that it will keep me busy and stop thinking about the ride….not likely….I can’t think about anything else at the moment. I can’t believe that it has come around so quickly. This time next week I will be setting off from The Presidio in San Francisco……scary. Saying that I’ve been trying to get hold of the person who runs the base, without much luck. If the worst happens and I can’t set off from there I will just dip my toe in the waters of San Francisco Bay and set off towards `New York. I will obviously let you know what happens……and you will see the footage.

The video is on at last

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 trouble burning it onto DVD.God help me when I am in America. I can see me writing letters and sending them home by post, the good old fashioned way. Saying that when I was in California a number of years ago letters from home used to take ten day...my work colleague informed me that it was quicker by pony express, which took nine days to get across the continent.
It looks like the BBQ is not going to happen, it will just have to be a party, with the traditional buffet. Even if I say so myself my buffets are really appreciated....probably because everyone is pissed, but you have to take the compliments when you can get them.
At least it will do my plants the world of good.....why do people always say that. Plants have been surviving without our help for millions of years and we think that because it doesn't rain for a few days that they will perish. On the occasional drunken evening I've even had a wee on a few of the plants in the back garden, do they die...not on your Nelly...they thrive. perhaps that is the secret to a longer life....naw don't think I'll be trying that one.
I phoned the Bike Factory about my cleates, apparently I won't need to buy new shoes or peddles, just change my cleats. I'll believe it when I see it. I might cycle up on Sunday and have a chat with them.I've not been out for a good ride for what seems like ages. Sunday will be fun.
My friends Mike and Nigel came to film me on Friday for their internet TV channel, Viva TV. They got some really nice footage but I think I may have got one of the sponsors wrong.....pillock but what can you do. I will make it up to them.
Not long to go now, my last weekend in Warrington for a while.I can get quite homesick when I go away. I know it's silly but it just comes over me like a wave. At least I will be in contact with everyone while I'm away. Hopefully I will be too buy to miss home....but I doubt it.
My eldest son Daniel is home on leave this weekend too. He keeps going on about making sure I'm safe and get plenty of water. He's even giving me survival tips...."Dad, If you meet a woman, don't tell her where you are from or give out any contact details". I suspect that my English accent and the fact that I have my website address on the back of my cycling shirt may give the game away. I can't imagine I will be bothering anyway...after riding all day nicky-nacky-noo is going to be the last thing on my mind. It is ironic that he is worried about me when he's done a tour of Irag and is about to go to Afghanistan.....talk about getting your own back. Thomas, my youngest son is more chilled out. I'm not saying that he's not worried but he's quieter and doesn't always say how he feels...I'm going to miss them both a lot. It will be all worthwhile when they greet me at the finish line, I can't wait.

The Nut Cracker

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 tomorrow but I have a busy day at work so I won't have the time. I need some new cleates, which means I have to change my bike peddles and shoes. No bad timing with just over a week to go....trust me it's only the beginning. As long as Gusher doesn't let me down I will be OK.
I've shown the video to a few people at work and they seemed to like it, I hope you do. Remember to donate....every penny counts...I'm going on again, I'm sorry.
It's only a week away until I go...need a wee....sorry it makes me do that every time I think about it. I can't believe how fast it has come round. It only seemed like yesterday since I thought of the idea....do you think people would notice if I just went to Blackpool for the summer....only joking of course, I'm really excited. I'm more worried about this BBQ at the weekend. It's going to rain, apparently. It was supposed to be raining today but it's been great. I hope the weather forecasters are wrong for the weekend....Don't worry I've got a plan B....we'll all get piss wet through and have a wet tee-shirt competition, should be fun. No seriously I'm having a buffet as well as the normal BBQ stuff. I can't believe I'm discussing my catering arrangements. Honestly it will get more exciting that this.
I've received my new helmet today, it's fantastic. I was speaking to Jo, my colleague and the singer in the video, who was my first groupie. I showed her my new helmet and said that I didn't know how anyone could be so excited over a piece of plastic....she begged to differ, then laughed...I didn't even know she was a cyclist!
I've uploaded some pictures from the last of the filming. Cheers guys you were fantastic as usual and we had a scream....literally I fell off the rollers and squashed my 'riding tackle' against the crossbar of my bike. You wouldn't understand girls but it took a couple of seconds before the sickly feeling slowly rose from the pit of my stomach...and lower. It drove the tears from my eyes and I had the up most respect for anything within a foot of my nether regions for the next half hour. I don't suppose it helped that my Lycra pants had herded my testis into a coral like area making it easier to 'round them up' so to speak. Poor little mites they were rolling round like a pair of Chinese calmimg balls in the hands of a stressed out city banker.

The filming for the music video

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, crew must have alcohol after hard days filming or anytime the opportunity arises.Only joking but the beer was nice and cold. I haven't been cycling on the static rollers for a while and it took a bit of getting used to. I kept falling off, which was to be expected. After a while I stayed on track and peddled furiously as the group of watching regulars applauded. I suppose its not often that they get Lycra clad film makers in their pub, especially mid-afternoon.....riding a bike. Dawn had an fortunate accident and cut her finger as she held to saddle as I mounted my bike. A quick trip to the loo....no not for that...we ran her finger under the cold water and put a plaster on it. What a trooper she is, got right back on the horse and carried on, cheers Dawn.
The filming went really well. I'm putting the video on Youtube this weekend so you will be able to have a look. I've just got a little bit of filming to do tomorrow and that should be it. Thanks everyone for the filming day you were all stars.
I went to the doctors this morning about my knee. It's not serious but I just wanted to make sure that it was going to be OK, which is unusual for me as I don't really go to the doctors that much......I would have called sooner but I've been ill.
I told him about how sore my knee is after doing the ride on Sunday. He looked at his computer, looked at me and said "you are fifty one", which probably explains a lot.
He's put me on anti-inflammatory tablets for a month. it's funny how everyone seemed to blame things on your age. Fifty one is not old. My Auntie Hilda is eighty and she runs around like a spring chicken. I remember a few years ago I had taken my mum on a run out to Wales. I was looking into setting up something in a forrest....bizarre I know but that's al you are getting out of me...It meant that I had to walk through some really dense woodland up some pretty difficult slopes and over rough terrain. I told mum to wait in the car and I would be about half an hour. As I trudged the sodden undergrowth, it had been raining that morning, I began to feel that I was being watched. The forrest was quite dark, full of large closely packed pine trees. I told you about the my fear of the dark a few days ago....my imagination went to full throttle. Was it a beast from the depths of the undergrowth? Was it an assassin sent by a vengeful associate? A figure emerged from the mist.....it was my mum...worried about me. On the way back to the car I fell over three times....she was like a mountain goat, sure footed with a spring in her step, she could have been shoping around ASDA for all she cared....what a woman.

Frodsham Hill

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 that I'm going to experience on my journey.....I'm in trouble....only joking, it was OK but water is going to be a big issue, or lack of it. The ride up Frodsham Hill was interesting. As you can see from my pictures I was rather hot when I go to the top. After a short respite and a banana I carried on to Chester, where I enjoyed a pastie and a Eccles Cake at the side of the River Dee. I know I should eat more healthily but they taste really nice. The ride back home was against the wind....you know how I hate the wind. I just hope its always behind me when I travel across America, some hope.
I think that I may have to stop using my clates. My right foot seems to be held at an angle that is slightly uncomfortable and it's affecting my knee. I've had trouble with it this weekend. When I got back from my ride on Sunday, about fifty five miles in length it was really sore. That's the last thing I want. Typical, I've been training since December without any injuries, with two weeks to go my knee starts to play up. Never mind I will have to cycle with one leg. It reminds me of a 'Night Watchman'....now he would probably be called a 'Nocturnal Security Consultant'... who used to chase me and my friends off the local building sites many years ago years ago. Padgate Camp, an derelict Second World War army base was our playground. He was obviously a war veteran, which many old watchmen were and he couldn't bend one of his legs, probably because of a war injury. This didn't stop him from riding like an Olympic Cyclist. I remember him casing me and shouting"I know where you live". I was terrified and all I could think about was 'how does he know where I live' The thought of him knocking on our door was unimaginable....my dad would have killed me.
Less than two weeks to go and the clock seems to be moving round faster. I looked at it on the website this morning and thought it was a fan. Never mind sooner I go the sooner I get back, one of my mums old sayings when she used to send me to the shop for two ounce of boiled ham and half an ounce of Golden Virgina for my dad. I used to insist that she counted to see how fast I could run...with the list in my head along with the 'Co-Op divi-number,15901. You have to be a certain age to appreciate the importance of not forgetting that number. I would run like the wind and gleefully relish the fact that I ran it in a miraculous time of 78 seconds, not bad for half a mile....happy times... it was really embarrassing because I was twenty eight at the time.