Am tired..spelt with a capital K

The motel I stayed i was nice, very clean and comfortable. However as I was settling to bed there were some people from the next room talking loudly and keeping me awake. I'd seen the guy who occupied the room as I went to mine, he was a massive Mexican, probably had a gun...or was that in my imagination. I jumped up and down on my bed and shouted"OK baby who loves a bit of Wayneo then" and a few other naughty comments. It went very quiet next door, I suspect that they were listening. Thing is I was asleep two minutes later....nothing unusual there then. I don't know where it came from, I never talk during sex,except maybe to apologise. At least I got a god nights sleep.
I met John from Channel 10, he was very nice and we did quite a few shots of me riding and chatting, it was good fun. I had some breakfast before I left Sacramento, which was fantastic....and that's where it all started t go downhill, or in this case up hill. I was fine initially then I go a puncture, my first one. I hit a grid (drain cover)and half a mile later I got that sickening feeling when your back wheel starts to slip and slide, a sure sign of a flat tyre. I fixed it under the watchful eye of Channel 10.
It was relatively flat until Plymouth then it started to climb and when I say that I mean very step. There were a few occasions when I saw dogs, not behind a fence this time, but it was too hot for them to chase me. It was a little scary though when they started barking at each other as if to pass the message on....meals on wheels approaching, ready wrapped in Lycra.
I was exhausted by about eight o clock, and miles from anywhere. I decided to camp just off road in the woods. I was too tired to worry about bears, dogs or anything else by that time. I put up my new tent and after making a complete bollocks of it at first it was easy to put up. There were some strange noises throughout the night...and that was just inside my tent, it must be these high energy bars I'm eating. At one point I'm sure I recognised the tune...yanky doodle dandy...I must have frightened all the animals away, in fact I heard something running through the bushes, but it was going away from me so I wasn't worried.

The Road to Sacramento

Day Two
Today's distance: 97.5 miles
Time on saddle: 7.49hrs
Overall distance covered: 167.5 miles

Had a great sleep last night, before I came on this trip I hadn't been sleeping well, cycling across America is the cure...not sure it's good for everyone but it works for me. I was chased by my first dog today, it was massive. Luckily it was behind a fence, but it chased me for about half a mile along the fence. It had a key on its collar, I was a bit worried when we came to a gate....it couldn't open it though...not that clever are they.
I went through some lovely countryside today. The Napa valley is famous for its vineyards, miles and miles of them...impressive. As I past Winter, a lovely town near to Sacramento I went into an Irish pub...they get everywhere don't they. My water was running low and it was probably an excuse to get out of the sun. I fancied a Guinness but when I saw that they had cold lager it was too much to resist. I only had the one, but it was lovely. Have you ever seen that war film starring John Miles. A group of service men and one woman, Sylia Simms, drive a lorry across the desert to Alexander. When they get there, four lagers are put on the bar. It's a great scene where John Miles drinks the cold lager and the look of pleasure on his face says it all. That was me today, although I'm probably more like Sylvia Simms than John Miles, especially in my Lycra...I don't care. The lady who owned the pub asked me what I was doing , and what it was for. She very kindly gave me twenty dollars as a donation, brilliant..the lager was fantastic too. Another kind person I've met on my travels, there are millions of them.
I had my usual daily embarrassing moment. I crossed a bridge and not really knowing which way to go I asked the only person I had seen for miles, a black girl of about eighteen. She asked me where I was from and where I was going. I told her that I wanted to go to Sacramento but intended to carry on my ride to New York. She was amazed and put her hand in the air. I looked round I thought she was waving to someone. When I turned back to face her the hand was still raised. It dawned on me that she wanted a 'high five'. I slapped her hand with mine with as much gusto as I could muster and I even heard myself saying Yo! It doesn't quite work with an Orford accent. I bumped into four guys and a girl, all medical students traveling to Minnesota. There was also a young girl who was cycling to Davis, a town about twenty miles away, she was struggling. She had planned to travel to New york with her friend, who she was meeting in Davis...She might not make it...but then again I might not?
I got in touch with John, Sarah's ex-boyfriends, he sounds very nice and I am meeting him tomorrow at 9.00am. He said the local channel are very interested in my story and want to do an item...sounds good.
It's a pain not being able to ride on the freeway, but at least the scenery is beautiful. It's just that it is sometimes difficult to work out where the road are going. Get a map I hear you say....done it, in fact I've got two. It's a fact that women are poor when it comes to map reading, apparently it has something to do with the part of the brain that does that type of stuff...very academically put I think...not. I'm thinking of changing my name to Brenda because I can't read a map either...and before you guys say anything...yes I did have the map the right way up.
I stopped at a cafe for something to eat about lunchtime...obviously. I asked for a cup of tea, which I've not had since I was in England. For anyone who doesn't know me I am Mr tea belly. I never say no to nice cup of tea...this wasn't very nice. It had a peculiar perfume taste to it...and it was a regular tea bag. Won't be having another one until I get home...put the kettle on Phil.

Getting out of San Francisco

I got up nice and early so that I could have a good start. My speedo wasn't working, which seemed odd, perhaps it was damaged in transit, at least it wasn't anything serious. I had to find a cycle shop, which wasn't too difficult, the problem was they didn't open until 11.00am. I had to hag around for four hours. I went for some breakfast in quite a nice district, even though it looked rough. I had breakfast outside so that I cold keep an eye on my bike. The guy who served me was interested in what I was doing but thought I was a little mad...that happened a lot today.
After breakfast I still had loads of time until the shop opened. I went for a coffee in another part of the area. As I was waiting I could See an old guy looking at my bike...I thought he wanted to steal it, but he looked too frail. I would have probably had to help him cog on...I've got that thought in my head now...go away horrible image.
As I sat and drank my coffee he approached and asked if my cycle was English. I told him it was. It turns out he's a admirer of English cycles and knew Dawes well...I suppose it beats train spotting....sorry Phil. We chatted for ages and he complimented me on my cycle, cheers Dawes, you have a new fan. He thought what I was doing was fantastic and he said he was jealous. He was a real character and I could have talked to him for ages. However the shop beckoned. All the bike shops I've been into over the lat couple of days absolutly love my panners, they've got nothing like them here. Cheers The Bike Factory.
I bought a new speedo, quite expensive but I need it. I bought a pole for my flags, I look very 'British Explorerish' now... and everyone I spoke to loved it.
Getting out of San Francisco is really hard...if you are on a bike. You can't travel on the highways.I was going to get the ferry the Oakland,so I didn't have to go right round the bay, but I thought that was cheating so I cycled over the Golden Gate Bridge and continued north, and West, then North again. In fact I went all over the place. As I cycled through the city there were even more nutters than I'd previously seen. One black guy stood in the road of an incredibly busy street shooting an imaginary machine gun at traffic, sound effects as well. The traffic stopped so as not to knock him down. I would have been there still but I think he ran out of imaginary ammunition...bizarre. Cycling through the city is an interesting experience. Try to imagine cycling through Manchester with your eyes closed...that's what its like. Motorists there seem to like peeping their horns...especially at me. I suppose I'll have to get used to that driving on the other side of the road...I will get better honest....or die trying.
I lost one of my gloves. I was going to wear just one but I felt like a white Michael Jackson...well you know what I mean. He's whiter than me nowadays. I asked four girls to take my picture near the Golden Gate Bridge. I didn't particularly ask them because they were girls, they just happened to be walking by. Do you remember when your mum talked about you to her friend, neighbour or the doctor as if you are not there. There were the same. I'm not going to tell you what they said but I was really embarrassed, cute came up again...what is it about the Americans...everyone is cute...perhaps its the accent.
I was shown directions by many people today, some better than others. I had a map but it was very local. I need to expand the map. Two guys very kindly cycled with me to show me which way to go, which was very much appreciated. I eventually got to Petaluma, after having to trace my steps about four times. There is nothing worse than having to cycle back up a very steep hill. As I entered the town I asked a young guy of about nineteen or twenty the way to a cheap motel. I wanted to use the internet. It turned out that his mother was from Warrington. He was born there but moved to the states when very young. It's a small world isn't it. He said that his mothers accent was just like mine.
I found it really frustrating today. There were so many hills, which isn't a problem but when you go the wrong way it's really hard cycle up the hill once more. There were a couple that were very steep and I could only do about three to four miles an hour. The hills were three miles to six miles long. It took me forever to get up them....to be honest I felt quite chuffed that I did just over 70 miles today, especially after my late start. I did it in just over seven hours. I know ten miles an hour isn't very fast....but those hills took it out of me. There were a few cyclists who said I wouldn't get to Petaluma in time...but I did. I'm not fast, or particularly strong but I'm a stubborn sod. I fell off my bike at the Golden Gate Bridge, or just before. My pannier caught the kirb as I stopped to dismount. I had my left foot ready for the dismount but the impact through me over the other way. I went down like a bag of sh*t. Have you seen the rugby league players react when they get tackled. They wriggle to get up but can't because someone is holding them down. It always looks so funny to me....sorry Paul. One of my shoes was still in the cleate and I couldn't get it out....graceful it wasn't. I cut my right knee, the one I've had trouble with. It's a bit sore but I don't know if it's the fall or what it was before. I went through a forest of massive redwood trees, dark and very impressive. There were a couple of old shack type houses...I could hear the banjo playing and I thought I heard someone squeal like a pig..obviously it was in my imagination. I peddled like the clappers.
I didn't get here until it was dark so I decided to get a motel. I wanted to use the internet as well. Although it took seven visits to the reception, which is about one hundred yards away from my room, and a room switch until I actually got internet access.
I need to look at Google Map to see which way I'm going tomorrow. Hopefully I can head east and start to go home.

San Fransisco

I hardly slept last night but I was expecting that. I just hope I don't fall asleep for a few days like I did last time I came to the USA. I can't afford the time. Although I've not started my ride yet I seem to have ridden for miles today. I am knackered so please forgive me if there are any mistakes, again.
I got up quite early today and wen to search for a camping and cycling shop, I found both. There were quite a few people on the streets when I was riding through, all of them seemed to be nutters. They must get up early....what am I saying, I was up early too...OK I agree I'm a nutter too. It was like Orford but with sunshine.
I managed to get tent and a sleeping bag, the guy congratulated me on choosing such quality items. I thought that I'd won a prize or something, you know, the one millionth customer or something. It turned out that was the 'American way' I prefer the tw**s who serve me at home at least you know they are genuine. Saying that I met some really nice people today there were a number of ladies who greeted me as I came back to my hotel early evening. They kept asking me if I wanted a fix....nothing was broken as far as I was concerned. Do you think they know something I don't. A funny thing happened. A police car approached and when I turned to where I'd come from not one lady was visable....perhaps they went to fix what was broke somewhere else.
I must say I like San Francisco, its a bit like Blackpool on speed. Like every city there are some beautiful places but there are some shi*holes too. Whatever you say about our national health and social care system it is a lot better than most....trust me.
I still don't know how I'm going to get out of the city. I asked a guy at the bike shop today and he suggested the train. I laughed, he wasn't kidding. The people over here have something in common with some people back home...they all think I'm a nutter....so?
I think I have everything now so it's off in the morning. I am not going to officially start from one particular point...what's the point?...clever play on words there. knackered but still clever....ish.
I've included some pics of today ...enjoy.

Still awake...can't sleep

It's 4.35am and I'm still buzzing from the flight. I am really tired but I cant sleep. I thought that I would show you some pics. There are pictures of my room at the Nob Inn, sorry still find it funny. I've started to unpack my bike but I don't want to make too much noise. What would the neighbours think, a guy on his own in a room with a bike shouting "come on you bugger" and the sound of ripping?
It's funny I came to San Francisco eleven years ago and I always remember the smell of the houses and hotel room, it's not changed. It's not a bad smell but it's there.....maybe its called fresh air?
As you can see I got my Computer to work, I am so relieved. Anything electrical usually goes wrong when I touch it. James has show me loads of times what to do and I'm still unsure. Thanks for your patience James and I may be calling you at some point. Talk quick though it will be costing me a fortune.
I think I've brought somethings that I won't be needing, only small things but they count up when it comes to weight so I may ditch them.
This is just a short one as I'm going to try and get some sleep before I'm up early trying to buy a tent and sleeping bag.....oh and there's food too...and water...you get the gist it's going to be a busy day...night night.

Arrived in San Francisco

The journey begins
I hardly slept last night; it was late when I got to bed. By the time I’d finished all my packing and tidied the house up, I don’t want the burglars to think I’m not house-proud, it was 1.30am. I was up at 6.00am…. knackered but buzzing at the same time. It seems a little surreal. The last few months have passed really quickly and now I’m on my way.
James and Jenny called right on time. I couldn’t open the door because I’d misplaced my keys…that’s posh for lost them. Hopefully not an indication of things to come. The journey down to the airport was great, hardly any traffic on the roads, it was worthwhile starting early. I started with hay fever this morning and my eyes were a little watery…that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
I took my boxed bike to the checkout and was a little apprehensive. The guy checking my passport asked me where I was going and how long for. When I told him he seemed genuinely interested and said he’d love to come with me. I wasn’t sure if it was an encouraging word or a proposal... it’s started already.
My bike was overweight. I’m sure that I read it was 26 kilos per bag, but apparently it was 23 kilos… my bike weighed in at a hefty 28 kilo…. I should never have packed that extra pair of undies. As I went to pay the lady she asked me what I was doing and decided to waver the charge for the charity. That was very kind and much appreciated.
The kindness continues and makes it all worthwhile. I was really relieved to get my bike checked it. Now I could relax a little. I took Jenny and James into the café area for a massive ‘big breakfast’ the mushroom was the biggest I’ve ever seen. I thought it was a water lily. Jenny said that she couldn’t manage a big breakfast and would have the standard size, which was considerably smaller “I won’t be able to eat all that’ she protested then went on the finish the whole lost with gusto….go Jen go.
We took a few photos and then departed. I felt quite emotional. It was really nice of them to come and see me off. I received some really encouraging massages and phone calls from quite a few people and it me realise what a great bunch of friends I have. Cheers everyone.
I’m halfway to the start point of my ride, San Francisco and the seating arrangements have been great. I had a whole row of seats to myself. I even had the chance to have sleep. Never done that before. I am having trouble getting a network signal, even at Manchester Airport. I hope everything is going to be OK and I can send stuff back, or its carrier pigeon.
It’s beginning to dawn on me what is ahead. No going back now, not that I want to. In fact I can’t wait to start. From here it homeward bound. I just hope my cycle is OK when it comes off the plane. I was going to write a pleading message on the box about being gentle and the charity ride but it might make the matters worse, so I left it. The FRAGILE sticker should give them a clue.
I changed plane at New York and its started to go down hill. As I was queuing to get onto the plane I could hear a baby, probably about ten months old crying hysterically. I thought which poor sod are they going to sit next to....you guessed it, me. He looked adorable and stopped crying for about three minutes while his harassed mother fed him some concoction that looked very orange. I was hoping it was drugs to keep him quiet. He laughed even more hysterically than when he was crying...when he sneezed and covered me from head to toe in orange coloured spit and snot.
This part of the flight was nearly six hours long and he cried for five and a half of those. I wanted to put my headphone on to listen to the film, to drown out the devil child, but I trapped the cord in my seat and when I pulled the ear pieces came off. I was too embarrassed to ask for any more. He only stopped when we landed at San Francisco Airport, the poor mite....not him, me.
I got a taxi to the hotel. It was called the Encore Express, which was cheap and cheerful. On arriving at the door and once the taxi had buggered off I was informed by a notice on the door that I had to get a key from a hotel round the corner called the Nob Inn Hotel, I kid you not. My life is like a Carry On film. I half expected Babara Windsor to be standing at the reception. I tried to carry my heavy box up the hill through two sets of traffic light but decided to see if anyone could let me leave my box at the reception of the Encore....keep with me and I get there in the end. Luckily two guests were coming out so that is what I managed to do. I went to the Nob Inn...I laugh every time I say it, childish I know but funny. The lady there told me I'd been upgraded to the Nob In, sorry there I go again. I had to trek back and collect my box. On the way back to my new residence I was standing at the first set of traffic lights when two transvestites stood next to me, waiting to cross or was it cross-dress, sorry couldn't resist that. They looked like Irish Navvies, one had a broken nose and from the way he walked it was obvious that he was a pre-op. He walked like John Wayne. The ugly one, there wasn't much in it, said to me' I love a man with a big box" I wanted to say something witty but just blushed and smiled. You know what my smile looks like. My lips stuck to my teeth and I couldn't close my mouth. I looked like a demented bulldog. He asked me what was in the box and I told him. "Are you Australian"? I was tempted to say no but I'm big down under but decided not to. 'No I'm English" 'You're so cute" he replied. I have never been called cute since I was pushed around in a pram by our Wendy.
The Nob Inn, sorry done it again, is really nice. I have been traveling since seven o'clock yesterday morning, over twenty four hours. I'm a little tired so I'll sign off.
I used to go out with a girl, surprised aren't you. Never listen to gossip. When we went out it always ended up a bit of a farce, something would go horribly wrong and we'd end up really embarrassed but pissing ourselves laughing. She used to say "another day out with me and Wayne", I won't mention her name she might be embarrassed. Well it's happening again and I've not even started yet. Hang on this should be fun

Nearly time to go

It has been an interesting couple of days. Yesterday I was interviewed by Granada TV news. Jenny, our radio technician and the voice of an angel on the charity record used her contacts in Granada TV to get them interested in the story, thanks Jen you are a star.
The filming was fun, and created a lot of interest. It will be on the news on Friday I hope. You will have to remember that I have a face for radio and be gentle with me.
After work a few of my colleagues came back to mine to finish off the booze from the party, Ken, my eldest brother came too, which was lovely. ….we tried to finish the beer but there is still some left. It’s a hard job but someone has to do it.
Today I went to do my final shopping for the trip. Thomas, my youngest son came with me and drove me all over the place, Tom you are a star. I went to look for some flags, one for each country I’m visiting. I want to put them on the back of my bike as I cycle along….childish I know but naw naw na na naw. I’ve got two. The Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes. Whites in the Warrington Market had some in stock and very kindly gave them to me for my charity ride. It is small gestures like that which make it all worthwhile. I keep going on about how nice people have been and I will never get fed up of telling you….it’s fantastic.
I was invited back to work at four fifteen today so that people could say goodbye. I was completely overwhelmed by the reception I received. The technician’s room has never been busier. They bought me a cake, with a picture of the charity ride on it and had ‘good luck’ massages all over the place…. thanks everyone it was very embarrassing but much appreciated.
Daniel my eldest son, who is in the army sent me a nice face book message to say that he was proud of what I was doing. He goes to Afghanistan in October, compared to that what I’m doing is easy peasy.
I received two shirts from Warrington Wolves Rugby Club. They are really nice and easy to wash and dry, just what I wanted, cheers lads and good luck in the semi-final.
It’s time to go. It is just about sinking in what is ahead and I’m really looking forward to it. The experience so far has been fantastic and hopefully it will get even better over the next couple of months… whatever happens I will tell you about it.