An unbelievable day

Day 26
Distance travelled: 110 miles
Time in saddle: 8hrs 33 mins
Overall distance travelled: 2371 miles

I woke up pretty early but didn't get out of bed straight away. Steve had been up late sorting out a new route form me so I was conscious of the fact that he would have been up pretty late. It was past twelve when I went to bed...I know it was a few hours after that he finally called it a night. Breakfast was cereals and a cup of tea, just what the doctor ordered. We went to the county fair last night and it seemed a buzzing place. I have never seen so many young guys with cowboy hats on...Apparantly there was bull tossing...don't ask, it had finished by the time we got there...thank god. They are massive, you have got to be a nutter just to go near one...never mind tos....never mind.
We then went to Wall Mart....tea, coffee, food, clothes...guns. I know I couldn't believe it. My local Co-op struggles to get bread.
In the morning I said my goodbyes to Steve and Cannon and he cycled with me to the edge of town...Steve not the dog.
The good thing about not cycling on the interstate is that you get to go through some beautiful countryside and past some really quaint towns. I passed through two major cities before I got more countryside. In Springfield I was taking a photograph of the state building when I was approached by Richard, a nice guy who chatted with me about my ride. He then took some photos and we parted. It's amazing when you travel how meeting can be so random, yet so interesting....brilliant.
I was having a break at a petrol station/shop in the middle of nowhere when I decided to phoned my Uncle Ken. After chatting to him a guy approached and said he recognised my accent. He was from Wourster and had lived in America with his American wife for five years. He asked me how it was going and gave me some advice about my trip...his name was Gary, the same as my twin brother.
The last five miles into Arthur was against the wind, which made it hard but it was well worth the effort. Steve had phoned ahead and booked a room for me in Martha's Vineyard, a bead a breakfast place in Arthur...a famous Hamish community. Apparantly he had tol Martha about my trip.
As I approached the house I was conscious of the fact that they may have dogs, especially after the doggy incident at that motel.
I was expected and Marsha came out to greet me. She was fantastic and seemed genuinely pleased to see me. She informed me that she would not be charging me for the room, which was unbelievably luxurious and she even gave me a donation for the charity ride....Martha is an extremely attractive woman and she even went out and bought me some beer.......there is a god. I was absolutely overwhelmed....I keep saying this but the world is full of amazing people and it is beyond my capability to describe in words how humbled I am by their generosity.....completely utterly amazing people. Martha introduced me to her husband, Geoff and her family, who were equally as nice. After a shower we all went to the county fair and I even had a ride on the big slide....first time in forty odd years. They even arranged for me to have a ride in a Hamish buggy...weird but exciting. The young lad allowed us to photograph him and his horse...unheard of in normal circumstances.. We went back to the house for a few drinks and now it's to bed. An unbelievable day....unbelievable people and an unbelievable experience..thank you so much to everyone who has been involved and I will never forget it.

Stopped by the police...again

Day 25
Distance travelled: 83.8 miles
Time in the saddle: 7hrs 21 m ins
Overall distance travelled: 2260.7 miles

I managed to wash all my clothes last night. The motel had an all night launderette service...up all night washing my smalls...Ok then bigs. I also had a swim in the pool...alone, it was a bit freaky. I am not a lover of swimming on my own. I always imagine something to be in the water....vivid imagination or seeing to many horror films.
The day started well and I was travelling down the 36 without a care in the world. I notice a massive sign that said 'guns save lives' scary. Remind me not to argue with anyone in this state. I was stopped by the police again for cycling on the Interstate. It was slightly confusing because it was still the 36, but it was also the Interstate. I knew that it was a bit dodgy but I decided to risk it. The policeman was very nice...he was very small but immaculately turned out....like a little toy soldier. I wanted to put him in my pocket and cycle off. He had a very strong Missouri accent and I expected him the say"step away from the ve-hicle" but he didn't. He was ever so polite and even escorted me off the freeway, following me in his car. I've never had a police escort before. It was like being driven out of town in the film Rambo. I had to do a detour, which was more interesting because I had to go through some really lovely countryside and some very quaint towns. I stopped at a small garage and it was crowded with people, all sat down and having a chat. I don't know where they came from. The place only had a bout two houses. Perhaps it was their night out. It was a bit like 'small town America' but it was interesting to see.
I was cycling along the road when a crop spraying plane flew over my head...it was about twenty feet from the floor...amazing. I felt like Carry Grant in that film North by Northwest...it was the same crop as the film, maze. I don't think Carry Grant had a bike...sort of ruins it really....but you know what I mean.
I was gagging for a cold drink. The water in my bottle was warm. The next town was miles away and then I saw a shop on the horizon. It turned out to be a CB Radio shop....no cold drink. It was shut anyways the opening hours were 10-4.... get it....well I keep trying.Seriously though it was a real shop and it was closed.
I eventually arrived in Jackson ville after what seemed like a long day. I asked a guy who was mowing his lawn if he could direct me to a cheap motel. He said" why don't you stay here" I thought he was joking but he wasn't. Steve and his wife Tiffany are photographers, who do mostly weddings. Tiffany was out of town but Steve had a spare bedroom and I was welcome to stay. It's absolutely brilliant how some people are so kind. They have a dog called cannon....who is a stray...hope he doesn't 'go off again' get it...cannon...oh please yourself. I was little dissappointed that I didn't get to Springfield today but things have turned out pretty good. I will have to check the route on Google. I can't afford to get pulled over again. This policeman checked my identity. I know it's not Bonny and Clyde but it will be on record. I can't keep playing the confused visitor.
I spoke to Daniel and Thomas again today. MY phone is playing up. One minute I can get a signal, the next I can't, weird. I suppose I will have to live with it.
The roads from here are pretty flat...so I've been told, but then again I've been told that before. I'm going to the county fair after tea...Steve is going to show me what goes on around here...looking forward to it. I will let you know how I go on.

Scary Day

Distance travelled: 101 miles
Time in saddle: 7hrs 34 mins
Overall distance travelled: 2176.9 miles

I left the motel quite late this morning. I just got busy doing things, with my bike and the Internet ...perhaps I was looking for things to do other than cycling. I didn't feel like it was going to be a bad day but you never know...it's funny how the mind works. As I left the town I saw a sign saying' remember the Boston Tea Party....If I'd have known there was a party in town I would have stayed....doesn't sound like there is any beer though...I won't bother.
I went on the scariest ride I have ever been through today. Talk about white knuckle ride. There were road works on the 36, the road I was travelling on. It meant that I had to share a road with massive lorries, without a proper hard shoulder. There was one but it was cinder and it felt like riding on sand. It meant I had to ride on the highway, as near to the white line at the edge of the road I could cling to. It was a poor road to say the least and the lorries weren't shy in getting close to me. It got to a point where I thought that the lorries were waiting for me. Remember that film from the 70s starring Dennis Weaver, it was called Duel......it happened to me. They got so close it got to a point where I thought I might have to join the truckers union. For the first time during this trip I feared for my safety. I was comforted by the fact that if anything did happen it would come from behind and the last thing to go through my mind would probably be my arse. Bizarrely I wondered if they would play my record at my funeral...and would everyone join in with the chorus...funny what you think isn't it? Speaking of which could everyone please upload the song from Itunes...get your family and friends to do the same...twice if you can. It only costs 79 pence and it's all for charity. It doesn't matter if you don't like it...remember Kung Fu Fighting in the 70s. I bought it, now it's a classic...you never know. Please buy it on line and support the charity.
I've stopped two miles short of the border with Illinois. Hannibal is a nice town and the motel i am staying at has a pool...going for a swim and doing my washing...not at the same time. I will cross the border tomorrow morning and enter a new state...another down a few to go.
I tried to phone a couple of people today but my phone wouldn't work...there's a surprise. I managed to phone Jenny at work...it's her birthday tomorrow (Today) So happy birthday hugs and kisses and have a good time.

back into it.

Day 23
Distance travelled: 100.6 miles
Time in saddle: 7hrs 52 mins
Overall distance: 2073 miles

Well I've cycled over two thousand miles..it feels like yesterday that I started.I have had some amazing messages about me doing well and not to feel down, thanks for all your support, the messages make hell of a difference. I am not too worried. I knew that I would have bad days as well as good days, it's part of the course. I am one hundred percent sure that I am going to finish this adventure, despite the downs, so thanks for all you support, but don't worry I will be OK. I wanted you to all experience the adventure with me.That means telling you about the good, the bad and the ugly and that's what I intend to do.....if you are bored turn off now because it will get worse, hehe.
I was well up for it today, after giving myself a serious chat. There were a couple of times when I feared for my safety. Ninety nine percent of truck drivers are really courteous and give me a wide birth. The one percent are complete knob heads and insist of getting as close to me as possible, then sounding their horn...it scares me to death, but what can you do, except keep going. The only thing that is going to stop me is if one of the knob heads misjudges the gap between his lorry and my bike....trouble.
Auntie Hilda and Uncle Ken phoned today. I love hearing their voices. It's funny that something you take for granted in everyday life means so much when you are not there, a good lesson for the future I think. I rang a couple of people, one in particular made my day. I can't wait to see them....sorry to get all cryptic but it makes it interesting.
I stopped at a town called Chilleclothe. I bumped into a guy called Bob. He was with twenty three other cyclists who where riding across the country. They were supported and did it as a team, which was interesting. One of the guys was a doctor, a good guy to have around. I have to check everything myself....I love it.
I decided to carry onto to Brookfield, twenty five miles away. It was worth the ride. I should be in the next state tomorrow, with another one hundred mile ride...no problem. I went through a really big storm tonight, just before I reached Brookfield. It was like going through a warm shower....great stuff.
The motel I'm staying in is OK. It probably had its hay day in the 1950's but it's tidy and cheap. It means I have a good sleep and a shower, especially important where the dangly bits are concerned. It's a good opportunity to catch up on my blog and I'm able to put the film on you tube. It's important to me that you are as involved as possible....I hope you enjoy it as much as me.
Thanks again for your support...awesome.....it never ceases to amaze me.

Day 22
Distance travelled: 115.4 miles
Time in saddle: 9hrs. 9 mins
Overall distance travelled: 1972 miles

I felt really positive this morning when I woke up. I had a chat to myself last night and told myself not to be such a wuss. I’m having the experience of a lifetime and meeting some really great people. I'm returning home to the best place and the best people in the world.....what’s the matter with me.
The first thirty miles went really fast. I don’t really like eating first thing in a morning so after the first couple of hours I was ready for something to eat. I eventually stopped in a place called Seneca. It was a McDonalds of all places, the breakfast meal wasn’t that nice but the place was crowded and I met some really nice people, who all wanted to know where I was cycling to and where from. It was a bit like ‘red neck city’ but they seemed nice enough. There seemed to be a lot of very large people in the place, perhaps it’s the meals they serve. There was a young lad of about twelve who was an exact replica of his dad, dressed the same and everything. They even had matching ties. He was very nice and asked me what I was doing in a very business like manner. It was like chatting to my bank manager…..weird.
I made a complete cock up. I left McDonalds and I cycled down what I thought was the correct road, I cycled merrily away for five miles. It dawned on me that the sun was in the wrong place. The good thing about cycling in the same direction for the last two thousand miles is that you get to know where the sun is at certain times of the day. I was cycling North instead of East. I had come out of McDonalds and taken the only turning in about fifty miles….typical of me. I turned around and went back to where I started, this time taking the route 36 East. It added another ten miles to my daily distance, but not much use in fretting about it…anyway the exercise will do me good. I even got chased by two dogs…..they were only small, bless em. I even dropped a couple of gears so they had a chance. I actually laughed as they chased me…this seemed to upset them even more.
As I climbed another hill my signal for my mobile finally came back…out of the wilderness. I received loads of messages from friends and family, cheers for that. I rang Daniel and Thomas, my sons and Uncle Ken and Auntie Hilda. It was great to hear their voices. Auntie Hilda has promised me as many cups of tea as I can handle when I get home…it’s a deal. Our Kevin also rang me as I arrived at the motel. It’s great to hear from him. I can’t wait to bore him with my tales.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed but my video camera has actually zoomed out a couple of times, without me being behind the camera. It’s while I am riding past or sat down on the grass….weird. I can assure you I am alone..... Freaky. If there is someone helping me from the other side….can you get the framing right please….come on if you’re going to do it, do it properly.
There is some lovely countryside, as the Missouri border gets nearer. It is very green and there are large patches of wooded areas….very English.
I stopped for a break in a place called Troy, of the wooden horse variety. As I was having a drink and something to eat on the pavement next to a petrol station a black guy called Stephen came talking to me. He was driving home with his family; I think it was to Detroit. He was a real character. We chatted for a while and all the time he was dancing about, he couldn’t keep still. We shook hands at least four times but slappy ones, like high fives but side on and low down if you know what I mean? He was very nice. He then asked me if I knew the Lord Jesus Christ…not personally but I knew of him. Then he kept mentioning Eamonn, Eamonn, Eamonn….or it could have been Amen, Amen, Amen? I’m not sure.
I eventually crossed the border into Missouri and looked for a motel. I had to ride about another four miles before I found one…all up hill. It’s very cheap, in more ways than one. There is no Internet and the TV has just conked out. I am too tired to complain. I’ll just get my blog done, edit the film and get to bed. There is a cafe with Internet access across the road. I might see if I can borrow their connection. I can only ask. If not you will get it to morrow.
I was only jesting about the Jesus Christ thing…..course I know him and to be honest I pray to him every night. I ask only one thing, for my loved ones to be happy and safe.
On that I will leave you, so be happy and be safe.

A Short Day

Distance travelled: 55.3 miles
Time in saddle: 5hrs 25 mins
Overall distance covered: 1857.5 miles

I woke up this morning and knew it was going to be a hard day. It's not the psychical element of the ride that is the problem. Yes it's tough going at times, but I just drop down a couple of gears and continue pedaling, easy as that...ish.
I knew my head wasn't right today. I haven't been sleeping properly and I have been feeling homesick. I knew that it would happen but obviously didn't know when. I have cut short the day and decided to have something to eat and an early night. I stopped at Marysville and booked into a really nice motel. The one I stayed in last night was OK but it didn't have the Internet so I couldn't blog....catch up time. I just fancied a can of beer, I know I shouldn't when I'm riding but I shouldn't be cycling across America at fifty one....such is life. When I tried to buy a few cans the shop refused to serve me. Apparently the shops in the town can't sell alcohol on a Sunday. Very quaint...but I am gagging for a cold beer. Each occasion requires different liquid refreshment. Sometimes it's water that hits the spot, sometimes tea but right now it is beer, but there is none.....all in all a good day. I'm really disappointed that I've only done fifty five miles today but I will make up for it up tomorrow.
I'm also a little disappointed.... it's my third day in Kansas and I haven't met anyone called Dorothy or seen a yellow brick road....I've seen plenty of road but it wasn't yellow.
My phone hasn't got a signal so if you are trying to leave me a message please use my email or face book, or reply on blogger. I love it when I get a message, it really chuffs me up.
I should be out of Kansas in the next two days, another state out of the way. I have really enjoyed the experience but I can't wait to get to Europe, it means I'm nearly home.I haven't really been chatting to as many people, it's such a lonely road. I've had the occasional hello and a few words but nothing to write home about.
I just want to get today out of the way and start afresh tomorrow...so I'm going to have a good soak in the bath and get to bed.
Best foot forward tomorrow and cycle those miles away.

Me and the dog...the race.

Day 20
4th July
Distance travelled: 93.6 miles
Time in saddle: 7hrs 47 mins
Overall distance travelled: 1802 miles

I hardly slept last night. I had some rally bad dreams. I’m not going into details but they kept waking me up through the night. I was going to have a rest day but decided against it. There may be things in the future where I may need some days in hand. I thought I might as well keep going while it was going so well.
The wind has been in my face all day and it’s very demoralizing. Sometimes I’m standing on the pedals and hardly moving. The hills are back. I’ve been up and down more times than a prostitutes knickers…. only I’m sweatier. I did stop for a break after about forty miles but I’ve not really spoken to anyone today. Highway 36 is really a lonely place. As I travel east things are getting greener. Towards the end of todays ride some of the scenery looked like a typical English country scene. I can’t wait to get home…I am really homesick at the moment. I am missing my boys and looking forward to seeing all my family and friends.
I know I am probably becoming obsessed by ‘road kill’ but today it was frogs. About sixty of them. What is it about the wildlife around here….what next cattle. Perhaps British wildlife is more traffic savvy.
By eighty miles I’d had enough. I had a goal today, to get to Belleville so that’s what I did. There must have been at least fifty hills but it didn’t really bother me…it is really a case of mind over matter. The last fifteen miles were a real grueller. It was a matter of grinding out the last few miles. I pinpointed a specific point in the landscape, perhaps a mile away and went for it, eventually I got to my final destination….sounds simple….it is, but it does hurt..
As I came to the motel that I decided to stay at for the night, I called at the office. It was closed. A note on the door suggested that anyone seeking help should go to the laundry room. I wandered around the back of the building looking for someone to book me into the motel. As I entered a side room I came face to face with a dog….I say a dog It was probably crossed with a Shetland pony and a sabre toothed tiger…it was big. I don’t know who was more surprised it or me. We stared at each other wondering what to do. I had cycled over ninety miles, I was tired with a capital F and my legs were like jelly. I thought about bluffing it out and using my superior intelligence to dominate the situation. It took me a milli-second to decide…. I decided to run for it. I turned quickly and ran as fast as I could. I remember when I was a kid, being chased by a farmer because I was scrumping his apples (Stealing off the tree) As the farmer chased me my legs just wouldn’t go any faster no matter how hard I tried. I remember calling for my mum under my breath and the veins in my neck sticking out to the point of bursting. …go forward forty years and here I was again. There were sparks off my cleats as they hit the tarmac. I heard the dog chasing me. What seemed like a lifetime past in about four seconds. I didn’t see it but I heard a yelp and tightening of a chain as the dog came to the end of it leach.
Ten minutes before I was hanging out my pants with tiredness. Now I was instantly buzzing…adrenaline, it’s an amazing thing….and brown is it’s colour.
I went for a walk into town…..it’s as dead as a dodo. I thought that the Americans knew how to party….not on this evidence. I went in to a bar. Everyone was watching ‘Home Alone Two’ Hardly radical. I’ve had more fun in ASDA. Apparently my mate told me that Thursday night in ASDA is singles night. The last time I went shopping the check out girl viewed my single items of food and said….”You haven’t got a partner have you” I asked her if she came to that conclusion because of my meagre rations?….she said “no, it’s because you are an ugly git” ….got to get them in I’m sorry.
I’ve developed a squeak. I don’t know if it’s my bike or me. I have tried free-wheeling and its fine. It’s just when I peddle. I’ve lubricated all moving parts and tightened up my nuts…..I’m going to do the bike later and see if that helps.