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800 miles Dunnet Head to Dartford 1st July 2011. We have now completed this massive Challenge. Dunnet Head to Dartford. Day 1 The quest for our biggest ride to date started Wednesday afternoon, when the vans were picked up. A team of workers, Bill, Andy, Lee and Gray, started the fit out of the bike carrying van,. Bill setting up a wood working workshop in the back drive, with skill saws buzzing and drills spinning, things started to take shape. After a few hours the purpose made bike rack was in place, along with the kit storage boxes, time to call it a night. 10 pm finally get to bed, ready for a 2.30 am start. 2.30 one of 3 alarms start to ring out, time to get moving, 12 bikes to load and enough kit and baggage for a month. Spare wheels, tool kits, drinks, energy gels, inner tubes, tents, sleeping bags. It started to become apparent we did not have enough room, but by 4.30 I had it all loaded. A couple of minor adjustment to fit the bikes in, and shut those doors, full up I think. The mini bus arrives at 4.45. Time to load up and move out. 5.10 and the last members of the crew arrive, to board the waiting vans, and we were off, on our way to bonny Scotland. A clear stress free journey, to kick off the weekend is what we needed, and that’s the way it was. A stop on the way up at Boston Spa, to drop Mags off with her Aunt Liz. The mini bus did not stop for a break, because of the speed limiter fitted, they could only travel at 60 mph,. So it gave us a chance to sample some home made cooking. An hour or so later we were on our way again, the competitive spirit kicked in, we needed to catch the others. Newcastle and a phone call, says we are still 15 miles behind the lead van. Bubbling around the speed limit we pushed on, the roads becoming free of traffic. We were within a couple of miles now, to find the mini bus had stopped for a re fuel just ahead, we were now back together, just before the Scottish Border. Over the border and still 400 miles to drive. Scotland is so vast and isolated. The mountains started to appear on the horizon, putting the fear of God into us all. Hour after hour we pushed on, familiar town names as we headed for the Highlands. Inverness, still 150 miles to go, we phoned the Hotel to let them know our ETA. Tom Tom was saying 9.30 pm arrival time, this causing panic when the manager says that the kitchen staff go at 8.30 pm. A bit of negotiations and we pre ordered our meals. Taking the coast road up to Wick now, 90 miles of twists and turns, some hairy moments throwing the big van around the tight narrow roads, great laxative though. We arrived at Dunnet at 21.10, some 16 hours later, ouch. So peaceful and a fantastic location and the Hotel had our evening meal waiting for us. 22.00, last minute briefing on the plans for the morning. The boys relaxed at the bar with a pint or two. Mick giving us all a laugh , coming down stairs dressed in a silk gown and cravat (Simples) from Micky Meercat. Outside at 11.15 it was still light, the girl at the bar explaining, that it never really turns dark this time of year, and the sun rises at 2.30 am, weird or what. Day 2
Up at 6 am, a few of the lads already up and about, taking in the morning air. A few clouds, calm, a bit chilly but ideal conditions for riding. We had to change the plans for the 1st leg. We needed to get going by 7 am, and breakfast not served until 7.30, so the solution was to get group 1 on the road and allow the others a couple of hours to get fuelled up for the day, then catch us down the road. So missing breakfast and driving the 5 miles to Dunnet Head were Andy, Bill and Mick, with Gray as back up driver. The top of Britain, the most northerly point in the UK, a few gulls and would you believe it a German camper van, had beat us up there. This was it the guys were ready, the first few pedal strokes of this 850 mile challenge, no fanfares just a quiet determination as the boys rolled out. A sparse moon like landscape, but flat as a pancake. The boys were lapping it up and were already sitting at an easy 20 mph. As we passed the Hotel, everyone was there to cheer us on, a massive lift a shot of adrenaline drove group 1 onwards. Sharing the front Bill, Mick and Andy were going great guns and in no time at all hit the town of Wick, 20 miles done. Only 10 miles to the change over and on the busier A99 now, but the drivers were very kind, giving us a wave as they drove through. The road started to roll a bit, nothing too bad, but enough to slow the pace a little, which helped out, with 5 miles to go. The mini bus was with us just in time for the 1st change over. Group 1 had done 30 in 1.45min a great start. The change over, 3 bikes off and 3 bikes on. 3 riders off and 3 riders on, sounds complicated, but it worked, a bit like a pit stop at formula 1, we just needed to sharpen it up a bit. Group 2 hit the road, Steve C, Lee and Garry, shit I’m sure I saw the tarmac melt as they pulled away, a manic pace as they disappeared out of sight. It took us a good 15 minutes to catch them up, no wonder, sitting behind them they were travelling at 27 mph. On the coast road now to Berridale and Helmsdale, a stunning drop to the harbour, switch backs, steep, very steep, bottoming out with a 180 turn around the harbour, then bang a cat 3 climb. Lee and Steve seemed to find another gear and powered into it, Garry was up out of the saddle and stamping on his pedals. All out of gears now the hill just kept going, Garry had lost contact with Steve and Lee and was having a rough time finding a rhythm, fighting the bike all the way up, but like all hills the top is always there and once over they were treated to a fast run in to the next change over at Port Gower. A smash up of a leg in 1.30min cooking or what !! We were already 45 min up on time, time to hand over to group 3. Group 3, Liam Chris and Hayden, had fallen lucky, a downhill or flat 30 to Spinningdale. Making the most of it, a good way to break the boys in gently. Taking in the last stretch of the busy A9, they turned right into a pine forest before the change at Spinningdale. A long wait for group 4 to get into action, feeling quite stiff we eased into our first leg to Ardullie. A slight climb straight away and a slight headwind, both Barry and Gray forming a wind shield to help Lillian keep on our wheels. Across Bonar Bridge, with a Loch to our left and a river to the right, with a guy salmon fishing, superb !! All minor roads now, we turned right and started to climb again, a cat 4 of 1000 ft. Lillian not to pleased, saying “who sorted these legs out, you are the organiser”. I must admit to make things fair, I deliberately didn’t check who was doing what leg, so to make it totally random. Over the top with cheers from the back up and riders, and a drop for a few miles, then another climb, I couldn’t look Barry and Lillian in the eyes, but I could feel the steely glare burning into the back of my head.. 30 miles done and 120 miles covered, we were now 1. 30min up on time. All of us being kept on the road by our back up, or The A team, of Steve N, Andy, Del and John, who were map reading and driving and keeping us on track, along with Sergeant Steve keeping the change over’s slick, with a few words of urgency injected with great affect Time for group 1 to start the next rotation, a beautiful route down to the start of Loch Ness at Invermorison. The scenery was spectacular, making this leg a treat to ride, passing little lochs, waterfalls, eagles soaring high above and castle ruins dotted on the hill sides. No signs of fatigue from the boys as they kept the tempo high. Up to 150 miles done after this leg, no rain, no punctures, we were on target, by the change over we were nearly 2 hours ahead. Group 2 again, did they think Nessie was chasing them or something, were they on drugs, something I’m sure, it took us almost an hour to catch them up, thanks in the end to some traffic lights, they were averaging 25 mph on the way to Fort William. You couldn’t ask for a better stretch of road, Loch Ness lie on the left, pine forests on hills to the right. Down to the bridge at Fort Augustus then following Loch Lochy all the way to Fort William, alongside the Caledonian Canal. This leg came up over distance at 37 miles, so an extra special performance from the boys, putting us 2hrs 10 min ahead of schedule. I did envy the next group as they set off, Liam Hayden and Chris, with the snow tipped Ben Nevis in front of them and the treat of cycling into Glen Coe with mountains all around them. The Sun was beating down, early evening calm air, made this the most picturesque of scenes, absolutely amazing, even the cat 4 climb couldn’t spoil it as they climbed 1500 ft to Kings House Inn. A much needed stop was requested, with everyone feeling hungry, the pub seemed ideal. To keep things moving group 4 decided to ride unaided, so everyone could eat and rest up for a while. On with the lights, warm clothing as we waved good bye to our back up and carried on up the valley. Steadily climbing we bumped up another 1600ft, much to the disgust of Lillian, who was up to throwing me in the nearest Loch, but we soon finished our 30 mile leg and decided to carry on until the vans caught us up again, a good shout as the road levelled and started to drop towards Loch Lomond. The vans were back with us again and asking what we were doing, we said we would take the next leg as well. We were loving it, apart from the midges, who thought it was fun to invade my head, and the buggers do bite, they couldn’t take away the setting sun, on a silver grey Loch Lomond, which will always be a favourite moment for me. By now it had turned dark about 11.30 pm and with 5 miles to go we were fading quickly. The back up van overtook us, which we all got to know as a blessing, within a couple of miles of the change over the van always shot ahead to get ready for the next group. 12 midnight we arrive at a McDonalds drive through at Balloch, everyone there waiting with a warm welcome, and finally some food for us. 16 of us just standing there in the car park of McDonalds, tiredness had set in, nobody knowing who was next on the road, was we resting now, having a sleep, things were starting to fall apart. The time gained over the day was slipping away quickly. A quick discussion with Sergeant Steve and it was time to kick it back into gear. Group 1 to pull a double shift, followed by group 2, to take us through the night. The camp site had refused to let us on, so late in the evening, so it was going to mean a night with little or no sleep. So the decision was made, Driver John Manning, navigator Gray, plus both groups 1 and 2 into the van for the night shift, whilst the others pushed on 80 miles down the road to rest up in the mini bus Bill, Andy and Mick, in cold weather clothing hit the road. A really tough 60 to ride, pitch black, loads of climbing, Glasgow to bypass as well as country lanes and pot holes. Driving back up, had its own challenges for John who was on his 2nd night without sleep. It became a matter of do or fail, and the lads weren’t going to give up and nor were we. Working double hard in the van to light up the road and try to make sure we didn’t get any roads wrong, a missed turn could mean disaster. It became clear to see from behind, Mick was in all sorts of trouble, wandering all over the road, delayed reactions a sure sign of brain drain .We pulled the van alongside and handed out some gels and words of encouragement. Bill got Mick back into the middle of the group and he seemed to be picking up ok, a true team effort. Into the outskirts of Airdrie, quite a few late night drunks staggering around the streets at 2 in the morning, the only saving grace we had street lights again, and the boys had a second lease of life. Still bang on route, we hit an overnight road closure, that threw us into panic mode, the diversion wanted to take us on the Motorway. The boys were also saying there eyes were on stalks, straining to see the road in the dark. Had to pull out a miracle now and quick, Tom Tom to the rescue, I don’t know, I take it all back about sat navs. A few extra miles and we were back running again, and daybreak at last, we could see again. Lanark and the boys had picked it up again, looking good, probably feeling shit, but they were giving it every last drop of energy they had. A straight run into Biggar now, our change over, an early morning fog sat just above ground level, making the air cold and damp, the temp had dropped to 3 degrees.. The lads in the back were wrapped in sleeping bags to keep warm, I think this was our lowest point of the night. We pulled the van up to the group shouting 5 miles to go, and bashed on the bulkhead to raise the sleepy group to get ready. We had to push on, no giving up now, get this change over right, get the guys rolling and complete this night. Group 2 were ready, realising how much effort the other lads had stuck in, and stepped up to give it some of the own brand of speed. Bill, Andy and Mick were stuffed, luckily the mini bus had parked up a mile down the road, so the guys could get inside and take a well deserved rest. Meanwhile in the time it took us to get both vans sorted and change drivers, group 2 had got away and into a maze of country lanes. Despite efforts to find them we couldn’t. We tried phoning, but none of the three had their phones with them. What could we do, 5 in the morning nobody about, no phone boxes, no houses and no sign of the boys. An executive decision had to be made, hoping to be proved right we headed straight to Gretna, the target town for Steve, Lee and Gary. We hit Gretna at 8 am, no trace of the group along the road, no trace at Gretna, we asked passing motorists if they had seen them, drawing blanks all the time. 9 am, really worried now, then the call we had been waiting for. They borrowed a phone and got directions and were now 10 miles from Gretna. We had now lost all the time we had gained the previous day, and if we wanted to crack this, I needed to be brutal and push the guys on again. We got the next group on the road straight away, and cancelled the breakfast stop at the café, just as it opened, even though the tea pot was calling along with the bacon rolls. If there had been a rope I would have been swinging for sure. Not even time for Mick and Del to tie the knot on the green. Lillian like a trooper quickly made up some sarnies, and we were rolling again. The mini bus keeping close quarter to the riders this time, while we went back a couple of miles to sweep group 2 off the road, they had clocked up 74 miles, along with all the stress of getting lost, a nightmare for them. Now with 2 groups down and out we had to rely on the day shift to kick some arse again. Taking over the day shift, Liam, Chris and Hayden, fresh legs and back to single shifts of 30 miles. Another flat 30 for the boys, just what we needed to kick off the day and sneak back some time. Our target today to get to Boston Spa by evening for a meal with Liz and Mags. From Gretna we headed south and into England 400 miles done . Meanwhile in the vans group 4 were already to take over at Hallbankgate. Stage 15, Gray, Lillian and Barry, back on the road again and praying for a flat one! It all seemed fine until the village of Halton Lea Gate. Gateway to the North Pennines . Rolling wasn’t too bad to cope with, then a nasty 15% climb only half a mile or so, then we were on top of a ridge and into a strong headwind, which was knocking the speed out of our legs, then it all calmed down again until the town of Alston. We turned right into a monster of a climb and all cobble stones, even the cars were struggling. Lillian took point good girl, and was making light of the hill, she dived up on the footpath and kept going. Meanwhile Barry was being edged off the road by a camper van, who finally pushed Barry off the road and onto the path. I decided to take the opposite side of the road and go for clear road and go for the top. A nasty 90 degree bend then straight up and over. Lillian said I was in for a good beating after this leg. From here things went from bad to a non descript word that you here cyclists mutter when in pain. To put it into statistics 1 cat 5 and 2 cat 4 climbs 2000 ft of climbing and 20 miles of it. Towards the ever moving summit, the familiar snow depth poles, showing how bad this place get in the winter. The last mile just brutal and too much for Lillian who had to grab a lift over the top. Barry and myself popped a gel and went for it, over the top, but not down as we expected more rolling along the top of the ridge. The back up decided to pull us up early, we were losing time and we were cooked. Group 1 back on the road again, not a terrific amount of rest for Andy, Bill and Mick, and having to add our 5 missed miles onto their leg to Dalton on Tees. The boys were working a 3 miles on the front and change routine, and had a smooth tight formation going on. They were making up the time again. A true gutsy performance, setting a no nonsense attitude and doing the job. 35 miles done no trouble at all. Group 2 again the fly boys, Garry, Lee and Steve, another slick change over. North Allerton a busy town, following these guys was tough in traffic as they weaved in and out and the back up boys could not match their speed. Garry had a run in with a 4x4 driver, which just stoked the fire in his belly and launched the lads into hyper drive. We had to up our game and get in front of the guys to marshal the turn points. In Tour de France style, we were out in our high viz’s, pointing the way, then speeding to get back with them again before the next junction. This group were making us work hard, but it did keep us on the ball with a much needed kick up the arse. North Stainley and Group 3 were ready to go, another super slick change over, and would you believe it this was the last leg to Boston Spa and a rest for everyone. Liam, Chris and Hayden to take the honours, which would take us to within 270 miles from home. Hitting the road and even with the back up quickly away, the town of Ripon came up very quickly, the complicated road system and we were into another stray group situation. Again the lessons not learnt from the previous day, nobody in the group with a working phone. We split the vans, one taking the correct route and one taking the main A road to Knaresborough and Wetherby. Unfortunately the boys decided to go to Harrogate, not on our route at all, probably the reason we never found them. We finally got a phone call just outside Wetherby, and the lads had found their way back and were on the road to Boston Spa. Great stuff, and no time lost, we were ahead by 2 hours arriving at Boston Spa at 5 pm. We now had a 4 hour break for all. Good to see the smiling faces of Mags and Aunt Liz to greet us, Then a quick pint, that went down a treat. Spag Boll all round for tea, served in 2 sittings, along with garlic bread, tea and some home made custard tart, (yummy). The girls had done us proud. Up to the scout hall, courtesy of Chris, for a couple of hours of rest before the final push for home. We needed to complete a massive 150 miles overnight, but all the boys were wasted and couldn’t go any further without sleep. I decided to ask for volunteers to make up three, two man teams, for this almost impossible task. I stood forward straight away to ride a leg and drive / navigate. John and Del as drivers. The riders Lillian and Gray, Garry and Barry, Hayden and Chris. We awoke from a non sleep hour on the scout hall floor, the whole night crew together, as the other lads were having a night cap in the pub. We were walking around like zombies, no idea what was happening, stiff backs and legs, feeling horrible, we had 30 minutes to sort ourselves out and get ready for the off. Mags and a couple of the lads looked really worried at the state we were all in. Questioning our sanity and health, “Are you sure you can carry on ?” Bit by bit sleep left us, as we prepared the bikes. Lillian and Gray to take the 1st leg of 30 to Goole on the eastern coast. Remarkably we both found a bit of speed between us and headed off into a setting sun. I knew we were heading to Selby, but our navigators were sending us down lanes, that I am sure were not even on the map, ignoring the signs for Selby until we had done an extra 5 mile loop. The sun was down by now and lights were on as we cruised through Selby. We were having some serious problems with reflux, you know when your dinner is trying to escape. An emergency stop for Lillians secret supply of gaviscon, only to find the rest of the crew were having the same problem and all raided the gaviscon sachets. I sight you don’t see often, more people on gaviscon, than energy gels. Riding in the dark and tired, seems to take all reality away from you, more like sitting on a turbo, with a blindfold, and you just don’t seem to be getting anywhere. We were soon in Goole, and had made good time for the 35 miles, 20 minutes up. Next up Garry and Barry, heading into the fens now, flat roads, but really boring, John and Del took control of the driving and navigation as I sat in the middle and started to get the nods. Rudely stirred by Del and John, who were finding the lanes impossible to follow in the dark. I must admit, with little or no signs, we were in trouble. I fired up Tom Tom with our next way point, and our current position which was on the way to Grimsby. We had to detour cross country, with minor narrow lanes. Things got really crazy, with Barry and Garry coming close to crashing into each other a couple of times. Back on route again, things became easier and the boys done well to keep ahead of time to Gainsborough. Stage 21 now, Chris and Hayden, out on their 1st night shift of the weekend, they seemed to be the freshest of the groups, rock solid, pair riding. Still very dark, no signs of daybreak yet. Tom Tom had taken over the map reading, and was telling Del where to go. With the brains not functioning, both John and myself were starting to fall asleep in the front. Time slipping passed now in this half conscious state. Next change over, Garry and Barry, back out again, your last leg tonight boys, bring it home lads, Really into the flat lands of the Fenland marshes now, just farmland and long flat roads that went for miles and miles and miles. Garry was in TT mode, with Barry doing well to stick to his wheel, clocking up an amazing 1 hr 20 for 30 miles, no doubt spurred on by the sunrise. The sun up now as Hayden and Chris, jumped on the last leg, having a massive 3 hours to complete the task. We had overcome our sleeping sickness in the van, and with a few sordid stories and a great deal of laughter, we were ready for anything again. An air of optimism was now filling the van, we have this cracked you know, we are actually going to do this. With the morning, the internal time clocks kicked in and everyone need a toilet stop. Hayden laying down a new layer to the dyke, I think every tree was taken, we had to vacate the area rapidly. Nearing our completion now, only 7 in the morning, an added bonus of seeing a Barn Owl, flying low level alongside the van and just above Chris and Hayden’s heads. There we were at Whittlesey, 150 miles covered overnight, an outstanding performance by the crew. We had done our job, we were all shot, but more than pleased with our nights work, celebrating with a coffee and sausage roll, from the local café, absolutely wonderful !!! Hooray the cavalry arrives just in time. The fresh day shift ready to smash up the last 120 miles. A new voice in the van to gee them up, Mags, with Sarg Steve back in control, we just cant lose now! A slight re jig of the 2 remaining teams. Liam joins with Steve and Lee to take the 1st leg to Fenstanton. The fresh legs certainly making a difference, and with both vans now rolling and working the group, we were moving fast now, chewing up the miles, into Cambridgeshire, almost home turf now. No incidents as the lads had a clear, wind free and sunny leg. The hand over’s now smooth as silk, no delays or hiccups as Andy, Bill and Mick take control, Royston, Now we are getting closer to home. Pinching back time all the way now, they even got caught up in a road race, which I’m sure they could have taken, they were just being kind. 60 miles to go now, only 60 miles wow, it wasn’t sinking in still, the concentration and adrenaline were pumping now, keeping us as high as kites. Steve, Liam and Lee back on again, Ware, Nazieng, Hoddeston, Waltham Abbey, M25. Never thought I’d be glad to see those signs. I lot of activity in the van, checking out an alternative route through central London. The vans were just too big to be able to keep together in traffic, so after Bill had checked out the local road conditions, we headed for Woolwich Ferry. Waltham Abbey the last 30 mile leg under way, only 20 miles to the ferry then we all hit the road. Paul Fisher joins us for the run in, with Bill, Andy and Mick, heading down through Chingford, Leytonstone and Canning Town. We all arrive at an empty Ferry, having just missed a boat, but giving us chance to get changed into a white Dunnet tops and get all the bikes on the road. We all cycle on to the ferry as one group, then a sight to behold as we rode 2 x 2 along the roads, taking control of the traffic and holding a high pace, driven along by our longing for that finish line. A quick call to Alex back at the club to say we were nearly there, through Dartford cheekily taking the bus lane, to the club, we climbed the last hill in 2 lines and finished in great style, to fireworks, cheers, sirens and family and friends waiting for us. Don’t think there were many dry eyes amongst the tough guys and girls. Our super trooper Lillian couldn’t cross the line to finish due to work commitments, but she was in our thoughts for the gutsy performance she had put in. I would just like to thank everyone, for giving it everything you had and more, to make this happen. I am proud to have had such a special group of people for the weekend. Well done to you all !!!!!!
Stage 1 http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/27005994
Team 1, Bill Alder, Andy Dumbleton, Mick Martin. Team 2, Garry Layton, Steve Clark, Lee Morley Team 3, Chris Webb, Hayden Smith, Liam Cowell Team 4, Lillian Martin, Graham Hiscock, Barry Martin
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