That must hurt ...

... after 1200 miles sat on that!

Day 14 - Buxton to Manchester

Woke up early after a good nights sleep - Pub grub and a few beers!! Unfortunately we couldn't see caravans parked 20m away - Fog! We slowly got ready and the sun started to burn off the mist, so I put on a rear light and we set off. (Yes, we - my brother had joined me to ride the last day). A steady drop into Buxton itself and then up to A5004 - Long Hill! Over the top it was a nice 5 mile descent - no pedalling. Then in was Whalley Bridge. Again trying to avoid the A6, we set off up over the back road to Disley (another hill!), but then the steady ride into the Steria office at Manchester Parkway, arriving at 11:30 to a great reception from colleagues.

From Parkway it was the short ride into Manchester city centre and the finish near the Arndale. On time, I pulled to the finish line to a great reception from colleagues who had come out into the Manchester sunshine. Also at the finish was my wife Rachel, with our children Rebecca and Matthew, ready to give Daddy a big hug and kiss.














A quick spray of Champagne and an interview by Tim Difford and then it was load up the bike and head for home - two loads of washing, a garage full of bike and bits to put away, have a bath, light the BBQ and chill...



Garmin Stats :
48.13 km / 2 hour 26 min / Av 19.8 kph / Max - 49.2kph

No last song of the IPOD today (I had my brother to chat to....) however thanks to a suggestion from Sarah Darbey, Rebecca has started to go through my IPOD tunes to find appropriate songs for the ride. For a 10 year old, she's got a warped sense of humour! So far....

Alive and Kicking – Simple Minds
Back to the Start – Razorlight
Beautiful Day – U2
Before I fall to Pieces - Razorlight
Bicycle Race - Queen
Blaze of Glory – The Alarm
Boredom – The Buzzcocks
Breathe – The Prodigy
Career Opportunities – The Clash
Dawn Chorus – Toyah
Day In Day Out – David Bowie
Don’t Stand so close to me - The Police
Don't stop me now - Queen
Easy – Terrorvision
End to End – Blondie
Everyday is a winding road - Sheryl Crow
Fame – David Bowie
Holiday in the Sun – Sex Pistols
I can see for miles – The Who
I can’t explain – The Who
I fought the Law – The Clash
I Will Follow – U2
I won't back down - Tom Petty
I’m going slightly mad – Queen
Keep the Faith – Bon Jovi
King of Pain – The Police
London Calling – The Clash
Madness – Madness
Mission Impossible – Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen
Only the Strong survive – McFly
Pride (In the name of love) – U2
Silly Thing – Sex Pistols
Sit Down – James
Smile – Lily Allen
Some like it Hot – Power Station
Strength – The Alarm
The Best – Tina Turner
The End - McFly
Thunder in the Mountains – Toyah
Tower of Strength – The Mission
Unbelievable – EMF
Where do you think you’re going – Dire Straits
Where the streets have no name – U2
White Flag – Dido
Wild is the Wind – David Bowie

Day 13 - Wigston Parva (Hinckley) to Buxton

13 down - 1 to go

A comparatively short day - but made worse by the wind, Pretty uneventful day. Last night, after watching the football, I took the management (body management)decision of taking the shortest route to Buxton, irrespective of the road. So off up the A5 and a number of other major roads. When I reached Ashbourne I was in for a shock. The road to Buxton was very hilly, even the road out of Ashbourne was a serious climb. But 20 miles of up and down finally finished my legs, once and for all. Then we reached the campsite - Clover Fields Touring Caravan Park - Harpur Hill (Buxton), we pitched up and my brother then arrived from Sheffield (on his bike) to help me over the final hurdle tomorrow.

Also a big thank you to owners Stephen and Jan Redfern for the recommendation of a local pub (we had already decided to have only our second meal out) , and more importantly the 'free' night as a contribution to our sponsorship - Cheers great campsite. And we also managed a visit to Church on the trip - the Church Inn (great food guys).

Last song today U2 - Pride (In the Name of Love)

Garmin Stats :
107.37 km / 4 hour 52 min / Av 22.00 kph / Max - 57.7kph

Day 12 - Watford to Wigston Parva (Hinckley)

A cold night, but slept well. A comparative lie-in as the Steria office in Hemel was only just around the corner. The routine in the morning hasn't changed but is taking just that little bit longer. It was also raining. All packed up we were ready, that was until Rod tried to start the camper - flat battery. A very helpful campsite manager had a 'jump start' machine, so I set off so as not to be late.





On arrival, a nice cup of coffee and a bacon roll and then some photos, including a visit from John Torrie (Chief Executive Officer, Steria UK), some more photos and a visit from some of the Hemel staff (Thanks to Ian Guppy for the photos). Then it was out into the rain and very windy conditions for the comparatively short day to Hinckley. I had already decided to risk an alternative route - straight up the A5. As it runs parallel with the M1 I assumed it would be quiet and it wasn't too bad.

A minor detour into Milton Keynes to allow Rod to visit the Institute of Groundmanship head office (He's Secretary / Treasurer of the West Yorkshire branch). On the whole the drivers gave me plenty of room, in particular the Eddie Stobart driver. He allowed time to overtake when it was safe for him and me, ignoring the horns etc. from the growing queue behind him - Thanks again.

On the health front, I've decided my legs are a spent force - running on empty for most of the day. Anything resembling an uphill slope, then engage the lowest gear, switch the brain off (no comments) and churn it out. And it was on to Hinckley and another open campsite (2/2 in UK). A quick shower, something to eat, some washing of cycling kit, just in time to sit down and watch the Champions League final. All mod cons in this camper.

Last song on IPOD today : The Clash - Should I Stay or Should I go

Garmin Stats:
115.00 km / 4 hour 42 min / Av 24.48 kph / Max - 47.63 kph

Day 11 - Newhaven to Watford

Having arrived at Dieppe at around 8.00 in the evening after a 100+ mile ride, it was a quick shower, some food and then trying to get some sleep before the 3:00 check-in for the 5:00 ferry and in the middle of a thunder storm. The ferry itself was quiet and the journey uneventful - apart from the fog and driving rain!!

When we docked in Newhaven, we found the nearest carpark, got changed into some winter weather clothing and set off towards London. The Southern Downs is anything but when you are heading north - it should be the Northern Ups...... and then there was Reigate hill. My trusty Sat Nav kept me off the main drag and found a side road. Initially steep and got progressively steeper! That was it my legs had gone - running on empty. Time to go on autopilot and just get to Hemel. To top it off the wind had picked up and was straight into my face.

And then there was London. A Sat Nav set to bicycle in the middle of London, trying to keep you off major roads, and it took me all over the place.....It nearly ended in the Thames. And then it stopped working altogether. I did get a trip down Kings Road, National History museum, BBC etc. and ended up on the North Circular. I eventually had to use the compass and take whatever road I could. Eventually I found the Edgware Road (A5) and set off. During my tour of London, I also had a puncture and it wasn't in the nicest of areas. I've never changed one as quick. So eventually I got to the campsite at Hemel at 8.00pm having started at 10.00am. And the drama wasn't over. The camper had sprung a water leak that needed some repair before a shower etc.

Last song on IPOD today : Nickleback - How you remind me

Garmin Stats :
153.11 km / Stats 7 hour 31 min / Av 20.4 / Max - 53.68 kph

Day 10 - Paris to Dieppe

Just a quick note - I will do a better update later / tomorrow.

A late start followed by a short 5km ride through Paris should have been uneventful, had it not been for Roland Garros (French Open tennis) and the closure of a few roads. Good job I'd planned ahead and had a feel for the office location and still managed to get there on time.

A few photos with colleagues from the Steria office outside the front, then up to the 6th floor for a coffee. Whilst there I had a quick chat with Francois Enaud the Steria Chairman and CEO and many other colleagues, who all wished me luck for the rest of the challenge.

Then it was time to go (11:30 - late start) and find a way through the streets and suburbs of Paris. The weather was hot and storms predicted (good job the French forecast is as good as UK) and the wind favourable.

Unfortunately some of the roads temporarily changed status into non-cycle roads - the first I rode through and had got half way through the second when the police sirens went off. Initially I ignored it, thinking it was for something else, but a glance over my shoulder and there was the local constabulary. I don't think he spoke any English and I only have a very limited French vocabulary, but after a 5 minute lecture (!) he gestured I get back on my bike and finish the last 500m before it returned back to a normal road. After this and a favourable tail wind the miles just raced by, but it was one of the longest on the challenge. I had to press on to make Dieppe before nightfall, and I rode up to the ferry terminal at around 8:00, just as the predicted thunder storm started to rumble.

Au Revoir et Merci France


Last song on the IPOD : Christina Aguilera - Candyman

Garmin Stats :
172.9 km / 6 hrs 55 mins / 25.02 avg / 60.25 max.

Day 09 - Freteval to Paris

Woke this morning to silence - no wind. Quickly up and into the normal routine - make up bottles with SIS energy drinks, take down tent, give bike a quick check, breakfast, dressed and then off. One kilometre up the road and it was blocked - to cars anyway, so I ignored the signs and Rod started following the 'detour' signs. The locals were still using the road and there were no blockages!, but it took another 30km before Rod caught up.

Progress was good - no wind, but the legs are starting to take a while to get going. And that was it until the edge of Paris. I said farewell to Rod - no point him trying to follow etc. and he went off to find the campsite and I followed the Sat Nav religiously. Someone at Garmin has got a warped sense of humour. As I got within about 5km of the Steria office, I had to negotiate a 1:6 (16%) hill and then straight down the other side. Why? That hurt after so many miles in my legs. Even the locals said I was mad, whilst we waited at the traffic lights. And onto the office so I could find my bearings in the morning and then onto the campsite - only 5km away on the banks of the Seine.

Tent pitched, we decided to treat ourselves and have a meal at the bar - it is open 365 days of the year.......except Sunday 24th May due to unforeseen circumstances. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh! So back to the camper and one of Rod's gourmet meals. I have to say the food has been excellent on the journey, if a little unusual.

One little incident (almost) on the outskirts of Paris - Whilst admiring some of the local scenery, I out accelarated a Smart car and nearly rode into the back of it. It took another 200m before he finally pulled away.

Last song on IPOD today : Dire Straits - Sultans of Swing

Garmin Stats :
145.8 km / 6 hours 14 mins cycling time / 23.3 kmh average / 59.50 kmh max

Day 08 - Châtellerault to Freteval

Another bad day - long and hard. It was a strong headwind, showery and I got lost, as well as technical problems with the Sat Nav. The wind was soul destroying - even down hill I was having to pedal and it felt stronger than the day before. It didn't help that every now and then, there would be a downpour, making the roads greasy and me wet.

And then as we approached one town, there was a new by-pass. Well the Sat Nav didn't like that and just hung. I thought once I was back on the old road it would kick back into life. It wasn't to be and a quick on/off seemed to fix it - my data was held on the main screen. Thankfully at the end of the day I wrote it down, because when I came to download it, there was nothing there other than the overall distance and my legs could have told you how far they had been.

I also made a slight detour. I'll blame market day, but it was probably down to user error. It tried to send me down a closed street, so as I rode around town waiting for it to recalculate it then sent me on a different route. I should have stayed still whilst it re-routed - a lesson learned for next time!

And eventually to the campsite (an open campsite) It is actually in Cloyes-sur-le-Loir about 16 km further on, so I decided to ride it and hopefully knock that off tomorrows distance. Only the road has been upgraded to a dual carriage way / motorway. After a junction I decided it was time to bail out and find a more scenic / slower route in.

Message to the Bronte Wheelers - Don't worry, I won't be coming back a well tuned sports car, more a knackered old diesel, that struggles to start in the morning, plods along and just about gets through the day

Last song on IPOD today : Duran Duran - Save a Prayer

Garmin Stats :
170.9km / 8 hours 5 mins cycling time / 21.36 kmh average / 53.55 kmh max

Day 07 - Angouleme to Châtellerault

Today was a bad day - long and hard. To start with when we looked at the route, it tried to take us a little out of the way. So I decided to be bold and replanned the day ahead. I carefully picked a route along roads that didn't exist on the maps (only the Sat Nav at 100m) - they were narrow, beautifully smooth tarmac and just a little grass starting to grow in the middle (Dad and Kev - I've not lost it, I can still find them).

The only thing that wasn't to order was the wind. I was heading NNE and guess where the wind was coming from - you've guessed it. Straight in my face all day. This made progress slow, combined with the constant checking of the route (Tim D - Thanks for the Blackberry. The 'Where I am' function has been invaluable)

When we finally made to Chatelleurault, we then had to find the campsite. A quick call into the Tourist Information and we were there and it was open - but only just. The grass hadn't been cut and the swimming pool was empty, but the water was hot, the showers working and a washing machine to clean the cycling kit for Monday. A nice evening meal (including pasta again) and I'm sat out in the sun typing this report.

A quick update on the bite and sunburn. The bite has settled down, just a nasty looking scab. The sunburn was OK, until today when I've misplaced (lost) the cream and therefore burnt again this afternoon. First job tomorrow for Rod - suncream.

PS. I'm over half way!

Last song on IPOD today : Bush - Insect Kin

Garmin Stats :
150.2km / 6 hours 38 mins cycling time / 22.6 kmh average / 51.00 kmh max

Day 06 - Barsac to Angouleme

After writing the piece last night, there was a thunder storm and it rained heavy for a minute. The thunder continued to rumble for some time after but without the rain. When we woke up this morning the hillside was shrouded in mist, so the lights went on with a few more layers of clothing.

By 10.00 the mist had more or less cleared only to be greeted by another rain shower - this one only 30 seconds long, but enough to wet the roads..... and me. From there it was through some quiet back roads until we reached the beautiful town of St. Emillion, with its cobbled road up through the centre (how they ride the Paris-Roubaix, I don't know, a kilometre was enough for me and my backside). The other problem was the width restriction through town, but with some careful driving Rod managed to get through - just! From there it was through miles and miles of vineyards, all offering 'samples' and 'sales to the public', but as I went through they were all closed!!

It was then on to the first incident of the trip.........and it was with another cyclist. Passing through a village, an old lady decided to ignore the road signs and just rode across the road I was on with right of way. If I'd have been in a car I hate to think what would have happened. As it was, I flat spotted the back tyre and ended up with the back wheel off the floor. And she just carried on her own way. I wished her well and carried on. We also came across what appeared to be preparation for a rally this coming weekend - closed roads warnings, rally and recce cars. That would have played havoc with the Sat Nav. And eventually onto to Angouleme, to yet another closed campsite - even the French and Dutch were queued up outside this one, shrugging their shoulders - so it''s not just me! This was after Rod had gone ahead to find one , whilst I finished the day's ride, and we couldn't find each other in the city. So I decided to ride through and ended on the wrong road - arrrrrgh

Last song on IPOD today : The Jam - Down in the Tube Station at Midnight

Garmin Stats :
145.6km / 6 hours 9 mins cycling time / 23.66 kmh average / 57.73 kmh max

Day 05 - Sallespisse to Barsac

5 down and 9 to go - Sounds better now it is a single digit

After a poor night - a combination of dehydration and sun burn, I have to admit that this morning was the first time I was wondering WHY? The exertion of yesterday, combined with that of the previous three days and my body did not want to get back on the bike. But I switched on my Blackberry - to check any messages and there was one from my daughter, wishing me luck for the day ahead.

So I reacquainted my backside with the saddle and set off from the campsite. After 15 minutes I checked the Sat Nav and realised I hadn't switched it on (thankfully only 6.5 km down the road - I've checked). The sun was already up and the manager had warned me today was going to be a hot one. Plenty of liquid and numerous stops (!) and he wasn't wrong. The first few km were very lumpy, 500m uphill followed by a quick descent and then repeating itself again and again. Mid morning we then entered a national park, after a quick buzz from a French Euro Jet fighter, it was kilometre after kilometre of straight smooth tarmac, through some beautiful, villages and lots of trees. Finally at the end of the ride, I passed through field after field of vines and lots of people looking after them - thank you!.

Onto the campsite, which again was closed and we were directed to another, which was also closed - but there was enough space just outside for the motorhome and the tent so we're staying put! If the sun is up again tomorrow I might have to cycle in a long sleeve top to protect my arms - even with suncream they look quite red!

Last song on IPOD today : The Alarm - Walk forever by my side

Garmin Stats :
152.7km / 5 hours 51 mins cycling time / 26.1 kmh average / 68.5 kmh max

Day 04 - Urroz - (Pamplona) to Sallespisse

A quick drive from the campsite back to Urroz Villa and the early morning sun had disappeared in low cloud. The local school kids that had met us yesterday, where there to greet us again - before they went into school. Even their teacher came across to wish us well. Quickly across the main road onto a nice back road started the gentle climb to the bottom slopes of the Pyrenees. The first major mechanical - a slow puncture, which I managed to ride on until I met up with Rod. On changing the tube we couldn't find the offending hole in the tyre, so I decided to change the tyre as well - just as a precaution for the climb and descent to come.

Once back on the road, the climb carried on steadily up the hills - not steep, just long. Half way up, the road levelled off for a while and then started to climb again. Passing through a village they had a sign 950m - only 125m more of climbing, when I turned the corner to find a 5 minute downhill and drop 100+metres before climbing to the summit. A quick stop and pictures and then the descent. I think I lived up to my MADMAN title. 20km averaging 40kmh and that included numerous hairpin bends. I had to wait for Rod at the bottom and I stopped for a few photos!!! Near the bottom it was 'Adios Espana' and 'Bonjour France'. It was also goodbye to the sun. Then it was another long slog to Orthez. When I got to the campsite, I realised I had burnt in the 'cloud' and the climb in the morning had really taken it out on my legs - This afternoon wasn't fun!!

And my hand is still swollen - I struggled to get my glove on this morning.
So I think I've earned a drink this evening.

A quick thank you -
To all the drivers in Spain (except one) for being courteous and more importantly leaving plenty of room
To the road designers in Spain for leaving 2m wide hard shoulder / cycle lanes even on the small country lanes
To Jaime for coming into the office on a Saturday morning

Thanks Spain

Last song on IPOD today : Dido - White Flag

Garmin Stats :
138km / 5 hours 52 mins cycling time / 23.5 kmh average / 71.5 kmh max

Day 03 - Agreda to Urroz (Pamplona)

Photo : I bet they don't have to do this on the Tour de France!

Up and off early again to try and avoid the heat of the day meaning I had to wrap up against the morning cold. It was a little overcast and a slight wind from 10 o'clock. As the day progressed the wind turned a little and was even more head on - not good for cycling. So head down and churn out the kilometres - some a little quicker than others. Especially when there is a snake curled up on the hard shoulder I was cycling in and it wasn't small. At first I thought it was something from a wagon - rope etc. and I guess it must have been 1m long and 5 cm diameter. And before you ask Rebecca - No I didn't go back to take a photo (and for those who don't know me - I really do hate snakes!!).

The route was comparatively flat today, so despite the wind I still made good time and decided to carry on without stopping for lunch and ended the days cycling in a beautiful little village - Urroz Villa. A quick call to the campsite to make sure it still existed and was open and we were off to set up camp and do some much needed chores - washing, servicing bike, shave etc. Then it was down bar, a medicinal glass of the local Rioja and something to eat, then back to the motorhome to write this blog. On the injury front - none to report apart from an insect bite on my right hand - the little ****** got inside my glove and has a feast. My hand is quite swollen, but I'll survive.

Last song on IPOD today : Bon Jovi - Always

Garmin Stats :
127km / 4 hours 49 mins cycling time / 26.5 kmh average 62.4 kmh max

Day 02 - Atienza to Agreda

Up and off early today to try and avoid the heat as it was a clear blue sky when we woke up. Very quickly after setting off, the clouds came in and the temperature dropped to a very cool 14 - gillet and arm warmers on. The road was smooth and fast rolling. The only thing hindering quick progress was the constant need for the loo ( I have to keep my fluid intake high!)

In 40 miles on a Sunday morning, I was passed by only 4 cars and 2 of these were whilst I was stopped!! And that was it for the cycling - just churning out the kilometres, including the last descent (12 km).

We then set off to the campsite for some R&R (it was only 2:30), to find that despite the website saying it was open and displaying the 2009 prices outside the office, the site was CLOSED - Arrrrrgh. Not again. So it was back to Agreda to find a suitable lay-by and send some e-mails to the next few campsites to make sure they are open.

Last song on IPOD today : Frankie goes to Hollywood - Two Tribes

Garmin Stats :
125km / 4 hours 21 mins cycling time / 28.7 kmh average / 62.7 kmh max

Day 01 - Madrid to Atienza

Photos : Outside Steria's Madrid Office

After a unscheduled lie in - I forgot to change my watch, we quickly de-camped and set off to meet Jaime at the Madrid office. A few photos and a check of the Sat Nav and I was off. A little cyclocross where they had blocked the road (a short cut) and a 2.5 tunnel under the airport and I was off. If only the same could be said for Rod. He set off with the aim of meeting me at an agreed point just the other side of the airport but his Sat Nav sent him on a slightly alternative route. And while he was waiting he had a visit from the civil guard. No ticket thankfully. And I was already ahead of him! Once off the main drag the roads were quiet and were starting to get a little lumpy. In fact the first real test was a brute. Straight up, no messing.

Good time was made for the next few miles, but then the hills started to get a little more serious and the downhills more fun. After lunch more of the same and a bit of a tail wind.

When we reached the end of day 1 the camp site has closed down so we are parked up in a lay-by.

Last song on IPOD today : Sex Pistols - Silly Thing

Garmin Stats :
132km / 5 hours 7 mins cycling time / 25.81 kmh average / 71.5 kmh max

Day 00 - Manchester to Madrid

Set off at around 10:45 on Wednesday 13th May to drive down to Portsmouth. Pretty uneventful really - no roadworks, no holdups and straight into the queue at the docks. When loading we somehow managed to get ourselves on first and lined up first to get off when we reached Bilbao. We were then straight to our cabin, unpacked a few things and then found the bar....whilst getting our bearings obviously. And this was before the vast majority had even boarded. To our shock we then found out that the ferry was doubling up as a mini cruise - a Foxy Bingo mini cruise. I hate bingo!!! The first half of the trip went smoothly and then we hit the Bay of Biscay and a force 6 wind - the ferry rolled just a little and it helped to counter the alcohol.

And then we reached Bilbao (8 degrees and raining - it could easily have been Manchester). Again an uneventful trip down to Madrid, apart from the new roads that the Sat Nav didn't know about! and we passed the Steria office as drove around Madrid. Always planning ahead, we then tried to get off the motorway to find our way ready for Saturday morning. What fun that turned out to be! An hour later and we had located the way in readiness for the next day and set off to find the campsite.

Again signposting and maps were at a premium! But eventually we found the
site, pitched up and are ready for the adventure ahead!! Pasta, tuna and
beans for tea.