Brief Interlude

Apologies that this post comes slightly out of sync. I promised james2 I would post some photos of the day they waved goodbye to Bristol for their epic voyage - or at least, I was waving, they were gripping really slippy handlebars and fidgeting on soggy saddles!

Turning up shortly after 10am with one final nice coffee, I stood with james2 in James P's doorway and we watched really fierce grey clouds stomp angrily overhead, stop, open, and dump truckloads of water on their shiny new bikes. What are those small white things? Hailstones?

"But I've got a leather saddle!"

Some discussion over strategic pannier packing ensued, with a last waterbottle check, but frankly, they could have saved crucial space and weight by ditching the water and just packing some straws.

Whilst James P was trying out his new waterproof camera underneath the neighbours broken drainpipe, Dr James looked rightly apprehensive and re-rearranged his panniers. I watched in disbelief as JP's head disappeared under a cascade of water from the pipe, which resulted in throwing in of towel quite literally, tho' a little too early in the trip. But stoicism ruled, and JP (not to be outdone in competition) matched Dr J's pannier re-rearrangement and posed cheerfully for the camera. Realising this shot hides the whereabouts of his hands:

...james2 were called together for a couple of final group shots:



...and then were off:

...taking the wrong turn right out of JP's drive.

Good start boys!

There will be much more interesting shots of the journey unfolding, so keep a look out for those over the next 10 days. Happy cycling fellas - peddle for your life, vas up well in all this rain, and eat more buns!!


[posted by lizzie in a very rainy Bristol]

Dr James' final week musing

The final week’s preparation has been predominantly dietary and mechanical. Sunday saw an extensive bike rebuilding programme (James P) and degreasing session / removal of layers of grime (James S) which has resulted in bikes that both of us are very pleased with ... so far.

After a certain degree of contemplation, I have removed my old gear cassette and replaced it with one with an large ‘get out of jail’ gear – in case of emergencies. I am hoping the emergencies will not consist of ‘cycling uphill’.

I have also bought one or two more bits of cycle clothing which were much admired by my work colleagues. Their remarks concerning my lycra tights in particular were, I am sure, meant in a positive way. Nonetheless, I think I will reserve them for the less populated sections of the ride.

I also made my last visit to the supermarket to take advantage of the 2-for-1 offer on fruit and nut, but I am not sure it will see Devon.

Looking at the just giving site, we are struck by friends’ generosity which will be great encouragement during the harder days.

Just a few final bits to tie up – campsite reservations for Friday, oh and James P needs to sort the route - that's all. Back to it.

A new steed is born

I don't have a name for her yet - suggestions? - but here she is...

I should say 'reborn' rather than 'born'. Underneath all that gleamy stove-enamled paintwork is a 1982 ARGOS Racing Cycles frame...

Getting this bike together has really been a labour of love. I bought the original bike second-hand and having ridden it for a few months in its tired old state I decided to treat it to a make-over. I went back to its original builder, ARGOS Racing Cycles. They are one of the last few hand built bike builders in the country and are based right here in Bristol. They sand blastered it back, added a few new rack mounts and bottle mounts and gave it a gleaming new stove-enamled coat of paint. For anyone with a love of old steel bikes and retro beauty, here's a few pictures of the build. Enjoy....