Route and navigation

Not sure if I've put this up yet but planned route is as below. Will be travelling down very early on 29th April and setting off from Lands End in the afternoon:

29th April: Lands End - Carland Cross (between Truro and Newquay)
30th April: Carland Cross - Gt. Torrington
1st May: Gt. Torrington - Cheddar
2nd May: Cheddar - Wooferton (just south of Ludlow)
3rd May: Wooferton - Chorley
4th May: Chorley - Apppleby in Westmoreland
5th May: Apppleby in Westmoreland - Peebles
6th May: Peebles - Blairgowrie
7th May: Blairgowrie - Grantown on Spey
8th May: Grantown on Spey - Altnaharra
9th May: Altnaharra - John O'Groats

Many thanks to Ian Loasby for lending me his Garmin Edge 205 for the trip. I'll log my actual route/progress and upload it every day (internet access permitting).

All systems go

Back on the bike and feeling good!

A dental update ...

Antibiotics (Metronidazole) seem to be working as the pain is subsiding and I'm regaining some sanity as a result. HOWEVER, they've got some nasty side effects. I've got a constant pounding headache, aching muscles and joints, annoying itching, no appetite, metallic taste in the mouth and, strangely, urine so dark its as if I'm very dehydrated (which I'm not). The lymph nodes on that side of my face and neck are enlarged and painful but thats a result of the infection so they'll ease off soon enough I hope. So, although they're unpleasant and it means I've got no hope of getting on the bike at the moment I'm sticking with them because I can't countenance the idea of THAT pain again. There is what looks like the abscess coming to the surface on the inside of my jaw near the floor of my mouth. Too much information? Anyway, have made another dentist appt for Monday to have it checked out.

Hoping to feel well enough to get a ride sometime next week. Fingers crossed.

Pain

I've developed an abscess on a tooth. Bloody Hell its painful! Constant throbbing that never goes away. Painkillers not helping and antibiotics haven't really kicked in yet but I hope they do soon. Struggling to sleep or eat. My dentist can't extract the offending tooth because of the size and shape of the roots so it needs removing at the dental hospital. And in any case they can't do it until the abscess has been treated. BAD timing. With luck I'll have it out and be recovered before the 29th April but I'm waiting on an appointment. Otherwise I'm a bit stumped. I'm not up to cycling this week and am hoping that once the abscess has gone then the pain will have too so I can get back on the bike. Bugger!

The bike

It'll be this one:



2010 Specialized Tricross Sport complete with Tubus Logo rear rack, SKS mudguards, Shimano M520 pedals and a Brook B17 saddle - the only thing I'd perch my arse on.

I've ridden it for a few days and its really very comfortable. This is the first Aluminium frame/carbon fork touring style bike I've ridden and I expected it to be a bit harsh compared to (the traditionally compliant) steel framed bikes I'm used to but its most definitely not. It has quite a short reach/upright position so there is less pain in my neck and shoulders for those long days in the saddle. Not particularly fast but I think its probably safe to blame the engine there! In any event, comfort is more important than speed for my End to End ride.

As for the rest of my kit ... well more on that soon.

Clumber lake

Gentle spin around Clumber trails to loosen the legs. Chilly but fun.

Weather: bad. Mileage: good

Despite the foul weather I've got 3 long rides in this week (all over 70 miles and including hilly terrain) and over 250 miles so far this week. Since Monday I've ridden in sun, rain, hail, snow and, worst of all, wind. Is there anything more demoralising on a bike than a vicious headwind for mile on mile? Oh yes, when your face is being pelted with hail stones at the same time. Oh, and freezing cold wet hands and feet at the same time!!!!! I suppose I should be thankful that I've been punct*re free this week. Anyway, I can't guarantee the weather for my end-to-end ride so I've got to be prepared to cycle in whatever the elements throw at me and just get out there and do it.

I hope that whoever required the air ambulance and mountain rescue at Burbage on Tues is OK. It all looked a bit worrying when I cycled past.

Other top tips from my experience thus far this week:

1. Don't cycle over wet cattle grids with skinny slick tyres and not expect to have a bit of a brown trouser moment.
2. Shouting every known unrepeatable swear word at the wind won't make it blow any less in your face.
3. Carry a spare pair of gloves if you know its going to be (very) wet.
4. Alcohol has a rapid effect when your knackered from lots of cycling.