Reader instructions

Hi as this blog takes the most recent blog first, go to the menu on the right hand side, just below the photo of me and click on "Job Done"....that's the first blog about the trip. Then just scroll down (and up) the screen for tales of daredoing, bike riding and undulations!!

Thank you

Just a wee note to say a huge thank you to a few folks. Firstly to my sister and brother-in-law for the use of their Trek 4500 (Dawn says it's her bike, but Davy has used it more than her!), to my aunt Sylvia who suggested a coffee morning and my mum and her friends and other relations of mine who turned up with goodies and handed out gallons of tea and coffee, scones, buns etc.....we rasied £1200 on April 14th 2007.

Thanks to everyone who so generously made a donation to Action Cancer. With Gift Aid we have raised around £7250!! Can you believe it? Your generosity really encouraged me during my long months of training, through some unkind comments about my build (particularly when in cycling gear!) and through some tough days on the bike ride itself.

Thanks to Ballymena Guardian and in particular to Shaun O'Neill who took a real interest in my planned adventure, and ensured continued coverage right through 2007. Without the publicity generated by frequent appearances in the Sport section (who'd have believed it? Me in the Sports section!!) I would not have raised nearly as much as I did. Thanks Shaun.

Thank you to Henck, Sam and Peter whos made our expedition so much more enjoyable than it could otherwise have been. They quickly became part of our group and firm friends. Their level of planning, the accomodation they arranged and food prepared for lunches was just outstanding. Oh. Thanks to the effervescent Dr. Sophie. You're a star.

Thanks to Neil, Shaun, Mary, Aideen, George (first class room mate), Anne, Catherine and Rashida. I couldn't have wished for better cycling companions. Henck commented more than once that he had never seen a group that got on as well, supported one another so well and had as much fun together.

If you've never taken part in a charity challenge just re-read my blog of the trip. Wouldn't you like to have such an experience. Someone once asked, "When is the last time you did something for the first time?"

Now is that time.

Day 9, 27th October 2007

Cape Town

Another early rise. Another packing of the bag. Another day on the bike ride, except it wasn't just another day.

Today was "it". After breakfast (and there was porridge! Woo) everyone gathered in reception and before you knew it the minivan arrived for everyone except Henck and me. Everyone else was on a half day trip to Cape Point Reserve, home of the Cape of Good Hope (never do a half day tour - I did a full day tour and it was rushed!). Hugs, kisses and best wishes later I was on my own. Henck had had to rush off as his wife was collecting him.

But hey! I was going on a full day tour of my own. Any minute now the tour guide would turn up and I'd be on my way. Minutes passed. Half an hour passed. This guy isn't coming. One hour after I was supposed to be collected I rang the company. "We had to cancel that tour owing to low numbers. Did someone not notify you?"! You'd think that my calling them to see where the tour guide was would have given them some clue that, No! No one had called me on the cancellation front.

So I headed off for a wander. My bags were stored in the secure room in the hotel. In any event I was looking for a bank. Being a Saturday I knew that they would shut around lunchtime. So I headed off in the general direction of the seafront. I say the general direction as I soon got well and truly disorientated (read lost) and found myself underground in the train station, having walked confidently (or so I thought) through a very crowded and very non-white flea market. No one troubled me in any way, but I guess it is a human trait that we feel most comfortable amongst people we readily identify with, and why through lack of integration and understanding that there is so much trouble in our societies amongst differing ethic and religious groupings. Just a thought! Soon enough though I re-emerged into a shopping area, and two cd's later I was on my way to the Waterfront. I did call into that bank, but it was after 12. Too late!

Cape Town has rather trendy street signs pointing to the various tourist spots and really easy to understand once you catch on. A sign pointing behind you doesn't necessarily mean the tourist spot is behind you. It can mean cross the street and turn right and follow the direction from the next sign you come across. Easy! Told you.

Eventually on a very sunny, very hot Saturday I arrived at the V&A Waterfront....Cape Town premier shopping and tourist spot. With Table Mountain as a backdrop they really have it made. Whilst there's lots of tourist paraphanelia around, there are some world class restaurants eg Baia (you need to book early in the day for this seafood specialty restaurant), hotels, normal shops, crafts and a huge mall. You can take a boat trip to Robben Island from here, boat tour of the harbour area or a helicopter ride over the city, or a Huey Ride if you like a bit more adventure.

The remainder of the group were supposed to be at the Waterfront to do some last minute shopping before they left for the airport, but try as I might, I couldn't see any of them. So I decided to head for a spot to eat. Who did I bump into but Dr. Sophie and Henck, heading for a 99! They had ran late on the Cape of Good Hope trip and the rest of the crew were busying themselves in the shops.

Henck assisted with my "Ballymena Guardian" shot, and we sauntered back through the masses with our 99's and over to the parking lot where Sam and his minivan were waiting.

It was strange saying goodbye to everyone, and watching them drive away, heading for Cape Town Internation Airport. The bike ride was well and truly over. I was no longer a cyclist making good on the thousands of pounds people had so generously donated. I was demoted to the rank of tourist. Just one of thousands in this magnificent city.

Day 8, October 26th 2007

Wilderness to Cape Town
lots of kilometres (in a minivan!) - all tar roads

The group had collectively agreed it would be good idea to leave as early as possible to fit in with Henck's suggestion of some whale watching in Errrmawnnoos (Hermanus to you and me!! Sorry Henck) and head up Table Mountain (it was as exciting and awesome as it sounds) in the same day. It was a long drive to Cape Town.

So the alarm clock went off an hour earlier today! At home when you're in the humdrum of life getting up early is such a chore (if you're me!). On holiday, albeit after a five day bike ride, when the sun is beating in through the curtains and the birds are going at it for all their worth, it just seems so much easier.

I think everyone found it strange not to be standing around in their cycling gear, ready for warm up exercises and a briefing as to the day's route. Something definitely was missing. A few of the group seemed delighted to be free of their two wheel friends. As for me, I was sad not to be getting on my bike, enjoying the scenery, the fresh air and the group craic.

At 6.10am we were on the road, heading out of Wilderness and up along the coast road. Now Australia boasts of their Great Ocean Road in Victoria. And man do they market it. It doesn't have a look in to the road out of Wildnerness or for that matter the coast road right along this stretch of SA. The road twists around the rugged coastline, clinging to the cliffs affording you panoramic views of the coastline bathed as it was in the early morning sunshine. Just wonderful.

We drove for miles and miles (sorry, I've lapsed into good old UK speak). Thank goodness for air con as it was pretty hot out. We stopped for breakfast in Funnydutchberg (it had a berg at the end of it! And it was Dutch! What do you want from me? I'm not Bill Bryson, you know.) at a garage! Maybe we were hungry. Maybe the food actually was good. But it was really tasty. I went to pay for my breakfast and was told it was over R700! Suddenly realising that was the entire bill for 11 people I shuffled back to my table. Breakfast was apparently part of the package. Either that or Henck treated us.

Onwards we drove through the Overberg (pronounced Offerbergh - you have to pronounce the 'gh' in the same way as in Lough). Imagine a really long road, with fields stretching out eithe side of you as far as the eye can see (before the mountains take over in any event) and as far in front and behind as you can see. Then imagine these fields full of canola, corn, wheat etc. That's the Overberg. I've never seen anything like it. Combine harvesters in the middle of one of the fields looked like a child's toy from the road. An amazing sight.

The sad thing is that farm workers earn on average R600 per month, and there's 13 Rand to the pound £ at the minute! They earn when they work. When planting and harvest isn't on there's no work, and no pay. Oh! There's no Income Support or the wealth of other incentives not to work that we have in the UK. You're on your own in SA.

Eventually we arrived in the seaside town of Hermanus. Full on sun. Blue sky. Whales in the sea close to shore. Pretty town. Just what the doctor ordered. We had a beautiful lunch in a restaurant, part of which was in a cave! right on the sea shore. Our table afforded a view of a baby whale (small bus) thumping its tail repeatedly on the water whilst mother glided gracefully along. The adult southern right whales are just huge. You could stand and watch these gracefull peaceful creatures all day. It's so relaxing.

However the life of a tourist demands a tight eye on the watch. Everyone back on board we set off for Cape Town. My shoes were lying on the floor and my socks attempting to dry out. Henck thought it a good idea to get back on the rocks close to the sea to view a couple of whales heading close to land. Good idea on the way out. On our return the tide was really coming in, and split second timing was required to get from one rocky outcrop to the one nearest to land. Well I didn't quite manage it, concerned as I was not to drop my camera in the water or bash it against the rocks!

Hours later we arrived in Cape Town. From a distance Table Mountain has an unfamiliar look. We arrived from the south and came in past the airport and more depressingly (as ignorant tourists who haven't actually visited the townships feel initally) past the many townships. Khayalitsha, Langa, Joe Slovo, Athlone. Just four of the sprawling settlements to which the black were consigned during the evil reign of apartheid. Khayalitsha were I visited on the Sunday has a population of 1.5 million - the same as Northern Ireland!

Then it was up the narrow steep streets leading to the foot of Table Mountain. Our rotating circular cable car took up to the top of the mountain. Cloud was racing in around the Lion's Head and the base of the mountain, but at the top we had clear blue sky. The back and sides of the mountain had a thick skirting of cloud - a view similar to that out of your plane at 37,000 feet. Just magical. There was no cloud over Cape Town. Apparently the heat of the city burns off the cloud. As you may know, when the cloud sits on top of Table Mountain it's known at the Table Cloth. Tourist photos taken it was back down again and off to our accomodation for the night.

Our hotel, the Fountain Hotel was just across from the main bus station, a fact drummed into us by Sam on the safety briefing. Tourist tend to leave their brains at home when on holiday, and he reminded us to be very wary.

George and I were assigned our key, and we headed up to room 1010. Well. What awaited us was like nothing I've ever seen or stayed in before. I'll upload a picture for you to see the inside of the living/kitchen area. And. And we had a view of Table Mountain. Ding dong. We just couldn't believe it.

Showered, shaved and aftershaved it was off to dinner. Mama Africa's was overbooked so Henck had arranged dinner at the Gold Museum. What a prize that turned out to be. We were shown into a courtyard where chairs and small tables were set out in two rows. At least that's what Shaun and myself had thought. No!

We were in for a spot of djembe training. African drums! Do correct me if they're called something other than djembe drums. My memory can't hold all the details!! Our teacher taught us three rhythms. He then played a melody and shouted 1, 2 or 3 and we assisted...with our 1, 2 or 3 rhythm and shouting. Great fun. One of those experiences were you're tempted to rush straight out and buy a drum!

Dinner was in the form of a continuous flow of small bowls of food from different parts of Africa. This was interspersed with dramatised stories including giant (papier mache?) characters, with music and typically vibrant enthusiastic African singing. There was a wonderful surprise for Henck! Sam and Peter had arranged for Henck's wife to come along!

After dinner Henck had a word for each member of the group and handed out a print of the photograph taken by Sam as we finished the bike ride at the Ebb and Flow chalets in Wilderness.

Day 7, October 25th 2007

Knynsa to Wilderness
57km (37km tarmac, 20km dirt/unsealed)

There was an air of euphoria this morning with everyone realising aloud that "this is it". Bikes were unloaded from Peter's trailer and wheels pointed forwards from the sideways storage position. Sam's trailer was loaded with the luggage. Henck decided that we should do our warm up exercises, in the middle of the public car park! Bless him. You could almost feel the envy from the tour bus "cattle" as they gazed longingly at our bicycles, dreaming of the freedom to go at their own pace along tourist free country roads, instead of being herded from one tourist trap to the next.

A photoshoot was on the cards at the lagoon, and we rode off to the end of the road from the Ashmead Resort where we had stayed the night before and onto the lagoon edge path. An Action Cancer t-shirt clad photo at the end of a boardwalk was set up and duly logged. We continued on our way past a few boatyards and some nice white folks out power walking or what seemed like attempted jogging. Funny how the local black population were somewhat more preoccupied with working and daily survival!

Maybe we're stopping at the car park where Sam had dropped us off the night before for dinner? Nope! We continued on to the main road out of town. It was a beautiful sunny morning and riding alongside the lagoon was just brilliant. That we were inches away from the traffic on our right hand side didn't matter. Just before the hill out of town we stopped and our trusty steads loaded onto Peter's trailer....and off to Ruigtevlei (Ruich-teff-lie).

It had been originally planned for us to get a steam train to this isolated halt, but thanks to heavy rains and a landslide that option was taken away from us. You'll never guess what awaited us? Yes. An undulation. To be honest we were climbing up into the forests, and would be riding along the Seven Passes (Pawwwwses - for Henck!!!) Road. Once again the scenery didn't disappoint and yet again the joy of riding a bike allowed you to just freewheel and take in the views and the glorious sunshine.

A water and nibble stop was arranged at a drif (ford) just before quite a long and persistent climb. Long hours on the Tullymore Road, Glen Braes Road, Carnalbanagh etc paid off as I steadily made my ascent in pretty hot conditions. Sam was never too far in front, yet, as we came to tease him, just as you got close to him and his van, he would take off. Almost teasing you that maybe next time you would get to stop and rest.

If you were paying close attention earlier you'll recall the complaint that we were riding too fast. Well today was no exception and we reached the tar road in record time. So a cunning plan was hatched.....a nature trail. Peter led us into the bush (fynbos) for a nature study. Not a naturalist study. Please! Do pay attention.

However he could only delay us so long. The tar road furnished us speedsters with more opportunities to tuck down into the handlebars and let rip. Sun in your face, and the wind in your hair (ahem!)...life was indeed good. As I said before though for every downhill....an uphill was waiting. Henck came up alongside me and we "chewed up the miles" at a steady 20mph. We were feeling pretty good with our cycling until we were passed by a fetching young lady on a road bike. Man, Henck was all for cycling hard and catching up with her. Ego thing!

I realised the ego massage that would provide, but if we failed to catch up (and remember she could well have just started her bike ride for the day) then we would crash and burn in glorious fashion. Henck conceded the point, albeit reluctantly. I've no doubt he could have caught up with her and left her in his wake had he put his mind to it.

Our next excitement came in the form of a mad dog! It tried to snap at Henck - him being closer, before turning it's attention on me. Methinks it realised my loose right foot was loose for a reason and could easily connect with its head, so it gave up the chase...protesting loudly and hoping the rest of the group would prove slower targets!

My reputation for being first at lunch was thwarted by Henck. Having reaslied his boyhood dream of doing a wheelie (well, you have to amuse yourself someway when you're waiting for the rest of the group) he left me to direct the group up the laneway to our lunch spot. George arrived in Peter's baccie as the derailleur on his bike had broken. The route had certainly tested these bikes with the terrain, rain, mud and dust.

Sam had just the best lunch waiting...complete with a hand prepared fruit salad. A strong breeze coupled with full on sunshine made for a lovely relaxing break.

"Only one more undulation" announced Henck with his usual grin. It would turn out to be a double undulation. No surprise there Henck! At our gathering point at the top of the hill we were told that we would ride into town together, as a group. That worked okay until the relatively steep incline where we spread out yet again. Henck was pedalling quite normally, and keeping alongside us. Yet without appearing to increase his pedalling he just took off. It never ceased to astonish us how he could just turn on the power. He spent so much time at the back of the group keeping spirits up that it must have been a wonderful release for him just to let rip and head off for a bit.

The left turn for Wildnerness came upon us, and we stopped to regroup. "For f*%k's sake" was all I heard behind me. Yes it was Shaun. Yes it was his chain! But this time it had broken. The bike was upturned and whilst an inspection was taking place a traffic police van appeared. Henck swore that he hadn't organised its arrival. Hmm! To cut the long story short (what do you mean, 'too late'?) Shaun's bike was put in the back of the van. Henck gave Shaun his bike, and Henck got into the van alongside the policewoman.

And so it was that we got a police escort at around 10mph all the way downhill into Wilderness. Can you believe it? Downhill and not allowed to enjoy it! Still the police escort made up for it. For some reason Henck thought it a good idea to stop in Wildnerness town and get us to tie balloons to our helmets! Why not? Then it was a long ride along an undulating road along the lagoon to the Ebb and Flow resort, and our chalets. A group photo was taken at the entrance before the final victory ride to the final stop at Peter's van.

Champagne and nibbles had been prepared by Sam and Peter. Everyone was of good cheer realising just what an epic adventure we had experienced, endured, but completed since Sunday morning. We relaxed on the boardwalk outside the chalets until time for dinner. Again by dessert tiredness was setting in, and coupled with a 6am departure for Cape Town, there was going to be no late night partying tonight.

Day 6, October 24th 2007

Uniondale (Die Hoop) to Knysna
73km (8km tarmac, 65km dirt/unsealed)

Tempting as it was to get up at 5am to go walkabout with the "wild" animals, I opted for lying in bed! Bearing in mind the grimness of the last 20km yesterday I wasn't up for it. I did hear muted voiced in the main room - thought it was George and Mary, but it turned out it was Doc. Sophie who was cadging a cup of tea from George. Apparently the walkabout was very enjoyable, but they were the only two, plus Henck, who went for it!

Looking out the front window when I did get up at 6am I was despondent to see the low cloud still there, and everything looking very wet. It wasn't actually raining, more that slightly moist air you get in fog/mist.

Breakfast was great, and we got loaded up, and into Sam's van. They were treating us to a ride to the tar road! Woooo!! Unless you did the ride the night before you have no idea how happy we were with that simple pleasure.

All too soon the end of the dirt road appeared and it was out and at it. The rain was starting and the breeze already picking up. Foolishly, as it turned out I took off my fleece thinking it would be too warm riding with it under my light rain jacket - it was South Africa after all. I wasn't expecting this weather.

Things weren't too bad for the first few kilometres. We crossed over the staggered crossroads and onto our favourite unsealed/dirt road which would take us up and over the Prince Alfred Pass. Well. The rain got heavier. The wind continued to blow. I got progressively colder. The rain wasn't soaking me but it made the light rain jacket stick to my skin and thus get colder. As the blood withdrew from my skin my shoulders got cold and then sore. The back of my right hand went numb and did my thumb, and an intense pain shot up my index finger. The left hand, strangely enough wasn't too bad. Thranness yet again made me plough on to the top of the pass.

By this time I was shaking really quite badly, and uncontrollably. Sam ordered me into the van where the heater was on full blast. When the rest of the crew arrived they all bailed in as well for sanctuary from the awful conditions.

Dr. Sophie was so concerned by my shaking (which I couldn't even stop for a second) that I think she was going to make me sit out the ride until I warmed up. Thankfully I warmed up sufficiently to avoid the ignominy of such a fate, and with the doc's body wamer (I was so cold my brain didn't even register to put my fleece back on) I set off down the undulation, sorry, hill road.

When you're still shaking from the cold and wet, it's hard to appreciate whether the road is bumpy or it's just you shaking!! But the downhill, once my shoulders stopped aching, and my hand wasn't numb was actually great fun with some just amazing mist shrouded scenery. It's no exaggeration to say that you needed to be there to appreciate the scale and wonder of the scenery. A photograph just wouldn't do it justice.

The group was to stop at the coffee house at the bottom of the pass. Analise and her one room shop was such a welcome sight. Bless her. A winning lottery ticket would not have been more welcome than her cups of tea and milk tart. And muffins! That and the sun broke out. Hallelujah!!

Soon enough it was time to de-robe the outer layers and back in the saddle. A long steady climb ensued, both in terms of the geography and the temperatue. It was soon time for a stop to peel off the inner layers and normal service was resumed.

This was a day full of undulations including one ridicuously steep section. It was so steep, a couple of passing 4x4 occupants were taking photographs of us! "Crazy fools" you could almost hear them say. At the top of this nut job section it was water and sun cream time, and time for a hearty pat on the back.

Lunch was on the cards. Sam would be at the top of the final hill. Yes, I actually think Henck used the 'h' word.

Of course, the question which was begged was....where or rather when is the "final hill"? Of course off we set. Neil, George and Shaun headed off in a front to back line, whilst I trundled on at my merry 6 or 7 miles an hour. I was asked if I was okay...as I wasn't keeping up! I assured them I was....playing the long game takes patience...something learned over many months on the roads in good old Northern Ireland. Before I knew it Shaun broke rank and I trundled past one, two and then I was in front.

We rode through a forested area and downhill. Usually you'd be expecting a whoo-hoo at this point. But. What goes down....and all that. Yes a hill, an undulation appeared and so did a bit of rain. I made my way slowly along the unsealed, rocky, sandy road and round a corner. Boom! A headwind made my life very difficult. Thranness is a wonderful attribute and a must for a charity bike ride. Could the settlement just ahead of me be the lunch stop. Yes!!! And there's a van. It doesn't look like our van, but maybe Sam is about there somewhere.

The closer I got the more I realised Sam wasn't there. I was hungry by this stage and none too enamoured with the incline ahead of me. Some carbo gel was consumed and a glug or two of water would help stem hunger for a while. George had joined me by this stage and was avoided getting splashed full on by a passing 4x4. I wasn't so fortunate! The bounder!!

On and on we slogged. Yet another downhill presented itself with the depressing reality of a surely following uphill. And what an uphill it was. The hardcore was very much to the surface and it was a long slow bumpy ride to the top. Long straight uphills are moral sapping as you can see the top but your sluggish pace makes the road seem never ending, like the scene in Wallace and Grommit's 'The wrong trousers' were Wallace is laying down seemingly endless pieces of track to keep the train running.

George set an even pace and so it was that Sam, his van, and more importantly lunch hoved into view. Thank you Lord. We rounded the corner and took our leave of our bikes. Tired legs aside. Near hypothermic experiences well behind me, I took in an awesome view from our lofty lunch spot. Shaun arrived shortly thereafter, uttered something you wouldn't mention to those of a nervous or ladylike disposition and lay prostrate on the ground. As usual though Sam's fine fayre restored our energy levels, and Irish humour being what it is the laughter replaced the moans. Another canine friend appears and it ran to whoever called it, immediately rolling over for a tummy rub. Someone else called it and doggie ran to them and rolled over instantly. That dog had it made.

No one in the group had found the day thus far easy. And we were buoyed up with Henck's assurance that it was downhill all the way to Knysna. People were just a big slower at getting on their trusty steads and I found myself with Henck enjoying our immediate downhill section. A wry smile came over his face when, turning the corner into an undulation, I reminded him of his pronouncement of no more hills. "Maybe they won't notice!"

It appeared they didn't. By the time we reached the Groot Boom (big tree) stop no one mentioned the hill. Henck had been right. The really long downhill section had recharged flagging adrenalin levels, and erased the memories of wind, rain, freezing tempartures and (seemingly) never ending uphills.

Groot Boom, giant yellow tree was, well, big, but a tree nonetheless. No sequoia mind you. Suitably unimpressed we set off on what proved to be a really rather long section of dirt road. Thanks to some recent rainfall some section were pure mud. Eventually the tar road beckoned again. As we were only a short distance from Knysna I felt it time to break out the Jelly Babies!

A short sharp uphill led us to the start of the township. Wow! People were living in "houses" which ranged from four panel fence sections with polythene roof to a garden sheds. Occasionally brick houses with corrugated tin roofs broke through. But what really stood out were the business operating from lorry containers! There is an optimism and spirit of survival which is inspiring, in spite of the appalling poverty and neglect.

Our route took us on the road through the township, over the N2 flyover, and actually in through a particularly humbling section of the township. The people seemed friendly to these nice white folks, riding their fancy mountain bikes en route to their nice hotel. It does make you uncomfortable to realise just how much we have and how little these folks make do with.

As soon as we had entered the township we left, hanging a right onto the N2 and hunching down on the handlebars we let rip downhill into Knysna. Henck was at hand at the appropriate junction, directing us left and on about 200 metres to our motel. Just across the lagoon were really fancy detached houses, with a stunning view of the hillside behind us, and the township!

The evening was rounded off with a lovely meal at the habourfront. We retired to bed knowing, somewhat ruefully in my case that tomorrow was indeed the last day.

Day 5, October 23rd 2007

De Rust to Uniondale (Die Hoop +20km)
100km (91km tarmac, 9km dirt - still think there was more km on dirt than 9km!)

Today started with the usual routine. Alarm 6.00am. Get dressed and up the street to the, as yet unopened, restaurant. The locals were bemused to see nice white boys up at such an early hour and, perhaps more importantly, walking. In SA, in the countryside the only people I ever saw walking were non-whites (there! I avoided any risk of upsetting anyone with a potentially un-pc term).

Breakfast was great. The usual fresh fruit, yoghurts, cereal, fried breakfast, juices, toast...the list goes on.

7.30am and it was "on yer bike" as we had taught Henk to say. The ride started pleasantly enough with a short stop for a photo with the ostriches. Thereafter a gentle ride to the turn off for Uniondale. The group did eventually string out, and Shaun headed off into the distance, joined occasionally by myself and Neil. Sam corralled the group for water and nibbles.

The weather forecast had spoken of a 30% chance of rain. Whilst the sun was shining and a pleasant breeze blew we took no notice. That was until we approached Louis' home. Louis apparently has no use for a surname, nor for that matter shoes! He has not worn shoes since he was a nipper, and his one and only pair are for church.

It was the non-wearing of shoes which fascinated the group more so than his growing of plants for use in traditional medicines, and his claims that the plants could cure almost any illness. "You don't wear shoes at all?" So much for curing illnesses.

The wind was really picking up and the temperature dropped. A brief shower foretold of what was to come later on. The tour of the ostriches, and promises of riches for those who invested in the birds, over we headed onto the road again.

Henk and myself "chewed up the miles" (another of Henk's wonderful phrases) at a steady 22mph, passing the time yarning and admiring the Karoo scenery. By the time we came to the turn off onto our unsealed road, the rain started and it was accompanied by its close friend, the strong wind. Thankfully it passed, and we seemed to be riding alongside the rain clouds rather than through them.

Lunch came at the end of a fun downhill section. Sam once again excelled himself with his fayre. When the sun ducked behind a cloud you could really feel the freshness of the wind, but forgot about it when the sun reappeared.

Soon enough the lounging of lunchtime was over with an "On yer bikes" from Henck. He was clearly enjoying his new 'Irish' phrases.

Today was the longest stretch of unsealed/dirt roads and it went on, and on, and on, and...you get the picture. The scenery was straight out of a Western movie, but when you're trudging along mile after mile the novelty of the scenery wears off a bit. A passing 4WD broke the monotony occasionally.

Again it was the hills which stretched out the group, and for whatever reason I was well out in front again. Sam thankfully appeared with Rashida, who had sat out the long, occasionally bumpy section, to rest her arm. He stopped near the top of the final undulation before the tar road leading to Uniondale. Water and nibbles were taken onboard and notes compared re the long long stretch we'd just ridden.

Spirits were raised by the gentle descent to the tar road. Hanging a right we were straight into a headwind with some attitude, and within a few minutes driving rain. Head down to the handlebar and cycle away. I had stayed at the back with Anne whilst the rest of the group headed on to town. Spinning is the only option in a headwind, particularly after you've already ridden 40 odd miles. And so it came to pass that it was on to the main road to Uniondale. One final undulation and rounding the bend the town (Broughshane size) hoved into view. What a welcome sight. The rain had cleared, although it was overcast.

Catherine and myself rode into town. Just as we got to Sam's van in centre of town, the heavens opened. A squally shower which wasn't taking its time to come down drenched the final few riders. The temperature really dipped and for the first time on the cycle I felt really cold. A coffee and a bar of chocolate - a "Threesome" - helped recovery.

Henck announced that it was "only another 20km" to Die Hoop, our accomodation for the evening. Normally "only 20km" would not bother anyone. But we've just ridden about 50miles and it's now breezy and cold. That and Uniondale had seemed like the end of the ride. I don't think anyone expected what came next.

However other than wimping out it was back on the saddle. Uphill out of town was tiring on the quads but manageable, until the wind picked up and the heavy rain started. Now picture an uphill winding road, with every corner you round being met by a gust of wind and driving rain. Now picture the knowledge of another 9km uphill in that.

At one point I seriously considered chucking it in for the day, but pride and thranness kept me trudging on. I had to take off the cycling glasses as I couldn't see. That only helped a bit, as now I could hardly keep my eyes open as the rain was hitting me in the face so hard. When you know that everyone else in the group is also struggling in the same conditions, the solidarity does drive you on.

Eventually the dirt road into Die Hoop appeared. The conditions had eased a bit, but it was cold, breezy and wet. "Only a another 10k guys" Sam cheerily announced. Neil, Shaun, George and myself headed off steadily enough on the downhill section from the tar road, but soon enough the conditions slowed us down to a snail's pace.

Imagine riding on hard sand; wet hard sand. The bike only moved when you peddled, no freewheeling. I was in 1/4 most of the way on the bike. So not enjoyable.

I saw in the distance huge concrete arc walls at the entrance to a large bungalow which sat down in the valley. This is it. Yes! My spirits raised I pulled what reserves I had into the final push. Not to be! When I approached the entrance the name wasn't Die Hoop. And, when I looked at my bike computer I saw that we had another 3.5 miles to go. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Poor George coming behind me recounted his delight in seeing the entrance, only to be deflated when he saw me ride on.

Like everything else in life though, there was light at the end of the tunnel, and even a good downhill to Die Hoop. Sam met me as he headed back out towards the road, telling me that the lane into Die Hoop was at the bottom of the hill. Yea! Passing a field of zebras held no fascination for someone whose legs were now covered in mud, barely turning the wheels and dreaming of hot water and food.

Of course the laneway up into Die Hoop had to be uphill, with a fierce side wind! But slowly, surely I got to the top. The workers told me there was a fire in the main house and tea/coffee! I did wait for some of the others to arrive, before indulging.

Shaun summed up everyone's feelings about the last 20km when he said it was the lowest point in his life to date!

It's amazing though what a few cups of Rooibos tea and a log fire can do for battered spirits. Cold bath, warm shower, great food and Neil playing his travel guitar ensured an enjoyable end to a tough day.

Day 4, October 22nd 2007

Oudtshoorn to De Rust
65km (65km dirt/unsealed)

Today was to be a gentle 42km run with a few of Henck's, by now infamous "undulations". He had got so much stick the first day about his "undulations" and his way off estimates as to distances that everytime he went to say "undulations" he would break out in a big smile! He then wondered why we never believed him when he said there was only one or two "undulations"!

First though on the agenda was a transfer to visit the Cango Caves. You know the sort of thing...stallectites...stallegmites (before you start, I don't even care if those two words are incorrectly spelled!)...lots of guff about 263 million years ago. And...a wonderful guide, who in a Jamaicanesque accent showed us the organnn piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiipes! Each time he referred to them it was just a joy to hear. Not sure if that was how he normally pronounced the word, but we didn't care!

We were booked in for the Adventure Tour, and so we dandered past the tour bus herds, and on into the inner depths of the cave system. Our guide, Crystal takes theses tours three times a day all week. It was up Jacob's Ladder (a steep metal fixed ladder) to the upper level, through the crouching chamber, then sideways through a very narrow passage, before we got to the Devil's Chimney. This is a passage into which you feed yourself upwards, arms outstretched and climb the 20 feet or so to the chamber up above. The ladies went first, with only one getting slightly stuck at the feed-in stage. Shaun went ahead of me and there was much heavy breathing! The calcium deposits were so smooth it was like trying to climb up lumpy marble.

Finally there was a flat crawl on your belly section, before exiting backwards through the Letterbox, and out the sideways passage etc.

Yes, the biking had to start sometime, and so it was we headed down the road, past the t-junction and restaurant from yesterday, with the same, albeit less strong headwind, to our turnoff just before the Le Roux river bridge. After a brief stop at the dam, near the top of a short but sharp undulation, it was onwards to lunch.

The undulations started to space out the riders again and so it was I ended up well in front, suffering a bit in the heat, but enjoying the steep downhill and through a small drif (ford). It was then that the undulation to end all undulations hoved into view (or so I thought). It was just pure uphill, with lots of sand (dry loose dirt). Riding proved, for me, impossible, as the wheels just slid and spun. So I got off and pushed. Not that that was any easier. Much stopping and mopping of brow followed. My napper felt like it was burning and, as I say the sweat was dripping off my head! Not pleasant.

Great! Near the top! Nope, just a chance for the undulation to turn right and continue on its ever steep path to the top. Eventually I got to the top, not amused. Rewarded with a longish downhill I took on the next undulation with determination and won. And another downhill was much enjoyed, especially when I got to ride into the range of the sprinklers in the adjacent fields. So cooling.

Thankfully I was paying sufficient attention that I spotted Sam's van parked underneath some trees at an abandoned property...Neil and George rode past at speed when they arrived, and almost rode on, but for much howlering.. (George wondered how the two local boys who shouted after him knew his name - they had heard us shout).

Sam asked, "What are you doing here?". I told him it was the lunch stop. "But you're too early!". Well I'm not going back up that hill! He was only in the middle of preparing lunch and was much perturbed by my early arrival. Neil and George's arrival added to his pressure.

Our attention was diverted when we were alerted to Rashida having come off her bike on the downhill section before the lunch stop. After careful examination by Dr. Sophie, Rashida was brought to the lunch stop and fully examined and treated....after lunch being taken to hospital for examination (thankfully no fracture of the elbow).

Shaun displayed his prowess on the downhill sections after lunch, seemingly oblivious to the brakes on his bike. He was somewhat concerned when he met three young men on the road, one of whom was carrying a scythe! They said something to me as I rode past (quite quickly I might add) but I didn't stop to seek a translation....my Xhosa/Afrikaans not being up to scratch.

The weather was warm and pleasant, and the scenery just wonderful. Bike riding allows you time to soak in the scenery and enjoy each moment. We stopped briefly as I'd forgotten to buckle my helmet, when this doggie wandered out from a house, siddled up to me for a good patting, then over to Shaun for the same treatment. It really did seem quite upset when we rode off and left it!

Eventually we hit the tar road, and as a group we headed up the hill for De Rust. Henck led the way followed by yours truly. The final uphill (sorry, undulation) strung out the group once more. The long line of riders free wheeled their way into town and into Olivier's Rust - our accomodation for the evening with terraced chalets with a pool, cleaned expertly by Aideen and Mary! One thing we did notice in SA was that no matter how small the town, it always had at least one high quality restaurant, coupled with first class service...not that I'm making a point about Northern Ireland restaurants or service!!!

Day 3, October 21st 2007

Prince Albert t0 Oudtshoorn
54km (19km tarmac, 33km dirt/unsealed)
with undulations!!

After showering and breakfast it was time. Time when months of training met the reality that was the Swartberg Pass (or Swartberrqke Paawwww-s as Henk pronounced it. It's hard to spell out how a 'g' is pronounced in Afrikaans: ask me sometime).

Heading out of town at 7.30am presented no problems, as clearly Sunday morning was a lie in for everyone except us! Although on our travels to the starting point at Eerste Water we did pass a troop (is that the correct grouping) of baboons.

Bikes were unloaded and front forks straightened out so that the front wheel faced forwards instead of the storage position of sideways! That could have made for interesting cycling. Group photo over it was showtime! Let me say that the Swartberg Pass road passes through some jaw dropping canyons (kloofs). No photograph could do justice to the scale of the mountains and the striations of the rock...in places folded like a cloth, almost in two...amazing.

The road is unsealed and quite bumpy...and sandy. That the road ran at an angle sideway as well as uphill didn't help for stability as poor Catherine found out when her wheels slid from under her.

My training on the roads around Broughshane paid off as I gradually increased in distance from the group. I hung back a few times so as to remain with the group, but I knew that if I didn't stick to the uphill pace I'd been used to that I'd struggle to make it to the top (known at "Die Top"). And so, gradually, bit by bit the distance increased. Now I was only doing 5.5mph, but it was sufficient to get me to the top 20 minutes ahead of the next person, George Gormley.

On the way up there are a series of switchbacks which get gradually steeper. In 40 celsius the going was tight but I didn't get off, although I did stop a few times for water and photographs. The view from the starting side of the Pass at the last switchback was just amazing. Peter's baccie and trailer looked mighty small from where I stood.

Rounding the corner I could see the lookout spot where we had arranged to stop for water and nibbles. Another baccie passed me with two ladies swigging beer in the back and made it's way round the winding roads. Friendly bunch that they were waved merrily at me...or was it in sympathy at these crazy fools riding a bike up a mountain in this heat? The baccie rounded a corner and I expected to see it reappear in a matter of seconds. Nope. It was quite a while later that is appeared, thus letting me know that it would be quite a while longer, and quite a few more corners before my rest stop!

But it eventually came and it was great to know that the hardest part of the ride for that day was over. We'd ridden 6.2km from 650m above sea level to a height of 1385metres. I'd made it in about 1hr40mins, I think. Everyone was at the top around 10.30am. That pace set the mark for the rest of the week; something Sam would start to complain about.

It was a short ride past the sign for "Die Hel" to our toilet stop and more nibbles...peanuts/raisins, dried fruits and compressed/sugared fruits. All good energy food. After the photoshoot at Die Top (1583m) and marvelling at the stunning scenery (and peering into the distance at our destination) it was all downhill to lunch. Braking only meant sore wrists and fingers on the bumpy surface, so it was stand up and forget the brakes.

Having stopped for a photo and a video clip of the gang coming down past a car with an English couple stopped to ask what we were up to and if they could hire bikes in Prince Albert. Well. I thought at first glance that the driver, the chap, was in the buff!! I kid you not. Bare legs and chest.....Neil then stopped on the other side and started chatting. When the driver looked at Neil I had a quick duke (well! You'd have done the same!) and he was wearing skimpy peach coloured shorts. Phew!

Luncheon was provided by Sam. Meats with salad, and rolls, and crisps, tea/coffee, fruit. It was just brilliant and was a foretaste of the everyday delights that Sam would produce for lunch.

On the main road to Oudtshoorn we knew we were going to have a challenging ride to the finish when everyone, including those of a heavier frame, had to cycle downhill (yes, you read that correctly) to get any speed up. The hills created a funnel, up which the wind howled. It wasn't cold, but progress was slow. Even when you dipped down on the handlebars your speed barely increased.

We stopped briefly at an ostrich farm where Dr. Sophie led us on an unofficial tour through an open back gate of the ostrich nursery. Amazing creatures, with their flexible bendy necks - the males with their red beaks and red ankles when they're annoyed.

The strong headwind was a feature for the final entire 20km from the t-junction where we'd turned on to the main road. But we persevered and finally, somewhat bedraggled, we turned into our home for the evening, Kleiplaas caravan and chalet park.

Taking Mary and Aideen's advice I tackled a cold bath before my warm shower...apparently the cold water ensures the blood withdraws from the extremities taking the lactic acid with it. And the warm water ensures a supply of lovely fresh blood with all its goodness.

A braai (bbq) in the evening rounded off our first day. Henk has gone off for a chat with Neil and we were waiting patiently for someone to tell us the food was ready. The lady behind the table was waiting patiently for us to realise the food was already ready! Thankfully she blinked first and asked if we were ready to eat. We'd sat for over half an hour hungry, but politely waiting! The ostrich steaks were just lovely.

Day 2, October 20th 2007

Johannesburg to Prince Albert
We arrived around 9.20am, local time in Jo'burg collected our luggage and made our way to the domestic departures terminal for our Kulula airways flight to George. Africa! Wooo! Sorry, but it was exciting, to me anyhows to be in Africa.

Neil was approached by a very friendly and official looking chappie who was wearing a tour guide badge (an oval badge with the SA flag, and a name) who asked if we were travelling as a group and made off. We like sheep followed him, although Neil was not convinced this chappie was khosher. When we got to the desk he asked for our passports, which we stupidly handed over, except Neil! Then he realised we were flying Kulula and so off it was again back to where we had started. Once booked in, the inevitable happened and he asked for a tip. He was told, ever so politely that his services had not been asked for, he effectively hijacked our group and no, he wasn't getting anything.

Quick as a flash he set off in pursuit of his next quarry!

Our flight to George left aroudn 1.15pm on Kulula airways. Now if you've never flown with these guys you've never enjoyed or laughed so much during the safety demonstration. The announcer should have been on the stage. I can't remember all the quips, but he told us we'd better listen to the landing on water display as we'd be flying over some swimming pools and dirty rivers. He finished with 'Don't be leaving anything behind, although if the man in row 13 wants to leave his girlfriend, that will be fine!"

That and the green plane livery and the green leather seating make for a fun journey. It certainly brightened up the third plane flight in 12 hours for us!

We were met at the airport by Henk Blanckenberg, our local guide who'd be riding with us, and by Sam who'd be driving the mini-bus/van and trailer with our luggage in it. The scenery from the airport was just amazing....a jagged mountain range running left and right. That complimented the stunning costal scenery we'd viewed from the plane.

A stunning drive over the mountains and brought us down to Oudtshoorn, where someone had left the oven door open. Boy was it warm. After a brief stop it was on to Prince Albert and Onse Rus Guesthouse. In the Cape Dutch style our home for the evening was just beautiful. Peter, our third local guide was on hand to start prepping the bikes which turned out to be great quality with lovely gel saddles.

Then it was off to the local restaurant and THE rugby match...South Africa against England. As it turned out everyone turned out just as relieved that the game ended as with the result. It was possibly the most boring game of rugby I've ever seen. But hey, a win is a win. The South Africans were a tad pleased!

We had asked Peter why when they were speaking Afrikaans they broke into English in parts; expecting a reply such as they didn't have a particular word or phrase in Afrikaans, or it was better described in English. His tongue in cheek reply? "Because we can!" followed by a hearty chuckle. That set the tone for the rest of the trip. Great fun.

Once the cars and baccies had finished blaring their horns up and down the main street (well, the only street really) I tried for some sleep. My local friendly mossie had other ideas. That bizzzing sound in one ear, was, with a swipe replaced by the same bizzzing sound at the other ear. Either it cleared off or unconsciousness took over, but I got some sleep and about half a dozen bites, before the 6am alarm went off.

Day 1, October 19th 2007

I arrived at Belfast City Airport George Best place (don't you just love it when they mention old Georgie's name and then have to explain where it is!) at 1pm; we'd been told to be there no later than 1.30pm as we had to get our tickets and a photo had to be taken of the group, and of each participant and the charity rep.

Of course after dad had dropped me off and I entered the terminal there was no one else there. As the time wore on the doubts crept in. Maybe it was the International? No. But why is no one else here? Hmmm. Should I ring someone? Thankfully my personal dilemma was interruped by Aideen Reilly, fellow participant. Before you could shake a big stick at something everyone else, including Kelly from Action Cancer, and Neil Lavery, our charity rep on the cycle had arrived. Donning our Action Cancer t-shirts we certainly gave the flying public something to look at, although like some of my colleagues in the law, they seemed to have deep pockets and short arms. No one volunteered any dosh.

We flew to Heathrow at 3.30pm, where Shaun McCord and myself were apprehended by Dr. Sophie, our trip doctor from Classic Tours. She turned out to be a great sport; really enthusiastic, torturing us about drinking lots of water, applying heaps of sun cream and being a great doc when Rashida has an accident on day two.

Then it was the wonderful overnight flight to Johannesburg. Always a joy. At least I wasn't sitting beside the bloke who snored the whole way, the person who passed wind at regular intervals or the bloke who kicked off his shoes and let those around him enjoy his smelly feet! Ah, the joys of the traveller.

job done!

Well, I'm back! Bike ride completed. Lots of money raised for Action Cancer, and I'm not walking like a cowboy who's spent one week too many in the olde saddle! Overall it was just great. In all honesty there were two periods during which the whole bally lot of us would have gladly chucked our bikes down the nearest ravine and sodded off for a lovely warm bath and a cup of tea! But we didn't. As we told Henk, our local rep. (who also rode the whole way with us), thranness is a virtue which didn't allow us to give up, whatever the undulation (!!) or whatever the weather threw at us.

Thank you again to all to donated so generously. And to those who avoided donating, in spite of a reminder letter....well, if you're reading this...the Action Cancer Big Bus and the charity itself doesn't run on good wishes and fresh air!

I'm in the process of updating the blog on my adventures....I'll do so a day at a time otherwise you'll be scrolling down the screen for weeks to come!

two days in a row

Well my faithful few readers you'll be keen to learn that I managed almost forty miles on Sunday 14th October 2007, and didn't get lost! 'Shame' I hear some of you cry.

Today's route took me up Tullymore Road out of Broughshane which is a great training road. Today was 23.08 minutes from my house to the top with the junction of the Knowehead Road.

Then it was on the "big dipper" that is the Glens Brae Road down to Martinstown chapel, and over to the Tuftarney Road which is another long pull. Then along through Newtowncrommelin (Joe - I was wearing the Mortgage Shop t-shirt and you missed it!!!) towards Clough.

Not wanting to continue the risk of getting mown down by folks clearly speeding heading to church (there's an irony) I opted for the Tullykittagh Road leading off to my right towards Cloughmills. Great road. No idea where it ended, and man did it go on, and on, and on. I've said this before, but you see so much more of your local area when you're on a bike than you'd ever be tempted to travel in a car. In the car you head on the familiar routes, driving to get somewhere, as opposed to enjoying the ride.

Eventually I came out (no jokes please) at Lislaban Road, and headed away from Cloughmills (always a good choice!) and crossed over (stop it) to the Dowgry Road, turning right at the end and over to Glarryford. The usual route to Cullybackey and Ahoghill followed. Naturally I called in with auntie Sylvia for a coffee and a bun before hitting Galgorm, Sand Road, Grove Road, and home along the Ballygarvey Road.

Stats: 59.1km, avg 20.6 kph, max 57.6, odo 1194.40 km, time 2h 51m 56sec

And that folks was my last day's bike riding afore the big event. It's been a long training session in all weathers and with all manner of encounters with various numpties in their cars, but it's been great.

I'm so overwhelmed by people's generosity - can you believe the total to date. And the even more impressive news is that there is around £350 to come! It's a long way from the first £100 put in by me to start the ball rolling. Cancer is such a prevalent disease that anything we can do to help research, treatment and care will be a good thing. Thanks again for your support.

Dunminning 2, Dunminning 3, Dunminning 5

No. It's not the scoreline from some outlandish game with three teams with the same name!! Instead my friends it's the repeating place name which I kept seeing no matter what road I took on my epic bike ride yesterday, Saturday 13th October.

Action Cancer recommended that participants do training on two consecutive days prior to departure. Well, last weekend I managed 35 miles on the Saturday and 40 on the Sunday. Not bad but my quads (yes, I have some muscles) were sore all week. Still the Hep B jabs last Monday and the whatever booster jab helped take my mind off the aches elsewhere. On a sideline, death is one of the outcomes if you get Hep B, and there's nothing you can take for it! Death being a bit final and all that.

Well, yesterday dawned and I didn't! Please! It's a Saturday morning and I'm not crawling out of bed at first light just to go for a bike ride. However I did set off just before ten. Cruising along the Ballygarvey Road I opted for a hill climb up Parade Road, which was surprisingly easy. My first attempt some months ago was quite an ordeal. Asthmatic slugs were passing me with their shopping on that occasion.

I headed past Kirinriola School, up the Bally Road and over to Loughmegarry Road. I headed on along to the Fenagh Road (or is it Fenaghy Road?) and for Cullybackey. It seemed old hat to head down Station Road so I turned right and then a first left...at this point I thought I knew where I was. Shellinghill Road appeared and I didn't want to head into Cullybackey so straight over it was. I remembered the road names yesterday but now...well, just bear with me. If you're not from the area you'll never know if I'm making it up! As if.

I trundled along Dromona Road which turned out to be a glorious u-turn...ending up as Broughdone Lane. And then it happened...I was back on the Shellinghill Road. Hmmm! So I opted to head towards Cullybackey. But the road ended! And Cullybackey wasn't there! Instead the Cladytown Road beckoned. Thankfully Slemish was far off to my right so I knew I wasn't far from the Shire.

Cladytown Road brought me to the Kildowney Road and the relative civility of Glarryford. I was almost back where I started. Up and over to Rasharkin past at least two Dunminning Road signs. Was it a sign? Yes of course it was. In fact it was two signs! I'm too funny.

Rasharkin became Portglenone and sanctuary was sought in the wonderfully quiet forest park where it was snowing leaves. All very pretty in the dappled sunlight. Then it was off along the Randalstown Road before heading down the Ballybollen Road to Ahoghill for coffee with my aunt Sylvia.

Finally Cullybackey, Carniny Road, Grove Road and home.

The problem was that I was just over 76 km at this point and I really wanted to hit 80 km - the daily distance in South Africa. So it was up to the Three Trees, back along Main Street and several laps of the Community Centre car park before I hit 80 km. Apologies to those folks who thought I'd lost it cycling round and round and round...

Cool down stretches followed and more Viper! All in all a very enjoyable ride. For you local cyclists the above route is very scenic - although the getting lost part outside of Cullybackey isn't recommended.

Thanks for reading and here's the stats: distance: 80.43 km, time: 3.55.46 riding, 20.4 avg, 48.8 max, odometer 1135.3 km

six of the best!

Thanks to two generous donations received over the past couple of days the grand total stands at £5759! One of those donations came all the way from New Zealand - and Dave, I think snowboarding was a lot easier than a 1583 metre high mountain pass is going to be!!

Can we make it £6000? I'm already astounded by the generosity of everyone who has donated thus far, but £6000 has such a nice ring to it! Don't you agree?

three, two, one

New records have been set! Sunday 12th August saw me travel down to Dungannon to my friend Brian McAllister, who is a bit of a road biker (owns a Ridley - say no more!). Well he asked if I wanted to do a "wee fifty, or seventy or...." - just stop there!

Well off we set to Glasslough, County Monaghan - home to unsuccessful celebrity weddings! The route is not particularly challenging, but we did have a headwind the whole way, and the countryside is somewhat undulating.

Road bikes and mountain bikes are not entirely great travelling companions. Heading up to Glasslough, Brian disappeared from view. That wasn't so bad until I came over a hill, saw a turn to my right, and...no sign of Brian! Maybe he went straight on. Maybe he took a turn off? I ploughed on and after about a quarter of a mile there was BMac at the end of the road! Phew!

The very pleasant village/small town of Glasslough awaited us at the top of the hill. In the estate is the CoI where McCartney and Mills gave the wedding lark a lash. Brian had remembered his Euro so we had good strong coffee and fantastic scones, thick cream, jam and wasps! But we were much too cunning for the little blighters, and being fed up spending more time swatting them away than eating, set an almost empty pot of jam at the opposite end of the table and ... hey presto, no more wasps harassing us.

Our journey back took us in a loop back onto the road to Dungannon. The legs were starting to hurt a tad, and the shower of thundery rain certainly kept us cool. Brian on his road bike maintained a healthy distance up the road. Was it just his natural rhythm and lightness of bike? Was it shame at my slowness?

If you're cycling in Dungannon some time, head to Glasslough, and on your way back head up past the police station! Oh! Not good on the quads. Then there's the hill up Lurgaboy! A hot shower has never felt so good.

In summary we rode through three counties, two countries and enjoyed one great bike ride!

The stats, I hear you cry?

Distance: 70.06km - Avg: 22.4kph - Max 52.5kph - Time: 3h 07m 08s (riding time) - Odo 865.50km

ah, the luxury

Took a break from the MTB recently and was test riding my brother-in-law's Colnago road bike. What a difference. On a recent run out on the MTB from Broughshane to Carnlough I made it in 57 minutes. Well, on Saturday, on the Colnago I did it in 42 minutes - and in a headwind on the return leg I made it in one hour flat (and 53 seconds - for the more exact amongst you). Alas such an escapade is a fool's paradise as the charity bike ride is using mountain bikes - so it's back to the weighty, but lovely, Trek 4500 and the thick, wide, but smooth tires. Thank you for reading - you've been a lovely audience!!

glutton for punishment

Monday 18th June 2007
Not that I think anyone is actually reading this blog, but here's an update for that random reader in Guatemala! Bit of a confession to make: haven't been out on the bike for over two weeks. Bit busy with work, then taking tiles off the bathroom wall, then the weather.

So tonight I headed out of work on time, for a change, and got on the bike. Up the Tullymore Road with a general plan to do the Martinstown, Knockan Road route. Got to the top of the Tullymore Road in 23minutes 48seconds. Deciding it might just rain I opted for the Clonetrace Road, Knockan Road route home.

The rain didn't materialise, so with the wind in my hair I opted for the Ballycloghan Road. If you haven't been up the said road on a bike, let's just say it a wee bit testing, particularly if you haven't been on two wheels in a wee while!

By the time I wheezed to the summit I took a fool notion and decided not to take the downhill option home on the Knowehead Road, but to head over to the Tullymore Road and home that way. Not a bad wee route for a quick run out.

Time: 1 hour 10 minutes. As I managed to wipe out the stats when I stopped at the top of the Tullymore Road on the way out that's all the stats I can confirm. Max speed was 55.5 kmph. The overall reading on the odometer is 673.8km.

is there anyone out there?

Does anyone read this blog? If so, how about a wee bit of encouragement and let me know! Not much point in keeping no one up to date!?!

what's it all about then?

Long promised, and finally here...the itinerary for the charity bike ride (have you donated yet? If not stop reading at once and do so!)

Day 1 - Friday
London to Johannesburg (overnight flight...shouldn't be too tough to deal with!)

Day 2 - Saturday (funnily enough)
Johannesburg to George to Prince Albert
We catch a late morning flight to George, the largest town of the Garden Route, and then a 2-3 hour transfer to Prince Albert. It lies on the edge of the Karoo at the foot of the astounding Swartberg Pass. There will be bike fitting and time to gear up for the next day. Overnight in guesthouses in Prince Albert.

Day 3 (you know what day it is)
Prince Albert to Oudtshoorn (74 km - 31km on tarmac, 43km dirt)
We head up to and over the Swartberg Pass which is 1583 metres high on a good dirt road, zig-zagging our way to lunch 2km shy of Die Top and then downhill to the capital of the Karoo and home of the ostrich, Oudtshoorn.

Day 4
Oudtshoorn to De Rust (77km - 7km tarmac, 70km dirt)
Today's biking takes us through the heart of the Little Karoo region bordered in the south by the Outeniqua and Langeberg Ranges and in the north by the Swartberg Range. We set off through hills and valleys and pass through quiet farmland dotted with farmworker's houses. The highlight of today will be a visit to one of the many township schools. There is a 3km stretch on tough dirt roads. Overnight at Oliver's Rust in De Rust.

Day 5
De Rust to De Hoop (near Uniondale) 100km (91km tarmac, 9km dirt)
Today is a long rolling day's riding on tarmac with some steep uphills and downhills (no problem with the steep downhill part). Overnight at Mountain Pastures near Uniondale on a small private game reserve.

Day 6
De Hoop to Knysna (73km - 8km tarmac, 65km dirt)
Starting from the top of the Prince Alfred Pass there is a thrilling (probably dangerously steep!) and beautiful descent from the top on rough dirt track paths. We then enter a gorge criss-crossed by small bridges carrying the road over waterfalls and rock pools - a triumph of 19th century civil engineering. Continuing with climbs and descents towards the coast we may catch a glimpse of the three remaining Knysna elephants. Overnight at the Ashmead Resort on the edge of Knysna's beautiful lagoon.

Day 7
Knysna to Wilderness (57km - 37km tarmac, 20km dirt)
We cycle 2km to the train station before catching the "Outeniqua Choo Tjoe" steam train (who thinks up these names?). Disembarking at the isolated halt of Rugtevlei we climb up into the forests, and along the Seven Passes Road which traverses the river valleys and opened the area to the European settlers. We continue through forests and farmlands before a steep downhill to the finishing line at the tranquil resort of Wilderness. Overnight at the Ebb and Flo Chalets.

Day 8
Wilderness to Cape Town
A five and a half hour transfer to Cape Town and the chance to shower and relax before an official meeting with Nelson Mandela. After that there is the chance to visit Robben Island where Mr Mandela was imprisoned for decades, visit the townships or take the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain. Celebration meal in the evening. Just joking about the Nelson meeting, although I'll make time if he will.

Day 9
Cape Town to London
Evening flight back to Blighty.

Still think it's a holiday, eh?

it just got bigger!

If you were impressed with the total in the previous blog you're going to need to sit down for this one! I gratefully received a further £65 tonight at church from several people who couldn't attend the coffee morning. So the total thus far for the coffee morning is £1088.06. Wow.

A big thank you

I'm very pleased to announce that together we raised £1023.06 (no that is not a typo!) during the four hours of the coffee morning on Saturday (14th April). They were four hectic hours and I've no idea how many people attended, but clearly the generosity of everyone who did come has shone through.
Many people deserve a special mention. Top of the list is my aunt Sylvia whose idea it was in the first place to hold the coffee morning. Promoted early on as chief co-ordinator and planner she guided the planning process through to the successful day we all enjoyed.
Thanks as well to my dad for helping transport the chairs, and to Sandy Wilson and team for allowing us to use the chairs from the Community Centre. Thanks to mum, my relations and those who helped make tea, coffee and keep folks supplied with food. And of course thanks to those of you who supplied scones, buns, cakes, coffee machine, coffee, and tea.
Perhaps the biggest thanks is to those of you who so generously donated to the invaluable work of Action Cancer in such a spectacular way. Give yourselves a big pat on the back.
And of course we thank God for such a glorious day.
I may well have exceeded my personal goal of £4000 overall, but the work of Action Cancer is ongoing, and so I will press on fundraising to ensure that this challenging bike ride is well worth the effort. Let's raise the roof on the fundraising!

victory is mine!

The Knowehead Road is mine! Having heard scarey biking stories of it's steepness I thought tonight was as good as any to tackle it head on. First day back at work after the Easter Break seemed a good enough excuse to get out of the house for a short run up the Knowehead Road and back in home.

Yes, it was tight going, but I made it to the top of the hill without getting off, or going backwards! Always a bonus going forwards. The effort is richly rewarded with a stunning view of the Braid Valley and Slemish. And I even made a furry friend (or is that woolly?). Enjoy the pic.

Even with the tough incline I made 11.93 km in 35.12 minutes. Avg speed 20.3 kph.

the coffee morning...it's a coming!

Yes the excitement is building. I've tidied out my garage. I'm tidying the house. I'm not baking any buns! But come Saturday it's coffee morning time.

I do hope you can make it. Relations and friends are supplying the eats so you're safe enough. Your support would be much appreciated.

quick trip around the block

This cycling lark has certainly caught hold of me. Deciding to call round for a quick chat with my aunt Sylvia in Ahoghill tonight, I actually forewent (is that a real word?) the car in favour of ye olde bicycle. Knowing that it wasn't going to be a 35 mile epic I pushed on harder than usual.

And so it came to pass, that a cup of tea and very fine lemon cake later, that I made it back to 9 Woodlands in 1 hour 13 minutes. Distance? 28.56 km (17.85 miles). And to top it all off...an average speed of 21 kph in a headwind. Total km on the odometer - 429.9 km (269 miles).

far flung friends

For those of you who didn't read the Guardian this week, and missed yet another feature on my bike ride (thanks to Shaun O'Neill for his interest in this venture) I was much encouraged by a donation from my good friend Dessie Marshall, which came all the way from Tanzania! Yes. Tanzania.

This morning, Saturday 31st March I decided to head out on my now usual route. Just before setting off the postman delivered a letter from my friends, Jim and Margaret Crawford in Hamilton, New Zealand. Apart from the lovely Easter Card, there was an even more lovely Bank of England £20 note. So sorry Dessie you've been out-miled by the Crawfords!

My boss was so right when he said (from his own experience) that I would be suprised by the generosity of some, and disappointed by others. Still, the fundraising is going well.

Today, I took my aunt Sylvia's suggestion and headed over the crossroads at the Dreen Road, Cullybackey and on to the Garvaghy Road. Didn't see a concerned resident anywhere!

Knowing that a hill climb awaited me I took refuge in Portglenone Forest for a pit stop and to take a few minutes in the glorious sunshine. Never before has a toilet block been so welcome! Suitably refreshed it was up the hill, which proved rather tame, once the correct gear was found and I kept my rythm. The headwind however was anything but tame as I headed towards Ahoghill.

Both sets of relations being absent from their abodes I headed tealess into Ballymena where some numpty in a black Volkswagen decided that he had no need to check his blindspot as he drove round a parked car at the Protestant Hall, opposite the police station. He became aware of me, who had taken to the offside lane (as there was a large queue of cars in the inside lane) as I drew alongside his driver's door. I must say that I didn't catch his answer to my query as to the extent of his blindness!

It was an incident free ride out past Eaton Park.

From Ahoghill to Broughshane I counted six drivers using their mobile phones, one who was entering a roundabout. Clever girl. And guess what....all six where female. Multi-tasking. Bless them.

Stats: Distance - 56.87km : Time 2.50.32 : Max speed 49 kph : Avg speed 19.9 kph

Sore on Sunday

Hello chums!

Well I'm very excited as you'll all know from my emails....I've crossed the £3000 threshold in my fundraising, and I don't even care if threshold is misspelled or not! Sam McAfee & Son of Railway Street carry the honour for helping me cross into the £3-£4000 lane. Thanks to them and everyone else who has generously donated thus far.

On Sunday I decided it was a good idea to get back on the saddle to try cycling for a second day. This is my main concern for the ride in South Africa. Fifty miles doesn't overly concern me. Fifty miles on day two, day three etc concerns me.

Well all I'm going to say, to spare readers of a delicate disposition is that I've had to invest in a gel saddle! The first leg was up to my parents which was tough enough, especially with a headwind, sore legs and .... you know! After lunch it was up to Ballygelly which didn't prove too difficult. Bit of a leisurely cycle with my friends up the Douglas Road, and then it was a chilly cycle downhill into Broughshane, complete with watering eyes with the strong, cold wind.

But hey. No pain no gain.

ups and downs

Variety, they say is the spice of life. Or in my case variety is the stuff of sore legs and bottom!

Yes I've had to vary my cycling route to include more inclines. There's really no point in cycling a flat route and then face a 1500 metre climb over 10 miles on the first morning of the bike ride in South Africa. Have you googled "Swartberg Pass" yet? When you do you'll see what I'm talking about.

These past two Saturdays I've taken on the hills of Clough. The route takes me up the Knockan Road, to Mervyn Turtle's (the advertising these people get! Honestly!), then up to Clough. Then it's over to Glarryford, dicing with death on the dual carriageway, and turning left heading for Cullybackey.

There are some seriously nice, classy, old, period houses around the Ballywatermoy/Craigs area. If you're in the car you just won't notice them. Cycling on a mountain bike gives you the time and the riding position to take in your surroundings.

This past week I continued out of Cullybackey and up the Dreen Road, turning left and then right onto the Glenhugh Road. After refreshments at auntie Sylvia's it was home via the town.

Stats for last Saturday: Time: 2.00.52 - max speed: 50.6km - avg speed: 21.2 kph - distance: 42.85km.

Next week aunt Sylvia has told me I have to head on to Portglenone and into Ahoghill that way. Nice of her to think of me!

Further and faster than before...

Yes friends, you find me feeling the effects of pushing the boundaries of speed and distance on two wheels.

I headed out yesterday, Saturday 10th, with no definite route or distance in mind, other than a plan to tackle the occasional hill or two. So over it was to the Woodside Road (the one up the side of Michelin - more advertising for those guys). Yes there was a bit of a headwind, but I thought nothing of it. I'm the guy who has a head wind going out on the bike and a head wind coming back - even if I come back the same direction I headed out. Go figure that one!

The Woodside Road isn't so bad until near the top when the incline takes a turn for the worse. Much puffing and panting later...not to mention slipping down the gears...I made it to the Lisnahilt Road. It was a much more pleasant excursion along to Ballygelly and a cup of tea at Gavin and Hiliary's pad.

Refreshed I headed down the Ballygelly Road, still with no plan in mind. Maybe head up towards the Kilnacolpagh Road (if you're not from these parts, think middle of nowhere, and you're close). When I got to the Burnside Road (gets you to the Kilnacolpagh Road) I decided to tackle the hills leading to Carnalbanagh. My boss had mentioned this route before, so why not? The cunning plan was to turn left at Carnalbanagh Church and down to, yes, you've guessed it, the Kilnacolpagh Road. Or turn right and come back across the Drumcrow Road to the Shilnavogie Road.

As it turned out, I just kept going. Bit like Forrest Gump I suppose! At the very end of the Carnalbanagh Road, I headed right with perhaps the chance of turning left onto the Munie Road and back to the Carnlough Line. But, oh no! Why not have a go at Glenarm/Carnlough/home. It turned out a capital idea: wonderful views, free wheeling for ages and sea air in Glenarm. Everything was most pleasant until I rounded the corner out of Glenarm and wham! A gust of wind that almost stopped me in my tracks. The gears were knocked down and I pedalled just to keep moving...certainly not for speed in the gusting wind.

I made it round to Carnlough harbour for a break. After a banana (I didn't have any money for a fish supper. What? It good stuff out of The Galley) I headed along to the Carnlough Road/Ballymena Road only to find the wind wanted to push me back into Carnlough. It was fierce! And that was the story all the way home, but particularly heading up out of Carnlough. The plan of attack wasn't so much thought out as forced on me. Ride about 100 metres, be blown almost to a stop, then actually stop, wait for a lull in the wind and ride another 100 metres....and repeat.

The thought did cross my mind a couple of times to ring my folks and give up. But I was determined not to give in. Finally battling the wind and increasing hunger I made to 96 Buckna Road (the folks) and a plate of stew. Mmmmm. Food! The old legs were certainly feeling the strain on the final leg to Broughshane but the knowledge that I had beaten the wind, and dramatically increased the distance riden made it all worthwhile.

In South Africa it will be approximately 80 kilometres a day for five days. Hmm!!

The stats for the ride: Distance: 60.05km - Riding time: 3h 18m 40s - Max speed: 61.7 kph -Avg speed: 18.1 kph

And to date I've ridden 234.9 kilometres. Thanks again to everyone who has made a donation. The rest of you....come on. It's a great cause and you get rid of me for two weeks. What more do you want?!!

Back on the road

After a two week absence owing to feeling a bit crook, I'm back on two wheels! Having become accustomed to 20 miles on an outing I decided it was time to up the distance. So today saw me head into Broughshane, into Ballymena past Michelin (no fee for the advertising folks) and out the Galgorm Road to Ahoghill. After a cup of tea and some toast at my uncle and aunt's it was on to Cullybackey.

What a glorious day it is today. You see so much more on a bike, and have the time to appreciate God's creation. I also appreciate the consideration shown by Ballymena drivers. Thus far in my training I have not had any bad experiences with car/lorry/van drivers. Everyone has given me a wide berth, and stayed behind when they couldn't safely overtake. Thank you. Some bike lanes would be good (Ballymena Council take note). That excuse for a bike lane between Sourhill Roundabout and Galgorm barely counts even as a token gesture. If you're serious about the environment and people's fitness provide safe bike lanes and encourage the folks back onto two wheels.

Hill training has to play a large part in my training so passing through Cullybackey I hooked a left on to Station Road dropping down the gears just a wee bit, and crossed over up the two hills of Fenagh Road. Taking my life in my hands I headed over the Ballymoney Line - I swear those people sped up when they saw me cross in front of them - and continued on the Fenagh Road. Then it was the Loughmegarry Road, Drumfin Road, Doury Road, Devenagh Road, Cloughwater Road (stopping off at no.173) to Clough.

Thankfully the downhills gave my legs a break, before Mervyn Turtle's hoved into view, and more importantly that hill at the start of the Knockan Road. You'll be impressed to learn that I didn't get off the bike, although I did have to take shelter at the top from a hail shower. Finally, finally it was down into sunny Broughshane and Woodlands.

The stats: 42.54 km - 1h59m50s - max speed 45.5kph - avg speed 21.2 kph.