saturday 21 may day 8 jogle 2011

sleeping along side the ferry port,we were up early,but kellie very nearly missed the ferry as she dorddled down the slip,the ferry started to lift its bow with her still at the top.lucky the capitain spotted her and dropped it again.they were on amber alert because of the weather



arran should have been such a pleasure,in reality it was horrid,rained heavy all the way over to brodrick




what a shame we didn't enjoy arran,we had a lovely breakfast at the pavillion in lochranza,the climb over to corrie was one hell of a climb,on top three cyclist who regularey do arran as a training route passed their simpathy at missing a beautifull island due to the rain.but still found the heart to donate £15 between them to our bucket.lunch was at the golf club before heading down to a waiting boat at brodick,we headed for the cafeteria once on board.as we arrived at ardrossan the weather was showing no sign of improving so we opted for a b&b.finding a self service b&b in irvine,showered,washed and dried our clothes,pub for a couple of pints then a take away for supper

friday 20 may,day 7 jogle 2011

ready for the off,one of the nicest rest stops



lovely cafe,pity same can't be said for upstairs staff,id like to bet people dont revisit,but the shop down stairs completely diffrent,very welcoming.



looking at the sign,are they machanical cats? or just big moggies,keep going just in case they are the wild type of cat.



time for a break,ill just have 5 minutes




some lovely scenary but you have to pay the price,some long climbs on our way over to tarbet.but roads nice and quiet.




arran our first views,looking dark n dismal



with no available b&b we pushed on till we got to the ferry terminal.and a welcome piece of grass to pitch tent

today was hard going the hills dragged kellies knee locked up and she was in quiet some pain,tramadol to the rescue. with very few food stops,energy levels had to be topped up from time to time with choc bars n oat bars infact anything with sugar in it,lochgilliped saw us sat in sunshine having pop n crisps on the village green.kellie getting very tired after dinner(tea)in tarbert,"just a bit further kellie"until we eventualy got to the ferry port,don't think she thought much of me today i became the slave driver towards the end of the day,young legs may be faster but i have the edge at the end of the day to keep going

thursday 19 may.day 6 jogle 2011

a tea room was this the begining of civilisation,lovely home made lemon drizzle cake.very helpful local informed us of new cycle path been constructed just over the loch that runs to oban,well will do when finished



impressive and its not finished yet



tea and coffee good,food very expensive at the old station hotel on the trail



we now know why highland cattle have such wooly coats(bloody weather)



oban at last,feels like we are making progress.








just a selection ,the trike attracting intrest where ever i park it

today saw a break in the rain,beautiful ride down the soon to be completed cycle path to oban,lets hope they mark the cafes and tea stops when finished ,we tried to find the castle cafe but finished up with soup and a sandwich at the sea life centre(they dont charge entry fee if your only using cafeteria)
after oban the rains started again so on finding a b&b at kilmore as the light was fadeing(due to weather not time)we sort refuge,and very welcoming too
we had done our milage so no point pushing on into the wilderness

wednesday 18 may day 5 jogle 2011

"not windy today kellie" well why is that flag not drupping !



leaving the hobbit village and into the head wind




commando monument.ben nevis in the background,under the rain clouds


another tough day strong head winds all the way,and still very little in the way of cafe etc. 35 miles and average speed 7.4 mph.kellie ripped another shoe plate,and the day finished in fort william with a meal for the price of what time it was.so we got ours for £5 as it was five o'clock.nice if you are early but expensive if its going up ten o'clock

tuesday 17 may.day 4 jogle 2011

sun!what a suprise cooking breakfast in the sunshine,the group of cyclists doing lejog who were camped along side, were up and gone around 6am.we tendered to have a little more laid back approach especially with it been sunny



1st day of sunshine and kellie was suffering hay fever,not helped by following a tractor grass cutting for about 2 mile.so no sooner had we set off then we had to stop for her to take medication.dingwall station tea rooms,tea cake and tablets.tramadol for my knee as it was still playing up



a long climb up over the hill then a massive drop in to drumnadrochit.and the banks of loch ness.as we were having tea and more cake the rains strarted,we decided to head for a campsite we had stayed at about 12 years ago on the banks of loch ness.head winds all the way down the A82



on arrival at loch ness campsite we were informed the no longer take tents but offered a hobbit hut



dinner was a throw it all in a pan.pasta cooked in soup with sweet corn,roast beef,onions mmmm well it filled a hole,washed down with a bottle from the camp office

today was gemma my other daughters birthday,funny the last time we visited loch ness it was for gemmas 16th birthday.how time flys.43 miles hard going strong head winds all day.but still managed 7.5 mph,the hobbit was welcome shelter from the wind and rain.A82 is a horrid road traffic travelling far too fast for such a lovely road along the banks of ness.still about an hour behind time as we were supposed to be in fort augustus.

monday 16 may day 3 jogle 2011

leaving altnahara b&b,after a lovely breakfast,weather brighter than the previous evening



climbing up through the burn was slow for me,the previous two days had left knee grumbling,photo stop to give it a rest.thinking we had brought far too much equipment



as we had set off.mentioned to kellie,we would stop at crask inn for coffee.this fell on deaf ears,because she climbs hills quicker the only time i saw her was when she stopped to take photos.i eventualy caught up with her at lairg her belly told her it was time to stop,as usual no where open for lunch,we pressed on to falls of shin visitors centre.



lovely restored old AA box,this marked the start of a long climb,short cut to dingwall.after dropping down towards the A9 we opted for the old road and soon came accross a nice campsite near a pub in evanton.ideal




one of the few times i actually had kellie behind on a hill(in the mirror)

a better day today 54 miles and average 8mph still behind schedule but only by about an hour. had our fair share of rain as will become the norm for scotland ,tramadol pain killers keeping my knee quiet.nice meal at the end of the day,couple of pints then bed

sunday 15 may .day 2 jogle 2011

Water proofs again, at least camping on top of the moor meant we did not have much climbing to start with.



Café closed at melvich, breakfast cooked with the protection of a bus shelter. Was this a sign of things to come?



After breakfast we had only been traveling 10 minutes when I realized the rear Tyre was flat, the first of only two punctures for the trip, had to strip everything of the trike to get at rear wheel, time to sit down on the job



Traffic jam. Highland style



Pity the weather was so dismal



altnahara b&b room with a view strathnavin burn

day 2. 45 miles, average speed 6.9 mph .soul distroying to start with,next to little open,maybe because it was sunday or just remote,bettyhill took forever to reach.after which the fact that we were heading south lifted moral.travelling south down strathnavin was uplifting till the rain set in.altnahara b&b was a welcome resting point

saturday 14 may 2011.day 1 of jogle

All set for the off. We actually started at duncansby head, weather very windy and wet. Very wet






We had planned to include the most northerly point and southerly points much to kellies disgust




first day was a very tough 44 mile, average speed 7mph,as the day concluded a patch of heather was the best we could find to pitch tent in the shelter of gorse on the exposed moor

Extracts from Face book of the last few days

28 May Camping at Ludlow. Very nice view of the castle.

29 May Sunday lunch in Hereford. Monmouth then Wye valley. Camping at Monmouth. Wye valley in the morning.another day without waterproofs.but still have the head winds that are pretty blustery.

30 May Having tea at Tintern station bottom of the Wye valley in the rain.

31 May Bridgewater.route change heading for Crediton Oakhampton instead of Barnstable.

1 June Great Torrington heading for Holdsworthy. Stibbs Cross for the night. 45 miles of hellish Devon hills but still just in front of schedule.

2 June 11.40 About to cross into Cornwall.
18.45 Wadebridge just deciding weather to carry on over a pint of guiness.

3 June Sat in Truro avoiding the mid day sun.

4 June In Helston having tea n cake. Dunnit head to lizard point sorted to got to get to Lands End and we will be done. 15.55 "Penzance fish n chips". It's sea side. Trying to waste time as we are instructed not to arrive early.
20.49 We have competed 1085 mile jogle Dunnit head and lizard. A fantastic reception by all thank you everyone especially Kellie and Julie.

Yes we have finished!

Sorry I have not posted that we had finished. We finished on time with a brilliant reception at lands end organised by Julie and tosh thank you. I'm fishing this week in Cornwall will write a full report on Jogle when we have proper access to internet and not just phone and plenty photos will be posted. Thank to Kellie and to everyone who helped and supported us. Michael.

one week left.and going strong

sat camping above ludlow castle. a bit bhind schedule but noy worried.55miles today and looking a map we should catch up tomorrow.two days now without rain wow.kellie doing really well.my knee is playing up a little but julie managed to get me some tramadol to birkenhead so im sorted.should be down at chepstow tomorrow woth a bit o luck.

very tired tyre

leaving carlisle after breakfast it was a steady slog up to penrith, intermitant showers. stopping at a garden centre for tea and scone.penrith we found a nice rather pc cafe/bar.


from here we had a very long climb up to shap summit.the leyland clock replaced by a memorial stone, to the drivers and crew of transport days gone bye.on the decent kellie neaded the call of nature,while she was gone looking round the trike i noticed the rear tyre was down to cords id worn it out,steady decent into kendal and search for a food stop climbing a curb the rear tyre gave up and went flat.lucky i was carrying a spare. repairing the tube, swapped the tyre and then kellie announced another plate on her shoe had broke,in to the nearest pub for food and to repair her shoe.


the leyland clock from shap was refurbished and stood proud in the gardens of the cinema complex in kendal .resited there during 1973 and refurbished 1996.


after sorting our problems ,we set of but kellie soon threw in the towel . wanting to rest for the night(time of month excuses accepted)

day 8 arran

camping at side of the ferry port.we were up early for the first ferry 8.50.i rode on to the ferry turned round to see the door been lifted lucky the ship hand saw kellie daudling and lowered it again,sometime she want a kick up the arse.the ferry bloke said she was lucky they leave no end of cyclists that dont realise they dont waist time.
lovely tea room by the golf club the pavillion.from there it was up the valley what a bas**** of a climb when head winds and driving rain,but on top two cyclists came past and donated £5 each to the bucket(.its amaizing how we are getting donnations on route the bucket and recumbent seam to attract.scotland has donated £196 at carlisle kellie wanted to count it she does nt think the english will be as genorous)anyway a wet slog to brodrick ment we just caught the next ferry,we had tea on board but at the other end it was raining even harder,we found a self service b&b,only problem with that was there was only corn flakes etc for brekky.

welcome to windy england

after a real good day yesterday having done 80 mile we b&b at the farmers arms at clarence field,just outside annan,this morning after breakfast we returned to the room and watch some tv hopeing the wind may die down.but that didnt happen.so waterproofs on we set of in very windy conditions,not very good for kellie she was been blown left right and centre.not so bad for me on the recumbent i just got my arse wet with every puddle we went through.

a tea stop in annan and thenon to gretna and lunch.at this point what remained of my laminated flags were removed and eventualy just as we are about to leave scotland we got a st andrews flag so that was put on the flag pole,a phone call to matt he is making new set of flags and posting them to liverpool for us to collect.

from gretna we used the service road which runs parallel to the M6 we saw a lorry crawling up the hard shoulder with its roof half of flapping in the wind.this is were kellie was blown of the bike twice she wasnt happy,it was decided for safety reasons carisle was going to be far enough in the gales.arraving at the B&B the owners were on tree watch as branches and trees are coming down all around,there sirens racing all over.glad we have pulled up for the night

oban cycle path,day 6,and we are in front just

coming down the great glen yesterday way very unpleasant,very strong winds and driving rain.we arrived at fort William,found a cycle shop ,Kellie had snapped the plate inside her shoe for the second time,new plates acquired,bang opposite a pub was offering dinner for the price of time.we ordered at 5pm so we paid £5 bar gin.as we set of after feeding the heavens opened again.b&b just out side fort William.the lady in charge took our wet clothes and dried them for us.
this morning after a fine Scottish breakfast(it included haggis)the sun was out the wind not so strong but still there.we headed down the A82,Kellie was not impressed and was glad for a tea stop just after connan ferry,the owner of the tea shop informed us of the cycle path not quite finished but very welcome and a good portion of the trip to oban was on this very nice tarmac ed path,a late lunch at the sea life centre was very nice.from here it was back on roads for much of the way to oban.another drink on the quay side and we were of up the hill out of town,bribed Kellie(her backside was giving her trouble)with the offer of b&b again if we got in front of our schedule.so we are about 6 mile south of oban at BRAE SIDE GUEST HOUSE.
the owners kindly offered a discount as we are cycling for charity,very nice guest house who really try to make you welcome and succeed.
weather today mixed ,wind in our face again.49 miles covered.was supposed to be a short day but we had to catch yesterdays shortfall.both feeling good but fed up with the weather,very happy with the people we meet and donations to the bucket are now in excess of £150.soon be Kellie's turn to carry it when it gets too heavy.

Day 4

Sat in a wooden camping pod. Still on track Both me and Kellie feel the 50 mile a day dragging full camping equipment is fine. Both enjoying the hard work. Talked to Matt at work today thanks for running things in my absence but a dream is a dream and so few people get a chance like you have given me. Big cheer and to Julie for humoring my obsession. Will do proper blog when finished as having to use phone is hard work.

Raining again, but heading south.

Monday morning,just a brief note will do a full report when home,last night we chickened out.b&b a lovely little place www.altnaharra.net very welcoming,usually offering evening meals but in chaos when we arrived doing running maintenance due to the awful weather they had over the winter.so across to the hotel for a bar meal couple of Guinness the shower and bed.slept like a log.but woke up this morning legs as stiff as hell, breakfast's here so I'm off, next stop should be down near Dingwall. Bye for now.

Day 1

Well, speaking for Michael, he and Kellie set off into the most awful weather this morning, my heart really went out for them as perhaps I should have been there too. Brave was not in it as neither of them uttered one word of complaint for the strong wind and rain. It was a good job his Aunt cooked us a lovely scrambled egg n bacon breakfast, the Lord only knows what they had for tea.
I had my sandwiches on the move, pork-pie and half a cucumber all washed down with warm water.
Got back for 9.30 though. Now to see if I can upload a video diary from this morning for you. David.

sewing done

Arrived at Helmsdale after kellie drove most of the way, going through Edinburgh city centre.
fish supper at la mirage,very nice ,walk dinner of walking round Helmsdale back to arra's for a we dram. Sewn kellie's cycling trousers.we are now ready for tomorrow.

panic setting in

Thank you to all who have sent birthday wishes.

Time is running out and the closer the d day gets the more I'am finding I have to do

kellie's shirts will be ready for the photo shoot Wednesday but only just, fingers crossed. Then tosh comes along and is trying to organise some energy supplements and more advertising, bring it on. Why not?

Fishing trailer still needs a coat of paint.

Cycles still need packing.

To top it all I've put 5 lb back on and my shirts were tight enough as it was but you only celebrate your 50th once. May have to get sewing machine out later and add a little breathing space to at least one shirt and then off out for another meal later.

I can see Thursday night been a late finish, I could sleep all the way up to Helmesdale I suppose. I usually sleep as a passenger anyway.

icing sugar cyclist

trailer just about finished Saturday.rush round shops,butties and snacks made,loaded in van then,had a good birthday drink up at acorn inn burncross,friends and family turned up,not really a party as such,butties and snacks.and plenty drink,
gemma made a marvelous cake in the form of an icing sugar cyclist,brilliant,

this morning of fishing with hangover.managed 3rd thanks to a rather lucky 10lb carp,which took 30 minutes to land as i was fishing with very light tackle.
Nigel decided to take a dip in the pond he had lost part of his fishing pole in the water,and he still didn't retrieve it.

busy week ahead or at least busy 4 days as that's all i have left.

its coming ready or not

well down to the last week,
Saturday,finish building trailer to transport everything home from lands end.party to night
Sunday,fishing match at Aston ponds,(who planned that the day after my birthday party.
Monday,last day of my forty's,and the last day to make sure all will be OK at work,rest of week going to be in and out of office.
Tuesday,birthday big 50,half century,possible a meal in the evening,
Wednesday,star photo shoot with. www.worldofsuperheros.com
Thursday, last minute check of all equipment and pack bikes in to van,
Friday,start the long journey to the beginning.john o'groats here we come.Friday night meal booked in helmesdale.
Saturday,THE START.

beginning to panic.so much to do and running out of time.

thank you to dawn in the pub last night.she hasn't seen me since i fell of bike in tram tracks November 09.she promptly removed sponsor Form from wall and went round pub collecting.quarter hour later £75 better of.perhaps should have had her as official fundraiser.brilliant.

along with all those who have pledged money,donated money and generally helped i would like to thank
http://www.worldofsuperheros.com/
man metals recycling
tingle ashmore and associate accountants
prime engineering
Ian woodcock signwrighter
rhino sports
wrts ltd(got to mention our family business)
DAVID DEAN.Dave Dickinson(two lads running us up to john o'groats)

my wife JULIE who provided the rolls Royce of recumbents and has allowed me to go for my goal
Mathew,dad and derrick for holding the fort while I'm away

Kellie for coming with me for moral support( and to
prevent her getting a job yet)

and who ever turns up at the finish line

THANK YOU

8 working days to go,13th looms yipee

well were has the last two and half years gone?seams a distant memory coming up with the idea of jogle.
Ive trained in sun, snow,rain and wind,up hill, down dale,three wheels two wheels,with trailer without trailer.and still i keep changing my mind.
with less than two weeks left iv just realised that there is only eight working days,one birthday(10th may).one fishing day if fit. and a party.so can safely say i don't have time left to alter anymore plans,they are now set in stone so to speak.
on a daily basis i regularly check facebook and blogs of other people doing end to end rides and at the moment there are two people out there Donne's jogle,and Vicky's jolly jogle that i watch and it only seams like yesterday that they were months away from their start and yet Donne's only two days from finishing and Vicky is well over halfway both cycling solo.I'm beginning to feel disappointed that their blogs will come to an end when they complete.I have come to enjoy logging on to them,pity i will never meet either especially Vicky who i think has done amazing and she has done it purely to raise money for other people.were as I'm doing it for my self with other people benefiting as I'm been sponsored,(if that makes sense good)
will people miss my blog?does anyone really read it?i know a couple do and i have 5 followers(thank you by the way)but with near on a thousand hits how many people actually return for another read or is it just five people visiting 200 times each.Donne's Friends think he should swim the channel next,Vicky will no doubt find something equally challenging,what will i do with my new found fitness suggestions on a post card please.

follow the link,fargate write up

http://sheffieldcyclist.co.uk/end-to-end-for-st-luke-mike-kellie-hopley/

st george;s day.and the rains

yesterday was st George's day.i was on the ctc stand in fargate.i think its safe to say there is a noticeable lack of a publicity officer within the ctc.although with material provided the people involved did an excellent job well done team,may i also say thank you for allowing me to show of the trike and collect for st Luke's just under£60 collected not bad to say it was a bucket placed on trike and not waived under every passing persons nose.thank you again.,
cailin did a short interview to post on his web page,once the rain had stopped,an entertaining half hour watching everyone get soaked in a flash flood complete with hail stones
Caroline arrived with her trike,such a good advocate for disabled fending for her self and not just accepting that she could never be independent.good for you Caroline,lucky for her she left before the rain,unlike our Kellie who set of home just before the heavens opened.and to quote "that's her adverse weather training complete"

3 weeks to jogle

today st Georges day,off to far gate,cyclist touring club have a stand with it being the start of environment week,taking the trike loaded as though i was off on my jogle(weight 60 kg).on the hope it attracts a few donations and brings attention to the stall,because were ever i seem to park it, it just attracts people.
decided last night Kellie will definitely be joining me on jogle,she is going to use my touring bike and over the last couple of weeks she has proved young legs don't need as much training to get in to shape.and the fact that she must be half my weight.have to make her carry more equipment as a handicap, that's what they do with race horses to make them evenly matched
this weekend is brownie point weekend.have to set green house up get tomatoes and peppers going,reinstate watering system etc.other wise Julie says I'm not jogle ing

not realy a superhero but for sponsorship ill pretend

fetched my shirts this afternoon,really happy with the quality and service provided by RHINO SPORTS,ECKINGTON,SHEFFIELD.ill do my best to promote an excellent product. putting my shirt on for the first time was like MR INCREDIBLE when he thinks his hero suit has been shrunk,lucky my belly didn't fall out the bottom,I'm no superhero but when somebody offers a generous sponsorship, i will pretend, Julie says do i have to rush in to every phone box i pass to get changed.lol. ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU TO http://www.worldofsuperheros.com/ FOR PROVIDING THE SHIRTS now i look like i mean business. went on my usual training route with my daughter Kellie, by the time we arrived home she was getting tired,but all in all she did OK.24 mile covered with a climb up through wirlowdale road then up to fox house before returning with the big decent down totley and then home for tea,well super more like it.