Day 5: Wed Sept 5

Lambourne to Wandsworth, London.

Distance: 115 km.

Time: 5 hrs 49 mins.

Speed: 20 km/ hr

Distance so far: 715 km.

AHR : 110 beats/ min 

Feet climbed today: 1406 ft.

Weather: Hazy at first but bright, sunny and very warm in mid afternoon. Wind..headwind in afternoon as forecasted.

I left David and Rebecca's at 8.15 and since Lambourne is in a general depression it was hazy but certain to burn off.

My route out of Lambourne was as I had come in yesterday evening and it meant a long steady climb. But this was the only remarkable climb of the day. Nothing like what I had over the last 2 days. Once out of Lambourne I was at 800 ft above sea level and I knew that I would be descending all the time to the Thames Valley.

After 20 km on a good country B road I was in Newbury and on the A4 heading east. Every second vehicle that asset me along here was transporting horses....and not in just horse-boxes.

I stayed on the A4 till the 100 km mark but it was much more pleasant than the A417 of yesterday. I sailed through the centres of Newbury, Reading, Maidenhead and Slough never experiencing any navigational difficulties.

I noted that Reading is twinned with Clonmel and the centre was beautifully decorated with flowers.

I stopped for a bite to eat at the93 km mark just across from Heathrow with the accompaniment of planes landing and taking off.

At the 100 km mark I pulled off the A4 (just before it became the M4) and crossed the Thames across Busy Kew Bridge.

Along leafy streets I cycled on A205 through Richmond and Putney and into Wandsworth to reach today's destination at Irene and Justin’s. Indeed Irene had given me great detailed directions for the approach and they lead me first time right to the door.  

So I’m here virtually now in south-west London on the banks of the Thames.

Along the way today I visited some of the bigger electronic outfits (PC World, Maplins etc) to rectify my problem with uploading photos, but no luck. This evening, I had all that sorted out just up the road from here. If you need an issue sorted out go to High St, Wandsworth.

I'm ready for a good rest tonight and tomorrow will be a short one.

Thank God for the health and for the energy.

Day 4. Tue Sept 2.

Abergavenny to Lambourne

Distance:  147 km

Time: 7 hrs 10 mins.

Speed: 20.7 km/ hr

Distance so far: 600 km.

AHR: 116 b/ min

Feet climbed today: 3762 ft.

Weather: sunny and warm all day. Wind....calm.

Left my B&B in Abergavenny at 8.45 with short sleeves and decided to stick with the A40 as far as Monmouth. It turned out to be a wise decision as climbs were a minimum and I breezed along during those early kilometres tipping 30 km/ hr.

Within an hour I was in Monmouth and took a bit of a detour through the town. It has a historic town gate built in 1270 on a bridge ( the only surviving one in Britain) which had been used as a toll house, a jail and a dwelling house over the years.

There were other restored buildings on every street and a town park showing the onset of autumn.

In Monmouth, I left the A40, crossed the Wye and headed for the Forest of Dean.

This involved a strong climb with many twists and turns and I shared the road with quite a number of sand/gravel trucks. It was a nice peaceful cycle through the forest although it had its share of ups and downs.

Just before leaving this area I passed through Cinderford, a town with a coal mining history. It is at own built on the side of a hill and the main thoroughfare (a long one) went from the lowest to the highest point.

Once back down on the lower ground by the Severn, I progressed nicely to Gloucester. 

Here I lost a few kms in the city centre passing by many restored and reconstructed warehouses, but all with different uses now.

Soon I picked up the A417 which I had reckoned would bring me straight on by Swindon towards Lambourne. But first it had to climb to the higher ground of the Cotswolds. Such a climb was announced by “Slow climbing lorries for 2 miles”. This climb averaged out at about 6% and with a build-up of traffic because of a truck mishap I had to dismount for a while. At the top there was a magnificent aerial view of Gloucester beneath, but my scenic sensibilities had been dulled by the constant effort to gain higher ground.

Once on top I moved along smoothly well over my average speed for the day but it was with the constant din of traffic. The A417 (and A419) is a virtual motorway except for the blue signs. It became wearisome after a time although I felt safe inside the white line.

My lunch break was at one of their service stops (no shops along the way) after 94 km. I had an appetite by then, I assure you.

After passing Cirencester and Swindon, I pulled off for the final 20 km approach to Lambourne. I was so relieved with the absence of the traffic noise, although I could hear it in the distance. I was back on country roads again with hedges closing in around me. But the hills hadn’t gone away. Just after Wanborough I faced into a very steep buy thankfully short hill (Callus Hill). At this stage I was moving along (forward and up and down) within earshot of the M4. I was sure glad that I wasn’t on it.

Today I crossed over from Wales to England. I miss the Welsh language on the signposts now. I enjoyed noting the words in Welsh that somehow similar to words in Irish. Today’s route passed from Monmouthshire, through Gloucestershire, into Wiltshire and now just on Berkshire.

Finally, signposts for Lambourne appeared. Everything around here is horses or horse related. The village itself is quiet and it was difficult to find someone to give directions. 

I had the address and shortly I had landed outside David’s door to be greeted by David and Tommy the dog.

Was glad to have arrived at destination and later, David, Rebecca and I had a glorious meal in the Plough at Eastbury capped of with an Irish Coffee. What a way to end a day.

Thank God for the health and for the energy.

Day 3: Pembroke Dock to Abergavenny

Monday Sept 1.

Distance: 164 km (That counts as a Century...over 100 miles)

Time: 8 hrs 20 mins.

Speed: 19.6 km/ hr.

Distance so far: 453 km.

AHR:114 b/ min

Feet. Limbed today: 4161 ft.

Weather today: Had rained during the night but stopped by the time I left. Remained dull and heavily overcast till 10.30. Very sunny and warm from mid afternoon on. Wind coming in from my left all day and was of no assistance at all.

Last night I was given priority when boarding Irish Ferries in Rosslare and passed up by all the cars. I was glad that I had booked a cabin and gladly availed of the hot shower. Lovely after a long day. Didn't get much sleep but I was rested when the alarm announced that we were passing Milford Haven just after midnight and would be docking soon. Again I had priority disembarking but was shocked to see a steady fall of rain in the darkness outside.

I made for the departures terminal with a view to resting there till first light. The lady at the coffee dock told me they close at 2am but she (and the lady in the ticket office) arranged for me to get a pass to rest up in the truck drivers lounge till daylight. It was lovely there...like a double portacabin, heat, dry, TV, coffee machine, slot machines etc. Only one driver there with me. I rested and slept periodically till 7 am.

I pulled out at 7.15 onto the quiet streets of Pembroke Dock. This was once British Naval Dockyard but was decommissioned in 1926. Still there were a few buildings around from that period.

I really appreciate those who gave me words of encouragement for this trip. I had messages from some from the US and from the Australia cycle. Really appreciated those messages from the members of Tipp Wheelers. The club now has well over 100 active members and cater for all levels and all ambitions. Whether you just want to tip along right up competing in races or triathlons....this is the place for you. Many other messages from family and friends.

The first 50 km were very hilly some climbs of well over 2 km long and hitting over 6%. But at least the surface was excellent and I had my own little cycle-path by the edge. Along the newer surface there were an enormous amount of black slugs attempting to crawl across. I’d say very few made it the whole way across.

At St Clears the roads from Pembroke and Fishguard came together funnelling into the M4. So a much greater volume of traffic. But the hills had a separate climbing lane; but I wasn’t encouraged with signs like “Climbing Lane for the next 2 miles”.

I had morning break in Carmarthen; a place where our family had a bad camping experience years ago. The centre of the town was bustling and looking prosperous. So all is forgiven.

Most of today's serious climbing came in the 0 to 50 km stretch and in the 100 to 120 km stretch.

Today is the longest day by far of this trip and I’m relieved to have it behind me. I definitely didn't look forward to it as rain fell early this morning. In fact the 3 days so far have all been well over the 115 km/day average of this trip.

The beauty of cycling is that you can stop wherever you wish....no need for a pull- off area. I stopped in a lovely scenic spot over the river and in the shade for my energy boost.

Today I cycled through 4 counties- Pembrokshire, Carmartenshire, Powys and into Monmothshire. I don’t know if they constitute a ’top-table’ in any particular activity.

The last 60 km passed through the Brecon Beacons National Park with the Beacons (Pen-y-fent in particular) showing its sharp edge on my right had side for miles. Also the villages of Bwelch and Crickhowel showed all the signs of attention being paid to their appearance.

Coming into Abergavenny I passed the house where I stayed on a cycle I did 40 years ago from London to Fishguard and on that occasion I paid £2 for the B&B. Times have really changed.

Going down for a bite to eat this evening I passed a restored 14th Century Tithe Barn by the church. The town was quite and eating places had very few patrons to indicate their quality. Still, I suitably replenished the body for tomorrow.

Thank God for the health and for the energy.

Day 2.

 Tipperary to Rosslare.

Distance: 146km.

Time: 6hrs 32 mins.

Speed: 22.3 km/hr

Distance so far:  289 km.

AHR: 131 b/min

Feet gained: 3441 ft.

Weather today: Beautiful sunny start and late afternoon. Bit a cloudy in between.No rain. Gentle wind from the right as far as Ballyhack ferry.Very supportive tailwind in Wexford...I just knew that would happen!

Felt strange for the few hours before leaving home this morning. I’ve never cycled from home on any of the other long cycles; they involved a flight or a long drive.

And all those early kms were on familiar territory, just like a normal Sunday cycle except for the 32 lbs in the panniers behind.

To lift the bike is a task but to cycle along is much easier. You forget about them...except when you meet a rise of ground.

Clonmel was very quiet as I passed through the West Gate.

All along houses were decked out in blue and gold for next Sunday’s final. Some had made great effort.

And as I passed along beneath Slievenamon I hoped that we’d be giving it plenty of ’Alone,all alone’ for the next few weeks.

Of course, once I crossed into Kilkenny it was the same story with the buntings and flags. Even their flowers are black and amber. Come to think of it...my two days of cycling have covered the Toptable of hurling (Clare, Limerick, Tipperary,Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford) I don’t think I have left out any of the super-powers there!

As I approached Waterford the road became busier and the city square in the city was beginning to buzz. I stopped for a bite of lunch here to recharge the system.

Another 12 km brought me to the Passage-Ballyhack ferry and a welcome into the Model County.

From Arthurstown all the way to Waddingstown I cycled along the Duncannon Line, a straight military road constructed to service Duncannon Fort. It was straight, but not comparable to the Nullarbor. Most of the feet gained today happened along here; but all the feet gained were given back to me and I enjoyed every one of them.

For a period I carried a passenger as a ladybird landed on the brake lever and joined me for the spin.

In Baldwinstown I dropped into a pub to check on the score in Dublin v Donegal. Nobody there watching it but the owner and his dog (This is hurling country). I got the last 10 mins in Culletons of Kilrane. Great cheers there when Donegal won. Very little sympathy for the Dubs. I had my dinner of vegetable soup and pasta in Culletons and then dropped down to the harbour in plenty of time for the ferry to Pembroke.

I’m glad of the few hours rest at this stage. Time to get a few hours sleep and be ready for tomorrow; another long day.

Thanks God for the health and for the energy

Day 1. Cliffs of Moher to Tipperary

I

Distance: 143 km

Time: 6 hrs 30 mins

Speed: 24.8 km/ hr

Average Heart Rate (AHR): 139 b/min

Distance so far: 143 km

Weather today: Not a drop of rain but overcast all day. Cool but faced into a strong headwind from start to finish.

So, I’m off again. But, at least this trip is on more familiar territory and scores low on the Way-Out scale. It was mid-day by the time I arrived (by train and bus) at the start of the cycle?

At  the Cliffs of Moher (that stand bravely against the might of the Atlantic) as I prepared to set off on this Europe adventure, I was just one of thousands at this point on the west coast of Ireland and on the edge of Europe. Some were following the new coastal cliff walk from Liscannor all the way to Doolin. The local Ranger told me that the place was mobbed until last week but was a little quieter now that the schools had opened.

 He took the official start photo, dropped the start flag and wished me God’s speed. 

As I cycled on, with my back to the cliffs, the many flags were blowing directly into my face. Nothing for it but put the head down and pedal away. It’s part of the cycling tourist’s lot; no point in feeling down over it.

The initial 10 km was along part of the Wild Atlantic Way, a recently developed 2500 km drive along the scenic western coast from Kinsale up to Malin Head and Derry.

This area is famous for Liscannor Stone and is used extensively for both houses and field walls.

I entered Lahinch (Lehinch locally) along by the famous golf links as golfers pitted themselves against the wind.

Approaching Ennistymon and right into Ennis I was surprised that I was making such headway in spite of the elements often careering along at 30 km/hr on level ground.

In Ennis because of the misleading signage for N18 to Limerick at the new roundabouts resulted in me doing an extra 16 km. Could have done without that.

Passing Bunratty and Dirty Nellies, I sailed into Limerick and caught the start of the evening rush hour.

From Limerick to Tipperary I was on very familiar cycling territory and didn’t feel like a cycling tourist.

Didn’t take out the camera much at all except for the few thatched pubs in Boher.

Naturally, Tipperary town had a Welcome banner up for me (and for all the summer tourists). As I neared my destination a few drops fell but developed into nothing.

I was glad and satisfied as I turned in the gate to my destination for today. The headwind hadn’t been as much a hindrance as I had expected.

A lovely start to this adventure. Hope all the other days are as satisfying.

Thank God for the health and for the energy.