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| All smiles, the beginning! |
Tuesday, 2nd October. Landed in Portsmouth, UK at 0630. I proceded directly to Land's End, Cornwall. An uneventful ride of approximately 250 miles in 6 hours.
I officially began my ride after getting my receipts for food and a witness from the "Land's End Hotel"
At about half way (400 miles into the ride) it Began to rain and didn't stop, across Scotland it was cold, dark, wet and uncomfortable. My joints ached, my back was stiff and my knees frozen. My helmet was leaking and fogging up. But I continued and once I reached it to the border, I knew that I'd make it.
The last 100+ miles (after Inverness) were painful. I slowed my ride, afraid I would make a mistake or hit am animal (haggis are a constant threat to Motorcycles) or miss a turn. Although the progress was slow, it was breathtaking, Winding hilly roads, along the cliffs, through tiny villages.
Eventually, with about 17 miles to go, I had to stop for a cigarette, I was losing my concentration and feeling nauseous. A short break and I was good to do. I rode on and arrived at about 0600. Just under 18 hours, 850 miles. But at John O'Groats there was NO-ONE, the shops were closed, the only locals I spotted got into their fishing boat and headed off into the blue yonder, no-one.
Eventually I made breakfast and at about 0800 I met a couple of lads about to start work, roofing on a construction site. I decided to check in to the nearest hotel - "The Seaview" Less than a mile away.
After a much needed bath, I slept 10 hours straight.
That evening, when I went down to the bar for dinner, I met Martin, one of the afore-mentioned roofers and asked him to witness my arrival, which he did.
I really felt beat, exhausted and not inclined to do the return journal, the End-to-end Gold, via the M25 and London. I wasn't able to sleep till 0400.
The next morning I was sick, probably a combination of exhaustion and Tennants. I couldn't stomach breakfast so had a nap. Eventually checking out at about 1200. I made my way to "the first and Last" tourist shop, got a sticker and receipt for the beginning of the return journey.
Sometime during my nap I had decided to attempt the Gold End-to-End. Over 1000 Miles.
The first part of the journey was indeed lovely and a pleasure to ride. Cliff roads, villages, winding roads, tight corners, a dream.
I basically followed the same route southward until over the border into England, Penrith, where I headed South East along the A66 till the A1(M). I then followed this road till the M25 and London. Usually the biggest car-park in the world, it was a pleasure to ride at this stupid time of the morning when only truckers and insomniacs are awake. I had intended to halt at Clacket Lane Services, but due to fatigue and petrol requirements, I stopped immediately before Dartmouth Bridge. I then continued on the M25 toll the M3-A303-A30 to Land's End.
Arriving at land's end, Nothing was to open till after 1000, I arrived just before 0900. So, after a while I made my way into the Hotel, again, had a coffee and had my documents witnessed.
Being Early, I had hoped to make it back to Poole in time to change my return Ferry. But there had been an accident on the A30 which had to be closed. The diversion took between 1 and 2 hours longer than expected and when I eventually got onto the road into Poole, traffic was heavy and slow.
So, I decided to stop at a hotel or B&B. On arriving in Poole it started raining heavily and I was bloody tired. After more than 26 hours on the bike, I just wanted to Stop.
I found a Holiday Inn-Express, got a room but no bath. After a shower, I slept for about 5 hours and then ate and went back to bed. The next morning I discovered that breakfast was included, Yay!
I checked out late, made it to the ferry in plenty of time and was on my way home.
It's been a hard week. Just under 2000 miles of ironbutt and with travel to and fro, just over 2500 miles total (± 4000 kms) in 4 days.
It's been hard on my body and hard on Nicole. My fingers and toes have altered sensation and my back is stuff from the heavy, wet bike gear.
Despite all this, I feel bloody Good.
Nicole is booked in for some work next week and I'll get her sorted. Then Tyres, Helmet repaired, and hopefully, eventually my fingers shall return to normal.
I'm looking forward to catching up with Niki and relaxing.
