The Trip Home

A journey by bike, bus and car, beginning with an epic ride in the wind, rain and pre-dawn darkness. Great relief when the bus driver accepted our "box" offering.

Day 14 : To John O'Groats

Strong winds, dark skies, ancient burial cairns and bleak landscapes. A bare sign-post and a run-down hotel mark the end of the road and the end of our journey.

Day 13 : To Tarlogie

Bad luck : 1 broken helmet, 1 flat tyre, 4 broken spokes and failing to spot Nessie.

Good luck : sunshine, views of the Great Glen and flying along with a tailwind.

Day 12 : To Fort William

A ferry to the middle of nowhere, persistent rain, dark lochs and islands in the mist. Fourteen oat flips for lunch and dinner with China's mountain biking team.

Day 11 : To Lochranza

Fast cruising to the ferry terminal, a feast on-board and mist in the mountains on the beautiful island of Arran.

Day 10 : To New Cumnock

We cross the border into Scotland and the front tyre finally dies after 5000 miles of service. A long slog uphill into the wind to a derelict caravan park and a shower from a pot of hot water.

Day 9 : Vacation in the Lakes

A day of rest in Keswick amongst campers and caravaners that took the job seriously. Some cross-training, also made challenging by winds, in a row boat on Derwent Water.

Day 8 : To Keswick

Fast cruising at last, albeit with weekend tourist traffic en route to the Lake District. Lunch on the shores of Windermere and a steady climb into real mountains.

Day 7 : To Salterforth

Wind, rain and lots of hills as we fight our way across the Peaks. A genuine Bakewell Tart at last.

Day 6 : To Buxton

Up up up to the Peaks. An epicly windy ride on the moors.

Day 5 : To Wentnor

The tandem climbs the steepest hill ever on a tiny lane in south Wales. An embarrassing performance at the local pub's quiz night.

Day 4 : To Trow Green

Some traveling in circles despite the Severn bridge looming for miles. Impressive vibrations high above the water.

Day 3 : To Taunton

Traveling east when rivers drain north-south. A sleepless night on account of a very vocal rooster.

Day 2 : To Hallworthy

A trip to a remote farmhouse to pick up our express-delivered axle, ups and downs along the Cornish coast and a night spent in a pub beer garden.

Day 1 : Land's End to Carbis Bay

After arriving late in Penzance, the sign at Land's End had already been taken down, so we photographed the bare post. First day and we arrived in the dark!

Good omens !

Today, as a warm-up for our trip, saw the much anticipated "tandem tandem" ride with John and Lucy.

We set off only three hours late after our rear axle skewer snapped when we were preparing the bike. Being an American tandem in Britain, a replacement part proved hard to find and perhaps the only such part in the UK is currently making its way by express post to our first night's campground.

The "tandem tandem" ride went on, with our rear wheel held in place with the help of an old light bracket backed up by lots of string. Since then, we've upgraded slightly with some parts from the local hardware store and we're confident it will hold out until our special delivery arrives.

We're packed and ready to go. Next update from the road!

The journey to the start

I'm leaving Woods Hole for London !!! It is quite the luxury to travel to the airport without the tandem this time. It can be a bit of an unwieldy piece of luggage. Last night I unpacked and repacked and checked the packing list twice. Somehow, my share weighed in at 42 lbs at check-in. Seems like a lot to pull up the hills in Devon and Cornwall!

I'm on my way !!!