In 2017, off the back of a lot of cycling, I decided to take on another equally pointless, but very personal trip - cycling up to meet my family and in-laws in Cambo, Northumberland. A 400 mile trip in just 2 days. After cycling Lands End to John O'Groats and multiple 1 day events, I had never been fitter so now was a great time to take it on.
The plan was relatively simple. Day 1, 240 miles from Chiddingfold to Hull. Day 2, 150 miles from Hull to Cambo.
Because I'm an idiot, I started at 3.57am on 1st September - because I wanted it to start with a 3 rather than a 4! The first leg was very familiar to me, just another cycle to work.
I was lucky that the weather was fine, just a mildly annoying headwind all day. I covered the 48 miles to work very comfortably and almost in auto-pilot. When at work I ditched the cold weather clothing, had a bowl of porridge, coffee and set off again - still only 7am.
The route I choose was plagiarised from the London to Edinburgh sportive, and it was definitely the right call. Heading up out of London towards Cambridge and across the Fens towards York.
Thankfully it was mostly flat all day. At times it was hot, but the headwind cooled me down.
I travelled light, with most of the weight coming from the food I was carrying rather than unnecessary clothing or bike kit.
I picked up my first, and thankfully only puncture mid morning, and whilst I was able to fix it, I struggled to get the tyre pressure back so kept my eye out for someone who could help. I stopped at a house that I thought could help. They were quite old and couldn't but they were absolutely lovely and thought I was completely mad for doing what I was doing. I welcomed a cup of tea instead.
I did my best to eat and drink regularly throughout the day but this is an area that I still struggle with.
Lunch was a write off as I managed to choose a dive of a pub that didn't serve food. The decision was then to nail some drinks and whatever food I still had and just keep going.
The bike was working well, and the legs still strong. I entertained myself with a combination of podcasts and just my thoughts. I was loving the route and enjoying distance and change of scenery that I was able to achieve. I did smile when I saw a signpost to Grimsby - a long way literally and figuratively from Chiddingfold. I also afforded myself a little moment of congratulations when I passed my previous best of 191 miles.
As well as cycling a lot, I was taking a photo every day for the year, so was always on the look out for a decent photo. The weather took a turn as I neared Hull, so I wasnt able to avoid getting completely soaked, but it made for some dramatic views.
The thought of a fish and chip supper in Barton upon Humber spurred me on and I crossed the Humber Bridge with my food in hand and made the final dash to the B&B.
It was a very long day, but couldn't have gone much better. Good route and felt strong to the end. The B&B gave me a lovely welcome and their hot chocolate was one to savour. Despite cycling 242 miles and burning 8,000 calories, I couldn't finish the portion of fish and chips!
Day 2 started with a cooked breakfast to die for. I don't usually take photos of food, but this one earned an exception.
Having finally pumped up the back wheel, I was on the road at 9am. The legs still felt good and again I was blessed with fine weather - and no head wind!
The Howardian Hills north of York were stunning and I loved spending an hour or so with my good mate Bizza.
I had now veered off the London to Edinburgh route and as a result spent a little too long on busier A roads. Having had a year of issues with my Garmin it came as little surprise, but still massive frustration, when it crashed as I was approaching Durham. My plan was to go through the middle of Durham, but Google Maps had other ideas and took me up the old A1 - not at all scenic, and also pretty dangerous. Heading past the Angel, I was very north now, and was getting excited to see the girls. The desire to get to Cambo for tea time kept me pushing the pace.
Just like the Ireland ride a few years before, the feeling of getting to the destination under my own steam was very satisfying. I didn't have to do it. I could have driven, I could have got the train. I could have stayed at hoke and waited for the girls to come home that weekend. The fact that it was so pointless made it all the more special. I did it because I could, and for the memory of that one time I cycled there. I am a lucky boy, I have a family that let me do these silly things and they are always the first people to welcome me at the finish, and what a lovely welcome it was!
