noreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Mon, 7 Oct 2024 05:50:51 +0100Blogger http://www.blogger.com120125http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/en-usnonoreply@blogger.comhttp://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/im-home.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:32:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-1033285225029484460I’m homeI woke up early on the final day of my journey. I was going to stay in my hotel room for a while because I didn’t have to get to the barracks in Warrington until 12.noon. I tried to relax but couldn’t and left the hotel at 9.00am. I've always been an impatient bugger. I cycled slowly, stopping occasionally to look at the countryside and reflect on what I had been through. It seemed all so3http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/so-near-yet-so-far.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:24:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-4232467425498917393The final day before getting homeDistance travelled: 43.8 milesTime in saddle: 3hrs 46 minsOverall distance travelled: 5323.8 milesWe had a great night last night; Kevin, Gary and myself were quite tiddley and belly laughed at some of the old story, which we’ve probably heard before but who cares?I shared a room with Gary, my twin brother, the first time in many years. He shouts in his sleeps and5http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-am-with-family.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:33:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-7278150705912089333One day to goMiles Travelled: NoneTime in saddle: NoneOverall distance…same asI slept in a B&B last night and it was really nice. The lady who owned it gave me a discount for the room, which was really nice. I met Geoff this morning just over the ‘English Bridge’ in Shrewsbury for coffee. Geoff found me on the Dawes web site and started following my adventure as I started training. He has been an4http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/beautiful-shrewsbuy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:22:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-3593440331063629992Two days to goDistance travelled: 81.3 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 35 minsOverall distance:5279.3The B&B I stayed in last night was great, the woman who ran it was very nice and I had a lovely breakfast this morning. I have got my appetite back, perhaps it’s because the weather is more suitable and it’s not too hot.…..it’s great to be back in the UK.My first stop was Kidderminster. When I was a 1http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/countryside-is-lovely.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:52:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-5915090590493608538Three days to goDistance travelled: 77.6 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 5 minsOverall distance traveled: 5198.4 milesI was cold last night and I had to pull the bed sheets over me...I love it. I haven't been cold during the night for a while. It's good to be home. I always sleep better when its a little colder and I have to snuggle into the blankets. I saw the elderly gentleman cyclist from last night3http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/problems-with-internet.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:15:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-7031006315449990469Four days to goDistance travelled: 73.7 milesTime in saddle: 6hrs 27 minsOverall distance travelled: 5120.8 milesI had trouble uploading my video last night. I eventually put one on the you tube website but I hadn’t edited it properly…I suppose I was tired when I did it.There is a steep climb out of Portsmouth, but it was nothing like I’d already done. I stopped and asked at a garage for 0http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/im-in-england.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:39:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-2420501980251322644Five days to goI cycled around Le Havre looking for a flagDistance: 12.2 milesOverall distance: 5046.9 milesIt was early when I awoke, the sound of the trucks engines made sure of that. They have to run their engines every so often to keep the refrigerators working. It kept me awake for quite a while last night and then early this morning. I didn’t want to wake Dave, he kindly left his wagon door2http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/ive-cycled-across-france.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:25:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-4790070848414516055Six days to goDistance travelled: 116.5 milesTime in saddle: 9hrs 46 minsOverall distance travelled: 5034.6 milesIt seemed strange this morning because I was coming to the end of my journey across France. I started out a little later than usual because I wasn’t in any particular hurry. I cycled for a few hours and stopped in a lovely city called Sees, a beautiful town with a great atmosphere. It 2http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/seven-days-to-go-distance-travelled-94.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:26:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-1937598261270452409Seven days to goDistance travelled: 94.9 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 58 minsOverall distance travelled: 4918 milesI got up really early this morning so I could have a poo in peace. The camp site is great but I will never get used to the idea of someone sat right next to me doing the same....weird. My twin brother won't even go to the toilet when there is anyone in his house. It seems like everyone 2http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/100-miler.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:51:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-4494266988515637939The stats from yesterday:Distance travelled: 88.5 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 32 minsOverall distance travelled: 4719 miles.Eight days to go.Distance travelled: 103 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 35 minsOverall distance travelled: 4822.4 milesIt was a beautiful day when I got up this morning. I slept with the window open and the sun greeted me nice and early……it’s like poetry isn’t it? I am getting 6http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/nine-days-to-go-distance-travelled-time.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:28:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-5954973584619872818Nine days to go(I will give the stats tomorrow, my bike is locked away in the garage)I have travelled approximately 87 miles todayIt was beautiful this morning when I got up. I'd had trouble getting out of the city as usual but Bordeaux was beautiful so it was worth the hassle. I stopped and asked at a funeral parlour for directions....it was the only place that was open. I was dressed in black 1http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/just-few-problems.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:49:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-1331516189249779226Ten Days to goDistance travelled: 61.2 milesTime in the saddle: 5hrs 53 minsOverall distance covered: 4630 milesIt was raining this morning when I woke up, which was very early. I decided to stay in my tent to see if it stopped, which it did. The facilities at the camp were very good and the toilets had seat on them. It was still a little weird sitting next to someone having a poo. There is 2http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/helo-hello.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:35:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-328239316137503754011 days to goDistance travelled: 99.2 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 32 minsOverall distance: 4569.2 milesIt started off being pretty dull this morning, but that was not a problem, in fact it was a relief. I’ve been too hot most of the way, a bit of cold weather would be appreciated. I went down the ‘Canal Le Gonnarde, which was brilliant. I must say it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever0http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/along-canal.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Sun, 9 Aug 2009 17:15:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-589811012375101786312 Days to goDistance travlled: 70.8 milesTime in saddle: 6hrs 33 minsOverall distance travelled: 4469.7 milesA I woke this morning I could hear the rain. It actually woke me up a couple of times through the night along with some very load club music that was coming from down the valley. I spent half the night subconsciously dancing to it....it was knackered in the morning. I went to wash and use4http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/wind-wind-and-more-wind.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Sun, 9 Aug 2009 16:48:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-350120962143452413613 days to goDistance travelled: 90.6 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 41 minsOverall distance: 4398.9 milesI think I was a little harsh about the hotel last night. Perhaps I had a grumbly head on because I was tired. The hotel wasn’t that bad and the lady who ran it was very nice. She made sure that my computer was set up right with the Internet and she was very polite…. the pizza was rubbish though. 1http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/remember-who-you-are.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Thu, 6 Aug 2009 19:49:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-327161686319255315815 days to godistance travelled:95.7 milesTime in saddle:8hrs 3 minsOverall time travelled: 4216.5 milesI had a terrible sleep last night. I had the most horrendous nightmare. I won't go into detail but I woke up sobbing about 3.00am. It's really weird what you dream isn't it? The room was fine . I had to share a bathroom. I was hoping it would be with a Scandinavian super model....but it was 3http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/lazy-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Wed, 5 Aug 2009 18:59:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-269883206020531272016 days to homeDistance travelled: 79.7 milesTime in saddle: 6hrs 39 minsOverall distance travelled: 4120.8 milesMy hostel last night was really good but it had the smallest bath I have ever seen. You could have had nicky nacky noo (Where did that come from) in it but you would have had to have been on your own....what's unusual about that? It did have a bidet but I always make do with a 2http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/brilliant-brilliant-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Tue, 4 Aug 2009 20:24:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-600473651068037261617 Days to getting home.Distance travelled: 92.8 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 22 minsOverall distance traveled: 4041 milesIt's been a brilliant brilliant day...that is not a typing error....it's been twice as brilliant. The heat was on and the hills were there, but only a couple of times. The rest was easy. I started late again as I tried to get my bike fixed for the second time in two days. I even3http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/distance-travelled-92.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Mon, 3 Aug 2009 22:31:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-2158216470278749318Distance travelled: 92.2 milesTime in saddle; 7hrs 35 minsOverall distance:3948 milesLast night I got chatting to a family from Aberdeen in Scotland, they were really nice and wished me the best of luck. I filmed a programme about tattooing in Aberdeen....interesting place, smells of fish.I woke up with a really bad sore throat this morning. In fact it woke me up in the night, I couldn't swallow.1http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/into-benidorm.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Sun, 2 Aug 2009 21:30:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-7679349104861980814Day 45I’m sorry I think I am getting my days mixed up…this seems right, about 45.Distance travelled: 97 milesTime in saddle: 8hrs 53 minsOverall distance: 3855.9 milesAfter putting my blogs on the Internet last night I went for a stroll around the town. What a fantastic atmosphere. The place was buzzing. The families were all out with their children. Musical quartets were playing in the street 2http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/round-and-around-and-up-and-downstill.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Sat, 1 Aug 2009 20:34:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-4811739984124035302Day 43Distance travelled: 74.9 milesTime in saddle: 7hrs 9 minsOverall distance travelled: 3758 milesStruggled to get out of bed this morning. As my son Daniel would say “ I need to get my shot sorted” I will do tonight and star afresh tomorrow. I am in a hotel, not very luxurious; the lights just went out when I plugged my computer into the main…scary. I had to go to reception so that they could6http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/08/hot-again-and-again.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Sat, 1 Aug 2009 20:24:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-5107368729731574929Stats from yesterdayDistance travelled: 97.5milesTime in saddle: 9hrs 27 minsOverall distance travelled: 3605 milesDay 42Distance travelled: 78 milesTimes in saddle: 7hrs 12 minsOverall distance travelled: 3683 milesI hardly slept last night. Firstly the church bells kept on ringing every half an hour up to twelve o’clock, then I just kept waking up. It was bit like the first time I went to 0http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/07/up-and-down-all-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:13:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-4948865768358941109Day 42Distance travelled: Time in saddleOverall distance travelledMy bike is locked away in different part of the hostel. Will give you the details tomorrow. I cycled about 94 milesIt’s been a bit of a funny day today. I woke up feeling really good and set off in good spirits. The sea mist was about again but it was still pretty hot. I decided to roll my shorts up a touch and take my shirt off…2http://wayne222thecharityride.blogspot.com/2009/07/sleeping-on-beach.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wayne O'Brien)Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:12:00 +0100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1568380331387107153.post-1321308525701406369Day 41Distance travelled: 88,7 milesTime in saddle: 7hrsOverall distance travelled: 3508 milesI ended up sleeping on the beach last night. It was a little bumpy as it was a shingle beach and not very wide. It is illegal to do so but I’ve been told if you are discrete then it will be OK. How discrete can I be, a middle-aged cyclist, packed to the rafters dressed in black Lycra….no one will notice 2