Bristol Alumni
MNDA News
The Haslemere Herald - featuring the Hutchins family
The Merrow Pages - featuring Matt Hutchins
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Media Coverage.....
In addition to Jo's radio interviews, here's a selection of other press coverage:
Monday, 22 June 2009
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Day 12 - Helmsdale to John O'Groats
Fast Facts:
Distance: 51.7 miles
Miles to Go: Zero!!!
Average Speed: 14.3 mph
Time in Saddle: 3 hours 36 mins
Lunch: Picnic & Champagne!!
Route Profile:
Distance: 51.7 miles
Miles to Go: Zero!!!
Average Speed: 14.3 mph
Time in Saddle: 3 hours 36 mins
Lunch: Picnic & Champagne!!
Route Profile:
Report:
11:18 - Just done 36 miles to Wick....the group are just having a quick break before tackling the last 16 miles into John O'Groats! Everyone very excited! Will update report this evening.
11:18 - Just done 36 miles to Wick....the group are just having a quick break before tackling the last 16 miles into John O'Groats! Everyone very excited! Will update report this evening.
13:00 - We've done it! Amazing feeling....975 miles. Never again!
14:30 - In car on way to Inverness for our party this evening!
Thank you to everyone that has sponsored us and wished us well along the way.
Thank you to everyone that has sponsored us and wished us well along the way.
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Day 11 - Loch Ness to Helmsdale
Fast Facts:
Distance: 92.2 miles
Miles to Go: 52
Average Speed: 13.5 mph
Time in Saddle: 6 hours 49 mins
Lunch: St Duthas Hotel, Tain
Route Profile:
Report:
After a gloriously sunny evening on the shores of Loch Ness, the monster had worked her magic overnight and delivered us a typically rainy, overcast morning. With 92 miles awaiting us and 10 hard days in our legs, we gingerly set off at 8am.
We traced Loch Ness' banks for the first 20 miles and skirted through Inverness in the pouring rain. We left the A82 and joined the A9, a busy dual carriageway, to take us the rest of the way. We met up with our fantastic support crew at Tore, for a welcome hot soup and refill of snacks.
From Tore we rejoined the A9 and gingerly crossed the Cromarty Firth on a long bridge, with strong side winds. Group 1 raced ahead to the lunch stop at St Duthas Hotel in Tain, a gorgeous historic little town. The staff were fantastic, lit an open fire to help warm and dry our rain soaked bodies/clothes. By the time Group 2 arrived, the flames were roaring - many thanks to all the staff for looking after us.
The sun came out for the final 30 miles as we followed the coast up to Golspie, past Dunrobin Castle and through to Brora. The views were spectacular, grazing sheep in green rolling fields, and crashing waves lapping on sandy beaches. It took us all back to the Cornish scenery and reminded us how far we'd come.
By 6pm, we had all arrived safely at the Helmsdale hostel, a private hostel run by the welcoming Irene and her dog Molly. We have just finished a superb home cooked meal, courtesy of our support crew and a certain Marks & Spencer!
Everyone is very excited about tomorrow....just over 50 miles to the finish line. Let's hope for some good weather.
Total mileage so far: 916.4 miles!
Distance: 92.2 miles
Miles to Go: 52
Average Speed: 13.5 mph
Time in Saddle: 6 hours 49 mins
Lunch: St Duthas Hotel, Tain
Route Profile:
Report:
After a gloriously sunny evening on the shores of Loch Ness, the monster had worked her magic overnight and delivered us a typically rainy, overcast morning. With 92 miles awaiting us and 10 hard days in our legs, we gingerly set off at 8am.
We traced Loch Ness' banks for the first 20 miles and skirted through Inverness in the pouring rain. We left the A82 and joined the A9, a busy dual carriageway, to take us the rest of the way. We met up with our fantastic support crew at Tore, for a welcome hot soup and refill of snacks.
From Tore we rejoined the A9 and gingerly crossed the Cromarty Firth on a long bridge, with strong side winds. Group 1 raced ahead to the lunch stop at St Duthas Hotel in Tain, a gorgeous historic little town. The staff were fantastic, lit an open fire to help warm and dry our rain soaked bodies/clothes. By the time Group 2 arrived, the flames were roaring - many thanks to all the staff for looking after us.
The sun came out for the final 30 miles as we followed the coast up to Golspie, past Dunrobin Castle and through to Brora. The views were spectacular, grazing sheep in green rolling fields, and crashing waves lapping on sandy beaches. It took us all back to the Cornish scenery and reminded us how far we'd come.
By 6pm, we had all arrived safely at the Helmsdale hostel, a private hostel run by the welcoming Irene and her dog Molly. We have just finished a superb home cooked meal, courtesy of our support crew and a certain Marks & Spencer!
Everyone is very excited about tomorrow....just over 50 miles to the finish line. Let's hope for some good weather.
Total mileage so far: 916.4 miles!
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Day 10 - Crianlarich to Loch Ness
Fast Facts:
Distance: 92.9 miles
Miles to Go: 144
Average Speed: 14.5 mph
Time in Saddle: 6 hours 22 mins
Lunch: Grog & Gruel, Fort William
Route Profile:
Report:
Breakfast at the hostel was fairly basic to say the least....however, with over 90 miles to cover today, we decided to up and leave fairly early. Huge swarms of midges made getting our bikes and gear together tough...I for one, almost lost my sense of humour on more than one occasion, particularly whilst changing the inner tube on Jo's bike (with Chris' help). To say we were being eaten alive would be an understatement!
Anyway, some good news....firstly, we received good news from Glasgow. Roger is doing brilliantly and had already told the nurses to get him up and out of bed! Something tells me they aren't going to be able to keep him in hospital for long. Secondly, Ali (and her knees) were back in top form and able to join the peloton today. Thirdly, after yesterday's experience, we were delighted to see the sun!
Today's ride was the longest of the trip so far.....it started with 3 long hard climbs up into the Grampian Mountains. 
Tonight we have a home cooked meal on the agenda (curry), with a few bottles of vino thrown in, courtesy of Diageo.
Two days left, 824.2 miles cycled so far and barely 145 miles to go! Bring it on.....
Distance: 92.9 miles
Miles to Go: 144
Average Speed: 14.5 mph
Time in Saddle: 6 hours 22 mins
Lunch: Grog & Gruel, Fort William
Route Profile:
Report:
Breakfast at the hostel was fairly basic to say the least....however, with over 90 miles to cover today, we decided to up and leave fairly early. Huge swarms of midges made getting our bikes and gear together tough...I for one, almost lost my sense of humour on more than one occasion, particularly whilst changing the inner tube on Jo's bike (with Chris' help). To say we were being eaten alive would be an understatement!
Anyway, some good news....firstly, we received good news from Glasgow. Roger is doing brilliantly and had already told the nurses to get him up and out of bed! Something tells me they aren't going to be able to keep him in hospital for long. Secondly, Ali (and her knees) were back in top form and able to join the peloton today. Thirdly, after yesterday's experience, we were delighted to see the sun!
Today's ride was the longest of the trip so far.....it started with 3 long hard climbs up into the Grampian Mountains.
However, what goes up must come down, and the descents did not disappoint! The final descent, which took us through Glen Coe was about 5 miles long!
Our route today was not one for map reading. We started out on the A82 and we were due to follow it all day. All 3 groups were making good time, and by 12:15pm had arrived in Fort William on the edge of Loch Linnie for lunch at the Grog & Gruel.
There we were delighted to welcome back to the support crew, Diane, who had remained in Glasgow to check that Roger was OK post op. Roger was adamant that Diane should re-join us, and be there to see us arrive in John O'Groats! He's never been one to be fussed over.
After lunch, we headed back out onto the A82, and headed through Spean Bridge and down onto the edge of Loch Lochy. Then it was a flat and fast 30 odd mile stint, via and the Caledonian Canal, through Fort Augustus and along the northern edge of Loch Ness to our hostel.
What a stunning location....no sign of Nessy, however! Some of the boys did go looking for her, in their swimmers, but with little success!
Tonight we have a home cooked meal on the agenda (curry), with a few bottles of vino thrown in, courtesy of Diageo.
Two days left, 824.2 miles cycled so far and barely 145 miles to go! Bring it on.....
Monday, 15 June 2009
Day 9 - New Lanark to Crianlarich
Fast Facts:
Distance: 80.5 miles
Miles to Go: 236
Average Speed: 12.6 mph
Time in Saddle: 6 hours 21 mins
Lunch: Balloch House, Alexandria
Route Profile:
Report:
Today was definitely a day of two halves. After a relatively simple hostel breakfast of toast and cereal, we all got ourselves together for a shortish ride that would take us through Glasgow and out towards Loch Lomond. Before setting off, and in another act of incredible generosity, we were approached by one of our fellow hostel guests, Brian McInally....he had seen our vans and had come to investigate. It turns out that Brian's wife Constance died of MND last year, as well as his good friend Jan Crane, and he wanted to contriute to our cause with a donation of £10. Thank you very much Brian.
The first half of the ride took us through the Glasgow suburbs, passed Hampden Park and under the Clyde via the most scary and pungent cycle/pedestrian tunnel!
We were relatively late arriving, after a 6 mile climb up to the hostel...which was packed full of walkers and backpackers. After a quick dinner at the Ben More Lodge Hotel, it was straight to bed.
Distance: 80.5 miles
Miles to Go: 236
Average Speed: 12.6 mph
Time in Saddle: 6 hours 21 mins
Lunch: Balloch House, Alexandria
Route Profile:
Report:
Today was definitely a day of two halves. After a relatively simple hostel breakfast of toast and cereal, we all got ourselves together for a shortish ride that would take us through Glasgow and out towards Loch Lomond. Before setting off, and in another act of incredible generosity, we were approached by one of our fellow hostel guests, Brian McInally....he had seen our vans and had come to investigate. It turns out that Brian's wife Constance died of MND last year, as well as his good friend Jan Crane, and he wanted to contriute to our cause with a donation of £10. Thank you very much Brian.
Also, a quick thank you to Helen & Nicholas Harris, who very kindly looked after Briony, Penny and Diane (Roger's wife and trusty member of the support crew). They live in Hellensburgh, just down the road from Glasgow, and very kindly offered food and accommodation at her mothers place round the corner....thank you Ian and Anne.
We left the hostel under thundery skies, and it wasn't long before the heavens opened and we were dumped on from a very great height. The rain was absolutely torrential, and before long we were extremely cold and wet!
The first half of the ride took us through the Glasgow suburbs, passed Hampden Park and under the Clyde via the most scary and pungent cycle/pedestrian tunnel!
It was hard going...the lead group had a minor incident when Karim fell off his bike, and gave the metal railing a traditional Glasgow kiss! Fortunately, other than a huge 'egg' on his forehead, KK was fine.
Group 2 had different issues to contend with, not least two of the riders who became worryingly close to hypothermia. Fortunately, thanks to some quick thinking by Mark, who purchased a towel and a hooded top), they were able to avoid things becoming too serious.
Once through Glasgow it was a short hop to Alexandria for lunch at the Balloch House, on the banks of Loch Lomond, where we were able to warm up and stuff some hot food down our necks.
Soon, however, we were back on the road and heading north along the A82, following the western edge of Loch Lomond through Tarbet towards Crianlarich, in the shadow of Ben More. The weather continued in its appallingness...plus the midges starting to attacking us whenever we stopped for a break!
We were relatively late arriving, after a 6 mile climb up to the hostel...which was packed full of walkers and backpackers. After a quick dinner at the Ben More Lodge Hotel, it was straight to bed.
Over 600 miles completed.....approximately 315 miles to go!
P.S. Currently having to use a hostel PC to write the blogs these last few days, so that has made it difficult if not impossible to upload any photos. Am hoping to find a solution to that soon, and will upload asap.
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Day 8 - Carlisle to New Lanark
Fast Facts:
Distance: 78.6 miles
Miles to Go: 313
Average Speed: 13.5 mph
Time in Saddle: 5 hours 48 mins
Lunch: Picnic (somewhere around Elvanfoot!)
Route Profile:
We left Carlisle in good spirits. We had all enjoyed our night's stay in our B&B's...and the sun was shining. After a few miles over the Esk estuary on the A7 (old Roman Road), we turned west and headed towards Gretna and Springfield and the Scottish Border. The lead group stopped at the border sign for a quick photo, before continuing towards the old A74 (now B7076)....by now the weather had started to close in, and it looked like there was a storm brewing!
In the second group, however, Ali was battling serious pain in her knees. For her to make it as far as the Scottish border despite her considerable pain was testament to her character....unfortunately, her condition was becoming too serious and she needed to rest her knees, and that meant the support crew were called to her rescue. We are hopeful, that this won't spell the end of Ali's ride, but much will depend on how her knees respond to a day or two's rest.
For the remaining riders in both groups, the rest of the morning session meant a steady, flat ride along the old A74 towards Lockerbie, and our mid-morning break, and then more of the same towards our picnic location somewhere in the Lowther Hills.
In the lead group, and only a mile or two before our scheduled lunch stop, on a long gradual climb, Roger accidentally caught his front wheel on the rear wheel of the rider in front, which caused him to take a rather nasty fall. Although Roger clearly was in some pain, he managed to climb back on the bike and ride the last few hundred yards to the waiting support vehicles, and a whole load of M&S sandwiches!
Distance: 78.6 miles
Miles to Go: 313
Average Speed: 13.5 mph
Time in Saddle: 5 hours 48 mins
Lunch: Picnic (somewhere around Elvanfoot!)
Route Profile:
Report:
Apologies for the delay in posting Day 8, but unfortunately we have had a tough couple of days to deal with. You will see what I mean.
Today started out so well, because we were all very excited about crossing the Scottish border. Just the thought of having cycled all the way from Land's End to Scotland, was enough to make us all feel rather proud of our achievement. Unfortunately, however, the day turned out to be one of the toughest of the ride so far, and it resulted in us losing two of our riders!
We left Carlisle in good spirits. We had all enjoyed our night's stay in our B&B's...and the sun was shining. After a few miles over the Esk estuary on the A7 (old Roman Road), we turned west and headed towards Gretna and Springfield and the Scottish Border. The lead group stopped at the border sign for a quick photo, before continuing towards the old A74 (now B7076)....by now the weather had started to close in, and it looked like there was a storm brewing!
In the second group, however, Ali was battling serious pain in her knees. For her to make it as far as the Scottish border despite her considerable pain was testament to her character....unfortunately, her condition was becoming too serious and she needed to rest her knees, and that meant the support crew were called to her rescue. We are hopeful, that this won't spell the end of Ali's ride, but much will depend on how her knees respond to a day or two's rest.
For the remaining riders in both groups, the rest of the morning session meant a steady, flat ride along the old A74 towards Lockerbie, and our mid-morning break, and then more of the same towards our picnic location somewhere in the Lowther Hills.
In the lead group, and only a mile or two before our scheduled lunch stop, on a long gradual climb, Roger accidentally caught his front wheel on the rear wheel of the rider in front, which caused him to take a rather nasty fall. Although Roger clearly was in some pain, he managed to climb back on the bike and ride the last few hundred yards to the waiting support vehicles, and a whole load of M&S sandwiches!
After a relatively short lunch stop, we all saddled up for the afternoon stretch...a rather monotonous and extremely wet ride along the A73 to New Lanark. Roger was clearly by now in considerable pain, although he barely showed it. On arrival at the hostel, after 25 miles on the bike since lunch, it was clear that something was wrong. Ben, our "Doctor on tour", gave Roger a quick examination, and concluded that a hospital visit was advisable, as it was possible that he had broken his hip! So, Adam drove Roger together with Diane and Ben down to the local hospital in Wishaw.
In most cases, it would be unthinkable that someone could cycle 25 miles, in the cold and the wet, with a broken hip, and for these reasons the doctor concluded that Roger had probably just badly bruised himself. However, with Ben's help, we managed to pursuade them to take an X-Ray and sure enough it was apparent that he had fractured the neck of his right femur! The hospital staff could barely believe it! Sadly, though, this meant the end of Roger's ride, and the requirement for an operation. Roger was told that he would have to stay in hospital and undergo the operation asap.
I am delighted to say that at the time of writing (Monday 15th), Roger's operation was a success. He will be sorely missed on the ride...not only was he instrumental in planning the whole expedition, but he was a great inspiration to us youngsters! At nearly 65, he was one of the strongest in the group, and probably in the top 3 most likely to complete the ride to John O'Groats.
We have a new philosophy...unless you have broken a hip and ridden 25 miles in utter agony, then there is little to complain about! Get well soon Roger.
More photos will be uploaded soon. As will Day 9....New Lanark to Crianlarich. The wettest, most miserable, midge ridden ride of the trip so far!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
