Kiwi Fruit!

New Zealand it is! 2 yrs 4 months to go!

Following an impromtu commitee meeting on the 'lash express' up to Leeds (sans Baptiste & Maverick), an general consensus on this momentus decision was taken.

Full preperations begin from here on in...

Here is the official Ironman NZ website: http://www.ironman.co.nz/main.cfm?id=1

Meanwhile the next official MMX event failed to gain unanimous approval, with the Chester Tri being sidelined by the fact it is on a Sunday and apres-lash would be a failure, or so Gasman reckons. Other considerations are that Leaf refuses to drop down to level of mere mortals and do a sprint, and that 2 jeans has a full Microsoft Calendar from here until the Ironman itself.

Pre MMX odds still maintain Leaf as clear favourite, but then the real money is heading on the RunnerUp spot, so close is the competition:

Leaf : 4/5

Machine: 7/1

Baptiste: 15/2

Gasman: 8/1

Maverick: 8/1

Woonton: 100/30

So there you have it, more updates to follow as&when we have more news...

POST-WOODY LASH
CHELTENHAM

It had never been the intention to stagger the start times for post-Woody lash as had been done in the race itself. This however, was the consequence of a number of factors including Leaf’s circuitous route back to the bike rack and el-baptiste’s expeditious return to watch the football. Jaded and slightly slow on their feet, the half Ironmen finally joined the full complement of 14ACtri and the support crew of Messer’s Hodson and Clements in time for a celebratory glass of Champagne in the august surrounds of Hodson Towers. It was, thus, upon these solid foundations that the night began and, after an intensive few rounds of the infamous ‘One Frog’, progressed to A.S.K. Needless to say, the lovely waitress who received us was alert to the state of merriment and had, especially, reserved (almost) exclusive use of the basement. Whilst the debate about whether starters should, in fact, be ordered with the main course raged on, it was towards the waitress that 2-jeans turned his attention to embark on an erudite discussion regarding her celebrity look-alike in American action series Heroes! Is it any wonder that the jokes about her superpower, the ability to take really fast orders, were lost on her?!!

After some much needed Vodka Redbull, any thoughts of fatigue had been banished and the scene was set for the team to proceed to Cheltenham’s most exclusive club: ‘The Sun Tan Lounge’ and true to its (misinterpreted) name, the temperature inside certainly was hot! Not only did Leon get acrimonious with the burly security staff which led to him leaving earlier than planned but, also, the hitherto composed Dr Hodson soon became animated as his advances were spurned by the very same girl who, only last week, was courting his affection. Meanwhile, in the hiatus outside, Leaf and Richie were attracting more attention than had been expected as the waitress from A.S.K. stopped to explain her poor service en route to the club. Suffice it to say, after a highly entertaining evening, all parties returned home to the comfort of Hodson Towers to catch Kenya’s Catherine Nderaba win the Women’s Marathon at the World Athletics Championship on Osaka.

Café Rouge provided the venue for the post-lash analysis the following morning as Gaunt prepared for the next leg of his epic ride to John O’Groats. By the time he finishes he will have amassed a total of over 1000 miles and hence should find the mere 120miles demanded in the Ironman a breeze!!!!!!!!!

Ricardo
Entertainment Reporter
INM

WYE THE WOODY?
FOREST OF DEAN

A year into the 2010 Ironman programme and 14ACtri can reflect upon a highly successful evolution culminating, last weekend, with a half Ironman in the picturesque setting of Ross-on-Wye and the Forest of Dean. The Blenheim Palace sprint triathlon provided the inspiration for the team to complete another triathlon before the season was out so, after much research, it was decided that the Woody series of triathlons was the most appropriate. The Lands End to John O’Gaunt challenge and the Cross Channel swim ruled out Martin and Steve, respectively, from entering the Half Ironman ‘Little Woody’ so they fought it out with Leon for glory in the sprint distance ‘Baby Woody’. The burden of expectation, therefore, fell upon Andy and Rich who looked set to impress as they represented the team in the Little Woody both competing at the half Ironman distance for the first time.

BABY WOODY (SPRINT TRIATHLON)

Having had their run times dismissed at Blenheim on the basis they were too fast it was, perhaps, unsurprising that the organisers of the Baby Woody were equally inept at anticipating the lightning quick pace of Messer’s Foster and Gaunt. After producing a solid performance in both the swim and bike, both athletes were keen to annihilate what remained of the field on the run. The organisation of the event was questionable and highlighted when the Marshals failed to mark out the route by the time the illustrious 14ACtri duo reached the turning point. Undaunted by the prospect of venturing into the unknown, they braved the savage bramble and nettle lined path to create an even more demanding course. Whilst this admirable quality is only to be expected from aspiring Ironmen, it did not help their cause when it came to their positions in the Baby Woody. Moreover, it was the semi-aquatic ‘2-jeans’ Wooton who was able to capitalise on this detour and thus, unknowingly, head the 14ACtri pack.

Meanwhile, a passing official came across the intrepid explorers heading South towards the Severn Bridge and offered to give them a lift back to the course... in his car! Without hesitation, this was rejected and a more determined pair retraced their steps to pass Steve with 200m to go in an intense sprint finish that yielded a 11th/12th/13th back-to-back finish for Leon, Martin and Steve respectively. With times averaging around 20 minutes slower than Blenheim, hopes of a new personal best had been dashed reflecting not only the extra mileage but, also, the severity of the mountains on the ride that earn the Big Woody its reputation as the sixth toughest course in the United Kingdom! The early finish did, however, enable the team to join forces with Clements and Hodson in lending their support to Andy and Rich who were still battling hard in the Little Woody.

LITTLE WOODY (HALF IRONMAN)

The ‘Little Woody’ was to challenge the threshold of 14ACtri endurance with the first two members of the squad making the transition from Olympic distance to the considerably more arduous half Ironman discipline. With a celebrated field that included Spencer Smith, winner of the 2001 Florida and 2002 Brazil Ironman competitions, it was always set to be a tough race. It was thus, much to Richie’s dismay that he found his entire participation in jeopardy as he was forced to replace a blown out inner tube 10 minutes prior to the start. Fortunately, the 14ACtri Pit Crew were on standby to facilitate a rapid replacement and enable him to make the start with seconds to spare!!

The swim itself was unorthodox as it incorporated a series of runs between the lakes and, in addition, the distance was lamentably short of the 2000m it purported to be. From the start, Andy ‘Leaf’ Greenleaf was a strong contender emerging from the water in 9th place and taking full advantage of his light frame to immediately power up one of the more demanding hills on the ride. He rapidly propelled himself up the field into 3rd place from where he was able to keep tabs on the leading duo and the drafting which, regrettably, went unpenalised due to the manifest lack of officials policing the course. Consequently, Leaf had the impossible task of overturning what was, by that stage, a 7 minute gap on the run and in spite of his sterling performance, he was unable to improve on his position in the truncated half-marathon. With an incredible time of 4h52m19s Andy really has laid down the gauntlet in his maiden half Ironman event and looks set to continue to enjoy success in the build up to MMX. Richie finished in a respectable 5h51m34s crossing the line in 21st place having lost 15 minutes and 4 places to his second puncture of the day!

The Little Woody has emphasised the tremendous magnitude of the physical and emotional undertaking that will be incurred by the tri-athletes, and their WAG’s, seeking to complete the Ironman in 2010. The road to MMX will be long and demand meticulous preparation but, with a rigorous training regime over the course of the next three years and enough determination, there should be no reason why the ultimate accolade in physical endurance cannot be achieved by all.

Ricardo
Sports News Correspondent
INM

Preview 2007-08

Rapid strides have been made in the opening year towards the MMX goal. Greenleaf and Machine (?) recruited, Two Jeans on a bike, Leon and Martin swimming, Davies mentoring his inexperienced team.

A number of events planned/mooted for the next year:

An ambitious start to the season, with Steve's assault on the channel, and Martin's Land's End John O'Groats bid. Part way through that, the team assemble in the the Forest of Dean for the 'Big' (ok, half-ironman or sprint) Woody triathlon. A serious undertaking for richie and leaf, tackling the longer distance.

I imagine we'll head to Leeds relays, staying with Leon (though I expect Jackson will take the bed again).

Looking into the new year, Ed Prickett Relays 2008 looms, as does a weekend spectating (and training!) at the World XC Champs in Edinburgh.

London Marathon 2008 will feature on Gaunt's race calender; Leaf likely to target an earlier Autumn 2007 marathon. A marathon debut for machine surely a necessity as 2010 looms?

As the summer approaches, an Olympic distance tri is the minimum for anyone wanting to stay on the team. Venues to be discussed!

Finally, another training camp is possible, though a little sunshine wouldn't go down badly!

LASH REGATTA 2007

Fully equipped with Network Rail’s detailed map and train timetable for the route from London to Plymouth, Martin, Leon and Andy embarked on the journey to the homeland of the Ironman MMX to stay with Rich and join in with the Newton Ferrers Regatta, aka The Lash Regatta 2007. Rich met us at Plymouth station, and with Richie’s notoriously pace driving, we were at the house within no time.

While Martin and Leon showed off some epic football skills, these were not matched by Leaf and it was noted at this point that here was a discipline that they both outclassed him in. What’s more, the talent continued in to the pool where team GaunTiste simply out played Rich and Leaf in volley ball with a combination of lobs and drop shots. Meanwhile Mumsie and Pop’s ensured we all had superb preparation for the looming Lash Regatta, supplying us with a fantastic spread of lunch and drinks respectively.

At 4 p.m. and with the Regatta well underway, 240 miles east, Steve was somewhere between Dover and Calais putting in training for his cross channel swim. Martin and Leaf thought it a good idea to try to match Steve’s training with a swim to Noss Mayo. This swim was likened to Steve’s in so many ways; swimming across a channel, in one of the countries busiest shipping lanes, in salt water …, however the paltry 200m distance was no match and we were both well and truly outclassed.

It was all thoroughly entertaining stuff. The honours for the Regatta’s coxed fours flagship race were taken by Noss Mayo, but it appeared that this did not suppress the festivities in Newton Ferrers, as it appears that on the whole the Regatta is much more about the taking part that the winning.

As the evening rolled on, many pints of Butcombe were sunk, Newton Ferrers put on its finest firework displayed, Leon acquired himself a pair of stunning glasses and I’m sure the chat drifted towards the Ironman subject. All good preparation for the team training the following morning.

Rich had planned us a 6-7 mile route around the coast path, and although it was a training run, there was a degree of competition as Gaunt and Baptiste nailed it off at lightening pace. On a course likened to the Carnforth 20 Barriers race due to the number of obstacles we had to scale, it must be noted that this is the extreme version which has a swim at half way.

Once we got to the beach and into the sea, the challenge grew from a swim around the nearest boat, to a swim around the first red buoy, and there was some chat about a swim around the second red buoy (although this has been pencilled in for future).

With the swim complete and a few rolling hills to tackle, the focus moved to the final hill stage of the day, the Col D’avies. As the runners assembled at the foot of the hill it was anyone’s race. Foster and Gaunt flew off leaving Leaf to trail in 3^rd, and after sheer determination combined with some cunning ‘track placing’, Gaunt retained the polka dot jersey for the second year running.

As the weekend drew to a close, late news came through from Newton Ferrers with Davies snatching a 4^th place in the mixed fours. Once again, another cracking Ironman training weekend, with practice in ALL disciplines. Following discussions over the two days, the location of Ironman MMX still remains open. New Zealand stays in contention, as does Canada, although Brazil’s odds were lengthened due to issues with what food would be available. Martin’s school holiday timetable for his new job has also thrown a spanner in the works-it’s all still open for discussion.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Today it is one year since the Ironman Pact was made!

One year closer to MMX...

Next stop (after the Lash Regatta next Saturday, obviously) is the 'Little' / 'Baby' Woody on Sat 1 Sep. Here Rich and Andy are going for the ½ ironman, to lay down a serious marker, and Leon, Martin and Steve stick to the sprint distance so succesfully conquered back in June.

Report and photos i'm sure will follow...

Where were we?

Ah, yes - the Friday of the training week.

Set off on another bike ride early morning - leaf devises route 'around Skiddaw' which provokes fear and numbness in equal measure. Route is 'flexible' which is good to know.

Also, we at least know that there is a bloody long drag out of Grasmere this time, which is conquered, though not without a few deep breaths! Usual route alongside Derwent in streamline formation, then across to very busy A66. No kicks on the 66 though, the curse of the National Cycle Route strikes once more, taking us down some lanes closed with gates, and made of tiny little stones. Undulates. Group of mountain bikers smirk in glee at their more suitable tyres. Soon back on 'proper' lanes, keeping mountains on left. A couple of short sharp hills are soon forgotten by lovely long downhill stretch where great speed attained.

Mountains stay left, provoking concern from Baptiste, but Andy's ingenious route means we've slowly gone around the range, and are now virtually the other side without a serious climb.

Stop for a break in a small village. Pleasant weather. Only 13 miles from Carlisle. Depart heading west for Bassenthwaite and Cockermouth. Opens into moorland. Heavens open. Gales strike up. Gets dark. Apoclaypse now. Uphill and straight for two miles. Murder. No shelter from anything, long downhill blinds our intrepid trio due to rain in face. Another long drag, rain stops but soaked. Eventually reach Bassenthwaite. Much bluffing and mindgames about whether to go to Cokcermouth or not. Gaunt set against it, leaf and leon tempted, until Gaunt plays wild card of the 'hot spa' visited on Sunday. Never has so much warmth been generated verbally. Head to Keswick for lunch with renewed vigour - lovely afternoon tea in Booths.

The col d'Keswick is climbed for the second time this week, Greenleaf capturing the all important category 1 climb. Plain sailing back to Grasmere, although with the obligitory Gaunt puncture, even if only a slow one - god knows how he'll get from Land's end to John O'Groats!

Quick change and to the Hot Spa just before the 17.00 deadline. Sheer bliss. The only thing missing were the champagne flutes. Leon, in a attempt to recoup some of the miles lost during his 24 hour blackout, escapes to the treadmill, only to be hauled off after 11 mins by a hungary leaf.

Much packing and tidying ensues to ensure a swift Saturday morning departure.

Saturday.

Leon and Gaunt head out on the usual Grasmere loop at 07.00 - astonisingly, Leaf declines. It later transpires he has bigger fish to fry, coming second in the Winchester 10k on the sunday.

The Grasmere 4½ may be less prestigous, but the pace is hot, as the two competitors decided to slog it out for one last time. Neck and neck throughout, a truce is only called once the first gate is reached on the return. a sub 28 min clocking at the very least, impressive, if tiring stuff. But leon has to cycle back to the station in Windermere, is just overtaken coming into the town by the mission vehicle. Hand shakes and congratulations as the training weekend ends, as it began.

In the rain.

Lake District Training Week 30th June - 7th July

Attendees:

Andy, Leon and Martin

30th June 17:48:

It’s raining, but is a good temperature to be out running in. Following the first confrontation of the trip with the cows, number 24 has been branded as a bastard. However sudden movement has been proven to scare them off quickly. Another runner has been sighted already. Leon is proud to have got himself 10 miles of cycling under his belt already.

End of week predictions:

Leaf: 300 miles
Baptiste: 262 miles
Martin: 279 miles

20.47:

Gaunt happy with Greenleaf’s culinary offering, but concerned by the manner he breathlessly struggled around the ‘easy’ 4.5 mile opening gambit. After a drenching of Leon by Leaf through splashing in puddles, this novelty soon wore off after we were all drenched through within the first 2 minutes.

1st July 9:20

Leon and Andy complete first run of the day. Steady 4.5 miler around Grasmere – 30:30, considerably slower that last night in preparation for the race. Leon points out now that we are all now on 3 different mileages.

Martin still in bed when we get back. Although soon woken by the sounds of cows and sheep (24).

18.38:

Newly crowned Lord Greenleaf of Skiddaw relaxes with Pimms. Incredible fell running debut. Headhunted to run trials for GB team, but clashes with Lash Regatta which is priority number one for all concerned. Gaunt also impressive in eighth. Baptiste 21st. Lactic levels go through the roof on the way the England’s 3rd highest peak, clouds descend and like running through a dream with the pain of a nightmare. Descents fun but treacherous in road shoes. £100 of waterproof gear not needed. BSc Geog Gasman doesn’t know how to work compass.
Splendid array of free cake at presentation too much for V70 champion who collapses on Leon. Keswick beat Germany at cricket on bowl out. Outdoor spa lovely, steam sauna and cold drench interesting. Rumours leaf blisters may prevent hat-trick.
14AC going for victory on Tuesday after 2nd place in first ever fell outing.

‘It’s an old mans sport but a young mans game’

Today’s man of the match: His royal highness (931m) of Skiddaw without doubt.

July 2nd 11:52

First swim outing of the trip. Practically circumnavigate Lake Grasmere before finding suitable place to park with good access to lake. Worthwhile doing this exercise since we discover extremely steep road that was going to make up part of the afternoon cycle ride that even the mighty Leaf Mobile struggled to get up.

Within 2 minutes of getting into the water there is doubt over the length of time we could spend swimming, since both Leon and Leaf are suffering from severely cold heads-hats are clearly essential. However within a short time all well and good. Gaunt chats to walkers on the shore who clearly think he is a little crazy, quite possibly they’re right. Clock in 40 minutes in the water. A lap of the island still awaits us.

21.37

Relaxing in the villa post-cycle. A loop to Grange-over-Sands adds the first really significant chunk to the weekly mileage. 62 miles, or near as dammit. Without machine, technical difficulties were thankfully at a manageable level; a Leaf puncture and Baptiste gear trouble about par for the course. The course, incidentally, was hilly. Apparently one arrow on the map equates to a 25% hill. Friday’s proposed assault on the Wrynose Pass (3 arrows) is now being re-thought. Completed in 6 hours, which included time for a toasted sandwich for Gaunt, colouring in for Leon (Lakeside to Haverthwaite), and a new inner tube for Leaf.

2 (and a bit) days completed. Mileage:

Leon: 90
Andy: 81
Martin: 76.5. (It’s a marathon not a sprint boys….now where have I heard something like that before??)

July 3rd 16:22

A day that will test our ability to start a race already exhausted. 8:30 a.m. we set off on our ascent of Hellvelyn (949m) via Fairfield (873m), estimated height climbed 1250m and distance of 15 miles. Leon and Martin both try prototyping the waterproof sock through inserting plastic bags inside their trainers, Leaf on the other hand is dressed for another day at the beach, and Leon is sporting a Wimbledon rain jacket-we certainly do not look the part for scaling England’s 3rd highest mountain.

Before reaching Grasmere, 5 out of 6 feet are soaked through. Baptiste accelerates up towards Fairfield at a rapid pace clocking a heart rate of 140+. Reach summit at approximately 10:30 a.m. before negotiating the des cent down to Grisedale Tarn. Leaf and Gaunt perfect scree surfing, while Leon masters the art of sliding down wet grass on his backside.

Attack the second climb of the day up Dollywaggon Pike which leaves only 2 Winchester Kilometres to the summit. Gaunt and Baptiste loose confidence in Leaf’s measurements and just grin and bear the final ascent to the top. Kick out a family of 4 sheep sitting in the cross shelter, who promptly intend to share lunch with us-no chance there.

The wind and rain batters us on the ridge so a rapid descent is executed. Arrive back at cottage some 5 hours later. Gaunt and Leaf express concerns about their quads while Baptiste has an issue with his calves.

Gaunt rapidly hits the sack to lock in 2 hours of sleep in preparation for the looming race, Baptiste follows shortly. Leaf watches tennis, updates blog and generally bimbles around.

July 4th, 11.46

2nd race down last night and a 2nd place achieved by Greenleaf. 14AC squad were feeling a little jaded at the start of the 5 mile, multi terrain, “20 barriers” race. Foster held off Gaunt to claim ** place, customarily celebrated with a chunder on the finish line. More of that later.

Dawn breaks and little has changed. Leaf is running (standard 4.5 mile Grasmere loop), Gaunt is sleeping, Leon is err…chundering. Andy and Martin go for morning swim in Grasmere. Leon is a picture of under-the-weather introspection.

18.51
Leaf is currently rustling up another culinary delight. Long cycle trip to Keswick under the belt, 31 miles return. There were some very nasty hills, though almost worth it for the down hills that followed. Leon crawls from death bed to take part, but misses the simultaneous departure of Andy and Martin into and away from the hills respectively. Running of course. There is much tennis watching now that the rain is holding off at Wimbledon. Dale Head Cottage receives its first sustained sunny spell of the week. Die Hard 4.0 beckons.

July 5th, 22:20

Andy’s ideas of climbing Scafell Pike are rapidly quashed by Leon and Martin, so another plan for the day is hatched. Martin and Andy walk to the Langdale Pikes and back again. Once again we both get strange looks from other walkers for not looking suitably kitted out for being on the fells. We both conclude that practically every other walker is massively over dressed (especially those wearing hard hats) and so ignore strange looks. Clock up 12 miles before lunch. Leon meanwhile has been mopping floors in the villa and has a blister on his thumb as a result. Leon is still not feeling 100%.

Martin locks in 40 minutes of sleep before being told we going off to the Eskdale Railway and Flan Hill Race. Martin’s not happy that his afternoon nap is prematurely terminated. After some faffing by Martin, we get out the door and drive to the Eskdale Railway via the Wrynose Pass and Hardknot Pass. Originally cited as a potential cycle route, this plan is cancelled when we realise the road is as steep as 1:3 in places.

Arrive at Boot and start leisurely run down to Ravensglass. Gaunt takes lead and bangs out some quick miles, 7-8 miles in total. We arrive in Ravensglass with race concerns, Leaf’s blisters and Leon’s energy levels. Still, we take train back up to Boot which allows Leon to highlight more lines in his book.

Drive to Ulverston. Weather is deteriating and location of start is unknown. While driving around trying to locate race car park, we stumble upon Flan Hill and decide it is considerably higher than race details outline. Get lost trying to find start and as a result Leaf has to reverse 1 km down a narrow track.[Leaf angry!! –ed] Stress levels are escalating, race appeal plummeting. Gaunt decides not to race, quickly followed by Greenleaf. Foster returns to the car having located the registration and last years results - 16 runners (5 under 13 years old). Following the realisation that the completion is likely to be shocking, the weather is not getting better and the possibility that all pubs being closed if we decide to compete, the race is sacked off and we return to Ambleside for tea.

THE FIRST STEPS
BLENHEIM PALACE
Alas, after weeks of hype and training the first major event on the road to the ironman took place at Blenheim Palace over the weekend. The spectacular backdrop was eclipsed only by the excitment and anticipation as to our relative positions within the group. With Ironman MMX favourite Andy 'Leaf' Greenleaf concentrating on his running the jury was out as to who would take the flag for 14ac.

In the end a Photo finish was avoided but all four team members came in within 8 minutes of each other over the course of the sprint distance triathlon. Considering it was the first race for Gasman, Baptiste and 2 jeans i am confident the results will converge even more over the coming months as transiton times are reduced.

The weekend was a valuable training opportunity and has provided some inspiration for the team to continue the long journey through Olympic Distance and 1/2 Ironman to complete that elusive ironman in 2010. That said the work hard -play hard ethos within the group was emphasised with a night out in reading!!!!!!!

We await, with interest, the results of the next competitve race from Leaf at the Windsor Triathlon in a couple of weeks!!!!!! More pressingly the results from our post-race photo shoot with Oxford Mail photographer Mark Hemsworth will be published shortly:
(http://www.oxfordmail.net/news/)

Ricardo
Sports news correspondant
INM

1 week to go...

Until the first triathlon as a group! Machine has evacuated to Australia for some crash training, Leaf claims he isn't fit enough. So that leaves 4, and with Steve training for the channel swim, surely the 750m at Blenheim will prove easy and he will hit the bike first. Davies shouldn't be far behind, leaving Gas Man and Baptiste to fight it out for position. But by the end of the run, who knows? As Brian Moore said 'It's up for grabs now!'

By the sound of the emails, there is an equal amount of excitment and trepidation, but given Martin and Leon are making their debuts, the nerves may play more of a part.

It's a long way from a sprint to an ironman though, should be interesting to hear the post race comments...

And then what? Well, there are the usual 14ac races to come, but maybe another race should be entered like a 10k somewhere?
Initial soundings view the Isle of Man the next training stop for March 2008...watch this space...

Cycle Review - Day 3 - Friday

Oxford - Winchester 73miles

7.00am: Wake Up - room is very smelly.

7.20am: Much indecision over breakfast - a couple of croissants are produced for the GDP of Botswana, but overall it is thought a more suitable shop should be passed in Oxford.

7:51am: Hit the Road - keeness personified.

8.02am: The road into Oxford is cycle-isous with a nice bus/cycle lane in a fetching red.

8.04am: This means the pace quickly becomes, frankly, obscene.

8.08am: Luckily the centre of Oxford brings this to a shuddering halt.

8.11am: The Isis, sadly not of the Nottingham variety (It'a a bit early), is reached, presenting us with the above photo.

8.20am: We're into the leafy suburbs now - luckily a signpost tells us we're heading more towards Rich's home town than Andy's, so a quick skirt round southern Oxford, passing the mini factory, and we're out into the open

8.45am: Good progress is being made - 10 miles covered. After all, it's only 50-odd miles to cover today, so things are going well.

9.07am: A dash of rain - no disaster. Hill that would have seemed Alpine on the first day, but not so bad after yesterday is conquered, and a nice downhill

9.16am: The Peleton is forging on, though the winds make things difficult for Steve and his back pack.

9.28am: Slight wrong turning, but the leaf soon has us back on track down some nice lanes, after a communal watering of a local ditch.

9.42am: Some PlaneSpotting for Rich as we near RAF somehwereorother.

9.50am: Today's first landmark is Didcot Power Station. Not a patch on Ratcliffe.

9.54am: Bigger hill now, on a busy road too.

10.02am: This road is very undulating, thoughts are turning to food and a rest. We never did find a shop! It is decided to stop at Goring which is only 6 miles away.

10.12am: Probably the most unudlating 6 miles yet, not helped by the crosswinds in the midst of this farmland. Some trains past on the Great Western Main Line to help pass the time

10.23am: The village sign for Goring is passed. A well-earned break.

10.30am: If it had actually signalled the start of the town that is, another couple of climbs later we cross the railway into the village. It's clear that the demons in Steve's back pack are getting control over his bike...

10.40am: Refuel with drinks and Cake. Nice. Greenleaf studies map. The drops bombshell of the highest quality. 'Miscalcualtion' or words to that effect. the expected 50 miles is more like 70. Though we have covered 30, there is a big debate on options. Rich and Leon just happy to cover to timetabled 50-odd, Martin and Andy keen to crack on like whippets down a trouser leg, Matt is Matt and happy as long as Faulty stays non-eponymous, but this leaves Steve is an awkward position. Reading and home is but a 6 minute train ride away.The map is studied. Get out clauses ahead are prepared, just in case, but after much discussion Steve decides to hop off, rucksack and all, and get the train home. He will meet us for the last part, by driving to where ever we are in the afternoon. A sad moment for the Ironman group. But the rucksack - what is in it to cause such distress? Anyway Steve's off home and we're off towards Newbury and Winchester. He looks a relieved man...

10.51am: Which is just as well as barely 400 yards further on, the 'Col du Goring' is reached, very unexpectedly. Greenleaf incredibly, dismounts first, and we don't know how far we are up this beast, as its wooded and bendy. It turns out to be quite long. Martin screams about a lack of gears before dismounting, Machine decides not to risk Faulty with so long to go, Leon eventually dismounts after realising Andy is walking faster than him, with half the effort, and looking back down the mountain Rich must have dismounted.

10.52am: But No! Crawling through the clouds, like a sloath from a inferno, he pedals, on and up, conquering the beast to claim the first King of The Mountains points of the day. Impressive stuff.

10.55am: No severe downhill to compensate.

11.11am; A hedge trimmer is encountered, blocking the road. Shockingly, typing this now even more so, Martin and Andy venture between the trimmer and the vehicle!! Hardcore, but perhaps foolish!

11.26am: This is England. Rolling countryside, hedgerows and hillsides.

11.34am: And the M4. Noisy carcophony of noise.

11.44am: All signs point to Newbury, ever since Goring, and all say 7 or 8. Ever get the impression you're not going anywhere?

11.49am: But this sign is more fun. 'Ford' in one direction. Not a ford in the other. The Ford is chosen as the way forward, with baited breath.

11.52am: The ford is reached, looks relatively deep, so the bridge is used to cross, and a quick photo stop, where Martin discovers the days first puncture. Whilst our mechanical engineer gets to work, Martin is very keen to ride the shopping bike through the ford, but it is decided that this is worthy only of a drinking fine later on, the cheeky chappy. Phone Steve, nicely tucking into a 3 course lunch in front of a log fire, to explain delay. Only we're aren;t really delayed, we were going quite fast.

12.01pm: Greenleaf warns of altitude ahead after looking at the map at the ford, but we don't get there cos Captain Calamity has another puncture. Now in inner tube debt to Andy.

12.08pm: Second climb of the day, as steep, but not as long as the first, Gaunt again has a lack of gears apparently, as Baptiste claims the Polka Dot Points with an agressive early surge, though is nearly pipped by the Leaf on a late charge.

12.25pm: Lovely bit of country, this, and we're pack up to peleton speed.

12.37pm: Fantastic downhill stretch to the A4. Good test for the brakes at the bottom.

12.40pm: Right turn

12.43pm: Should have been a left turn. Turn around.

12.45pm: Leon nearly run into by a juggernaut of Dutch origin. Edge of the seat stuff for those behind.

12.49pm: Held up by a Class 165 at Mortimer station.

13.08pm: Join a fairly major road, which immediately hurtles downhill like an alpine ski slope. The five of us all break the speed limit by a fair margin, Machine runs wide but holds on to his trusty steed, Rich performs his now regular party trick of using his tribars to great effect and cruising by during the later stages of the descent.

13.20pm: The climb back to whatever height we were at is long and gradual, but clearly uphill for several miles. Great work by the peleton in motoring along and really making progress. I would figure we feel like proper cyclists for a bit.

13.30pm: Still climbing

13.46pm: Off the main road now, but some ominous looking land ahead, the horizon looks very high!

14.02pm: Big hill is sighted ahead. There is a notable easing of the pace at la tete de la course.

14.04pm: With the King of the Mountains up for grabs, Foster decides it is time for a kamikaze raid on said hill and forges off into the distance.

14.07pm: Makes good progress at first, but discovers Gaunt is not the only one who can run out of gears. Leaf soon on his tail.

14.09pm: Almost at top, but theres a comotion as some car passes.

14.10pm: Turns out this is our forgotten man, Steve, come to rescue us! We pull in to lay-by thankful as Steve takes a photo and nearly gets run over.

14.12pm: The team is keen to push on once more, and so we'll meet Steve in the next town, where he'll rejoin. It's only a few miles, and Steve has just driven it in his car. So what's it like Steve? 'Don't worry, it's all downhill'

14.24pm: All downhill? Someone else for a drinking fine.

14.26pm: Clearly Woonton did not realise driving it one way is not the same as the other way.

14.40pm: Arrive at town. Quick rest stop. But Greenleaf confirms its only another 10 miles, so spirits stay high. Though this is another town with a big hill on departure.

14.47pm: Off again, and Leon is out the back of the peleton fairly swiftly.

14.49pm: Much astonishment as it is realised Steve still clings to the demon backpack. It's established there are two pairs of jeans in this bag, for some unknown reason, and a nickname is born...

14.59pm: This 10 miles is not being backed up but the signage.

15.04pm: The rain is here, and the gloaming is closing.

15.08pm: Truely awaful weather now, but with most of the journey done, it feels ever more hardcore.

15.16pm: The pace is being pushed at the front, Andy drops back to check on Leon, but Steve appears to be producing a good finish and Rich as usual, is in contention.

15.24pm: Another 6 miles. Very open land here, and we're getting very wet.

15.30pm: The rumour has been going round, that there is a very big hill right near the House of Greenleaf, and this could be playing on some peoples minds.

15.40pm: Baptiste rejoins, Machine is worried that Faulty won't make it, Steve is worried his jeans might be wet, everyone is fully adrenulinised and ready for the finish

15.45pm: Houses. This must be it.

15.47pm: It's very murky. Very apt.

15.49pm: A left turn and this is it. L'alp Kings Worty. Immediate group gear downshift, and down to five as Leon is rendered useless by lack of gearage - Rich ploughs up to secure the Kings of the Mountains title, just behind Andy, backed by a home crowd of one man and his dog wasn't going to be beaten. Steve takes his jeans to a new altitude high, Martin cruises up in conversation to fool no-one and Machine takes the first gaffa taped cycle to the summit of one of the classic climbs of Britain.

15.50pm: Just the 800m to the finish, and it's eyeball out, but in a relaxed sort of way.

15.51pm: Handshakes all round as the job is done and the finish is reached.
15.51½pm: Leon rolls in, having been stopped partially by a lollipop man he ignored.

16.00pm and after: A summary
There was much concern that the lash may not be up the usual high standards due to the fatigue involved over the last 3 days. Well, we do set the bar high. But once more the bar was reached. After a drink and a lovely bit of cake from Mrs Greenleaf, there was a bit of a lull as we got ready for the lash. A lovely bit of cottage pie, was followed by a couple of beers and some hearts while Machine recharged his batteries. We then ventured into Winchester and possibly the hottest pub on the planet, but it had some very good ales. Then onto Wetherspoons for some hilarous fines and drinking games, with many, many vodka red bulls consumed. On to another pub, where all I will say is 'I am the Walrus'. In fact the night had animal written all over it, from our drinking exploits, to the croccadile shoes that led to a very amusing discussion with the bouncers, then a leopard and a bit of a gorilla ambush to round things off...

Day In Summary

Quotes:
'This Must Be the Top' - various
'Downhill to Overton, all the Way' S.Woonton
'55 miles' Greenleaf
'10 miles' Again, the master of mileage
Lash Quotes
'No not Bullseye, play that darts game'
'Cash Machine'
'Dave Smith' 'Who?' 'The Famous Footballer'
'Happy Shopper'

High Points:
3 HST's passing at once.
Steve rejoining

Low Points:
Allowing Steve to leave
Martin not being allowed to cycle through ford

King of the Mountains: Davies
Hill of the week: Col du Goring

Mechanical Troubles: Gaunt x 2 punctures
Machine - total failure at the end
Machine is rebootable.

Things we learnt:
Machine is an undercover road traffic officer
Don't rely on Machines

Day summed up:
Dash, Splash, hearts then lash.

Overall Ironman Thoughts

Leaf: 66 miles = piece of cake
Gaunt: 'Jeanius'
Steve: 'The cycling might be tough'
Leon: 112 miles = 2 pieces of cake.

Cycle Review - Day 2
Thursday: Bedford - Oxford
63 miles

7am: Wake up. Drink Rice Krispies from a mug. Novelty soon turns to frustration at not getting a good mouthful.
7:45: Move bikes downstairs, and outside. Lots of checking of tyres.
8am: Off on time, very strict on this today, well we would be after yesterday.
8.15: Bedford in rush hour, is a place for the fearless, namely Greenleaf, whose method of cycling up the middle of the road past stationary vehicles, although initally suspect is soon adopted by all.
8.45am: Lots of bemused schoolkids in suburbia.
9am: The cheek of it! A hill appears for the first time this week and a thin line of cyclists snakes its way up. A bit windy as well. A impressively long trail of cars is left behind us. A photo stop is taken for posterity, but as Leon points out, not quite at the top of the hill, leaving a slow start to get going again
9.30am: Pace going well here, out in the country now, certainly not flat like yesterday, but no King of The Mountains points on offer as yet...
9.41am: Smash, Bang, Wallop!! Steve hits the deck with a nasty thud, having clipped the slowing Machine. Luckily the car behind stopped in time. Apart from ripped trousers (ironic given what's in his luggage - more of that latter) and bruised pride, it's all OK though.
9.52am: Through Newport Pagnell, though Maverick Davies is slightly concerned at the signs for Northampton.
10.11am: Bit of a bonk kicking in now, but Machine had us on the right course, we look in some random village for a shop, but there is a sense of achivement so far today, so we decide to nudge on a bit further.
10.20am: Cross M1 and West Coast Main Line in quick succession.
10.27am: A proper hill! Over the Grand Union Canal and up towards Watling Street. Greenleaf claims the points.
10.32am: Bit of a busy section here over the A5
10.45am: Stop for some food, in the delightfully quaint Deanshanger. We're doing well. Martin looks fresh as a daisy. Route ahead looks a bit more undulating, but the carrot of a pub lunch is a good one
11.01am: Rich takes some more action shots
11.12am: A lot more undualting. Some splits in the ranks appear - The tete de la course is Rich Martin and Andy, with Machine hovering in no mans land, and Leon and Steve keeping their noses in front of the broom wagon.
11.30am: Some good speeds on the downhills, it seems to be long downhills followed by long uphills for a good 10 miles.
12.10pm: Still it goes on - but this is what we're here for!
12.45pm: Martin takes Steve's back, sneakily before a massive downhill where the day's highest speeds are attained
13.00pm: Confirmed between us lunch will be in Bicester, and the leaf knows just the place, so when the signs say Bicester 10 (like they do for the next 6 miles) the pace quickens.
13.10pm: At least its flatter now, but this is good training.
13.40pm: We're into Oxfordshire, there is serious evidence of tiredness, and the clouds are closing in...
14.05pm: After a bit of a slight minor diversion, said pub is found. Relief and pleasure in equal measure all round. Especially as it just starts to rain.
14.10pm: Talk of early doors lash subsides, except for the boy Davies who orders a Guiness.
14.25pm: The food is great, the rain is lashing down outside, the barmaid seems friendly...
14.40pm: We don't want to get up, but we must crack on before dark. Barmaid engages Steve in conversation.
14.55pm: Leon, Andy and Martin are 2 miles towards Oxford. Where's Steve and Matt??
15.05pm: Apparently Steve has been 'talking' to the barmaid all that time!
15.20pm: It't not far to Oxford and this is real team effort to get there, fast but pleasurable as the end is in sight.
15.55pm: A sprint for points into the travellodge carpark is won by Martin.
16.00pm: Matt and Andy appear, having gone round the whole roundabout to make sure it was the right one.
16.05pm: Reflect on a day that has gone amazingly to plan.
16.30pm: A bit of rest.
17.00pm: Discover why Steve has to give his backpack to other people. For some reason he is carrying two pairs of jeans - conversely Martin travels so light his shoes are bent in two! Martin therefore coins a nickname of TwoJeans for Steve, which sticks like superglue!
18.00pm: Head into Oxford.
18.30pm: Nice pint of Samuel Taylor's
19.00pm: Andy has to down most of his in time for meal!
20.00pm: Most people have gone for the pasta option, wisely. Discussion of tomorrow turns to Greenleafs local knowledge, mention of some kind of hill, and the major lash planned for tomorrow
21.00pm: On the basis of tonight, lash is under threat as we're all drowsy and ready to sleep already!
21.30pm: The snug sofas in this pub don't help you to stay awake!
22.00pm: Sensibly, it's back to the hotel and ready for the morning strike to Winchester!

Day in Review

Quotes:
'Judging by the fudge factor so far' Rich
'There's been no fun factor' Gasman
'Blenheim Pal-lash' Baptiste
'Stirrups' Woonton
'Two Jeans Woonton' Gasman
'Discipline me' Woonton

High Point:
Pub Lunch
Arriving at hotel before dark
For Steve: friendly barmaid

Low Points:
Steve's mishap
Croissant Prices for Martin

What we Learnt:

• What comes down must come up
• Toe clips are not known as stirrups
• Don't ask for Plasters as this in itself is a health and safety risk
• Don't take a backpack

No of Wrong turnings: 1, into Bicester

No of Collisions: 1: Matt & Steve

Day summed up: Ups, downs, & buxom barmaid

editors note: I find this day remarkabely more difficult to the other two to recall, anyone else find this? Probably cos I wasn't forced to my physical extremes any any point like the other two...

Profile #4

Name: Leon Foster

Nickname: 'Baptiste'

Age: 23
Hometown: Wirral
Studied: English Studies, University of Nottingham
Best athletic moment: Northern XC 2006, Blackburn, incredible post-race feeling.
Worst athletic moment: National XC 2005, shocking DNF.

funniest athletic moment: The guy who sprinted off a Ed Prickett relays last year

rank the disciplines: Run, Bike, Swim
best quote by someone else: 'Hazy' - Greenleaf in midst of blitzing a mountainous Welsh Castles Leg

any other info: Will settle for a 1 second margin over Gasman.

Right, I'm getting the hang of this blogging now. Today...what's hot and what's not about ironman. Firstly, what's not.

I came across this on the guardians weekly round up of best sport on youtube. It's painful viewing, and bear in mind she's the leader...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRB1p89k7_I

On a brighter note, in todays free sport paper in london, there's an article on the youngest ever finisher of the ironman world champs. She's hawaiian, and I think I love her. I think you can access on line (page 42):

http://www.myfreesport.co.uk/

Ironman Profile #3

Name: rich davies
Nickname: maverick
Age: 24
Hometown: Plymouth
Studied: Economics, University of Nottingham
Best athletic moment: Notts AC 10 Mile, 59:57- June 2004
Worst athletic moment: Throwing up 3 times in the final stages of Notts AC 10 mile- June 2004
funniest athletic moment: Following a random jogger off the course, Relais Centrale de Paris- April 2002
rank the disciplines: Bike, Run, Swim
best quote by someone else: "i've since developed a fear of big 'Cats'. PS Martin had the Leopard." - Matt Kilpin, just a normal night out in Winchester then!!
any other info: Olympic Triathlon PB 2hrs22m27s London 2004

16th Jan 2007. Time for some initial thoughts.

Firstly, Leon would appear to like writing. Looking forward to the next installment!

I'm a little concerned about the swim stage for blenheim. It's in early June, and the marathon is in late April. Once I've recovered from that, I will have perhaps a bare 3 weeks to learn front crawl, otherwise it's the shame of breast stroke.

I'm reading a book at the moment- 'Not Normal Behaviour'- it's about a guy who trains for the ironman. It's no Austen, but it does give an insight into what is ahead. I will bring it to the Lakes.

Which ironman? Criteria. Must be:

Warm,
Exotic,
Right time of year,
Flat course,
Have a good freebie t-shirt.

Cycle Review - Part One - Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 November 2006

The time had finally come to get started on the 'real' training!

The cycle route has been finalised, accomodation sorted so it was time to crack on.

First rendevous was at chateau Woonton in Kings Lynn, so we'll start our little journey on the way there...

7.14pm: On the train to Ely, phone call from Martin, looks like they will be on the same train from there, which is nice. Rich and Steve already at base camp, and Machine due to follow a bit later.

8.24pm: Train to Kings Lynn pulls into Ely. Manage to align myself with the Ironman carraige, so a good start. Excitements builds as we head north, conversation is in high spirits.

8.56pm: Steve and Rich meet us at station - we discover Martin and Andy both have same jacket.

9.01pm: off we head to Steve's house - friendly pace, quasi-competitive, a prologue if you will.

9.35pm: Mrs Woonton has provided a array of pasta MrDolmio would be proud of, which goes down very well. Celtic beat ManU as we hear Machine is running late.

10.46pm: Machine arrives - debate ensues about departure time, but 8am is confirmed - eventually.

7am: Wakey, wakey

8am: We haven't left yet, which we may regret...

8.27am: after a photo call, time check, cycle computer check, bag check, we're off!

8.34am: This seems easy enough

8.41am: Soon on the river bank. Rich motors ahead to get some action shots. I catch Steve up with a little burst. Steve moves out of the way thinking I was a 'serious' cyclist.

8.46am: The relative merits of the cycles are already apparent. My shopping bike does not like crosswinds, for starters.

8.59am: First route dilema is overcome with ease. The cycle symbol did help, to be fair...

9.01am: Second route dilema is more fraught. Me and Steve have slowed down to discuss this, whilst the bandwagon at the front of the peleton steamrollers on. Shouting in the blustery conditions is, frankly, useless, and they're out of sight. Luckily, Matt, caught in no mans land, has a glance back. We stop to consulte the map, waiting for the others to return once they realise they're not with us. They don't return. Steve phones Martin but there is no reply. Matt volunteers to cycle ahead to find out whats going on, as Steve has established for certian they've gone the wrong way. Machine returns with the news Greenleafs tyre has blown up!! They may be a while. It is concluded the route error is down to the difference between St Germans and St Annes.

9.17am: The peleton reforms all in one piece and heads south. The first puncture didn't take long!

9.21am: Open fields and wind don't mix - it dawns that we will be cycling into the wind all day, and if it holds - for all 3 days. At least it's flat - which proves useful when Rich and Gaunt are half a mile ahead...

9.27am: Greenleaf goes pop again. Could be serious. Luckily we have a chief mechanical engineer, Kilpin who identifies the issue in nanoseconds and is set straight to the task. Lots of posings and posturings to the effect of 'we knew that' We try some different bikes out. Shopping bike comes out tops. First mention of a contingency plan. Not good.

9.44am: The peleton is split by a level crossing. More time lost.

10.02am: Reach Downham Market which is very nice but we must push on.

10.08am: Outskirts of Downham and Andy has another puncture. This time it's terminal. Needs new tyre. Microsoft wizard Woonton soon establishes cycle repair shop is in Ely, but minute long verbal directions prove useless. Andy is to get train while rest of us plough on to Ely. The remaining five soon stopped by non-tarmaced path. Luckily Martin meets postman who says tarmac is close by.

10.26am: Reach the road, that according to Steve,goes all the way to Ely. It's very flat, but it's bloody windy.

10.40am: Every man for himself in these winds - Martin and Rich have got the bit between their teeth for sure. The roads are nice and quiet though...

11.14am: Still windy

Reach a small village where there is a riot trail. Have cake. Nice. Andy is all sorted with his new tyre and will cycle out of Ely to meet us.

11.46am: Pace is crippled by wind. 40 miles and lunch seems a long way off.

12.02pm: Realise we may have passed Greenleaf?? Phone call establishes he is on other side of River.

12.21pm: Storm into Ely. Catherdral is nice. Where's Greenleaf.

12.30pm: Greenleaf arrives. Much discussion as to lunch venue, but in view of delays and conditions, there is no choice but to aim for Cambridge. It's only 12 miles.

12.38pm: Reach cycle path. 'Cambridge 24'. First mention of cutting short. It is decided that we will take a shorter route, which is initally along cycle path anyway. Rich notes that this is nothing compared to an Ironman. Quite right too.

12.42pm: Not a good path for the road bikes. National Cycle Network, is, essentially shit, is the conclusion.

12.42 and 30 seconds: No sooner is conclusion reached then it rains.

12.45pm: Gaunt has puncture. This is looking shaky.

12.50pm: Time for Plan B - straight to Bedford. Problem now being we need to head west, next turn west being 7 miles away due to bloody river.

12.58pm: Pissing down now, the gloaming encroaches, and the wind blows ever more powerfully.

13.18pm: We're all very wet now, and Bedford is a long way away. Lorries and busiest road yet don't help.

13.25pm: It's getting the better of me - my knee doesn;t like it at all.

13.50pm: Plan B is rapidly going the way of Plan A - We clearly, given the rate of progress, need a serious rethink. Black humour is evident. Stop at next pub.

14.01pm: Arrive at next pub. Closed. Gaunt has another puncture. This is a low. Chill sets in. Where is next pub? Map says 5 miles west.

14.21pm: Nail 5 miles soaked cold and blown, arrive at village. Pub has no food, so corner shop raided. Coffee to warm the soul. Serious shivers on display.

14.30pm: Realise we aren't going to get to Bedford in daylight. Many options raised, but we appear to be stuck in the middle of nowhere. Hire a van. Book a hotel in Cambridge. Back to Kings Lynn. Just as all is lost, Greenleaf hits upon the masterplan of sending the 6 bikes with the 3 of us with railcards via the only possible train route to Bedford - Cambridge-London-Bedford, while the other 3 get express coach direct.

15.12pm: Cambridge is about 13 miles away and the aim is to get there by dark. Spirits raised, the challenge is accepted.

15.34pm: Lights are on. Pace is good, we seem to have accepted the wetness

15.54pm: The traffic is heavy, which doesn't help

16.01pm: Wallop - our first crash, Rich runs into the back of Andy. Only pride bruised.

16.10pm: Inside Cambridge ring road, feels like the first achievement!

16.23pm: Traffic lights for the first time. Many other cyclists so we blend in nicely, except for looking like a shoal of fish, we are that wet.

16.30pm: Stopped by police for cycling wrong way down one way street. Frankly, we don't give a damn.

16.44pm: Arrive Station. Much wheeling and dealing with luggage and bikes. Steve Matt and Rich head to coach stop. Me Gaunt and Greenleaf block up train doors with bikes. At least train is non stop! Much railway debate about merits of Thameslink or Midland Mainline and ticket validity to get back to Bedford.

18.03pm: Arrive Kings Cross. Moving through crowds with a bike in each hand is a very tricky thing!

18.24pm: But try running with them! Next train leaves St Pancras in 5 minutes.

18.30pm: Andy manages to get 3 bikes on board. Others will meet him there.

18.47pm: Next train opens its doors and so me and Martin go to put bikes on. Martin gets two on, but some southern prat decides he owns the train and so his bike goes on and not mine. Result - I am left with Rich's bike and steam coming from my ears.

19.30pm - finally leave London avec bike. Never thought i'd be in London today!

20.16pm: Arrive Bedford. Matt and Martin have waited to guide me to hotel. Rich's bike is far too big for me which proves comical, luckily hotel is not too far away.

20.30pm: A bed. Dry Clothes! Bliss.

21.12pm: Taxi Driver fails to grasp need for sustenance and drives round Bedford without actually recommeding a restaurant. End up in Wetherspoons for quick munch and a small amount of alcohol.

22.05pm: Conclude day has been a test, but we have come through. Hope tomorrow goes to plan.

22.17pm: Rice Krispies purchased. To be eaten from mug apparently.

22.30pm: Back at hotel, rigid 8am start is set in stone

23.30pm: Sleep.......

Day in Review

Kings Lynn to (Bedford) Cambridge

Distance Planned - 75 miles

Actual Distance would have been - 90 miles

Distance Covered - 72 miles

Quotes:

'I've just spoken to the postman' - Martin

'It's an Ironman, not a marathon' Rich

'Bedford's quite a sleepy town'-Leon

'I've got a puncture' - Various

'Can I catch you up' - Andy, at 7am

'I hope these distances are in km' - Steve

'What's the best way to get from Cambridge to Bedford....with 6 bikes?'

'Cycle' - Conversation with Travelline.

'A support car would have been corporate' - Matt

High Points

- Pre losing each other in Willenhall St.Germans

-Getting There

-First Floor of the TravelLodge

Low Points

-Willenhall St Germans - Watlington

-The split

-Gravel Cycle Track

Things We Learnt

• National Cycle Routes are crap



• Bikes need brake lights



• How to change a tyre



• Machine is a chief techincal director in the making



• You can only get 3 bikes on a Midland Mainline Meridian



• You use your arms more than you think



• Gaunt will be good in transition

Day summed up in 5 words

Things can only get better

Mechanical Breakdown Tally

Greenleaf - 3 inner tubes, 1 tyre, 1 reflector, 1 phone

Machine - 1 tube

GasMan - 1 tube, 1 wheel, 1 will to live

Woonton - temporary phone blip

Davies - faultless

Baptiste - 1 light

No. of wrong turnings - 3

No of collisions -1 - Greenleaf & Davies

Hopes for tomorrow: Better weather, Greenleaf would like 4 punctures