Bernard McEvoy has been busy talking about The Ireland Fund of Great Britain‘s Forgotten Irish Campaign again. On Saturday morning you could hear him on RTÉ’s Radio One. If you missed it click here and listen to the Forgotten Irish link.
And of course we’re going to mention the JustGiving Page which is still receiving fantastic support!
We are delighted to say that the team has raised over an incredible £15,000!
However these boys are never happy and now want to reach £20,000!!!
Let’s make it happen by donating at www.justgiving.com/1039miles
Where do I begin with today’s update? The obvious place is to proudly announce that all 8 of us (Neill Shrimpton, Bernard McEvoy, Gerald Byrne, Kenny Dalby, Ercus Stewart, Matt Hoyle, Ben Williams and the driver, Michael O’Driscoll) completed the gruelling 1,039 mile journey and reached John O’Groats in one piece.
Our arrival at the finish point was a great; we cycled 7 abreast on a flat downhill section to the finish line just before sunset. Then, draped in our respective country’s flags and elated with the achievement we all looked forward to having our picture taken with the famous John O’Groats sign. We couldn’t believe it, then, when we saw that the famous sign had quite literally just been taken down and the photo-booth was being dragged away by a digger. Apparently we had missed out by 30 minutes. Having cycled for 10 solid days, however, and much to the annoyance of the onlooking workers, we took it upon ourselves to recover the sign and lift it above our heads to get the photo we all wanted. This actually made it better and more memorable because, as it turns out, we were the last ever people to have our photo taken with that iconic sign.
Today’s ride was, however, as much about the journey as the destination. In particular, we were treated to the “greatest flat cycling road in the world”, which, for 40-50 miles weaved through the relentless Scottish landscape. At one point we witnessed a herd of 50 wild red deer bounding up and over a nearby hill. Then, a few miles up the road we saw another herd. At first just a few and then – most brilliantly – 7 stags stood majestically on the hill top a watched us pass by. As we picked up a top speed of 45 miles per hour and with the hawks, eagles and military fighter jets circling above our heads, we were having the ride of our lives.
It was a fitting end as the route took us on the longest day, totalling 130 miles in 11.5 hours.
Performer of the Day: Gerald Byrne – Easy decision for two reasons: 1) Along one of the busy costal roads (with farms on one side and coastline on the other) a lone sheep had escaped and was roaming the busy highway. Due almost certain death if it stayed out on the road, Gerald threw his bike to the ground and, like a superhero, leapt to its safety, managing to pick it up, carry it across the road and – with the sheep held over his head – lift it over the fence and back into the field. We only hope he put it back in the right farm! 2) He was the only cyclist at John O’Groats that was mad enough to run, fully clothed, to the edge of the pier and jump into the north sea – it was freezing!
Other notable performees – Neill Shrimpton, Ben Williams, Kenny Dalby, Matt Hoyle and Ercus Stewart cycled for an additional 20 miles to reach the hotel in Wick.
Langer of the Day: Ordinarily it would be Ercus Stewart – As a team we decided we would take a 10 mile detour prior to John O’Groats so we could also visit the most northernly point of mainland Great Britain (John O’Groats is the most north-westerly). 5 of the team were content with a quick picture by the sign but Ercus and Ben decided they would go to inspect the lighthouse and peer over the sheer cliff-tops. As the rest of the team cycled off, Ercus and Ben took photos and admired the scenery. When they went to catch up with the team, however, Ercus realised he had misplaced his helmet. Panic ensued, as Ben and Ercus scrambled around the cliffs in search. Eventually, we found the helmet perched and teetering on the very edge of the cliff-top. You would think that Ercus should get the award for this schoolboy error, but as it was the last day, the award goes jointly to the other 5 members of the team for missing out on the absolutely amazing sight of 180 degree views of horizon and the powerful north sea smashing against the dizzyingly high cliff-tops.
If you would like to sponsor us now we have finished the journey –www.justgiving.com/1039miles
For the first time in four days the waterproofs, tights, leg warmers, shoe covers and thermals came off and the sunglasses came on as we basked in glorious sunshine cycling passed Ben Nevis and along the entire length of Lock Ness. I can report that the only monstrous thing we saw, however, was Bernard McEvoy in shrink-wrapped in Lycra.
Michael (the driver) must have been tired because despite the fact that it was the simplest route chosen oven the 10 days of the trip he managed to take a wrong turning which resulted in the riders missing their lunch stop. Perhaps he got dodgy instructions, but I doubt it. When we spoke to him he said he was overcome by the beauty of the landscape and even thought he is Irish he grudgingly accepts that Scotland it is a more beautiful country.
It dawned on me today that I haven’t provided any update on what we eat. Since we descend on shops, tea rooms and hotels like a swarm of locusts and within minutes eat every last crumb, below is a list of what we will typically eat to keep our strength up:
7am (at least 30 mins after Neill calls us down): 1 – 2 bowls of cereal, a yoghurt, a bowl of porridge, fruit, brown toast and a cooked breakfast (e.g. two boiled eggs, hash brown and toast) – some have even more
10.30am: usually a sandwich, cake, cereal bars, scones, energy bars and a pint of milk
12.30pm: whilst on the bike – cereal bars / energy bars, cakes and/or biscuits
1.30 – 2pm: Lunch – usually a loaf of bread, cheese, ham, pastries, coleslaw, eccles cakes and a pint of milk
4pm: more cereal bars / energy bars, cakes and/or biscuits
7pm: a pint of milk
9pm: Dinner – two main meals each with extra side orders and a couple of beers
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Today we managed 107 miles in 9.5 hours. We are now all geared up for the big finale tomorrow – a 120 mile epic to the finish line.
Thank you for your continuing donations. We have now raised over £13,800 –http://www.justgiving.com/1039miles
Langer of the Day = Bernard McEvoy – the erratic Bernard stop suddenly without any warning causing a three bike pile up. Kenny Dalby was worst affected and was sent rolling down a hill into the edge of a forest.
Performer of the Day = Kenny Dalby – the ‘big man’ survived the fall and cycled well all day.
“I am writing today’s update by a radiator in the hotel lobby with numb fingers and still shivering. Having suffered 10.5 hours of pouring rain and hurricane winds lashing at our faces, the team managed to cover 113 miles in record time.
Following yesterday’s lunch with the Irish pensioners, the team and their families (who had travelled up to Glasgow) went for a curry and a few pints before heading to a pub quiz held in our honour at a local Irish pub.
You will no doubt be delighted to hear that Gerald, Ben, Erucs and Michael did the rest of the team proud by coming in first place and winning a case of wine and (after some negotiation) a bottle of champagne, which we intend to drink at John O’Groats.
We set off from Glasgow at 8.50am with another new recruit, Ronan, who joined us for the day, and took an unbelievably scenic route through the Scottish national park of Lock Lomond, climbing into the Scottish highlands and past the ski resort of Glencoe.
Performer of the Day – Evin: Evin joined us from Dumfries to Glasgow and Glasgow to Fort William. He was, however, forced to cycle ahead of the group alone in order to make his train home. At 6 foot 2 inches and on a hybrid bike he did a wonderful job – and made his train.
Langer of the Day – Ercus – the sweet talking Irishman fell over twice today losing his camera in the process and then having to do an additional 8 mile round trip to cycle back and get it. Must do better.”
– Ben Wiliiams, Monday night
Impressed with 113 miles in a wet and blustery Scotland?? Head to www.justgiving.com/1039miles and show it.
On Sunday the 1st of September the team made their way up to Glasgow. After stuffing down as much cereal, bananas and bread as we could take at 5.30am, the team set off from Dumfries (our overnight stopover) with yet another new recruit – Evin, a Dublin-man who joined us for the day – in the pitch black and freezing winds at 6am, heading North.
Slowed by the bone-shattering road surfaces, gale force 6 head-winds and heavy downpours, 9 tired men peddled as hard as they could for 73 miles to reach an arranged visit at a community centre providing meals and support for Irish pensioners in Glasgow.
Although arriving slightly behind schedule, the team was cheered and warmly welcomed by over 100 Irish pensioners, the Lord Provost of Glasgow (i.e. the Mayor), families and the former Irish and Celtic football (soccer) goalkeeping legend, Packie Bonner.
Fed soup and bread, team met the grateful pensioners, enjoyed some live music and chatted about the trip so far. Everyone is bearing up well, even Bernard who is starting to enjoy those hills.
In the evening the team attended a quiz night in Sweeney’s On The Park where all proceeds from the quiz went towards the cycle’s fundraising efforts. The weekly quiz was Irish themed in honour of the Forgotten Irish and the cyclists fared pretty well in the quiz. The winners were ‘Peter Boden’ comprising of Ercus Stewart, Gerald Byrne, Ben Williams and Michael O’Driscoll with ‘The Langers’ a close second. There have been some questions raised about the scoring of ‘The Langers’ but most kept quiet as the pacemakers for the rest of the cycle were on the team.
Performer of the Day – Matt Hoyle: Mr Consistent exceeded himself today by a super-fast puncture repair that Ferrari would have been proud. He also gathered the troops together with ease when a rider fell off the pace.
Langer of the Day – Erucs Steward: Spreadeagled on a table, the smooth talking Irishman, Ercus managed to talk himself into getting a rubdown by 6 pensioners.
Which brings us to today, Day 9 and a big day awaits us the team: 107 miles through the Scottish national park, Lock Lomond, to Fort William. Only 3 days remain and the team are spurred on by the thought of John O’Groats.
Today’s route took us 96 miles through the Lake District and into Scotland. We had planned to get a ferry across the famous Lake Windermere but, due to technical faults, the ferry wasn’t running we had to put in those extra miles in the saddle to cycle around. Despite the rain, wind and cold, the Lake District was simply brilliant.
There are some tired legs tonight but, now well versed as a team, the cyclists are able to fall into formation – when faced with traffic – with speed and efficiency that the Red Arrows would be proud of.
Performer of the Day: Our newest member, Andrew Caldwell, faced a baptism of fire with the mountains in the Lake District but admirably pulled through. Gerald’s knees are holding up.
Langer of the Day: Mother-nature – the heavens opened several times during the day and the team were subjected to chilling winds and pouring rain
http://www.justgiving.com/1039miles
In a slight change to the usual format, below is an account of the trip so far from Michael O’Driscoll (the support van driver):
“So far this has been an incredible journey in every sense. The peloton has cycled through Land’s End, Helston, Lizard, which is actually more southern than Land’s End, Weston-Super-Mere, Presteigne, Frodsham and Kendal. The cyclists have travelled 510 miles in six days, averaging over 95 miles a day and they look extremely professional.
We are all learning on the way: about ourselves and our co-travellers. A mixed bunch maybe but incredibly genuine, concerned human beings. Some are quiet, some less so. We have a charmer (at least in his own mind), another must have spent years in a Cistercian monastery he is so quiet.
The organiser in chief is Bernard McEvoy: he is the one who first had the crazy idea and got the whole thing rolling. There are 3 Irish cyclists; Gerald Byrne, Ercus Stewart and Bernard. Ben Williams is the youngest and, without doubt, the most mannerly, courteous and considerate of all – “he’d teach you manners” as they say in Ireland. Matt Hoyle (aka Shelia as he is commonly known) is probably the most experienced cyclist and it is difficult to shut him up once he starts talking.
The final member of the group is Kenny Dalby who is married to an Irish lady. Kenny is Scottish and a true gentleman with some great yarns to tell. No doubt his repertoire of tales will be enhanced after this venture. Gerald just got engaged recently and, by his own admission, is one to keep the head down. Apparently his fiancé does all the work for the forthcoming wedding, reports to Gerald at the end of each day and he signs off or not on everything. Ercus is Ercus and keeps the morale and general demeanor of all on a high. More of this anon.
The man around everything circles, however, is Neill Shrimpton. He has put a tremendous effort into the venture – he organises the route, daily distances, hotels to stay in and generally is the main man.
From my point of view Norton, for instance, will live forever in my memory. The day organiser chose it as the third meeting point on Day 3 of our journey. This choice was made on distance only, i.e. distance from point A to point B, which was measured in 20 mile chunks. The satellite may know where Norton is. After that, however, difficulties arise. So much so that in trying to locate it, Norton, that is, I stopped at a local residence to enquire. The up-shot was a blazing row between the residence – a man and a woman – who, even though living within a mile of the aforementioned Norton could not agree where it was.
English people are tremendously helpful, but ask any two of them, separately, for directions and you will be guaranteed to get two divergent sets. Examples of other bits of advice: “go right to the traffic lights” (what was meant was drive directly to the traffic lights) another one; “see those trees up there” (there were three different layers in the field being pointed to and it was 3 or 4 miles away on a hill) “thats where you want to go”.
I may write to Hereford County Council and Kendal likewise. The former trap you in the centre of town and sometimes after multiple efforts, people manage to escape (I was one such lucky one). In Kendal I got the distinct impression that they don’t want visitors. I felt lucky to emerge from one of the most confusing and difficult one-way systems I have ever encountered. Despite all the stress, the punctures, the minor accidents, the tensions, the unnecessary toilet breaks, I get the distinct impression that everyone is having a great time.
The cause is a great one – it is amazing how our lives can effect others. The many old and dead Irish for whom this trip is all about have made me cry in villages and towns throughout England and Wales as I explained to strangers why the 8 of us are on this trip. I am more and more convinced that everything we do in our lives has an effect. The immigrants of 50, 60 and 70 years ago are making me cry. They were, unknownst to themselves, real patriots.”
Yesterday the team started the day just outside of Liverpool and rolled through the industrial north east of England. With less to look at the group turned to the usual topics of Greek philosophy, complex legal problems and ornithology. Bernard, having been given a book on the tour de france for his birthday entertained the group with interesting facts about the race.
Having flirted with Wigan and Manchester for half of the day they finally got to the English hills again. With the spirits rising the heavens opened to reminded the group that they are in Britain after all and heading north!!!
Highlights of the day included a stop of Garstang to be greeted by brilliantly welcoming people only too willing have a laugh and to give to the cause.
96 miles and 9.5 hours later we ended in Kendal at the foot of the Lake District with hopes and excitement of what is in store tomorrow.
Performer of the Day: Gerald Byrne – struggling with two injured knees and a dodgy ankle, Gerald spent the evening with ice-packs strapped to each leg. He didn’t let it affect his performance though – 10/10
Langer of the Day: Ercus Stewart – two yellow card offenses. Firstly for coldly stealing Kenny’s Eccles cakes at our lunch stop; secondly for leading Ben down the garden path…only 2 miles in the wrong direction. Must do better.
Cyclist update:
Matt Hoyle- the resident Australian is still putting in a huge effort and is under strict orders not to shave his lucky beard as so far it has worked its mysterious powers making sure the group got safely home each day. Looks great in white.
Kenny – showed a new side of himself at dinner regaling the gang about his escapades in Budapest baths. Becoming a master of the puncture repairing and really looking forward to bringing us home to bunny Scotland.
Ercus – the silver tongue, blue eyed ‘face’ of the group managed to make 75 peoples’ day with his quick remarks. Most of the 75 were only delighted to give a few pounds to the cause after a few minutes with Ercus.
Neill – We would be in Colombia and not Cumbria if Neill was not on the trip. Managed to stretch, eat two sandwiches and clean his bike in the time it takes Bernard to go to the toilet.
Gerald – although his triceps are very impressive he still manages to reduce the masculinity levels of the group with the Sofie Lauren glasses he fashions. That extra weight and size are a huge benefit on the downhills, pity about the climbs!!!!!!
Ben – it is very hard to believe this is his 5th day in the saddle as he looks brand new. Not a big fan on geese eggs but strong on facts. Wild youthful imagination makes him see umbrellas where toil is only present.
Bernard- beginning to realise that he would never have made it in the tour having read the book he has been given. Keeping spirits very high and using all of his extensive charm to get donations at bus stops and delis.
Michael- Moonlighting as a wedding photographer in his time off. Brilliant all day with the group.
The new group member is Andrew Coldwell who joined the group today.
Saturday, today is Day 7 and the team will enter Scotland as they cycle 96 miles from Kendal to Dumfries
Again you can show your support for the team’s fantastic and unwavering spirit as they take on the challenge! www.justgiving.com/1039miles
The team are going strong and have even made some friends along the way – see sheep above!
Wednesday (Day 4) was another fantastic day for the team. Despite a boozy team building session in the evening and a very poor breakfast at a shoddy hotel in Weston-Super-Mere we cruised into Bristol, over the Severn bridge and into the stunning Welsh countryside.
With sprits high, perfect weather and Bernard challenging everyone to a race we managed to make the 97 mile trek in a mere 10 hours.
To give you a sense of the performances of the team I am introducing a ‘Performer of the Day’ award for the star cyclist and a ‘Langer of the Day’ for poor performance.
Day 1
Langer of the Day = Bernard McEvoy: the award undoubtedly went to the Chairman for a strop that any teenager would have been proud of.
Performer of the Day = Neill Shrimpton: an easy choice for two reasons: (i) for setting a good early pace and (ii) teaching us all how to deal with a belligerent Bernard McEvoy.
Day 2
Langer of the Day = Neill Shrimpton: the 107 mile day through Dartmoor clearly took its toll on Mr Shrimpton. He couldn’t handle the fourth 30% hill of the day and collapsed sideways into a bush.
Performer of the Day = Ben Williams : the super featherweight, hill climbing extraordinaire wins the award for saving the teams’ life – as the only rider to have had the foresight to bring lights, he guided the team across Dartmoor in the pitch black to safety.
Other notable performances on Day 2
Gerald Byrne – with swollen knees he kept on going until the bitter end and showed admirable perseverance
Ercus Stewart – as the oldest member of the team he taught us all a thing or two about the value of experience
Day 3
Langer of the Day = Ben Williams: from hero-to-zero, Ben gets the award for several incidences of insubordination to a senior partner, Bernard McEvoy. Notably, expressing surprise each time Bernard wasn’t the last one up a hill.
Performer of the Day = Ercus Stewart: unbelievable ability to charm every passer-by, Ercus even managed to attract several donations by sweat-talking the locals. Good all round performance.
Day 4
Performer of the Day = Bernard McEvoy: came back with a bang, Bernard was in top form all day taking absolutely everything that Wales threw at him.
“Langer of the Day” = Bernard McEvoy: manages to win both awards. With less than 1 mile to go, Bernard challenged Ben to yet another race. Not playing by the rules, Bernard swerved straight for him causing Ben to veer off and crash into a ditch. Seeing the funny side, Ben still beat Bernard in the race
Today is Day 6 and the team will travel from Frodsham to Kendal. Keep checking back in to see who will be the Langer of the Day and Performer of the day over the weekend.
Don’t forget you can donate on www.justgiving.com/1039miles
Day 5: The team are tackling the ride from Presteigne to Frodsham today!
Help keep their spirits up by clicking here.
1039 Miles 