I took the first step tonight by booking the train from Leeds to Thurso fo
Aug 6th. Contrary to recieved wisdom, I had no problems at all. The bike's
been booked on to the four trains that I'll be using - I have to change
trains three times: at York, Edinburgh and Inverness. Got a bargain priced
ticket too at £28. If I get the timing right, I'll be able to come home
from penzance for about the same price too.
I'm debating the merits of retracing the route that I rode northwards.
Certainly in Scotland, I want to revisit the coastl road on the east coast,
ride through Glen Coe and over Black Mount. Ive been invited to have a day
off with the chap who came to my rescue last year in Preston. I'll probably
introduce some variations as I cross the border as I quite fancy travelling
to the east of the Lake District this time.
I'm waiting for the return of a Galaxy frame that's being restoved and then
i'll transfer the parts from my current repaired frame to the replacement.
I've got a couple of BP rides and a 200km Audax plus a week in Zakynthos to
do before the adventure starts. I'm quite excited by the prospect. I'm
much fitter than I was this time last year I just might get the ride done in
a fortnight though I'm fortunate enought to be able to have a three week
slot to play with. I'm also not one to walk away from a good chat at
campsites, garages and any other encounters with fellow talkers so my
cycling days can be sometimes a tad shorter than 'normal'.
Despite the fact that I've got all the gear for the trip, I am having
irrational urges to go out and but duplicate bits e.g. a proper ( and
expensive) Petzl head torch instead of my ASDA £5 clone.
The main advantage that I have this year is being able to leave 25% of the
kit I took last year behind. I'm also tempted to take a smaller tent even
though I enjoyed luxuriating in a two man tent.
I am to drop in at the Cycling Museum at Camelford again as it has an
awesome collection of cycles and the couple of hours that i spent there last
year was not long enough.
Does anyone have any 'must sees' vaguely on the route for JOGLE. I might
make a detour if the recommendation takes my fancy. I have wide ranging
interests encompassing industrial archeology, steam locomotives, traction
engines, museums of any description and pie shops ;-)
Can't wait 'til August