There are no hills in Spain!

Or so we protested as we climbed our first ridiculous gradient for 5km this morning. This was followed by another one and another one. The whole exercise took twice as long as planned and so we are a little behind schedule today.
So far we have cycled 330km from home and are nearly fit now! Three of us had an enormous lunch for 11 euros. Three courses, each the size of a normal lunch. In the end even Christopher had to pass on the dessert.
At the end of our ride we encountered a couple of German girls who thought it was ok to ride on the motorway because there was a red circle with a picture of a bicycle inside. READ THE HIGHWAY CODE was my first thought but we relented and showed them the error of their ways.
Tonight we are going back to basics. The hostel is full and offered us 3 li-los. Being generous I have agreed to sleep on the concrete floor. One toilet between 50 men. What a life.
Free entertainnent at the moment. We have been watching a group of youngsters attempt to fix a punctured mountain bike tyre. One broken tyre lever, three ruined tubes and 6 wasted man hours later they have given up. I suggest they pray to Saint Iago or whoever is the patron saint for cycling.

A very hilly shortcut thanks to Des

Downhill to Gijon



Either pointing out where we are or looking for another shortcut

Roughing it

We woke up to torrential rain in Llanes - at least Des woke us up to tell us it was raining and we could stay in bed a little longer. After waiting a while we headed off in a steady downpour which only lasted 3 hours. At Ribadasella we stopped for tea and liked it so much that we stayed for a picnic lunch.
As the rain stopped the hills came out and we faced a series of 10km climbs but the descents were amazing. Even more of a shock was the short cut recommended by a local (who may have mentioned it but we did not understand it). It was a mountain biking route!
This is our first night in a proper pilgrim hostel. Very friendly people on similar journeys. Nice day shame my legs hurt.

Reluctant to leave Llanes

No its not Durdle Door!

Lunch at Ribadasella

Enroute

There is a limit to what is cyclable

Cantabria into Asturias

Last night Christopher's bed collapsed leaving me wide awake and laughing while he rolled around on the floor.
Then followed a quiet day of cycling.
First a trip to the beach at Comillas for an ice-cream. Then a visit to the cemetry with the greatest view and onwards over the hills to San Vincente for a quiet lunch where we were convinced that the waitress had undercharged us and tried to argue with her!
We carried on around the headland to Pechon with its long climb and great sweeping descent.
As we have travelled we have encountered the same English family who are touring on assorted bikes with trailers for their luggage. At Uquera we met them and one of the bikes required a replacement part for the gear mechanism so we could recommend the bike shop in Llanes from past experience. We did see them at the end of the day looking satisfied and with the bike repaired.
Des only tried to kill us once today but was prevented from doing so when Christopher proved that the road he was heading onto was a motorway! Such fun...
So today we went from the beach to the mountains, through farms, forest and back to the sea again all in the space of 47 miles.
Fantastic place!



Uphill is no strain when you are young

Des goes to the edge for his photography

An eccentric English family on holiday

The cemetery in Comillas. Chris bows before a potential plot that Des is eyeing up



How to get Chris' attention

Ricky points the way

On Dry Land

Onboard our luxury cruise ferry Ricky had a rub down from a young lady on the ship and was feeling much better. Well, he was smiling at least. The rest of us were more boring and watched as dolphins frolicked alongside.
As we docked in Santander the sun shone on us righteous pilgrims. However a short while later we were feeling at home as a damp drizzle started. We caught the train out of Santander to Puente San Miguel where we rode uphill to Santillana del Mar. A popular, historic town but the Tourist Information Centre sent us in the wrong direction to our Posada. Still Des prevailed and got us there - via another hill or two of course.
The end of our comfort was marked by a nice, spanish, evening meal of egg and chips.

Dophins!!

Arriving in Santander with some trepidation

And we are off

Chris and I set off at 5am for Horsham while Des and Ricky were still cozy and tucked up in bed. We had a 40km ride while they had a 50 minute train journey. Unfortunately their reward for being lazy was that Ricky hurt his back carrying his bike on board.
A satisfactory breakfast was followed by a short ride to Pulborough where Ricky claimed that he was too injured to carry on before heading off for a direct train to Portsmouth.
We reached the South Downs after 80kms and boy it was hard work. Des had a short cut which added a few miles and made us climb TWO unnecessary hills. Being on pilgrimage we could not express our gratitude but nevertheless we felt it!
Happily we were all reunited before boarding.
Lets hope tomorrow goes more to plan than today.


Facing the south downs

Ricky's leg injury worsens!

All aboard, a queue of cyclists!

Final preparations

We did our last minute collection of sponsors from church today. Due to our generous parish we raised £703 in cash with a further £565 pledged. I did not think that we would reach our £4000 target but with gift aid we will now reach over £5000 and there are still donations coming in.
Thank you so much for your fantastic response and we will try very hard to live up to your expectations.
Just our final packing tomorrow before the off. Oh I can feel those butterflies of excitment already.

Just two weeks to go!

Cycling long distances each day carrying your luggage across mountains is simply a matter of endurance. However, the English summer has done little to help us prepare for the anticipated 35 degree heat so we will have to rely heavily on sunblock and common sense to minimise the health risks. Fortunately, Des has plenty of both for our little band of merry men.

Many thanks to the people who have supported us through their sponsorships and good wishes. We would love to make our target of raising £4000 which will make a real difference to this small charity. If you haven’t gotten around to sponsoring us yet there is still time before we leave. Either online through Justgiving http://www.justgiving.com/El-Camino or just send a cheque made payable to South East Cancer Help Centre to:

El Camino Ride for Cancer

South East Cancer Help Centre

2 Purley Road

Purley

CR8 2HA

We leave on Tuesday 17^th July and hope to return home on 7^th August having cycled approximately 950miles in 3 weeks.

El Viento y La Lluvia -The Wind and Rain

A flaming June it has not been. Heavy rain and gale force winds have been a feature of this year's summer!
During the school half term holiday, my fellow pilgrims and I decided to cycle down to Portsmouth to recce the route. This was to see how long it would take, and to ensure that we didn't get lost on our way to catch the ferry to Spain in July. Also, on what would be a very long ride, to find out where we could find the very necessary food and cups of tea!

Enquiring with Southern Railways I found that we could get an evening train back to East Croydon at the reduced price of only £4 each. An offer not to be missed!

So it was all systems go. Except for the weather!

On the Thursday, the chosen day for our ride, it was the worst recorded weather in June for many a year. Torrential rain and gale force winds so we had to cancel. By Saturday the weather had improved, mainly sun but still very windy. Being a weekend there were no cheap train tickets so we decided to cycle only part of our intended route to Portsmouth and then cycle back. We took our bikes by car to Billingshurst, cycled as far as Goodwood on the intended Portsmouth route, then cut off to head up to Midhurst, and back to Billingshurst via Petworth. Using the Via Michelin Route Finder to suggest a good cycling route along mainly country lanes, it came up with this:

The route turned out to indeed be a very scenic route. Top marks for Michelin!

 

Just before Fittleworth (No. 10 on above the map) we crossed over the River Arun on an old pack horse bridge. A picture post card setting as can be seen in this photo.
And shortly after crossing the Arun we passed a nursery which had a tea room, although we didn't stop to try it. We came to a cross roads at No. 13 on the map and should have turned left, but instead went straight on, our only mistake so far!

However the error was rewarded by the views over the mill pond and the old Buxton water mill. We had been making slow progress due to the very strong head wind and this beautiful setting offered a welcome refuelling stop. My calorie intake being, half a banana and a hand full of peanuts.






From here it was only a short distance to get back on our correct route, at the bottom of the long steep climb at Duncton Beacon, a high point along the South Downs ridge (half way between Nos 13/14). A few miles further on we branched off towards East Dean and after another steep climb we eventually came to the famous Goodwood race course (No. 16 on the map). Still with no tea room in sight it was time for the second half of my banana and another handful of peanuts!


At this point we cut short the route to Portsmouth and headed north. The ride from Glorious Goodwood provided us with a glorious, long and fast down hill ride to join the main, A286 back towards to Midhurst.

Midhurst is a lovely old market town with many historic buildings. Well worth a visit, but not to the tea room that we chose for our lunch stop! Very expensive, so whilst Tom had a bit of cake, Ricky and I confined our "lunch" to the first and only cuppas of the day.
here we are, enjoying the blue sky over the old market square at Midhurst where I enjoyed banana number 2!


From here we headed back to Billingshurst.  The recce ride showed us a number of things.
First, that cycling from Purley to Portsmouth for the afternoon ferry would require a VERY early start! Second, that after a breakfast stop at Horsham (we have found an early opening workmans cafe) we will be lucky to find a lunch stop cafe, even if we have time to stop!
And third, the route provides a very interesting, scenic and challenging ride, especially when we will be fully loaded with all our luggage!

The Picos Riders Meet the Queen

The Jubilee weekend was a bit of a washout, weather wise. The best day was Saturday and Ricky, Tom and I made the most of this best day with an interesting ride down to Ardingly Reservoir. Ricky is the newest recruit to the Picos Riders team.
As the next day was to be the magnificent Jubilee boating event on the Thames. Our first port of call was to visit the lakes on Earlswood Common. No boats but plenty of swans!

Since the time of Queen Elizabeth I the reigning monarch owns all wild swans living in open water, and we were convinced that this was Her Mag viewing some of her swans. Doubts only arose because we could not see any corgies!
Our next stop was for tea at Balcombe where we waited for ages to get served. So long that it became a lunch stop. But we did enjoy the scrambled eggs on toast washed down with a gallon of tea.

From there, down to the reservoir is particularly scenic, down a wooded lane, past the old watermill and mill pond, over the stream and then taking the bridle path alongside the stream to the huge reservoir.
After all the heavy rain of late, it was now looking very full and the sailing fraternity were making the most of the sunny day.
It is a long and steep climb up from the reservoir valley, and after crossing over the B2028 we took another little lane which leads to West Hoathly.

And it was here, outside the old parish church of West Hoathly, that we did meet her Maj, resplendent in regal gown.

And to prove it, Tom took a photo for the Picos Riders’ scrap book.

It is a tradition in the little hamlets of this part of Sussex to have an annual summer festival where a variety of effigies of people are displayed. This year it was royal effigies to mark the Queen's Jubilee. We cycled past Queen Victoria, Princes Albert, Philip, William, Harry, knights in armour and much more. Doesn't it make one proud to be British!

Where Penitent Pilgrims Lie

Previously we posted an item entitled A Long and Winding Road which was about planning for this cycling adventure to Santiago de Compostela.  It is now only a month to go before we set off on our pilgrimage to Santiago!  A couple of weeks back we received our Credentiales.  These are the pilgrim’s passports that are necessary to show that you are an accredited pilgrim.  The Credential dates back to middle ages when vagabonds, brigands and thieves preyed upon the weary traveller.  The Credential, showing that you were on a Christian pilgrimage, was supposed to ensure your safety.  Not a lot of good when most people couldn’t read, or if they did, preferred rich pickings to good will!






In order to qualify as a pilgrim you have to meet certain criteria. These include, that you must have travelled on foot, by horse or donkey.
However moving into the 20^th century, it was decided by the authorities that bikes could replace four hoofed legs, so we will be cycling. If travelling on foot you must have walked at least 100 kilometres; by horse, donkey or bike, you must have travelled a minimum of 200k. We will be cycling some 700k to get to Santiago, plus a similar distance back.
To prove that the pilgrim has travelled the required distances, it is necessary to have the Credential stamped at least once a day, twice a day if cycling. Walking pilgrims can expect to travel at least 25k a day, so there are usually pilgrim’s hostels at that approximate distance where you can get the Credential stamped. To take advantage of the over night comforts of these hostels you must hold a Credential. The hostels, as befitting the penitent pilgrim, are very basic. A shared room with bunk beds and a mattress, usually a kitchen to prepare and eat a simple meal, and if you are one of the first to get to the shower, a hot shower, otherwise it is quick cold dip! But what do you expect for only 5 euros a night? Of course, roughing it a bit all adds to the experience and is compensated by seeing new vistas, meeting new people and all the other great experiences that a foreign cycling tour provides.

And last and by no means least is the benefits that the money we raise, will bring for the South East Cancer Help Centre. At the last count, and with a month to go, we have raised nearly £2,500. And what is a fiver between friends? You could help us to reach our target of £4,000 by clicking here.

I do Like to be Beside the Seaside

There comes a time in every father's life when he's realises that his child is bigger and stronger than him. For me the realisation came yesterday when Christopher and I went on a day trip to Brighton. A round trip of 95 miles.

On my previous day trip there,  I had travelled lightly and therefore quickly to Brighton and before eating a portion of chips with mayonnaise on the beach. The subsequent journey home was truly horrible and the chips were thrown up after the first couple of miles.

For yesterday's journey, Christopher insisted that I bring my big camera and at the last minute I threw in a couple of tools - all unnecessary weight for me I thought.We suffered a nightmare outward journey as the bearings on one of my pedals failed enroute resulting in frequent stops to bodge yet another repair. At least the tools came in handy! The picture above shows us stopped for a another repair with the South Downs at Ditchling looming in the background.

In the end I nursed the bike up Ditchling Beacon pedalling mostly with one leg and we ended up arriving in Brighton a mere 3 hours late. Crucially we didn't even have time to stop for tea at all!

After a brief visit at Evans cycle shop in Brighton to replace the offending item Christopher insisted on a fish and chips lunch. Oh the woes of short term memory, I foolishly agreed.

As you can guess, history repeated itself as we headed homewards and the sound of my caring son laughing echoed around the hills. I don't think he has done the sympathy course in med-school!!

I had done my research before leaving home and planned a relatively flat route home in case of emergencies. Of course the 'flat' route seemed even hillier than the outward journey. As I huffed and puffed up successive steep inclines the pain was only made worse by the little voice coming from behind urging me to "hurry up!"

Like most Dads I am still competitive with my offspring so my training regime will be stepped up. The test will be when I join the Anerley Club ride to Brighton and back in a couple of weeks time. Anyone for fish and chips?

Getting There

The most important part of our pilgrimage is to get to Spain! As with our previous fund raising ride in 2010, our most favoured choice is by ferry. Flying might be quicker, but crowded airports and the many rules and regulations for taking bikes on planes are a definite turn off!
Liz French has again worked her magic with Brittany Ferries and they have very generously provided return Portsmouth/Santander crossings during the very busy month of July. The normal cost for the four of us, including our bikes and a 4-berth cabin, would be £970, which amount we donate to SECHC. Thus the fund raising kitty will be boosted by nearly £1000 before we even set sail!
So that is another bit of our travel plans now taken care of.
These two pictures show us at Santander, about to board the ferry in 2010. Note the luggage on the back of our bikes, luggage which had to be lugged up the Picos de Europa mountains. So your very generous donations for that charity bike rider did alleviate some of the pain!

A Long and Winding Road

In addition to our ever tougher cycle training (150 very hilly miles last week) to get fit and ready for the rigours of cycling across Spain, there is also a lot of planning involved. For example, how to travel to Spain and having got there, how to find our way to Santiago de Compostela. There are many other things to be resolved. How long will it take? How far can we travel each day? Will we find somewhere to stay each night? Over the last couple of months we have been studying maps, researching on the internet, and trying to answer these and many other questions that need to be answered.

There are 2 main pilgrimage routes across Spain, the Camino Frances (shown in blue in the diagram above), and the Camino del Norte marked in yellow and which has several options branching off.The latter is the obvious route for us because it passes thru Santander where the ferry from Portsmouth docks. In reality the Camino del Norte follows the coast more closely than shown in the diagram. It passes thru the coastal city of Gijon and many small fishing villages where we will have the opportunity to enjoy a glass of Asturian cider with barbecued sardines. Or if we are in an mood adventurous mood, octopus or some such Spanish delicacy!Having reached Ribadeo, the road inland starts a long climb, up and over the mountains where we hope to stay for one night at the beautiful monastery at Sobrado. Los mojes, shown on the diagram above, means the monks. Not too difficult to translate!

Returning from Santiago we will first head east along the Camino Frances, then take the yellow route to the old town of Lugo, famous for it’s encircling Roman walls. The route thru Lugo to Oviedo is known as the Camino Primitivo. It will be the hardest part of our journey, with 3 days in a sparsely populated mountainous region!

After that I need a rest! Hasta luego.

Last of the March Hares

British Summer Time actually felt like it was summer time! With an afternoon temperature of circa 20 degrees and a cloudless blue sky, we could could not have been a better day for getting out on the bike. Christopher, had come back for a short break from his medical studies so we all set off on our own, very circuitous route which became more of a nature trail!

After passing the windmill on Reigate Heath we had our first encounter with Surrey’s wildlife. In a field by the top of Trumpets Hill we came across these strange looking sheep.

And then a mile further on we passed the deer herd sunning themselves in the parkland of Wonham Manor.

We continued on our 34 mile, circuitous ride to the tea shop at Tulley’s Farm. Cycling along a narrow, off-road woodland track at Shipley Bridge we encountered our next bit of wild life. A rather large, running horse which had obviously escaped from it’s field. I don’t know who was frightened the most, us or the charging horse!

Tulley's farm sandwiches and salad platter were very generously portioned.However there was one disappointment.Seeing the sign which said ”No ifs or buts, you must come and see our beautiful bunny girl, wearing nothing but a fur coat!” , this is what we found.

This had been a very interesting ride, much of it thru wooded lanes and the day’s sunshine had worked it’s magic for as we climbed the hill up to Nutfield ridge we saw our first display of very early bluebells. Proof that British Summer Time has indeed arrived!

A short break before our Tuesday ride took us over 100miles for the week. Making the most of this glorious weather we did another circuitous route, to our tea stop at Four Elms. After the long climb up Ide Hill we had the welcome view of Bough Beech Reservoir in the valley below, and proving that spring had definitely sprung, a mass of bluebells on the wooded hill top where we frolicked more or less gaily.

Kent has long been known as the Garden of England, and as we pedaled up the hill into the lovely village of Chiddingstone we had sweeping views of green fields and hedgerows, stretching into the distant high ground of the Weald. And what could be more representative of the farming tradition of the hop fields of the Garden of England than it’s many oast houses.

What happened to Spring?

A couple of mixed weeks weatherwise in which we thought
Spring was finally here only to be horribly disappointed. My training has been
restricted to cycling with the Anerley – sometimes as the only Picos rider but usually meeting up with Des.

Christopher has only been training in his University gym which he thinks is a cool place because it’s attended by some celebrity DJ called David Guetta. No idea who he is but I bet he is not a patch on Sir Jimmy Saville!

Des and I have managed our first 50 mile ride this year to East Grinstead where we were treated to a full English breakfast. I was so hungry that I gobbled mine up before I thought to take a photo but this is an example of what was presented to us after a VERY hilly 30 miles of riding. At £4.99 including tea it was a bargain and worth the trip to East Grinstead in
its own right! I have to admit that my breakfast tasted all the better without
the weekly unappetising viewing of the dead tissue on Ewa’s chilblains. No
wonder the poor girl is so thin...

And finally a new milestone for myself. I was the most senior Tuesday rider out today accompanied by a couple of whippersnappers on shiny new bikes. Jeremy on the left modelling a fixed gear Halfords special and Ricky on the right with his lovely new touring bike.

Ricky has decided to join us on our pilgrimage and is a very welcome companion. He has a very compelling reason for doing the gruelling trip but we'll leave that for another day...

Finally more of the more exotic animals found on British farms these days. What are they? Young ostriches I think?

Well to summarise the last few weeks, you will not be too surprised to find that we are not yet as fit as we need to be!!