Mission Complete! Mr Blunt again cycles the length of Britain

Mr Blunt is once again tackling the titanic task of cycling from John O'Groats to Lands' End after his heroic but failed attempt in February Half Term.

The goal this time is personal challenge and achievement. Mr Blunt hates unfinished business, and is keen to complete the route that he had to abandon after 5 incredibly tough days in the rain and ice of February.

He begins on 16th July and is aiming to complete the journey in just 10 days. He hopes that the extra light and finer weather of summer will help him on his way, making the days on the bike and nights in the tent easier to bear. This time he will be starting at John O' Groats and heading down south to Lands' End.

As the LVS community gave so generously towards his last attempt, Mr Blunt is making no special appeal for sponsorship this time round. However, if anyone would like to make a donation towards the school's £20k charity target, please contact Mr Blunt on g.blunt@lvs.ascot.sch.uk.

Read Mr Blunt's blog from his February attempt here.

Brief summary

• John O'Groats to Lands End most direct route is 862 miles.  Having pedalled 937 miles (75 miles more) I feel the detour to Loch Ness, Glen Coe and Loch Lomond was really worth it.  Magnificent scenery.
• Would I do it again?  The answer is probably yes - but I would probably take refuge in youth hostels and B&B's in the evenings.  Would have meant carrying far less weight and the thought of a cosy bed at the end of a long day would have made it easier.
• 99.5% of the traffic that passed me was very understanding and always gave me space.
• For me, one of the highlights of the trip was the kind and helpful people I met on my journey.  I think it was summed up when I left Okehampton (Devon) and waved a car down to confirm I was travelling on the right road.  Five minutes later I had been presented with a £2 coin, a cherry yoghurt and an orange for my efforts and was heading in the right direction.
• Make no mistake it is a very tough challenge.  With any expedition, no matter how much planning you do, things will go wrong.  It is how you cope and manage the situations that are presented to you that counts.
• My motivation to keep pumping out the miles every day was knowing people were reading this blog, and more importantly to me to repay colleagues, pupils, parents, friends and relatives who helped raise £1600 on my last attempt in February.  Not forgetting my own pride in completing something that I had started.
• If anyone would like to add further to the money raised already for the school charities, then you know where I am, or alternatively email me your pledge.
• 'Dare to fail'  Cheap success is gone in the click of a finger.  Right now I'm feeling tired but I know I am richer for the whole experience.
• Finally, it would not be right without saying a huge thank you to my ever suffering wife, Heidi, who gave me the 'gate-pass' to go in the first place and made sense of my ramblings every evening to write my blog for me.

Day 11

Arrived at Lands End at 10:05pm!

Over the moon, but exhausted having spent over 8 1/2 hours in the saddle and cycled 92 miles.  I think I have left half of me between Launceston and Lands End!

There was no real glamorous finish - cold and dark - no signpost up but managed to find someone to take my photograph.

Day started by ripping up my previous plan to rise really early and go on the A30 to Bodmin - couldn't face the early start.  So instead left at 8.45am after packing my tent away and travelled south to Callington and then to St Austell.  Launceston to St Austell was exhausting.  Carried on through Truro, where two rear wheel spokes broke. Luckily a bike shop was close to hand and quickly got them fixed.  Headed on to Redruth and finally bombed down to Penzance in miserable drizzle and dark skies.  As soon as I arrived in Penzance I was greeted by brighter weather and for the last 10 miles, which was all uphill, was treated to a fantastic red, black and blue sky which was an awesome sight.   I also saw a buzzard flying overhead (only the 3rd bird of prey on the whole journey)

I am now going to find somewhere to put my tent up for the night and in the morning will cycle the 12 miles back to Penzance ready for the 08:44 train back to Reading (It had better not be late!)

The journey has been a real roller coaster ride.  I need to collect my thoughts and will give a summary of the ride tomorrow when I am back home.

TOTAL 937 MILES

Day 10

A real testing day - the toughest so far!

Headed on my way first thing this morning, off to Tiverton, with my rear wheel wobbling from side to side, which was extremely worrying as it was taking all the weight of myself and the pannier.  Got into Tiverton and found the bike repair shop.  1 and 1/2 hours and £10 later I was heading south to Exeter and the problem didn't seem to be any better, despite the new spoke.  Still concerned about the bike as I travelled north of Dartmoor on the A30.  The road was too fast and dangerous so aborted that mission and discovered the old A30, which is now called the West Devon Way.  This took me into Okehampton which I know well from my Marines and Grenville College days.  Knew of a bike shop in the arcade and a great bloke called Tim kindly repaired my rear wheel for free, as well as giving my tyres a breath of fresh air, their first since Kendal, Cumbria.

Bike back in good working order, climbed out of Okehampton and picked up the West Devon Way again.  Had a brilliant early evening ride with green, rolling Devon countryside either side of me.  A steep climb into Launceston having crossed the Tamar river, which as all good geographers will know, divides Devon and Cornwall.

It is now 9pm, I am in Launceston, having managed only 78 miles today, as too much time was wasted with my bike, but the sky is still blue and the sun is slowly setting - I just need to find somewhere to put my tent up.  I intend to set off around 5.30 tomorrow morning so I can climb onto Bodmin Moor on the A30, and drop down into Bodmin before the road gets too busy.   

From Bodmin I plan to head directly southwest and hopefully hit my target of Lands End sometime tomorrow - as long as both myself and my bike hold up!!

Let me tell you, saddle soreness is not to be laughed at.  Johnson's Baby Powder is the only thing keeping me going!!!!

Total 845 miles

Day 9

Got up and navigated my way through Bristol really well.  Stopped off at a cafe for breakfast and a really kind lady called Catherine, upon asking about the school charities, said that she would do her bit by buying me my breakfast.  Many thanks Catherine!

The climb out of Bristol was really tough, it went on and on until near the airport and then a great drop down to the Somerset flats.  Had to work hard even here as it was very exposed with the wind in my face.  Got to Bridgwater and then on to Taunton.  Headed off on to a B road and have camped up in beautiful countryside just short of Bampton which is  just south of Exmoor National Park.  Had to stop earlier than I would have liked ( 77 miles today) due to one on my rear spokes going pop again.  This is really annoying as it means I will have to stop in Tiverton (approx 10 miles away) to get it repaired first thing tomorrow.

Hopefully, all being well, I will then head SW and look to avoid Dartmoor National Park by travelling west, which is north of the park, on minor roads and then hopefully hitting the A30.  Still confident to reach target on Tuesday, but maybe not as early as I would have wished.

 Total 767 miles

Day 8

Set off this morning with a full belly after having a breakfast fit for a king.  Brought down to earth quickly when I had to get off and push my way up a horrendous hill.  That was the second time I have had to get off and push so far.

Conquered Bridgnorth, Kidderminster, Worcester and Tewkesbury (which looked a really nice place) then on to Gloucester (not so nice) and continued on the A38 and am now sitting pretty ready to hit Bristol tomorrow.  Have stopped about 15 miles north of Bristol near Berkeley at an idyllic setting, wild camping on the edge of the River Severn, with the River Severn crossings almost within touching distance. 

Have pedalled 82 miles today, with the last couple of hours leaving me feeling really strong and positive with my morale really high.  However, I am conscious that once beyond Bristol and the Somerset flats, that Devon, Dartmoor and Cornwall await.  I know, having pedalled through there in February, this will be the toughest part of the journey and I am slightly filled with dread!

Tomorrow morning I will negotiate my way through Bristol and aim to hit Crediton by the close of play.  I am thinking that I will look to reach Lands End on Tuesday, which should allow me to enjoy the end of my journey without killing myself!

Fact - I have not cycled past one ice cream van in 690 miles - gutted!!  The gods are against me!!

Total 690 miles

Day 7

100 not out!!  Totally euphoric having banged out exactly 100 miles  today. This is the first time I have ever made a century on my bike in one day, I am really, really happy!

Fantastic conditions to ride in today - blue skies with some cloud and a light breeze - could not have been better. 

Left Preston this morning and travelled south along the A49, going through Chorley, Wigan, Warrington and down to Whitchurch.  Carried on down and hit the outskirts of Shrewsbury in the early evening.  Kept heading south east and have finished today at Harley which is on the A458 just short of Much Wenlock. 

Have taken refuge in a B & B tonight as I am desperate for some decent grub, a decent night's sleep and a chance to reorganise myself and my bike.  (2nd pitstop needed today - bottom bracket needed greasing - sounds painful!!)

Tomorrow I am aiming first for Kidderminster and then hopefully Worcester just after midday, and will then head for Bristol and the southwest.  Feel as though I am almost on the homerun, but I'm well aware there is still much to be done!

Just 3 points to finish on today:

Since leaving JOG I have been really heartened with how kind, helpful and generous the great British public really are

Other road users really DO look out for cyclists safety

and finally

Having travelled 608 miles so far I have sadly only seen 2 birds of prey in the sky.  Can you believe it?

Total 608 miles

Day 6

Left Southwaite this morning and headed towards Penrith.  It was a horrible first hour with plenty of aches and pains and my chin was hanging on the deck.  However the sun was shining, a few clouds and no rain for the first time since I started.  Things picked up after Penrith and I soon summited Shap Fell.  Had a chat with Colin (fell walker) at the top.  Incredibly he lives in Alfred Wainwright's house which is in Kendal.  Said goodbye and headed down the fell on a speedy roller coaster ride into Kendal at the bottom.  Had my tyres pumped up and headed out on a fast ride to Lancaster.  Lancaster was a nice looking place but unfortunately no time to stop so navigated successfully through to Preston. 

I am now camped up in a park 4 miles north of Preston.  Had to stop although I could have managed a bit further but didn't want to have to wild camp in the middle of town - not sure what the locals would have made of me.  Still 80 miles travelled today and tomorrow have to pick my way through Preston, Wigan, Warrington, Runcorn and onwards to Shrewsbury and Telford.  Hopefully this won't give me too many flashbacks of February as this was where I was gritted by a gritter! 

A few aches and pains in my knee and achilles, but otherwise feeling good.

Total 508 miles

Day 5

Woke up to a mighty Scottish breakfast which Sandy my landlady had made me.  Thank you Sandy.  Started out late at 10.30am as there was torrential rain and weather warnings!

Cycled SE to Dumfries in very wet conditions for about 35 miles.  Must admit I had started to feel a bit sorry for myself, but could see brighter skies in the distance so soon perked up.  Just as I was getting back into my 'Happyland' a minor disaster struck - a spoke on my rear wheel broke.  Laboured on for 10 miles into Dumfries and went to Halfords who turned out to be as much use as a chocolate fireguard!  So headed for the centre of town where I came upon Kirkpatrick Cycles where Bob (close to retirement) weaved his magic and got me back on the road.  Cheers Bob, you are a lifesaver!

Left Dumfries and had a brilliant ride into Gretna with great sunshine and great views.  Took standard tourist photographs of myself.  This was a landmark moment for me as I knew I was going to be crossing the border into England.  Took a cheeky little service road alongside the M6 from Gretna to Carlisle.  This saved me miles and I enjoyed views of the Lake District in the far distance on my right.  Navigated my way through Carlisle and had to laugh when outside Carlisle United's football ground I saw a statue of a footballer.  (Hadn't realised anyone of note had ever played for them!)  A prize for the pupil, in the first week back at school, who can tell me who the statue is .

Hit the A6 beyond Carlisle and arrived at Southwaite.  It was 8.30pm so decided to look for a pitch for my tent.  Found it difficult to find a suitable spot and then noticed a large orchard area beside a house.  Decided to knock on the door and met a great guy called Dave who has kindly let me pitch up in his orchard.  Lovely setting 10 feet away from a dry stone wall with a herd of cattle next to me, but thankfully on the other side of the wall.

I have cycled 85 miles today which is great considering my late departure and the mishap with my wheel.  Looking forward to tomorrow.  

Mr Blunt is very happy!!

Total 428 miles

Day 4

Left Crianlarich and flew down to Loch Lomond on a really fast road and cycled first 10 miles in lovely sunshine but the next 15 in torrential rain!  Still, brilliant views of the Loch all the way.  Made good time and headed towards Dumbarton with the sun out again.  Crossed the Clyde via Erskine Bridge - stopped half way over to look at the great view of Glasgow - decided not to jump but got back on my bike and continued south.

Went past Glasgow Airport runway, navigated myself through Paisley really well and headed for Barrhead which is a tiny little village and managed to get lost!  A kind little old Scottish lady helped me on my way and travelled on to the lovely village of Stewarton and then on to the not so lovely Kilmarnock.  Decided against stopping as plenty of shady looking characters about and low and behold as I rode out HMP Kilmarnock appeared!

I stopped in Cumnock after cycling 92 miles today hoping to stay at a commercial campsite which was marked on my map, only to discover it has since closed!  Looked for a B & B but there were none around.  So stopped to ask two locals if they could point me in the direction of any accommodation and before I knew it Ruby and Scott had whipped up some homemade soup, sandwiches and a pot of tea and then helped me find the only piece of accommodation who would be willing to take in the Desperate Dan figure that I have become!  Ruby tells me that tomorrow promises more heavy rain.  Can I say a big thank you to Ruby and Scott for helping me out this evening.

Now shacked up in a hotel, washing and drying my clothing and equipment and looking forward to a decent night's sleep which will be my first since I set off last Thursday and looking forward to crossing the border at Gretna tomorrow.

Prediction for the end of play tomorrow - somewhere in England!!

Can I finish by saying a big hello to Dave T if he is reading.  Hello mate!

Total 343 miles

Day 3

Left Fort Augustus at 8.30am and aquaplaned the 32 miles to Fort William along the Great Glen. Stopped at the Commando Memorial - very humbling, but also inspired me to keep pushing on.  No view of Ben Nevis as the weather had clagged in - very different from my previous visit at Easter when I was here with 'Team 3 Peaks' Brought back good memories of the boys successful mission.

Incredibly the sun broke through just as I rode into Glen Coe, could not have timed it better in what was a day of very wet and unsettled weather.  Steady climb all the way to Rannoch Moor with magnificent views.  However, Rannoch Moor became more and more bleak and desolate with the weather quickly closing in.  Continued along the A82 and finally stopped at Crianlarich completing 88 miles today.  Camped up and walked to enjoy a hot meal of the famous Scottish delicacy of 'mince and tatties' - superb!

Feeling really tired and need a good night's sleep - am hoping the midgies will leave me alone.

Tomorrow's target is to get as far south of Glasgow as possible, no predictions though - watch this space!

Total 251 miles

Day 2

Left Dornoch at 8.30am this morning and kept heading south along the A9, going through Tain, Tomich, Alness and then crossed the Cromarty bridge headed for Inverness. Had the breeze in my face which meant it was head down so couldn't really enjoy the views.  The winds on the Kessoch bridge leading into Inverness were so strong that I had to dismount and push my bike. 

Headed towards Loch Ness still into heavy winds but the inspirational location kept my little legs going.  Managed to get a photo of Nessie which I will post on line as soon as I'm able!!

I am now camped at Fort Augustus at the southerly tip of Loch Ness and have been in the saddle for 7 1/2 hours and have achieved 82 miles today.  I would recommend any of my readers visit Fort Augustus - it is absolutely beautiful with magnificent scenery. 

Amazingly I have only seen 1 other cyclist doing my route from John O'Groats, yet have seen bucket loads of cyclists coming from Lands End to JOG, these are normally in pairs or groups and only the odd nutter on his lonesome with a pannier on the back of his bike!!

No predictions for tomorrow other than paying my respects at Commando memorial and having a mighty all day breakfast at Fort Bill.  Hoping to do a similar mileage but weather forecast is looking wet and windy.

Total 163 miles

Day 1

Set off from Wick this morning and the journey to Helmsdale was a roller coaster ride cycling into prevailing winds.  Conditions settled slightly from Brora to Dornoch Firth which is where I have ended today's journey.  Travelled 66 miles today which is less than I would have liked, but still happy considering the first 45 miles were hellish!

Cycled for 8 hours today which I am really pleased with, but the wind did my average speed no favours.  It is now 7pm , my tent is up and I am fed and watered - my backside is fine and dandy and I am really looking forward to tomorrow's ride.

The highlights should be Loch Ness, the Commando memorial, Ben Nevis, and I am hoping to end tomorrow at Fort William.

Total 81 miles

Day 0

Here we go again!

Twenty one and a half hours to arrive at John O'Groats.  The train journey between Inverness and Thurso has got to be one of the best in the world - moving through the highlands and through the moors of Caithness.  Decided to depart the train at Thurso and cycle the 21 miles east to John O'Groats with heavy skies, light rain, but the wind on my back, arriving at 3.30pm.  Had mandatory photograph at the famous signpost when 'Team REME' appeared complete with mini bus, trailer and go faster yellow bikes.  Lots of banter between the Royal Marine and the Army lads!

Weather conditions were good so decided to take advantage of the clear skies and start my journey south, cycling for 15 miles arriving at Wick.  It was tough work riding into strong winds all the way.

I am now camped up - happy as Larry, about to feast on baked beans, tomato soup and sliced peaches, with, for good measure, Greek yoghurt and honeyed apricots.

Target for tomorrow. as long as winds aren't too strong, Inverness.