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LEJOGO
  • Steve Bachrach
  • Amanda Bachrach

LEJOGO

2 travellers enjoying a 'lazy' 1100 mile ride from the Southern end of Britain to the Northern end and then over to The Orkneys. Raising money for SWALLOW
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  • Trip start
    July 15, 2023
  • LEJOGO
    11

    Buy that cottage for me?

    July 18, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Nice early ride to Bath, train to Penzance. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. St Michael's Mount disappeared in a cloud of rain blown in by a howling gale. We were brave. I (Steve) was resilient until we got to Lamorna Cove...one of the most beautiful places in England. The Cornish are still part of England aren't they? My wife (Amanda) gave me the most heart-wrenchingly pleading look and I promised to buy her that cottage! Arrived at journey's start in sunshine. Hooray. Land's End proper tomoz then back through Penzance to Perranporth!Read more

  • LEJOGO
    2

    Hill County, England

    July 19, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    A beautiful day in Hill County. Apparently that's the less well known name for Cornwall.

    Back into Penzance for an emergency brake repair at Mount Cycle Services. Brilliant 10 minute fix. Have you ever tried 10% plus hills fully loaded with one brake and your feet down to compensate for the missing one? If not, you should.

    Then 'over the top' to Perranporth via a few pushers, a couple of walkers and one or more wheals. Define a pusher I hear you say. Anything over half a mile long and 1 in 7ish. Walkers are similar but steeper. A wheal is something they have in Cornwall to do with mining - nothing to do with bikes at all.

    Cheesy chips on the beach at Perranporth....carb loading plus protein so no chatter about unhealthy options thanks, then bed time.

    Loads of butterflies, including a cloud of small whites, peacocks, gatekeepers, red admirals and blues.    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    What are gears for, children?

    July 20, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    One question we always ask our Bikeability riders is 'What are gears for?' And we're very content when they reply 'For going up hills. ' BUT they never ask what happens when you run out of gears. In Cornwall. On a long trip today that has 780m of ascent over 40 miles with gradients of 20%. Simple answer dear children. Get off and push. Which one of the team did repeatedly. Other team member joined the first to 'share the experience'.

    Stopped at Butcher's Bakers in St Column Major. Wow. Cinnamon buns and almond croissants were out of this world.

    Met Roy from New Zealand who was making one last goodbye trip to the UK. Was on Day 32 of his trip from Norfolk round the coast to Wales.

    More butterflies, more blue hydrangeas, more hills tomorrow and chocolate.

    More narrow roads with bottlenecks for buses and cars to jam in. Took a cyclist to advise on how to resolve the situation!

    One Preachers Pit for open air services and a hot tub at day's end    Read more

  • LEJOGO
    111

    Onwards and upwards

    July 21, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    More hills. More slogging upwards. More delicious cake and arrival at Okehampton for a stay in the old train shed.

    Saw highwaymen on the way.

    Heavy rain forecast all day tomorrow. Ah well!

  • LEJOGO

    Rocket Ron

    July 22, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    It was WET. But only for 35 of the 37 miles. 'Could have been worse' as they say in the Outer Hebrides.

    We experienced the last of the ferocious hills....in fact, probably the worst of the ride. The photo of my Garmin screen shows my dot just about to fall off the cliff face.

    But in Tiverton we stopped at Ron's Cycles. What a lovely, kind and gentle man. What a story teller as well. He used to race BMX's all over the world and has a shop full of trophies and memories. Rocket Ron was his racing name. He started the BMX club in Tiverton in the 80s and it's still going today. Journeys are made infinitely more pleasurable by the strangers we meet along the way.    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    Serendipity

    July 23, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    A serendipitous adventure is what I enjoy. Today we found a vegan food fair in the centre of Taunton for lunch and free plums for supper. Delish.

    Then sparrows lining up for food at the cafe on the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.

    Started in rain again and coats were on and off all day.

    That bridge on National Cycle Route 3 has no warning and headroom of about 1.6m....just right to catch the unwary!

    About 20 pill boxes along the canal and a nice bed to end the day.    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    M5 crossings

    July 24, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    We crossed the M5 at least 10 times. Each time I told Amanda to hurry up but she insisted we were on holiday. Anyway, I can only apologise to any of you who were caught in the tailbacks as she made her leisurely way across! But really it was a journey across the Somerset Levels this morning then through Thatcher's orchards on the Strawberry Line and then following the M5 to Avonmouth.

    Over the Avonmouth Bridge alongside the motorway was an experience..it left us both with lots of grit in our eyes and longing for peace and quiet again.

    Meeting two students from Manchester was a highlight. They were heading to Cornwall.

    Chickens clucked us off after breakfast and huge blackberries round Avonmouth were juicy.

    Strangest part of the day was stopping at the Frankie Howerd Community Cafe Hub at Loxton. Apparently he lived nearby    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    Climbing the wall on Route 41

    July 25, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Ever taken Route 41 out of Bristol? Part of the National Cycle Network in Britain's 'cycling city'! At least it was. We were a little surprised to find a gate blocking it but squeezed past in a slightly huffy but determined way. Half a mile later we got to the bridge over the M5 to find a collection of large concrete Lego blocks. Even more determined, we surveyed the obstruction and got out our block and tackle (always have one just in case - it must be a hang-over from my Royal Navy days) to lift the bikes over. Actually managed to squeeze all but the handlebars through the gap but still had to lift them up and over. No diversion signed, no notice of closure. Nothing, until we reached the far end by the police compound where a 'No children, wear hard hats' sig was on the fence. Still mystified but it did save about 10 miles.

    Saw Britain's largest community-owned wind turbine in Lawrence Weston and then found the River Severn which we followed most of the rest of the day. Chatted to Karla from Hungary who is a van dweller living on Exmoor. Lovely chat about the joy of meeting strangers.

    Found more free plums! Much needed rest day by the Sharpness Canal tomorrow after 300 miles this week.    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    All quiet on the LEJOGO front

    July 26, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    A rest day and a chance to do some washing - there's only so many days you can wear the same undergarments and socks without people noticing you BEFORE you enter a room.

    A friendly lunch with family who came to meet us and cheer us on our way, a bit of bike maintenance and some reading.

    Absolutely nothing happened today, apart from heavy rain which we gazed out at contemptuously.    Read more

  • LEJOGO
    2
    1

    Annnnnd stretch

    July 27, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    A cultural day was very edifying after all those chips and ice creams. Our Hungarian cyclist recommended Nature in Art at Twigworth so we diverted to it. Beautiful creations in mixed media, painting and photography, all around nature. Well worth the 2 hours.

    On to Tewkesbury Abbey for more culture. What a glorious set of stained glass windows including a modern one where the more you looked the more figures appeared.

    Route 41 beame more interesting as it passed along bridle paths with owls and sparrowhawk.

    Arrive and stretch.

    Nothing funny happened today. It was much too cultured for that    Read more

  • LEJOGO
    12

    The play what Bill wrote

    July 28, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Now, Ernie Wise always included the line 'The play what I wrote' in his sketches. But did you know this interesting fact? He stole that line from a certain Bill Shaggyspear who apparently wrote a few lines in the late 16th century. He's the bloke that William Shakespeare modelled himself on. It's all in Wikipedia.

    Anyway, having left Worcs behind we moved into Warwickshire, Shakespeare country and immediately encountered The Tempest restaurant. Would you believe, the manager was called Storm! You couldn't make it up.

    We found a mobile Post Office. Brilliant. And fields of purple flowers. Brilliant. And passed through the historic heart of England. Busy day!

    Several farm shops and National Trust properties later we arrive at The Old Rectory c.1394 owned by Dot, 91, who drives a Porsche. The 50 mile ride was well worth it.    Read more

  • LEJOGO
    1

    Didn't see the Sheriff!

    July 29, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We came all this way into Robin Hood country and couldn't find the Sheriff of Nottingham when we needed him. Sharif from Airbnb had to do when we landed up at our DISGUSTING accommodation. I am sure there will be more to tell later!

    Dorothy, our 91yr old Porsche driving host, gave us sandwiches for lunch. Bargain. The weather was decent. Great. We rode through Sheepy Magna and happened on signs to a tea shop. A mile up a muddy lane we found the Battlefield Line at Shacklestone. What a museum of railway memorabilia, including a collection of Acme Thunderers (picture included).

    Batman got in on the act, though he was a bit stony faced; we passed a gibbet-post (last used in 1807); Heather welcomed us if we cycled carefully; snoozy cygnets blocked our towpath and we passed a dead coal-fired power station.

    Travelodge are happy for you to keep your bikes in your room. Well done them!    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    We nearly won

    July 30, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    On leaving Nottingham we happened on the Outlaw triathlon at Holmes Pierrepont and decided to enter. Passing one of the feeding stations we were cheered to the rafters. Assuming we were in the lead we acknowledged the applause and sprinted on, only to be stopped by a split inner tube. We so nearly won!

    British Sugar (home grown) was a surprise but not as much of a surprise as our increasing speed. Bearing in mind that we are averaging about 9 miles per hour we passed a sign to Retford 5 1/2 miles. 30 seconds later we passed another Retford 4 miles. Roughly calculated that is 1 1/2 miles, so 3 miles per minute. 180 mph by my reckoning. Faster than an Intercity train in fact. Not bad for two oldies.

    We also noticed the Germans are getting in on the act, Sabrina. There was a tractor that told us 'Germans farm' but did not expand on what and then a Fisher German for sale sign. I hope that German Fisher has passed his fishing exam.    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    Its a long, long way to Tipperary

    July 31, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    And to John O'Groats!

    First rain since Devon a week ago.

    This trip is so much more enjoyable than last year's one. The route is more pleasant and riding in company with Amanda is infinitely better than riding solo. Very different style of riding and more time to enjoy the ride.

    We had one ruler straight road across the equivalent of the Somerset Levels for 6 miles today. It just disappeared into the distance.

    Everything is closed on a Monday. The trolleybus museum I would have loved. The Wesley museum that would have been interesting and the cafe in Snaith. Disappointing!

    But Drax power station was operating at full tilt generating 6% of the UKs power from imported biomass, requiring the timber from a 4500 square mile area of American/Canadian forest to keep it going. That's a lot of tree.

    Amanda has reached 84% of her fundraising target which is great news    Read more

  • LEJOGO
    111

    Losing track of time

    August 1, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    I couldn't even remember what day it was today. It's just a routine of breakfast, cycle, arrive, shower, eat, sleep and do it again.

    Free cherries today Mandy!

    We made Dutch friends with Ria and Johannes on their way to walk the Offa s Dyke. Johannes on a Moulton made in Bradford on Avon.

    Highlight of the day was tea at Betty's in York. So worth the 30 minute queue.

    Cows munching in the river and walking to be milked, Terry's chocolate factory in York, rain obscuring the hills which missed us and The Solar System Way between Selby and York. Interesting day finished off by 2 miles on an overgrown bridleway to avoid a busy road.    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    Yesterday

    August 3, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Yesterday was rest-a-day. So we spent the day feeling smug whilst watching the rain cascading down through the window.

    Our friends Nick and Gemma travelled all the way to North Yorkshire to have lunch with us.....that's real commitment folks!

    And watched endless episodes of MASH on TV!    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    The North wind doth blow

    August 3, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    But still no snow. It was pretty chilly in North Yorks this morning though.

    Another day of a cold North wind, seeing showers all around but staying dry. No rain on us since Tiverton nearly two weeks ago!

    We didn't realise it was Yorkshire Day when we were in York but have seen a few flags since.

    Breakfast out in the sun...fried egg roll...huge horse mushrooms....moody skies.....curd tart with pork and apple pie for lunch.

    Thirsk, of racecourse fame, had lots of knitted decorations in the market square which was fun.

    Manda was in her element with bus shelter book swaps neatly organised in alphabetical order by author.

    Only one funny story. I was walking back down a hill to ride Manda's bike up at the point from where she was pushing and a bloke in full lycra overtook us. He was puffing a bit so I hopped on her fully laden bike and set off after him. When I caught up I started a conversation which was a bit one-sided. I spoke in full sentences but received only grunts in return. I burst out laughing, felt a little embarrassed and let him get away without overtaking him. One up for the tourer!    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    At rest in Cholera City

    August 4, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    One of the lesser known facts about Sunderland is that it is the port where cholera first entered Britain. We are wsshing our hands very frequently! And only drinking gin.

    First greeting was from a friendly seagull.

    Stopping outside our hotel a man walked past. 'I wouldn't leave those there' he said, looking at our bikes. Imaginations ran riot. Calmed by the delicious Italian food we were served.

    We have reached the East coast and are now going to work our way up to Edinburgh.

    On the way we met Deryl from West Viginia on his recumbent doing LEJOG then the Velodysee to Santander. And saw more mushrooms than you could shake a frying pan at.

    So 30 odd miles of trail riding is complete. Harder work than anticipated!    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    A challenging day

    August 5, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Oop Nawth it was raining and cold with a fresh northerly wind. No pics from Sunderland 'cos it was too wet to bother. I'm sure it's a fascinating place but we were glad to leave.

    First stop was the South Shields ferry to North Shields across the Weare.The ferry is part of The National Cycle Network and has it's own NCN 1 sign!

    Think heavy marine industry for miles and then BREAKFAST. No veggies here. Chips with bolognese and mozzarella or Italian BLT with lashings of tea and hot choc and a chance to dry a little and thaw.

    Transferred to Holland where we spotted a windmill, cycled alongside a hideous road for miles and then back to the coast for castles, long sandy beaches and the most beautiful selections of wild flowers.

    It's difficult to think of this area as coal mining but the last pits closed less than 20 yrs ago. There's very little sign apart from mine water treatment works and a few decorative coal putts. Once upon a time those beaches would have been black with mine waste. Now pristine.

    670 miles done. Only 450 to go!    Read more

  • LEJOGO
    22

    The whistling gatepost

    August 6, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Whistling gate posts are a thing in these parts apparently. Stopped for a wild wee (comfort break / call of nature if you prefer) and heard someone playing the flute. On investigation it was the gate post with the howling North wind (yes it's still blowing) blowing through the holes. Very musical.

    First castle of the day was at Warkworth. Local folklore says that it was pretty much undamaged until the late 18th century when a local farmer joined the cricket club. He hit so many sixes against it that eventually the walls started crumbling. It's never been habitable since. But that's just oral tradition. Who knows. It looks pretty rough now.

    Bamburgh Castle is as spectacular as the last time we cycled past. A good lunch spot though you have to make sure you put your lunch on the bench to stop anyone nicking the seat before you can sit down.

    We passed the birthplace of Earl Grey tea and had our photo taken by some passing Americans.

    Stunning views across to Lindisfarne that my phone camera can't do justice to. Such a beautiful coastline even if the strong headwind is getting on my nerves.

    My nose got sunburnt today!    Read more

  • LEJOGO
    1

    Evading the border patrols

    August 7, 2023 in Scotland ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    We made it. A dash across the Union Bridge and we were in Scotland. A quick flash of the passports to immigration (see photo's of the officials looking a bit brassed off) and we were welcomed in.

    In case you didn't know the Union Bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in the world. We've crossed it both ways now and it's still there.

    Scotland disnae feel any different really. Still a headwind so strong that at times it was hard making any progress. BBC forecast a light breeze but at times it was 25mph plus in our faces and getting stronger as the day went on. Exhausting to mind, body and spirit.

    Had morning cafe break surrounded by butterflies that landed around and on us in the glorious sunshine.

    Two fords. One so deep we had to swim (or use the footbridge if you're a southern softie) and one that was walkable/rideable. No accidents and no dislocated fingers this year!

    Stunning views over the far mountains and the sea and the first genuine piece of Scottish litter. Irnbru has so much to answer for. Now for a deep fried Mars Bar and bed.    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    Rev. Diana

    August 8, 2023 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    How often does one meet a tattooed Reverend called Diana?

    We set off from our glorious hostel at Dunbar with its retro 1960s style including a record player and LPs in the bedrooms. Dunbar, incidentally, is the birthplace of John Muir who is worth a google search if you don't know him.

    Whilst I turned back to return the key I found in my pocket Amanda found an interesting person to talk to. A Franciscan priest with a dog collar. 'What do we call you?' asked Amanda. 'Just call me Diana' was the reply. I dared to ask the significance of the tattoos. The one arm has a copy of a picture from Bede's work of St Cuthbert (local chappy) and the other of St Francis (current climate significance). She didn't charge for the photo's either.

    Approaching Edinburgh, 1st-aider Amanda very competently took charge at the scene of an accident and whilst having lunch we saw the ambulance on it's way to hospital with the casualty.

    Didn't realise coal mining reached so close to Edinburgh as we passed a mining museum just outside Musselburgh.

    Incidentally the other photo is of a typical Dunbar resident. He wasn't very chatty.    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    Delicious canoli

    August 9, 2023 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    A rest day. Bit of repair at the local bike shop, lots of reading, planning our cafe stops for the next few days and lovely food.

    The canolo latte was divine; the garlicky yogurt with poached eggs was really scrummy and the orange hot chocolate was as good as the Mexican chilli hot chocolate. Lemon cheesecake was equally brilliant.

    And all just up the road from the Eric Liddell Community Centre.

    Tomorrow we move into the mountains    Read more

  • LEJOGO

    For all those on a family journey

    August 10, 2023 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    The Scottish Highways Agency has got a very clear message for children on long car journeys. We saw it today. BELT UP IN THE BACK. Got it. Loud and clear.

    Apart from the normal.Edinburgh potholes (never less than 3 inches deep) it was a joy navigating along cycle routes out of the city heading for South Queensferry. Then an even more joyous ride over the Forth Road Bridge which is now closed to cars. Beautifully peaceful with the sound of the birds and just an occasional bus passing by. And stunning views to the iconic railway bridge. We lingered in the ethereal atmosphere.

    Majestic Tea Room in Inverkeithing is a must on any itinerary. Everything baked in house and very tasty.

    A struggle for some on the hot hills with sunshine and no breeze but more beautiful views over Loch Leven and the Tay.

    47 more miles, 860m of ascent. Not long now to midge country. You know that wind I whinged about for days and days? I want it back to keep the Smidgies at bay! We have our midgenets at the ready.

    In case you are wondering the last photo is me cycling up.that hill a second time having just ridden Manda's bike up and then going back for mine. That's the way to do it Mr Punch.    Read more

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