
September 1, 2011, by Andrew Burden
The VC’s blog: JoGLE Day 6: Berwick-on-Tweed to Gateshead
Great cycling conditions, but not a great day for me.
We started with a photo call for the local paper, outside Berwick’s Sue Ryder shop, with the Mayor, George (who organised the Club Probus contribution) and Doreen, the shop manager. They have shown us splendid hospitality.
We then set off to pick up the Northumberland coastal route. Chris R and Alan cracked on. Remarkably, everyone else (the other nine JoGLE riders and David R and Emma, who were still with us) managed to stay more or less together for most of the day. Steve had to break free after 30 miles or so, because Jenny his partner was bringing his twin sons to see him in Gateshead.
25 miles out of Berwick I came off my bike (not shunted by Chris, who has had his third shunt free day). I was checking on those behind and drifted too close to Kate. In trying to avoid a collision, I fell off. It looked as though the only damage was a lacerated elbow and badly lacerated knee (which may put an end to any hopes of a modelling contract).
Karen was on hand to administer first aid and we were soon on our way again.
We caught up with Andy, Neville, David W, David R and Emma in Bamburgh and ate in a café overlooking one of England’s most iconic castles. Over sandwiches a visitor from Newcastle asked us what we were doing and promptly made a contribution. We have had several instances of such spontaneous generosity.
At Bamburgh, the support team dealt with Nick’s seventh puncture and a tyre change. Since he is on exactly the same bike as me and I have not had one, I think he must be going for some kind of JoGLE record which he has not told us about.
The ride down the coast to Alnmouth was delightful and in fine conditions. Alnmouth itself was as photogenic as ever. Having stopped and cooled off, my knee ballooned. It was difficult to put any weight on it and I almost called in the van, with a view to pressing on to Gateshead and getting treatment. I strapped it up, took some anti-inflammatories and we pressed on.
Since I was riding much more slowly, the group around me were terrifically patient and attentive, especially Andy, Karen and Chris J. We were later joined by Nick, who had been looking after Kate (achilles tendon problems) and David W and Neville. They managed us well, striking a balance between pulling us along and giving us time.
A great benefit of riding with experienced cyclists like Andy, Chris J and David W is the speed with which they deal with punctures and running repairs (a real bonus when riding with Nick). Their general oversight, map reading on the run and way marking is excellent. But, for all that, once we got in to greater Newcastle, we had problems picking our way through: partly because Sustrans Route 1 winds through endless housing estates, partly because the signage was poor.
The final 20 miles of what actually became a 90 mile day was horrible. I found it physically uncomfortable and temperatures dived as the wind chill became penetrating. We eventually got to our hotel at 7 o’clock.
I had excellent medical advice from David W, Karen and Simon and settled for an evening of ice-packs and anti-inflammatory gel. Although I have a lot of fluid on the knee, those that know better than me were confident there is no ligament damage. That was a big relief.
There is more evidence of aches, pains and strains across the team, but riders are coping well and remain cheerful and focused. Everyone is looking forward to being at Sutton Bonington on Saturday.
All in all, not the best of days. But these things happen on a ride like this. On the upside, we had the opportunity to admire the beauty of the Northumbrian Coast and its towns and villages at a pace which allowed us to enjoy them. And we have another big leg behind us. Today’s 90 miles take our total distance covered to 466 miles.
Tomorrow is a short day, just 65 miles to Thirsk and the weather forecast is good.
David Greenaway
August 31st 2011
Wow! What team spirit the group is showing, pulling together to keep each other going. You are doing amazingly well and I so wish I could be there at SB to cheer you on but I’m sure you will have fantastic support around University of Nottingham (UK) territory on Saturday. Good luck! Julie
Great to get that long strtech behind you and glad to hear there’s no lasting damage from that tumble. We’re all looking forward to seeing you on Saturday and for Sarah O’H and myself, well we know that stretch from UP to SB will be tough – all those hills you know 🙂 – but we’ll take our inspiration from you!
Enjoy a slightly easier day and here’s hoping you’ve got some of the sun we’re getting here.!
Chris
Really pleased to hear you’re making progress in spite of injuries, punctures and shunts (incidentally – when will you reveal the identity of the phantom shunter?) 🙂
We (Special Projects) have been following your blog and are rooting for you all.
Keep pedalling!
Hope the knee does not cause any more problems and glad to hear that the team spirit is thriving.
I think Wendy and I were in the exact same cafe last year, looking at the exact same castle, as we had a weekend away in Bamburgh.
Go David and team! We are very proud of your monumental efforts! See you at the barby, we will reserve some burgers!! xx
David-my god, that was a tough day but at least it is now behind you and I know your mental strength is more than a match for it. Sounds like a fantastic team; I think you are all terrific. Go, go, go – following your progress with such pride. Fx
We are sending you a cuddle because you have a poorly knee! We are enjoying your daily updates and hope you can keep smiling! T & C x
Hope today turns out better than yesterday – the fall sounds horribly painful. All the more impressive that you still found the energy and the will to keep the blog going! The blog has been great to read, and the whole venture is an awesome effort by all of you: good luck as you press on. Hope Neville doesn’t have any more run-ins with the law…
Hi David, the half way point beckons, most would not have made it this far, if you can play 80 minutes of a football match with a broken arm, an inflamed knee should be nae borra man. I have just spent the afternoon emailing clients & contacts about you, the team and the wonderful cause you are all championing. Hopefully the result will be a few more donations. Keep on keepin on.
See you on Saturday.
TTFN
great progress to date lifecycle team well done. I can confirm the weather at lands end is a warm 24 degrees with a fresh wind. I hope it holds for your arrival. Keep up the good work and sorry I can’t join you for any of it.
Interesting fact for the day it would cost £2182.28 in a cab to do jogle
Dan
Dear Davids and Co. As a GP at the Kegworth and Gotham practice which covers the SB campus we look forward to welcoming a large cycling entourage to our practice area on Saturday, and joining the cycling from Lakeside. Look after that knee David G and the sore areas David W. All best wishes.
Dear all, it sounds like you are making fantastic progress, VC do the others not know the rules they are supposed to look after and protect you not damge you. Keep smiling, keep going.
Well done David and crew, the team spirit that is developing is tremendous and will have a lasting legacy for you all. Have spoken already and know that today has been a really good day for you. I knew you would ride through it. Can’t wait to see you, the team as well as two new riders in Stuart and Al on Saturday. Good luck to you all for the longest day tomorrow. Take care. Love Susan. X