The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 14 – Strathpeffer to Inchnadamph

At 65 miles, this was the shortest day of the entire trip. With almost 4,000 feet of climbing, and a lot by way of headwinds, it was still a challenge, but having a day of this length now was helpful. The child we were riding in honour of today was Leah Brockbank and Penelope was …

The VC’s Life Cycle 2 Blog: Day 14 – Eastbourne to Dover

It’s interesting how distance becomes relative. At breakfast today when our maps were handed out, there was real delight that we ‘only’ had about 65 miles to do. Four months ago we were not even doing that in training runs. And, apart from two big climbs, one out of Hastings and one into Dover, it …

The VC’s blog: JoGLE Day 14: Bodmin to Land’s End

1625, September 8th 2011, mission accomplished. It was an early start for me. We arrived at Bodmin late yesterday, ate late and had energy for little else but bed. So I set the alarm for 0500, to get the Day 13 blog written and posted before our departure. Conditions were miserable as we prepared to …

The VC’s blog: JoGLE Day 12: Shepton Mallett to Exeter

I have posted an additional photo today. Some younger readers are probably wondering whether a penny farthing is a new super fast road bike, made of ultra light composites. No, it is not. In fact it is an ancestor of today’s road bikes. A photo of the very one which zipped past Chris J shows …

JoGLE Day 11: Bourton-on-the-Water to Shepton Mallett

Chris R, Alan and David W were off first. The other eight of us planned to leave together. It did not quite work out that way. We got lost in Bourton-on-the Water. If you know Bourton, you will know that takes some doing. The map enthusiasts wanted to go one way, the Garmin enthusiasts another. …

The VC’s blog: JoGLE Day 10: Sutton Bonington to Bourton-on-the-Water

The second dire day for Scottish football on this trip; a late penalty for the Czech Republic means Scotland miss out yet again on a major tournament. Last night we ate at The Plough in Normanton and were joined by several spouses (Susan, Duncan and Nick). Although Chris J’s choice of dessert was puzzling (everyone …

The VC’s blog: JoGLE Day 9: Retford to Sutton Bonington

What a special day. We knew in advance large numbers has signed up for the Retford leg and Community Ride from University Park and many more for the BBQ. But we were not prepared for the welcome we received at Sutton Bonington. To see so many family members, friends, colleagues and University supporters cheering us …

The VC’s blog: JoGLE Day 8: Thirsk to Retford

It is just amazing to think we are now into the second week of this adventure. Only last Friday we were setting off from John O’Groats. Everyone obviously has niggles and strains of one form or another, but all remain cheerful and motivated. We started with a photo shoot for the local paper at the …

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 …

The VC’s blog: JoGLE Day 5: Dunfermline to Berwick-on-Tweed

David Ross and his partner Emma Pilkington flew in from London to join us for this and tomorrow’s leg. David is a distinguished alumnus from our School of Law, who has just joined the University Council and will Co-Chair (with Jeff Randall) the Strategy Board for our upcoming Development Campaign. The first part of today’s …