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 …

The Nottingham Life Cycle video

Brady Haran was with the riders at the start of the ride in John O’Groats. In this video he finds out why the riders are embarking on this challenge, and what they’re looking forward to.

The VC’s blog: JoGLE Day 4: Blair Atholl to Dunfermline

The weather changed and we left Blair Atholl in cool but bright conditions. Our route took us on Sustrans 7 and 77, through Pitlochry to Dunkeld, staying west of Perth, through Dunning and on to Dunfermline. In all we worked our way through four Scottish counties, including the smallest in Britain, Clackmannanshire. Chris R, Alan …

The VC’s blog: JoGLE Day 3: Inverness to Blair Atholl

What a contrast with Day 2. Persistent and heavy rain throughout the day combined with high and gusting winds and an A9 transformed. Beyond Inverness it is fast and even on a Sunday, busy and pretty risky in wet conditions with frequent cross-winds. We set off from Inverness around 0815. Quite quickly the squad broke …