Bum on a Bike

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

An Incredible Journey. Biking for Bradley 29th March -1April 2024 Derby to Dundalk

Starting at Derby Hospital UK and finishing at Dundalk Ireland. This cycle fundraising event was organised by my daughter, Lynn and her husband, Tom after their son our grandson was diagnosed with type 1 daibetes just over a year ago.

The Route was mostly off road and some of the tracks were very muddy and waterlogged in several places. Day 1:Thursday 28th March 2024 Derby Hospital to Haskar Farm 30km Day 2:Friday 29th March 2024 Hasker Farm, High Peak Trail, Buxton, Bramhall,Warrington 100Km Day 3:Saturday 30th March 2024 Rhyll, Conwy YHA 110km Day 4:Sunday 31st March 2024 Conwy to Holyhead and ferry to Dublin 70km Day 5:Monday1st April 2024 Dublin to Dundalk 80km Unfortunately I was unable to complete the last leg due to a bad chest infection. THe weather was a factor throughout wit Heavy Rain on Day1, with Hail and Rain on Day2. Days 3 and 4 were pleasant sunshine. Because of clocks changing to summer time we had a 6am start from Conwy in order to catch the 14.45 ferry from Holyhead. Day 1.

Day 2:

Hasker to Warrington via High Peak Trail, Buxton, Bramhall and Warrington (Cat nd Lion) 65miles Another beeak day with lots of showers including hail and wind. Lunch break at Bramhall. Last 20 miles to Warrington were brutal along muddy tracks and a quagmire along the cnal bank. Puncture 2miles from destination. Arriving in darkness at 9pm.

Long climp out of Buxton

Mucky evening near Warrington with 2 punctures thrown for good measure

Day 3: Warrington to Conwy. Day dawned bright and no rain forecast. another 65+ miles today mostly again off road. over the beautiful Menai Bridge. Another long day arriving in Conwy just after dark

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Bicycle touring Spain/Portugal 20Feb- 14 March 2024

The long wait is over. Cannot believe its 5 years since I toured in Spain. Had trip planned in 2020 when I dislocated my shoulder 1 week before travelling. Then the Covid lockdown came for almost 2 years and ended my plans. After that Knee problems and Cataract surgery further delayed by trip. Anyway things being good booked flight to Faro, Portugal on 20th February 2024 and returning from Alicante, Spain on 14th March 2024. My Journey would take me from Faro to Seville via Vila Real and Ayomonte and then on to Algodonales, Ronda, Marbella, Malaga, Almeria, Aquillas, Mazarron, Cartagena , Santa Pola and finally Alicante airport. This time I combined Camping with Hostals and rest days (so as not to cause injury to my knees). What a joy the journey was with glorious weather with only a few hours of rain overnight in Seville and Mazarron. I was amazed at the courtesy of Spanish drivers with regard to passing cyclists. How I love Spain. This was a hilly route particularly from Seville to Ronda and towards Marbella and also from Almeria to Cartagena but I love the hills . My legs are not as strong nowadays but at 76years I coped well. Overall the journey was 1089kms. Arriving into Faro, Portugal