 Gareth, Ben and Rolfe - BenGarethRolfe | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 14th June 2008 Daniel Haley | Wahey! - From: Day 15 - Tongue - John O'Groats Well done, a truly impressive achievement. Next time you'll have to do an Ian Botham and do it without the bikes... |
| 12th June 2008 BenGarethRolfe | Bettyhill - From: Day 14 - Bonar Bridge - Tongue It was indeed en route. We wished we stayed there, as we had to climb three hills from Tongue to get there, whereas some other end-to-enders took a different route the day before and merely walked out of their B&B on their last day. Something to remember for 'next time'...hmmm. |
| 12th June 2008 Sanj | Gareth's bike fall - From: Day 13 - Invermoriston - Bonar Bridge I am amazed that Gareth only had one fall. I recall him breaking collar bones with regular occurence at school through various mishaps - one involved a hedge, a tree, a gravelled surface, a broken cycle helmet and Gareth's face. |
| 11th June 2008 Louise & Andy | All named after Ben... - From: Day 14 - Bonar Bridge - Tongue Ben - must feel great knowing all the mountains are named after you? You thought it was the silliest place name - did your route not take in Bettyhill? (Andy assures me this is a real place on the north coast of Scotland...) |
| 11th June 2008 Paul Haley | Fantastic - From: Day 15 - Tongue - John O'Groats I've just had chance to read about the second half of your adventure as we were away last week. I have to say that I am in absolute awe of your achievement, what a fantastic adventure and one that I am sure you will relive for many years to come. Well done, the three of you. |
| 11th June 2008 fran | Well done lads! - From: Day 15 - Tongue - John O'Groats Amazing trip, thanks for keeping us entertained with the blog and congratulations on your two-wheeled achievement (or should that be six-wheeled?). Hope you enjoyed it! |
| 11th June 2008 Paul Simmonds | Well Done Chaps!! - From: Day 15 - Tongue - John O'Groats Congratulations fellas - what an achievement! Will you be cycling home now? |
| 11th June 2008 Emilie Smith | Well done and Congratulations! - From: Day 15 - Tongue - John O'Groats Well done buckaroos... great effort... So Gareth... was this harder than delivering a project at a certain company you used to work at???? ;) |
| 11th June 2008 Nicola Bowler | By jove they've done it! - From: Day 15 - Tongue - John O'Groats Well done guys. Sometimes I have felt pleased to be inside whilst you were battling the elements and other times jealous. A great achievement. |
| 11th June 2008 Fraggle | Bonar! - From: Day 13 - Invermoriston - Bonar Bridge Fnurr fnurr |
| 10th June 2008 Mon & Paul Haley | Highlands - From: Day 12 - Glencoe - Invermoriston (Loch Ness) So glad you're having better luck in the Highlands, and that you're on a high. Driving round the hills in Crete (in a car) was challenging, but doesn't really compare! Well done to you all on a brilliant achievement! The mind boggles. Lotsa Love Ben's Mum & Dad x |
| 7th June 2008 Roland | Pain - From: Day 12 - Glencoe - Invermoriston (Loch Ness) Gareth...I hope your knee's performance was better then Wales' against the Boks today...:-) |
| 6th June 2008 tom hall | go you gays - From: Day 12 - Glencoe - Invermoriston (Loch Ness) nearly there! hope you enjoy the north coast. awooga! |
| 5th June 2008 Daniel Haley | Bonnie Scotland - From: Day 12 - Glencoe - Invermoriston (Loch Ness) Alright gents, congratulations on cranking up your average speed, I know how much it means to you. Can't believe you're getting better weather in Scotchland than you did daan saaaf. Unbelievable. Keep up the good work, not long to go now... |
| 5th June 2008 anonymous | Few more miles to destination, few more pounds to fundraising target - From: Day 12 - Glencoe - Invermoriston (Loch Ness) Everyone who knows you, should be very proud of your achievement. Anyone who hasn't sponsored you just yet, should be a little bit ashamed... but there is still time... too close! well done guys! |
| 5th June 2008 Marie-Anne | - From: Day 12 - Glencoe - Invermoriston (Loch Ness) I am very envious of your journey (now that it's stopped raining). Certainly sounds like more of a fun challenge than revising for exams. I know I haven't made any comments thus far, but Gav and I have been thinking about you (especially when looking at the weather forecast) and your travelling tales have kept me amused, impressed and sane in the last few weeks! Well done, keep on going! Lots of love, Maf (and Gav!) |
| 5th June 2008 Matthew | Not far to go now! - From: Day 12 - Glencoe - Invermoriston (Loch Ness) Ben - the house is still standing and I’ve even had a crack at mowing the lawn. I’ve ruined the coffee table but you won’t be able to tell because a man from the Yellow Pages will have sorted by the time you get back. Where have the photos gone? Good luck to the three of you for the rest of the way. |
| 5th June 2008 gareth's mum and dad | Almost there! - From: Day 12 - Glencoe - Invermoriston (Loch Ness) You seem to be more cheerful! Is this because the end is nigh? Glad the midges lived up to their usual and nibbled at Gareth! Can't wait to see the photos. Still clucking! Best of BBBL for the final push. M&Dxx |
| 5th June 2008 Pete F | Are you nearly there yet? - From: Day 11 - Arden - Glencoe (counties?) Well done guys. So what's the verdict? Glad you did South to North? Weather-wise I think you would have been better off coming the other way but Scenery-wise you've probably got it right. You can finish it all off with impressive Scottish views and probably much fresher air which will help you up the hills and be better for your aches & pains. Enjoy the last few days (even if the sky is falling on you heads).. |
| 2nd June 2008 Louise and Andy | Welcome to Scotland! - From: Day 9 - Longtown - New Lanark (Cumbria - Dumfries & Galloway - Lanarkshire) Welcome to Scotland boys! Is it whisky rather than ale for lunch now? Hope things are kinder to you now you are north of the border... recommend the local 'tablet' for maintaining sugar levels (like Kendal mint cake, but without the mint). Glad you appreciated Robert Owen's handiwork in New Lanark...keep going! L.x. and Andy.x. |
| 2nd June 2008 Jason | Tut - From: Day 7 - Chadderton - Hawes (Gtr Manchester - Lancashire - N Yorkshire) It still took over an hour to drive!!! Hope all is going well. Great to see you on Friday. J |
| 2nd June 2008 Peter | Gareth's hanging basket order - From: Day 8 - Hawes - Longtown (N Yorkshire - Cumbria) Sorry to hear about your knee. I have your hanging basket to deliver. Do you want me to get it couriered to Scottish borders so you can mount it on your handlebars to enjoy it's magnificient blooms (might take your mind off the pain). Alternatively Emma P will be looking after it until you return. Keep it going lads. All the best. Luckett. |
| 2nd June 2008 Matt Lakin | Past halfway - all down hill from there - From: Day 8 - Hawes - Longtown (N Yorkshire - Cumbria) Well done gents - keep up the good work. Claire's Dad sends his best wishes and encouragement and the good news that you're well past half way and - believe it or not - it gets a LOT easier going through Scotland. (around mountains not over hills!) He said he would DEFINITELY recommend going on the National Cycle Network route 7 and 77 between Tweed and Inverness - nice gradients and amazing scenery. He also said keep drinking that water!!! Like your chip fethish by the way. All the best, Matt |
| 30th May 2008 Em | Day 1 - From: Day 1 - Penzance - Land's End - Downderry (Cornwall). I have just hired a roller for you to take out the humps and dips in Cornwall but it is too late! I believe Cheshire plane is a lot flatter. keep going Lads John O'Groats beckons next Saturday. |
| 30th May 2008 Charlotte | I've watered the plants... - From: Day 5 - Leominster - Horseman's Green (Shropshire) Ben - fear not, the plants at work are being looked after. Sarah is in her new house things are all good here. Seems like you're having fun in the rain... Keep up the good work. Cx |
| 30th May 2008 Gareth's Mum | Good to see you - From: Day 5 - Leominster - Horseman's Green (Shropshire) Enjoyed seeing you all yesterday. Despite everything you are going strong -sort of!!! Very proud of your endurance and perseverance. Keep it up and take care. Love Mum x Still clucking!! Watch that knee BIG G!!! |
| 30th May 2008 Rakesh Murria | Keep up the good work! - From: Day 5 - Leominster - Horseman's Green (Shropshire) Seriously impressed as to your progress guys. I'll be thinking of you as I sit in my comfortable chair, beer in hand, watching the rain lash against the ground. Is there going to be a big homecoming parade? |
| 29th May 2008 Gail Alexander-Cahill | Are the lunches getting longer? - From: Day 5 - Leominster - Horseman's Green (Shropshire) Hi Ben, Gareth and Rolfe. The blog is brilliant and a very entertaining escape from work! It sounds like you're meeting some interesting characters along the way which makes the journey even more unpredictable and fun! Keep cycling and blogging as we're with you in spirit! Gail.x |
| 29th May 2008 Brenhden | Well done chaps - From: Day 5 - Leominster - Horseman's Green (Shropshire) Hey guys, the posts are great. All us fat lazy types in Bristol are right behind you using Jedi Mind tricks to push you up the hills and clear the rain clouds away, let us know if its working. |
| 29th May 2008 Fraggle | - From: Day 4 - Bristol - Leominster (Bristol - Monmouthshire - Herefordshire) Careful you don't wet yourself with laughter when it gets to 80085 |
| 29th May 2008 Mon & Paul Haley | heading for sunny Lancashire - From: Whether or not Thursday ~ It can definitely only get better from now on! You must be through the pain barrier now. Keep pedalling boys! Lotsa Love Ben's Mum xx |
| 28th May 2008 Daniel Haley | Northward bound - From: Day 3 - Exeter - Bristol (Devon - Somerset - Bristol) Keep up the good work gents, don't let a little adversity get you down, there'll be three pints waiting for you in Manchester. Either that or I could get you some prescription only heavy-duty painkillers... |
| 28th May 2008 Ben's Auntie Kathy | - From: Whether or not Weep if you must, the weather is hell, but you can do it, so sing as well |
| 28th May 2008 Pete F | Ooh La La - From: Day 3 - Exeter - Bristol (Devon - Somerset - Bristol) Well I thought of you while I cycled to work in the rain this morning. I'm sure by now the rain must be somewhat diluted with your tears by now. Anyway - Every cloud has a silver lining and all that. The fact that the lining has turned to a sopping rag is neither here nor there. Keep up the good work. I'm seriously impressed by your progress so far though. Exeter to Bristol in 1 day in that weather - I think I'd have gone loopy. Well done. |
| 27th May 2008 Roddy--Paul | lightweights - From: Day 3 - Exeter - Bristol (Devon - Somerset - Bristol) Call yourselves adventurers? New York to Orlando saw much worse than this!!! We had to duck Red neck bullets! Hills in Viginia were a poper size! Everything is bigger in the USA...including the women..believe me! Well done chaps...are we nearly there yet? |
| 27th May 2008 Louise | Well done for not just staying at home! - From: Day 3 - Exeter - Bristol (Devon - Somerset - Bristol) Gareth - it must have felt like you had arrived back home and deserved a nice long rest. Well done for getting your kit on and getting back out there! - Louise |
| 27th May 2008 Sarah Atherton | Keep going boys!! - From: Day 3 - Exeter - Bristol (Devon - Somerset - Bristol) Ben - Charlotte and I are following your entries, must admit we thought of you on Sunday / Monday when the raining started falling horizontally!!! Loving all the photos...keep up the incredible hard work. Praying for some nice weather for you guys! Love S & C xxxx |
| 27th May 2008 Gareth's Dad | Turning the corner - From: Day 2 - Downderry - Exeter (Cornwall - Devon) Don't forget to turn left at Gloucester/Worcester or thereabouts! Good to know that you've all survived the perils of Dartmoor, the pain of Cornwall and the pleasure of Bristol !! What was that in the travelogue about "pub lunches" - I didn't think you were doing this for pleasure. Best of luck on the next few days. Flap-jacks ready ! Gareth's Dad X |
| 27th May 2008 Oli | Smile - From: Day 3 - Exeter - Bristol (Devon - Somerset - Bristol) Glad I managed to provide a useful cricket updating service during your day of hell. New Zealand's Flynn may have lost a couple of teeth up at Old Traff, but which of you sadists has got the sorest body-part so far? |
| 27th May 2008 Claire Lakin | Advise from Paul Greenway (my Dad) - From: Day 3 - Exeter - Bristol (Devon - Somerset - Bristol) Hi - you're doing really! Comments from my Dad ... The worst bits are up until Bristol so you should find it gets relatively easier now. He definately thinks south to north is better (although you might not agree right now!) as now he's in Scotland there's less traffic, people are bit nicer etc. He also veered off the A roads in Scotland as he felt they were too dangerous (perhaps when cycling alone in particular) and went on Route 73 or something for about 50 miles north of Perth. They are the Sus-Trans Routes I think on the National Cycle Network sites? Anyway, enough gabble, sure you'll figure it out for yourselves ... Claire x |
| 27th May 2008 Mon & Paul Haley | Keep right on till the end of the road......... - From: Day 1 - Penzance - Land's End - Downderry (Cornwall). What incredible bad luck you're having, no wonder words fail you!! (That doesn't happen often!) Well, I just hope the saying 'It can only get better' is true for the three of you! Dad says 'Think how you'll enjoy that sunshine when it comes.' (I'd say 'IF it comes!' but don't want to add a pessimistic comment like that, so ignore it.) Hope you're all through the pain barrier now. Anyway, we're well impressed, and you've only got to Bristol, think how impressed we'll be when you make it to the end!! Hang on in there boys. Lotsa Love, Ben's Mum & Dad xx |
| 27th May 2008 Sanjay | Downderry hill - From: Day 1 - Penzance - Land's End - Downderry (Cornwall). HAHAHA!! I wondering what Ben and Rolkes faces looked like after biking an extra 5 miles and then being faced with a very steep hill to the house - brilliant. |
| 27th May 2008 Rob Turner | Amphibious Landing Craft - From: Day 3 - Exeter - Bristol (Devon - Somerset - Bristol) I bet you thought Chafing was a small village in Sussex....... |
| 27th May 2008 Simon J | Tires - From: Day 2 - Downderry - Exeter (Cornwall - Devon) Rolfe, why are you bursting your back tire so often? How many pies did you pack in your panniers? Keep up the great work everyone. The blog is excellent. |
| 27th May 2008 Gareth's Mum | Things can only get better! - From: We're almost off... Good to hear you made it to Bristol, despite the trauma of spokes, hills and over 50's! Great photos! See you Thursday. Still clucking! Mum x |
| 26th May 2008 Ruth | Use the force! - From: Day 1 - Penzance - Land's End - Downderry (Cornwall). Hey fellas! Sounds like your having an eventful time already! Go fat (not really, I'm sure they're very toned - don't really want to know that's my brother - eww!!) bottomed boys!!! Good luck! Xx |
| 26th May 2008 Louise | Gosh - From: Whether or not Gosh, what a remarkable thing to be doing. There are cheap packages to Lanzarote boys, if you were unsure what to do with your holidays... Hope you've got some fine insect repellent for when you get north of the border, although no doubt that seems like a long way off just now. Hope the sore bits aren't too sore. L.x. |
| 25th May 2008 Sanjay | - From: Whether or not Hope the spokes got fixed, good luck for the journey over Dartmoor. |
| 24th May 2008 Gareth's Dad | All puff and wind ! - From: We're almost off... Nothing to it - went out on my bike this afternoon - for a whole 30 mins. - against the wind all the way. Feeling for you guys - hope you've managed to "tack" down the roads to use the wind - or maybe more beans may help !! I'm sure you're all in the groove by now - best of luck, we'll keep in touch. Lots of love Daddy Gwyn |
| 24th May 2008 Gareth's Mum | Good luck - From: We're almost off... Hope the first day was OK and that you didn't suffer too much from the wind! Clucking! Take care. Mum x |
| 24th May 2008 Matt Lakin | Don't put the wheels on backwards - From: We're almost off... Give it some welly boys.. and don't put your wheels on backwards! |
| 23rd May 2008 Dave H | Weather or not ! - From: Whether or not If you want to keep dry on Saturday, looks like you'll have to do 50mph for the first 6-7 hours !! |
| 23rd May 2008 Gail Alexander-Cahill | Before and after shots... - From: We're almost off... Good luck Ben, Gareth and Rolfe! I'd advise filling your water bottles with red wine... It's a strategy to manage pain which worked for my brother when he cycled from London to Paris. Hope you have a wonderful adventure which I look forward to following on your blog! Gail.xxx |
| 23rd May 2008 Brenhden | - From: Whether or not Jolly well done lads. I hope the wind fills your sails and all car drivers leave you well alone. |
| 23rd May 2008 BenGarethRolfe | 3 fit young men - From: We're almost off... Which ones are they? |
| 23rd May 2008 Paul Simmonds | - From: Whether or not Bonne chance chaps. You'll have buns o'steel and thighs like traction engines by the end of this. |
| 23rd May 2008 Pete F | Saddle Sore - From: We're almost off... Apparently shoving a banana down your pants is a great alternative to Vaseline for those who are averse to petroleum based products. I haven't tried this myself by the way, but before - with probably a big IF - you try, I'm presuming that a peeled banana works better. Ooh - suit you sir!!! PS. I'll be here along the way to help you with any cycling tips and advice should you need any. |
| 23rd May 2008 Steve W | - From: We're almost off... Good luck chaps! remember the spokeydokey's and bring us back a thistle. |
| 23rd May 2008 Rolfe | - From: Whether or not They'll be able to tell alright, the beatings I will give you will be fair indication |
| 23rd May 2008 Fraggle | Proof - From: We're almost off... How about some photos, for all we can tell you could be taking your bikes on the train. |
| 23rd May 2008 Claire Lakin | Bon voyage! - From: We're almost off... No pressure but just to let you know my 59 year old ex-smoking Dad is doing the same (solo) and nearing completion. He is apparently around Aviemore now. It has taken him just over 3 weeks but he sounds as though he's had an excellent time - met lots of friendly people - got some tales to tell etc. So, with that in mind I am sure you three fit young men will be fine and have a fantastic adventure. Best of luck and stay safe. Claire x |
| 23rd May 2008 Jesse Honey | - From: We're almost off... Good luck! If the weather gets really bad, you could always do it by car, like I did. And don't forget to pop into the Hour Glass in Exeter for a pint when you're there.... |
| 23rd May 2008 Tim | Good luck! - From: We're almost off... You're all mad, but good luck and have fun! |
| 23rd May 2008 Pete F | Good Luck - From: We're almost off... Wishing you all the best for your travels. Looking forward to seeing you progress on what will be journey of a lifetime - But hopefully it won't take that long. Have a fantastic time. Pete. |
| 23rd May 2008 Mike Lawrence | Good Luck Boys ..... - From: We're almost off... Good luck!! As Gareth would say its all very 'exciting'. Keep the carbs up and stock up on Vaseline ... oh er missus. |
| 23rd May 2008 Roland | Yehaaaaa! - From: We're almost off... All the best boys! May your blisters be far and few between and your energy bountiful. Look forward to the pics :-) |