What next for the Carbonauts

Well we are some weeks now since we finished and we are just in the throws of finalising all the donations so we can hand over the hard earned cash to the hospice. So where are they now I hear you ask and how has this event changed the Carbonauts.

 

Here is an update:

 

Hindo has become a serial blogger, after finishing the cycle and having Bianca surgically removed he has not been able to put her down and pines for Bianca as a homesick Norwegian pinning for the fjords. Take a hint Hindo and stop blogging....you can do it...or contact bloggers annonymous!!

 

The Doc took a while to re-adjust..and walk upright again. Became a semi recluse on his small holding and took comfort in his sheep once again but still takes Marjorie out once in a while! Stop blogging Hindo

 

IT Johnny has found fame and is planning a tour of the country with David, a book deal is in the offing and several dates have been planned for the public to meet them. He has been approached by Simon Cowell with regard to a new programme, "The Arse Factor" which he is very excited about. Don't do it Hindo!

 

Ian has taken the end of this journey the hardest and is currently undergoing therapy to come to terms with not being able to abuse Tesco and Morrisons staff and and down the country. He has found it difficult to let go and spends many nights sleeping in the van and can even be found in layby's offering strange drinks to passing cyclists. Hindo..stop it!

 

Me, well I have taken it in my stride..a very small stride I might add. It has taken some time for my legs to regain momentum and be able to put on foot in front of the other but life goes on. Menstrual is tucked away and having a nice break, a well deserved break after all her efforts. Has it changed me in anyway...yep

 

We will blog (not you Hindo) the finale when we have a figure and meet with the hospice, so until then.....keep watching

 

 

Bob

Sunday Spin Round Northamptonshire

Well, as planned, had a run out this morning in the lovely countryside.

Left Milton Keynes at around 9.10 in a very drizzly condition so had my jacket on. Headed out old A5 to Stony Stratford and then on to main A5 up through Towcester and Weedon till taking right turn to West Haddon. Pre-picked a route of about 10 villages and back to Northampton.

Another first for me as I had zero refuelling stops. Ensured well stocked up with energy gels / bars and drinks. Stopped once to take off jacket and then every 3rd village to get the next 3. Full refuelling on the run. Odd experience but it is possible.

Total today at 61 miles in 3 hrs 24 mins. Total time door to door, 3 hrs 33 mins. Ave at 17.4 mph.

Managed to miss all rain apart from MK end and a short spell on A5.

Amazingly I thought it was flat round here but definitely not. However, some beautiful villages visited (briefly). Will submit full route when I get to a PC.

Cheers

Hindo.

Saturday Morning Spin

What better way to start the weekend than with a ride out on Bianca.

 

Nice morning, warm and sunny. 

 

Headed off up through Aultgowrie from the Muir and through Fairburn and up to Meig Dam. Cross the dam and off into Contin, through Strathpeffer and Dingwall. Back finally up the A832 to Tore and finally the Tore road back to the Muir.

 

A total of 41.51 miles in 2 hrs and 23 mins. Good average as it felt like the wind was in my head all the way.

 

Only 1 stop this morning. A pit stop into Dryburgh Cycles to check out the freewheel. Typical the strange noise I have been hearing didn't happen. Ah well, always next time.

 

Anyway, must crack on and pack for the hols now.

 

Cheers

 

Hindo

 

 

LEJOG Summary

OK. So as sad as it may be, I have been through the Bikeroutetoaster and toasted the whole end to end journey.  Well, this is as far as I can remember from the route we took.

 

In summary, the mileage is showing an overall of 917. However, this route is direct and does not account for getting lost, mileage to and from the accomodation and any other slight diversions which may have happened on the way. And I don't want to lay any blame to anyone, it is what it is and we covered 942 miles.

 

The amazing thing is, that over the 10 days we climbed more than Mount Everest in total. Everest at 29,028 feet, we did the 32,549. (Most of it however in Camelford).

 

So there you go. You now know what the profile of the UK end to end looks like.

 

My only doubt is, I don't really think it does the reality justice. Shap summit is 1400 feet. On this it is about 900.

 

So, in reality, we may have actually climbed more than that. Leave it with me I will get back to you.

 

Cheers

 

Hindo 

 

 

Just a thought..................2012

 

We start the cycle in the north east of Italy at the border with Austria, between Bolzano and Innsbruck.  The first day will be spent cycling through the Alps which will probably be my most challenging route.  We will finish the day in the area surrounding Trento which is Italy's richest city.

 

My last day will be a slightly shorter day - only cycling 80 miles.  Due to the mountains through the middle of the "foot" I will be following the coast round the tip and the finishing point will be Melito di Porto Salvo.  By the time I reach the finishing point I will have cycled over 2000km

or

Ireland, a place of beauty

Lots of long stretches of rural road that make any cycle a pleasure

Given the size of Ireland it is more than common to plan a cycle route from coast to

 

 

 

 

Bob

Happy Birthday Carbonaut Bob!!!

This is the lovely cake that Grant and Mary baked for Carbonaut Bob's birthday

Happy Birthday from the the rest of the Carbonauts, Bob :)

Final Day - Flat Ride

Well, I don't know what Ian had for breakfast on the last day.  Our final day on the A9 was assured to us as being flat!!!

 

9 days in and I think we could have been told anything and believed it. However, the profile off the official Toaster shows the true apparent flat of the day.

 

Ians toaster must have been the one in the kitchen and the 2 climbs were slices of bread.

 

No worries, we got there in the end.

 

Cheers

 

Hindo