You may thing that riding your bike from one end to the other would be the big challenge. Well, as it turns out there is an early task which many end to enders encounter. And that is getting to the start and back from the finish. I challenge you, try to work out how you would get there and back!
- Option 1 - The train. Now, I'm a fairly intelligent bloke when it comes to modern technology but try and manipulate the online modern equivalent of the train timetable and booking system and I turn into a totally incompetent wreck. Many of the 'modern' trains are unable to accommodate bikes. And when they do you often need to get a ticket for your bike to go on the train. And for some trains there are only so many bikes you can fit on a train. Resulting is the possibility of your bike going on a different train! How does that work exactly? Also, don't miss the point that the train won't go as far as Lands End or John O'Groats so you will need to plan on riding the gap or persuading a taxi to take you. There are some who do. Lastly, it's expensive for a trip prone to problems. For some it's not going to be a problem, just that for me it's best to avoid.
- Option 2 - Fly. This is actually quite a good option. In theory. I've traveled with my bike on a plane before. In fact I originally took my bike to Sussex from Newcastle on a BA flight all the way back in '87. Bubble wrap it and it goes on as oversize luggage. The problem I have this time is the fact that the flights don't go direct and there is no guarantee of your bike taking the same flight or getting there for that matter. No, again this is not going to be a viable option for this trip.
- Option 3 - Drive. The advantage being it's a door to door service. The downside is that my car does not have an auto drive facility enabling it to trail behind me as support vehicle for the entire journey. Hmm, that's a neat idea though. If only, nope stop it, it's just not going to happen is it? We were supposed to be living on the moon by now. Sheesh. What you have to do is find yourself a driver. Which is what I've done :-) Supported by my lovely wife Tracey who agreed to take the car back home again. That's getting to the start sorted.
- Option 4 - Hire Car. This is my option for getting home again. I plan on hiring a van from Wick Airport, driving back home and dropping the van off at Gatwick. A van being easily big enough for a couple of bikes as well as a convenient concealed shed for changing into something more comfy at the end of the ride. Sorted!
So, here we are in Hayle Travelodge for our stopover for a good rest before our big day starts. On site is a Brewers Fayre where a steak and ale pie washed down with a local beer, St Austell Tribute, was the order of the night.
Now I must mention that Holly and I we were joined today by two important people. The first being my lovely wife Tracey who has agreed to take the car back home after dropping us off at Lands End. And the second is good friend Peter Hastings. Peter also happens to be a governor at Northlands Wood Primary School who have selected Kangaroos as their charity for the year. Peter has volunteered to join us for the first 3 days, which is a truly great help. More on Peter as the days progress.
Anyways, it's getting late and I need my beauty sleep before a 6am start in the morning. We want an early start in a bid to beat the worst of the sun tomorrow.
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