In the Highlands!

Did I expect to make it here today? I admit my confidence was badly shaken
over the last few days. But I write now from Pitlochry, on the southern
fringe of the Cairngorms, after a frisky 60 miles from Edinburgh through
cold drizzle and wind, unable to see the high peaks around and ahead of me,
and facing the prospect of tomorrow's 84-miler to Inverness with something
approaching eagerness. The muscles, of course, were not tired today, and
the countryside was attractive without being harsh. All in all, I may have
earned a glass of the local distillate tonight.

Thanks for all your input

Many of you have posted supportive comments since learning of my knee
problem. Here's the situation now. I saw a nurse and a doctor yesyterday at
Galashiels, and the doctor even suggested I could increase the dosage of
the painkillers from what I had thought was the maximum. Anyway, by the
time that lot was over, any hopes I might have half-entertained of cycling
that day were out the door. So we drove to Edinburgh, had a good meeting
with the neuro-oncology researchers at the Western General Hospital, a
delightful dinner with members of the local Brain Tumour Action Group, and
loads of encouragement all round. Today I'm trying my luck again with the
bike. Destination Pitlochry. Wish me luck.

Out of touch

Three long days (average 85 miles) behind me now. Sorry I didn't post from
Warrington: I was tired. Drew and I made good speed into and out of Stoke,
stopping briefly for a masala dosa on the way, and through Cheshire, with
my left knee the only worry. Yesterday I met up with Dick P-J (on his
motorbike) at 8 and made haste through the post-ndustrial landscape of
south Lancs. My goodness, Wigan certainly doesn't show her prettiest face
to the A49. Met up with a buddy of Dick's for lunch and pressed on towards
and out of Lancaster. Paused for tea, fruit cake and (ominously) 400mg of
Ibuprofen for my knee. Made Hawkshead in good time, using the ferry across
Windermere, and had dinner with Sabina. Today's breakfast was followed by
another 400mg of Ibuprofen, but half way along Thirlmere the inevitable
happened: my knee refused to go any further. Now I'm in Keswick with a bowl
of soup and a number of questions about what to do next. The bike is on the
back of the car and I'll see a doctor tomorrow morning. I have ridden 670
milesm but at the moment I am worried I can't ride any more.

Gone for a Burton

Drew's bike had been making occasional graunching noises for much of
yestterday. Nothing consistent, mind, and we couldnkt trace the souirce.
Well, today, a mile or so out of Burton on Trent, the back wheel bearings
started to sound like a cement mixer... and we rode gently back into town.
Halfords don't do repairs on a weekend; but fortunately Dan at Halfords in
Burton DOES. Currently drinking coffee at nearby Tesco, and looking forward
to riding with Drew on his new wheel in about 10 mins. Kudos to Dan.

Home for 14 hours

A very pleasant ride through the cool and leafy lanes of north London and
south Hertfordshire yesterday, to reach Schering Plough late morning. The
reception committee included the Temodal product manager, communications
and patient advocacy managers, and even the MD (who kindly gave me a - very
fluent - interview to camera). I was anxious about the time, so declined
their offer of lunch, grabbing instead two bananas from the canteen, then
hurtled up Ermine Street - the near-deserted Roman road from Hertford to
near Cambridge and beyond. At the Cancer Help Centre, there were numerous
volunteers, David from Scotsdales who helped them with the building and
funding, a number of members of the Rotary Club who have collectively been
my biggest sponsor, and assorted news media with cameras. Celeb for a day!
We drank tea, ate cake, and then I rode home with a couple of neighbours
who had also come to say hello, to a further reception at the Plough +
Fleece in Horningsea with chili and baked potatoes for all... before an
early night. Sigh. Off to Leicester today with brother Drew.

The last post

... On this battery charge. Man Utd won, I met my MP and then my buddies in
the pub. Easy ride into London. More tomorrow when I can recharge my and
the BlackBerry's batteries at home in Horningsea.

Brothers

Break from blogging yesterday. After the rigours of Dorset's coast (90
miles total that day) yesterday was a gentle 65 or so, partly across the
Isle of Wight, with a long and agreeable break at the University of
Portsmouth being shown around the Brain Tumour Research Lab by Prof Geoff
Pilkington. Geoff loves his kit, like any scientist. It was very striking
how little of it had been provided by government funds, though: much if not
most was from private individuals and chariries like BTUK. Met up with my
brother Drew in the evening, so for a few hours the three of us have been
together. Drew and I head off for the Smoke (London) this morning.