26th April 2004 was the worst day of my life when I
received news that my father had died in a freak incident while out scuba diving.
He was 72!! By that afternoon I was on a flight home to Malaysia. After three
weeks at home I decided that the best thing to do was to relocate home to be
closer to the family.
When I got back to England, I made a “to do” list. A day at Wimbledon,
a walking trip with the outdoor club in the peak district and cycling
the C2C.
I found this site so informative and stories of people’s experience
so helpful that I really wanted to offer some insight from my trip
and hope people feel
inspired to do the journey.
Me: 32 years
old, 6ft, average weight and generally quite fit from going to
the gym, cycling to and from work, walking with outdoor club.
The bike: My
lovely Raleigh Pioneer 160 hybrid, 21 speed. Blue. To be honest bought
it because of the colour!! Not the most technically minded person!!
The trip: Five days from 5 – 9 July
2004
Preparation: Started with the 50 mile
Norwich bike ride for charity. Gym work, stationary cycle and stair
masters. I had a cycle regime (didn’t follow religiously) but couple
of rides a week with longer rides on weekend. Important to build
not only stamina but also bum endurance!! Talking to people helped.
Graham and Sue (www.pinetress.net B&B on route 1 starting Jan
2005) were particularly helpful and encouraging.
Top five best investment: Padded shorts,
a full bicycle service, sustran C2C pack, Glucozade isotonic powder,
and quick drying shirt from Millets.
Packing: Two panier bags with basic
clothing, rain gear, basic tools. My greatest fear was running out
of water, so carried three litres which added to the weight considerably
but something I was not willing to compromise. Total about 2 stones.
Travel: Train from Great Yarmouth – Norwich – Peterborough – Newcastle
Upon Tyne – Workingon. Actual booking of tickets was complete nightmare
(email for details).
 Day One:
0820 train from Great Yarmouth. Arrive 1620 at Workington. Train staff very
helpful with bike and trains all went on time!!
Met Roland at the station.
He had done the C2C twice. We had chatted on line and he offered to accompany
me to Cockermouth. Highly appreciated. Dinner later with Roland’s friend Barbara
who came to pick him up. That night watched a video at the YHA of Josh (I think
last name was Naylor) who on his 60th birthday ran the 60 peaks of the Lake
District over a 36 hour period. Made me feel totally inadequate!!
Day Two: Long
day from Cockermouth to Penrith to make up loss time from the first
day. Hot day as
well. Felt very tired towards the end and took the more direct
route at after Troutbeck into Penrith. Dinner with the friends
living in Little Salkeld (Philip, Elizabeth and Malcom). Learned
that
Malcom had done the trip twice. He taught me the phrase granny
gear which I had been using!! He had done it in three days….feel
more inadequate!! Wonderful sunset with the entire Peaks in purple.
 Day Three: Caught in rain storm at Little Salkeld. Lighting and thunder
and all I had for shelter was under a tree. In retrospect not the best place
to shelter!! After an hour came across a local resident who told me that I
had cycled past a lovely teashop. Organic menu, lovely tea and most importantly
it was warm and dry!! Up Hartside, didn’t push but stopped every ½ mile!!
Head winds very strong. Hear that bad weather moving up from the south. Watch
out for the hill out of Garrigil. Real killer. After 76 miles, stopped to push.
Watched evening news to hear gale force storm in the south causing havoc. Worst
summer storm on record. Winds howling, temperature dropping as I fall asleep.
Day Four: Arrrgggh bad weather has arrived. Would love to stay in doors
but have to push on. Rain spitting, very painful and visibility low. Winds
so strong, have to pedal going down hill!! Strongly advised to avoid Stanhope
by going through Stanhope Common. Pushed bike along the path because rocky
and didn’t want to get puncture. Just on my own across the common, wonderful
feeling. Rain stopped at times but not the wind. Got onto main road after almost
90 minutes. Tea at Stanhope Common Café, mile 100 to warm up. Yeah downhill
all the way. Café owner receives a call for a group of 14 booking for
Christmas lunch 2004!! Arrive at B&B drenched and cold.
 Day Five: Weather improves and gentle cycle down to Newcastle. Nightmare
comes through, tire pressure low and can’t seem to get air in. Luckily near
Castleside and there was a bike shop. Got a little lost coming into town but
found the path eventually. One of the prettiest English cities. Feel claustorphobic
with people around after five days on my own and in the sticks. Finally reach
Tynemouth. Yeah, done it. Amazing feeling and sense of accomplishment. Have
to cycle back into Newcastle. Body starts to ache!!
Accommodation:
Cockermouth YHA: Lovely spot by the
river. Basic and lovely. No breakfast so had a full breakfast at
a local grease cafe.
Albany House, Penrith: Expensive
for single room but well furnished and very comfortable. Very nice
family run. Family also run a deli in Penrith with lovely sandwiches
to stock up for the day.
CherryTree, Nenthead: Amazingly warm
Helen Sherlock. Felt more like at home then in a B&B.
Castlenuke: A comfortable B&B,
very warm host.
Things I learned
• Norfolk is very different from the Lakes and Peaks!! About several hundred
feet different!!
• Learn some basic mechanics. I’m horribly useless so was blessed not to suffer
any major problems.
• Pace yourself: Whether you’re doing it in a day or five, its 140 miles so listen
to your body.
• Don’t be too proud to push.
• Do not try to outrun rain, you’ll loose. Seek shelter.
• An asprin at the end and the start of the day to take away aches and pains.
• Low point: Waking up on 8 July and hearing the wind howling, rain pounding
the window sill and the temperature barely double digit. The worst summer gale
to ever hit the UK had arrived from the south and I had to be out in it!!
• High point: The views in this lovely part of England and not a lot of people
about. The view of Alston Moor the other side of Hartside is spectacular.
Don’t say: You’re going to cycle
up Hartside? I struggle going up in my car!! (Barbara)
Do say: It’s an amazing trip, something
you must do (Graham and Susan).
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