BBB - You're right, I'll shut up.
Because with gears, I'd have pissed on all your chips... 8)
If a chepstow stop would be helpful, drop me a line.
cheers
I've followed this thread for some time and also now feel compelled to post. Your attitude and commitment in the circumstances are genuinely inspirational and I wish you all the luck in the world.
I hope you don't mind but I've shared your story with colleaugues and on other forums to try and raise awareness and help with your fundraising.
Look forward to seeing your route/schedule as it would be an honour to come along & offer some encouragement.
Nobby - Cheers fella, thats ace!
Donation after the salary cheque (first one for 15 months!) goes through on Friday... Good to meet you on Sunday. I'll let you know when I'm organising a ride and we'll do one. 8)
Nobby - what other forums have you posted my story on? I'm about to post on a few other forums (BikeRadar, road.cc, lfgss etc) and I don't want to replicate and look like a scrounging ****t... 😕
drop me a mail again pete and ill see if i can offer any help in the way of kit etc....
mite be able to get some scottish pr also....
I've been off STW for the best part of a year, so I've just seen this today, and have spent the last 2 hours reading this from the beginning.
It's rare that I'm stuck for words, but this is one of those times. I can only say that the way you (and by this I mean you and your wife) have dealt with this is magnificant.
I've never met you, probably never will, but I'm more than happy to contribute. Have a good ride, and keep on fighting.
bed food beer - east lancs / rossendale area if req also have van for pickup to and fro if req
email should be in profile g
Stuck it on my Facebook wall, with instructions for a full read-through (of your bits, not our wifflings) and then a call to justgiving arms. Friends of friends of friends etc. Viral marketing-schmarketing etc.
Funny day yesterday!
I'm trying to accumulate miles in training for the JOGLE. In reality, I ride a road bike badly. I mean really badly. Watching me ride is more uncomfortable that a horse in a wetsuit with an erection. There are reasons for this.
1) I don't understand gears. I have been riding SS for so long that the basic principle of changing to go up and down hills is lost on me. Feel free to laugh if you see an 17st ape grinding up a hill on the big ring because he was too retarded to change.
2) Skinny tyres. 700C x 23 to be precise. Where is the shock absorbtion? I wouldn't mind if I still had hair on my nutsack - at least that might take the sting out of it. But seriously; I could ride over a gnat's cock at the moment and it would make my teeth rattle.
3) The roads. Forgive my ignorance. I thought the money I paid in Vehicle Excise Duty was supposed to go towards the upkeep of the highways? Apparently not it would seem. I had to fight the urge to bunnyhop over potholes knowing that my fragile steed would probably fold and disappear up my anus. And so many different types of tarmac! Jeez...
4) Drivers. Some are great. Plenty of room, a smile, half decent approach speed and plenty of awareness. However, a brief note to the old lady that passed me on the road from Tunbridge Wells to Edenbridge in the old Toyota Starlet. If its bright red, has a flashing light, and is moving rapidly in front of you, chances are its probably not a figment of your imagination. Therefore if you clip it, you'll probably kill it. It being me.
I was supposed to be doing about 40 miles. Fairly hilly, Wadhurst-Frant-Langton Green-Edenbridge-Lingfield(Cup of tea at the old mans)Edenbridge-Tunbridge Wells-Frant-Wadhurst. But a nice ride nonetheless. Everything was fairly smooth until I got to Cowden, where a double snakebite ended my journey.
Ended my journey you say? What about your spare tube fella? Why didn't you just change the tube and get on with it? Because apparently when you pack your camelbak its vital that you check you're packing a road tube and not just shoving a 26" tube in.
In true Bullheart tradition it took me nearly three hours to walk the eight miles to my old man's place in Lingfield.
In my disco slippers.
In the heat.
I have a blister on my right foot that is bigger and pinker than a baboons arse.
Bloody JOGLE....
And somehow I've split the rim too.
Bollocks.
Ooh phones just chimed to remind me to donate.
On to it now.
Here for anyone else interested.
http://www.justgiving.com/TheBullheartJOGLE2010
And somehow I've split the rim too.
Have you thought about a new saddle?
(to deal with the roughness of the roads obviously, no smutty double entendre's round here)
No I hadn't.
The saddle is pretty comfy. And I have a Charge Spoon if things really do get bad.
I'm thinking of upping the volume of the tyre to a 28. What do you reckon?
28, if it'll fit do it, there will be a little bit of an air chamber there.
I'll put my neck on the line and say that anyone who isn't stick thin doesn't look pretty on a road bike, we just look oddly proportioned!
VED is pretty much now just another form of general taxation or even environmental tax, so I'm afraid your VED hasn't done much for the potholes. Don't forget to record the location of each pothole you find, then you can report them to the appropriate local authority on your return home.
New saddle might be good, but just make sure you avoid a problem like this:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/04/health/nutrition/04bike.html?_r=1
Tyres - if you can't fit a 28, then you still ought to be able to get a 25 on. It will make a difference from a 23.
Don't jam the pressures up to the max, but remember, you're a big man, so enough pressure will help avoid flats. I'd aim for a minimum of 100psi.
Ride - You'll get used to the hard ride. If you're struggling, consider double taping the bars. You can also get gel pads to go under the bar tape.
Gears - [url= http://www.bigringriding.com/ ]the big ring is the only one for you, Bullheart.[/url].
That is the greatest website I've ever seen. Period.
I laughed so much I nearly pissed myself. Epic, jaw-dropping and hysterical all in one go.
Jesus. 😯
Epic, jaw-dropping and hysterical all in one go.
It's your calling, fella.
Small donation made -
Another contact in south-west Edinburgh / Pentlands here; accommodation, storage, tea, beer etc. all yours for the asking.
Would be an honour to ride a few miles in support of your efforts too - will keep an eye out for the route.
Petesgaff - Is you email in profile correct? if so, YGM.
Ahhhhh that didn't arf make me laff, and reminded me why I ony have mountain bikes!!
Donated. Don't forget my offer of food/refueling at Bristol and I'd love to ride out with you for a bit too!
I knew this thread had to go downhill sooner or later ( pun intended ), you're all talking about tyres again 🙂
End of the month and payday so they'll be some pennies from me and mr bunnyhop tomorrow.
bunnyhop x
I did Lejog last year and would do it gain tomorrow. I fitted a pair of Mavic Kysirium Equipe wheels and never shed or losened a spoke over the 935 miles we did on it. The other lads ran my spare wheels at various times whilst their wheels were being fixed.
As for weight/tyre choice I was 17 stone and switched to 25mm Michelin Krylon Carbon tyres-used them for the training and the ride and they were brilliant in the dry and wet. I had one slow puncture on a very worn (read flattened tread) rear when I crossed some sharp edged glass and despite some horrendous roads ran at 110psi never pinched.
The worst thing for me was the saddle sores that took days to clear/not hurt so loads of chamois cream and Assos shorts is the key. (My altura Progel ones set the sores off).
And donation is on the way, you still inspire me and no doubt many others to MTFU when we bitch about our trivial problems.
Enjoy it its a fantastic experience. 😛
Donated all I can mate.
Best of luck to you, your an inspiration.
Unbelievable response from all of you regarding the JustGiving page, offering places to stay and riding with us. A lot of folk are asking about the route, and I was going to post it on Sunday night after our 'Team Bullheart' meeting. But here are the basic details;
Day 0 – Sun 25.07.10
John O’Groats
Day 1 – Mon 26.07.10
Tongue
Day 2 – Tues 27.07.10
Culrain
Day 3 – Wed 28.07.10
Loch Ness
x
Day 4 – Thurs 29.07.10
Glencoe
Day 5 – Fri 30.07.10
Killearn
Day 6 – Sat 31.07.10
New Lanark
Day 7 – Sun 01.08.10
Carlisle
Day 8 – Mon 02.08.10
Slaidburn
Clitheroe
Day 9 – Tues 03.08.10
Chester
Day 11 – Thurs 04.08.10
Clun
Day 12 – Fri 05.08.10
Goodrich
Day 13 – Sat 06.08.10
Street
Day 14 – Sun 07.08.10
Okehampton
Day 15 – Mon 07.08.10
Perranporth
Day 16 – Tues 08.08.10
Penzance
If we pass near you and you fancy joining up with us, or have a garden big enough for our tent, or a comfy floor, give me a shout and we'll adjust the itinerary.
And don't forget to pass on the JustGiving link to all your friends!
http://www.justgiving.com/TheBullheartJOGLE2010
/p>
Cheers folks,
Mark
I think you've got the dates slightly out of kilter towards the end. Nevertheless I'll make sure I get to Okehampton for a ride along.
When you ride from Goodridge to Street - do you know yet what road you'll be taking around or through Bristol? I can ride from Bristol to Street with you if it's welcomed.
If only I had known about your Cowden situation I'm only in Chiddingstone, A lot neaer than Lingfield, good luck on your ride, will be contributing. Ride like the wind. If you fancy company I have a 08 trek which has never been ridden since new, could be a good reason to dust it off.
Inspiring read as always
donation done and disseminated on facebook
Payday has arrived so I've gladly made a donation to what is a great cause.
Will try to meet up with Team Fradgley when you get to Devon/Cornwall border to ride along until you drop me on the first hill 😥
Have donated. Wasn't gonna bother as its all a bit pathetic n that, but then you had to put a picture of a dog on your donation page and I can't resist a cute pup *goes all giddly*.
.
.
.
.
.
Of course its not pathetic at all, far from it. As long as you remember to bin the road bike afterwards... 🙂
Anyone thought about piecing this thread together into a book or something?
It is a great journey through time sort of story and would be an inspiration for anyone going through similar stuff.
Done the ligaments in my foot. Can't stand on it at the mo; JOGLE in 8 weeks.
In a fairly dark place right now...
Noooooo, come on fella. There's hundreds on here rely on you for positive thinking.
It takes two weeks to lose any long ride fitness
The rest will do you good
Road shoes are reet stiff soled, so may support the injury
Swimming is a good way to train too
It'll hurt to walk to the fridge while resting, so the beer/cheese and crackers consumption will be kept at bay..
There's more - [b]come on folks, your positive thoughts need channeling [/b]
oooh, what did you do ?
Hopefully will heal plenty soon enough to keep on schedule, and a bit of cross-training in the meantime won't hurt (how about a swim? - oh, shit, now you'll be entering a triathlon 😉 )
I'm pretty sure that finishing something like this relies more on guts & pigheadedness than training miles so I reckon you'll be fine Mark
Chin up mate - reassess in a week [b]AND DON'T GIVE UP IN-BETWEEN[/b], you know you can do this
Don't worry too much. I'll cut the f*cking foot off, remove a crank arm and do it with one leg if I have to - I just wish it hadn't happened. Absolutely innocuous too; getting into bed, rotated and it popped.
****ting bastard foot.
I'm very angry.
Tape the bugger up and you'll be fine. I would love to accompany you lot for the day between new lanark and carlisle.
Just left you a few quid, Mark, and you and the support team would be very welcome to stay at our place. We live just outside Skipton, not that far from Clitheroe, got beds, showers and food if that's any use to your itinerary? Claire
some people have more serious things to think about than a twisted ankle
for example my hoover is blocked by half an ikea pencil - you don't hear me moaning about that, do you?
strap ice packs to it and get to a physio, no point in trying to be some kind of hero
getting into bed, rotated and it popped
half pike with a full twist off the wardrobe - in a batman outfit ?
We've all been there, but FFS, you're supposed to be in training 🙄
Just wanted to say - good luck with the trip, and fighting the good fight. Puts the rubbish I am trying to get through into perspective really - and has spurred me onto sorting out my own mess as, frankly, it is small beer compared to your life mate.
I don't think I am on your route alas, being not far from Barrow in Furness, but if I am then I am sure I can offer crash space, food, showers and all that 😉
HOLD THE PRESSES!
It appears for the first time in about a year that Petesgaff is actually human (OK, part human, part cow)
May I be the first to say MTFU? 😉
Petesgaff - YGM
#Bump#
So, what's happening? 😐
Being a natural born idiot, I find one can never be 100% fit or organised for any big event. I usually remember the important thing I forgot about 10 mins in.
You will be fine and you will start either with a bad foot or without a bad foot.
You could use it to your advantage and cash in on another injury. That should be at least another €5 or €10 from everyone 🙂
Hello folks.
I'm in a fairly bad place at the moment. Health-wise, things are fine, so don't panic, but I have a horrible feeling that the black dog might be around the corner, which is very unusual for me. Let me explain...
I work in a number of schools, who have been great about my illness, except the one I am based in. This is a high achieving Academy in S.London, and they've been nothing short of awful in how they've treated me. I've been chastised for not keeping up with my work, ordered of site for needing to wear flip-flops due to my chemo (H & S issue apparently), had no formal re-introduction back to work, no adaptations, no manager meetings, etc. I'm fairly robust and can usually take a kicking, but fighting incurable f*cking cancer is taking all I have at the moment and I'm not sure I have any more left in the tank.
Before all of you start screaming about my rights, don't panic - Mrs petesgaff is a solicitor, and a fairly shrewd one at that. We have both the NASUWT and their solicitors firm on the case, and I have no doubt with all the evidence we have that someone will get hammered; unfortunately I think it will be the wrong guy. My line manager (who told me in a private chat that there would come a point when I'd be on my own because 'he'd have to look out for number one) is being used by the SLT as the conduit for information - what he's too ignorant to realise is that they're using him as a buffer if it all goes bad for them as a result of proceedings.
Me? I don't give a shit about this fella (He's weak, and sold me out to get a place in the lower echelons of the of the SLT; I'll deal with him in time) - I want the policy makers; those that think that its okay to ignore and bully folk; presuming to do it with impunity. Not throughout my illness have I been contacted by anyone in the SLT via phone or email to ask how I am. Not once. Pricks.
And this bone-strengthening treatment hurts. It's getting on my tits. My ligament hurts, I'm not cycling enough, and I'm pissed off.
But thanks to those of you that have donated. You are stars. I'll do an update later on how the JOGLE thing is going after I've killed some kittens.
http://www.justgiving.com/TheBullheartJOGLE2010
And I just snapped my seat-post too.
If you were the father and teenager combo cycling around Bewl Water roughly two hours ago, please accept my most sincere apologies. Neither of you are F$%&*^£ C*@£s, and the bike wasn't aimed at you. I know 25ft is a long way to throw a bike, and I'm sorry if you got wet when it landed in the reservoir beside you.
(sigh....)
Lol, I have done that before. In fact a few weeks ago when I snapped a pedal axle and I thought I was on my own in the wild Rocky Mountains I gave my bike a good earful. The young decent-looking couple that appeared round a bend in an adjacent trail were a bit surprised.
Genuinely Loled at that. 😆
Regarding the previous DLTBGYD!
ygm
ygm back
Bloody hell you are human 😉 dude you are allowed to get pissed off every now and then. Dont let the small sh1t get you down.
Go get 'em Floyd.
petesgaff ygm fae me too.
Hey mate, you need to pull your finger out and give us all abit more info on your LEJOG route so we can come and give you the £'s in person ! 😉
Life is shit sometimes isn't it. No one really knows any pain until they have actually felt it. Bastards. Keep fighting buddy x
Tell me what size seat post and an address and a new one will be on it's way.
Please pick cheap, i am out of work at the end of the month. I know that is a puny excuse but having met you, I know you are a top bloke and will understand. Free BBB tickets still stand.
BBB - I love you. Like I love my dog, my bikes, my wife. You (and solamander too) are incredibly generous.
But no. Thank you though.
Because if difficulties are made easy to circumnavigate I'll fail. If I'm handed opportunities without working for them, when it comes to the real adversity, I'll fail. I can't afford to be complacent. My fat arse broke the post - therefore my fat arse will find a new one. It has to be that way.
Yesterday was important for me. If the post hadn't broken, I wouldn't have had to cycle back 7 miles standing up on my bad ankle, and therefore wouldn't have tested myself. It was a Bullheart moment, and something very much needed right now. I smiled all the way back, which I haven't done for a while.
And we will be at BBB. I promise.
I've got a couple knocking about in the spares box. I understand what you said to BBB but if one of them fits I'd rather see it used than not. You can always send it back once your arse has made other arrangements. What size would you need?
Likewaise, there are a fair number of nice-but-tatty seatposts in the garage. Let me know what size you need and I'll bung one in the post.
From a publicity angle it would be quite novel doing the end to end without a seat post...... 😯
..and at least you wouldn't get a sore arse 🙂
For a bit of work, you can locate a replacement clamp bolt for the RaceFace post I have. I snapped the other one (firing the saddle into my knackers).
Of course, this may mean you don't trust it... 😀
Mail in profile.
I've got a few Inc a new 30.9 thomson so if you want it I'll happily post you it or buy you a new one because you my friend are a ****n inspiration to me. So there. Let me know if you want it but it may take 5 days 🙂
Okay, I give up.
26.8. Can't find one anywhere. If you have one, and you'll allow me to pay for it, I'd be very grateful.
Anyone doing the L2B on Sunday?
Talking about 'kicking a man/bull when he's down.
That chap from your school, has he ever heard of the word compassion?
Pete, have just mailed you re seatpost - send me one back and we'll get this sorted for you.
For anyone who doubted, he's THAT stubborn. I dunno, you try to chuck a seatpost at someone .............(wanders off into the distance, grumbling away)
If you were the father and teenager combo cycling around Bewl Water roughly two hours ago, please accept my most sincere apologies. Neither of you are F$%&*^£ C*@£s, and the bike wasn't aimed at you. I know 25ft is a long way to throw a bike, and I'm sorry if you got wet when it landed in the reservoir beside you
PMSL, well done mate! MAde my day.
As for the knob in management at work, well, in education & healthcare it seems to be a prerequisite to be a knob! If you're lucky his job will go to the wall anyway.
😉For anyone who doubted, he's THAT stubborn. I dunno, you try to chuck a seatpost at someone .............
nickf - a total gent. As are the rest of you that have offered to buy or give me a post. No monetary exchange, no post. Bullheart stylee.
And don't worry about the guy at school.
I carry a brick for a long, long time...
IME...in order to become a member of the SLT you have to sell your soul to the devil. They are a bag of shite!!
Shit floats to the top, everyone gets promoted past their level of competence etc. etc...
Just remember you are one of the good guys!! 😀
FCx
ygm
if I've sent it too the right place
If you still need a post, email me and I will send you one free.
is this sorted yet ?
If not, I have the perfect solution: A post so shite that you'd be working hard to just accept it without calling me a ****.
It's about 30yr old, 26.5 or so including rust (so would need a coke can shim), is only about 7 inches long and has the really old style clamps on a through bolt. Payment not required - a simple photo of it attached to your bike would have me laughing my arse off for days.
Let me know if you'd "like" it 😉
Have you got a the route yet? Have I missed it?
I can't offer you lodging space (1-bed flat already shared with 4 bikes) but fully intending to join you for a bit. With cheer and cake.
Hello Mrs Petesgaff here, I'm on JOGLE duty...Have been tallying up some of your amazing and generous offers of accommodation and some of you (un)lucky(?) ones have mail...
Diane, you mentioned a while back you are Innerleithen way, wanted to drop you a line but no email in profile (I may be being thick and missed it). Would you possibly be able to get in touch with Mark?
I think we are slowly filling in the gaps with places to stop over. I'm getting quite excited about the big ride. But then of course I'm not riding it!
As ever, thank you folks, Meg