Welcome Home 2

WhatsApp Image 2019-12-22 at 16.23.15 — Keith, Dale and Linford. Bike Rugby Japan Team re-union at the Two Sawyers, Christmas 2019

Keith Returns

After a marathon 44 day, 2937 mile ride across the USA (in 210 hours of riding) Keith flew home to a Christmas welcome.

20191230_USAProgress — Trans-American Ride

In total this means Keith rode for 165 days (with 907 hours in the saddle) for a grand total of 11,838 miles for his round-the-world tour.

WorldMapCycling — Around the World in 165 Days

Charity Round-up

As you can see the team managed to raise almost £12,000 which was about twice the original target of £6,000 (it is £12,673.94 including Gift Aid). A great and much appreciated effort all around. We know this will make a considerable difference to the Slide Away and Fight for Sight Charities and of course The Alzheimer’s Society needs continuous support. They have all passed on their thanks from them to you.

The donations page closes on New Year’s Eve: last minute donations can be made here.

[We’ve extended the donation deadline until after the 6 Nations on the 14th March: Ed]

20191228_CharityDonation

3CharityLogos

We give our heartfelt thanks to all the following for being so generous and also those who contributed via various collection boxes or donated anonymously.

Mick and Carol, Fitzwalter Arms, Red Lion Bridge, Two Sawyers, Rochelle Amos and Jodanna Farrow-House, Penny and Martin Harman, Vicki Jago, John Higgins and Wendy, Mike Phillipson, John Y, Shirley, Jenny and Keith Etheridge, Maria, Tim and Jane, Karen and Alan Middlemiss, Sean, Aaron and Jill, Chris O’Sullivan, Peter Uyl, Michele Bisdee, Tracey and Ian, Trev Croft, Terry Garrity, Tony, Deborah and William, Euro Diamond Drilling Ltd, Jim, Jas Rana, Courtney, Mum’s Art Class, Angela & Co, Joy & Seamus, A Maxwell, Lucy, Dave and Sarah Wilmshurst, Shane Rhodes, Harv, Roger, Max, Tony and Jill Rawlins, Christine and Gary Fordham, Joyce Neary, Harwood and Ben Cheeseman, Mike Fanthome, Arron Ross, Tom Flaherty, Ashley Smith, Danny Sullivan Group, Dougy, Krysia, Gareth & Kellie Weston, Courtney Brown, Kindred Family, Neil, Stuart McMahon, Roger, Big Rog, Tommy and Brenda Johnstone, Kath and Pete Stow, Linda Cann, Pete and Angela Sutcliffe, Alan Tucker, John and Sylvie Horwood, Jaimie Mcdonald, Tony Bartolo, Dave Osborne, Pierre and Caroline, Arthur and Moira Moses, Ayleshamsmang, Eoin, Rylan and Dungerness, Patrick Meathead, David G, Budgie Nigel and Lenny, Jackie and Nick Farrow, Caroline EYC, Andy and Liz Gladin, Danni, Dianne Oxenham, Salljg, Gary Pain, Keith and Christine Gill, Ben Simmonds, Dave and Cheryl, Auntie Wendy Shelly, Steve Martin, Dave Robbins, Lynda and Jamie, Snowdown Colliery Welfare Rugby Football Club, Vernon Print, Glen Cullis, Mearl Dale Frost, Maureen Dunn, Bradleys Solicitors, Sparklez Tattoos, Martin James DCB Kent, Royal Oak Capel, Richard Malone, Clive Green, Peter Smith, Jodanna and Tim Farrow-House, Dave Ward, Sharelle, Arvind Patel, Nigel Cole, Dianne Oxenham, Ara Environmental Ltd, Gma Groombridge, Jeannette, Dan & Debbie, Abby Bradshaw, Alan and Doreen Williams, Jo Westrip, Clive, Lohane Petch Bob Sleith and the Ratling Club, Pickle, Colin Inett, John Clutton, Symcox, Kevin and Michele Wood, Glen, David McWilliams, The Donnachie family, Margaret Samson, Lauren, Sarah Pask, Neil and the Dambusters, E Hadlow, Daran Wilkins, B Walledge, Aylesham Parish Council and all those who donated as Anonymous.

And we’d like to thank all those who gave us encouragement as we started and as we progressed and for all your congratulations when we arrived in Shanghai.

Here are some of your words which we much appreciated; then & now.

BRJ_Comments

Some Maps and Stats

20191230_CalaisShanghai — Calais to Shanghai: 8240 miles in 111 days

You can catch up on the adventure by reading all about it here – click the links for more details.

Stage 1: where the 5 left Dover on the 12th June and rode 9 days and about 1000 miles to Krakow with Carl and Cathal riding with Dale, Keith and Linford and with Roger driving the minibus.

20190612_TeamCalais2 — Grand Depart at the Calais Hotel de Ville. L to r: Roger, Carl, Cathal, Dave, Linford, Keith and Dale

20191230_Leg1Krakow — Stage 1: From Day 1 (June 12th) to Day 9 (June 20th)

Totals for the first leg to Kraków: 1003 miles, 25185ft climbing and 65:49 hours riding

Stage 2: where the Dale, Keith and Linford started cycle-touring for proper and wobbled out of Krakow across the rest of Poland and into Ukraine with a mere 7000 miles or so to go. Ukraine produced some eye-popping moments (or quite the opposite for Dale) and a dalliance in a war-zone before they finally stumbled into Russia.

WhatsApp Image 2019-06-23 at 09.19.31(1) — Keith, Dale and Linford ready for the off

20191230_Leg2Ukraine — Stage 2: From Day 10 (June 23rd) to Day 25 (July 8th)

Stage 2 totals: 1196.8 miles, 29,395ft and 94:47 hours riding

Accumulated totals: 2200 miles, 54,580ft and 160.36 hours riding

Stage 3: Crossing Russia at a much higher route than originally planned. They head east but have to think about how they might re-join the original route.

20191230_Leg3Russia — Stage 3: From Day 26 (July 9th) to Day 34 (July 17th)

Stage 3 totals: 727.1 miles, 16,505ft and 59:00 hours riding

Accumulated totals: 2927.4 miles, 71,085ft and 219.36 hours riding

Stage 4: Kazakhstan. Into the desert, blistering heat and head-winds. They follow the Oral river south to Atyrau on the Caspian.

Family dinner - crossed-legs on carpet. — Family dinner – crossed-legs on carpet.

20191230_Leg4Kazakhstan — Stage 4: From Day 35 (July 18th) to Day 43 (July 26th)

Stage 4 totals: 660.0 miles, 4,428ft and 53:00 hours riding

Accumulated totals: 3587.4 miles, 75,513ft and 272.36 hours riding

Stage 5: Uzbekistan. More desert. More water to carry. Some legendary Silk Road cities to visit: Nukus, Bokhara and Samarkand. Then they were turned back at Tajikistan and forced north again on another detour.

P8062241 — The Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand. Built by Tamerlane in the 15thC, destroyed by an earthquake in 1897 and restored by the USSR.

20191230_Leg5Uzbekistan — Stage 5: From Day 44 (July 27th) to Day 60 (August 12th)

Stage 5 totals: 1269.1 miles, 16,597ft and 97:57 hours riding

Accumulated totals: 4855.5 miles, 92,110ft and 370.33 hours riding

Stage 6: Kyrgyzstan. This is when the climbing got really serious as they battled up the Taldyk and Alay Passes at about 3600m as they headed toward China.

Keith, Linford and Dale at the Alay Pass

20191230_Leg6Kyrgyzstan — Stage 6: From Day 61 (August 13th) to Day 63 (August 16th)

Stage 6 totals: 190.6 miles, 17,105ft and 19:55 hours riding

Accumulated totals: 5046.1 miles, 109,215ft and 390.28 hours riding

Stage 7: Into China and across the Xinjiang Province. Starting with crossing the border issues and continuing with an almost complete police presence as they are virtually chased across the land. Straight roads and dodgy hotels and some dodgy campsites.

20191230_Leg7EastChina — Stage 7: From Day 64 (August 15th) to Day 79 (August 31st)

Stage 7 totals: 903.7 miles, 16,358ft and 76:47 hours riding

Accumulated totals: 5949.8 miles, 125,573ft and 467.15 hours riding

Stage 8: Central China. Finally the restrictions on where to stay ease up. They still have plenty of straight roads and desert to cover. And mountains. They encounter nomad tribes with ponies and ride yaks! But a bear is stolen!

20191230_Leg8CentralChina — Stage 8: From Day 80 (September 1st) to Day 94 (September 14th)

Stage 8 totals: 1061.0 miles, 26,307ft and 80:27 hours riding

Accumulated totals: 7010.8 miles, 151,880ft and 547.42 hours riding

Stage 9: East China. The team are joined by Rylan at Xi’an for the final run-in. They encounter some broken roads and manage to get separated for a while too.

20191230_Leg9EastChina — Stage 9: From Day 95 (September 15th) to Day 107 (September 28th)

Stage 9 totals: 904.1 miles, 18,332ft and 70:58 hours riding

Accumulated totals: 7914.9 miles, 170,212ft and 618.40 hours riding

Stage 10: Arrival in Shanghai. Finally the team enter the final straight and plough through the huge cities near the coast. Success! But not before a final encounter with the police as they attempt to ride through a tunnel.

At the Great Wall of China. Dale, Keith and Linford.

20191230_Leg10Shanghai — Stage 10: From Day 108 (September 29th) to Day 111 (October 2nd)

Stage 10 totals: 326.6 miles, 4,095ft and 25:38 hours riding

Accumulated totals: 8241.5 miles, 174,307ft and 644.18 hours riding

What Next?

From the tour I got a sense of team resilience, through trying circumstances and great accomplishment. Knowing we had the support from all our family and friends around the world and realising that people are really nice irrespective of their creed, colour or any thing else. All their kindness transcends any language barriers. It made me realise that long distance tours are what I am made to do. Watch this space, Greece, South Africa, Argentina who knows. Dale

PreviousTours — Previous Tours 2012 to 2019

Greece 2020

Dale has already suggested that Greece is the destination for this years Hougham Huffers ride. The plan is to welcome Dave back into the fold after his monster crash and injury and subsequent recovery last summer.

No route has yet been designed or dates assigned. As usual the aim will be about a 1000 miles in about 10 days.

Two major questions arise: does the team do the tour unsupported by the minibus and therefore carry all their own gear as cycle-tourers (bike-packers) bearing in mind that many have not tried this mode of cycling. All previous tours have been supported by a minibus. Naturally we are grateful for our sponsors who have supported us on all our previous tours.

Is the tour to or from Calais/Dover as all previous tours have been or do the team fly or train somewhere and do a loop on arrival?

The first option is a Calais to Bari (Italy) ride of about 1200 miles and a ferry to a holiday in Corfu.

CalaisBariCorfu — Calais to Bari and onto Corfu

This “Loop of the Adriatic” 2nd option would involve a train to/from Trieste or Bologna and then a loop around the Adriatic sea with a ferry from Corfu to Bari (or vice-versa). It’s about 1500 miles though.

If by train it would be Eurostar to Paris, then TGV to Milan and onward to Bologna. Bear in mind catching a train to Milan from Paris has form (who remembers 6 Nations Rugby in Rome in 2000?)!

LoopOfTheAdriatic

This “Loop of the Aegean” 3rd option would involve a flight to/from Athens and a ferry between Bodrum and Athens to finish. Holiday options would be Mykonos or Patmos. It’s about 1000 miles.

LoopOfTheAegean

Rugby Lions Tour 2021

The British & Irish Lions is the greatest rugby tour of all and in 2021 the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will converge on South Africa. It will be a tour of huge impact, emotions and significance, evoking memories of the invincible Lions squad of 1974.

These are the warm-up dates.

Saturday 3rd July 2021	DHL Stormers	Cape Town	Cape Town Stadium
Wednesday 7th July 2021	South Africa ‘Invitational’	Port Elizabeth	Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Saturday 10th July 2021	Cell C Sharks	Durban	Jonsson Kings Park
Wednesday 14th July 2021	South Africa ‘A’	Nelspruit	Mbombela Stadium
Saturday 17th July 2021	Vodacom Bulls	Pretoria	Loftus Versfeld

These are the important Test dates.

Saturday 24th July 2021	Springboks	Johannesburg	FNB Stadium
Saturday 31st July 2021	Springboks	Cape Town	Cape Town Stadium
Saturday 7th August 2021	Springboks	Johannesburg	Emirates Airline Park

This is not a suggested route. A lot of thought would have to go into a route: safety, deserts, favoured countries, etc and so forth.

It’s unfortunate that Johannesburg to Cape Town is 870 miles and slightly too much for a 6 day ride to get from one match to another.

The distance is remarkably similar to the Calais to Shanghai ride. So I guess 120 days would be a reasonable estimate of the time taken to achieve it.

For those doing the first 1000 miles I would suggest a route through western France perhaps crossing the Pyrenees in the middle or at Biarritz. This is because a previous tour went on the Barcelona route. Going via Biarritz to Madrid would be about 960 miles.

So if you were to aim for the opening tour match on the 3rd July the start date would be Friday 5th March 2021.

If you were to aim for the Cape Town Test on the 31st July then the start date would be Friday 2nd April 2021.

USA Week 7

Keith at the Atlantic Ocean at Jacksonville Beach, Florida — Keith meets the Atlantic Ocean at Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Links to all the Blogs and Maps

Table of links to all Blogs and Maps.

Charity Update

Many many thanks to all those that have donated.

20191218_charitydonation

A special thanks this week to Aylesham Parish Council and the £1000 they have donated each to the Slide Away , the Alzheimer’s Society and Fight for Sight Charities. Remember a donation from the Parish Council is a donation from everyone in the village. Massive thanks. This is an astonishing contribution and we cannot stress enough how humbled we are that the village have done this for us.

Hi Bike Rugby Japan,

Thank you very much – have a fabulous Christmas and New Year too! I hope you enjoy a well needed rest after your fantastic cycling efforts and you welcome Keith home soon.

I can confirm the cheque has been received and a ‘thank you’ letter sent out to Kate Razzell on the 6^th December.

Once again, thank you for all of your incredible support.

All the best,

Megan Wilson

Events Fundraising Assistant

Keith in the USA

20191220_USAmap — Keith’s trans-American cycle ride

This week Keith completes his ride across the USA and arrives at the Atlantic Ocean at Jacksonville.

Map of the trans-American Tour across the USA.

Totals in the USA: 2937 miles, 82191ft climbing and 209:49 hours riding

This weeks ride in the USA.

This week: 439 miles, 8829ft climbing and 30:58 hours riding

USA Day 40 Sunday December 15th

20191215_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 40 – December 15th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 40.

I’m out the door at 7. I’ve got good cycle paths, flat and clean with better weather that’s overcast but warmer. However it’s still a chilly head-wind.

Looking back at the Pensacola Bay Bridge

Pensacola bridge is a nightmare; I have a closed cycle lane and no hard shoulder. Once again I have to battle with the traffic over the long bridge. It’s nerve racking to say the least.

I make the most of the good roads and soon I’m 45 miles in. I pull over onto a gorgeous white beach which is a great spot to have lunch. The winds still whistling off the sea.

Fifteen miles later and I’m not feeling good. I’m tired of pushing against the wind and my stomach doesn’t feel great. I used tap water in my bottles today and maybe that’s why.

I take a Gas station stop to pick up fresh water, ice cream and chocolate and I feel better almost straight away. But I’m still tired.

Finally I reach the lodgings and take a brief walk on the beach before the sun goes down.

I walk out for dinner and spot a Chinese restaurant. Just what I need after a week of seafood. Good food and plenty of it.

USA Day 41 Monday December 16th

20191216_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 41 – December 16th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 41.

The first 40 miles is along the coast today. It’s warm and sunny with a torrid head-wind. Today is going to be a battle. It’s a good straight but busy road with a smooth shoulder. That’s all I’m likely to be looking at for a good few hours.

I’m concentrating on keeping the bike nice and straight in these blustery conditions. Only thing I’ve noticed apart from the houses adorning the white sandy beaches, is the Bald eagles circling above.

At thirty or so miles in a dog comes from nowhere and is chasing me up the road. One loud command and it backs off. I didn’t need that against this wind. Shite the dog is back and too close for comfort; I crank up and yell again and it stops. For the next mile or two I’m convinced it will return.

Turning inland I get a bit of a respite from the wind. I pull over at a gas station and buy water and make an emergency dash for the toilet. Not as clean as anything in Japan, but fine when your in a hurry.

I make a call to book a room in Bristol as only one place in that area available. Nice young lady takes my details. Then says you need to be here by 4 or we’ll re-let the room, as she puts the phone down. Now I’ve done slightly less than 50 miles in 5 hrs, 50 miles to go in less than 4!

Still the wind is slightly better. With 15 miles to go in less than an hour the road turns in my favour again. But then 10 miles later and I turn back into the wind. 2 hrs to get there and 25 miles, not to much of a task. If I wasn’t already 75 into my day.

Either I’m stronger or the wind’s died down but the miles are ticking down nicely. I even have chance to snap the storm ravaged forest and the Apalachicola river.

As I cross the river a sign says you are now on Eastern standard time. All my effort in vain. The clocks have gone forward an hour! I’m not happy.

It’s the last couple of miles and I’m totally spent; I’ve left nothing out there today. I arrive half an hour late (local time).

I pull up at the motel counter and all’s well. I get my room for the night and there’s a small local restaurant close by. Grilled Pork chops, veg and potatoes. Not great but good.

Storm damaged trees - a tornado has been thru recently — Storm damaged trees – a tornado has been thru recently

USA Day 42 Tuesday December 17th

20191217_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 42 – December 17th

Fly-through Map USA Day 42.

I’m waiting for the sun to come up this morning,after the clock change yesterday. My plan is to ride 106 miles today so need to be on the road asap. It’s rained overnight and frain is forecast for today; heavy too. I can expect wet roads high humidity and a side wind.

It’s not long before I’m crossing the Ochlockonee river and the Apalachicola forest. This whole area is pretty scenic. The trees lining the roads form a tunnel. Must be spectacular in the summer.

Before long before I’m entering Tallahassee; it’s not a big town, but enough to keep me aware. The bike track goes through the university and I missed the turning. No worries I work my way around. Sometimes it’s awkward when the garmin takes you down an alley especially when you have been on roads for so long.

I’ve soon cleared the town and it’s time for lunch. It’s a gas station again but I have my own food and just stock up on fluids. I’m 56 miles in and 50 to go.

The rain starts as I pull away. No worries I’m drenched in sweat due to the humidity, so T-shirt and shorts it is. The rain gets steadily heavier. I can hear the thunder but see no lightning at first. It’s teeming with rain now and flash lightning is happening every couple of minutes. I can’t remember whether I should get off the bike or whether it’s OK to carry on.

I carry on; as long as the water’s running off the road and not pooling I’m good. Fellow drivers are looking at me in awe. What to do? I pull over and stand under a tree. That’s not right either. Just push on. Only 30 miles to go.

It does ease off a little just before I reach the Motel. The lady behind the desk isn’t too happy with the mess I’m dripping onto her polished floor. She advises me that there is a dryer in the laundry room. But it’s not for me. I wash everything then set up a line in the room and turn the heating up. 👍

The forecast is cold and sunny tomorrow, we shall see 😄

USA Day 43 Wednesday December 18th

20191218_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 43 – December 18th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 43.

As promised the temperature has dropped over 20º. It was hot and humid yesterday and it’s cold and sunny today. The first couple of miles today are on back roads until I rejoin the H-90. It’s tarmac but with a covering of sand. It looks very nice but I need to be aware of deep sand and it’s grinding my gears up.

I’m soon back on the tree lined 90. It’s very cold (below 3º) and the wind is over my left shoulder most of the time. It’s not perfect but better than the last few days.

Soon I’m passing through the Suwannee State Park and over the dark green river. It’s lined by Cyprus trees covered in Spanish moss.

I have no hard shoulder for long stretches today but the drivers are very courteous and keep well wide of me.

bright and sunny on the road in Florida — Bright and sunny on the road in Florida

The ride through Lake City wasn’t very exiting and I barely got a glimpse of the lake. I pull up after the town and eat my lunch; just fruit and homemade malt loaf from my sister Debbie. I’m slightly into the wind now, but I’m looking forward to the last 20 miles;
an old railway line converted into the “Baldwin Bike Trail”. Pushing on to the 90 mile mark and I’m very hungry.

Keith at the Baldwin Rail Trailhead, Florida

As I expected and hoped for, the trail has benches, water fountains and toilets at it’s start. I sit down and eat what food I have left. A local cyclist pulls up and asks a few questions. He’s embarrassed because he only rides 40 or so miles a week. I tell him he’s cool, even my own friends think what I’m doing is crazy. Little and often mate and off he goes.

The trail is very scenic but unfortunately slightly uphill and against the wind. Not what I needed to finish the day. I pull into the motel knowing I have less than 25 miles to do tomorrow.👍

However the Motel is shite; no microwave or coffee machine and I could have a lay in tomorrow if I so desired. A bar and restaurant attached so it’s not so sad. But the cider was rank! Fortunately the brown ale is much better especially in a pitcher😁

I washed my bike in the bath tonight as I may not get a better chance. Also my pannier leaked in the heavy rain yesterday so my travelling clothes are damp ☹️

We will see what tomorrow brings as it’s my last day on the bike.

Busy couple of days ahead.

USA Day 44 Thursday December 19th

20191219_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 44 – December 19th

Fly-through Map of Day 44.

I have a late start today. It’s 23 miles to the coast and then a dozen back to my hotel nearer the Amtrak station. I’m not allowed to book in before 15:00.

It’s bright and chilly again this morning with headwinds. It won’t worry me today. I don’t get out of traffic all morning. It’s like riding across London. But no worries I have plenty of time.

I finally reach the beach which has lovely white sands but nowhere for a decent photo opportunity. The pier is closed and the only access to the beach is over the wooden bridges that span the dunes. I finally give up and settle for the bridge. There is not a soul on the beach within range so I have to set the self timer on the camera.

Keith meets the Atlantic Ocean at Jacksonville Beach, Florida — Keith at the Atlantic Ocean at Jacksonville Beach, Florida

I eat my last slice of home-made malt loaf (Thanks Debbie) and banana. Now it’s time for a beer; it’s almost midday and I’ve already spotted a bar. As I roll in a dog in the beer garden barks angrily. I’ll need more than that to put me off a beer today.

I grab a beer from the bar and approach the garden and as I enter the pitbull goes quiet thankfully. It’s owners ask if I’m from England and the story unfolds. It’s lovely in the sunshine and I’m enjoying the beer. It tastes very good today.

I leave the bar and cycle to my hotel with the wind on my back. Unfortunately it’s the wrong hotel. A sister hotel to the one I’ve booked. Mine’s another 2 miles away. Turns out fine as this is the place I booked and it’s very close to REI, the outdoor store where I can pick up a cardboard box for my bike.

I pick the box up and pack the bike. It’s getting late, 20:00. So it’s the BBQ pit just down the road. Excellent food and service.

All the packing is nearly done. The train to Orlando is at 8:30 tomorrow.

I can’t believe the cycling’s all done (for this year)!

The Atlantic Ocean at Jacksonville Beach, Florida, USA

USA Day 45 Friday December 20th

[Keith caught an early train down to Orlando and got himself packed and ready for his flight tomorrow. Spends the evening relaxing, including, I think, an operatic performance of Hamlet in the park!: Ed]

USA Day 46 Saturday December 21st

[Flight home! Next weeks blog will wrap the whole trip up and we’ll welcome home Keith and give a summary of the whole tour from those who started six months ago in Calais (Cathal and Carl), to the long ride across Asia where they first tried cycle-touring (or bike-packing as some like to call it these days). Then when Rylan joins for the downhill section to Shanghai. After that we’ll recall the rides around Japan and the Rugby before the solo run across the USA: Ed]

All done. Arrival at the Atlantic Ocean.

USA Week 6

Links to all the Blogs and Maps

Table of links to all Blogs and Maps.

Charity Update

Many many thanks to all those that have donated.

20191212_CharityDonation

A special thanks this week to Aylesham Parish Council and the £1000 they have donated each to the Slide Away and Fight for Sight Charities. Remember a donation from the Parish Council is a donation from everyone in the village. Massive thanks. [We are still awaiting confirmation from the Alzheimer’s Society that they too have been donated a £1000: Ed]. This is an astonishing contribution and we cannot stress enough how humbled we are that the village have done this for us.

Dear all at Bike Rugby Japan

Just to let you know that Slide Away has received a letter from Kate Razzell enclosing a cheque for £1000 from Aylesham Parish Council for and on behalf of Keith, Dale and Linford. I will be wrilting to Kate to acknowledge and thank the Parish Council for their kind and generous donation.

Kind regards.

Denise

Hi Bike Rugby Japan,

Fantastic news about Keith! He is doing amazing and what an achievement.

I can confirm we have received the cheque for £1,000 from your Parish Council. I have also sent them a thank you letter on behalf of Fight for Sight to thank them for their generous donation and support towards your challenge.

Molly

Keith in the USA

This week Keith has headed towards New Orleans, and then beyond.

Map of Progress so far in the USA.

Totals in the USA: 2498 miles, 73362ft climbing and 178:51 hours riding

This weeks ride in the USA.

This week: 532 miles, 7966 climbing and 38:03 hours riding

USA Day 33 Sunday December 8th

20191208_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 33 – December 8th

Fly-through Map USA Day 33.

I leave the hotel at 07:00. The weather’s cold and foggy and have my lights on as a precaution. I can only see a hundred yards or so down the road but the hard shoulder is smooth clean and wide. It’s a slight head-wind as well. There’s nothing to look at so I bury my head and push on along the rolling road.

After 4 hours it’s time to eat. I have fried chicken from last night and chocolate brownies. I’m parked at a farmer’s gate. the sun has broken through intermittently but it’s still cold.
I take my gloves and jacket off and carry on with 30 miles to go.

The sun comes out as I join the Interstate 11. It’s the first time I’ve ridden the interstate. It’s busy and noisy; not ideal. The good thing is it pushes you to go faster and it’s not long before I’m at the motel.

The manager is an Indian guy who’s convinced I’m a professional traveller.

It turns out he’s only been in the USA 6 months himself. He’s originally from Hyderbad central southern India. I knew more about travel in India than he did!

I had my first taste of catfish tonight though I’m not a great fish eater. But it looked better than the Tex Mex. In fact it was really good, in a tasty beer and soda batter.

USA Day 34 Monday December 9th

20191209_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 34 – December 9th

Fly-through Map USA Day 34.

What a difference a day makes; it’s 18º this morning, humid and cloudy. No gloves and no jacket. However I need to push on this morning as a slight headwind forecast to get stronger as the day unfolds. It’s the same problem as yesterday in that the Highway 90 runs into Interstate 10; a very busy road, although the shoulder is very good.

All going well until I come to the “Calcasieu bridge” it looks like some sort of Thunderbirds take off ramp. But what really concerns me is the lack of hard shoulder. [this is the 1951 Louisiana World War 2 Memorial bridge over the Cacasieu River and Lake Charles: Ed]

I pull over and check my maps. A possible detour is a long way. I take on some food and drink and decide to go for it. I put on my rear flashing lights and don my flashing jacket. It’s the first time I’ve worn it and it needs to earn it’s place in my pannier.

Suitably dressed I go for it. Wow what a bridge; it’s a long ramp up to the top with a great view of the lake. But I’m concentrating on riding a straight line and keeping in close. Not a peep from any driver, they all do their best to give me space. So I’m relieved to get off the bridge pull over and take my sweaty jacket off.

I take Highway 90 for the rest of the day. It’s mostly quite but the intermittent shoulder isn’t good. 20 to go and I’m making good time when something sticks and is going around with the back wheel. The tyre is still inflated so I pull over to investigate. I have a huge nail in the tyre, but it hasn’t gone down. A puncture is better than anything I was thinking of and I’m soon back on the road.

I’m booked into motel but the receptionist is a nightmare; no printer,and can’t find my zip code or understand my ID (drivers license). Just give me my key please. It rained for the final 15 minutes and I need to get dry.

Subway for dinner. Not good enough.

USA Day 35 Tuesday December 10th

20191210_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 35 – December 10th

Fly-through Map USA Day 35.

I have plenty of time this morning with a slight wind in my face but improving all day and a strong tail-wind to finish with.

I had lots of discussions last night as to which route I should take; either the I-10 fast road but good hard shoulder, or H-90 which frequently has no shoulder but it’s not so busy. Lots of advice on the internet

I decide to take the I-10 (Debbie 😞). It’s not raining yet but it has been and will do again soon.

I’ve only been on the road 15 minutes and the Police pull me over. (Well it’s happened in all previous countries for one reason or another). I’m not allowed on the Interstate. So what am I to do? He suggests I get off at the next junction and clear off out of his district down the H-90. That has no hard shoulder I say. He replies, it takes you away from me.

Stood there, six foot five, fit, armed and in his scout leader uniform!

So the 90 it is. Through Lafayette first and the rush hour traffic; chaos. Once through the road’s busy but with no shoulder. I give it 15 minutes and it doesn’t improve. So I take a back route. It’s much quieter but the roads aren’t great. It turns out I’m on the Spanish trail.

It’s raining hard and I’m soaked to the skin and only one hour into the ride. It just keeps on raining, but with the wind behind. I keep my head down and push on. I’ve given up trying to avoid puddles; it’s a waste of time. Twice my front wheel skids out on the white line. That wakes me up, but I don’t crash. Sometimes it rains and then it rains harder.

A real horrid day. Torrential now. I pull over to a fast food joint. Need to eat, warm up and use the WiFi.

**Bald Eagle** (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus*)

I book a motel 25 miles down the road. Get back on the bike and realise I’m proper cold now. Why did I book it so far away? Last ten miles or so I’m battling 30>40 Mph gusting winds.

Keeping myself to the right hand-side, I press on past the air museum. Birds of prey are surfing on the winds above. Dozens of them. As they swoop down low I have a great view of my first “Bald Eagle”. Excellent.

Approaching another bridge - at least a closed lane is available — Approaching another bridge – at least a closed lane is available

As Morgan City appears there’s a large bridge to cross. I hope it’s not like yesterdays. I find a lane closed; perfect! I dodge between the cones and ride the empty lane. It’s perfectly safe. On the descent the other side they’ve left a machine blocking my access.

I hope the keys are in it. No problem, just take panniers of one side and I squeeze through.

The water bottle just had to fall down this hole!

As I’m approaching the elevated take off lane for my hotel my bottle cage drops off, probably due to the poor road surfaces today. The yellow bottle bounces in front of me and disappears down a drain onto the grass 10 metres below. Looking down I console myself that it’s lost.

I get into the motel dripping. I shower and dry my gear.

Zip Nolan was an American Highway Patrolman who for some inexplicable reason fought crime in the middle of Britain!

Running for years in The Lion, the strip had the gimmick of putting all the clues the reader needed to solve the crime and then asking the reader if they could solve the mystery before turning the page and finding the answer along with Zip.

USA Day 36 Wednesday December 11th

20191211_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 36 – December 11th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 36.

I woke up late this morning 6:40. No worries as I’ll still be out the door by 7:30. I breakfast in the motel; a nice spread. I meet Nick who is cycling the East to West Coast route. He’s been riding a couple of weeks and only gotten this far. He asks me about my trip and I give him the run down. An average of 75 miles a day surprises him, especially as I’m carrying 110lb, 50Kg (bike & gear) plus food and water. He wishes me the best and says enjoy the wind on your back today. That’s not how I read the weather this morning!

I get away at 8, but have to pull over after 15 minutes. I don my rain jacket and gloves. It’s strong, cold head-winds, grey sky. Definitely not a tail-wind. I keep my head down and pedal on, it’s going to be a very long day I suspect.

The morning is pretty uneventful. The roads are terrible; the worst since leaving Ukraine – uneven and littered with debris. I take lunch in a petrol station; the hot coffee is good but no fruit for sale in gas stations. Must have been spoilt across Asia.

40 miles to go and I spot my first alligator. No worries it’s flat on the road but it does make me think about where I take a leak though.

With 18 miles to go I turn right with the wind on my shoulder. It’s much nicer but I know the last six is back into the wind.

The approach into New Orleans is horrid with busy roads and gusting headwinds.

crossing the Mississippi River into New Orleans

As I’m approaching The Huey P Long Bridge I notice no hard shoulder. Trying to cycle close to the wall in a straight line isn’t easy with large vehicles passing close and a strong gusting wind. It’s not a short bridge either. Glad to have survived I ride the last couple of miles gingerly through the traffic.

I’m at Ron’s Gumbo shop for dinner. Excellent Gumbo and a fried alligator starter!

USA Day 37 Thursday December 12th

I have a rest day today to look around New Orleans.

I’ve arranged an Air Boat tour for 9am; they contacted me yesterday and rearranged for 11. Not happy, that’s my day basically done.

I take an Uber cab downtown for the pick-up. Whilst waiting I meet a couple from Minnesota also on the trip. The bus is twenty minutes late so I email them. Obviously the bus turns up straight away. As I’m boarding the bus the driver gets a call asking why he hasn’t picked us up yet. Never mind. It’s half an hour drive back down Highway 90. The road I came into town on yesterday. It’s still very bumpy in the bus.

A swamp tour into the bayou from New Orleans

On arrival it’s the ‘All American’ welcome, what’s your name where do you come from. I’m allocated to boat seven. Our driver arrives and runs through the safety briefing. The weather’s awful, grey and wet. The boat speeds out through the bigger channels then slows as it enters the smaller channels. The driver points out Osprey, Bald Eagles, Egrets and Purple Herons. Snaking us through the smallest of gaps he gets us into an alligator pond. A Nutria dives for cover. Seems they are a pest here as well as Europe. The guide gives us a briefing about the alligators habits, some are very disappointed that they will not see one (cold weather). The boat won’t start now. He messes with it for a bit to no avail.

It raining hard now as we wait to be rescued by the back-up crew, if they can find us. An hour later rescue arrives. We transfer onto a smaller boat and ready ourselves for the ride home. Everyone is shivering from the cold and I am really feeling it in my shorts.

This boat’s super fast and on the way back we’re flat out. You can’t look ahead as the rain stings your eyes and face, so we’re all looking into the bottom of the boat. We soon arrive at the dock. I use the toilet and expecting hot coffee or something. Nothing on offer and I’m still shivering. Others are waiting on the bus for us. As I leave the shop I’m informed that people are getting their money back. Good for me, join the queue and they pay me out. Still cold though.

Luckily I’m first off the bus on arrival in the New Orleans French quarter. Straight into a bar and order beer and a PO-boy. this is a local take on a french stick sandwich. Very nice with spicy sausage.

I spend the rest of the evening, after warming up, visiting music bars with dueling piano, jazz, creole, sixties and modern music bellowing out along the street.

USA Day 38 Friday December 13th

20191213_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 38 – December 13th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 38.

I’m woken up by noisy neighbours at 5:30 and then went to breakfast at 6. I managed to smuggle a couple of bananas out along with three muffins. That will help on the ride today.

I’m not looking forward to the ride out of New Orleans today. It’s cold, wet, busy and foggy. Also I make two wrong turns in the first mile so it could be a long day. I’m suffering from my over indulgence of the local hospitality last night as well.

Finally I pick up a nice cycle trail through the city. So I stick with it and use my GPS as a rough guide. Within a couple of hours I’m clear of the city and riding across the swampy grasslands on a concrete road. I’m not keen on the concrete sections that bump every 5 metres. It rattles both me and the bike.

After 40 miles I cross the old Pearl river on a rickety bridge. I stop in the middle to photograph a couple of Brown Pelicans, the first I’ve seen. It’s still very foggy and wet.

Fog across the Pearl River into Mississippi

At 66 miles I’m crossing the Bay Louis Bridge and it’s couple of miles long with a good cycle path. The view is terrible however due to fog.

Bald Eagle feeding on the beach — Bald Eagle feeding on beach

When I hit the beach I ride on the boardwalk where I can. My lights have run out and it’s teeming with rain now. I stop to photograph a Bald eagle that’s devouring a fish on the beach.

A long straight run down the beach to finish in the pouring rain, but I’m not cold and happy with my 90 miles today.☺

USA Day 39 Saturday December 14th

20191214_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 39 – December 14th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 39.

Breakfast was fine in this tatty motel but I’m glad to be on my way.

The weather’s better: dry, light winds and foggy and it’s a nice easy flat start with a small tail-wind. As I leave town I’m followed by a group of young Americans. They are asking questions and pushing the pace. It’s fine by me and I’m enjoying the company and challenge. It doesn’t last long however and after a couple of miles they pull up. I’m warm now although the wind is chilly.

I’ve a ferry to catch today from Dauphin island to Fort Morgan. Ferries leave at 12:30 and 14:00. To catch the 12:30 I’d have to cover the 70 miles in 5 hours. Not likely but possible.

So I crack on and see what happens. The roads are good and it’s only light traffic but the fog is pretty thick in places so I see very little all morning.

The Biloxi Bay bridge is a two mile long low level concrete causeway with a good separate bike lane. Unfortunately the views are ruined by sea mist and fog.

As I approach Dauphin island the causeway is barely visible as it’s only metres above the sea. It’s 5 mile distance makes it disappear and the wind’s always going to be a problem.

Keeping one eye on my watch I press on and arrive at the port with barely a couple of minutes to spare.

The Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan ferry, Alabama

The cloud breaks, sun comes out and it’s much nicer. The last 25 miles is pleasant; clear sky’s and a tailwind. Huge houses all built on stilts line the coast.

A walk on the beach tonight is a rare event in the last month or so.

Sunset on the beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Overland To India

Ben and Jess were cycling a more southern route across Asia to India. They’ve arrived in India, but have decided to split up. It looks permanent as the blog, once ‘Jess & Ben’, is now only ‘Jess’.

You can catch up with Jess here. An excerpt is below.

We’ll follow Jess for now and wish Ben all the best with whatever he is doing. Meanwhile I’ll see if we can re-connect with him in some way.

20191214_Jess

USA Week 5

Inside the fancy B&B in Brenham, Texas — I’ve written this little song about cycling.

Links to all the Blogs and Maps

Table of links to all Blogs and Maps.

Charity Update

Many many thanks to all those that have donated.

A special thanks this week to Aylesham Parish Council and the £1000 they have donated to the Slide Away Charity. Remember a donation from the Parish Council is a donation from everyone in the village. Massive thanks. [We are still awaiting confirmation from Fight for Sight and the Alzheimer’s Society that they too have been donated a £1000 each: Ed]. This is an astonishing contribution and we cannot stress enough how humbled we are that the village have done this for us.

Keith in the USA

This week Keith has mostly hung out in Austin, Texas visiting our family there.

Thanks to Debs for her contributions to this weeks blog.

Eventually he got off his arse and headed out ….

Map of Progress so far in the USA.

Totals in the USA: 1965 miles, 65396ft climbing and 140:48 hours riding

This weeks ride in the USA.

This week: 199 miles, 5876ft climbing and 13:42 hours riding

USA Day 25 Saturday November 30th

So excited today as Keith is scheduled to arrive mid afternoon, we have been looking forward to this day for 3 weeks now,I have been so tempted to jump in the car and rescue him from the straight, boring long roads of West Texas. I hated the thought of him out there alone on Thanksgiving but Keith was determined to ride into town.

Charlee had given me a small list of his favorite things for breakfast and snacks etc, so I got busy in the kitchen a few days before, Soren malt loaf is not available in Texas so after searching for a few days I managed to bake him several loaves.

I rushed to make a welcome sign to place outside and just as I finished it, Keith was riding down the hill. So good to see him finally and eager to hear his stories from the past few months. He looks amazing and is ready for a cold drink, hot shower and lunch.

[Debbie]

USA Day 26 Sunday December 1st

We took a quick trip out to Windy Point on Lake Travis before heading back to prepare for Sunday dinner, it was a fun afternoon with everyone here enjoying a roast dinner.

Keith and I spent the evening at a nearby Irish bar drinking cider and listening to the tales of Bike Rugby Japan.

[Debbie]

USA Day 27 Monday December 2nd

We spent the morning at REI looking for a tent and then met up with Genevieve and Kristian for lunch at Hop Doddy’s. We picked up Geraint from school, he had seen Keith from his classroom and was very excited to see him again. Then we spent a few hours overseeing homework and playing at the park. William cooked a curry for dinner, a nice change for Keith as he had not eaten one in months.

[Debbie]

USA Day 28 Tuesday December 3rd

20191203_ridewithgpsmap

Keith spent the morning cleaning up his bike and getting his gear sorted. Alex met up with him at Mellow Johnny’s bike shop and cafe, as it’s just a short ride from his office.

Pizza for dinner with the crew, plus Ryan a keen cyclist who wanted to hear more of Keith’s stories.

[Debbie]

WhatsApp Image 2019-12-06 at 22.55.29 — Keith contemplates a new tea mug

USA Day 29 Wednesday December 4th

20191204_ridewithgpsmap

Alex, Victoria and Keith met up downtown for lunch. Keith then explored the capitol and the downtown hike and bike trail. Kristian and Geraint met at a new place not far from my work so we all got together and decided to have BBQ for dinner.

[Debbie]

USA Day 30 Thursday December 5th

20191205_ridewithgpsmap

Keith and I met for lunch and then he had a afternoon exploring Central Austin.

He put the word out that he was at the Draft House so time for a quick drink before heading home for dinner. William had cooked home-made pasta and ciabatta bread.

[Debbie]

USA Day 31 Friday December 6th

20191206_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 31 – December 6th

Fly-through Map USA Day 31.

Time to get back on the road, I think I packed him another 100 lbs of food to take, just kidding. After cooking him some eggs and bacon, he packed up the car as I had insisted on driving him out of Austin; Big Sister won this battle.

Big sad lump in my throat seeing him ride off up the hill, I was very tempted to follow him.

I have so enjoyed following the Bike Rugby Japan tour and feel so incredibly proud of them. So many memories and stories to share.

We only got to August on the photos as each one has a story.

I am grateful for the many people who showed them kindness on their journey, a bottle of water, or a piece of fruit, even offering them food and a place to stay.

Thank you Keith for stopping by, we really enjoyed your visit.

We will miss you.

Look forward to the updates.

[Debbie]

Keith hits the road again and is heading east from Austin, Texas

My wheels arrived late last night (23:00). I went to bed reading up on the front hub adapter and reminding myself what I need to do in the morning.

I’m up at 6 going over the details of the new wheels before I shower and breakfast. Then it’s into Williams garage. I remove the tyre, brake disc and cassette from my old rear wheel, fit a new tyre disc and cassette to new wheel and partially inflate. I then remove the brake disc from the old front wheel, assemble the hub adapter and disc on the new wheel and fit an old rear tyre and partially inflate. I fit wheels to the bike, fully inflate the tyre and take for a spin around the estate. All appears well.

Debbie makes me a full english breakfast and packs enough food for me to get to the east coast (12 Days)! We’ve (Debbie) decided to run me to the outskirts of town to avoid the rush hour trafic. I finally get off at 9 o’clock. We drive through traffic to Manor on the 290 but roadworks going on so we carry on to Elgin. Debbie insists it’s the far side of Elgin. Then there is no hard shoulder. I’m thinking she’s not going to let me out till Jacksonville!

Finally we pull over and I put the wheels and panniers back on the bike. Set my Garmin up and say my goodbyes. Never easy as we don’t see each other often enough so it’s always an emotional time. I sling my leg over and promise to stay in touch.

The bike feels real good today with the new wheels and front pannier racks that are fitted much better than previous attempts. It’s a nice wide smooth hard shoulder, I have a tailwind and I’m making good time. Long rolling hills in front of me.

I pull over after 30 miles to eat some of the lunch that Debbie’s prepared for me.

Only 20 miles to go to Brenham so I contemplate pushing on to Hempstead, a place Deb and William have mentioned. It’s only after I’ve passed Brenham that I realise Hempstead is not on my route. Luckily I’m on the outskirts so only have to backtrack a mile or so.

Really happy with the bike and my body today. Been resting for a week and I’m sure my legs thought it was all over. They didn’t ache for long.

USA Day 32 Saturday December 7th

20191207_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 32 – December 7th

Fly-through Mapy USA Day 32.

I’m up early and getting stuck into breakfast. This upmarket B&B has a kitchen full of food that I’ve been invited to help myself to; and that included the alcohol last night!

It’s a bright frosty morning but I’m out at seven. Not long before I’m out of town and on the long undulating roads. After half an hour I begin to get a screech from the bike. I can see nothing and can’t determine whether it’s from the crank or rear dérailleur. I pull over and lubricate everything and accidentally brush my hand over a hairy caterpillar. Now my hands and face are itching where I rubbed and touched it.

This is the Caterpillar that made my hand itch.

Not much improvement. I pull over again and dismantle the jockey wheels in the rear dérailleur and clean. I have all the parts lined up on a sleeper when a lorry goes past and blows everything into the long grass. After ten minutes I’m one bolt and one washer short. After another fifteen minutes, same story. I rebuild the dérailleur using the not ideal spares I’m carrying. The squawking is no better. I change the washer on the jockey wheel but it’s no better.

I’ve been riding four hours and covered less than 30 miles. SHIT.

I decide to inspect the whole rear mechanism, piece by piece. I remove all my panniers and turn the bike upside down. The rear cassette will not reverse and throws slack chain when I stop pedalling. Is it the new hub? It seems fine when I remove the wheel. The rear dérailleur and jockey wheels fine.

By now I’m covered in oil and grease from my many attempts at a repair. HOORAY I see the problem a tiny grub screw that holds the hanger on has backed itself out. I screw it back in 3mm with an allen key, rebuild the rest of the bike, load panniers and I’m good to go.

Sweet, no noises and I’m happy. 60 miles to go and it’s nearly midday. Not good, we calculate our time on the road at 10 miles an hour at that rate I’ll be riding in the dark for the last hour. I have the lights, but it’s not ideal.

I crack on, the road’s good and the wind is coming across my shoulder. I’m pushing 17mph for the next couple of hours. I take a short break to fuel up in “Conroe” and push into the weak headwind. Lake Conroe is on my left then it’s through the Sam Houston forest, very picturesque, for the last hour.

The "Children at Play" Statues at Conroe, Texas — The “Children at Play” Statues at Conroe, Texas

What I thought was going to be a horrid day turned out not too bad. I just need to clean the lubrication off the bike tonight.

Overland To India

You can catch up with Jess here. An excerpt is below.

We’ll follow Jess for now and wish Ben all the best with whatever he is doing. Meanwhile I’ll see if we can re-connect with him in some way.

20191207_Jess

USA Week 4

Links to all the Blogs and Maps

Table of links to all Blogs and Maps.

Charity Update

Many many thanks to all those that have donated.

Keith in the USA

This week Keith rides through Alien country (Roswell, New Mexico) to Austin, Texas to visit his sister Debbie.

Map of Progress so far in the USA.

Totals in the USA: 1766 miles, 59520ft climbing and 127:06 hours riding

This weeks ride in the USA.

This week: 561 miles, 13004ft climbing and 40:35 hours riding

USA Day 19 Sunday November 24th

20191124_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 19 – November 24th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 19.

Expect the unexpected today. I’m heading to Roswell site of Aliens landing in 1947?

It’s a beautiful morning again today. Clear blue skies. Straight road ahead of me with a gentle gradient for the first 10 miles. Hills to the north look great as the low sun casts shadows across them.

I’m riding in historic Lincoln County this morning, realm of Billy the Kid. As the climb intensifies I notice an animal in front stood on its hind legs. On closer inspection its a Grey squirrel not very exciting. This steep section is up through woodland and very scenic with large birds of prey circling overhead. Lots of road kill on this road more than I’ve seen all of this journey. There’s an owl, Porcupine, Skunks and lots of small birds.

At just over the hour and the climbing’s done. It’s flat now with a cold tail-wind, so it’s head down and crack on. All is going well until a bit of a climb at 55 miles. Nothing massive, just a change of mindset and push on. As I brow the hill I pull over and check my tyres. Both a little flat. Is it the cold air I wonder. Half hour later I’m changing the inner-tube in the rear wheel. That’s sorted but the front has a slow puncture as well. I fill it full of air and ride; only 25 to go.

Not sure why the aliens picked Roswell as it’s a pretty dull place, especially on a Sunday afternoon. Not a shop within 2 miles that sells alcohol and I’m not that fussed about going that far on foot.

I stick to the hotel and fix the punctures. Another exciting evening.

PB244119 — North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum): spatchcocked and frozen and ready.

USA Day 20 Monday November 25th

20191125_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 20 – November 25th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 20.

A good breakfast in the hotel this morning; I managed to come out with an apple, a banana and a couple of tangerines!

It’s still very cold and overcast and not a lot to look at. Vast fields on both sides, mostly cattle with the odd herd of deer.

Fresh winds make the flat roads pretty hard work. Reminding me of Holland, no escaping headwinds. The occasional bird of prey above and darting rabbits on the verges. It’s a long straight boring road. Dale and Linney would be good riding three abreast, chatting.

First time I’ve really missed them. After 40 miles I start the only climb of the day. Nothing hard just a long straight climb of fifteen miles or so. After making the top I’m looking forward to the 30 mile descent. I take a sharp right then left, no left? Once again the Garmin has taken me onto private land. The sign on the gate is pretty off-putting.

There is nothing on this property worth dying for
KEEP OUT

Ok I’ll find another route. No problem, straight head against the increased wind for 10 miles then turn left for 28. The ten against the wind is hard, I can’t wait to turn left and have the wind on my back. I decide to take a break at the junction; ham, cheese and fruit. I threw the horrid bread away.

A large petroleum lorry pulls into the layby and the driver jumps out, shakes my hand and gives me a bottle of water. He’s just interested in where I had been and going. He gives me plenty of advice as to where to eat and pray. Turns out he was very religious and worried about me. No worries he meant no harm, nice chap.

I turn left and sail home with the wind on my back and flat roads. Only an extra 3 miles.

Far better than getting shot.

West Texas - long straight roads — New Mexico – long straight roads

West Texas - prairie scrubland — New Mexico – prairie scrubland

USA Day 21 Tuesday November 26th

20191126_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 21 – November 26th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 21.

I have a quick cereal breakfast in the room this morning and am on the road at 7. I’m expecting high winds this afternoon so I need to get some miles in early.

Not a lot to look at again this morning and that’s the theme for the next couple of days. Vast flat farmlands as far as the eye can see.

A high wind’s coming over my right shoulder threatening to blow me into the road. Luckily the hard shoulder is flat and wide. After 20 miles I pass through Hobbs a pretty typical nondescript town. Turning east the wind is now directly behind me and I soon sweep over the Texas state line. Oil heads and cotton fields greet me. The road stretches out straight in front with rolling hills. I pull over after 60 miles, with a puncture in the front and time to eat. The winds really picked up now but it’s still right behind me. I’ve also broken my front pannier rack, nothing a Ty-wrap won’t hold for now.

30+ miles to go. The wind is now growing into a storm and red dust is everywhere and tumble-weed is racing me down the road. Absolutely smashing it. Whilst fixing the bike earlier I inadvertently turned off my garmin. So my stats are only from the break.

I’m averaging 24mph for 20 miles I notice. I think I can improve on that I say to myself. I put the hammer down and complete the ride in 75 minutes, 31.2 miles, average speed a great 25.3mph. Not bad for a 50kg bike and a descent of 45metres.

I consider making the most of the wind and riding another 30+ miles to GAIL. After checking my maps, turns out there are no hotels.

So I take the early day and find a motel and set about going over my bike. Everything checked and tightened, innertubes repaired and a spot of lubrication. Only the rack that I’m not 100% with. Handful of Ty-wraps wouldn’t go a miss.

I walk down to the shop to get food for tomorrow. The locals stare at me in my shorts and the fact I’m walking. There’s a petrol station near the shop so I pop in but they have no Ty-wraps. “Bingo” next door is an electrical firm. I knock on the door and enter. There’s a large woman sat behind her desk keen to help. I explain my situation, so she phones her husband, no answer. So she phones her son, he directs her over the phone into the stores with me following close behind. I could be at home. I spot what I need and ask for ten, she hands me a whole bunch. We sit and chat in her office over a cup of tea and a biscuit or two, with me explaining what I’ve done and seen.

Excellent people.

PB264142 — A pumpjack (nodding donkey) for pumping oil where the pressure underground is not enough to lift it to the surface

USA Day 22 Wednesday November 27th

20191127_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 22 – November 27th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 22.

It’s an early start this morning as I’m expecting the worst. 105 miles, very cold and headwinds. As expected it’s a bitterly cold headwind that’s burning my face. Nothing to look at except cotton fields and oil wells, undulating ground and straight roads. Just me and my mind today. My speed’s not too bad but everything seems to be a struggle going into the wind. It’s going to be like 8 hrs of solitary confinement. Just keep pressing on. Rain clouds are gathering to my right, maybe it can get grimmer.

After 35 miles I pull over to eat, urinate and put some air in my rear wheel. Nowhere to hid from the wind just standing on the side of the road. A large pick-up comes past me and does a u-turn. A gentlemen gets out and starts questioning me on my mentality and my plans. Lovely chap offers me a lift, I refuse explaining that I’m doing fine, on schedule and loaded with food. He says I’m mad and asks how difficult is it to take the panniers off. I take one off to show him and he loads it in the back of his truck. Looks like I’m getting a lift.

Ed starts telling me about his magnesium mine in “Snyder”. They extract it by boring holes and pumping water in and washing the magnesium out. He has a 1900 acre site! Then he’s describing the pig farm his family had in the eighties. At 83 years old he loves charging around his estate on his quad bike on two wheels. The bloke’s a goldmine of information. After 30 mile he pulls over, that’s as far as we go. He helps me put the bike back together, shakes my hand and says I’ve got to go shopping 20 guests to feed at Thanksgiving tomorrow.

So with a smile on my face I push on into the wind for the last 40 mile. It finally rains, but only for the last couple of mile. I book into the motel and spread my gear out to dry. I venture down to Walmart in my shorts and the rain. Yes I’m an alien!

Cotton fields and wind-turbines in West Texas

USA Day 23 Thursday November 28th

20191128_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 23 – November 28th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 23.

I had breakfast and sat waiting for it to get light enough for me to hit the road. It’s cold and raining and that’s the forecast all day. I make the break at 7:45. It’s not a big road out of town and it has a small rough hard shoulder. I have my lights on and I’m riding on the road.

I’m only just got out of the town and I’ve spotted four deer carcasses already. If the drivers are hitting them I’ll get back on the hard shoulder. Riding across a couple of small valleys this morning, up and down through the woods. I disturb a couple of feral pigs that run along with me for a second or two. A welcome break from the open fields of late. The weather is not improving.

After the woods it up with the wind turbines. I know I’m heading directly into the headwind, but it’s confirmed by the angle of the turbines. This is going to be another testing day. After 30 miles I hear a spoke go in my rear wheel but looking down it’s still running pretty true. So I push on. 50 miles in it’s time for lunch. I need to eat for my energy.

There is nowhere to hide from the wind or rain. Pulling over I just sit on the bank eating my sandwiches, fruit and chocolate. Cars passing wave in acknowledgement, but they don’t stop and offer me Thanksgiving dinner. One spoke broken one very loose. I tighten it just enough to keep it in place.

The road-kill I’ve seen today is appalling, at least a dozen deer, 5 or 6 skunks, coyote’s, ring-tailed cats (raccoons probably), feral pigs and armadillos. The pigs looked like a whole family had been wiped out in a single stroke. “The Road Kill Cafe” needs to get down here.

20 miles to go and it’s freezing fog, sleet and icy winds. I need to finish ASAP.

I pull into my motel, strip of and start drying my clothes. I remove the back wheel and set about replacing spokes and truing it up. Two new spokes and 20 minutes and it’s done. I repair a puncture, have coffee and jump in a well deserved shower.

I walk out for food but it’s “Thanksgiving” and the three local restaurants are closed. At the local garage I pick up a couple of beers, Snickers and milk. Back to the motel and I microwave myself some pasta and rice. Chocolate biscuits and bananas for a sweet. Can’t be bad. That’s why we carry food!

West Texas - shitty weather — West Texas – shitty weather

Hereford cows in West Texas (I'm guessing from the white faces) — Hereford cows in West Texas [I’m guessing from the white faces: Ed]

USA Day 24 Friday November 29th

20191129_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 24 – November 29th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 24.

I’m up and waiting to go, over a hundred miles planned today and it’s grim. I have a quick breakfast in the hotel and I’m rolling at 7:15. Not light yet so I’m on the hard shoulder with my tail lights flashing. It’s raining and foggy but not too cold or windy.

I made my mind up not to look at the Garmin today but just keep riding till I arrive in Lampasas, probably in ten hours or so. Start in the dark, finish in the dark! The road’s good today with villages dotted along the route rather than towns 80 miles apart. So I’m counting down the miles using the villages, but oblivious to the time. The suns not coming up, but it has stopped raining.

The days going well, not so much wind and feeling pretty good. As I brow the climb I spot a pick up-truck parked on the shoulder. As I near the drivers struggles out and halts me. Asking where I’ve been and going. Do I want a lift. I’m fine thank you I reply. He says the weather stinks and the traffic is busy get in the van. I’m hesitant as it’s going fine today, warmer and less wind. But the guys a charm so I agree to throw my bike in the back, bags on the back seat and settle in next to him. 73 years old and the guy’s still working, repairing small motors and tools, in his shop.

After 20 miles I suggest he pulls over and I get back on the bike. Not really – he was at his journey’s end!

I unloaded the bike and his compressor from the back. Perhaps that’s why he picked me up, to unload his van. I don’t think so, far too nice and genuine. I’m only sorry I never got his name.

I struggled to get it going again, so pulled over at a picnic spot and had some lunch. I’m feeling better and I set off with only 30 miles to go. I spot my first live “Armadillo” on the grass verge, definitely in Texas now.

With twenty to do it begins to rain hard but no worries as I’m soaked anyway. I finally roll into Lampasas around 15:00. A good day all-round considering I was expecting the worst. Just need to get my kit dry for tomorrows champagne ride into Austin.

USA Day 25 Saturday November 30th

20191130_ridewithgpsmap — Route USA Day 25 – November 30th

Fly-through Map of USA Day 25.

I was on the road at 7:30 this morning with 60 miles to my sister Debbie’s to go. The forecast last night wasn’t great; rain and headwinds. The first couple of miles is uphill but nothing serious just a climb. When I get to the top I pull over and pack away my gloves and jacket, wow it’s hot and humid today a complete change from yesterday.

It’s a nice route this morning very green with quite steep undulating straight roads. It’s still humid so I’ve had to peel off another layer. Down to my short sleeved shirt and shorts. Still overcast and damp from the overnight rain.

As I approach Austin the sun breaks through briefly and the sweat is pouring off me. This humidity is madness, but surely better than the arid heat of the desert. At least I’m aware of the liquid I’m losing. Unlike the desert when you just realise at the end of a day that you’ve drank 8 litres of water, and not had a bead of sweat or urinated all day.

On the outskirts of Austin I pick up the cycle paths and only have 15 miles to go. I text my sister to insure the beer is chilled, I’ll be with her within the hour.

It’s a nice roll in: not much traffic as it’s a holiday weekend.

As I enter the estate my sister lives on I remember Kristian saying go to the left. I could pull my phone out and check the door number but I have this vision in my head.

Excellent as I turn into where I think Debbie lives she’s stood outside with her husband William, decorating her car with a welcome sign.

Great to see her and William, also glad to be relaxing for a few days.

After a chilled beer or two I take a well earned shower. Feel so much better now. A bit to eat and down to the store to sort tomorrows dinner out. Stopping briefly on the way home for some fine local ales.

Well I finally made it. But what to do from here? Smash it to the east coast and maybe late home for Christmas or call it a day.

I can hear you all saying it’s only 1200 miles. 🙂 🙂

Debbie with Keith as he arrives in Austin, Texas

Keith at Debbie's place, Austin, Texas — Keith at Debbie’s place, Austin, Texas

The Hermit Crab

20191126_HermitCrab

“My name is Ben Viatte and I’m just like you: I’m not quite sure how I got here.

My search started 9 years ago, when I closed my eyes for the first time: I saw that I was free. So I started travelling the world in search of a new mindset. My current pilgrimage is bringing me on foot from Europe, through Northern asia, to holy India.”

When we last checked up on this Ben, Dale , Keith and Linford had bumped into him in Kyrgyzstan. Now he’s crossed through China into Pakistan. He had his issues with the police in western China too as you can read.

Keith Returns

Charity Round-up

Some Maps and Stats

What Next?

Greece 2020

Rugby Lions Tour 2021

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Keith in the USA

USA Day 40 Sunday December 15th

USA Day 41 Monday December 16th

USA Day 42 Tuesday December 17th

USA Day 43 Wednesday December 18th

USA Day 44 Thursday December 19th

USA Day 45 Friday December 20th

USA Day 46 Saturday December 21st

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USA Day 33 Sunday December 8th

USA Day 34 Monday December 9th

USA Day 35 Tuesday December 10th

USA Day 36 Wednesday December 11th

USA Day 37 Thursday December 12th

USA Day 38 Friday December 13th

USA Day 39 Saturday December 14th

Overland To India

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USA Day 25 Saturday November 30th

USA Day 26 Sunday December 1st

USA Day 27 Monday December 2nd

USA Day 28 Tuesday December 3rd

USA Day 29 Wednesday December 4th

USA Day 30 Thursday December 5th

USA Day 31 Friday December 6th

USA Day 32 Saturday December 7th

Overland To India

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USA Day 19 Sunday November 24th

USA Day 20 Monday November 25th

USA Day 21 Tuesday November 26th

USA Day 22 Wednesday November 27th

USA Day 23 Thursday November 28th

USA Day 24 Friday November 29th

USA Day 25 Saturday November 30th

The Hermit Crab

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