Barbs's Big Bike RIde

This year I have decided to stay and enjoy an English Spring. It has been a long time coming but at last it is here and I am off to explore my own back yard. Well actually travelling up the UK mainland as far north as possible before 21st June and see how close I can get to the Midnight Sun.


After my travels along the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain last September on my trusty old iron donkey, I have bought a lighter bike in the hope that I can get up a few more hills and by going from Lands End to John o Groats (LEJOG) I can avoid the killing headwinds of the Spanish meseta.


So here she is, we had a jolly naming ceremony on Saturday and hopefully the good friends, food and weather I enjoyed will carry me through to the farthest northern climes. Thank you all for a great send off, admirably topped off with one too many pints The Village Bike listening to Mojo Triangle.


And she is called Eleanor, isn't she beautiful, I hope I still have such tender feelings after 6 hours in the saddle, but probably only in the nether regions I fear.


The map link on the right will show a rough itinerary and route and I will try try to update with my actual route, if I can work out how and where I am as I go along, you know there will be little correlation but I will get there or somewhere in the end!


If you want an email update, submit your address in the box also on right and hopefully it will find its way through the ether to you.

Sunday, 16 June 2013

Onwards and upwards

A rainy day in Lerwick turned out to be quite busy. Basic chores of clothes washing and planning next steps can take some time.
I popped into a textile museum and was amazed at the fine knitted lace, it could take upto a year to complete one shawl, which like a pashmina should pass through a gold ring.  On my way back into town I saw a bike event go by and tried to join but lost them by the time I turned around.  I carried on with my original plan to go to the Shetland museum it was great and free and out of the rain, recently completed I think, it seems the oil money is finding its way into the community. 
Whilst there I found out that there would be a fun bike ride along the up helly aa route and the Peatbog Fearies playing in the new Maveel centre.
The warm up act had cancelled in the afternoon, so there was a stand-in scratch band of around 12 young fiddles, accordian and keyboard. The reels were so fast and powerful from the audience reaction they were all local.  The ferries were also loud and fast and soon had everyone jigging.

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