So the trip is over and it’s back to reality for me. I started this journey in December last year so it’s been a long project. The money raised will help people of all ages who suffer from arthritis. I … Continue reading →

Wow, it’s been a busy few days! We’ve done vast amounts of walking, pizza eating and photo taking. Rome is an incredible city and there is so much to do and see! On Friday we visited the Vatican. We walked … Continue reading →

It has been a very busy few days so I’m sorry I haven’t updated the blog. There will be a couple of entries coming soon to give you the lowdown on our time in Rome. Tim interviewed me about the … Continue reading →

Just finished what must be one of the most difficult rides of the whole Bath to Rome journey. A tough 21km trip with an elevation of 256m! My body is shattered. Okay, obviously this was a very easy ride (the … Continue reading →

One week to go until I arrive in Rome! I can’t believe I’ve reached this point after all the months of planning and cycling. It means I only have six rides left so I’d better make the most of them- … Continue reading →

It was a lonely night in the campsite. We were the only people staying there so it was silent and eerie in the morning. Tim and I faced a 70+km ride to the next campsite on the coast. Would we … Continue reading →

After the rip-roaring success of my first blog entry, I’ve been summoned back to the writing altar to detail what can only be described as a farcical morning of cycling. It actually started well as we chatted to Terry and … Continue reading →

We had a couple of days resting in the city so we put on our trainers and hit the streets! Yesterday, we went to the Boboli gardens in the morning. These gardens are situated south of the river on the … Continue reading →

Day 93 was a rest stay at the stunning campsite in Montecatini. Tim and Dad went into the town on the funicular, which was built in 1898 (Keith stat). After their trip into the centre we met in an old … Continue reading →

The day dawned bright and sunny though a bit chilly. Ever since we arrived in Italy about three weeks ago there has not been a day free from rain or the threat of rain. Tim was on optimistic form this … Continue reading →

It was time to move on from Levanto and check out a new place. We’d had enough of the incessant church bells – they were more annoying than Tim’s banter! It was also good for Bridge to see a different … Continue reading →

We will be staying Levanto for 3 days or so as we are going to do some touristy stuff in a place called Cinque Terre. This place is a collection of towns on the coast, some are on hill tops … Continue reading →

Since we arrived in Lavagna the weather has been awesome. Lots of sun and heat has raised our spirits and given us the opportunity to do some laundry. The campsite is excellent as well – friendly owners, a shop to … Continue reading →

In the evening of Day 78 we went to the restaurant next to our campsite. Dad had befriended the owner, Davide, during a lunch time beer session. I was spared cooking duties and the other two spared washing up duties. … Continue reading →

The porridge crisis eased a little this morning as I managed to cobble together a few oats for my brekkie. I needed a big meal because today’s ride was a seriously long one. We planned to cycle 65km to the … Continue reading →

A rest day today so I again am in the chair. And luckily the weather dawned bright and warm. Our campsite is just a few miles to the west of Milan city centre and it was easy to go and … Continue reading →

After three days of storms and cold cloudy conditions Sunday turned out to be a millionaire’s day – and not just in terms of the weather. As we were leaving we wandered onto the campsite’s private beach alongside Lake Como … Continue reading →

I’m afraid you’re stuck with me again- Phil the Waffler. Hopefully I won’t bore you too much although I have been known to put a glass eye to sleep. Speaking of sleep, Tim had a bad night because of a … Continue reading →

Quite a statement about our ride today over the Gotthard pass from Andermatt to Airolo! Especially when the writer today is the old guy on the trip – Phil’s dad. But it was truly awesome. First of all a five … Continue reading →

It was an interesting night’s sleep. I only managed to get 3-4 hours but I felt quite good in the morning. My legs and hip weren’t as stiff as I was expecting so I felt more confident for today’s ride. Dad … Continue reading →

The last two rest days have been very chilled. It is Stan’s final days with us as well so it’s been good to spend some time together. Yesterday, we checked out the old town in Chur. We cycled into the … Continue reading →

Where has the summer gone? We woke up this morning freezing our butts off (as Brandi would say!). Hopefully it’ll warm up again later this week! On went the extra layer much to my annoyance. We faced a simple ride … Continue reading →

We had a nice surprise the evening before. My good ol’ mate from Bedford, Nick aka Stan, arrived from England. He’s going to be joining us for the next six days! It’s great to have him here and I’m looking forward to … Continue reading →

Today was the sixth day of cycling in a row! I slept well and there were no signs of mosquitoes so I was feeling ready! My right shoulder is still giving me some real grief but I hope to have … Continue reading →

It was another sunny day on the Bath to Rome trip so spirits were high. Tim was joining me for today’s latest instalment of riding. He’s been doing lots of exercise but not enough cycling so I’ll make sure he gets … Continue reading →

The plan is to follow the Rhine round Switzerland. I’ll be heading east instead of south through the country because I’m hoping to avoid lots of big mountains and stick to the flat. That hasn’t been the case so far … Continue reading →

Our two days off in the French town of Huningue near the Swiss border city of Basel could have literally and metaphorically been a damp squib. It was cold and rainy for most of the time we were there – … Continue reading →

Hi people! Sorry I haven’t blogged for a few days. I’ve been busy doing rest day things so I haven’t had much time to sit down in front of the computer. Luckily (or unluckily) I’ve got a some time to … Continue reading →

Another day, another fantastic campsite! Christa, the owner of last night’s site, was very moved by my story. Its been great to meet so many people along the way who have been so supportive. The weather was perfect today! The … Continue reading →

After the previous day’s long ride, my legs were extra achy. Good job the ride today was another 50km!  Before we set off, we chatted to Denis from Canada. He is undertaking a 14 month, 20,000km bike trip around Europe and … Continue reading →

Day 35 started as normal: porridge, coffee, stretches etc…but amongst these things we came up with a new plan! Brandi would join me instead of Dad! The route was straightforward along a river cycle path and the distance was 33km. … Continue reading →

I wokeup this morning wondering about today’s ride. The van needed to go to the garage for a diagnostic check. My ride depended on the state of the van. If it needed to be fixed then we would stay in … Continue reading →

I’m back after a two day rest! A big thank you to Dad for the last few blogs. Today’s ride back to Belgium was an eventful one! We had a fun rest day in Sedan but we did a lot of walking … Continue reading →

We enjoyed our time immensely in Charleville Mezieres, especially our two visits to the impressive and dazzling ducal square in the centre of town. The square is only a short walk across a footbridge over the Meuse and in the afternoon … Continue reading →

Yesterday was a scorcher and so was today. The sun has been out in full force since Bridget’s (aka B) arrival. Today was a big day because I was going to be joined by Dad and B for the ride! It’s great to have company … Continue reading →

I didn’t have the best of sleep last night. I must have been too excited for my ride to Vogenee! We were greeted by the distant sounds of roaring engines as we emerged from the van this morning.There was a … Continue reading →

Happy Bastille Day! It’s been a very chilled out day! It was croissants and coffee in the morning and cricket listening in the afternoon. Dad and I managed to sneak in a short sightseeing trip to the town centre. We found … Continue reading →

This entry is covering two days because we have had problems as it has been hard to charge our phones in Meriginies – the small campsite could not offer us a powerful enough electricity supply. Tuesday was supposed to be … Continue reading →

A cracking sunny morning greeted us as we arose from our slumber. A big ride was in store today and I was feeling confident. The usual morning routine was completed at a leisurely pace. Dad chased after the honking bread van … Continue reading →

A beautiful sunny day dawned as we prepared to leave our agreeable campsite at Sangatte, on the coast just down from Calais. We had a good rest up here and last night I took a quick spin on the bike … Continue reading →

It was my last proper ride in England! The first 10 days have flown by. The last leg before France looked okay on paper but in reality it was tough. The day was kick started by the bright morning sun … Continue reading →

Sunday = Funday! Today’s ride certainly was enjoyable. The sun eventually appeared after an overcast morning. Dad and I got ready and set off towards Hastings. The ride was along my trusty friend the Cycle Route 2 so I knew … Continue reading →

It seems like it’s been raining for days and days. Finally, it stopped this morning! This was great news as I got ready for my next leg of the journey. It was a long ride in prospect. I’d be riding … Continue reading →

Day 4 saw us head to a small place called Newton, near North Boarhunt. I’m loving the place names I’m coming across. So many cool sounding locations. There was a window of dry weather in the morning so we got ourselves … Continue reading →

Thanks to Phil for letting me have a bit of a say on his diary page. Now you will learn the truth about the inside story of his ride!  Phil has had a great start – cycling around 50 miles … Continue reading →

I’m in the final week! The plan is to take it easy as I’ve put in the work over the last few months. The bike is having a service tomorrow because there are a couple of problems that need to … Continue reading →

Over the weekend my brother Tim came to visit. We did an intense workout in the gym on Saturday as the weather was shocking. Luckily things improved a little on Sunday so we went out for a ride. Tim was … Continue reading →

It’s been a grim few days weather wise here in Cornwall. Strong winds and rain have limited my riding this week. I managed to sneak out one morning but I was freezing cold as I pedalled my way around the … Continue reading →

The time has flown by! I can’t believe it’s June! I’ll be starting my journey at the end of the month so I need to get as much training in as possible. I was in London last weekend for a … Continue reading →

It’s getting closer now. I’m only a month away from starting the ride in Bath! I’ve been resting over the last few days because I tweaked a muscle when cycling. I was a bit worried so I’d thought it would … Continue reading →

I’m back after a whole day of travelling! I’m feeling tired but happy to be in Cornwall again. My flight was interesting as I sat next to Alex Ward, a professional tennis player from England. We chatted about lots of … Continue reading →

I’ve been in Korea for a week or so and I’m enjoying my time. It’s great to catch up with everybody. It doesn’t feel like 5 months since I was last here. The time has flown by. I’ve been going … Continue reading →

Wow, today was a busy day! In the morning I had my gym session with Kirstin (my personal trainer) followed up by a sports massage. This was my first experience of a proper massage. My body wasn’t as tight as … Continue reading →

After a tough gym session, I ventured out for my longest ride so far. My goal for the trip is 32km every day for 5 days followed by a rest day. I did 26km today in 75 minutes. Not a … Continue reading →

I decided to test the new bike out as I was feeling inspired. I went out for a short test run because I wanted to see how it handled. Everything was so much easier and faster so I was loving it! … Continue reading →

Friday would be the day my bike was arriving. I was feeling excited to get riding on it. Matt from Giant told me it would be arriving between 2-6pm. I waited patiently and at 3pm my brother, Tim, appeared at … Continue reading →

Great week training! I went to the gym four times and did two bike rides. It’s the most I’ve done in a week for a long time. I’m enjoying the gym and trying to build some strength. I’m still waiting … Continue reading →

Great to be back in Cornwall! I got on my bike for the first time in a month. I creaked as I swung my leg over the frame. It’s been a while I thought to myself. I completed my usual … Continue reading →

My quest for more knowledge about the state of my hip led me to Dr Stephen Bloor, a podiatrist based in Hayle with excellent credentials and experience. I made an appointment and drove over to his clinic. He assesses my … Continue reading →

Things have started well so I need to maintain this momentum. I’m lacking a crucial ingredient to my plan. Hmmmmm…a bike of course! My Mum’s neighbours, Nick and Paula, kindly lent me their mountain bike to use for the foreseeable … Continue reading →

Destination – check. Time frame –­ check. Charities – check. Departure point – ??? I need a place to set off from! A few locations are floating about in my head, London, Cornwall but in the end I settle on … Continue reading →

All my family managed to drag ourselves from the Boxing Day food coma and set up camp on the kitchen table. We got down to business and formulated a plan. We covered lots of different topics including a proposal, a … Continue reading →