While the rest of us were messing about in the relative molehills of the Chilterns, Everton and Andrew Paisley were taking part in a serious ride as they tackled the Thee Peaks Challenge on their bikes. Below is Everton's account of this epic journey. it puts our tour in perspective!: -
"Hi everyone
Back in one piece last Thursday evening. Most certainly the hardest thing I have ever done !!
Climbed Snowdon on Friday 25th and the following day cycled 113 miles and camped for the night in Wigan (delightful place - not). The following day we cycled a further 100 miles and should have climbed Scafell Pike on the same day but we had underestimated the hills in and aroun
d the Lake District (a lot of 25% hills - in fact, too many!!)
The following day we climbed the Pike in the morning and then decided (God knows why !!)to climb a relatively small mountain called Green Gables - we underestimated the time it should have taken. We thought about an hour but it took 3. After that we were well and truly knackered and way behind schedule. However, we got back on the bikes and gave it everything in order to make up the time we had lost. We then cycled a further 92 miles finishing around 9pm. Three of us cycling along major A roads in the pitch black was a nightmare!! The following day we cycled a further 90 miles before making camp and contemplating the long cycle ride into Fort William and the the last climb. The next day we encountered torrential rain and really cold weather - we cycled 65 miles to Ben Nevis and completed the climb in 4hrs 30 mins (around 7.30pm) which was not too bad considering what we had already done previously.
Suffice to say we were showered and defrosted and in the pub by 9.30pm. A great night was had by all.
We covered a total of around 460 miles at an average of 92 miles a day over 5 days - and yes I managed to keep up with the 2 youngsters (my son Andrew - 22yrs and his mate James - 23yrs) but it was far from easy !! After day 2 I had saddle sores and therefore had to cycle for many of the remaining miles out of the saddle.
Would I do it again ?? The answer is yes and the next time I intend starting with Ben Nevis - this is the harder route as the last 80 miles or so en route to Ben Nevis had a number of downhill segments. Believe it or not, my wife will be the support driver.
If there is anybody out there that wants to accompany me please let me know.
Regards
Ev paisley"
Well done- but I don't think many of us will be taking you up on the challenge!
"Hi everyone
Back in one piece last Thursday evening. Most certainly the hardest thing I have ever done !!
Climbed Snowdon on Friday 25th and the following day cycled 113 miles and camped for the night in Wigan (delightful place - not). The following day we cycled a further 100 miles and should have climbed Scafell Pike on the same day but we had underestimated the hills in and aroun
d the Lake District (a lot of 25% hills - in fact, too many!!)The following day we climbed the Pike in the morning and then decided (God knows why !!)to climb a relatively small mountain called Green Gables - we underestimated the time it should have taken. We thought about an hour but it took 3. After that we were well and truly knackered and way behind schedule. However, we got back on the bikes and gave it everything in order to make up the time we had lost. We then cycled a further 92 miles finishing around 9pm. Three of us cycling along major A roads in the pitch black was a nightmare!! The following day we cycled a further 90 miles before making camp and contemplating the long cycle ride into Fort William and the the last climb. The next day we encountered torrential rain and really cold weather - we cycled 65 miles to Ben Nevis and completed the climb in 4hrs 30 mins (around 7.30pm) which was not too bad considering what we had already done previously.
Suffice to say we were showered and defrosted and in the pub by 9.30pm. A great night was had by all.
We covered a total of around 460 miles at an average of 92 miles a day over 5 days - and yes I managed to keep up with the 2 youngsters (my son Andrew - 22yrs and his mate James - 23yrs) but it was far from easy !! After day 2 I had saddle sores and therefore had to cycle for many of the remaining miles out of the saddle.
Would I do it again ?? The answer is yes and the next time I intend starting with Ben Nevis - this is the harder route as the last 80 miles or so en route to Ben Nevis had a number of downhill segments. Believe it or not, my wife will be the support driver.
If there is anybody out there that wants to accompany me please let me know.
Regards
Ev paisley"
Well done- but I don't think many of us will be taking you up on the challenge!
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