Today (23rd) we climbed up Scafell Pike, the second peak in our challenge. We started the day at 7am and left and 8:30am. We then took an hour car journey so we were able to start at the bottom of Scafell Pike. After arriving we took a much needed toilet break and then took started our long hike up the mountain. We followed a path up stream that was refreshing with the warm sun constantly on us, often taking breaks to fill our water bottles up with the stream water and then throw it over our faces. Around three quarters of the way up we reached a boulder field, we then found ourselves scrambling up the mountain with many falls and some twisted ankles we reached the top. Upon reaching the top of the mountain we all ate lunch admiring the views that were surrounding us. After eating lunch at the highest point in England we started our descent down. With more trips and falls we made our way past the boulder field once again and onto a clear path. With around 15 minutes left of walking the children found a deeper section in the stream and so most of the hikers got in after a long day in the scorching sun. After playing around in the clear blue water for a while it was time to get on the mini bus once again and to drive home. When arriving home we were met with the beautiful smell of lasagne, which had been cooked while we were walking. After stuffing our faces with the lasagne we settled in for a quiet night after our busy day.
Today 28 swimmers completed the second of the Jean Tinsley Memorial Swim Challenges in Lake Windermere. The setting and conditions were fantastic, the lake was flat and calm and a lovely temperature. The first team of 5 was set off at Newby Bridge by an original team member Alan Kirkham, and joined briefly by Robin Baynes who wanted to swim for Jean. Each team had a brilliant swim, with the support of Jim on Mrs J and two other support boats captained by Steve and Dave. A particular highlight was Ryan joining us for the day, and swimming as fast as ever! And the last leg of the swim was also a highlight, almost everyone swam in together to the end of the lake, including Tri-4-Life's latest GB age group athlete Elizabeth Kirkham. A first time open water swimmer, Clare Vincent, swam the that leg and did a great swim. 10.5 miles in the bag.
Today we cycled from Snowdon to Ambleside in the Lake District. This was done in relay, with 4 teams sharing the distance. The 'girls' team started the ride (this included 2 guys!), and even though it included me, I have to say it was by far the hardest leg. We left the accommodation and straight away had to cycle over the Llanberis Pass which was particularly tough as we still had the Snowdon climb in our legs, but we soon warmed up and had a great time ploughing through the 48 miles. The scenery and weather was stunning, and the roads were so quiet the sheep joined us at various points, though hats off to Zoë Brunton who did a great job navigating around them.
The guys followed on taking up the next 3 legs, and one of the highlights was the team 2 getting a police escort through the Birkenhead tunnel, a rare occurrence and a great honour. The hand-overs from team to team was a bit of a logistical nightmare, with 2 vehicles picking up and dropping off cyclists at various designated points, but it all ran smoothly and without incident. The weather held out for the other teams too, and we all arrived safely in Ambleside to be met with a fabulous chilli cooked by the rest of the Tri-4-Life team. It's been a really amazing experience already, with so many of us accomplishing things we never thought we could do. One of the guys in the group had never properly ridden a bike before, but covered a very hilly 48miles today, I swam the furthest I've ever swam in open water, there were some of the junior members of Tri-4-Life that made it all the way up and down Snowdon, and I'm sure the list of achievements and personal goals will grow as the days go on. One final achievement that needs a mention is that this is the first time there has been a Tri-4-Life ladies team, and I feel so honoured to be part of that team. It's difficult to explain the atmosphere between the girls, but the friendship is very, very special. Tomorrow is the swim of Lake Windermere, the forecast is good, and we're all looking forward to it. Emer Yesterday we had a very early start to be in Holyhead for 9am, where we met the mayor and were provided with a enjoyable breakfast! Then we set off on our first cycle to Llanberis, with a few navigation errors and a food stop for Mr Roberts and co! When we arrived we had a quick change into our wetsuits and started the swim in Llyn Padarn. The water was a bit fresh at first but nice once we started swimming. A 2 mile swim was completed by 22 swimmers. Robin Baynes had a BBQ waiting for us at the caravan site which was just what everyone needed. Today we started at 8.30 on our way to Snowdon, it was a sunny morning but once we were near the top the clouds rolled in and we had to layer up. In the cafe at the top just as the last of the group arrived the fire alarm sounded, after some photos and a rest we headed back down, some of us revisited the lake for a cool down! Off to Ambleside tomorrow morning......
Tri-4-Life have made fame! See the following links...
HTTP://WWW2.WSLS.COM/NEWS/2012/AUG/15/TRI-4-LIFE-CYCLING-CHALLENGE-37815-VI-40325/http://www.roanokeva.gov/deptapps/NewsRel.nsf/AllCatWeb/41030850008F2A7B85257A540074C4F9?OpenDocument http://www.newschannel10.com/story/19343537/british-nonprofit-cycling-tour-stops-in-amarillo http://vissap.com/tri4lifehttp://www.bikeabq.org/?p=206 http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151011575746957.418877.101628791956& http://www.clickliverpool.com/news/local-news/1216854-liverpool-charity-backs-coast-to-coast-charity-cycle-ride.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-trvQc5mKo&list=UUd6RNu_64B8gYANK7IGXIeg&feature=plpp A nice relaxing start to the day with a chill by the pool at the hotel...something we have to take advantage of with our busy schedule! At 3pm we set off for our final road show held at the Herbalife headquarters in LA, near LA Live. The building was absolutely amazing, and after being filled up on complementary cookies, shakes and protein bars we were all raring to go.
All I can say is what a great end to such an amazing event. The dance performance, speeches and gift presentation went smoothly, and best of all everyone had a really good time. Hats off to Mike who gave a premier of the new film he had put together of the team - which really was a fantastic piece of work. I will try to get him to send me this so I can upload it as soon as possible! Herbalife handed us each a gift bag including herbal tea, rehydration drink powders, protein bars, caps and much more, before offering to take us out bowling the next evening - with food on the house! We were all very happy! Back to the hotel before we all scrubbed up for party time...finally we get to dress up nice! Almost felt like a photo shoot as we headed downstairs as one person after another whipped out their cameras for some snaps. It wouldn't however have been a Tri-4-Life party without the presence of a police officer asking us to keep the noise down...but what can we say - the guys had to have a bit of fun after a treacherous 3 weeks! 'Don't give up till it's over, don't quit if you can The weight on your shoulder will make you a stronger man ' THE SUPPORT TEAM
Basically the news from today was that we got stranded in the Mojave Desert with no air conditioning, a bag of crisps and dwindling supplies of water. Being told we were 200 miles from any kind of civilisation, we really did believe that we were doomed! So the only option was to call the US version of the AA... We were told that they'd be with us in the next hour, and so obviously we waited two and a half! All very tired and extremely hot, our tank was finally filled up enough to get us to the nearest service station...which turned out to be just seven miles away - so we could have made it without breaking down after all...oh! Another three hours we were finally coming into our final destination - LA! Bright lights, huge buildings and a lovely, what we can only describe as five star Ramada awaited us. We really couldn't have asked for better. Although there were a few more accidents today due to the searing heat and pure exhaustion the riders were experiencing, everyone finished and arrived safe and sound...which is, at the end of the day, all we hoped for. PHIL W'S BLOG We set out from the hotel not long after sunrise in order to cover both the section we had missed the previous evening due to our own version of wacky races. The Anthill mob were joined by our great leader Liam (Dick Dastardly??) To replace the battered & bruised Ryan, the 'bro-mance' was temporarily on hold & it wasn't the same without him in the team - kind of like Take that without Robbie, the Wiggles without 'the yellow one' or a Liverpool fan not declaring in August that "this is gonna be our year!" Yawn. So we flew through the first 35 miles back to the hotel & made it back in time to see the other groups before they departed. After much back slapping & hand shakes everryone departed for their final legs of this incredible journey. We all knew how hot it was scheduled to be but didn't quite appreciate just how exhausting & energy sapping it would be to ride through the Mojave desert with the mercury at 44 degrees Celsius. Despite this I wouldn't have changed it for anything, an almost Lunar landscape, not a single cloud & glorious sunshine - I couldn't think of a better way to end the cycling part of our wonderful journey, if only it were to include Ryan. Next time bro! The whole trip has by far exceeded any expectations I ever had. Nearly 3 years planning put into a 3 week trip across one of the worlds great countries. I have learned so much, seen so much. Met some fantastic people & made many memories that will last a lifetime. To my cycling team of Ryan & John - thanks boys, I couldn't think of a better pair of guys with whom to share this experience. We've had so many laughs & supported each other the whole way. Never once did we leave anyone behind & we worked as a team the whole way, in the words of Bruce Springsteen "I'll wait for you, if I should fall behind, wait for me." But the biggest thanks has to go to the man who's vision, brilliance. determination & sheer hard hard work has made this whole project possible. Liam, nothing I could ever say or do could even begin to express my sincere gratitude. Many people have made telling contributions to the trip but the work you have put in has been immeasurable. From the bottom of my heart - thankyou so much. "All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them" - Walt Disney. Congratulations to the entire Tri-4-Life team for a momentous achievement, and thanks to you all for the parts you have played in making this trip special & unforgettable. Stay classy San Diego! Phil Walton. DAVE'S BLOG The last cycling day has finally arrived. The feeling is a mixture of a true sense of achievement together with a tinge of sadness that the adventure is coming to an end. All week we had been planning that on the last day we would change the teams around to enable Paul to cycle with John and me with Phil together as a team. Two father and son teams together. However discussing it with Paul we both thought that we had ridden across America with Rob every day and that we wanted to complete the journey as a team. When we told Rob our plans I think he was touched by the gesture. So the final day was a 45 mile ride through the remote Mojave Desert with no suitable stops on the entire route. We all ensured water bottles were full with isostatic drinks and the team set off full of excitement mixed with trepidation. Jamie the support driver had been well briefed regarding the risks included and would be checking on us during the day. All was going well for the first 18 miles and we were averaging 18mph despite the soaring 44C heat. However Rob started to feel really tired and within a very short period of time rapidly deteriorated. He was clearly suffering from heat stroke and dehydration. His pulse was racing at 200 beats per minute and he was unable to carry on. We decided to rest for a while and shelter under a bush! Hardly protection from the heat of the midday sun. Just as we got behind the tree Jamie goes flying past in the car failing to see us. Desperation started to set in and Paul was now feeling the same effects of sun stroke. 20 minutes past and we were literally baking alive. By this time both Paul and Rob started to feel a little better and so we decided to start to cycle on at a very slow pace. Thankfully after a short while Jamie returned and Paul and Rob immediately jump in the car for some much needed respite. At this stage I felt reasonably OK and decided to carry on cycling on my own while Jamie, Rob and Paul set off in the opposite direction in the car to pick up Pat, Martin and Sean who by this stage had finished their cycle leg. Off I went and it soon dawned on me I was on my own in the desert the temperature 44C and hills leading up to the mountain valleys ahead. Not the best decision I have ever made! After about 20 miles of rough riding I was delighted when Jamie and the lads caught me up. I had just ran out of isotonic drinks and was glad of the respite of the air conditioned car. After a 5 minute rest I was ready to complete the last 6 miles and in brilliant true team ethic Martin, Sean, Pat and amazingly Paul and Rob all joined me on the final few miles. It was fantastic to ride the last section with the 2 teams together in true Tri-4-Life team spirit. However there was one last incident to report. We had just set off in the peliton when I lost concentration for a second and my front wheel went into the sand at the side of the road. I lost control of the bike, fell off in the path of Sean and we ended up in a heap in the centre of the road. A few cuts and bruises and damaged pride! Sorry Sean! A fantastic day! Thanks to my team mates Rob and Paul for a truly wonderful 3 weeks cycle. It has been an unforgettable experience and a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of their team. I feel honoured and humbled. Finally a sincere thank you to Liam without whom none of this incredible experience would have happened. I will have these wonderful memories for the rest of my life. I am proud to be associated with Tri-4-Life. Dave Walton PHIL W'S BLOG
After much logistical planning by 'the commision' it was decided that we could manage to squeeze a visit to the Grand Canyon in & still manage to work the cycling around the visit. We all knew before we went that it would be worth it but it wasn't until I arrived & saw the vastness & beauty of this incredible natural wonder that I was able to appreciate it in all its majesty. It was truly breath taking, no picture would ever be able to do it justice, and we probably only saw less than 5% of the 277 mile long canyon! It was hard to tear myself away as I could have happily stayed & explored forever but we had some riding to do. A 3 hour drive back to our start point then a 56 mile ride meant that we would be riding in darkness for the majority of our leg & also, due to the lack of alternative routes, we would have to ride on the hard shoulder of the interstate. The ride couldn't have started any better with a beautiful sunset to the west, great views of the mountains & temperatures of 90 degrees even after the sun went down. It quickly became very dark & this meant the hard shoulder with tyre debree & stones was a more hazardous place to be. Unfortunately this proved to be our undoing. After flying 21 mile in 50 minutes, ryan hit a rock on the road & had an early supper of tarmac & gravel. Cuts, bruises, claret & a buckled wheel meant that we would not complete the route tonight so we were picked up & taken to the hotel in Needles to get ryan cleaned up & assessed by Doc Martin. The Champ was down but not out & will live to fight another day. THE SUPPORT TEAM Although only personal opinion...this was possibly the best day ever. On the coach at 9am - so we all got a good 10 hours sleep (first time in 17 days). Everyone happy and in good spirits as we headed for a slight detour to see the Grand Canyon - a natural landscape which is 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep. Slight problem when about an hour into the journey we got yet another flat tire...but on the bright side we got to stop off for a quick bit of tanning time. Another hour on the road and we had arrived - and all relieved to discover it was only £8 entry! The Grand Canyon was absolutely amazing. Hard to describe in words or pictures - it is definitely something that you must see in person. After a few risky photos (what else can you expect with a team of adrenaline junkies), we headed for a bite to eat before the teams split. The men left to do some filming around the area, with their Herbalife gear and posh bikes, while the girls (and Aaron) decided it would be much more fun to hire out some mountain bikes and take a nice leisurely tour along the 'orange route'. Definitely an unforgettable experience as we cycled through bendy roads in the woods and along the edge of the canyon; with a speed that actually allowed us to take in the scenery! We were just in time getting back on the bus when the thunder storm kicked in...and on our way out we saw a beautiful rainbow and not long after a family of deer. There was a sighting of a couple of bears by Dianne - until disappointment kicked in when we realised we were actually looking at cows...woops! Another 4 hours and we had reached the motel - and boy was it hot getting off that bus! Needles is definitely the hottest place we've visited so far, with temperatures reaching 109 F today and still at 94 F now (at 11.50pm!). Getting off the bus was like walking into a sauna! A quick dip in the (heated) pool felt like going to a spa, and was a great end to a great day! Unfortunately, the day must have been going too well - as we soon got news of Ryan coming off his bike when cycling in the dark. Cuts and bruises on his face, a saw jaw and a pretty messed up bike but hopefully he'll be okay soon. It's times like this when we really do realise how much of a challenge this is - and we just hope everyone arrives safe and sound in LA tomorrow. Looking to the last leg of the journey. Sun, sea and sand tomorrow - bring it on! ANDY'S BLOG Well it's the final day of our ride across the US - ride number 14. We were heading out at 9am so up at half 7 to get some breakfast in. The hotel didn't do breakfast, much to my Uncle Ray's dismay. That meant no lunch for him either! I refused to eat Macdonalds for breakfast so went to a diner with my cousin Kerry where she was mistaken for my wife. "Good choice!" the waitress said to me about Kerry's engagement ring. Guess it's normal for people to marry family round here boy! So properly fed and watered Team Bubbles (me, Ray, Billy, Kieren and sometimes Jamie) clambered into the van with Team Homer. The mood was different to the other drop offs where people were either asleep or the banter was flowing. As Kie said there was a sombre air about the final ride. John Davies was driving and we followed Jamie's van to the first drop off - it was 110 degrees and we were in the back of beyond. We got to Team Homer's drop off point and stretched our legs while they got the bikes sorted. A car pulled up and asked us if we needed help as we were in the desert in totally unbearable heat. Typical of the americans' helpfulness while on the trip. "No we don't need any help ta - we're just mad englishmen!" Team Homer set off and we went forward to our drop off point. "They've got a nice, easy ride haven't they!" we remarked as we pass through Team Homer's route. Little did we know - thanks Pat the Rat Riley ;) We stopped at the petty station for our starting point. A Highway Patrol car pulled over and asked if we were cycling in the park. "No we're off to LA!", turns out he was a keen cyclist, had done 22 miles that morning and gave us a few safety tips and info about the route. Team Bubbles got a photo with the cop, what a lovely fella! And then we were off. First 10 miles were hard - we always seem to start with an uphill. It was hot and there was a headwind too. We slogged away, me in my usual position on Billy's wheel, waiting patiently for the downhill descent the copper had promised us. We got to the crest of a hill and there it was. Probably the steepest we'd had all trip. We zoomed down at top speed (for us), dodging the tires, stones and assorted debris. Enjoying it but silently cacking ourselves as the juggernauts flew by. We carried on on the flat and came to another winding descent through the valley. Sheer joy and fear in equal measure! We came out of the valley into a massive wind farm, it was like something out of day of the triffids or war of the world with 100s of these massive structures laid out on either side. This is a an easy ride we thought, more downhill to come. How wrong we were. The rest of the ride was tough, one of the toughest we had. A slight incline for the next 20 miles, with headwind and the bloody heat again. We've never drank so much fluid. Warm gatorade mmmmm. Billy and myself got a puncture and as befitting my moniker "Cantdoabike" Billy sorted out my new tube. This was getting really hard now. We were on the Freeway with cars zooming past at 70mph. Billy (unusually) threw his toys out the pram and stopped a mile shy of the junction we were leaving the motor way. We got going again and Bubbles (Kie) immediately got a puncture. Sod's law - a couple of miles from the final ride and he gets his first puncture. Billy's had 10! A couple of miles later and we made it, barring a couple of exchanges with twitching morons at the petty station. We've made it, fantastic where is John D and team Homer with the car and beers? Must have a cold beer! Finally they arrived - no easy ride for them either. Phil the Fish came off his bike 3 times taking Big Dave with him and also threw up his hot dog. Cold beer, hugs and photos done we got off to the hotel. What a trip, what a bunch of lads and what an achievement! We got the hotel first and met up with Auntie Carol, Leah and Rob who had a pitcher of beer waiting. The rest of Big Dave's family were also there to welcome him in. The others turned up and we found out they'd had tough rides too stuck out in the desert. Luckily the Changed Man (Jamie) came to their rescue, this was serious but thankfully more fluids sorted them out. Thankfully. Showered and changed we hit the hotel bar, had something to eat and relaxed properly for the first time in 2 weeks. The atmosphere was brilliant, everyone was so proud and it was just great to be amongst everyone. Kerry my cousin stroke wife's last night sadly. Liam did a great speech thanking all the right people and presented our driver Perry with a team jacket. It was really moving. Nice one Liam you've done us all proud, I personally can't thank you enough! Team Bubbles raised a few whiskys to my brother Guy who was defo there in spirit and we enjoyed the rest of the evening. My night ended up with Jamie carrying me to bed! So that's it done and dusted, words can't describe what an adventure this has been! As Billy would say "Ppppffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff! Andy On the road at 9am from Gallup so everyone in good spirits after a good nights sleep! Stopping off at 'Indian Ruins, Inc' along Route 66, we had a browse in Cody Yellowhorse's (a Navajo Indian) store which sold arts and crafts including ornate headdresses, drums, recorders, jewellery, shoes etc. all handmade by native tribes who live in the reservation. Cody told us about his life as a native American Indian living in Arizona. He then gave us all a traditional Indian blessing in each direction, from the youngest (Kate) to the eldest (Paul and Debbie being labelled grandma and granddad!). Being handed an arrow head each gave us lifelong protection as he spoke about the principal of living and being thankful for today, not thinking about yesterday as those actions have already been done, and to not worry about tomorrow as you can't alter your future.
Cody also wrote down some native language phrases: yaa teeh' - hello hago'a'natt - bye a-kee'heet - thank you Back on the road again before stopping at a service station - where everyone was extremely excited to discover that they sold pot noodles! Not sure if 'real food' is an appropriate description, however when living off cereal bars and crisps all week it certainly is a step up! Exactly 16 minutes later we arrived at the motel...which was the wrong one. Back on the road and we had finally arrived at the next Days Inn...wrong one again. Third time lucky and we eventually arrived at the right motel - and we were all very pleased when we walked in to a marble floor lobby with fish tanks, a pool table, a bar and leather couches! Luxury! The pool was the cherry on top...9ft 3m deep and just waiting for us to fill it. But before we could go in it was time for the road show. A ten minute drive into the town centre (which was one of the nicest we've been to), a quick look around the shops and then in to an old listed building for the road show presentation and a buffet on the house which was incredible - yay real food! Back to the motel for some swimming and an early night before we set off for the Grand Canyon tomorrow morning, and Needles in the afternoon! ROB'S BLOG
Well my faith has been restored. After such a tough ride yesterday we had really had enough and never wanted to see the bike again, today's cycle was perfect. No time restrictions and Route 66 took us out of Albuquerque to Gallup. As well as breathtaking scenery we chatted to a couple who had hired a convertible Camero and were cruising the same road but with a little more horse power, obviously they had to be English. Our tranquility was interrupted every 15 minutes by the one and a half mile freight trains snaking across the USA. I found an iron railway pin from the track which follows 66 fron Chicago to LA, so if you hear of a derailment, just keep quiet. The rest of the team just rolled their eyes, then a unanimous cry of "I want one" was heard all around. We cycled over the continental divide at 7300ft. This is the highest point where the rainfall splits and either flows west into the Atlantic ocean or East into the Pacific Dave, the team leader, as usual cycled ahead so Paul and I, emptied our water bottle, sneaked into the Tomahawk Indian bar and filled them with beer. The funny thing is, he will only know about this when he gets back home and reads this blog. Gallup is a central community for the 15 Puabloes (Indian tribes) to retain their communities, culture and historic traditions. There is a concern that the langage and rituals will be lost. This evening we were lucky enough to see the traditional dancing of the Suni Indians, who still live as if it was a 100 years ago. The reservations are so far apart with low populations, it is not cost effective to even supply running water or electricity. In some areas they still carry water from the lakes and their lights are lit by kerosine. No television, no phones, no computers. You would not believe we are in America in 2012. Gallup is a supply town, originally for people travelling west, but now it is all about freight or container trains. It is far cheaper by rail than boat, North of Canada or through the Suez Cannal. Unfortunately all you hear day and night are the looong freight trains thundering past every 15 minutes. Luckily our air conditioning so badly needed a service that the constant rattling of the de-humidifier drowned out the sound. How this city doesn't crumble to dust with the vibration is beyond me. Rob KIEREN'S BLOG Team Bubbles consisting of Andrew, Billy, Ray, Kieren and temporary member Liam, left bright and early from the beautiful city of Albuquerque New Mexico travelling across the desert in the direction of the native American town of Gallup situated way up in the hills. Due to the minimal available roads through the desert we travelled along the only viable option, interstate 40. There were a number of hills to conquer along the way and at about 10 mile in we came across a native American Indian, hitchhiking his way to Gallup. He was in his 60’s and informed us that he spent the evening before under the bridge we had just ridden over, his face warn and cloths shabby, he requested some water and as we were all carrying two water bottles handed one over for keeps. We believed at the time he was an Indian spirit sent to test our compassion and that we would now be protected from harm on our travels to Gallup but 100m down the road, Billy true to form got a puncture, which dismissed our earlier thoughts. Puncture fixed we continued along the journey expecting to see John Wayne pop up over the horizon due to the Western Cinematic landscape, unfortunately for us the only thing that did pop over the horizon was another hill, we all love it really and the ride finished without further incident. Maybe the native American Indian was a protective spirit after all! Kieren |
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