It's wet, we must be in Cornwall

Just a really quick note to say IT’S RAINING!
12 hours of persistent wetting drizzle meant a cancelled trip to the beach and an unscheduled trip to the campsite laundry tumble driers.
A few hitches; rain, Jake’s publicity t-shirts are still at home, the National Cycle Route to Land’s End is very sandy (not good for gears and brakes), the A30 is amazingly busy being as it’s next stop – water.
Aiming to pack our wet tents early and hit the road tomorrow – some daunting hills to get us to Penzance.
Philip complaining of ailments, Jake taken up residence in someone else's tent - last minute nerves or is Nic driving the boys nuts?
P.S. trial ride should be on Endomondo

This is REAL!

Well all is safely gathered in and down at Lower Treave Campsite near Land's End - not without a few toys being throw out of the pram in last minute nerves.

Nic had misplaced a couple of important bits of kit and that meant a midnight end to the last night in a bed. Philip had a paddy and all was eventually resolved with the discovery of said bits of kit.

Jake started out very nervous - agitated & grumpy - to be expected, however we ended up being 7.5 hours on the road, 256 miles so what a relief to arrive at Land's End.

Glorious weather, fabulous panoramic views of sunlight glinting off the sea and a realisation that this is REAL!

Thanks go out to everyone for their support especially Jake's grandparents, Barrie & Angela who have done the jaunt down to the end of country to deliver people and their bikes.

Tents put up in light drizzle, barely warm enough this evening and absolutely no room in panniers for extra clothing or extra anything.

Quick zoom round and beach time tomorrow together with photo opportunities - spirits restored although Philip's spirits would be even better with the spirit of Jameson's Whisky!

Are We Nearly There Yet?

The answer, rather scarily, is YES!

A week today we will have set up camp at Lower Treave near Land's End and will be trying to get Jake to go to sleep.

It's been a quiet week on the blog because it's been a hectic week everywhere else.

Emotions:

Tearful; as Jake left his tiny village school to head for Middle School in September. The last day was the extraordinary roller-coaster of Leavers' Service for Jake and farewells for Philip & I as we said goodbye to our Year 5 pupils and also our Headmaster.

Excitement; with the arrival of a package for Jake.... cycle clothing from Just Juniors

Cyclewear, who have kindly sponsored some of his kit.

Jake was beside himself when he saw his bright yellow Polaris jumper and Just Junior windproof jacket but then he saw the bib-shorts! Given half a chance he would have worn them to bed.

Bemusement; how on earth are we going to cope with all this technology? Philip has a new mobile phone - can't see it lasting the journey if he doesn't quickly master the whole touch screen phenomenon. We are trying out a Mobile phone 'App' (would you believe) called Endomondo to allow one and all to track our moves on a daily basis, it must be easier than we're making it! And then there's the camera, hmmm how does it take clear shots of moving cyclists & how can it be easily got at on the bike?

Self-conscious; Jake & Nic were interviewed on BBC Hereford & Worcester at 7.30 on Friday morning. Nic does NOT like the sound of her own voice (contrary to the opinions of Jake and Philip) and as for Jake - what's the audio equivalent of a rabbit caught in headlights?

Tired; End-of-termitis, was joined by a heavy cold for Jake - low activity levels therefore the order of the day. Wednesday saw our final session at Elite Fitness and Health. Thanks Mac!! Muscle overload on quads, abs and glutes meant negotiating stairs or even sitting down was very tricky on Thursday evening, nigh on impossible on Friday and only eased by a pedal on

Saturday.

Nervous; It's a week to go. People have been very generous and we've raised another £130 this week - that's a lot of people willing us to complete the task. We want to do ourselves and everyone else proud.

Enthusiastic; Aren't we lucky? This will be a fantastic opportunity to see our coastline, meet people and raise funds for a great cause.... Counting the days

so much to do !

tuesday 20th July and we are looking into solar powered packs to keep our phones etc charged up! School stuff is impacting on training with leavers service and the like requiring lots of input. I wish more people would intereract with us via the blog or our phones and raise our sponsorship total and our spirits! ! Philip