We are back safely - it was a smooth trip on the plane and we were able to make the train changes when we returned from Edale to Gatwick. Mary will be posting the last pictures soon.
It's great to be back home. We missed all of you. Thanks for watching.
ann
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Edale's reward
As Ann said, we were grateful for the ride Mark Fenner offered us to Edale. We were just lucky that his car could fit both of our bikes and all of our gear. Thanks Mark!
We settled in here at the hostel and enjoyed a late dinner of the left-over picnic food Mark had encouraged us to take. We used the self-catering kitchen that most hostels offer. We also did a huge load of laundry. Chores out of the way, we toddled off to bed and woke up reasonably refreshed. We are both noticing a smaller reserve of energy each day. We mustered enough energy after breakfast to head off on a hike. We had both been looking forward to a hike as the walks we took in the towns we stayed in weren't very satisfying for people who love hiking. Ann had borrowed a map from the hostel receptionist and we headed out. First we walked into Edale which is a very small village and had a "look round" as the English say. The visitor center for the Peak District National Park is small and very modern with a waterfall coming over the roof entryway. Surrounding the building are tents of campers. Nothing like it in any US state or national park I've ever seen as usually camp sites are separate designated areas far from any visitor centers. Ann set us off towards a ridge that was supposed to be a nice hike with a view. We ended up heading for a peak known as Mam Tor and saw many other day walkers. We also encountered a good number of mountain bike riders on certain trails. After we climbed up to Mam Tor we walked for a while along the ridge overlooking the small villages and fields. We saw the trains passing through the bottom of the valley again and again. We have never seen so many sheep up so close as we did today. The fields we passed through are all privately owned and the footpaths are there to make the peaks accessible to the public. The weather got better and better as the day went on until it was positively bright, sunny and warm. We walked back down from the ridge and worked our way back towards Edale. We were hungry by this time so we stopped at a pub and had a big late lunch of pasta. A good meal. We were pretty happy with our day and headed back through the fields on a slightly different route to the hostel. Ann did a splendid job getting us around. We are finishing chores tonight and updating the blog for the last time. We can't upload any pictures here because the computer doesn't have the software. We'll add these later. Tomorrow we ride our bikes to the Edale train station, then take the train to Gatwick and have to find our way by bike back to the same B&B where we stayed the first night. We'll pack the bikes up once again and pack all of our belongings for the early Monday am flight. See you all very soon!
We logged just around 600 miles on this trip with an average of 45-50 miles per day when we were riding. Next tour? Who knows....but I'm sure we'll do one.
We settled in here at the hostel and enjoyed a late dinner of the left-over picnic food Mark had encouraged us to take. We used the self-catering kitchen that most hostels offer. We also did a huge load of laundry. Chores out of the way, we toddled off to bed and woke up reasonably refreshed. We are both noticing a smaller reserve of energy each day. We mustered enough energy after breakfast to head off on a hike. We had both been looking forward to a hike as the walks we took in the towns we stayed in weren't very satisfying for people who love hiking. Ann had borrowed a map from the hostel receptionist and we headed out. First we walked into Edale which is a very small village and had a "look round" as the English say. The visitor center for the Peak District National Park is small and very modern with a waterfall coming over the roof entryway. Surrounding the building are tents of campers. Nothing like it in any US state or national park I've ever seen as usually camp sites are separate designated areas far from any visitor centers. Ann set us off towards a ridge that was supposed to be a nice hike with a view. We ended up heading for a peak known as Mam Tor and saw many other day walkers. We also encountered a good number of mountain bike riders on certain trails. After we climbed up to Mam Tor we walked for a while along the ridge overlooking the small villages and fields. We saw the trains passing through the bottom of the valley again and again. We have never seen so many sheep up so close as we did today. The fields we passed through are all privately owned and the footpaths are there to make the peaks accessible to the public. The weather got better and better as the day went on until it was positively bright, sunny and warm. We walked back down from the ridge and worked our way back towards Edale. We were hungry by this time so we stopped at a pub and had a big late lunch of pasta. A good meal. We were pretty happy with our day and headed back through the fields on a slightly different route to the hostel. Ann did a splendid job getting us around. We are finishing chores tonight and updating the blog for the last time. We can't upload any pictures here because the computer doesn't have the software. We'll add these later. Tomorrow we ride our bikes to the Edale train station, then take the train to Gatwick and have to find our way by bike back to the same B&B where we stayed the first night. We'll pack the bikes up once again and pack all of our belongings for the early Monday am flight. See you all very soon!
We logged just around 600 miles on this trip with an average of 45-50 miles per day when we were riding. Next tour? Who knows....but I'm sure we'll do one.
On the run....
We had made a connection with a native Englander, Mark Fenner, via my cousin Stephanie, and he had graciously offered to help us while we were here if we needed it, and also wanted to meet us while we were in the Peak District, as he lives near here. We had planned to meet up with him on Friday, on our way to Edale, and he was planning to bring us a traditional English picnic and ride with us for a bit.
Well, it didn't really work out as we had planned. When we awoke in Bakewell on Friday morning it was raining. We figured we had plenty of time to get to Miller's Dale, where we had planned to meet Mark, since it was only about 10 miles away. Since it was raining, we decided to hang around in Bakewell for awhile, and maybe the rain would stop. It wasn't stopping, so we finally just headed out. We got on a bike trail that I had seen on the map and it appeared to just go directly to Miller's Dale and it was a flat converted rail bed, so we figured we'd be there in no time.
Then Mary got a flat - it was a nail and we had to find it in the tire and remove it. It was still raining, so we had to find some cover to get the flat fixed. We started walking, and found a railroad overpass to work under along the bike path. 30 mins later we were on our way. And then, we saw the sign: "Last chance for cyclists to exit the trail - no exits for cyclists are ahead due to closed tunnels!"
Oy, now we were really gonna be late to meet Mark. We looked to the right - a steep set of stairs leading to a road. We looked to the left - a gate that said "Private Property - No access". We really didn't want to remove all of our gear to get our bikes up the steps. I suggested that Mary go and ask the home owner if we could use their driveway to get to road, because it was quite rideable and would save us a good 30 mins. The unflappable Mary approached the house. The side door was standing open. She knocked, and yelled - but no response. We decided to just go on and beg if the homeowner came out. Well, he saw us and started yelling at us to go back. He was on the phone, and was going back and forth between yelling at us and talking on the phone. Then he went back inside and Mary and I decided to make a run for it, riding like bandits to get into the next town, where we hid for a bit. I was convinced he would be chasing us. But Mary knew this guy was just giving us a hard time.
Rain continued, and we went into the town pub and we found a phone and called Mark. He managed to find the pub and we had our picnic outside there under their tent. It was pouring so hard that Mary and I decided to take him up on his offer of a ride to Edale. It was about 15 miles away, with lots of ups and downs - I figured doing this in the pouring rain on a loaded touring bike would not be any fun. We arrived at Edale totally soaked and cold, even with the car ride there. As I speak, our gear is still drying out! But today, the sun came out and we did a beautiful 10 mile hike up Mam Tor!
Tomorrow, we take the train back to Gatwick, and then on Monday, fly home. We're ready to return.....
Well, it didn't really work out as we had planned. When we awoke in Bakewell on Friday morning it was raining. We figured we had plenty of time to get to Miller's Dale, where we had planned to meet Mark, since it was only about 10 miles away. Since it was raining, we decided to hang around in Bakewell for awhile, and maybe the rain would stop. It wasn't stopping, so we finally just headed out. We got on a bike trail that I had seen on the map and it appeared to just go directly to Miller's Dale and it was a flat converted rail bed, so we figured we'd be there in no time.
Then Mary got a flat - it was a nail and we had to find it in the tire and remove it. It was still raining, so we had to find some cover to get the flat fixed. We started walking, and found a railroad overpass to work under along the bike path. 30 mins later we were on our way. And then, we saw the sign: "Last chance for cyclists to exit the trail - no exits for cyclists are ahead due to closed tunnels!"
Oy, now we were really gonna be late to meet Mark. We looked to the right - a steep set of stairs leading to a road. We looked to the left - a gate that said "Private Property - No access". We really didn't want to remove all of our gear to get our bikes up the steps. I suggested that Mary go and ask the home owner if we could use their driveway to get to road, because it was quite rideable and would save us a good 30 mins. The unflappable Mary approached the house. The side door was standing open. She knocked, and yelled - but no response. We decided to just go on and beg if the homeowner came out. Well, he saw us and started yelling at us to go back. He was on the phone, and was going back and forth between yelling at us and talking on the phone. Then he went back inside and Mary and I decided to make a run for it, riding like bandits to get into the next town, where we hid for a bit. I was convinced he would be chasing us. But Mary knew this guy was just giving us a hard time.
Rain continued, and we went into the town pub and we found a phone and called Mark. He managed to find the pub and we had our picnic outside there under their tent. It was pouring so hard that Mary and I decided to take him up on his offer of a ride to Edale. It was about 15 miles away, with lots of ups and downs - I figured doing this in the pouring rain on a loaded touring bike would not be any fun. We arrived at Edale totally soaked and cold, even with the car ride there. As I speak, our gear is still drying out! But today, the sun came out and we did a beautiful 10 mile hike up Mam Tor!
Tomorrow, we take the train back to Gatwick, and then on Monday, fly home. We're ready to return.....
Birmingham debacle
Thanks to help from Mark Fenner, we were able to easily catch a train from just south of Birmingham up to Matlock, which is only about 15 miles from Bakewell, where we were to stay next. As Mary had mentioned in her last post, we were having trouble navigating through cities using Sustrans signs and maps. As we approached the metropolis of Birmingham, it was about 5 pm and rush hour was underway. Given our problems getting through cities much smaller than this one, and knowing that Birmingham was large and fairly industrial, I figured we had better start looking for a place to stay and not attempt an ugly and difficult ride through the big bad city.
As we stood at a corner contemplating our fates, a kind driver asked us if we needed help, I asked him if knew any accomodations in the area, and told him that we were unexpectedly stuck in the area for the nite. He pulled over and spent a good 15 minutes making calls and helping us. He directed us to a hotel just a few miles away, and after Mary employed every persuasive skill she has, we were allowed to bring the bikes into the interior garden area to lock them for the nite.
In the morning, we back-tracked to Bromsgrove and got on the the train to Derby, where we changed trains to one that would take us north to the Peak District, to the town of Matlock. After eating and changing to riding clothes, we started riding...up, up, up, up.....I have never in my life seen such long steep inclines. We made it about 2/3rd of the way before started walking. Then the walking was so tough we had to take breaks! The locals got a kick out of watching us and shouted encouragements and jokes to us. We asked a woman for directions to make sure we were going the right way. Then I said to Mary, "Well, it can't go up forever." The woman overheard me and said, "Don't be so sure!"
But as I suspected, it ended soon after and then it was nothing but rolling hills and stunning scenery all the way to Bakewell. We hit a short rain shower, and then stopped for tea at a pub at the bottom of a hill. But at Bakewell, it was straight up to the hostel! I actually made it the whole way this time.
As we stood at a corner contemplating our fates, a kind driver asked us if we needed help, I asked him if knew any accomodations in the area, and told him that we were unexpectedly stuck in the area for the nite. He pulled over and spent a good 15 minutes making calls and helping us. He directed us to a hotel just a few miles away, and after Mary employed every persuasive skill she has, we were allowed to bring the bikes into the interior garden area to lock them for the nite.
In the morning, we back-tracked to Bromsgrove and got on the the train to Derby, where we changed trains to one that would take us north to the Peak District, to the town of Matlock. After eating and changing to riding clothes, we started riding...up, up, up, up.....I have never in my life seen such long steep inclines. We made it about 2/3rd of the way before started walking. Then the walking was so tough we had to take breaks! The locals got a kick out of watching us and shouted encouragements and jokes to us. We asked a woman for directions to make sure we were going the right way. Then I said to Mary, "Well, it can't go up forever." The woman overheard me and said, "Don't be so sure!"
But as I suspected, it ended soon after and then it was nothing but rolling hills and stunning scenery all the way to Bakewell. We hit a short rain shower, and then stopped for tea at a pub at the bottom of a hill. But at Bakewell, it was straight up to the hostel! I actually made it the whole way this time.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Left Oxford, arrived Edale
Well, traveling with Ann has always been an adventure and the last few days have been awesome. Where to begin.... Oxford to Stratford was an easy 60 miles. I didn't feel very well last week but this week much stronger so this ride was very good. We arrived early - got in around 5 pm and although the hostel was a ways out of town we found a very posh restaurant/wine bar just across the road and enjoyed a delicious dinner. The hostel was comfortable and we got an early start from there to stop in town for a quick coffee before riding. Headed to our next B&B reservation just north of Birmingham following a Sustrans route (again). Things went well early in the day although not pretty as it was mostly urban followed by another route along the canal. We met an English couple who were doing some day cycling and staying at a cottage in the area. The Sustrans route proved difficult getting through Redditch - it was actually more than difficult - it was a matter of struggling to find the signs. It seems many people remove these signs on the posts so they are just not there. Anyway, we got through it slowly.... but as we got into Bromsgrove it was just impossible. We were on and off the route again and again. Decided to give it up at that point because our destination was just too far. Got a hotel and planned a train route for the next day that worked out really well. We grabbed a train in Bromsgrove and took it all the way to Matlock which is a gateway to the Peak district. There we got back on our bikes and headed up the steep hills out of town. This was great fun and we were both delighted to get out of the tourist-trap towns. Had a really good, easy ride with fabulous views all the way to Bakewell where we had another hostel reservation. The town is smaller than the other towns we had been staying in but surprisingly busy with traffic. Headed out the next morning for our final destination - Edale - up in the heart of the Peak district. This was a very interesting day. See next post....
Monday, July 9, 2007
Oxford cyclists
We tried to get some shots of the cyclists here - but there are so many, and it's just hard to really get a shot that gives a good impression of how many there really are! Lots of people are wearing the flourescent yellow vests with reflective material on them, as the guy in the above shot is wearing.
Oxford gardens
Day two we started out feeling very rested but now it's 5:45 and we're feeling more tired than after a day of cycling. Got into one of the colleges here called New College. Toured around the chapel and cloisters then went into the garden. These students have a pretty good deal compared to my experience as an undergraduate! We toured the Oxford Botanic Garden later in the day and finished the afternoon doing some bike store shopping. Oh, by the way kids, I've got a few little surprises for you!
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