If this is what is known as a blog, then welcome to my first (and probably last) one.

I had intended to write a short piece and add photos at the days end of each of my six rides, however the days were longer and harder than I had anticipated and by the time I had finished, showered and eaten I was ready for bed.

Here then, is a brief account of the last few days.

Sunday 2nd June. 

Everything packed Lyn and I headed to an Airbnb in Belper, Derbyshire ready for an early start on the Monday. 

Monday 3rd June. 

After an early morning 20 minute drive we arrived at the start of the Pennine Bridleway at Middleton Top. The plan today was to ride the 44 miles via the Peak District National Park to a pub in Old Glossop where we were to spend the first night. We had planned to meet at a couple of points along the way. Photos were taken, then off I trundled. The first 15 miles was easy, following an old train track. I met Lyn after 12 miles for a cuppa and set off again. Oh my goodness it got much tougher after that. Steep downhills followed by steep uphills on loose shale, rocks and boulders. After a number of falls leading to cuts and bruises I put ego aside and pushed the bike for sections (don't tell anyone though). I missed Lyn at our planned second meeting place by about 100 yards. The next time we met was outside the pub at around 6pm.

Stats. 43 miles in 8hrs with 3,984 ft of ascent.

Tuesday 4th June.

 After a full English (burp) the idea was to cycle the 36 miles to Hebden Bridge where we were to meet the second and third support team members, Sue and Russell. They were giving us board and lodgings for two nights at their house. Today did not go to plan. Just after setting off it started lashing down and did not stop all day. I was navigating the PBW by following the signs, turn by turn audio via my earphones and if necessary taking the phone from my pocket to take a look. After the first 7 miles the signposts disappeared and the audio was letting me down and the more I looked at my phone, the wetter it got until it went blank. I cycled another few miles trying to pick up the trail with no luck. I was now lost with no way of contacting the team. Luckily I had thought of this scenario and had a paper list of phone numbers in my pocket. Unluckily when I pulled it out of my pocket it was a soggy mess. There was only one thing for it, find a pub. That was the White Lion in a village called Delph. After a time, my phone and me warmed up and dried out and we both came back to life. I was then able to summon assistance and within 30 minutes I was in a warm van with warm clothes and on my way to a warm shower.  

14 miles in 2 1/2 hrs with 1,374 ft of ascent.

Wednesday 5th June.

The Mary Towneley Loop, is a 44 mile loop connected to, and off of, the main route. If I could complete this I would have ridden a large section of the ride that I missed yesterday. Team member Russell being a lifelong supporter (very generously) sponsored me to cycle the loop in a Burnley shirt. It could have been far worse. I also had most welcome company in the shape of Patrick, Roger's son, whose death from pancreatic cancer inspired me to ride the PBW. Patrick is a proper mountain biker, experienced in cycling the Pennines. This is where I learnt that my bike had the wrong wheels, tyres, gears and suspension for cycling in those parts. He loved the colour though. Leaving from Hebden Bridge train station we set off. After seeing me fall two or three times and guiding me through some of the toughest terrain on the loop he said goodbye, to possibly meet me again later. Lots of hours, reservoirs, sheep, moors and endless gates later, with my energy reserves and motivation draining I saw Patrick again. I have since tried to describe to him my elation at seeing him but I don't have the vocabulary. He guided me safely back to Hebden Bridge at 8pm.

51 miles in 11 1/2 hrs with 6,008ft ascent.

Thursday 6th June. 

Hebden Bridge to Settle. I had the easy task of cycling to Settle. The team had to drop me off on the PBW, return, hitch up the caravan and drive it to Settle where we were to stay for 5 nights. I was pleasantly surprised at the relative ease of this section after yesterdays exertion. I managed to arrive in Settle just after the caravan had been set up with Lyn cooking sausages on the Teppanyaki. English mustard with mine please. Today was the first day of the cycle it hadn't rained, with no gale force winds on the peaks or moors and I hadn't fallen from the bike. Small mercies.

34 miles in 6 1/2 hours with 3,370ft ascent.  

Friday 7th June.

Last night I had to reconsider my plans. I was to do the 10 mile Settle loop today with a 44 mile cycle tomorrow to finish. Having now had 4 days experience of riding the PBW with it's weather and terrain, I realised the last day would have been, if not impossible, another near 12 hour ride. I decided to forego the Settle loop and complete roughly half of Saturdays ride today. It went well to begin with. I completed the section I had planned, called the team, told them not to pick me up at the agreed point but to wait for my call as I wanted to push on. By the time I arrived at a B road between Ribblehead viaduct and Hawes I was once again wet and cold. Time to ring for a lift home. Alas, no reception. Once again I'm stuck miles from home with no way of contacting the team. Out came the map. Ribblehead had a pub called The Station Inn that I remembered from walking the 3 Peaks. If I turned left and pedalled against the wind and rain for a few miles I should find it. And bingo, I did. The pub had Wi-Fi so after a couple of fine local stouts help arrived once again. I had left the bike at the front of the pub and at this point I was hoping it would be stolen. I was to be disappointed. 

31 miles in 5 3/4 hrs with 4,297ft ascent.  

Saturday 8th June.

After an early breakfast I was dropped back off at the B road where I set off for the final leg. This was the most remote of the sections and I was pleased I had only the second day of dry weather of the week. Lots of streams to ride through, lots of high peaks which were now affecting my legs and lots of tough downhill sections which were chattering my teeth. The PBW signs disappeared for a while at the top of a peak and I nearly had to give up right at the death but I eventually found one which got me back on track. Finally I arrived at The Fat Lamb in Ravenstonedale, Cumbria to a crowd of three making as much noise as they could. We were all looking forward to a celebratory pint in the pub but decided instead to drive back to the campsite to celebrate with not one but a few pints. 

36 miles in 6hrs with 4,345ft ascent.

Epilogue.

What an experience. I totally underestimated the terrain and the weather. If I did it again (I wont) I would do it in the Summer (Oh I did) on a proper bike (which I will never buy). I have seen wildlife galore, fantastic scenery and cycled for hours without seeing a soul. 

I have been humbled by the kindness and generosity of my friends, family and in some cases people I don't know, in donating to the cause - which I believe at the moment stands at over £2000, with every single pound going to the charity. 

Thank you to our great friends Sue and Russell for spending time, money and effort in supplying Lyn and me with board and lodgings, picking me up from wild and windswept places of an evening and dropping me back there the next morning, keeping a close eye on my whereabouts at all times, generally worrying about me and making me feel like a Tour de France winner every evening.

Thank you to Lyn for all of the above and for smiling and going along with my damned stupid ideas.

Thank you to my training partner David who helped me get to the start line and helped me get over the finish line.

Thank you to Patrick and Fay for the company.  

Thank you to Freddos and Jaffa Cakes for keeping me happy.  

Mark.