Bridget's "Huggin' the Coast" Solo Charity Ride

Monday, July 24. Home Sweet Home!

2010-07-27T10:26:00.015+01:00

Weather: Dry, Cloudy
Traffic: Light
Distance: 89 miles

At last the final instalment in this epic saga.

Mike Henry had come to meet us for breakfast but was a bit late due to navigational inexactitude. However, we left at 1015 and headed off up Countisbury Hill into the mist shrouded moors which Mike had warned us about. Luckily most of the fog had cleared by then and presented no problem. Using the picturesque toll road, we avoided Porlock Hill and headed down to Porlock Weir (below).

Then along the A39 to Minehead, by now the sun was blazing down and B could smell victory....

And a final photocall in Watchet...

Before a hero's welcome at the office in Clifton.

Total mileage was 2,474 with in excess of £4000 raised.

Thanks to all those who donated, and those who made the whole trip possible with their generosity and support.

Sunday, July 25. Another Game of Spot the Bear and Pasties in Boscastle.

2010-07-26T09:59:00.000+01:00

Weather: Dry, warm
Traffic: Light
Distance: 146 miles

Sunday, while being a day of rest for the God-fearing amongst us, did not mean B was going to have the day off. So close to her goal, she put in a good few miles taking in Newquay, Mother Ivey's Bay (above), Tintagel and Boscastle (below) where a pasty was enjoyed and two more friendly bikers kindly donated to the cause.

Juliet joined B on Saturday in Portreath so a four wheeled escort was on hand throughout the day.
Widemouth Bay and Bude came shortly after Boscastle, although we have been reliably informed its "Bood" but I challenge anyone to say that in the company of surfers.

Instow provided some lovely views....

But none better than bedtime for bears in Lynton.

At this point I hasten to add, I had ridden down to meet B and Juliet at Sinai House but was not party to this bear related madness.

Sinai House, Lynton

2010-07-25T10:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday, 25 July

Sinai House

Lynway

Lynton

North Devon

EX35 6AY

Telephone: 01598 753 227

Website: http://www.sinaihouse.co.uk/

Saturday, July 24. Ferries and Cornish Piskies.

2010-07-25T09:59:00.001+01:00

Weather: Foggy
Traffic: Moderate
Distance: 174 miles

Into another picturesque part of the journey today, B travelled through Seaton (the Cornwall one), Looe, across the river on the Ferry at Fowey (left), St Mawes (below left) and Lands End.

A brief stop was made at the gaudy attraction that now graces this spot. A 20 minute stop cost £3.00 for parking and the picture at the top hasn't got B in it because they wouldn't take one with the phone, instead charging £9.95 for one of their own which B will show you if you ask. (It'll cost you mind!)

Then the fog closed in for the leg of the journey covering St Ives, Hayle and Portreath and the phone signal disappeared. Conditions were described as hazardous at this stage.

This of course meant that at this late stage of the game, Woolly Bear didn't get his pic taken so I've painstakingly photoshopped one so those of you following his progress don't feel left out.

Cliff House B&B, Portreath

2010-07-24T10:00:00.000+01:00

Saturday, 24 July

Cliff House B&B

Cliff Terrace

Portreath

Redruth

Cornwall

TR16 4LE

Telephone: 01209 843 847

Website: http://www.cliffhouseportreath.com/

Friday, July 23. A Damp eyed Farewell.

2010-07-24T09:03:00.025+01:00

Weather: Dry, warm
Traffic: Light
Distance: 166 miles

Sadly, today Woolly Bear and Kessie had to say goodbye as Martin and Mel, Kessie's lift had to go home. While not inconsolable, Woolly Bear has been warned about the fragility of holiday romances but hopes to keep in contact.

Departing at 0945, B travelled the Jurassic coast

through Weymouth (pictured left), Bridport

and Lyme Regis.

Chesil, Lulworth and Portland Bill provided some lovely views,then on to Seaton, Sidmouth and Paignton.
Through Brixham to Kingswear where the ferry took her across to Dartmouth. ("£2.20 they charged for 3 minutes on the ferry on a motorbike! And on a charity run too!") And the crossing was choppy too so frowns all round there. She arrived in Plymouth at 1800 where she stayed at the Mum and Chris Hotel, ensuring a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast. Not long now!

Still, at least Woolly Bear has found a way to keep his mind off his lost love.....whats this? Is he wearing black shiny underpants??

Thursday July 23. Lost in Hants....

2010-07-23T08:40:00.013+01:00

Weather: Sunny, dry.
Traffic: Mixed.
Distance: 152 miles.
Leaving Eastbourne at 0945, B headed through Peacehaven and Rottingdean to Brighton (pictured) and Worthing where she met those delightful folks at Alfs Motorcycles.

They had some treats in store there - First a hot coffee, then a lights and levels check for the bike.
As if this pampering wasn't enough, the owner Alf himself made a personal donation of £100 and Avril gave £20. Many thanks to them, we'll make sure we see them again when we're down that way. A collecting tin for the Childrens Trust was also left on their counter - so another reason for as many of you as possible to get there!

From there she went on to arrive at Bognor Regis at 1300.
Martin and Mel accompanied her along her merry way today, because Kessie's pink spindly legs won't reach the ground when on a motorbike. Woolly Bear certainly seems to enjoy the company of his peers too.

Then on to Chichester, Fareham and Southampton which is where the wheels came off a bit. For reasons best known to herself, the satnav was switched off and signposts were relied on between Fareham and Southampton which resulted in everyone getting very lost. After going round in circles for a bit, Mel eventually led the convoy to safety and they carried on through Beaulieu to Poole Harbour, across on the Sandbanks Ferry,

eventually to arrive at Corfe Castle at 1930. They were joined by ex Chief Fire Officer and Advanced Motorcyclist John Terry for drinks at the hotel. Another generous donation of £20 from him made the day's total £140.00. Not a bad day's work!

The Bankes Arms Hotel, Corfe Castle

2010-07-22T10:00:00.000+01:00

Thursday, 22 July

The Bankes Arms Hotel

East Street

Corfe Castle

Dorset

BH20 5ED

Telephone: 01929 480 206

Website: http://www.dorset-hotel.co.uk/

Wednesday, July 21st. Too Many Zebras.

2010-07-21T18:59:00.007+01:00

Weather: Mixed with heavy downpours.
Traffic: Heavy
Distance: 198 miles

One in the eye for Harold in Hastings (Below), B's last stop before Eastbourne.

B arrived late today as she decided to better schedule stops as she was becoming exhausted. She travelled through Grays and across the Dartford Crossing which she found quite overwhelming in terms of the amount of traffic and the sheer size of the bridge.

That put her on the right side of London so she could continue to Whitstable, (left), Herne Bay, Margate,Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Deal, Dover, Folkestone, Sandgate, Hythe,New Romney, Lydd, Rye, Winchelsea, Hastings, St Leonards on Sea, and Bexhill. (Phew! Can I draw breath now?).

Whitstable is described as "Possibly the smallest High St with the greatest number of Zebra crossings I've ever seen."

There. Now we're in trouble with the Whitstable Tourist Board.

Deal - Nice railings....

Grays in the sun.

On reaching Eastbourne, she's met up with Mel and Martyn who, seeing Woolly Bear looked a bit lonely, brought their own Kessie who gets around a bit too. Trouble is, you turn your back for a minute.....

The Cherry Tree Guest House, Eastbourne

2010-07-21T10:00:00.000+01:00

Wednesday, 21 July

The Cherry Tree Guest House
15 Silverdale Road
Lower Meads
Eastbourne
BN20 7AJ
Telephone: 01323 722 406
Website: http://www.cherrytree-eastbourne.co.uk/

Tuesday, July 20. Windmills and Bears.

2010-07-20T20:02:00.007+01:00

Weather: Dry, cloudy

Traffic: Heavy in places

Distance: 208 miles

Today saw B leave Wells-Next-the-Sea at 1000, travelling through Cromer to DRD motorcycles who stock Weise motorcycle gear, Great Yarmouth and Colchester to arrive at Burnham on Crouch at 1800. She's starting to tire now (hardly surprising!)

Great Yarmouth pictured below.

On arrival at tonight's digs she's so pooped she skipped the evening meal and went straight to bed.

While she appreciates hugely all the good wishes she's receiving from you all, to help her get her beauty sleep, please only call or text before nine. After that she'll be in the land of nod.

She caught up with the blog last night and will be able to read your messages left here before she gets home. I've found the button that allows anyone to comment so please feel free.

The Anchor Hotel, Burnham-on-Crouch

2010-07-20T10:00:00.000+01:00

Tuesday, 20 July

The Anchor Hotel

The Quay

Burnham-on-Crouch

Essex

CM0 8AT

Telephone: 01621 782 117

Website: http://www.anchorhotelburnham.co.uk/

Monday, July 19. Curry and an ex Fire Control Operator.

2010-07-19T17:15:00.008+01:00

Weather: Dry, sunny.
Traffic: Heavy through Skegness
Distance: 150 miles

B is in high spirits today, arriving at Wells-Next-the-Sea at about 1700.
Places graced with her presence today included Mablethorpe, Skegness (above), Forsdyke, Sutterton (below), Kings Lynn and Hunstanton.

Although it was flying ant day in Bristol today, B suffered an infestation of small black beetles rather than ants who seemed attracted to her hi-viz jacket. Tonight she'll be stopping over at the home of Martin Smith (an ex Avon Fire Control Operator no less) and his parents. A great opportunity to catch up in a very picturesque location. As I type she's most likely tucking into a Chicken Shashlick and a large red wine.

And as Evening comes.....

Sunday, July 18. A Spurt of Speed Through Immingham, and a Game of Spot the Bear.

2010-07-18T18:57:00.000+01:00

Weather: Dry. All day!
Distance: 150 miles
Traffic: Light

Today is the first day since tuesday that waterproofs haven't been necessary, and coffee stops have included Scarborough, Bridlington and Withernsea.

B described Bridlington (left) and Scarborough (below) as
"lovely old fashioned seaside resorts".

Nice bit of pseudo Gothic architecture there.... and donkeys too!

While Withernsea had a more rugged charm.

Resplendant in road cones - the Humber Bridge...

And through the industrial estates of Immingham towards Cleethorpes. At this point B though it wise to give it some welly in case she got stopped by marauding scrap dealers with an eye for a motorcycle. She advises all those who come after her to avoid the area like the plague.
Now she must find an evening meal.
In Cleethorpes.....on a sunday night.....looks like chips again!

Sherwood Guest House

2010-07-18T10:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday, 18 July

Sherwood Guest House

15 Kingsway

Cleethorpes

North East Lincolnshire

DN35 8QU

Telephone: 01472 692 020

Website: http://www.sherwoodguesthouse.co.uk/

Saturday, July 17. Three Hairy Bikers and some Chips.

2010-07-17T18:55:00.000+01:00

Weather: Wet and Windy, till Whitby!

Traffic: Light

Distance :162 miles

A leisurely start today at 10.30, with the prospect of straight roads and light traffic being lived up to throughout.

Woolly Bear's been kept well behaved with regular cups of tea and the promise of a treat at the end of the day.

The road took B through places such as Brampton, St John Chapel, Crook and Redcar.

She had company from St John Chapel to Crook in the form of Rob and Simon (No, not the King Sturge ones) who bumped into her in a tearoom and donated £12.00 to her worthy cause.

A welcome view of todays destination from Marske:

Her morale has been raised substantially now she knows its "downhill all the way" and there will be a few friends to meet along the road. Some have been foolhardy enough to go camping this weekend in order to meet her.

Hoorah! for what must surely be a soggy Anita and Alan...

And Hoorah for B, grinning in a Whitby sunset.

The Esplanade Hotel, Whitby

2010-07-17T09:00:00.000+01:00

Saturday, 17 July

The Esplanade Hotel
2 The Esplanade
Whitby
North Yorkshire
YO21 3HH
Telephone: 01947 605 053
Website: http://www.esplanade-hotel.co.uk/

Friday, July 17. Adventures in a Foreign Land...

2010-07-16T12:38:00.000+01:00

Weather: Windy, dry.
Traffic: Light
Distance travelled: 178 miles

A bit of a lie in for B today as she left Morecambe at 09:45 to head north of the border to Langholm. Those shower caps weren't needed today as it stayed dry until 3 miles from the Douglas Hotel when the heavens opened again.

"I screamed into my helmet" she said , as she crossed the border. Woolly Bear had to get in on the action too. Look at those maniacal eyes - like a bear possessed.

The day was taken up with stunning scenery - sea to one side, Lake district to the other - a mix of well surfaced A roads with sweeping curves with good long views ahead, and poorly surfaced B roads strewn with debris from the recent high winds in the Grange Over Sands area.

The good old Satnav forgot a recent one way revision in Barrow in Furness which meant it took four attempts before she managed to leave the aforementioned town, and Marypoint was inaccessible due to a road closure after Workington.

I phoned her for this update just as she had got out of a well deserved hot shower. The last thing I heard before she cut me off was the fire alarm. As we say in the trade "False alarm due to apparatus, alarm caused by steam......"

The Douglas Hotel, Langholm

2010-07-16T09:00:00.000+01:00

Friday, 16 July

The Douglas Hotel
High Street
Langholm
DG13 0DH
Telephone: 01387 381 547
Website: http://www.douglashotellangholm.co.uk/

Thursday, July 15. As they say in Wales - another Yukky Dai?

2010-07-15T09:50:00.001+01:00

Weather: Dry but overcast

Traffic: Heavy

Distance Travelled: 220 miles

Today saw B trekking from the Isle of Anglesey to Morecambe, taking in the glory of such places as Bootle, Wallasey and Southport.

The rain of the last couple of days again wreaked havoc. The waterproof covers collected water and held it against the panniers, soaking the contents. Even wet jimjams.

Windy but dry, with storm clouds looming over the Menai Bridge (above) and Rhyl (below) which was described by B in colourful terms as a bit of a hole, decorated with various burnt out and derelict shells of buildings along the front.

B got to Blackpool about 17:00 and the weather had been kind, with the traffic being a bit of a problem what with being in an urban area at rush hour (yes, even Merseyside has a rush hour - you can hear the rustle of thousands of shell suits for miles around).

When she got to the Balmoral Hotel in Morecambe, the owners very kindly made her a shepherds pie which was gratefully received.

BREAKING NEWS the bin bag has been replaced. A matching pair of shower caps are now in place to keep out the rain.

Woolly Bear is happy to be out of the rain too.

Man, that is one well travelled bear.

The Balmoral Guest House, Morecambe

2010-07-15T09:49:00.000+01:00

Thursday, 15 July

The Balmoral Guest House
34 Marine Road West
Morecambe
Lancashire
LA3 1BZ
Telephone: 01524 418 526
Website: http://www.balmoralhotelmorecambe.co.uk/

Wednesday, July 14. A shower cap on one foot.....

2010-07-14T09:31:00.000+01:00

Weather: Heavy Rain
Traffic: Light
Distance Travelled: 166 miles

B started off at 09:15 this morning from Bull Bay on the isle of Anglesey in fair weather. Not leaving anything to chance precautionary measures were taken in the form of a shower cap on one foot and a bin liner on the other.

The route encompassed Tywyn, Barmouth (toll bridge pictured above), Harlech, Porthmadog, Portmeirion, and Criccieth. (Pictured below)

At this point, the weather changed before B reached Pwhelli and it poured down again, which is the way it stayed all day.On to Nefyn and Caernarfon, with no time to see the castle - instead to Bill Smith Motors to meet the owner, Paul and enthuse about how well the Weise gear was holding up to the constant drenching.Over the Britannia Bridge to Holyhead then she circumnavigated the Isle of Anglesey to finally arrive at Bull Bay at 16:45.

A hot bath with a leaking plug, a hot meal and a wonderful view finished the day off, but not before Woolly Bear had some fun hanging around looking at the car park.

Trecastell Hotel, Isle of Anglesey

2010-07-14T09:29:00.000+01:00

Wednesday, 14 July

Trecastell Hotel
Bull Bay
Isle of Anglesey
LL68 9SA
Telephone: 01407 830 651
Website: http://www.trecastellhotel.com/

Tuesday, 13 July - The Loneliness of the Long Distance Biker.

2010-07-13T13:35:00.000+01:00

Weather: Lashing rain all day
Traffic: Light
Distance travelled: 166 miles

The weather closed in overnight, welcoming the morning with a blanket of grey.
I'm now home but Bridget goes on, with the Woolly Bear for company. Todays route went through Angle, Pembroke, St Davids, Fishguard, then on through Cardigan, Aberystwyth and Borth to finish up at Aberdovey. We hoped the rain would hold off, but it didn't.

Here, he passes the Trewern Arms, at Nevern. And his fur's not even damp.

The weather was the main problem today, and Bridgets boots have been found wanting, with socks getting wet.

On arrival at Aberdovey the weather changed for the better, unlike the phone signal. Still, an evening in the sun is more than welcome tonight after a good seven hours on the road.

Penhelig Arms Hotel & Restaurant, Aberdovey

2010-07-13T13:30:00.000+01:00

Tuesday, 13 July

Penhelig Arms
Aberdovey
Gwynedd
LL35 0LT
Telephone: 01654 767 215
Website: http://www.penheligarms.com/

Monday, 12 July. Hooray for Satnav and the introduction of the Woolly Bear.

2010-07-13T12:27:00.000+01:00

Weather : Sunny and warm.

Traffic: Light

Distance Travelled: 175 miles

Well, as we haven't yet been dragged into the twentieth century, Bridget will be sending me messages and pictures which I'll be transferring onto this blog so please bear with me.

Armed with reams of written directions and a road atlas, the satnav kindly provided by Martin and Mel was originally going to be used only as an emergency measure. Our first detour came in Newport when the written details failed us and we ended up in a "developing" area of the docks. It became apparent that stopping every five minutes or at every junction wasn't going to be practical so I suggested we try the satnav as the primary means of avoiding dodgy areas. We put in the postcode of Brambles Lodge and set off. Much to our delight, the route coincided hugely with the written directions right through to Port Talbot via Cardiff Bay, Barry Island (pictured above) and Ogmore By Sea (pictured left).
Our level of technical ability became apparent though when we were routed up onto the M4 towards LLanelli. We found the button that said "Avoid Motorways" and the original route was rejoined.

The going was steady, with plenty to see and occasional stops for tea including this one at Kidwelly, when the Woolly Bear demanded to be photographed.

And a brief stop to soak up the scenery at Laugharne.

Faith in the Satnav faltered when, just outside Tenby, we were sent down a lane aptly named "Slippery Back" which had obviously just been turned into a bridlepath. I went on ahead, saying to Bridget that if the bollards had been set widely enough for a horse, then her bike laden with panniers would most likely fit too. When I got to the end she was nowhere to be seen. After about ten minutes my phone rang and she was soon describing a texaco station and a railway arch which was where she now was, having decided against the Slippery Back option. A passing Coastguard helped us the rest of the way, and a good night's sleep was had after a bag of pork scratchings at the local pub.

Brambles Lodge B&B, Tenby

2010-07-12T21:16:00.000+01:00

Monday, 12 July

Brambles Lodge B&B
Penally
Tenby
Pembrokeshire
SA70 7QE
Telephone: 01834 843 393
Website: http://www.brambleslodge.co.uk/

Sunday, 11 July - 1 day to go......

2010-07-11T18:29:00.001+01:00

OH MY GOD, what am I doing?

Reality has kicked in today and to say I am apprehensive about what I am about to do is an understatement.....

Could I not have raised money by just running the marathon or swimming the channel......riding around the Coast of England and Wales for 2 weeks on my own - have I gone completely mad?!

Well, there is no backing out now. It will be an adventure, an opportunity of a lifetime, something to tell the grandchildren - Ummmmm.......

14 hours to go.....not that I'm counting, or anything!

Bxx

Saturday, 10 July - 2 days to go......

2010-07-11T01:20:00.000+01:00

..... and getting excited, but nervous - Eek!

The SatNav has been fitted, the gel seat is in place and the petrol tank is full, all I have to do now is pack the panniers - a job for tomorrow.

The most important thing was done this morning - buying my 'snack food' essentials. Go-Ahead bars, bananas, diary free chocolate, ginger biscuits and mint humbugs :-)

I said my farewells to a few friends today - Rob, Andrea, Martyn, Andy and Oscar - thanks guys for your best wishes and your confidence in knowing I can do this, it means a great deal.

Well, I had best go prepare and cook the Lasagne as my parents are coming over for dinner. We are calling it 'the last supper'......

I'll be back tomorrow!

Bxx

Friday, 9 July - Bike Handover.......

2010-07-09T10:26:00.000+01:00

Well, today (at 11am) is the day for picking up the Suzuki Gladius 650 from Fowlers in Bristol.

This whole weekend will be spent rolling clothes into bundles, familiarising myself with the bike and fitting luggage to it.

I must ensure my 'day to a page' route, motorbike touring maps and trusty road atlas are safely stashed in my tank bag - a girl doesn't want to get lost!

My food shopping list for the 'off' on Monday will consist of Go-Ahead bars, a few bananas and some dairy free chocolate to keep me sane :-)

Well, that's about all for now. I'm off to fit that luggage.......