Lucky 7's Charity Challenge

[Sharribee]

DAY 1


Lucky 7’s Charity Challenge officially started on Sunday 1st July. I left Bridged at 2pm on Saturday heading towards Meriden, it was raining very hard so it not bode well. Mikey arrived and Twinkletoes was all ready to go. We headed off stopping only briefly at the services to pick up Maria on her TDM. We arrived at Meriden at 7pm and met the other ladies and our support riders. That night we sat in a local pub for supper then headed off to bed for an early night – we had a 4 am start to get out on the road by 5pm. In total there were 9 of us Marion, Lynne, Georgia, GillyB, Maria and myself as the women, Mikey (my dad), Colin (Georgia’s hubbie) and Ian (Lynne’s hubbie)

We were all ready by 5am, tired but excited at the start of our challenge. Even though the challenge was for 7 women we were down to 6 because of very unfortunate accidents and illness in 2 of the riders. Maria had stood in last minute and she was a real star all week. The weather was dull and wet, but that did not dampen our spirits as we headed out.

The first of our points was only a short ride away in the town square at Meriden – the first sentinal point as the centre of England.



We rode in groups of 2 women with one support rider, I rode with Maria and Mikey. We headed out to the M40 and then ponto the M3 westbound stopping at the services for one of many refuels then down towards the M5 and into Plymouth. The M5 was horrible with heavy rain and winds, poor Twinkletoes started to feel a bit like a boat.

We arrived at Plymouth for our second point and first port.





From Plymouth we headed over to the Tamar Bridge (our first bridge), I didn’t get a photo because at this stage the weather was so foul I was reluctant to get the camera out. I think that Mikey had a camera so he can fill in the details.

We rode over the bridge in high winds, although compared to the rest of the week it seemed almost tame, and headed onto the A38 towards Bodmin, Helston and onto the Lizard for our second sentinal point at the most southerly point in the country. The rain had eased off for a little while which was a bit of a relief. We all had problems with our GPS at this point, there are roadworks on the A30 and much of the road has been rebuilt which means the GPS thought we were going cross country. A few of the groups rode round in circles for a while before giving up on the GPS and going to maps to find our way to our first overnight stop in Shirwell just outside Barnstable. We parked up our bikes in a comfortable B and B and sat down to a full cooked breakfast for tea.

All exhausted after the early start we had an early night knowing that we had another really early day the next.

DAY 2 – Wales


Again we got up at 4 for a 5am start, it was a very wet and dreary morning and we knew this section was going to be very taxing, we were all still tired and aching from the previous days ride, we packed up quickly and quietly and headed straight out to the M4. The motorway was disgusting and the riding really difficult and by the time we got to the severn bridge the winds and rain were torrential. Our point was the old bridge at the services, I didn’t get my camera out because the rain was horrible. From there we headed all the way down the M4 to Camarthen, we then followed the A48 then A40 down to Haverford west. The rain had eased up a little so this part wasn’t so bad, I did feel homesick as I passed Bridgend and though how easy it would be just to turn off, Maria and Mikey obviously knew because they both passed me and wagged their fingers making sure I knew that wouldn’t be allowed.

Our next stop in Wales was at Pembroke castle, we all arrived at the same time because Maria was a local and knew the best route into the Castle car park, the rain had held off for a while so we were in good spirits by the time we got there.





From Pembroke we headed over to Fishguard port for our next photo. It had started to rain a little again but we were still all fairly cheerful.



The next section was a bit more technical as we headed into Mid Wales towards the next sential point – the Middle of Wales at Cwymystwyth. We followed the A485 to Tregaron then onto the smaller lanes and towards Cwmystwyth which is where we started to have a few Technical problems. Gilly B’s V-Strom developed a problem with a tyre valve causeing her to have a flat tyre at Cwymystwyth and Marions GS (Greg) had become waterlogged was misfiring so she was unable to make it to the meeting point, luckily there was a helpful garage that gave her some WD40 which helped. We planned to meet at Devils Bridge but because of the technical problems Gilly and Ian needed to arrange a recovery and Marion was busy fixing her bike. Mikey headed down to meet up with Marion so she wasn’t on her own and Colin and Missed all of us at the meet point so headed up towards Liverpool. That left 4 girls, Georgia, Maria, Lynne and myself, we had a chat and decided to go for Ceredigian castle anyway.



A very pleased Maria who made it through the welsh countryside without any problems. We then headed over to Liverpool on the a55 and then towards the Mersey Tunnel. I felt fine up until we hit Liverpool, we were very late and didn’t get to the Youth Hostel until 9am – I was exhausted and felt really crappy, it had been a busy long day with little time to stop and eat or drink. We walked to the Macdonalds for tea, it was the quietest meal of the week we were all completely exhausted and I was very grumpy just wanting to go home. Without a doubt this was the lowest point of the week I even set me GPS to take me home ready for the morning. I had a terrible nights sleep and in the morning my mood had not improved, BUT I refused to give up and packed up Twinkletoes ready for Scotland with dread.

DAY 3 SCOTLAND

We were joined in Liverpool by Kate who made up our 7th Lady - she was very bright and cheerful on monday morning. Our trip up the M6 did nothing to improve my mood the weather was appalling with crap visability and torrential rain and at one stage we were even faced with hail in july. It was exhausting we kept going North until Carlisle where we 165ned the A74 and continued into Dumfries, we turned up the A712 and A713 and the weather improved, the roads were absolutely fabulous and really improved my mood. There was a twitchy moment for the three of us as the road was having repairs which consisted of throwing gravel down on the corners, kept us awake and alert. We stopped to take off waterproofs – mine had broken anyway and were letting in more water than keeping out. We headed then up into Ayr and towards the Erskine Bridge. We stopped about 40 minutes away from the bridge for a rest





At this point because of time and how unwell I was feeling we phoned ahead to the other riders and I decided that I would not be able to go to Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, we decided to head straight for the bunkhouse at Ben Nevis. We rode into the most glorious countryside through Glencoe, because we were no longer time pressured we were able to take our time and take in the scenery. I wasn’t the only one who was suffering, Mikey pulled into a layby and could bearly speak due to tiredness. We had a drink and a rest and then continued to fort William.

We arrived at the bunkhouse at the foot of Ben Nevis in glorious sunshine at about 4pm. It gave us the opportunity to have some rest and relaxation. The other riders did the ride to the lighthouse and found the roads very challenging. They didn’t arrive at the bunkhouse until after 8pm.







OK, here are my first 3 days to start, I will post the rest of the report later

To be continued……………………………………………………………………….

[archaeo]

what sharri has forgotten to tell you about is the roadside strip tease at the side of a small back road in scotland

[Sharribee]

what sharri has forgotten to tell you about is the roadside strip tease at the side of a small back road in scotland

bloody hell can't get away with anything can I. My waterproofs had leaked and we were on a really quiet road it's not my fault that's when the farmer decided to drive down the road - he would have had such a surprise

and I was wearing my favourite biking knickers

[Sharribee]

DAY 4 – North Scotland.







The easier day that I had before meant that on Wednesday I was refreshed and ready to ride. It was Raining when we got up (surprise) it had rained every morning. Again Maria, Mikey and myself headed out in our little group and made our way out of Fort William on the A82. At Innvergarry we turned left onto the A87, and headed down to the Eilean Donan Castle. This took us down what I can only describe as the best biking rode I have ever ridden. Through the most glorious Scottish mountains on empty sweeping bends. At 5am there was nothing except a few lorrys on the road and it was the best 60 miles ever. We all arrived at the castle in really high spirits with huge grins that spoke volumes



We were lifted and refreshed as we left the castle and continued on the A890 through lovely sweeping mountain roads to Achnasheen the planned route took us around the coast but unfortunately Marias TDM and Twinkletoes were not getting the miles to tank as the bigger bikes and when we looked at the route and our fuel state we really worried that we would not make it to a fuel station. In fact we finally found an open station on the A835 – we really were on fumes at this stage.

We headed back on track towards Ullapool and towards Scourie and Durness. Again we stopped for fuel as we had the North Coast road to ride and wanted to make sure we didn’t get caught short. This
Is where we found petrol at £1.10 a litre – Maria giggle as I asked for a straw to suck it back out of the tank when I saw the price, then I walked into the shop with my hands in the air as it was obviously daylight robbery. On this road we were faced with a variety of weather from rain to fog on narrow roads with sharp bends, the concentration was exhausting.



(I added a little to this picture as it seemed like Mikey looked like a little Gnome)

The north coast road was stunning and dramatic, a single track road most of the way with the occasional little sleepy Scottish village. A noticeable lack of fuel stations left Maria and Myself feeling a little insecure while Mikey in his fuel tanker laughed at our frequent (expensive) stops. We made our way through Tongue and Thurso, at one stage I sat behind a little car ignoring overtake opportunities because I was tired and hungry only to be told to pull over by Mikey who asked what the matter was then both Mikey and Maria made me eat and drink which made me feel much better.







We finally reached Dunnet Head – the Northern most point of the country



From here we headed down to Wick and a B and B run by a biker. It was a comfortable and friendly place, the owner notice my limp and was told by marion about my knee. 10 minutes later his wife appeared with an ice pack for me which was just what I needed.

This day had to be one of the best biking days I have spent. It was the middle of the week and even though when finished we were knackered the roads and beauty of the Scottish mountains and coastline was breathtaking.



to be continued tommorrow......................................... ..................

[Whealie]

Keep it coming.

[anton88]

Well done, and great report/pics - looking forward to more

[Steve T]

Top write up. As Whealie said, "keep it coming".

[xrv_jim]

Excellent stuff!

It's just a shame the weather treated you so badly, given blue skies and dry roads I'm sure you wouldn't have been so fatigued.

[Wee Jack]

OOOO LOOK !!!!! that's Wee Jack's home island - Cumbrae - behind MOM.

I commute that road every day - pass that lay-bye at about 65 mph !!!!

We took the Haggis bashers past there on Saturday 7th July.

[Sharribee]

Next bit.................
DAY 5 Wick to Wooler







The night before Pricey had told me that Scottish biker had seen and waved at Marion and Gilly when they arrived at wick and reading the chatter thread I can see that he missed us at the B and B, we were out having a lovely supper before bed so sorry to have missed you.

We started again at 4am for a 5am start, it was a little drizzly but that is what we had come to expect. The B and B was comfortable but unfortunately Mikey had a really poor night sleep, he woke up with the worst PMT and Maria and myself just got our bikes ready quietly whilst he grumped around. This was planned to be the longest day with the route taking us over 540 miles. We had noticed that the fuel stops the smaller bikes we were riding had were taking up quite a bit of time yesterday which is now the only thing about the Transalp that I found irritating throughout the week.

We headed off down the A99 then onto the A9 towards Inverness, with a photo stop at the Humber Bridge on the way. The A99 was glorious at 5am in the morning with no traffic around, the sweeping bends and beautiful coastal views breathtaking that time in the morning. I am sure it was raining of and on but it didn’t really bother us any more, our riding was improving and Mikey’s mood improved as we got on the road. We needed to stop a few times on this section, Maria ha been struggling with a cold all week and was feeling unwell so needed lots of TLC on route. It was on this road that I took a great line around a bend, it felt good, the bike was stable and it was one of those moments that you know that it looked fabulous. Twinkletoes then started to wobble and I thought I had overcooked the bend then I could smell diesel, it was a real arse twitiching moment and I honestly thought I would loose the bike. I knew there was nothing I could do so I relaxed, kept the power on and didn’t touch the brakes (it took all my will power) I was very lucky because it worked and I kept the rubber side down.

We arrived at Kessock Bridge quite a while behind the rest of the riders and after a brief chat it was decided that because of the fuel stops and speed that would be needed to complete the day at a reasonable time the smaller bikes should miss out Aberdeen as it was a huge section of 140 miles. I had spoken to Steve T then night before and planned to meet up in Elgin, so I sent a quick text to say that we had changed our route. We were disappointed because we all desperately wanted to do all of the points, but we did appreciate that unless we could cut the time that the fuel stops were taking and push our bikes to the very limit (especially Twinkletoes as it is the smallest bike on the ride and just couldn’t keep pace with the bigger BMWs, V Strom, it even struggled at times to keep up with Maria’s TDM) we would not be getting to Wooler until 8pm. So a little disappointed we continued down the A9 to Blair Castle. In fact it turned out to be a really good day. We took our time, I really enjoyed the A9 coming down throught the Cairngorms. We stopped on route for lunch and some piccies.



We arrived at Blair Atholl (the centre of Scotland) and Blair Castle in plenty of time giving us time for a nice cup of tea, it had stopped raining, so we took time to relax. I popped into what I thought was a coffee shop – it turned out to be a church hall and they were having the weekly church meeting, they were very kind and gave us some coffee and a plate of biscuits. It was a strange experience, usually I would have popped my head through the door and giggled leaving quietly, but we had been so many miles the opportunity for coffee and biscuits was not one to be sniffed at – we just didn’t know when our next coffee stop would be.





We were met by a couple of Gsers, who stopped to chat for a while and then the rest of the team arrived after a gruelling few hours on the coast, and my group headed off first to get a bit of a headstart to the 4th road bridge. Some of the team got a bit misplaced and went over the bridge missing the view point and photo but we all made good time to the bridge.



From there we headed to Bamburgh castle just outside Wooler.




We stayed the night it a youth hostal , we went to the local pub and were met by lots of GS club members, it was lovely and they bought a chocolate cake for the Lucky 7’s which was fantastic.

DAY 6 – Wooler – Marks Tey


Another 4am start, but we are getting used to them now so don’t mind as much. It was raining when we got up but again we are used to that. The whole group seemed to be in good spirits because we were now so close to the end. Todays ride was planned to be another 500 miles. Heading down towards Scarbourough which was the wettest place I have seen, the rain was torrential as we entered the town and it stopped when we left. Our official first stop was at the Humber Bridge although Maria and myself needed to fuel up a before getting there, we met up with another Gser who bought us all breakfast at the little chef after the Humber Bridge, it was very windy and the vision of 7 bikes in front riding at a 45 degree angle going in a straight line is not one I will forget in a hurry. We managed to loose Colin and Georgia and when I spoke to Colin later he said that they were feeling like we did on day 2, they were exhausted and just wanted to get to Marks Tey to rest so they carried on. Riding in that wind was exhausting and there was more to come. We had a really pleasant ride through the side roads of Linconshire, the wind was tiring but it wasn’t raining. The difference in the countryside and riding style from what we had been doing huge, with small roads and lots of turns. We headed through Kings Lynn and stopped in a layby for a quick drink and cereal bar. I checked my phone and there was a message from Ian (he was ahead with one of the other groups) saying that the traffic just got worse so to try to get to the A47 and miss Cromer. We did a quick recalculation of our route and headed through the side roads towards the A47.

We arrived at Lowstoft Ness after a really scaring crossing over a little bridge in gusting winds, it was the scariest bridge crossing I had done all week.



The rest of the group arrived with news of Marion who Gilly had lost in Linconshire. Apparently one of the local police had pulled her over for a little chat about her speed, we all headed out as one group now to our last point of the day Framligton Castle where Marion was waiting for us. As we arrived at the castle Marion knew we were coming because the rain started which was about par for the course that week. It still didn’t dampen our spirits we were so close to finishing and we had a 5 star luxury hotel room waiting for us.