Uphill All The Way – The Plan (Part Two)

Published on: 24 May, 2014
Updated on: 25 May, 2014

This is the third article in a series on the author’s ambition to cycle from Guildford to Edinburgh. It follows Uphill All The Way – The Idea and Uphill All The Way – The Plan (Part One)

All Uphill All The Way articles can be found under the Leisure section heading on the front page in their own sub-section called Uphill All The Way.

by Martin Giles

So much for the bike what about me?

Some regular Dragon readers might recall that I was ‘selected’ for special fitness training by my GP. This was not because at 58 I had become suitable for SAS selection. Just the opposite. I was overweight and had borderline high blood pressure.

Having overcome the insult and persuading myself the training was actually a good idea, I duly filled out the form. Some days later I received a reply to say that my answers indicated I did too much exercise to qualify! I was unable to contain a smug smirk.

I mentioned my ‘rejection’ to my doctor next time I saw her. “I am sure there is some scheme or other for you,” she said, “I will check.” I thought no news is good news on that one but during my next routine visit she said had found a scheme and gave me another form.

I started the gym sessions about six weeks ago. I am not sure how much good they are doing. There does not seem to be enough pain involved. But there is plenty of sweat. I wonder that they don’t generate electricity from all the energy expended at these fitness factories. I have never seen the place empty. It would be more reliable than wind power.

Anyway, hopefully I am in good enough shape for the gentle three week tour.

“What about kit?” I hear you ask. I pride myself in being a light traveller and it should be easy enough to wash shirts, socks and pants in a B & B, although drying them might be a bit more of a challenge even if they are all ‘quick drying’ by design.

One problem with the British climate is that even in May/June I could face quite a range of temperatures and conditions, especially in northern latitudes like Yorkshire. I recall reading somewhere that snow had stopped play in a cricket match somewhere in the Midlands, in July.

Anyway, I will hopefully have sufficient clothes to keep warm. Normally staying warm it is not a problem for me. Once I start cycling I seem to be far too proficient at generating my own heat. If I have to don the rain cape for extended periods the amount of steam I give off might make me look like a two wheeled Flying Scotsman. Well all right, perhaps more Thomas the Tank Engine, at my speeds.

I had a quandary over maps. I could rely entirely on my iPhone. It has several map apps all of which plot your precise position to within a few yards. But they are power hungry; if left on they could drain the battery before I reach my destination for the day.

To allow me to view the phone screen on the move I have bought a neat little bag [insert pic] that sits on the cross bar just behind the handlebar stem. I think though I will turn the app off between views and am still trying to decide whether to take paper maps, of some kind, too.

The problem has been solved by a kind neighbour who has lent me his bike sat nav. All I have to do is learn how to use it. But he has given me the instruction book too so no excuses.

Enough kit for 23 days uphill?

Kit: Rear pannier bags to contain…

3 x shirts (one to wear)
2 x trousers (one zip off, one to wear)
3 x pairs socks
3 x pairs pants
Shorts
Micro Fleece
Outdoor jacket (to wear)

Rain cape
2 x hats (one water proof)

Washing & shaving kit

Tool/Repair kit (in saddle bag)
2 x spare inner tubes
Oil and rag

MacBookair + charger
iPhone + charger
Garmin satnav +usb lead
Ear phones
Camera + charger
Monocular

Wildlife book
Book to read (J B Priestley’s – The English)
Notebook & pencil

First aid kit: plasters; antiseptic wipes; Germolene, sun block

Water bottle

Emergency rations (provide by my wee wife and a kind neighbour).

Well its only hours now before I set off, tomorrow morning Sunday May 25th. Wish me luck and hold your breath for the report of my first day tomorrow evening.

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