James McCulloch begins his ride at the Lands End signpost.
From mid-May until early July 2010, Bermudian Resident James McCulloch had the great pleasure of fulfilling an ambition – to cycle the 1,025 miles from Lands End in southern England to John O’Groats in the northernmost tip of Scotland. Why would he do this? Why would he travel from one small island (Bermuda) to scale another on a bike?
Good questions and ones this charitable individual – he also raised money for Age Concern (a Bermuda based charity) as he cycled 1,025 miles – answers in the next edition of Bermuda’s Postcards:
Why, with all the modern conveniences would you bike? Because I have always wanted to do it in a vague sort of way.
Why this year? After a triple heart by-pass operation in 2008 I bought a second-hand bike to help in the recovery process. From very modest beginnings where my limit was a few hundred yards I was encouraged by the nursing staff at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Bermuda, to build up my endurance slowly. During those months it occurred to me that if I kept on increasing my daily range I could eventually get strong enough to attempt the LEJOG marathon.
It sounded a bit ridiculous at first, especially considering my physical condition at the time, but then the idea flourished until it had become a personal objective.
Why ‘alone and unsupported’? I didn’t want to be beholden to someone driving a support vehicle containing all my luggage and spare tires etc. This was not a race; it was an adventure using a push-bike as a means or transport. So if I got a puncture or needed to mend a broken chain or something on the bike than I would do it myself.
A Practice Ride
Similarly I would make my own hotel or B&B bookings, do my own laundry, pick my own route, chose my own timetable and go at my own speed. If I got lost then it would be up to me to find my way again.
What is a Shinty Field? Something James learned about as he tried to find a B&B in Scotland. Read about his adventures in Scottish direction giving here.
What did you see? Pedaling along on a bike enabled me to appreciate the beauty of the English, Welsh and Scottish countryside in a way which is impossible from a car or a train. I had quite forgotten how lovely the countryside is with its panorama and wildlife and pastoral industry.
As well as the views I was also enchanted by the sounds of bird-song or the chunter of an old-fashioned lawnmower or the peal of church-bells on a Sunday morning. I also remember being struck by the evocative smell of new-mown hay, wayside flowers, hot tarmac, and that unique fragrance of fresh rain falling on sun-baked earth.
Weren’t you apprehensive? Occasionally. I never got lost or worried about that. Some of the unavoidable main roads were full of heavy traffic which left little room for cyclists when overtaking so that was sometimes scary. I was also concerned that I would not have the physicals strength to get up the steepest hills. (I am an amputee, having lost a leg in a traffic accident years ago.) But it all worked out in the end; all you need is persistence.
Did you miss Bermuda? Definitely. I got homesick sometimes and it was nice to be reminded of Bermuda when I saw roadsigns like these….
….Must be getting near St Davids!! (Actually this was high up in the Scottish Highlands).
But which one? (Bermuda is famous for its Goslings Black Seal Rum!)
Would you recommend others to do something similar? Certainly. You might need to do some preparation and training, depending on your present state of fitness, but that is part of the joy of things. If I can do it ( heart by-pass, amputee, 63 years old, no serious previous cycling experience) then anybody can do it.
It’s a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience which you will never forget. You will meet some delightful people along the way. The sense of accomplishment upon finishing the journey is wonderful, and you will have helped someone else by way of your chosen charity.
Would you do it again? No. The essence of the trip was the newness and the sense of adventure. I think I would spoil the memory of it if I did it again.
What preparation did you do? Firstly I checked with my GP (Dr Sherwin) and cardiologist (Dr Doherty) to make sure I could step up and lengthen the physical training. I bought a heart-rate monitor and used it to maintain my sustained exertions within, and not beyond, safe but demanding limits. (I also used it throughout the journey.)
Then I lengthened and speeded-up my cycle runs around Bermuda, avoiding traffic wherever possible. By the time of the actual ride I was doing 25 to 30 miles a day, day after day. I spent time during the winter evenings reading other people’s accounts of their long-distance rides on the web, planning my route, arranging insurance, booking myself and my bike on British Airways etc etc.
Did you raise any money? Yes. I am the Treasurer of Age Concern Bermuda and took the opportunity of raising some money for them. I was frequently humbled by the spontaneous generosity of people I met during my ride. When we got chatting I would mention Bermuda and my charity and they would immediately delve into pockets, purses, wallets etc and thrust money at me. I didn’t even ask for any money; they just offered it. We’ve raised over $6,000 so far. Please visit their website on http://ageconcern.bm if you would like to contribute.
John O’Groats signpost. The very end.
Where is your next trip? I don’t know but I am beginning to get itchy feet. Maybe I will try going round the USA, Canada and Mexico – but not on a pushbike! Perhaps by motorbike. Then there’s Australia, and New Zealand.
If you’d like to read a fuller account of the LEJOG bike ride then please visit my Blog.
Robyn's Wanderings 