SF to NY - Done & Dusted!

As promised, here is Chris' final word on what has been a remarkable achievement. No official word from Paul but I think he may be too busy with the business of pram shopping and Lamaze classes ... Yes indeed, in a move reminiscent of a group of drinkers sneaking in a double round before Last Orders, Bugs has managed to complete his 36 day trip just in time before the arrival of 'Baby Bear' - Lucy confirmed this news to him during the trip but he was able to keep schtum until now... Congrats to you both!

See the side panel for some great photos of the welcome reception - thanks to all who could make it ... Here's Chris...

"Hi Dave,
Its something of a thrill to be typing to you from my computer rather than via blackberry in a small town motel room with Bugola in the background oohing and aahing over news of a change in wind direction on The Weather Channel.

I can't describe how exciting it was to reach New York on Saturday evening. Even right up to the end there were twists and turns and the last day was anything but the easy run in we expected. This was due of course to our poor planning and unrealistic expectation more than anything else. We underestimated how much slower it would be cycling across dense urban areas and the huge city of Philadelphia didn't turn out to be too bike friendly.

We knew from Thursday morning that we couldn't make our target Friday evening arrival to NY. Like Eric Bristow on a bad day we hadn't left ourselves with a checkout when we stepped up to the oche on Friday morning, so we thought we'd lay ourselves up for a comfortable 'double top' New York finish on Saturday afternoon. So we'd planned to be north east of Philly by stumps on Friday leaving an easy Saturday run knowing the weather was turning but we ran out of daylight and ended up in downtown Philly on the Friday night. Despite not wanting to be there we enjoyed the fact that our last night of 35 on tour was in one of America's great cities.

The 100 or so miles up to Manhattan was well within our range on the flat so we felt ok, until we had a string of last day mechanical problems. We both had punctures and I don't know what I ran over but I had a bad tear in my back tyre that was rideable but not for long. This was near Princeton so we made a small detour to the delightful University town (and therefore guaranteed to have a bike shop) which is also home to that famous Study Group glamour couple, Peter and Madge "Lord & Lady" Lightburn.

Jay's Cycles sorted me out with a new back tyre and we were off again. It basically rained all day and by the time we got up to near Newark Airport it was blowing a gale and starting to get dark. Buggy went into another phase of his Crocodile Dundee 'instinct' navigating, and before we knew it, we were cycling in the middle of 6 lanes of the extremely wet and incredibly windy New Jersey Turnpike at which point we encountered our final brush with the law on tour.

I have to say that we found the New Jersey police to be infinitely more polite than their shirty counterparts in Delaware, where a diminutive, shoulder chipped, Napoleonesque jobsworth copper fined us for riding across a bridge and aggressively told us if he saw us there again he'd put us in jail (I know I do exaggerate sometimes but that is true). Anyway the more friendly NJ cop told us if we tried to carry on the short distance on this road to the Lincoln Tunnel we'd "definitely" be killed and that if we tried to go back we'd also get ourselves killed (now he was getting hip with the exaggeration thing but he did have something of a point). Well, on a Saturday night he obviously didn't fancy the paperwork involved with 2 deceased foreign cyclists so he called for a van to get us & our bikes through the tunnel and on to Manhattan. From there, we had the the glory run to the Triple Crown and our incredible reception committee.

We were staggered to see so many people there which was wonderful. The Study Group crew out in force, Alison & co, the Trumpton AFC lads.. We even had an official finish line tape courtesy of Sam and Joe who managed to nip out between the traffic as we approached and unreel a length of toilet roll across half the width of 7th Avenue for us to ride through (the type of inspired initiative that has made the SG IT dept legendary).

The rest of the evening (and most of Sunday actually) is somewhat hazy. We would like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who helped us along in our adventure. We had no idea that our 'holiday' would generate so much interest. It has been positively overwhelming really and all the messages of support and encouragement played a big part in getting us to NYC. This is largely down to blogmeister extraordinaire Dave 'DC' Crossen who has been fantastic with his creative blog wizardry and also as our general communication, logistics and PR guru. Thanks also to the solid South Wales crew down in Swansea, to the wonderful Erin and the whole extraordinary team at Study Group (its unimaginable that there could be a better group of people to work with) and our friends everywhere who have got involved.

Sincere thanks to everyone who has donated money to our two charities. The response has been extremely generous and the money is going to two wonderful causes. If you haven't yet contributed and would like to, the charity website pages will be open for just a few more days so this is your last chance...

Bugs is now tantalizingly just short of the thousand pound barrier at GBP 964.99
My Building Futures fund currently stands at $ 5920, and with the matching amount pledged by Study Group, my generous employer, we totalling just short of $ 12,000..

Those site links again:
Paul:

http://www.justgiving.com/sanfrancisconewyork2008
Chris: http://www.firstgiving.com/christaylor2008

Oh well, back to my day job now...
CT."

End of the Road?

Sorry for the delay in any follow up post this week.

Bugs has been flying home & assimilating back into life, CT has been shaving his 'beard' & I have been enrolled in a post-blog support group seminar ... suffice to say that they made it to NYC & had several celebratory drinks on Saturday evening/Sunday morning.

Chris is working on a summary & it will be posted here v soon. Expect some Final Day stories, thanks & acknowledgments & several never-before-seen photos of the trip ... Cheers.

Done

A quick note to recognize that the Manahttan ticker-tape reception down 7th Avenue should be proceeding as planned as they emerge from the rainy late afternoon dusk. Thanks to Kingy for his local knowledge of Jersey City & environs, the boys should be arriving at the end of their epic adventure.

Here's some messages to relay from the P Evans/Bear fan club in Swansea;

" Laura: Congratulations Bear, very proud of you, looking forward to catching up for that celebratory drink or 10. xx

Lucy: Looking forward to seeing you with all the lovely pressies you've got me. x

Lindsay: Hey Bear, you've surprised us all by still being alive. Well done and congratulations. xx

Tom: having a few pints for you, well done! (ya c*&t!)"

Despite your use of erm, snooker hall language on a family site Tom, think I'll join you. Tune in over the next day or so for a report on how they chose to celebrate their achievement, the final puncture count and hopefully a few words of summary from CT & Bear.

Chow.

Mission Accomplished?

Philadelphia, PA; Spoke to the boys tonight from Philly...they're so close that you can almost smell them...

For all of you (us?) who said that it can't be done...I leave it to the most powerful and f-witted man in the world to spell it out...Lets hope that this post is more prophetic than that which the image below foreshadowed*...






For all you naysayers out there...


Let it go Frank..


or put another way, as Frank would like to have sung it...


or possibly Kanye West..


one for Bugs


or Sumo


For those of you who can be there, get yourselves to the Triple Crown on Saturday from 5pm, if not feel free to show your admiration with a message or a charity donation... You know what to do & how to do it.


Cheers.


* This comment was brought to you by Jameson's Irish Whiskey and approved by the Obama '08 campaign

Ocean to Ocean!

QUICK UPDATE - Thursday eve EAST COAST TIME!!

Just spoke to a jubilant CT who was at the Days Inn in Downtown Baltimore*, having made it to the East coast of the USA ... Sounded like a tough day on the Navigational front, but they plan to celebrate with a steak tonight & get cracking early doors up to Philly & then onto NYC  for a Sat pm arrival. 

NYCers, note that the tentative drinks time is now 6pm at the Triple Crown ... It would be great if the Lads could get a warm NYC reception...

* Special thanks to Gerald at Days Inn for his hospitality & interest in the Lads' efforts .. the latest member of the Random acts of kindness clique..

Readers Corner

A great entry here from the "K-town massive" Aka Peter, Tracey & George Wowk (& unnamed dog in surgical mask...?)

"Sumes & Bugs

Tremendously proud of both of you, an inspirational achievement. Devastated that we can't be with you for this weekends ticker-tape parade; instead we have sent a photographic tribute entitled 'Evolution of the Helmet'

Loads of love
the Wowkys"Blog Update - Due to travel, there may be limited entries in the next couple of days as the Lads showboat their way up the coast to New York. Rest assured that the key milestones will be noted ... & keep the Comments, best wishes & charity donations coming... Cheers!

Hancock, Md

Herbie & Tony

Per the STOP PRESS>>> announcement yesterday, the Final Countdown nears...

" Yo DC! You prob have most of the info from our phone chat but thought I'd do some more notes while I'm waiting for Bugola to get out of the shower...Tough going in those Appalachian mountains today. Had to settle with stopping in Hancock, Maryland although we'd hoped to get further.

Looks like we've 1 more significant climb tomorrow morning then we should be clear of the big hills!Good luck to Trumpton AFC tonight in the NY 'metrosoccer' league. I hear the results have been going well the last few weeks lads. Should I be worried about getting my place back? I'm available for selection next week...

Special mentions today:Mike at "Cycles and Things" bike shop in Cumberland who gave us a service, new tyres and sorted my back wheel - he almost keeled over when he saw the state of Buggy's back tyre (which resembled the top of Tobsy's 'seymour' head) and possibly explains the puncture count which now stands at Bugs 13 - 3 CT for the tour.

Had a nice breakfast stop with Cheryl and the team at the "Lil Corner Market" in Frostberg, who took a surprisingly high level of interest in our expedition. A big hello from me to the formidable, stylish and simply sensational IAC (International Admissions Center) and all at the Study Group USA corporate office. Thanks for your messages, in particular the inspirational and profoundly motivational 'cheer-a-mid'. I'll see you all soon guys - you rock"

Good news CT as the famous TAFC secured a memorable 5-2 win in your honor featuring a very unSpurs-like (in fact, quite unRudy-like) display of finishing from Rudy 'World' Ceres (BTW, I just noticed an uncanny resemblance between him & Herbie Hancock), a solid defensive performance and, at the 'core' of the team, keeper Steve Apple who made sure that we didn't 'crumble'...

Readers Corner - Special Edition

Due to an unprecedented volume of emails, I thought I'd put in a special post to recognize some of the tremendous support which is making its way across the ocean as the boys get ever closer. In true " Tony Hart/ Vision On" style, I don't have time to read out all your letters, but here is a representative sample, including a family appeal to FoBs* to cast a vote in our interactive poll (on the bar to the right... only 1 vote per computer & hanging chads are not counted).

* Friends of Bugs

" Hi DC,

Bugs's sister in law Lindsay here. Am sad to see poor Bear (as we know him) only has 2 votes. i have frantically been trying to vote for him over and over but alas my extra votes are not allowed it seems. So, I have rung round everyone to try and get them to vote for him as he can't come second to Sumo, it would cripple his ego.

Spoke to him last Saturday night and he said he was looking forward to the last couple of days but just wished above anything that the wind would turn round for them. Have been looking at the forecasts for the rest of their trip and they should be having nice sunny weather thursday and friday with much lighter winds (N/S) but if they don't get there before Friday night they will be getting seriously wet Saturday and Sunday, not nice to arrive in really.

Have attached some photos of Bear & Sumes for the site if you think they are appropriate that is! Have had a warning off Lucy that I am not to submit any photos of Bear looking like a tw*t! This has seriously narrowed down my choices.

Ciao for now - Lindsay x"

Thanks Lindsay - Your revealing of Paul's nickname explains why Paul had the ironic grin on his face for the Utah bear photo that was posted before (& here)... He's very subtle that way. I've added a couple of the photos here, including one with the aforementioned Phil "Valderama" Jenkins and his namesake, the irrepressable John Jenkins. Its a Jenkinsfest!

Also fromWales, Irene is back accompanied by the WAGs from Penllergaer with more wise words of motivation...

"Hi Guys

You are nearly at the end of your epic journey (with sore ass…’s I’m sure). But what a wonderful achievement, we would love to be there in New York to see you over the finishing line – but unfortunately the credit crunch has hit us hard – never mind, we will hopefully see you (Bugs) on Tuesday to a ‘Warm Welcome Back’

Your WAG colleagues at Penllergaer."

And long-time reader, 1st time caller John Dixon who is using this platform to promote a show on an inferior cable network than NBC...

" DC
As a massive fan of the "The Wire" (Greatest TV Show in the World Ever TM) I'm v excited about Baltimore. Dix"

And finally, after completing a full '180' in his level of cynicism for the trip, Gordy reveals that his scepticism is genetic...

" Having previously informed my parents of the TransUS cycling Tour, and the plan to cycle across in 30 days, which solicited a number of responses – mainly along the lines of “utter madness & its only a matter of time before one of you lot do yourself a serious injury” ; “nothing surprises me anymore” & “Such lovely lads, I do hope they look after themselves” variety. I then had a lovely conversation with my Mother last night. The upshot of which, on hearing they were bang on schedule and were in line to finish on Friday evening, was this.

(Fyi – bit of background, Bugs used to work with my Mother at Harrow Borough Council back when he was living in Ealing)

Mrs. McD ….“Unbelievable, I find it incredulous to believe that after 3,000+ miles of continual cycling across a continent, across 10+ states, with little discernable plan to speak of, they are on bang on schedule! Especially when you consider that in the year Paul worked at the council with me, he was never on time for work once when he only lived 3 miles down the road in Ealing”

"Late again Mr Evans..."

STOP PRESS>>> As I was blogging away, I got a call from CT & Bugs - live from the honeymoon suite at the Super 8 Motel, Hancock, Md. The conversation consisted mainly of more whining about the Appalachians " longer day than planned" "Killer Hills" " No switchbacks" "Really cold" "Appalachians blah blah blah" but I did manage to find out that they are one big hill away from a gentle descent to Dix's beloved Baltimore, from where its a two day trip to NYC ...

They are planning a minor champagne moment at Baltimore as that will represent the Ocean-to-Ocean achievement, ahead of a major champagne moment which is currently looking like Saturday in NYC, but stay tuned in case a gust of wind gets them moving for a Friday arrival....

Ohio-West Virginia-Pennsylvania-Maryland

The title of this post may sound like an excerpt from Howard Dean's famous election trail rant, but it is in fact an account of one day's riding ... Seems like the boys are beginning to believe their own hype & doing some showboating as they cruise towards the Triple Crown Alehouse (See use of word 'Monumental' in Chris' note today..).

CT's blackberry is back in action ... The first bit covers Monday & may be old ground for those of you who are regular visitors..

" Hi DC,

A mixed day for us yesterday. We got an early dawn start and it was bitterly cold for the first hour or so. After it warmed up the riding conditions couldn't have been better - sunny and clear blue skies with no wind. We had a route problem however in that our road (Route 40) literally disappeared and turned into an Interstate Freeway for about 10 miles that we can't go on.

So we had to find an alternative road which wasn't very direct and we had to ride up a dirt track for a few miles (this is rural Ohio). Awful for cycling and I picked up a puncture and a slight buckle to my back wheel, which is rideable for now. Nowhere near as serious as the buckle that put Bugsys bike out of action in Utah.

So anyway, all of that slowed our progress. We did 90 miles and stopped just east of Wheeling in West Virginia. Great to see some communication from Southport, Lancashire. Thanks to Derek Macklam for trying to introduce my parents, Jim & Alice, to the technological 21st century. They're not too familiar with t'internet (as one says int' north of England) or blogging, as borne out by Mum saying "why does your sister tell us to look in the bog?".

Special mention to all the other good folks in Churchtown Southport who may be reading, inc the St Cuthberts crew, the Hopwoods, the Kirks et al. Bugola's mum, Gaynor, and my mum Alice are both exceptional singers and special hello's go out to all in their respective choirs: the impressive Morriston Tabernacle Choir in Swansea and the sensational Southport Bach Choir http://www.southportbachchoir.org.uk/ in Southport.

(Surely a "Sing Off" can be arranged?- Ed)

Tuesday evening: Monumental day today. We've just checked in at the Casselman Inn in Grantsville, Maryland after a very hard, and cold, 105 miles in the Appalachian Mountains. Dave - did I mention before how tough the Appalachians are? (Answer; YES) There's a lot of talk about Halloween this week but if you want something really scary try riding some of these Appalachian hills (Per my previous comment, you've told us that already). Long, steep climbs, and harder than those we had in the Rockies (Hello? Are you listening?). We were going up Jimmy and down Jim all day (poor gag for UK readers). Possibly the hardest day's riding of the trip so far. Some beautiful scenery though and tremendous autumn colours.

Hoping to get close to Baltimore tomorrow. We started in West Virginia this morning, moved into Pennsylvania and then sneaked into Maryland this evening.

Lucy: Christmas gift ideas for Buggy, number 1: A map folding course."

It makes you wonder what all the fuss was with Edmund Hilary/Chris Bonnington/Into Thin Air etc. when we have the Appalachians so close. I'm looking forward to the movie version of this trip as Chris & Paul (played by Eddie Large & Max Boyce) ascend the monumental Appalachians in biting cold with only a thin layer of spandex between themselves & an almost certain hypothermic demise brought on by sheer exhaustion & altitude sickness.

Thanks to Jurg & Adele (See earlier post from Nevada) who supplied some new photos, including this action shot to the left and the one which has replaced the long time blog header at the top of this page and ... A controversial change of branding which I hope does not drive traffic away from the site. Jurg & Adele are now back to their Safe European Home - it just shows you that doing this on a Harley is the easier (& arguably smarter) play. They didn't send a photo of themselves, but this is how I imagine them to look;

Country Roads, Take me home...

Tuesday Oct 21st. Thanks to John Denver for today's post title and the following chorus of encouragement

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West Virginia, mountain momma

Take me home, country roads

Got a call last night from Wheeler, West Virginia (apparently they have phones there now...), a rather tired CT was tucked up in bed after a bracing day through Ohio where they encountered a few navigational issues but managed to make good headway & got to WVa (I think its the 10th state so far...) for an overnight stop.

The last time they were both on a West Virginian adventure was on the legendary Gauley River Winnebago Whitewater Tour of 2000 ... Thankfully, as Gordy, Jonny Cook & myself can testify, it seems like Chris' pedaling skills appear to be superior to his paddling skills which can at best be described as 'Deacon-esque'.

A timely note of encouragement was conveyed this morning to Chris & Paul from Jim & Alice Taylor (Chris' folks - who apparently don't call him Sumo, who knew?). This was courtesy of Derek & Marlene Macklam - Southport's very own internet-connected webmasters - thanks v much. Keep the messages coming, as any Met fan will tell you, the last 10% of the season is the hardest (although Spurs seem to be making hard work of the first 10%... sorry Rudy/Bonner).

The countdown is unofficially ON with only Pennsylvania, Maryland (possibly) , New Jersey & New York to go. There is some debate about the best route home from where they currently are to avoid the treacherous Appalachians (Yeah, yeah, heard it all before...). Joe Corrals is now offering 5-2 on a Friday afternoon arrival in NYC with Betfair favoring a Saturday lunchtime return at 6-4. Either way, all NEW YORK AREA residents are hereby encouraged to join the Lads for their final isotonic celebration which will be at the Triple Crown Bar on 7th Ave & 29th Street - right in the heart of NYC's trendy fashion district where spandex pants & shiny helmets are all the rage... Stay tuned for date & time for this event...

STOP PRESS - Check out the mascots at tonights Champion League game ManU vs Celtic. Former blog birthday boy Rory Crossen will be featured, hopefully slide tackling Rooney in the warm-up!

3000 Miles - Show me the money

Now safely into Ohio and through that renowned psychological barrier of 3000 ( see Pete Rose # of hits, Oil changes etc.) the Lads are daring to think about the finish line. Here's Chris' report from Zanesville;

" Evening DC! We're spending the night in Zanesville Ohio. Did 104 miles today. Nice ride - it was cold but sunny and totally clear blue skies. A very light headwind but calm most of the day which was ok. Forecast tomorrow looks good - sunny blue skies, cold and we may actually have some wind behind us!

We're hoping to get to the Pittsburgh area tomorrow. We go through a small slither of West Virginia before we cross into Pennsylvannia which will put another state in the collection.

Cheers,CT and Bugola"

By my calculations, they have about 500 Miles to go. Finally we get the chance to reminisce about one of the finest Scottish Ballads ever sung by a pair of dorks with tight jeans and jam jar glasses. In honor of The Proclaimers and their close friends Tom Cruise & Cuba Gooding, let me remind you that this is the last week that you can participate in this event through the power of the mighty greenback (or brownback in the case of those quaint British notes). On behalf of CT & Bugs ... One final time, if you have not already done so - Show them the Money!

(links to the charity sites are posted to the right of this panel).

FROM INDIANA TO OHIO (in 2 quick emails)

Sunday October 19 2008. A veritable flurry of info from CT this morning. It covers a few days of action so here goes;

(From Friday) " We're in Greenfield, Indiana, about 30 miles east of Indianapolis. We had a low mileage day today (about 85) - slowed down going through Indianapolis. We decided to carve straight through the center, past the Indy Colts (who?) footy stadium and the impressive war memorial downtown and we also spent a necessary 3 hours at a bike shop (a good one too - Indy Cycles - thanks to Jim, Scott and the guys there) getting some mechanical attention for the bikes.

We also bought some insulated shoe covers as our little feet are getting cold in the mornings and in anticipation of colder possibly wetter weather in the Appalachians. (Whooo... there goes that Appalachian intimidation again - Ed)

Jim, who has cycled Transamerica before, gave us some valuable route advice and we've changed our current Indiana route - we're now going east on Route 40. Jim at the bike shop also made a generous offer of putting us up for the night, which we'd have gratefully accepted another time but we opted to get a few more miles in before dusk and made it to Greenfield.

Tobs - thanks for your inspirational call this afternoon when we were in Indianapolis. With reference to Charlie's donation comment about Buggy shaving his head (football tour, Bordeaux circa 1988), Bugs maintains that he played merely a minor supporting role and is very happy to grass up Turpo and Rashman who really did the damage.

Special mention to Jim Maschmeyer in Indiana who offered help with the Indiana leg of the trip and accommodation chez Maschmeyer. Since our route moved further north we couldn't take Jim up on it. Jim is cycling too this weekend in the "hilly hundred". Have a great ride Jim and hopefully we'll be able to meet up next time!

Gordy - thanks for your uncharacteristically encouraging phone message. Good that you're trying to shed your cynical image and distance yourself from Bonner.

Great message from Dixie also who makes the very good point that after drifting for years with no real purpose, DC has finally found his raison d'etre as a creative blog genius. But what will he do next? As a group I think we need to take collective responsibility for ensuring that Dave's transition back to a non blog existence is as smooth as can realistically be expected. Dixie is currently researching appropriate counselling for Dave. As for Bugs and I, we're just looking forward to spending some quality time on seats that are greater than 3 inches wide.

CT and Bugs"

Talking of saddles, additional thanks to John Dixon for reminding me of one of the best TV ads of all time ... Perhaps  this is how CT got started with this cycling thing?

Then from Sunday morning;

"Morning DC!

We crossed into Ohio yesterday. Now in Springfield and we'll be heading for Columbus this morning.

We did 113 miles yesterday into a headwind. It sounds like a big moan on our part but even a fairly low wind makes a huge difference on a bike. We had 2 days of tailwinds after we cleared the Rockies and did 130+ fairly easily both days but we've ridden against headwinds ever since which means we have to work very hard to get to 100, so its probably cost us a couple of days.

Forecast today is easterly winds again but fairly low and at least its sunny and dry. Great dinner last night (probably knocking Duffy's Bar last week off the tour no 1 spot) at Casey's Steakhouse (Hello Shermo!!) in Springfield.

CT and Bugs"

INDIANA III

Spoke to CT & Bugs on speakerphone last night live from the Holiday Inn Express in Greenfield, Indiana ... Livin' the dream. 

They had made OK progress - about 80 miles including a useful stop at a local bike store for a full tune up and chance to purchase several accessories and enough gadgets to make Pete Hart proud. They are clearly bracing themselves for the Appalachians which, according to Bugs' impressive cycling lingo, are tougher than the Rockies on account of the lack of "Switchbacks".

Beyond tales of a somewhat Cuthbert Cringeworthy moment when Bugs was invited to say grace before breakfast, they did not have much to report. Hands up if the following scene didn't just pop into your head...

Buggy at breakfast video

Readers Corner

Absent any other commentary, the public has stepped in and provided us with some quality diversions. First, the Sibley siblings got creative with their motivational message which quickly became the inaugural entry into the "Fan Zone" TM (see right). Within minutes, Erica Johnson and the IAC team at Studygroup  were one-upping them with their "Cheer-a-mid". Surely its Irene & Hildred's turn to go one better? If anyone has any suggestions for Paul (& Chris') No1 Fans, then don't be shy.

The Lads were also stunned yesterday by a sincere phone call from a certain JEA Tobbell which apparently contained no mockery, profanity or abuse.  I guess that there's a first time for everything when you're cycling across America. Hands up if the following scene just popped into your head;

Next up was the Sultana-esque Phil Jenkins, emailing under the pseudonym "Amanda" trying to get the following message of support to our spandex-clad superstars..

" Have been trying to send e-mails to Sumo but no joy! Go carefully as the Appalachians bear a remarkable resemblance to the hills around Merthyr Tydfyl. Although after 2000 miles the numbness will help. Doing a brilliant job! Keep it up. Phil Jenks"

Hands up if the following images didn't just pop into your head;

Hoping for an update today as they head towards Ohio. 

INDIANA II - Featuring Troopergate

Another missive from CT just hit the inbox;
" Forget Glastonbury, the Cannes Film Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe. We're in Rockville, Parke County Indiana and this week is the 52nd annual "Covered Bridge Festival". On its roadside welcome board, Rockville boldly announces itself as the "covered bridge capital of the world". I wouldn't dispute it, as the locals take it pretty seriously. At first glance it looked like a flimsy excuse for a hog roast and a few drinks. After having a look around it still seems like that. Unless you're a Rockvillian. It certainly makes up for missing the horseshoe throwing competition in Austin, Nevada by 1 day.

The Covered Bridge festival is so big that we almost got caught out finding a room. After seeing 'no vacancy' signs on a couple of motels we saw "The Bubble Gum Bed and Breakfast" (www.bubblegumbandb.com). It was also full but Elaine the friendly owner kindly offered to call round some other places for us.

She did and everywhere in Rockville (its small) was full. We sat and had coffee with Elaine's entire family, who were in the lounge watching Jeopardy, in between coming up with nonsensical suggestions for where we could stay, which ranged from the church (Elaine's mum), to the fire station (Grandad), and then Elaine actually called officer "Bob" at the police station to see if we could have a cell (no, she really did). Bob politely said that it wasn't possible. In the end by the time it got to 8:30 Elaine gave us Room 3 as the people who booked it had not shown up. I'm sure they're going to arrive any second now. Room 3 has 1 double bed, so we're forced into a 'Morecambe and Wise' situation tonight. Just what I needed...

Hard ride today from Decatur. Windy again. Just over 100 miles but we did about 10 extra because we got lost. On leaving Decatur this morning, Bugs said, "chuck the Illinois map, we don't need it now as we'll be in Indiana at lunchtime and its a straight road to the border". We did and it was but somehow we got lost on "the straight road".

Saw some stand up comedy in a bar in Decatur last night. The first act was truly diabolical. The 2nd, a guy called Dwight Yorke ( interesting career change from Premiership football) was reasonable. We thought we might have been out of the cowboy hat belt by now but most of the local Decatur men were 'dressed up' in their uniform of boots, jeans, unfeasibly large belt buckle, chunky cowboy shirt, oversized stetsun (worn indoors), goatee beard, bottle of Bud Light, swagger and oversize pickup truck outside. Mind you, in our cycling gear they clearly thought we were a right pair of top Leonards.

So another landmark day today. A new state and crossing into our 3rd (and final) tour time zone, Eastern time. Dave - we're not sure of the motto for Indiana. Is it "The Maschmeyer State"?

(Good guess CT, but as readers of last night's post could tell you, it is in fact the Hoosier State. However, the state legislature might consider a change if there's enough public demand. I am considering a campaign, using the readership of this blog as my base. The significant response to the 1st Poll (see right), suggests that there are people out there who want a voice on the important issues of the day).

Shortly before the State Line, we had our 2nd brush with the law. We got pulled over by a copper as Buggy sailed through a stop sign causing the police car (who had right of way coming from the left) to stop to avoid hitting him. Officer Troga of the Illinois PD stopped me and shouted "your friend needs to pedal his sorry ass back here immediately as he's looking at a $75 traffic violation ticket." Bugs didn't respond and kept going, oblivious to the fact that the cop car was even there because he was listening to Led Zeppelin 4 on his ipod, very loudly. A defence that held little water with Officer Troga. Where is PC Barfoot when you need him? (In fact Pete - what has happened to Barf?) Anyway, after a chat about the fact that we were just 2 dopey British guys who didn't know any better ("we weren't sure what the big red sign with stop on it meant - we don't have those in Wales" etc etc) and the bike ride, he let us off.

Special mention today for a key member of our support team - our in-house meteorological expert, Lindsay Dovey. Linz has been sending us strategic, in-depth tactical weather reports, from the Met faculty at Reading University where she's studying for a degree in Meteorological Studies, which now form the cornerstone of our strategic ride planning. Eg "Lads, you will get wet today, Linz". Keep them coming Lindsay!

CT & Bugs"

For non-UK readers, this is a picture of the only other famous Welsh meteorologist & is in no way meant to suggest any likeness between Ms Dovey and Sian Lloyd. Also note the level of detail and useful information that one can expect from a British weather forecast.

INDIANA

Illinois, Schmillinois! Blink & you missed it. The Lads made quick work of that state. So quick in fact that Gordy didn't have time to point out that he used to work in Chicago, in an old department store. Fortunately, he doesn't work there any more, so its a moot point.

Here's CT's latest email which I think sums things up better than I could;

" We're in Indiana!"

I'm thinking that we might get a bit more detail overnight, but it signals good progress today. I thought I'd kill some time by charting out the phenomenal progress that they have made so far (See below). As you can see, they are very much on the back 9, as a note from earlier today points out;

"Yo DC! Just left Decatur heading east on the 36. We might make it into Indiana this afternoon..Weather looks good today - dry and sunny - hoping for good mileage. We're down to less than a 1000 to go now we reckon. The countdown's on..Our main concern is finding a easy route through the Appalachian mountains.."

I'm not exactly sure what he means by 'easy route through the Appalachians', I did some research & could only really come up with this image to point out some of the dangers that may lay in wait. Apparently, the Appalachian folk are so hospitable that they insist on entertaining any passers-by with some friendly banjo banter. Knowing Bugs, I'm sure he'll find it hard to resist the chance to jam with the locals, I just hope that it doesn't slow them down too much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyKvD-4IxOY

For now, they are in Indiana - the "Hoosier state". I am very familiar with Indy, so will be able to educate interested readers as our cycling heroes progress through the base of the WORLD champion Colts* and home of Motorsport (with apologies to residents of Silverstone and that place in Italy where they make Ferraris).

*2007

ILLINOIS Chapter 2, featuring food reviews

Chris' thumbs must be sore after cranking out this one on his blackberry today;

"Morning DC1 (using your full name due to the welcome recent emergence to the blog of the 40 year old DC2),

Currently in Pittsfield, Illinois. We made a glorious crossing over the wonderful Missisippi River which forms the state line between Missouri and Illinois, in Mark Twain country.
The fall (autumn for you Brits out there) colours are beautiful right now and we had a great ride through some lush Illinois countryside.

Our exertions make breakfast an important daily event for us and I'm delighted to announce a new holder of the "best breakfast on tour" title and also a new entrant for the prestigious "nicest people we've met on tour" league. Let's hear it for Kemps Restaurant (www.Kempsrestaurant.com) in the town of Clarence, Missouri!

Managed by the charming Roberta Bichsel (think Felicity Kendal meets Jennifer Aniston) along with Travis and Roberta's elegant mum Barbara Kemp. (Pics to follow DC1). We had a blockbuster full breakfast and an entertaining chat with the team at Kemps, after which Roberta refused to accept any payment!

After hearing of our fundraising and looking at the blog she asked that our breakfasts be her contribution to the cause. Roberta didn't stop there. On hearing our clueless route conversation she called the local Highway police in both Missouri and across the border in Illinois to ask for route advice and Bugs ended up having a long conversation with the duty Sergeant about the best roads for cycling which he sent through and Roberta printed off for us (mainly due to her dismay at the fact that we didn't have a map that extended to Illinois, and that our Missouri map was at that point a screwed up ball of soggy papier mache in Bugs back pocket). To round off the breakfast Roberta called the local newspaper to interview us.

We also tend to eat big lunches too. The previous day after an extended 74 mile, appetite building morning ride we chanced upon the China Garden 'all you can eat' buffet lunch and comprehensively took them to the cleaners - somewhat reminiscent of the 'eat off' with Jumbo, Bonner and Tobs at the lunch buffet aboard the Harwich - Hook of Holland ferry, on football tour circa 1991.

I caught Mr Garden making a distressed grimace as we left his fine chinese eatery and cycled off down route 36.

After one last drink stop at the Railsplitter Inn in Hull with the owner, who looked uncannily like Eli Wallach in the Good the Bad and the Ugly, we made it to Pittsfield. (Pictured right after spending 20 mins talking to CT & Bugs - Ed).

Marriage congratulations to Liz Connolly (sorry I couldn't be there last weekend) and big congrats also to Nige Pamps and Chrissy!

Cheers,
CT"

So we're up to date ... One editorial note. It has been pointed out that there is something of a whiff of nepotism in the Birthday wishes that have been posted on the blog. I must confess that there seems to be an interesting trend in the Crossen family to have birthdays approximately 9 months after the traditional central heating switch off date of Jan 31st. However, I would point out that this is open to all & to prove the point, I am delighted to wish Gordy McDermid happy birthday for tomorrow (Oct 16th).

ILLINOIS

Wednesday Update;

Quick call with CT last night revealed that they have made it to Illinois - State # 7 I believe. Staying in Pittsfield, IL after another 100+ mile day. I got an injury update which involved some quite detailed descriptions of Sumo's nether regions which I won't repeat here. The bottom line is that Sumo is beginning to show the inevitable signs of wear & tear that a normal person might expect after sitting on a razor-thin saddle non stop for 25 days. Bugs is fine.

$$$ SPONSOR SOME SPANDEX $$$

Tired of seeing CT decked out like some sort of washed-up TGI Fridays waiter at the end of a long shift?



Think that Paul is being a bit premature with his Tiger Woods-esque Red shirt before the final day?




Want to do some fine work for charity but not talk about it?

Or perhaps you're just plain generous and caring.

What better way to help out those less fortunate than you than making a donation to one or both of the fine charities that the Lads are pedaling for. You would also be doing a big favor to anyone who happens to be downwind of our spandex-clad duo. If we can collectively add another few hundred quid (or thousands in the case of the US peso) to these worthwhile causes, they have both promised to buy a fresh cycling shirt. And wear it.

Special Message to members of Trumpton & the UK Drivel Clique; There is a disappointing absence of familiar names & sarcastic puns/mocking comments on the charity sites. Dig deep & make the boys proud - in the words of my old Headmaster (when he had no idea who was responsible for a particular offence). " We know who you are".

Paul is riding on behalf of the Ed Evans Foundation & proceeds will go towards Brain Tumour UK;

http://www.justgiving.com/sanfrancisconewyork2008

Donations on Chris' site will go to Building Futures, a Study Group initiative in collaboration with Plan International;



http://www.firstgiving.com/christaylor2008



Thanks in advance...

MISSOURI - Day 2

The Lads are making steady progress through Missouri. Here's an overnight update;

"Yo DC,We made it to Macon which is about 130 miles today. Should be in Illinois by tomorrow lunchtime (border town - Hannibal) Knackered - long day today and it rained for the last couple of hours of today's ride. Cheers mate - speak tomorrow, Sumes"

A couple of hours later, in came this important piece of info which will be a big relief for anyone caught downwind of these two;

" We're in Macon, Missouri. Breaking news - we did laundry yesterday which has boosted morale.. The status of riding gear was toggling between 'critical' and 'red alert'"

Readers Corner;

Further contact from the Wowk family today, who are obviously responding positively to the appearance of the Speaks Workwear logo on the the last blog. Fresh from a no doubt bracing trip to Whitby, they clearly understand the value of viral marketing & will keep getting positive mentions as the number one purveyor of tabards & other such quality workwear to the fine upstanding working population of the Greater Keighley conurbation. More info available through Wowkypedia.

Also, a nice note from Irene who works with Paul ... I guess that she's doing double duty with her own job & handling all of Paul's projects, so lets hear it for Irene!

" Had a short email from Paul it was great to hear from him – do tell him that we are keeping up with his blog page and tracking his performance – we are all routing for him. There is great speculation here that he won’t finish in time so do tell him to prove the sceptics wrong and peddle like crazy to make it to the finish in time.

Hildred and I are his No 1 fans and ‘Sumo’ is ok as well!!! There’s lots going on in the States at the moment –the election and what not! – tell them to keep their heads down, or they might find themselves on the Election trail, I’m told there’s a lady Rottweiler lurking around too."

I think by sceptics, she was referring to those naysayers who are casting doubt on the Lads' commitment & not the inhabitants of this great nation... I was pleased to see that her email (sent to Lucy) had the following warning at the end;

"Mae’n ddigon posibl y bydd unrhyw ohebiaeth drwy’r GSI yn cael ei logio, ei monitro a/neu ei chofnodi yn awtomatig am resymau cyfreithiol".

I believe that this translates as " When diving into a swimming pool after an afternoon of drinking, please ensure that there is sufficient water in the pool to avoid an accident." More to come on this story later...
And finally some activity from the previously quiet UK Drivel Clique .. The aforementioned cynics Gordy & Bonner (pictured above) continue in their cynical attempts to undermine the efforts of Irene & Hildred's heroes and questioning the diameter of their wheelbase (or "DW Count" as this is called amongst the cycling fraternity). Surely Chris will have something to say about that in his next message?

MISSOURI - The "Show me" state

Overnight missive from CT:

"Missouri! 6th State of the trip. We're in St Joseph, Missouri, where we're staying tonight.

Tough cycling today. Did 103 miles but all in heavy winds. Frustrating as this is where we'd planned to be clocking up 130+ but its just not possible in this weather. Not even 'The Cynical Brothers', Bonner & Gordy (who incidentally refuses to pledge a cent of donation until we've completed the entire route to NYC), can claim we've been lucky this week.

We are quite glad to see the back of Kansas. I think we caught it on a bad few days with the weather but of all the states we've been through this is the one that is least how we expected it to be. Certainly tougher terrain for cycling than expected.

The people have been fabulous though. Met an interesting elderly couple this morning at breakfast - Chuck and Daisy from Kansas who were in Marysville to attend a sale of tractor parts and antique engines. He got his wallet out to show me some pictures that I assumed would be his grandchildren but no, he actually had pictures of all his tractors in his wallet. To be fair though, he also had a picture of his wife Daisy - in the background standing behind his favourite tractor. As we left breakfast thinking, could there be a worse way to spend a Sunday than at a sale of tractor engine parts in Marysville, Kansas, I imagine Chuck and Daisy were saying the same to each other about us cycling against the wind over the hilly route 36 to Missouri.

Cheers,CT"

KANSAS Sunday

Here's an update from CT received Sunday evening NY time...

" Well, it turns out that big Steve Apple (Trumpton AFC goalkeeper and BBQ guru) was on to something with his comment that Kansas is the place for steak and BBQ.

We had the best tour meal so far at Duffys Bar and Grill in Smith Center. Their Prime Rib special was quite sensational and we got into a rather involved conversation with Ms Duffy, the charming owner about, well, prime rib. That might not be her name but she looked a bit like Jane Seymour - or more accurately, how I'd imagine Jane Seymour to look after cooking steak and eggs for Kansas farmers for 15 years. Maybe when Miss Solitare lost her mojo in Live and Let Die she opened a steakhouse in Kansas? 

Ms Duffy-Seymour told us in some detail how their prime rib is slow roasted, seasoned and then grilled. Have to say I wasn't really that bothered (as I guess the blog readers aren't either) but for some reason it was a fairly critical issue for Bugs who recently seems to think he's some sort of Gordon Ramsey - Lucy what have you done to him?!

Anyway, a fine meal and when we left Ms Seymour-Duffy was as amused with Buggy's welsh accented "cheerio" as we were entertained with her Kansas "now you two boys come back again real soon now you hear, and I'll make some more of that there cherry pie for ya". I think she took a shine to Bugs.

Thanks for the mention of our 2000 mile landmark DC. Yes we celebrated at a gas station in Belleville with a pack of Skittles (our preferred 'wild berry' flavor) and a bag of Planters fruit and nut trail mix. Rock and Roll...

Stayed in Marysville last night in the ironically named 'Surf Motel'. Maybe its because there isn't a motel further from any surf. Hard ride yesterday, 119 miles. Against the wind again and who said Kansas is flat? Its not. DC, if your big posh clever company owns The Weather Channel, can you have a word with them about these easterly winds in Kansas? It was vaguely interesting for the first 3 minutes but after 3 days of constant east and south east winds we're not impressed.

Sunday midday - Just stopped for lunch in Hiawatha. Other than the name, its staggeringly dull.

Thanks to Wowky for the motivational phone message he left this morning which gave us a welcome and necessary lift in Hiawatha. Great to hear you had a nice day out in Whitby. I imagine its pretty much like Missouri. Love to Tracy and Georgie.

Cheers,
CT"

Hands up if you'd rather be eating skittles and cycling around Kansas vs. contemplating another week in the rat race...