Seaford Scene August 2019

CYCLE SEAHAVEN
One of our members, Chris Girder, decided to
take on the epic challenge of cycling solo from
Land’s End to John O’Groats - not sure if alcohol
was included in the decision making but here is
part two of his A-Z Guide of the journey.
Paths (canal): Some of
the miles and miles of
canal paths I rode were
absolutely stunning. Very
beautiful and tranquil
indeed. Also some of
the canal paths, I say
paths, some were rubble
dumping grounds – at least felt like that to cycle on!
Quick: Trying to maintain a 10mph average speed was
impossible due to the terrain, often being off road. If
anyone is considering doing this unaided, do it over at
least 12 days so daily mileage is decreased.
Reassurance: From friends, family and strangers was
incredibly helpful throughout my 9 days. I can’t thank
everyone enough, it really meant a huge amount to me!
Sleep: Lack of throughout the 9 days to the point
that at times I was falling asleep whilst cycling, and
reaching for sugary snacks just to stay awake as I was
so exhausted. On day 7 I cycled for 17 hours, having
started at 7am and arrived at the next B&B at 1am.
Technical issues: Three punctures in a row, then a
15- mile round trip to Halfords to buy slime tubes –
result…no more punctures (phew). The gear cable
snapped and the spare I was carrying wasn’t long
enough, meaning a trip to a local bike shop who were
kind enough to allow me to fix my bike there as well as
having what I needed in stock.
Unbelievably stunning scenery: My favourites were
parts of Cumbria and the Scottish Highlands.
Variation: The terrain was certainly varied – I cycled
quiet B roads, busy A roads/dual carriageways, cycle
paths (apparently), through housing estates, grass tracks,
cobbled paths, fields with locked gates, up and down
steps, gravel tracks, dirt
roads….My poor bike
took an absolute beating.
Wildlife: I was fortunate
to experience a heron
flying low alongside me
for about 30 metres. I
cycled alongside a field
of many deer. I saw 2
red squirrels and I stood 3 feet away from a perched
kestrel, and sadly passed various road kill – mainly deer.
eXhausted: Seven days in I suffered from Achilles
Tendonitis in my right heel. Without advice from
Hayley at Positive Touch, I would not have been able to
complete the ride, and I am extremely grateful to her
for fitting me in and putting me back together when I
arrived back home.
Yippee: Having completed LeJog (Land’s End to John
O’Groats) I managed to cycle a minimum of 100 miles a
day with a maximum of 145 miles cycled in one day and
a total of 986 miles in all. I climbed over 44,400ft, had
two crashes, several blisters and tendonitis.
Zeal: My Land’s End to John O’Groats experience has
left me eager to undertake further cycling touring trips.
This was an amazing achievement for Chris and
everyone at the club is extremely proud of him. If you
would like to donate to Chris’s good cause, you can do
so at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-hollis3
Want to have a go at cycling yourself? Come along on
one of our many club rides. Membership is just £7 per
year by standing order, or join in one of our rides with
the Ride the Downs project. Information can be found
on our website, www.cycleseahaven.org.uk or come
along to one of our Dr Bike sessions – on 6th July we
will be at the RNLI fête in Newhaven from 12 noon
- 4pm instead of Seaford, and then 20th July, Big Park
Peacehaven. Back in Seaford on 3rd August.
Photos l-r: Chris at Land’s End and at John O’Groats.
Sept ISSUE DEADLINE:
Tues 6th August
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