Day 1.
From JoG to Lairg
 
 
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A distance of 99 miles and 8 hours on the bike... it's hard!!! What have I done?

Babs and I stayed in Watten the night before - where her ancestors lived 200 year ago and we toured some crofting sites. No trace of any inheritance.

Breakfast at the Brown Trout Hotel was at 7.30 at the earliest (and huge) so I set off from Jog a bit later than planned at 9.15 am. Truth is, this was a long day. I averaged 12mph but had hoped for 15. Even if I had been quicker and set off on time Ullapool on the first day was still challenging - in the end I was 45 miles short and totally knacked.

Best bit was the 24 miles through Strathnaver from Bettyhill to Altnaharry. Last 20 miles was purgatory. Why do I do this. By the way Brian the bike is really heavy! Day 2 Lairg to Ullapool. This was a great day. One of theose peachy days that makes you glad to be alive and on a bike. Only 45 miles so quite leasurly. I reckon this road would be seriously fast without a load, as it was I was still at 12mph so it looks like thats the best I'll manage.

Stopped at Altnacealgach (Farewell to Nigg was on the Cd player - not us though!) for tea, marvelled at Suliven and spent the rest of the way into Ullapool pondering on the most iconic mountains in Scotland.

 

Plumped for Buchille Etive Mor, Sgurr nan Gillian and Suliven. Thought you might like to know that. Tommorrow the Western Isles and a bit of a panic if I don't make ferry times. Good times.

    
 
From Brenda & Lesley - Just tracking Bill's progress.  We are really pleased for him and will be back to visit again soon to see how he is doing.  This will be the highlight of our day - every day.  Keep pedalling Bill! 
Posted 15.06.09
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From Stephen - Bill, wishing you all the very best on your epic cycle... I knew you were aiming to compete in this years Mid Argyll Triathlon and so were planning some serious bike training!  Cheers Stephen
Posted 16.06.09
    

 
Day 4.
Monday in Ullapool ?
 
 
  

 
Hi All
Sitting about Ullapool (Ceilidh Place) I reckoned it would be a good idea to have a plan. Possibly a bit late for that but never mind. I also bought some Johnstons Baby Lotion which I was assured would restore my baby softness. Somehow I doubt it!!!!!!!!!.
So the plan.....If I go to Barra it will be Wednesday before I pass through home and 7 days to get to Penzance via LE.. Doesn't seem very much time!!! So I decide to take the ferry to Stornoway, cycle to Tarbert and take the 4pm ferry to Uig and cycle through Skye in the evening and on Tuesday go over to Mallain, cycle through Morvern to Lochaline, aross to Mull and form Craignure to Oban. Home on Tuesday night. Good Plan.
The ferry gets into Stornoway at 13:10. so i have 2:50 to get 38 miles and even with a heavy load I should manage that. Boat docks at 13:30. I eventually get off 10 minutes later. Stornoway traffic take me by surprise after the empty roads and I take a few liberties (sorry Cammy but I'm in a hurry).
I hammer down the road. Down hills are manic, flats fast but uphills still not good. My left knee also hurts. With 50 minutes to sailing time there's a horrendous hill. Bugger. If Tarbert is down the other side I have a chance. Unfortunately it's over a bit before being down the other side. I scream down the hill. My speedo says 45. I don't really do speed on the bike. I'm seriously not happy. There's sheep on the road. I scream at the sheep. There's cars coming. I wobble. Have Andrew and Brian learned the bass beats for the concert? I'm no deed yet but another episode like that and I might be. I get into Tarbert in time ...to see the ferry leave.
So I cool down (beautiful day, clear skies, sunshine, no wind) and drink loads of fluids. There is a plan B and indeed C but it's probably better just to see what happens. 5 miles out of Tarbert and I get a puncture which means I miss the Leverburgh to Bernaray ferry and can't get anywhere before Wednesday so i might as well enjoy it. Which I do.
I read of Nepal that if you drop your camera and the shutter goes off accidentally you'll take a good picture. Some places on some days in Scotland and the same is true. Yesterday on the west coast of Harris was spectacular. Miles of sandy beaches, turquoise sea, blue skies. Fantastic.
I camp wild outside Leverburgh but would kill for a shower. Dinner was a pot of pasta, mushroom soup and sweet corn all mixed togeter. Brilliant. But only 63 miles.Today - what day is it? Monday??
Cycle down the Uists to Barra. Plenty of time. Plenty of wind. Did I mention that it's windy here. On North Uist there's two route choices. I go the long way because I didn't look at the map. Maybe I should have a plan - but they never work!!!
I'm aware I'm not very far south yet. Thanks to Richard, Stephan, Lesley and Brenda.
Skippin and a jumpin hey hey
Bill
Forgot to say. I'm at a wonderful community cafe and center at Kirkabost on North Uist. And the Butty Bus at Leverburgh does a fantastic breakfast.
Bill
    
 
From Richard Barrie - Totally jealous.  I'm just back from a weekend in Skye with friends.  Was sitting on the Black Cullin on Sunday looking towards the Outer Hebrides, T shirt off at 3000+ feet. Now that doesn't happen very often.  Fantastic adventure Bill.  I look forward to reading your blog.  Best wishes, Richard.
Posted 16.06.09
 
 
 
From Kenny - Fair enjoying reading about your adventures.  Enjoy the freedom Bill. Kenny
Posted 16.06.09
    
 
From Willie - Hey Bill, when you read this you should be well done North Uist - a breeze - especially in light breezes.  If you are going all the way to Barra - stop in at the Politician on Eriskay for a pint and remeber to take the west road as there is an almighty hill on the shorter, but less interesting, east side.
Posted 16.06.09
    
 
From Rosemary & Family - Graeme says enjoy a good head wind for the next couple of days!  Loved the Harris experience (remembered my cycle trip down through Western Isles Ahhhh). If we don't catch you passing through, we will be with you in spirit all the way (that would be G&T). Best wishes. Rosemary & Co
Posted 16.06.09
    
 
From Willie - Hey Bill, if you carry on to Barra make sure of a pint in the Politician on Eriskay, and when on Barra go west - better scenery than east road and you avoid a hound of a hill!! Best wishes and keep pedalling.
Posted 17.06.09
    
 
From Barbara - What are your legs?  Springs of Steel?
Posted 17.06.09
    

 

 
A little background on equipment 
 
  

 
My tent - the hopoped bivvy bag has 2 advantages, It's lightweight and compact. That's it. Once you're lying in it it's as comfortable as anything but that's all you can do. For that reason it's best to cycle all day and only get into it when ready to sleep. That's easier said than done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's easiest to undress outside but if midges or modesty (campsites!!) prevents then get in. That's done feet first and I have yet to figure out how to do it with any style. Once in wriggle about to get undressed and into your sleeping bag. Since my back is sore and the muscles spasm quite painfully all this wriggling is accompanied by a fair amount of yelping and groaning. Eventually once all setteled your bladder whispers to your brain - 'didn't think it would be that easy did you?' And so spend half an hour trying to ignore baldder. (Bearing in mind I'v been going for 1/2 hour before this rigmarole. Then get dressed - all the wriggling and moaning but in reverse. Go to loo. Repeat.

The outfit. Now you have to admit the retro Z look is seriously cool. The jersey is an early 50th birthday present (I know I don't look it, you're so kind) from Jean and Donnie. Thanks guys. Groovy pressie. Thye cap one of many anniversary presents from Barbara I
hardly deserve. Incidently we started our honeymoon 25 years ago from JoG and went cycling in Orkney (We were poor then).

Z was worn by both Greg Lemond (3 time Tour winner) and Robert Miller (simply the best Scot ever to ride a bike). Talking about tour winners did I ever tell you about the time I beat Miguel Indurain (5 time tour winner) in a bike race (2003 Etape). I only mention it coz Phil the commentator who's surname I can't remember once said of Big Mig that the reason his stomach stuck out was because his lung capacity was huge. Yeah right!!!! Me too.

Thanks to Barbara. Unfortunately the steel spings are getting a bit spongy in old age.
PS please forgive the spelling!!!!!!!!!!
Bill
    
 
From Maggie Young - Hey Bill bet the head a bit fuzzy this morning.  Don't envy you in this weather but keep going yer hard (or stupid?).  Go for it! Maggie
Posted 18.06.09
    

 
Preparing for the next leg and Day 5
 
  

 
Hi At home now - so here's the latest epistle.
From Kirkibost (Tuesday lunch time) I cycled into the wind (did I mention it was windy?) to the causeway linking with Benbecula and looked at my watch. 1pm Which kinda took me by surprise. Where did the morning go? However the last ferry to Barra was at 6.30pm so I had plenty of time. Over the windswept causeway and through the wee island of Benbecula in the blink of an eye (at least an eye that's been closed for 45 minutes!!) I missed the Failtie Gu sign for South Uist so wasn't sure whether I was there or on some wee inbetween island.  Turns out I was.
 
I remember Benbecula has nice beaches (with Polar Bears) from a previous visit but this time I hardly noticed.
Onward and south into the wind. Did I mention it was windy? Did I mention South Uist was very long? 1pm turned to 2pm, then 3pm. OK so where's the end and why is it relentlessly windy? 4pm, 5pm. Now it's just not funny any more. Nice beaches? Who cares, mountains over to the east. Yes very nice now where's the end of this island. At 5.30 pm I turn a corner and see Eriskay and the end of the causeway. I also see a ferry!!! Oh no. Not again, pleeeeeeease!!!!

 

I'm seriously tired. Every inch of this relentless road has has to be peddled into the wind. Not getting to Barra would not be a total disaster. I could turn back and go to Lochboisdale and get the same ferry in the morning - but getting to Barra is sort of symbolic.
I hammer on. Now I'm watching minutes rather than hours. I'm not sure where the ferry docks. Over the windy causeway round a corner and....................................up a hill. Well it would be wouldn't it!
Up the hill, down the other side, just in time to see......................................................................................................................................................the ferry arrive.
I am completely and utterly shattered. 77 miles into the wind and 8 hours 12 mins cycling. Now when I'm on the exhausted spectrum, somewhere between utterly and Please God take me now, I'm emotionally fragile. It used to perplex the kids when I'd finish and event 'for fun' and cry - but they got used to it'.
So I listened to music to get my spirits up. Unfortunately first on the shuffle was Boys of Loch na Corra. I skipped that quickly!!
Talking of such things does anybody else suffer from ipod twitch? I don't see it in anybody else but I'm sitting on the ferry and the refrain of 'Hey sister go sister' is enough to get a shoulder twiching and pretty soon a leg, then I go for a walk on deck and mince about. Later on I'll invite anybody in earshot to 'just call me angel of the morning'. It's a strange affliction.
Into Castle Bay takes an hour, it's late, I'm minging, and go to the nearest hotel (The Craigard) It's full but the bloke takes pity on me and phones a friend. I end up at the Bayview Guesthouse which is run by Roddy and Christine MacIntyre - and it's seriously nice. Just down the Vatersay Road (no sign of the boys).
That was a long hard day.
Day 5
7 am ferry and a long sail to Oban arriving at 2.30pm. There, at Room 15 (possibly the best gift shop in Oban) Jean, (possibly the kindest person in the world) takes my luggage home in her van and I cycle don lightweight. Home in 3 hours (which is still slow). Bumped into Rod and Kirsty and had a chat. Nice to see people again. I feel as if I've been away for ages.
Thanks to Willie, Rosemary, Graeme, James & Greg, Kenny and Caroline. Although messages do cause me to panic a bit that I'm going to let you all down it's hugely encouraging to get them (and a bit emotional too) Did I mention I get emotional when knackered? Did I mention the wind yesterday? Sometimes you just have to do what has to be done. Scenary, weather, whatever doesn't matter. Push the pedals.
Congratulations to Iain for his prize and Leonie for her 2:1
 
 
 
From - Brenda & Lesley.  Hi Bill, with you every inch of the way - yeah right!  Honestly though, we have been watching the hail and rain and thinking of you out there braving the elements and dark scary nights all on your own in your tent, hopefully you remembered a teddy bear.  We had forgotten about your daily sing-songs but reading your blog we can just imagine you here in the office and singing.  Hope the ribs are bearing up, our ribs are aching just reading and laughing at you climbing in and out your tent.
Posted 18.06.09
Post a message to Bill by going to the contacts page.
    

 
Day 5.
Home to Prestwick
So far 66 miles
 
 
  

 
It's 7:11pm and I'm using the computer in the airport building. Last night I re-packed, left the stove and cooking stuff and am now eating out. So the bike is lighter.

It was raining this morning as you may have noticed.. That was just the excuse I needed to put on my new red (Spanish racing colours) lycra tights. Some people say I only run and cycle as an excuse to dress up in tight fitting colourful lycra - but there are loads of other reasons too - and when i think of them I'll let you know.

You may have noticed it was raining in Mid Argyll. It stopped on Arran and the sun came out and I had a really good cycle up Glen Sannox and flew down the other side. Had plenty of time at the ferry terminal and got over to Ardrossan about 5 (maybe) and took the duel carriage way to Prestwick. Not the most scenic of routes but it's a nice evening down here, sun is shining. Wind is not too bad and the road was fast (as were the cars!!!!!) .

Making good progress, I'm quite upbeat and plan a few more miles before stopping,.
Nice to here from Brenda and Lesley again, and thanks Maggie. Was that Rosemary and then Malcolm who tooted this morning??

Fingers crossed Ireland sometime tomorrow. I do look good in red lycra though!!!

Dress rehearsal tonight. I might just wear this stuff. Bill
 
 
 
From Mags - Bill, thought to myself this morning as I looked out the window "this is not the ideal cycling weather!".. bit of an understatement as I travelled down the road in what seemed like a storm and force 6!!  Then... I saw a wee saltire in the distance and as it got closer.. had to put my sunglasses on.  "Is that the sun rising and breaking through the grey of the morning?"   I thought... noo.. it was just yourself in the bright red lycra!!!  Gave you several hoots of the horn, something I detest at that time in the morning, but couldn't pass you without a wee beep of support!!  Bill loving your blog and thank you.. for taking us on a journey to places where I know I'll never get to!
Posted 18.06.09
    
 

From Donnie & Jean - Well then - this is some trip. Which island are you on today? Ferries seem to have a mind of their own. I guess by the time you read this you will have been to Ireland and back. The blog and the photos are just great - we are really enjoying your adventure with you. The pictures of Harris are very reminiscent of a trip Biggles and I did last century. I think it was 1967 - leaving the Fort for Mallig via Arisaig to Armadale then north to Uig and across to Tarbert. You clearly got much better weather in Harris than we did. A week of solid rain - digging the trench round the tent every morning to stop the water from the machair coming in at Seliebost overlooking that fantastic stretch of sandy beach - except we could not seet it for the mist. Not to be undone we donned our cycling capes - (who remembers cycling capes - they preceeded lycra!!) and cycled over the Clisham to Strornoway - that was the hill that rose before you enroute to Tarbert from Stornoway. A further few days cycling down through the Uists and the boat to Barra then to Oban and back to the Fort. Maybe a return trip next year when I have rediscovered my cycling legs. Not sure about Jean - will we get a tandem? Anyway enough rambling - as we read your technical blog the tent antics had us in stitches. When you finish your epic you should send your blog to one of the cycling mags - love the humour and the pathos - there is a book in there or maybe even a film. Hope with a lighter load things are getting easier and now you are leaving the mountains (hopefully) perhaps more speed on the flat lands south of Hadrian's Wall. Great to see the Z top is doing the business - hope the Spanish kit gets you a free paella and a sangria somewhere enroute - keeping up the carbs. Slainte - Donnie and Jean

Posted 19.06.09

    
 

From Sis - Hi Bro! Great to catch up on your progress. Not knowing your route I was a bit startled when Barbara mentioned you were outside Dublin – oh no, I thought, he’s got lost again. But it seems to be all part of a cunning plan. Sounds fab. Loving the blog and pics. Can’t make up my mind whether to recommend ‘I want to break free’ or ‘I’m going slightly mad’ for your ipod! Enjoy!

Posted 20.06.09

    

 
Ireland
 
 
  

 

Hi Now just outside Dublin. Have just written a huge report on the past few days which this computer has just closed. That's a bit annoying. When last reporting in I continued in wind and rain (OK it was nice when I went in and awful when I left) through Prestwick to Ayr and Heads of Ayr campsite. The next day Ayr to Cairnrryan - Electric Brae was a bit of nothing, Through Turnberry, Girvan and to Cairnnryan at 12noon. ferry to Ireland arriving at 3pm and battered along A8 & A 57 7 A 26 to Moira. Then some nice B roads to banbridge where i spent the night. Good to get a bit of miles in in ireland - the A roads were a bit busy but sometimes had cycle tracks ands sometimes hard shoulders. Sometimes i just breathed in when lorries passed. Today day 8 Left at 8am full of Ulster Fry and took the A1 to Newry. It was reasonably quite at that time of the morning but still some hairy bits. At long last turned onto B road and been on them ever since. Bliss. Really enjoyable cycling. R 113 to Forkhill and down to Dundalk then down to Drogeda where I had lunch and watch the first half of the rugby - didn't look promising. Then set off for Dublin and I’m nearly there. Will probably keep going a few hours yet. Mind and body seem to have got used to it all and I'm feeling really good. The band was out today and I wonder how that went. Cheers to Barbara, Donnie and Jean. Donnie - It's Highland Cross Day today. I kinda miss it! Here a quiz for those who like a challenge. Link Ireland, Israel and Annapurna in 2. I also read that mark Beaumont has climbed Mt McKinley on this America\'s odyssey. I should have gone up the Ben!!!!! That's all for now folks. Bill.  Posted 20.06.09

    
 

From Anna - Happy Fathers Day!!! Hope all is going well! I sent you a text, but i don't even know if you have your phone? Gimme a phone next time you get a chance! x

21.06.09

    
 

From Rosemary Neagle & Family – Got an update from Babs on your progress, seems you have made it to Wales.  Impressive progress and enjoy the weather on the final stages to Cornwall.  Posted 22.06.09

    
 

From Sheila – Amazed you have the energy for the cycling never mind the running commentary.  How do you fit a computer in that tiny little tent?!!  All the best for the rest of the trip.  Posted 22.06.09

    
 

From Ian D - Hi Bill Brenda tells me that you have reached Wales. You must have made really good progress through Ireland. Are you going to take the Severn Bridge route or are you still planning to hitch a lift on a boat? At least you should have time for a wee rest before you have to get the kilt on and think about carrying that big drum. Congratulations. Looking forward to hearing all about the trip.

    

 
Holiday Holiday Inn
 
 
  

 

Hi All
Sitting in a Holiday Inn Express using their computer. I'm a bit smelly so am getting some funny looks. Who Cares! Newport. Plan to
take a train over the Severn. But back to Saturday when I last blogged in a hurry.

From the north of Dublin I went through the east of the city, over the Liffy on the last bridge and down the east coast. I would have taken a campsite anywhere but it was about 30 miles before I found one south of Wicklow. A huge day of 129 miles. Also hugely enjoyable.

My route -
A1 Banbridge to Newry (that was crap)
B 113 to Forkhill via a wee detour (lost) to Jonesburough)
Forkhill to Kilcurry
R 177 to Dundalk
R 132 to castlebellingham where I hd tea and scones in an antique shop/tea room. Scones not as good as at Kilmory!
Shop had nice lamps (Jean McD)
R 116 to Annagassan (isn't she always!!), grangebellow then some minor
lanes to Drogheda.
R108 to Naul and Swords and into Dublin.
R 761 to brae, Greystones and Wicklow.
Superb. But very tired.
Sunday and up eary, continues down the R750 to Brittas Bay and Arklaw,
the R772 to Gorey and R 741 to Wexford. Then a batter along the N25 to
Rosslair and Giro d Irlande is over.

I arrived at Rosslair about 2 and the ferry was at 3 and arrived in Wales about 5.
Apparently Croeso is Welsh for Failte gu.

Just slogged along the main road, the number of which i forget and camped after about 25 miles. No shops, pubs cafe's or anything. Great dinner of jellybabies and kendal mint cake. At least the latter brought my thoughts back to that strange woman at Camusanary in 1983. I wonder if she ever thinks of me. Somehow I doubt it.

    
 

From Donnie & Jean - Scotland, Ireland and now Wales - I guess it will be England tomorrow. You seem to have made amazing progress down through Ireland - Chiapucci, Pantani and Armstrong would be proud of you. I guess the wind at last moved round to be behind you down through the Emerald Isle. Looking forward to more details of your epic and pictures in the Gallery in due course. Best wishes for the last stretch down to Cornwall and hope the weather forecast does not make things too hot for you. Enjoy and saviour that last mile into Land's End - more emotion I guess. Donnie and Jean. Posted 23.06.09

    
 

From Anthony - Hey Bill, I am the fella who stopped to ask if you were OK at Nutts Corner. You had a puncture and we chatted for a minute. Glad to hear you made it to Moira and beyond. Here is the link I mentioned http://www.opencyclemap.org/. Maith thú. Posted 23.06.09

    

 
The Final Leg 
 
  

 

Hi
Have to be quick here as the cafe shuts at 6pm, 10 minutes. So, in summary yesterday (Tuesday) was Ok and I did a big mileage between Cardiff and Taunton but I wasn't really clicking. Incidentally the first Severn Bridge has a walkway so I cycled all the way, the river below was a bit of a bore (hahahahah) I nearly laughed!!!

So where am I now you ask. I'm inn Cornwall. Sounds pretty good to me so I’ll say it again. I'm in Cornwall. Just had dinner in Buide and plan to blooter down the A39 once the traffic dies down. Today was superb. Whoever coined the green and Pleasant Land thing about England must have taken the same route as I did today (mainly along the B3227)

Sunny and warm but lovely. I've done a fair whack today already but still have some miles in my legs.

All good.  I'll get to Landsend sometime tomorrow and then to Penzance. I should
be there before the band.

Not too sure if when I’ll get to blog again so thanks to all who left messages, it was very inspiring and motivating. Special thanks to Caroline and Mags for doing the web thing.

If you've enjoyed reading about this trip and wonder why I'm doing it buy the Blackwood and Hickory CD on the home page or from a member of the band and you'll find out just how special the Mid Argyll Pipe Band
is. And keep coming back to see what else is going on.
Thanks to all. Bill 24/6/09

    
 

From - Sis -Well done - nearly there! Looking forward to hearing about the last stages. What is your next challenge going to be? Hope you plan to celebrate the end of the journey in style. By the way, Kiera would like to tell you that she finished her first Race for Life on Sunday - didn’t have to walk at all!

Posted 23.06.09

    
 

From Brenda – Hey Bill, really chuffed to bits for you.  Well Done, we all knew you could make it! Posted 30.06.09

    
  From Lesley – Well done Bill – we all look forward to hearing all about the trip next week.  Posted 30.06.09    
  From Jane – Well done Bill – ice cream waiting on you when  you get back. Posted 30.06.09    
  From Tony Higgins – Bills Bike – Well done on the bike ride Bill! Bill Halliday conquers Great Britain?    

  Day From To Distance Ride Time Ave Speed Max Speed  
  1 John o Groats Lairg 99 8:01:00 12.43 37.6  
  2 Lairg Ullapoo 46 3:49:00 12.20 38.4  
  3 Stornoway (Lewis) Leverburgh (Harris) 63 5:02:00 12.60 45.3  
  4 Leverburgh Castlebay (Barra) 77 8:12:00 09.62 27.7  
  5 Oban Slockavullin 32 2:46:00 11.29 32  
  6 Slockavullin Ayr 76 7:01:00 11.17 35.6  
  7 Ayr Cairnryan 44 3:43:00 11.80 30  
    SCOTLAND   437 38:43:00      
  7 Larne Banbridge 49 4:35:00 11.16 24.4  
  8 Banbridge Wicklaw 129 10:57:00 12.12 35.6  
  9 Wicklaw Rosslair 75 5:57:0 12.83 33.1  
    IRELAND   253 21:29:00      
  9 Fishguard Robeston 25 2:10:00 11.64 34.3  
  10 Robeston Cardiff 112 10:06:00 11.55 38.40  
  11 Cardiff Severn Bridge 39 3:52:00 10.47 29.1  
    WALES   176 16:08:00      
  11 Severn Crossing Taunton 71 6:32:00 11.24 37.5  
  12 Taunton Wadebridge 111 10:16:00 11.27 44.5  
  13 Wadebridge Lands End 66 5:58:00 11.34 38.4  
    ENGLAND   248 22:46:00      
    TOTAL   1,114 99:06:00