Back to the Future

As forecast, I didn't get time to blog during the time away.... In fact, I hardly has time to get a text away....

So, with a cunning time shift I'll run through the high(?)lights from each day from my notes.

Did I make it the whole way? Did I take the bus? Did I crash? Was I ill?

Read on to find out....

But first an introduction to the other members of the LE-JOG group:

Scott Wilson (68), civil engineer.

Our Leader, Scott was the driving force behind the venture, and organiser.

Surprisingly fit for his age, Scott unfortunately failed to de-cleat when coming to a stop early one morning, and fractured his arm in the resulting tumble.

He did, however, bring his bike, and managed some impressive riding cameos along the route.


Alan Fletcher (driver).

Originally known for planning purposes as 'Captain Birdseye', because Our Leader knew he has been in the Royal Navy, but not his name or phone number.

Alan was a former coach driver, owned a minibus and was more than happy to accompany the group on its mission. A real trooper, without whom we would not have been able to undertake the ride.

Angus Wilson (15).

Son of Our Leader, Angus joined us at Telford, and rode most days from then on. Good road sense, the experience will stand Angus in good stead for riding a full LE-JOG.





Rod Scott (62), village postmaster.

'Retired' engineer Rod is busier than ever, being involved in most aspects of village life, from dispensing postage stamps to assuming his alter ego Marvo the Illusionist ('mainly involves sawing women in half...').

Lighter and fitter than me, because Rod's bike is made from recycled girders, we tend to arrive at the same time, as if joined by a giant elastic band. Rod's better at hill climbing, using his special 'granny gear', while I move ahead on descents and on the flat.


Tachbele Adam (39), housing association worker.

Older than he looks, Tach joined us after hearing of the group at his bike shop in Birmingham.

Possessing great sprinting ability, 'The Black Arrow' earned his cycling spurs commuting across Birmingham rather than in his native Addis Ababa.






John Quigley (38), marketing manager.

We first met John at a cafe in Kineton, on a Sunday training ride. Our Leader introduced himself and told him all about our expedition. Despite which, John asked to join us...

Renowned for his liking for fine dining and (not unconnected) late starts, John always caught up with the group, despite starting up to an hour later.




Steve Peoples (35), civil engineer.

Native of Tewkesbury, with accent to match, Steve was one of the 'Fast Boys' who did their own thing, but always arrived way before anyone else.

A genuine guy, and a pleasure to ride with . If you can keep up...



Rob Davis (29), civil engineer.

The other half of the Fast Boys, Rob rides a cool-looking carbon fibre Bianchi, and is seriously quick, riding as fast up hills as on the flat. An Iron Man competitor, Rob has also ridden L'Etape du Tour in France.

Despite which he's a really nice bloke. Sickening....