Big Blokes Big Bike Ride - Finished Thanks V2

I have done my 800km plus Pilgrimage.  Shortened through injury!

 

Raised over £2775  so far …

So a Big Thank you.

For supporting the RAFBF, St Barnabas and The Peace Hospice with me.

If you missed the blog you can follow my travels, day by day, blow by blow at the Blog starting here.

If you’d like to see a collection of unfiltered pictures, and there are some good ones (and lots of mediocre and bad ones). Just click to get to the Picassa Album here.

Thoughts ...

I suppose the real summation of the trip to me was day 2 on the Erro Pass when I smashed my GPS, jarred my knee on the rocky slimy stream bed in the hills, realised I was in the middle of Spain, really on my own, not speaking Spanish, with no map, no compass, no-one within 5km, 700km to go, a deadline to achieve, no accommodation booked, a dead phone and no means of re-charging it, out of water, and it wasn't even lunch time! Fantastico, a real adventure not a glorified package holiday! That was when the fun really kicked in 'coz it wasn't likely to get worse, was it?

And now, all over and done? (Not really), I still think about the experience regularly and it still leaves me, generally, somewhat mellower and with a more positive outlook on just about everything – especially peoples innate goodwill.

 I do however, miss the hills, the camaraderie, the solitude, the 'purpose' and the reward for the exertion (and I don't just mean cerveza, morcilla and chorizo, honest) - but that is nicely balanced by a small glow of satisfaction, for having done something I suspected I might not be able to, for having done some good, and for actually finding the time to reflect and re-affirm my values - oh and being back in the bosom of my family. Whom I actually missed terribly at times – shhhh.

And, of course, I’d still like to persuade more of my friends, acquaintances, colleagues, contacts – and actually anyone at all to give a bit to any of my supported charities. ….

Fundraising

Obviously I am back, my knee held up and I didn't fall off! And I am e-mailing everyone I have ever had comms with just in case ….So far I have raised just over £2775 - so a big thank you; to my friends, our friends, old friends, fellow northerners, colleagues and workmates - and actually to everyone who has even spared a thought. And of course, not least to Sue - without whose support I'd still be sitting on the sofa with my knee in an ice pack and at least a stone heavier!

But if you'd like to say 'Thank You' or 'Well done' or just forgot, meant to do something, or think the Blog was worth a pound or two - there is still lots of time and I'd have waited to see what happened too!

The Injury (Short Version)

A week before I went my left knee exploded and I needed Physio, ice packs, drugs etc and the whole thing was in doubt.  Even as far as  a day of departure Medical check which, in turn, cut the journey short by some 250km as that was the ‘compromise’ we reached….

It held out, I can ask for Ibuprofen in Spanish and I can walk, just about, again!  Winning – not yet won.

The bike

It survived better than I did. No punctures, not even a need to pump up the tyres (so that was around 3-5 kg of stuff I didn't need to have taken) and the return trip via Ryan Air was not too bad either. A bit of TLC, a wash, a re-arrange of the bits squashed up for the return journey and some lube and then the same for the bike and she was as good as new too! So, I am a fan, and also of the Schwalbe tyres - as good as the adverts say! But I am even more of a fan of Sudocreme - even better than the adverts say - and hot, sticky, abrasive modern fabrics and sensitive bits (top or bottom) don't mix - but Sudocreme really helps. And it stops you biting your nails!

The future

It was too much fun - bar of course every day when it wasn’t  … But memory is very very selective – already!

So, with a following wind, a bit of luck on timings and some patience from my family next year sees the Arch to Arch ride in aid of Kidney Cancer sufferers and the James Whale Trust as I have an old friend who has asked for, and deserves, my support, so 'Tally Ho' and here we go again.

But, once again, thanks for all the support  - I said it would help, it did, it still does and still leaves me feeling a little bit more positive than I really think I have the right to be. So, go on, its got to be worth a look and a few quid …

In the meantime, and 'till the next bit of madness, Buen Camino.

 

Penultimate BBBBR Blog? (Slideshow)

Home, at last

It has been far too long since I last wrote anything about 'My Camino' and there are many reasons why - but none of them very good, so apologies. However, in between I have managed a week at school and a trip out East – so it hasn’t all been sitting around recovering and being pampered.

However, I have just uploaded all my photographs to a Picasa album and, for those who wish to have a look, and there are some good photogrphs (and lots of poor to average ones too).

The Picasa Album is here: http://picasaweb.google.com/Andrew.Skinz/AllMyCaminoPhotographsSmall?feat=directlink

And maybe a slideshow!

Personally I like the hills, the rooftop panorama, the murky Portomarin and the Cruz del Fuero but there agin they all hold memories so - I like the lot! Bar of course those of me. And for the doubting Thomases - there is even a picture of Gino!

Oh, and thanks for the feedback - I have enjoyed the Blog from the writing end too

Thoughts ...

I suppose the real summation was actually day 2 on the Erro Pass when I lost the GPS, jarred my knee on the rocky slimy stream bed in the hills, realised I was in the middle of Spain, not speaking Spanish, with no map, no compass, no-one within 5km, 700km to go, a deadline to achieve, no accommodation booked, a dead phone and no means of re-charging it, out of water, and it wasn't even lunch time! Fantastico, a real adventure not a glorified package holiday! That was when the fun really kicked in 'coz it wasn't likely to get worse, was it?

And now, all over and done? (No), I still think about the experience regularly and it still leaves me, generally, somewhat mellower - though if truth be told actually just a little bit less understanding of those being less tolerant, gracious or thoughtful towards others than I was before I went. Maybe, this is as a result of seeing the better side of human nature and behaviour from people who share very little of my upbringing, language or culture and the variety of people who can and did do something to make a difference or because it was what they believed in or maybe it is just the impact of a fortnight's solitude and not having to cope with the difficulties of people? I suspect there is a little of both and maybe more of the latter knowing how sociable I can be. See - even an old dog can learn new tricks.

I do however, miss the hills, the camaraderie, the solitude, the 'purpose' and the reward for the exertion (and I don't just mean cerveza, morcilla and chorizo, honest) - but that is nicely balanced by a small glow of satisfaction, for having done something I suspected I might not be able to, for having done some good, and for actually finding the time to reflect and re-affirm my values - oh and being back in the bosom of my family (whom I actually missed terribly at times - shhhh).

Fundrasing

Obviously I am back, my knee held up (more on that to follow) and I didn't fall off! So far I have raised about £2150 which with gift aid becomes about £2710 - so a big thank you; to my friends, our friends, old friends, fellow northerners, colleagues and workmates - and actually to everyone who has even spared a thought. And of course, not least to Sue - without whose support I'd still be sitting on the sofa with my knee in an ice pack and at least a stone heavier!

But if you'd like to say 'Thank You' or 'Well done' or just forgot, meant to do something, or think the Blog was worth a pound or two - there is still lots of time and I'd have waited to see what happened too!

The Knee

OK - For those who followed the saga you'll know my left knee 'blew up' just before I went, that a week of ice packs, elevation, lymphatic drainage tape, PhysiCool (Portable cooling bandage) and ice spray on the way helped me to Roncesvalles - and that a very bad nights sleep in a 200 man dorm (a bit like I imagine sleeping in a jet engine might be) had me worried it would all 'fall apart' on day 2. Well my very own small pharmacy (ibuprofen and paracetamol) and more use of the bandage and cooling spray and an emergency ibuprofen re-supply in Spain got me through though there were a few days at he start when it was not a pleasant task to get up, un-stiffen, start up and go but it got easier! So, of course, this is not the end. The knee 'went' because, like a good lad, I had sorted a new set of podiatrist approved inserts for my bike shoes to avoid problems - and you guessed it - they seem to have caused the problem. So, of course back in Blighty, with a knee used to cycling it took a week or so to get used to walking and proper shoes, aided by a few excursions to College and the Middle East just to allow the knee time to stick again! But I can now walk, I do not need 13 - 15 pills a day, and I can even still bike. Winning but not fully won, yet.

The bike

It survived better than I did. No punctures, not even a need to pump up the tyres (so that was around 3-5 kg of stuff I didn't need to have taken) and the return trip via Ryan Air was not too bad either. A bit of TLC, a wash, a re-arrange of the bits squashed up for the return journey and some lube and then the same for the bike and she was as good as new too! So, I am a fan, and also of the Schwalbe tyres - as good as the adverts say! But I am also a fan of Sudocreme - even better than the adverts say - and hot, sticky, abrasive modern fabrics and sensitive bits (top or bottom) don't mix - but Sudocreme really helps. And it stops you biting your nails!

Tents etc

I did not need a big sleeping bag, a tent or a cooker! But they were used. However, the extra 5kg was not always appreciated. Ho hum - it did allow me a night off the Refugios and the constant rumbling and explosions of fellow Pellegrinos when I went camping which was bliss, bar the dog pound next door with the party on 'till 2:17am, and a cup of coffee in the hills as the sun rose one day - so all in all, I wish I'd have left them behind! And will get a much smaller and lighter sleeping bag next time too (and yes there will be a next time).

The future

It was too much fun - bar of course the nights I couldn't sleep, the day I was so 'burnt out' I was cold even though it was 28C + and I was pedalling up a monster hill, the early starts after a Spanish breakfast (not usually very good or very much in a Refugio), all day every day pedalling to create my very own personal sauna (and let me tell you I do not miss the feel of a constant trickle down my spine and the regular drip, drip onto the cross bar, or the rhythmic bleep and uphill bleep bleep of the Heart Rate Monitor or, maybe actually I do?) and the stiff and achy lower back from 10 hours a day on bike! So would I do again? - hmm, absolutely no hesitation - 'Like a shot!'

So, with a following wind, a bit of luck on timings and some patience from my family next year sees the Arch to Arch ride in aid of Kidney Cancer sufferers and the James Whale Trust as I have an old friend who has asked for, and deserves, my support, so 'Tally Ho' and here we go again.

And I'll sift the photo's and do another quick retrospective as I mellow further with a few thoughts on Santiago and how I felt (happy / sad) sitting in the square both all alone and not, surrounded by goodwill in a strange city listening to a Basque piper at the end of the journey.

But, once again, thanks for all the support - I said it would help, it did, it still does and still leaves me feeling a little bit more positive than I really think I have the right to be.

Muy Buen Camino.

Tapas and Santiago Cathedral

OK I have fibbed I reckon I have about 3 more posts - depending on how the world maps out.

Last night I did the tourist thing - mistake. Only redeemed by a quick diversion through a Tapas chain and a Sobranero back at the hotel.

Tonight a fantastic fresh spanish omelette bite with a Galicia Estella at a student bar by the History faculty and then a glass, or 2, of the worlds 4th best wine according to the Wall Street Journal and Clam Paella Tapas in a bar just up the road - I could learn to like Spain, obviously I just need more time and practice .. And the practice has a whole night to run! :)

But as spectacularly good as this sustenance for the body is, the Cathedral roof top tour, 2 pound discount for pelegrinos, is even more spectacular. The roof tiles are granite slabs and its more like an Aberdeen playground than the roof of a Cathedral, albeit without any grafitti, and just stunning views, history and 'gob smacking' - if you have the chance do it.

So at the risk of sounding like the Galicia Tourist Board - Santiago d C is great. And I'll be back - but for absolutely sure not 'on me tod' next time.

And then in a back street Mad Jan the dutch man on the grasshopper - he has made it all the way from Holland! And is so happy.

Buen Camino

PenePenultimatw Post?

I have mooched through Santiago, got my Compostella, hugged St James, been in the crypt, had a beer in the square, washed, put on clothes that are not plastic quick dry sports things, had a chat with my MSc team mate (and we are on track) and am now mellowing down with a glass of the local white about to get a Paella. Not sure if it is well deserved nor the best place but it is busy with spaniards and comfy seats and looks 'nice' as actually does all of old town Santiago - stunning is probably nearer the mark .

Though maybe I'd avoid it in peak season next year as it is a 'holy' year when they open the big doors into the square and you can get a full papal absolution, on request, apparently and without having to have done the hard slog either!

But, less seriously I also reckon we all have alternative nationalities based on what we really like / are and maybe I'm actually Galician :

The pastries are lots like the french ones just bigger and not as neat and tidy

They do bagpipes and proper seafood (not that tiny med stuff full of bones which is just too fidddly.)

Smoked bacon, salami, Chorizo, decent beer and wine.

Hills and friendly, to a point, with strangers.

Coffee that is 'getting there' but available in even the meanest hamlet and better than Starbucks at a quarter of the price , shops with staff and that look like the one in the 2 Ronnies 4 candles sketch.

Bread that is just 'fantastico', decent hot chocolate, which is made great with a local brandy.

They have a history the rest of Spain, and the rest of the world, has latched onto.

They have black pudding, but there again so does Lancashire.

Hills, trees, rivers, sun, they play rugby and know they are the best bit of Spain and did I mention, hills, trees, rivers, castles, scenery to die for but above all they eat late and well and lots...... !

Hmmm - next they'll claim to have invented TV.

Buen Camino

Santiago Lunchtime

It is difficult to express the range of emotions I have run this morning: elation at actually having done what (even I thought) might just have been a bit too much to hope to do, sadness missing friends and family, happy/sad that the adventure is finishing, wonder at meeting Gino at the Cathedral and, I suppose, a quiet contentedness that even at my relatively mature years there is still plenty left to be amazed at, more good than bad about, and that given a chance, much more often than not, 'it'll be alright'

So am I fundamentally changed by the whole thing? A better person? Mellower? I don't know .. But I do know I have had time to think, to reflect, to remember the difference between good and bad, thought and deed and what is important to me.

But serious bits aside, the whole thing has been a great mix of fun and hard work, carefull planning and cuffing it, real pain and real pleasure and to anyone contemplating the same sort of thing, stop thinking about it, JFDI.

Muy Buen Camino

Sent from Santiago.

Made it!

First view from Mt Gozo this morning and now at 0930 I have made it!

Thanks for all the support.

Andy

Sent from my Nokia phone

Mount of Joy

The Mount of Joy, so called as it is the first point at which you should be able to see the towers of Santiago Cathedral isn't quite what it once was...

Developed in 2003 by the local government in a 1960's housing estate / shopping centre style it accommodates up to about 2000 pilgrims in perfectly acceptable but soulless concrete styleless fashion. I'm sure some one would call it a carbuncle if it overlooked Windsor.

But 3 Euro for a bed and shower gets my vote.

And with only 5km to go I could even hop it, for those who remember Ripping Yarns and Tomkinsons Schooldays, and I will if any one cares/to wager/ donate enough... By text before 10 local.

Otherwise, and as usual the original hop based isotonic local drink is marvellous, and I am sure the second one will be nearly as good too.

And 51km in 2:45 on a fully laden mountain bike I'd be happy on a training run.

Now dinner beckons.

Buen Camino
Sent from my Nokia phone in a bar near Santiago.