Welcome to the 2012 Coast to Coast Tour
DONATE HERE: NickLojikCoast-CoastTour2012
19th - 30th July 2012
We're going to ride to the East coast of England and then on to the West coast of Wales to promote awareness and to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. As before, ALL of the money raised will go to the charity and none of it will be used to fund the trip.
19th - 30th July 2012
We're going to ride to the East coast of England and then on to the West coast of Wales to promote awareness and to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. As before, ALL of the money raised will go to the charity and none of it will be used to fund the trip.
This is not a test of endurance or stamina, its just a fun way of getting the message across to as many people as possible.
Donations can be made through the link above.
8th September 2012
Well the dust has finally settled and we are happy to announce the final, final figure of £1776.17. We had a great time riding around the countryside and it was a great experience visiting some great seaside resorts, towns and cities. It was a wonderful experience for the three of us and great fun riding together. Plans are already afoot for next year when wel be riding to........ well you'll just have to wait and see!
16th August 2012
We have the total in now and I can confirm that we raised £976.17, Barclays have authorised the matched funding to the maximum they can go to which is a further £750, so altogether we have £1726.17 in the pot!!(but there is still time to get a little more in..) Our thanks go to everyone who contributed to this worthy cause.
Watch this space for details of next years events.....
30th July 2012
WE'RE HOME..!
What a day we had today, though it threatened rain we only saw a few drops all day. We set off from Stoke On Trent and headed for Bakewell via Leek and Harrington, but then so did most of Derbyshire. The country road wound its way through the Peak District giving us some of the best views of the region.
View of the Peak District
We arrived at Bakewell just as the "Bakewell Show" preparations had started. Car parks were full or closed, queues stretched for miles in every direction so we decided to leave it for another time and headed to Chatsworth house instead. There we spent a really nice afternoon wandering the grounds taking photo's of the house and surrounding countryside.
The Bridge at Chatsworth House
Three ugly mugs at Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House
We left Chatsworth and rode on to Bamford and on to Glossop along the Snake Pass. This wonderful road twisted and turned up hill and down dale for 14 miles or so. Great valleys opened up to one side and steep hills rose to the other. From Glossop we carried on to Holmfirth, Huddersfield and finally Home.
I would just add that if you are ever in the Talke area of Stoke on Trent and you are really hungry then call into the Miller and Carter Steak House on the Newcastle Road, you won't regret it..!
And finally, with the bikes safely locked away in the garage for a well earned rest I can confirm from the "end miles" on my odometer that the miles covered were in total 1330.
Also just to add here that Biggles and Baaabra, our mascots, would like to announce the arrival of Idris their own little fire breathing dragon from Wales...
Finally I'd like to say that this is not the end of our wanderings, it is just the end of this chapter...
29th July 2012
Science lesson:
Q. What do you get if you mix one atom of Hydrogen with two atoms of Oxygen, apply a thermal, allow to condense at high altitude until gravity takes hold and returned the mixture to the ground?
A. Rain, of course. (Give yourself a pat on the back if you got it right)
Yes, today it rained. A lot. We prepared our gear this morning in glorious sunshine but the approaching black clouds did nothing to disguise their intentions. As we loaded the bikes, it started, it came down in sheets! We rode from Bangor past Conwy and through Rhyl and all the time it rained. We turned south towards Ruthin in the hope of leaving it behind and to a point we were successful. We wove our way along twisting roads that ran through thick woodlands, but the rain was never that far behind and by the time we reached Wrexham it had caught us up again. Tesco's was handy so we ducked in for lunch till it blew over. We headed towards Whitchurch and for the most part it stayed dry. The sky looked ominous again as we reached the hotel at Stoke On Trent, and as we unpacked we heard the distinct sound of thunder. Rain, as if from a fire hose, followed and we were lucky to have gotten inside just in time.
Finally stopped so we can go again..
Is that thunder I hear?
28th July 2012
It was a day of if only's today. If only I had a sills camera that took a shot every 60 seconds, if only I had a video camera that recorded all day, if only it hadn't started raining, if only. We rode from Pembrook north along the coast of Wales today all the way to Bangor. We took the A40 to Fishguard and then followed the A487 to Aberystwyth and along the way we had perfect views of the sea to our left such as Cardigan Bay, Llan Non and Llanrhystud.
Fisguard
and marina
View near Llan Non
Aberystwyth Bay
Aberystwyth was busy, holiday makers were everywhere despite the downturn of the weather. The overcast sky and distinct chill in the air seemed to nothing to spoil their resolve to have a good time. The bikes and us were fed and watered and we continued on our way, it was now 2:30pm and we wanted to get a move on. We pressed on along the A487 to Betws-Y-Coed and then on to Bangor and our hotel. We rode through the same rugged landscape of mountains and lakes of the Cambrian Mountains, that we had passed on our previous tour in 2009. Nothing had changed, the blue slat walls and even the rain seemed familiar to us.
27th July 2012
We reached Pembroke Castle first this morning and joined the hundreds of other tourists already there. Despite that we still managed to have a good look round and take some really good pictures.
Pembrook Castle
getting better at the "arm's length" photo's
Newgale
It was only a short ride from there to St David's where we spent the rest of the day. We walked to the town centre where we had lunch at The Grove pub. From there we made our way to St David's Cathedral and down to the ford across the stream, children paddled in the water and threw in pebbles to make a splash. The water refreshingly cold, sparkled in the sun as it tumbled over the stones.
St David's
St David's Cathedral
The babbling brook
26th July 2012
We left Monmouth this morning heading for Pembroke Dock in Haverfordwest. No sooner had we set off then I spotted what turned out to be Raglan Castle on our right as we joined the A40. I quickly stopped the ride for a photo.
Raglan Castle
We continued on through Merthyr Tydfil skirting the southern Brecon Becons, and soon after we stopped at Aberfan. On the 21st October 1966, when I was just a boy of 12, the Headmaster of our school called us into the hall and told us of the disaster that had befallen that small town in South Wales. A great part of the surrounding hillside, made up of mining spoil slid down and engulfed a large part of that town. Worst hit was the school where many children younger then me died in the terrible events of that day. Our school priest led us in a prayer for them.
We moved from there and made our way towards Carmarthen riding past Cwmllynfell and Llandeilo. Joining the A40 we soon rode into Carmarthen then St Clears. Tomorrow we will spend the day at St David's.
Aberfan Memorial
On the road to...
25th July 2012
It was a big ride day today. We set off from Cambridge at 09:45 on the A428, rode through St Neots then along the A421 to Bedford and Milton Keynes stopping only at 12:10 at Bicester for lunch. We left there an hour or so later and made for Witny and Cheltenham on the A40 then on through Gloucester and Ross on Wye to Monmouth, arriving at our hotel at 6pm. In all we covered nearly 200 miles today, through the wonderful rolling countryside of Oxfordshire and on to Monmouthshire with its deep valleys and steep forest covered hills of the Forest of Dean. Conditions again were perfect and a lot of the time we had the roads to ourselves.
Bicester
Tudor?
Flowers
and stone sheep!
24th July 2012
We went into Cambridge today in brilliant sunshine. We started at Kings College but then the sky went dark as we were approached by a "man mountain" who was wearing a T-Shirt and shorts which struggled to hold onto his massive frame which measured six feet, wherever you placed a tape. He held up a picture of the river and offered us a tour on his punt for a "once only" reduced price. We declined respectfully and quickly made our way to the market place where tourists and locals were busy shopping. We walked to most if not all of the college's taking in Claire, Trinity and St Johns to name but three. We walked along the river Cam where man mountain and his colleagues worked the tourists for all they were worth. Parks were everywhere and everyone made the most of them in the bright sunshine. It was the perfect way to spend the day.
King's
Trinity
St Clairs
River Cam
Hot Mamma and a bunch of cool chicks..!
23rd July 2012
There really isn't any better way to travel! We had a brilliant ride today. Setting off from Great Yarmouth in glorious sunshine all the way to Cambridge, we rode to High Lodge Shooting Ground at Saxmundham where they gave us lunch on the house, so we are going to add the price of it to the collection. From there we made our way through Stowmarket and Sudbury and lots of little "Chocolate Box" villages with thatch roofed cottages thrown in for good measure. The outside temperature gauge on Anthony's bike showed 28c but in all our gear it felt more like 38c! We were sweltering by the time we reached the hotel.
Tomorrow we have a full day in Cambridge and we're looking forward to more sunshine.
High Lodge
The Bikes (again)
Not far now..
and anther windmill
Great Yarmouth started off fine until it started to rain but that didn't last long and we managed to walk our legs off! So much for a rest day. Anyway, in my opinion I'd say that the resort is Norfolk's answer to Blackpool. That's not to say that we didn't like being here as its great when it's sunny but when it's not then there's not much to do. Still we also went to Gorleston Beach where we walked for miles. The sea was really rough beyond the harbour wall. We're off to High Lodge at Saxmundham tomorrow then on to Cambridge.
Gt Yarmouth Beach
Wind Farm
Gorleston
Breakers
21st July continued
"What a difference a day makes" We woke up to wall to wall sunshine today at Long Sutton and it promised to be a perfect day. We set off for Hunstanton via Kings Lynn and immediately met with a traffic jam. Thankfully it didn't last long. Hunstanton was bathed in sunshine. The sea rolled in and out and the cliffs were spectacular. We walked along the beach to an old shipwreck encrusted with mussels and sea shells.
From Hunstanton we rode on to Wells-Next-The-Sea, a smaller seaside town but still full or tourists, where we had lunch. Cromer was next in the list and we walked along the cliff. Then on via the Broads to Great Yarmouth, along the coast road and we finally reached the hotel at about 7pm. It's been a fantastic day with wonderful views along the way.
Hunstanton Beach
Cliffs
and the wreck
Wells-Next-The-Sea
Cromer
Windmill outside Cromer
21st July 2012
We had a few Wi-Fi problems yesterday which meant we couldn't get on at all once we left Scarborough. So here's a report on the rest of the 20th July..
We left Scarborough at about 10:30 and from about Filey onwards, it rained, all day. We stopped at Bridlington for a break then made our way along the A16 through a massive traffic jam (road works) to the Humber Bridge. The attendant waived us through for no charge. From there we continued on through Louth to Long Sutton and by the time we got there we were soaked, and covered in road dirt. We found a pub called the Olde Ship Inn where we had some really good pub food.
The Olde Ship Inn
Gammon Pineapple & Egg..
Cheers!
20th July 2012
After a good(?) night sleep, (I had to share with Anthony and we didn't snore in unison..) we're up at 7am. Our plan today is to make for Long Sutton via Bridlington and the Humber Bridge. The A165 will get us most of the way. Looking forward to a good ride down. Forecast is for possible showers late this afternoon.
19th July (again)
We had a great ride from Leeds, through Ripon and on to Thirsk. From there we made our way to Whitby, climbing up Sutton Bank on the way. We rode on past Filingdales and eventually reached Whitby. Loads of photo's and a chip buttie later, we set off for Scarborough. Another great ride later and we arrived at our hotel. For a change, we had plenty of sunshine all day. We started the day with breakfast at the Queens.
3rd cup of tea and it's not even 11am
Pinky out! but appears limp..!
Pinky out and the pills work..!
Near Filingdales
Whitby
The view from our window, St Nicholas Hotel, Scarboriugh
. 19th July 2012 and we're off..!
Bit of a damp start this morning but the forecast is good.
Here's the Start Miles on my bike. You should be able to see it says 1449.
18th July 2012
What a fantastic day we had today. Daniel's graduation at Huddersfield had perfect sunshine all day. It was a really proud day for his mother, brother and I and we all wish him all the best for the future. The Chancellor at the University was non other then Sir Patrick Stewart, or John-Luc Pickard to those of you who might be fans of Star Trek. The ceremony lasted just over an hour and then it was back outside for yet more photos.
Finally set up the bikes today. We attached the camera and sat nav onto my bike and loaded the baggage. Its a bit bulky but with lots of bunggies to hold it on, it should stay put. I think we have everything we'll need and everything electrical is being charged ready for Thursday. Anthony and Daniel's bikes have large capacity boot space under the seat so they can carry everything else including the laptop.
Our first stop will be at the Queens on Harrogate Road for a late breakfast and we'll be there for about 10am so feel free to join us if you're in the area. We then set of for Whitby and Scarborough at no later then 11am.
14th July 2012
We had some fun yesterday! Anthony and I had a fund raiser day at our respective offices holding coffee and cakes sales, tombolas, auctions and even fancy dress. In all we raised over £700!! and of course Anthony beat me by miles on the total. Whilst I managed a fantastic £133 he pulled in the rest, so I have to tip my hat, er helmet to him. Well done!
But that doesn't mean we can rest on our laurels, we're still going to put in 100% effort to building on that figure and raise as much as possible.
13th July 2012
Finally..! I'm on holiday now till the 1st of August and really looking forward to getting off on the bike. We had some more fund raising events today at work and I now have another £133 to add to the balance. I'll get that paid in on Monday. Its great to see the total building up and with a bit of luck we'll pass the goal total soon.
12th July 2012
As this is the last weekend before we set off I thought I'd just give you an update on how things are going.
Everything is set and the bikes have been checked over and are ready to go.
We've been carrying on with the fund raising events and so far we've had a beard shaved, sponsored clay pigeon shoot and the odd raffle. More events including a "bring and buy" bun sale and tombola are going ahead tomorrow Friday the 13th (What could go wrong..) at work.
We set a modest target of £500 and with all the above we are well into the three quarter mark. Barclays have agreed to match the funds raised in their £4£ scheme so hopefully we should be able to hand over at least £1000 by the time we get back.
3rd July 2012
I'm really pleased to see the donations coming in, we originally set a goal of just £500 and we're nearly half way there already and we haven't even set off yet. Thanks to everyone who has made a donation. We'll be off in 16 days and everything is ready, just need to give the bikes a once over and a clean and we off. We're really looking forward to it now. However there is still the small matter of Daniel's graduation from Huddersfield University on the 18th July and that's something else I'm really looking forward to. It'll be a proud day in the Lojik family.
28th June 2012
Just three weeks to go! but if this rain keeps up I might fit an outboard motor on the bike and sail round the country!
24th June 2012 and the Olympic Torch
The torch was passing close by today at 6:30pm, so off we went to see it, on foot. We walked half a mile to the junction of Potternewton Road and Scothall Road to watch the procession. Hundreds of people were there crowded on the pavements, sitting on walls and even standing on the roundabout! Police kept everyone at a safe distance, as large trucks trundled by with music blasting from them and there were even dancers on the roof of one. Everyone cheered. Then the runner came through and the cheers grew louder. People waived flags of all sizes and in a moment he was gone. All the while cameras clicked all around and then it was all over.
That's him in the middle dressed in white.
23rd June 2012 and 26 days to go!
We have some new radio equipment now and should be able to better communicate with each other, that's if we can get it to work properly. So far it seems to pick up everything and I'm constantly transmitting road and wind noise so no one else can get a word in.. Could be that the sensitivity is set too high. We'll have it working though by the time we set off.
Also I'll be starting to put together the bits and pieces we'll be taking along such as spare batteries for the cameras, spark plugs and light bulbs etc.
17th June 2012
We had the Charity Clay Shoot at Coniston today, and though it was a bit overcast it stayed dry and we really enjoyed the event. The targets were testing but not impossible to hit, you really had to concentrate to get them. The best part was the good natured leg pulling and banter, not to mention excellent bacon sandwiches! All together we raised £70 plus £10 donated by someone who wasn't able to make it but wanted to add to the amount raised. Thanks go to Peter and Ann who run the shoot, to everyone there who helped with the organisation of the event and to those who donated a prize.
The "Team" at the shoot.
All that remains now is for us to get on the bikes and do the ride.
We'll be setting off on the 19th July from our home, mid morning, and the first stop will be just two minutes away at the Queens Arms on Harrogate Road where back in 2009 we had our first idea of doing a charity ride.
The Queens Harrogate Road Leeds
After a quick photo or two there, we set off in earnest to Scarborough, our first port of call, via Whitby.
9th June 2012 Ride of Honour
What a brilliant day! It started off overcast and even rained a bit at Squires but the ride up the A1 was quite and experience. We kept it to a maximum of 70mph (honest officer!) and boy what a cross wind we had too. We reached Catterick in about an hour and pulled in to the holding car-park at Catterick racecourse.
4th June 2012 Jubilee Bank Holiday.
I watched some of the Pageant yesterday, it was a great spectacle to see but the weather did nothing to help. I really felt for the poor singers on top of that barge singing Land of Hope and Glory in the pouring rain!
Saturday is almost upon us and it's the Ride of Honour to Catterick Camp. We had a bit of a moment when Anthony didn't receive his confirmation email and it took most of today to get it sorted out. Thankfully its there now so we can set off with the rest of them. Though we will be riding to show our support for Help for Heroes, I also intend to hand out a bunch of flyers for our charity and hopefully get a few donations too.
45 days to go and we'll be on our tour!
28th May 2012
Well no sooner did I finish typing the last entry the sun made an appearance and we've had some of the hottest days on record..!
We've arranged an event at Coniston Shooting Ground where they will be holding a "Fun Competition" in aid of the charity, shot over 75 clays and prizes include dinner at the hotel and a free shooting lesson. So if you fancy having a go it will be held on Sunday 17th June 2012. You can contact the ground on: http://www.conistonshootingground.co.uk/ for more details.
19th May 2012
Well I hope the summer starts soon, it done nothing but rain and it's not been all that good for riding. Still we have managed to get the bikes out from time to time and I've used it to commute to work. It still gives me a buzz weaving through the traffic and leaving all the cars behind.
The Ride of Honour will be taking place on the 9th June and that's only three weeks away! We're really looking forward to that trip. Then its only another six weeks after that when we go...!
13th April 2012
Picked up my new Nolan helmet from Hein Gericke in Leeds today. The old one was starting to show its age a bit so I decided it was time for a change. In fact most of our gear is from them and it all seems to work very well.
Checked the calendar and its just 14 weeks till we set off, I can't believe it's coming round so quickly.
10th April 2012
We did it last year and we're doing it again this year..
As an aside to our tour we've also registered for the 2012 Ride of Honour which set's off from Squires Cafe at Sherburn on the 9th June and ends at Catterick Camp later that day. They want to raise as much as possible and hopefully beat last years total of £6000. Good Luck!
5th April 2012
Finally had all the donations in for the "Beard Trim" and the total is a fantastic £85 ! I never knew a beard could be hated so much...! and that becomes £170 once my employer, Barclays, completes the £4£ matched funding... not bad for a morning's shave!
29th March 2012
Well, I said there would be a change of appearance and here it is...
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Yes, the beard has gone, It started in October last year and stayed with me for five months. It was great, I had squirrel's and robin's nesting in it..! In the process I've raised another £75 for the charity Cancer Research UK.
25th March 2012
I went along to the meeting on the 21st and had a chat with a bunch of really nice people who seemed dedicated to raising funds for Cancer Research UK. The mix of people ranged from students to , well shall we say, the more mature of us. Everyone was really enthusiastic and up for the challenge of raising at least £7000 by next April. We'll be planning all sorts of events and fund raisers and with a bit of luck we should manage it.
If you read this, Hi, to Chloe, Vera, Melanie, Sarah, Maxine, Abi, Romeshia and Georgina.
Look forward to meeting you all next time.
Watch this space for a change in appearance...!
16th March 2012
Those of you with an eagle eye will notice that the dates for our tour have changed, well spotted!
We had to move the start date from the 14th July to the 19th July in order to accommodate a very special event. You see, on the 18th July, Daniel will graduate from the University of Huddersfield where, for the last three years he's been studying Product Design BSc. It'll be a proud day for his mother, brother and I, and we'll be celebrating it with gusto!
11th March 2012
Anthony and I took the bikes for a bit of a run today around Leeds and we stopped at Kirkstall Abbey. It was a great day to be out riding, clear blue skies and glorious sunshine all day. We took a bunch of photos at the Abbey, a couple of which are shown below.
I'm going along to the Cancer Research UK offices on the 21st March to have a chat and meet some of the other fund-raisers and hope to get some new ideas.
28th February 2012
Well we made the papers! There's an article in the Yorkshire Evening Post today telling our story so far.
It tells how two years ago we rode around the UK on 125cc bikes and raised over £1800 for Cash for Kids. It goes on to say how we're now riding in aid of Cancer Research UK and that we've upgraded the bikes. There's even a picture of Ewan McGregor whom, together with Charley Boorman, was the inspiration for our original trip.
I'm really looking forward to riding this tour and I hope to raise loads of money for the charity.
26th February 2012
We took the bikes out today for the first time in a while and although the weather was overcast it at least stayed dry and I can recommend the route we took for a really good ride and a couple of hours fun.
We rode the 11 miles from Leeds to Otley, which is on the boundary between North and West Yorkshire and is in the beautiful countryside of Lower Wharfedale.
Over Otley Bridge on the B6451 riding for 10 miles out onto the moors where the road twists and turns to Blubberhouses and along the way, to the right, you can see Swinsty Reservoir, Menwith Hill and Fewston Reservoir. A search of the internet couldn't find a definitive origin for the name "Blubberhouses" but it seems to generally mean "houses by the foaming spring."
From Blubberhouses to Embasy roundabout we turned left and followed the A65 passing Chelker Reservoir which is 215 metres above sea level, Addingham, Ilkley which straddles the River Wharfe & Burley in Wharfdale before returning to Otley and Leeds.
Altogether we covered about 50 miles without stopping and it took us around an hour and a half.
Great fun!
5th February 2012
We had a great time in London though it was freezing cold ! The bike show wasn't as big as I thought it was going to be and we were a little disappointed at the number of bikes on show but still we had a good look round and took a lot of photos. Sadly we didn't spot any of the "Bike Show" people whilst we were there but then the show had already been on for a couple of days so we might have missed them. The bikes on show ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous as these photos show.
Victory Motorcycle
and...
Errr...?
The paint jobs were excellent too, from...
Girly Pink
to
Heavy Rock!
2nd February 2012
We're off to the 2012 Motorcycle Show at the Excel in London tomorrow and we're really looking forward to seeing all the nice new shiny bikes..! Whilst we're there, we are going to look out for the people from The Bike Show, which is being shown on Sky, and hopefully let them have some details of our trip. I will be taking along a few leaflets which I'll hand out to anyone who might want to take one.
I had an email from the Yorkshire Evening Post today asking if they can do a piece for the paper.. I'm really glad it's all coming together.
27th January 2012
Things are moving along now, we have had all our holidays confirmed and so have booked all the Travelodges along the way. Due to timing limitations, we have also revised the route once more and will now head for Leeds from Stoke on Trent, rather the make for Kendal. However we will still be able to ride through the Peak district and experience the great countryside it has to offer.
2nd January 2012
Happy new year everyone!
Hope you had a great time watching all the fireworks.
The "Just Giving" site has been added now and the first donation is in. It's from a free Christmas dinner I'd been offered and so promised I would donate the value to the charity.
27th December 2011
I hope you all had a nice Christmas and that the new year brings you all you hope for.
We took the bikes out today for a run up to Fewston and from there we rode on to the Little Chef just beyond Skipton for a cup of something hot. This is becoming our Christmas ritual as, for the last three years, we've managed to do that run on or just after Christmas. It was great riding along the countryside, and even though it was very cold we were rewarded with some brilliant views across the moors.
22nd December 2011
Following on from our postponed trip from this summer, Anthony Daniel & I have revised our route and increased the distance covered. We will ride from our home in Leeds to Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast and down to Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. From there we will make our way across country to St David's in Wales before heading north to the lake district and back home. We have changed the bikes but in keeping with the spirit of the previous trips, we will stick to "A" roads only so that we can take in as many of the sights as possible along the way.
The new bikes are:
Anthony on his Suzuki Bergman 400
Daniel on his Yamaha Majesty 400
and me, Nick, on my Honda VT750 Shadow.
