Jack proves his doubters wrong!

We made it in one piece

Jack rolled into St James's Park, Newcastle at 4pm today to be greeted with a champagne reception from his family and friends. It had been an eventful start to the day with a electrical storm taking out the power in Creswell the previous evening and ensuring there was no power in the mobile home we had been staying, power would not be restored until after we left. The whole of the northeast had been hit by storms which had caused chaos on the roads and railways and it seemed the quickest way to get about was on a bike. As we cycled past closed shops on the way out of Creswell the cycle paths were often flooded, slowing our progress and some were so deep that water came over the top of the trailer soaking its contents. Jack was excited as we went through previous childhood haunts and gave us a potted history as we passed through Whitley Bay and Tynemouth. Imagine his excitement when he reached the home of his beloved football team and was presented with a medal commemorating his achievement. And what an achievement it was given his disease, cycling 560 miles to reach the home of his birth from the very tip of Scotland. Jack has enjoyed the challenge and I don't recall him ever being homesick and he took to the new routine of being in a different place every night, something that a sufferer of Huntington's who normally requires a regular routine, would find difficult. He should be mighty proud of his acievement and it will be something he will remember for the rest of his life, i certainly will and it just goes to show what can be done if you put your mind to something - many thought or said it would not be possible. well done Jack for proving them wrong including myself at times! Julian will be returning home by train to Brighton, while the three others in the team will now cycle back to Brighton to finish off the challenge. You can still sponsor Jack on his justgiving page at: justgiving.com/geordiejack Or send a cheque made out to the Huntington's Association: c/o Julie Carruthers, 86 Eldred Avenue, Westdene, Brighton, East Sussex.

Jacks arrived

Almost there!

Jacks arrived at whitley bay

Thursday, 28th June, 2012

Beadnell (South of Seahouses) to Creswell 32 miles.
Today we took some short cuts and missed out some of the no.1 cycle path in order to give Jack a shorter day and the ability to arrive at the caravan to catch up with his friends Alan and Brian who had donated the accomodation for the evening.
Last night i made the decision to do the same thing, when it looked like Jack was not going to make it to the finish.
The gods must be looking after us, as again, despite the gloomy forecast, we seemed to have missed the worst of the weather today. However, as i write this, the sky is black and we are in the middle of a huge electrical storm and a power cut which has lasted an hour now. Fortunately, its a great place to be marooned, with beer, wine and food in the fridge!
Jack is much happier on his bike now that he can see an end in sight and i never heard him curse his bicycle  once today and you could see his spirits lift as we picked up our first sign for Newcastle, and the sight of double decker bus going all the way to Newcastle.
Astonishingly, he has now cycled over 500 miles, with 34 to do tomorrow, before we reach St James's Park at 4pm.
This morning the landlady of our bed and breakfast donated 40 pounds and the justgiving site is ticking over nicely.
Jack has coped really well looking after himself whilst we have been away and i think it has done him some good, but given the lack of clothing that he brought with him and the few pieces of washing he has given me, i suspect some of his clothing could probably walk back to Brighton on its own!
Also, he has invented a great way to make clothing last, by turning shirts inside out!
Throughout this trip i have avoided using the 'p' word (puncture), but today our luck ran out and i had a puncture on my trailer. However, thanks to Guy, there was a spare tube in the back and we were on our way again in no time all.

Jacks arrived in Cresswell

More news later.

Wednesday, 27th June, 2012

Eyemouth to Beadnell (south of Seahouses) 44 miles Today we said goodbye to Scotland and entered England after over 400 miles on the road. Having cycled through the Scottish borders myself during two previous ene to end rides, I knew what to expect, but did not let onto Jack as we climbed out of the small busy fishing port of Eymouth after a comfortable evenings rest. Although tired Jack was in good spirits, telling me about previous family holidays in Northumberland and I think he can now see that there is an end in sight. At times this week I have told Jack what he wants to hear, like 'just one more hill Jack' or the 'end is just around the corner'. Unfortunately, today was the first day that I felt Jack had, had enough of cycling and that the efforts of the last couple of weeks were starting to catch up with him. I love cycling in Scotland, and as soon as we crossed the border into England things deteriorated quickly. For example we encountered a couple of motorists passing to closely and at speed, something we have not been accustomed too, until now. Ironically, as we entered Berwick upon Tweed, a sign read 'Berwick upon Tweed welcomes cyclists'. The city centre was totally un cycle friendly, the no.1 cycle path crossed the A1 by foot (which was interesting). This was because of the refusal of a local Berwick farmer to allow cyclists to cross a bridge on his land. We asked him, and he refused even though we told him Jack was disabled. The signs on the cycle path also deteriorated, resulting in some extra miles for Jack. But the worse thing was that the no 1 cycle path turned into a muddy path for about six miles which caused Jack massive problems because he was unable to keep his bike upright along the seaside path. This resulted in Jack taking several tumbles and made for a long afternoon and our average speed dropped below 9 miles an hour. Unfortunately, by the afternoon Jack was cursing his bike and every pedal stroke was a struggle again. In truth, conditions although damp were ideal (apart from the muddy bits) with very light winds and a relatively flat terrain. Despite the cloudy weather, so far we have been blessed with little rain and the temperature has been ideal for Jack given his inability to cycle and drink out of a water bottle. If we had had the wind and rain that other areas of the country had sufferd from, I dread to think where we might be today. As it stands we have a relatively short ride to Creswell tomorrow and will be at St James's Park at 4pm on Saturday. We have also cured the phone problem that Jack has had when ringing home. Because of his illness Jack struggles to use a mobile phone and has been using my smartphone with difficulty, cutting off calls when he touches the screen with his ear. In fact he has accidentally rung people on my address book that I have not spoken too in ages! We've cured this by now using the speaker phone, much to Jack's relief. Tomorrow, we are off to Creswell to meet up with Jack's mates Alan and Brian of the Blakelaw Club who have generously given a caravan for the night which is a very generous gesture.

Jack sunbathing

Jack crossing a ford

When the going gets tough

An uphill struggle, but Jack made it!

Tuesday, 26th June 2012
Musselburgh to Eyemouth 50m
Sometimes there is a fine dividing line between winning and losing or achieving or not achieving.
At times today i really thought Jack might throw in the towel and end up in a taxi (thats if we could find one).
If the headwind was not bad enough, given Jacks disease and the day he had yesterday, the climbs over Penmanshiel Moor and Lumsdaine Moor were brutal.
For the latter part of the day as he weaved up the climbs all i could hear was Jack cursing after every corner as he battled mind over matter to reach the top. Even on the decents, he was so tired he could barely turn the peddles as we rolled into our motel having completed another 50 miles at 5.30pm after 8.5hrs in the saddle.
I said yesterday that Jack could not push his bike up a hill because of his disease - he can, and did after his climb was interupted by a lorry and he could not get going again, such was the steepness of the hill and Jack's desire to suceed. I have no doubts now that he will reach St James's Park, Newcastle at 4pm on Friday.
Earlier in the day as we surrounded Jack to get him out of Edinburgh safely, we were followed by a bus for five minutes, unable to overtake. As the lights turned red, the driver got out and i thought the worse. Imagine my surprise when he gave Denise ten pounds for the charity and wished us luck! Like all the donations we have received so far, we are very grateful and makes Jack's achievement even greater, now that we are over the 2k mark and trying to close in on our target of 3k.
Tomorrow we are off to Beadnell and will take in Berwick on Tweed and Holy Island (Lindisfarne).
You can sponsor Jack on justgiving.com/geordiejack or send a cheque made out to the Huntington's Association c/o julie Carruthers, 86 Eldred Avenue, Westdene, Brighton, East Sussex.

Running on empty

Last night we had a bit of a scare with Jack as we were walking to get some food at 7pm. Basically, in cycling terms, Jack 'bonked' which means his blood suger levels got too low.
As a sufferer of Huntingtons his jerk like movements cause him to use far more energy than most. If you factor in a 50 mile a day bike ride, having the correct diet becomes even more important. Unfortunately, on day one of the ride he had refused the isotonic supplements we would prepare daily, claiming he only ever drank water when cycling and needed nothing else fancy to drink. (Unfortunately, some stubborness is part of the disease).
Suffering from Huntingtons exagerates the problem even more  so and Jack became extremely agitated, even when he was eating his food, to a point where it became quite distressing for both him and those around him. Suddenly, the full responsibility of looking after Jack had hit home. Isolated in a motel room, miles from home - it was a scary moment.
It took time for Jack to settle as he was getting reallly annoyed that i kept trying to fill his plate as he struggled with his jerk like movements to eat. Given the amount of exercise he had done, four hours without food is not enough and his disease is such that he cannot just get his wallet out and pop down the shops to buy food. Indeed, i have been dealing with the money side of things on this trip because of his disease.
He had an early night last night and is fine this morning and has eaten a good breakfast and is raring to go. However, a reminder to everyone that what he is achieving this week is truly remarkable - i have nothing but admiration for my friend.

Our very own good samaritans David and Gillian (center)

Forth road bridge

The team pictured on the Forth Bridge

Monday, 25th June, 2012

Kinross to Musselburgh (Edinburgh) 40 miles:
Another day, another tail wind and it was warm enough to cycle in shorts and the sun was shining!
Having said that, Jack being a Geordie has worn shorts everday and his legs now resemble a dartboard, courtesy of countless bites from the dreaded Scottish knats.
We had out first minor accident today, when I cut Jack up with the trolley and he ended up in it. Sorry Jack, but that was not part of the plan. Fortunately he was OK and lives to cycle another day. After dusting himself down he awarded me a red card and off we went.
We picked up the no. 1 cycle path today, a path that will feel like an old friend by the time, Denise, Dave and myself reach Brighton a week on Friday.
We were all soon out of our saddles today as we made out way up over the Cleish Hills at over 285 metres.
The views over towards Edinburgh were amazing as we descended down towards the Forth road bridge.
As we stopped for the mandatory picture of Jack posing beside it, he informed me that it was his second best bridge in the UK.  I'll let you make your own mind up to what is his favourite.
Today we came across our very own good samaritan as we approached the outskirts of Edinburgh.
A guy called David who was out on a ride on his own offered to give us our very own guided tour of the Edinburgh coast, complete with some histoy lessons which was much appreciated. What is more we were invited back for coffee and met his wife Gillian. After coffee, David delivered us back safely to our respective Travelodges. Many thanks David and Gillian it was much appreciated and made for a pleasant afternoon.
On the way through the traffic at Musselbrugh, i noticed Julian getting into the swim of things and protecting Jack from the traffic and both Julian and David are a welcome extra pair of hands now we have lost 3 members of our team. Keeping Jack safe is my main priority - despite nearly breaking his neck today.
We leave the no.1 cycle path tomorrow and head east along the Scottish coast to Eyemoth on route 76.

Jack has arrived safely in Musselbrugh

For all the latest news see this blog at 7pm.

Jack has reached the Forth Road Bridge

Jack on top of the world

Jack and Denise at Dunkeld

Pitlochry to Kinross 50 miles

Yesterday was a day of two halves. We left Pitlochry on the 7 cycle route and joined route 77, which eventually took us along the banks of the river Tay and the scenery was stunning. We even took off our waterproofs at one point.
Stopping off at the Hilton in Dunkeld, for a coffee, we were treated to a falconry display and Jack held an American Eagle Owl.
I Spoke earlier in my blog about trying not to compromise safety in order to save a few miles. Today was a case in point whereby, in order to stay safe between Perth and Kinross, we were forced into the hills and boy were they steep!
I could see Jack was struggling at one point and considering pushing, but this would have been impossible, given that with his condition pushing a bike on the flag is difficult, let alone up a hill. Pulling 20kg of luggage in a trailer - i was in the same boat.
At the end of the day, we had to peel Jack off his bike and the last 5 miles into Kinross he wobbled much more than usual, which was a worry. But in his usual way he stuck to his task and we managed to keep him safe. Although i think he must be bored of hearing me shout, 'move over to the left Jack'.
His road positioning at times leaves a lot to be desired, but this is due to his disease and ensuring he does not swerve into the curb.
When staying previously in Pitlochry it was a concern, because Jack ended up in a room with no en suite facilities and he has difficulties getting a key into the door. After a couple of pints, this is even more difficult for him. But he coped by using a well placed stool.
Last night we were back to the good old Travelodge. In the evening we watched England dissapoint as usual, much to the pleasure of most of the locals - which made it even more painful!
Today, we are off to the east of Edinburgh - Musselburgh and will this morning, rejoin the route 1 cycle path, which i hope will avoid the traffic in Edinburgh.

The Hilton

Just arrived in Dunkeld for coffee.

Jack Carruthers

Stunning views

Jack en route to Pitlochry

More pics from today

Hot news

Jack has just arrived in Pitlochry! Simon who is on a train to Brighton has just persuaded a Sunderland fan to sponsor Jack for 15 pounds! Should we tell Jack? ;)

Friday, 22nd June, 2012

Slochd Manor Lodge to Newtonmore 38 miles.
Apparently you do not take any notice of weather forecasts in this part of Scotland, which is just as well, as according to the BBC it was going to rain all day. Fortunately, it stopped at 10.00am and as well as a welcome tail wind, the sun made a brief appearance.
Jack was really tired after yesterdays gruelling day and it was just as well it was a relatively short day today. Today we said goodbye to three of our team, Jane and Simon, who will head home on Saturday morning from Aviemore. We will miss them because as well as being good friends and company, they have been brilliant in looking after Jack. Tonight, we have lost Rob, who unfortunately has had to rush off to visit his sick mother who is very ill. Thanks Rob for your support.
So we are now down to five. Jack, myself, Denise, Julian and Dave. Iv'e just collected Jack from the pub and found him deep in conversation with a lady who was amazed that  Jack could or would be cycling to Newcastle. So much so, she said she would sponsor Jack 50 pounds if he made it.
It is hard to believe that we are nearly half way there already, and everyday now merges into one. We have now got a good routine when forced onto roads, with Denise at the front and me at the back with the trolley, flying a massive union jack. It's amazing how wide a berth cars give you. Jack is surrouned by the team and is getting more protection than Bradley Wiggens should he wear Yellow in the Tour de France this year.
The trolley I am pulling weighs 20kg, and if I am honest, at times I am struggling to stay close to Jack on the steep hills such is his progress. I would hate to cycle up a mountain with him if he wasn't tired!
Today we warned Jack that it was going to be a 'twitchers' day, and we made straight for the Boat of Garten and hoped I would have better luck with the Osprey than the dolphins at Fortrose yesterday. Jack who had taken the Michael out of my twitching habit developed a keen interest in the Osprey and I think he enjoyed his encounter with our feathered friends.
We also saw deer, red squirrals and stopped at another 'twitchers' paradise and a cafe with a viewing gallery over hundreds of feeding birds that included siskins and woodpeckers.
Tomorrow we face another tough day for Jack and he will need all the courage he can muster as we ride over the highest pass off the trip as we head for Pitlochry for a 50 (Howie miles) day. Lets hope that once again the weather forecasters get it wrong.

Jack is king of the mountains!

This was always going to be the hardest day of the trip and the weather forecast was atrocious. Because of the excellent progress Jack is making, the decision to ditch the back up van in Inverness was made. Jack set off at a good pace, averaging 11.7 mph and we reached Inverness at 12 noon, only for the rain to start. Jack is really taking to the hills and is now nicknamed Pantani Carruthers as he burnt off a couple of the team. We arrived at Schlod Manor Lodge at 5pm soaked to the skin, having climbed 1300ft. Jack has great powers of recovery, having been 'out on his feet' 30 minutes earlier. After his normal hot chocolate and cake, he finished the day having completed 54 miles and has now done well over 200 miles. You can sponsor Jack at his justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/geordiejack Tomorrow is a rest day - only 30 miles and all downhill to Newtonmore.

King of the mountains

Jack arrives at Schlod 1305 feet anice dea level.

Wednesday, 20th June

Crask Inn to Cromarty: 54 miles Arrived in good time in Cromarty at 5.00pm. Jack did well into a head wind and is very determined. Jacks mileage is higher than everyone else and we have now realised it is because he is unable to cycle in a straight line. This does cause obvious problems and we now have to be on our guard when travelling on busy roads and today we had a near miss, so we all need to be on our guard. Jack is followed closely with a trailer and led by one of the team. Dangers aside, he is still doing really well. Tomorrow is the big day and a steady twenty two mile climb out of Inverness to Carbridge. Fortunately, most of the ride is now on designated cycle paths. So far we have been lucky with the weather, but the rest of the week is looking wet and windy, so it should be an interesting.

Bettyhill

Some of the team pictured at Bettyhill Yesterday.

Tuesday, 19th June 2012

Strathy to the Crask Inn. 45 miles
Jack woke up in an extraordinary good mood, 5 minutes early and teasing me for being 5 minutes late.
Yesterday, i had some doubts and felt it likely that he would spend some time in the van during the ride, but he is warming to the task and i think he has realised that he can do this.
Jack has always loved sport and any form of exercise and to be able to compete or take part in a challenge alongside able bodied people has given him a massive lift and he beat Simon up a hill today.
Lets not forget, that what he is trying to achieve is something that most able bodied people half his age are incapable of.
We had a reminder today about how living with Huntington's affects his everday life, when he spilt a cup of hot chocolate down himself - fortunately he was wearing a waterproof coat.
Hot chocolate has proved to be Jacks cycling version of EPO, because together with a slice of cake he can achieve anything in life and after 40 miles today he was beating Simon up Hills!
The justgiving site is going from strength to strength, with regular donations from friends and family and from others who have never met Jack - so a BIG thank you from the whole team. I have added the donations that we have received off line and we are now two thirds the way to achieving our fundraising total of 3k, which is amazing. Today complete strangers have donated 30 pounds.
In all Jack has now completed 85 miles in two days, but now we face our two toughest days yet and over 120 miles to Carbridge - lets hope the rain is not too hard and the wind is slight.
The bad news is that the Crask Inn has no tv, so we will miss the England game, as it is miles from nowhere - but the place is charming and they sell real ale, so i guess we will cope.

Only five miles to go. Jack pictured with Jane Carpenter and Denise Blanks.

John O'Groats to Strathy Inn 45 miles

We finally got away at 9am after hours of travelling. The views over the Orkneys were stunning, as the team cycled down for the mandatory picture at the post at John O'Groats. Jack is struggling with the earlier start and change to his routine and is not at his best early on. Indeed he needs to be up early, if he has any hope of completing the daily mileage. This morning he was threatened with a lift in the van to catch the others, if he didn't make the start. He was the first to be ready in the end! Mind you, one must not forget that Jack is an old fashioned Geordie and despite having Huntington's, he is used to Julie doing everything for him, including his packing and washing. Suddenly, he has been thrust into a world where he is in a different place every night and has to fend for himself, not ideal if you are suffering from Huntingtons, given that most things take much longer to complete. The wildlife in this part of the world is amazing. Last night we saw seals at Carnesby Head and a vast array of sea birds. We have come across rain deer, a flock of Herons, osprey and Oyster Catchers and we are so far north, it never actually got dark last night and I was woken by the sun in my eyes at 3am.  As we set off this morning the weather was cool and dry and with no wind - so probably ideal conditions for Jack and he did really well, despite my concerns.  We finished at 4.15pm, with Jack having completed 45 miles and Jack was cracking jokes and still full of life. I have already seen a different side to Jack, having spent more time with him than usual. For example his sense of humour etc. He is enjoying celebrity life and being the centre of attention and is teasing the rest of the team by acting like a Geordie Diva.  We had one scare tonight, when we found out the bar was closed at the Strathy Inn where we are staying. Tomorrow we are off to one of the most remotest parts of Britain and the Crask Inn. Let's hope they have a telly so we can watch England.

The day we have all been waiting for!

Jack is enjoying his new found celebrity status and is so excited that he has appeared on the Newcastle united unofficial fan site. My son Dan (thanks Dan)came to the rescue and because of the bike ban on trains to London from Brighton,dropped us right outside Kings Cross, meaning Jack did not have to cycle across London. Jack turned up with a bag barely big enough for a weekend away (typical Geordie style), let alone a fortnight and by the end of the ride will end up looking like Forest Gump. One of the symptoms of Huntingtons is the need for a routine and because we started at 6.30am this would upset his normal cycle of daily life that one does when waking up etc.Good old Jack got round this by getting up at 6.00am all the week before, much to his wife's frustration! Genius.. After 14hrs of travelling, Jack arrived in Inverness, tired and exhausted and as we cycled the 2 miles in the rain to the Travelodge at 6mph, the enormity of the task dawned on me. But, we are up bright and early on Sunday morning. Jack has had a good kip, a copy of the Sunday paper and is raring to go. Off to pick up the back up van and then up to John O'Groats.

GETTING JACK HOME SAFE & SOUND

Over the years my cycling exploits have included John O’Groats to Lands End twice, Dieppe to Marseilles, the Camino Way. I’ve cycled over the Alps, the Pyrenees and travelled through numerous European countries on my trusted Dawes Galaxy. Along the way, I’ve taken hundreds of people to Paris on charity bike rides and supported over a thousand cyclists across the entire South Downs Way.

But, the challenge of getting Jack safe and sound across Scotland to Newcastle will be my toughest assignment yet. Given Jack’s condition it will be his toughest too.

Since Jack has had to retire from his plumbing job several years ago and given up his driving licence due to Huntington’s, jack has used a bicycle to gain independence. Those who live in Brighton & Hove may have seen him taking his regular Friday jaunt to Portland Road to see his old colleagues.

We have (hopefully I am not tempting fate), achieved our first goal which was to get Jack through training in one piece ready to arrive in Scotland on June 16^th and thankfully his prostrate problem seems to have cleared up just in the nick of time and at least he should be able to sit on the saddle.

There is a team of eight starting the challenge. Simon & Jane Carpenter will be joining us all the way to Aviemore, Rob Davidson will be with us until Edinburgh and Julian Clemas will accompany us all the way to Newcastle. My wife and I (Denise), along with David Stamp will then leave Jack in Newcastle to recuperate for a week with his family, while we zoom south into the sunset on our bicycles to get to Brighton in seven days and complete the challenge.

WOW....ONLY TWO WEEKS TO GO!

The preparation is nearly over and Jack's training is bang on schedule. Over the last couple of months Jack has been preparing for what is likely to be one of the biggest challenges of his life - apart from the daily challenge of living with Huntington’s.I have seen the pain he has endured when he has fallen off his bike when dismounting, the concentration and the effort he has put in over the last couple of months to get himself ready for the ride.

So why is cycling 515 miles likely to be so difficult for Jack?

Jack suffers from Huntington’s disease, which is a disease of the central nervous system which usually develops in adulthood and causes a wide range of symptoms, including uncontrollable muscular movements, stumbling, clumsiness, lack of concentration and short-term memory lapses.

Cycling for Jack, like most other tasks in life is made difficult as a result. For example fastening and unfastening a zip, doing up his crash helmet, climbing the stairs or taking a drink from a water bottle whilst cycling. In short everything that we able bodied people take for granted is more difficult for Jack.

Denise Blanks and Jack out on a training ride in Albourne, East Sussex

For most of the population, cycling over 500 miles in under two weeks would be a tough challenge, but given Jack’s disability – this challenge takes on a far greater significance.

To his friends and family, Jack is an inspiration, because despite his serious disability, he tackles life head and is a role model for other disabled people.

So how can we keep Jack safe whilst out on the road?

Wherever possible, Jack will be cycling on a network of national cycle paths that wind their way to Newcastle from the north of Scotland. He will be followed every step of the way by a small team of cyclists and backed up by a trailer with a flag for the entire journey and a transit for the first four days.

You can follow Jack’s adventures every step of the way by following him on twitter @jackscycle or via my blog at jackscycle.blogspot.com

If you would like to support Jack and help him make a difference to others with Huntington’s disease and help him reach his fundraising target of £3,000 you can donate via his justgiving page at http://www.justgiving.com/geordiejack

Read more about Jack’s challenge and learn about his route via his website at http:/jacksjohnogroatschallenge.weebly.com

Howie Blanks