A Tandem Too Far
03/10/2011
When grabbing a bite to eat with 15 guys you've shared a an emotional and full-on weekend with, the overriding feeling shouldn't be embarrassment or an inability to look them in the eye. But that's what I felt when I staggered down for breakfast this morning.
We all finally came together at 8am on Friday and headed down to Land's End. At 3am on Saturday morning we set off up the country together. The guys looking forward to cruising up listening to England v Scotland, the Merseyside and North London derbies. Whilst Jerone Walters and I mounted our tandem and left the Land's End Hotel attempting to break the record for the length of the country which currently (and still) stands at just over 50hrs.
The support was phenomenal not just the 15 guys on our support crew, sponsors, followers and comments on Twitter, people coming to shout encouragement by the roadside at all hours in all manner of locations. If they were all at breakfast I wouldn't be able or worthy of looking them in the eye either.
Some of you may have followed our trip up the country through the technical world of social networking others the slightly less technical but certainly less daunting written press. Having said that just because something isn't modern or technical doesn't mean it isn't daunting. Take a tandem for example I'll never be able to look at one again without coming out in a cold sweat.
On paper the record isn't particularly quick but the time it takes to ride the 800 miles is just one part of the challenge. They aren't comfortable (no matter how much you practice) and you have to coordinate everything - from cycling technique to bodily functions - to make it an efficient machine.
We'd put in a schedule with the RRA (Road Records Association) stating what time we envisaged being at various points up the country so that the 120 spotters would come and check we weren't living it up in a camper van with the roof on top. Our plan was to stick to the schedule which would get us into John O Groats just inside the existing record.
Our 3am start was devised so we'd pass through the first big conurbations on the route (Exeter and Bristol) at quieter times. Within a few hours we'd started to fall behind our schedule, not because of cycling speed but the decision we'd taken (especially post my accident last year) to rest before it was a necessity. After 24hrs we were over 90 minutes behind schedule and record pace.
What pleased me was despite a new record looking beyond us I never doubted our ability or lacked the motivation and determination to get back on track. An attitude that was lacking when I did an event in Northern Canada six months after my accident last year.
We got back and then ahead of track by putting in a massive shift through the early hours of Sunday morning up and over Shap Fell and through a very wet Kendal. We reached Inverness 104 miles from John O'Groats with over 6 hrs to cover the distance. Out support team congratulated us and the lovely folks that had come to cheer us on and who were clearly in the know seemed to have confidence in us that was lacking from people shouting at us 24 hrs earlier.
I don't know whether the celebratory atmosphere when we arrived in Inverness satisfied our hunger for the record, as the chartists were fond of saying "you can't motivate a man on an full stomach." I'm sure it was mostly an accumulation of over 40 hrs cycling but the party atmosphere may have had a similar effect as offering Mr Creosote a wafer thin mint.
A few hours later the support crew pulled us over, not because we looked unsafe or they were worried about us physically but because our average speed was lower than at anytime over the previous 48hrs (funny that). It's what I said that caused them concern, for the first time they detected a 'Laissez Faire' attitude to the record that hadn't been there over the previous two days and I was convinced we'd gone off track despite assurances to the contrary. There wasn't much point in asking Jerone, not only had he been cycling for the same amount of time but pulling along a fat bloke as well.
It was this change of attitude and the fact that Jerone and I had given Richard Gorman and the support crew absolute control over all aspects of safety so a considered, unemotional decision could be taken. It was my reaction to being stopped within 60 miles of John O'Groats and a new record that was telling. Previously I may have protested or tried to argue my case but in recovering from my accident last year I've learnt to trust and rely on people around me a lot more (it doesn't mean I'm not still annoying). Somewhere deep within I must have realised that guys who'd given up a weekend to follow two blokes on a bike wouldn't have made that decision without good reason.
It may sound strange but I'm truly satisfied, I didn't lack motivation or belief when it didn't look possible. Although we didn't break the record or even get there when both were within our hands but complied with the decision in the early ours of this morning and agreed it was the right one when I woke up. Having said that it didn't make it any easier to look the guys in the eye, I'm just hoping the amazing people who supported us along the way don't feel their effort was wasted. It wasn't, I was and still am deeply touched although I'd rather you weren't round my house when I get home. That would be too many people to avoid eye contact with! Thank you
Back to News ListComments
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Yes, you are truly Amazing... Without all your efforts and example I wouldn't be training with my friend for our next summer 550km - 28hour bicycle trip. You are an inspiration to so many!Simo Lahtinen
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Way to Go, James. It'll be there another day. You're a phenomenon and the inspiration to MILLIONS who are now getting up off the sofa, eating less and moving more. And that's down to you, mate, pulling us all up and at it xDebbie Baskett
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All I can say is AMAZING!
Amazing to be apart of the crew
Amazing to see the shear power
Amazing to see an athlete who has nothing to prove to anyone be so humble.
Seeing you running across the Fourth Bridge to reduce the time fault after the puncture I could see just how much you wanted this record. You know it's within you to get this record
Can't wait to see the creation of #Rocket3!!
'More is in you'
James well done Champ.
Cheers Matt (@trevosesurf)Matthew Adams -
It will be all the sweeter NEXT TIME!!!
You really are an inspiration. I enjoyed watching you row, but I love watching all the things you have done since.
I'd rather see you keep doing this into old age and fail every now and then, than see you take too great a risk that does lasting damage.
*****
Seriously, James, next time you do it, when you go through Glenfarg, turn left and take the "wicks o baiglie" road down to Bridge of Earn - it is a LOT faster than the long twisting route down the valley...its part of my commute to work in Perth, so I can testify it is faster!!!
****Hezz -
James you are truly inspirational and we followed you all weekend. What you have achieved since your accident is nothing sort of amazing and you inspire me more than you will ever know. I did my own challenge this year the Moonwalk, nothing compared to what you do ... but people like to inspire people like me. never stop your amazing.Donna Partridge
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Hi James,
Pete Swinden here. Sadly John Withers is no longer with us, but I feel sure that he would agree that yours was a fantastic effort. With 100 miles to go it was truly exciting to see how close the outcome was likely to be. Calculating various averages between sheduled points, it was difficult to decide whether a slight improvement, or just missing the record, was the likely outcome. We were all on the edge of our seats while following your progress via the website.
I had very mixed feelings when you abandoned the attempt; pleased to still hold the record, but saddened that you weren't able to continue to John O'Groats.
Best wishes for your next attemptPete Swinden -
Don't let this define you! Don't let it eat away inside you. Let it go, move on and enjoy the next thing be it a cup of tea, time at home or another challenge. What matters is the journey and the learning. Be at peace with yourself.hampshirelad
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James
It was good to meet you here in Rogart and I hope we will be able to welcome you on your next attempt. The Golspie Primary School kids all have nice drinking bottles!
Best Wishes Kate and Frank.Kate and Frank Roach -
Satisfaction has to come a day at a time, whatever the day deals you mate, sense that I do in you at last after over 13 years of "Crack watch" ..... proud of you as always. Once again the comfy brigade watch on (that includes me ...) and you are putting it out there. Takes an unhinged one to know one and I love you dearly for that ..... day at a time FezxFezza
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Going to echo pretty much every comment on here. Fantastic effort and something everyone involved with should be extremely proud of. Truly an inspiration.unfitguy
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James, after working with you again this year on the RAB, I was so sure you could do it! i follwed each pedal stroke again with you and can understand how disappointing it must be. well done to both of you.Darran Weston
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James, you and Jerone can look me in the eye anytime, I followed you both all weekend and managed to cheer you on in Preston, you looked awesome and I was incredibly jealous of your fitness. Both of you need some well earned R&R and you will come back stronger. Best of luck to you and Jerone for all future endevours.
Sam.sam simmister -
James - you are and always have been one of my heroes. Unfortunately so far we have never met (we made eye contact on the L2P one year but that was it) but when we do I will tell you to your face that I think you are brilliant. Also, in case you didn't realise it your wife loves you very much that came across in the TV programme about your accident. Don't ever stop doing these challenges or I will track you down and make you do one!John Airey
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James. I had the privilege to work with you over a couple of days a few years ago when you helped is with some management development at Bupa. Since then I've been a keen follower and on Saturday night was delighted to cheer you thru knutsford. I was sooo disappointed when I realised you'd had to call it a day. But I remember a key thing you said when you were working with us, which was all you can do is give it your best shot, all the time, every time. And boy do you live upto that, time and time again.Ruth Chesmore
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James & Jerone, that is a phenomenal effort and to stop for your safety so close to the finish is a wise and brave move that you should not feel ashamed of in any way. I was contemplating LEJOG myself but now will definately be having a go :)Chris Bonner
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It was truly a monumental effort and like everyone else disappointed for you that you came so close but didn't quite get over the line. To complete LEJoG in a little over 2 days beggars belief. It would be hard enough if it were flat, but with some of those hills... Following the sheer effort your attempt took puts the current record in context as well. No wonder it has stood for so long! How did they do it?Eric Percival
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James, You have come a long way since I saw your efforts walking to the South Pole in the excellent series "On thin Ice" The old James was not taking advice off anybody. The fact that on your latest challenge you have taken advice off your support team says a lot about you as a person. Am gutted for you thoughBrian Miller
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James- win or lose you are both entitled to hold your heads high. You gave it your best shot and I know you will do it one day soon.David Hamilton
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James, Im adding to what a lot of people are saying there is no need to avoid eye contact with anyone! You have both done us proud and should relish on the fact you nearly reached your goal! I would not even consider doing what you did at the weekend, its beyond me! There is only thing to say that You are just an inspirational Guy and I love you for it! Lots of love from Emmaxx Enjoy relaxing now if you can James!Emma Barmby
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James - I can only echo the earlier comments. You have many reasons to hold your head higher than most of us. I have no idea how you could manage without sleep for so long, let alone keep pedalling. I wonder what effect the weather being so unexpectedly hot on the first part of your attempt had?
I wish you all the best on your next venture, whatever it may be.Margaret Mansfield -
Thanks for inspiring us to try the difficult things even when we are uncertain of the outcome -the sign of a true challenge.C Morgan
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You've nothing to feel bad about. Cycling is a brutal and tough sport, and records are held by 'hard as nails' riders with years more experience and preparation. You did your best ! It takes an exceptional rider(s) to break one of these records, and everything needs to go right. You've learnt loads, so maybe you can give it another shot. I hope you do, and I hope you are successful. The world is full of people with loud opinions, who have no experience, no passion and never achieve anything. But people like you rise far above the norm, and try to make a difference. More power to you !Adrian P
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Hi James,
Wow, what a weekend I had watching my Pete's and my fathers (steersman and stoker respectively) record go the edge. There have been a number of attempts over the last 45 years and the schedule you guys had was pretty realistic. It was with some trepidation I spent most of the day on Saturday in the house checking on progress with my heart in my mouth. I started with the attitude "I hope they fail" (yeah, sorry) but after you were into Scotland it looked good to go so I went out on my bike on Sunday to take my mind off things. At some point in my ride wishing I had another gear to get me up a hill, I started to rethink my attitude as I'm a cyclist too and why shouldn't I be supporting the attempt, these guys have worked hard to get this far, just like me on my ride but I would be home in 3 hours having a shower and a cuppa. So on returning home I sat down with both schedules side by side I checked in every 10 miles watching the margin close. Based on average speed on your wAndy Withers -
as a former solo record holder (54 hours in 1990) i can totally appreciate every pedal rev you guys did, and how hard it is ,with sleep deprevation, traffic, rain etc, still a fantastic ride, but cant understand why the crewe took you off that close to lands end , adrenalin takes over, (i covered the last 25 miles in under the hour.)really feel the final decision has to be the riders. well done to both of you and the team , best of luck on your next challenge. pauline xpauline wallis( strong)
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Great effort to come so close, at least you now know it can be done (and will be done next time............)Alan Mackay
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You have nothing to apologise for - I couldn't do what you two did, that's for sure. Yes, I've done the E2E but on an electric assist and at a pace of 50 mpd give or take .. But that is nothing in comparison to what you two achieved over the weekend. Every time you do something like this you win, because you take something new that you have learned away from it., give yourselves a break, you have my full respect!Wendy Creed
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3rd time lucky!!! don't give up :)nellie
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James - most people I know don't even try! I follow your honest efforts with a true sense of pride and hope you will keep that feeling of satisfaction and thank you for telling your followers what happened!! I am looking forward to the next adventure and wish you luck and happiness! EllyElly van Kekem
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IDon't be downhearted it was a fantastic achievement even though you didn't do the final 68 miles. Not many others would even contemplate your epic journey let alone start out doing it. Thanks also for bothering to reply to Lizzie, Ed and Isabel's tweet - it really boosted their spirits and helped them on their final leg. Their last day was hard - wet and extremely windy, but they have done it and are nearly at their target £2000 for WaterAid.Sue Reeve
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Hats off to you both for giving the record a crack but even more so for having the balls and trust in your team to stop even when so close to making it. I've no doubt you will crack this if you should try again or in fact any other challenges you chose to undertake and will have this exeperience as well as all those you have had in the past to fall back on. Chapeau chaps chapeau!Fiona Telfer Brunton
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Sorry you guys didn't make it. But I am glad you tried. The furthest I've gone is 240 in 12 hours on a tandem. Lejog none stop, it's hard and I admire your efforts.John Deeley
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There is so much to discuss here! On paper, Britain doesn't look very big but to cycle the LENGTH of it without a decent break takes a superhuman effort. The physiological demands (and I rate sleep deprivation at the top) are huge and given your medical history,, a massive, massive task. After going for 46 hours, you can look anyone in the eye. And you have raised the profile of Headway quite considerably. Don't berate yourself- you and Jerone are awesome in the cycling community's eyes!Roddy Pattison
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You`ve not let anybody down, I love cycling and I was at the side of the rode just north of Wigan shouting encouragement at you as you went past.
The most i`ve ever done is 100 miles in six hours and I thought I was good ! the pair of you are supermen to get within 60 miles of the end, Keep your heads high and be proud that you tried when most would not even try to do it.
BarrieBarrie Holding -
Good decision from the team even though Jerone and yourself would have carried on. Will you try again next year or not?chris saint
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James - huge respect - you should hold your head high - so close that next time you will be totally prepared and easily beat the record. Be proud for what you Jerone and all the support staff achieved.Richie Robson
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James, I would be delighted to look you in the eye, shake your hand and say "well done". That was a colossal achievement, one that very few people could even contemplate trying. Perhaps your best decision was in your choice of crew chief. I was pleased to do a tiny bit by coming out to give you a shout, and would be astonished if anyone feels let down in any way. If you can look at yourself in the mirror and say that you couldn't have done more, then you have no worries about anyone else. Very well done to both of you.Iain Carlton
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Hi
I am a massive fan. I think the whole team done an amazing job. I'm sorry but I still don't understand why the attempt was stopped?Steven mcewan -
you have no reason to avert your eyes from anyone...you guys did a fantastic job...and i'm sure that all of us that followed your progress will be very proud of you...so chin up...look everyone in the eye...and we all look forward to hearing about your next challenge. cheersdarren simmons
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James, good job pal. You have achieved many great feats and it is inevitable that people who push the limits so hard will sometimes fail; it is not trying that is the crime and nobody would ever accuse you of that, on the contary. You will be back to inspire people again, meanwhile have a well earned rest and use plenty of cream! ChrisChris Smith
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Hi
I am a massive fan. And I think the whole team done amazing. I'm sorry but I don't quite understand why the attempt was stopped?Steven mcewan -
Mate,
What you guys achieved was awesome regardless of the result.
I struggled to do London to Land's End last summer (albeit with kip) in under the 96 hours my mates had challenged me to beat, what you both achieved without kip was phenomenal especially given that you are probably still recovering from your recent horrific accident. You can both hold your heads high. Massive respect is due to you both !!!
All the best,
YianniYianni Papas -
Cracking effort, inspirational as always.scott baillie
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Mate, you guys were awesome whatever the end result. I took 94 hours (albeit including kip) just to do a solo London to Land's End last summer, what you achieved without kip was phenomenal especially given the horrific accident you must still be recovering from. Hold your head high. Massive respect to you both.
YianniYianni Papas -
Amazing effort James must be frustrating to look at the remaining distance v time but I know how hard an extra 20 is after a hilly 100 sportive race. That last 70 miles must have looked and im sure would have felt like eternity. I would love to have a go at an event like that one day am I fit enough? not yet but I will be. Let me know if you have another go if nothing else I would love to pace you for a hundred or so. You must get hundreds of these messages so i won't go on but really well done to you both and you never know one day?Gary Major
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Well done you should be incredibly proud of yourself xxxx you are an inspiration and make me proud to be British. If only I had 10% of your motivation..... Amazing amazing manNuala Jackson
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A really fantastic effort from you guys and all involved, I managed to see you guys motoring through the midlands and it was awe inspiring regardless of the final result.Eddy Mumbles
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James,
We haven't met but I'm the man behind Brother Printers, who were one of the sponsors behind your attempt.
Cycling that distance is a superhuman effort and only a small percentage of people could attempt it, mentally and physically.
I followed the comments on Twitter, stood by the roadside to cheer you late at night, and saw how this attempt inspired thousands of people on and off-line. You guys covered an enormous distance, with a great average speed, with little sleep and a huge resolve.
Putting your trust in the DS - Richard - was 100% correct.
I guess you'll have unfinished business with this one and we'll see you back to take the challenge on at a time that's right for you.
Kind Regards,
Phil Jones
@philjones40 @roadphil
Brother UK LtdPhil Jones -
All I can say is that a support team is there for a reason and the decision must have been a massive call. A brave effort from all concerned and not an ounce of guilt should sit on the shoulders of any team member. A pure display of strength emotional and physical. WELL DONE!Andy Clarke
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Hi James, Just to say that your safety is paramount and Im glad you took the decision likely to abandon it! I know just hard you must be feeling now after being so close to the end, these things happen and Im sure you will bounce back, keep your chin held high! James ,Im deadly proud of your efforts, you deserve it Crackers! Love once again EmmaxxxEmma Barmby
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Nothing at all to be embarrassed about!!! An unbelievable effort. The James Cracknell trilogy and all of your unbelievable feats of endurance have inspired me greatly. I have purchased a road bike and have started putting in as many miles as I can. Currently have only got up to about 50 miles a day (which I know to you must seem rubbish) but I will get there eventually and then plan on LEJOG and other Charity rides to raise money for Headway. Keep up the great work, you are a inspiration to many. Don't ever forget thatJames Penkethman
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