'Another Way Around', the "Four Corners": 28th April - 2nd May 2008
The team: Jim Mitchell, Ian Mitchell, Bobby Burns, Alistair Twaddle, Bob Turner, Brian Ainslie, Nick Pender, Craig Pender, Kevan McDaid and Sean Jones.
You might not know that the weather on the week of the run was some of the worst and wettest that year. Of the five days of the ride, 75% to 80% were in the rain - which varied from heavy drizzle to torrential downpours with flooded roads - and also hail, freezing fog and even a bit of snow!
Day 1: 28th April 2008
Meet up at the Deer Park services in Livingston at 6am; Brian and Jim meet Ian and Alistair coming off the M8. Craig and Kev still weren't there as Craig's bike - Big Bertha - had a dodgy fuel pipe. So Jim, Ian, Bobby, Alistair, Bob and Brian leave Deer Park for Edinburgh. Nick, Craig and Kev met them there.
At the Castle, family and friends started to arrive and so did the grey clouds above. After photos for the press, it was time to say goodbye and get moving. The team would like to thank Historic Scotland for giving permission to use the Castle as the starting venue, also thanks to everyone who turned up to see them off.
Round the city and onto the bypass heading for the A68. The heavens opened and this was the flavour for the whole trip. First stop was at the border for some photos and coffee.
Continuing south on the A68 with Kev leading on the ZZR, the team had to stop and put on the rain suits as, by this time, it was coming down in stair rods. Jim swears that he saw Noah's Ark going by in the outside lane at one point.
The team reached the junction to join the A/M1 and, because of road works, could only turn northwards as the southbound slip road was closed. Heading back in the direction of Scotland, the team were split up into two groups, following diversion signs that were all too small. Jim turned off to meet up with the two Bobs and Nick, but the rest of the team were heading north. They couldn't stay on the sliproad so they drove down to Scotch Corner hoping to meet up with the rest of the team. After 20 mins, Kev appeared and told them that the rest of the group were again heading south. They finally caught up with them and stopped to refuel.
Back to the M1, the rain was still coming down, and the team was split yet again. Jim, Bobby, Ian and Bob slowed down to 50mph but still no sign of the other lads so stopped at Watford Gap services to wait. Kev phoned to say that Alistair's rear wheel bearing had started to break up on the motorway. A new bearing was found and fitted but Jim, Bobby, Ian and Bob has already chosen to ride on to the M25, over the Queen Elizabeth bridge and down to Dover. Stopping for fuel and to adjust Ian's chain, there was a phone call to say that the other lads were safely in a Travelodge having dinner and beer. Still heading south, Jim, Bobby, Ian and Bob reached the outskirts of Dover at about 9pm, where they found a campsite five miles out of town.
Photos
Day 2: 29th April 2008
Jim, Ian, Bobby and Bob awoke in the campsite early Tuesday morning, it was dry but the rain clouds were heading in so the rain suits were donned yet again. Ian had phoned the rest of the team - who were still further north - to arrange a meet up point before Land's End, so Stonehenge seemed like a good place. Because the rest of the team had further to travel, Jim, Ian, Bobby and Bob decided to ride the south coast road. They had also arranged to meet Sean at Stonehenge.
First stop was Dover for some photos, then to Hastings, Eastbourne and Brighton.
Along the south coast road to Southampton, north to Salisbury and Stonehenge where they met Sean for a very expensive coffee and pastie. Craig's "Big Bertha" had the same fuel pipe problem again and the gear lever had come off Nick's Yamaha Thunderace so they were delayed. By this time it was pouring with rain, so the decision was made to leave as it was a 5 hour ride from there to Land's End and they could meet up with the rest of the team in Cornwall.
Heading down to Cornwall, the rain was so heavy you could hardly see and the roads were starting to flood. They stopped for fuel and everyone's wet suits were starting to leak. It was so cold that the frost warning light came on Jim's BMW. Heading over the moor into Cornwall there was even sleet and snow.
At the fuel stop, there was a missed call from the other group saying they had gone the wrong way on the M25 so didn't know how long it would be until they reached Land's End. The team was wet, cold and weary (particularly Ian), so everyone was glad that the other lads had phoned ahead to book a Travel Inn and that he would get a good night's sleep.
The rest of the team headed to the campsite, it was actually dry to put the tents up. By this time, everyone was hungry so into the village for a meal.
A phone call to Ian about 2 hours later confirmed that the rest of the guys had arrived safely, so a time was arranged to meet at Land's End the following morning. After a few drinks it was time for sleep but, as soon as they left the hotel, the heavens opened yet again. Nobody slept much in the tents on Tuesday night due to the wind and the rain.
Photos
Day 3: 30th April 2008
After packing up the tents and gear, Sean, Bobby, Jim and Bob set off down the twisty road to Land's End. The bikes were parked up and, not only did it start to chuck it down again, but everything was closed until 9.30 when the team were able to have a coffee and some breakfast.
The rest of the team had arrived by this point, Kev (aka Compo), Nick, Alistair, Craigy and Ian (Clegg, Duracell and Budgie) and Brian (Tie Strap); it was good to meet up again as the full team hadn't been together since Monday.
The "End to Enders" forms were all stamped, ready to go. Back up the M5 to Exeter and, by this time, the rain was torrential so the team took a welcome lunch stop at Burger King. At this point, Bobby and Bob decided to get home that evening as their kit on the bikes was soaked, so everyone said their goodbyes and the rest of the team exited Exeter.
Another run up a long, boring motorway to the service station just before Birmingham on the M5 where they said goodbye to Sean, and thanks to him for getting them there.
After a refuel, Jim decides to take a wrong turn; with Tie Strap in tow, they are heading into Birmingham. The rest of the team are still on the right road, and soon they are back onto the M6 to catch up with the rest of the lads. They pass Compo going by Hilton Park services, waving at them to keep going. Finally they catch up with the guys but not Craigy. They keep heading north and stop about 50 miles south of Kendal where they try to phone Craig but there's no answer, Compo arrives and hasn't heard from him either. Unbeknown to anyone, Craigy and "Big Bertha" had carried on up the road and reached Westmoreland in Cumbria, where he'd booked everyone into the Westmorland Hotel. Everyone was glad of it as they were exhausted, wet and cold, and it was still raining.
The bikes are parked and everyone descends on the plush foyer, soaked through and freezing. Craig, Nick and Jim in one room, Compo and Clegg next door, Tie Strap and Alleycat downstairs. Changed and off to the bar and, after food and plenty of beer, everyone went to their beds for a well-earned sleep.
Photos
Day 4: 1st May 2008
Next morning everyone was up for breakfast, then kitted out and ready to go. Scotland, here we come!
Raining again. The M6 turns into the M74 and soon the Scotland sign appears, the team will be off the motorways at last. Up to Hamilton services for fuel and meet up with Lizzy on the Yamaha YZF-R1.
Coffee and a bathroom break later, they were about to leave when Alleycat's Honda Blackbird decides not to start. One battery later, they were away again. Up through Glen Coe (it wasn't raining!) to Fort William and McD's for coffee and food.
From there up by Loch Ness and on to Inverness where they lose Kev, waiting on him it began to chuck it down again. 50 miles left, so away they go in the torrential rain yet again. Finally the convoy arrives in Ullapool - forget camping, it's a hotel for the night.
Check in, change, food and beer in that order. A great night was had by all, the kind that made the trip - laughs with good friends and camaraderie (and beer!) At about 1.30am, everyone decides to head back to the hotel. Late night snacks and Zzzzzzz...
Photos
Day 5: 2nd May 2008
On the Friday morning, most of the team woke with a sore head. Ullapool was stunning with the sun beating down on the harbour. Down for breakfast and then get the gear together and out to the bikes, Kev accidentally drops his ZZR but, luckily, no damage. Auld Reekie (Craig) is leading up the road to Durness and Cape Wrath as the team are stopping at Stac Polly. Craig lost his wife Irene to cancer and, as she loved it up there, he scattered her ashes around it. Everyone was very emotional that morning.
From the Stac, off up the road to Cape Wrath. The ferry that goes over to the lighthouse had left, so they decided to go into Durness for some lunch.
Along the fantastic coast road to Thurso, the weather hit again and down it came in style. Going round a bend, Kev caught some muck and the bike had a wobble, no bother to Compo though and he was fine.
Along to John O'Groats and everything was closing - it was only 4.25pm. Jim went to the store where the "End to End" forms are stamped and, even after explaining that they were a charity group and had ridden the four corners, they were refused. After speaking to Scottish locals, they went to the Post Office where they were all stamped. Leaving John O'Groats, they headed down the A99, one of the best roads in Scotland. Down to Inverness for fuel and, by now, most of the team are burnt out. Alleycat and Lizzy can't go on, so stay in Inverness.
Back on to the A9 and only 110 miles to Perth. This part of the ride felt the longest and it was getting cold again around Aviemore. Finally they reached Perth for a refuel, Tie Strap heads home on the Stirling road so it was Kev, Ian, Craig, Nick and Jim riding towards the Forth bridge. Everyone said their goodbyes at the services in Perth and carried on to their homes. Eventually, Jim arrived at about 11pm, exhausted and running on auto pilot. Bike parked safely in the garage, it was time to head for bed as he was working all weekend.
Like the rest of the team, Jim has a full-time job.
Photos
The four corners of the UK in five days - Another Way Around - raised a total of £13,700 for charity, of which £10,200 went to Cancer Research UK and £3,500 went to UNICEF.
The team: Jim Mitchell, Ian Mitchell, Bobby Burns, Alistair Twaddle, Bob Turner, Brian Ainslie, Nick Pender, Craig Pender, Kevan McDaid and Sean Jones.
You might not know that the weather on the week of the run was some of the worst and wettest that year. Of the five days of the ride, 75% to 80% were in the rain - which varied from heavy drizzle to torrential downpours with flooded roads - and also hail, freezing fog and even a bit of snow!
Day 1: 28th April 2008
Meet up at the Deer Park services in Livingston at 6am; Brian and Jim meet Ian and Alistair coming off the M8. Craig and Kev still weren't there as Craig's bike - Big Bertha - had a dodgy fuel pipe. So Jim, Ian, Bobby, Alistair, Bob and Brian leave Deer Park for Edinburgh. Nick, Craig and Kev met them there.
At the Castle, family and friends started to arrive and so did the grey clouds above. After photos for the press, it was time to say goodbye and get moving. The team would like to thank Historic Scotland for giving permission to use the Castle as the starting venue, also thanks to everyone who turned up to see them off.
Round the city and onto the bypass heading for the A68. The heavens opened and this was the flavour for the whole trip. First stop was at the border for some photos and coffee.
Continuing south on the A68 with Kev leading on the ZZR, the team had to stop and put on the rain suits as, by this time, it was coming down in stair rods. Jim swears that he saw Noah's Ark going by in the outside lane at one point.
The team reached the junction to join the A/M1 and, because of road works, could only turn northwards as the southbound slip road was closed. Heading back in the direction of Scotland, the team were split up into two groups, following diversion signs that were all too small. Jim turned off to meet up with the two Bobs and Nick, but the rest of the team were heading north. They couldn't stay on the sliproad so they drove down to Scotch Corner hoping to meet up with the rest of the team. After 20 mins, Kev appeared and told them that the rest of the group were again heading south. They finally caught up with them and stopped to refuel.
Back to the M1, the rain was still coming down, and the team was split yet again. Jim, Bobby, Ian and Bob slowed down to 50mph but still no sign of the other lads so stopped at Watford Gap services to wait. Kev phoned to say that Alistair's rear wheel bearing had started to break up on the motorway. A new bearing was found and fitted but Jim, Bobby, Ian and Bob has already chosen to ride on to the M25, over the Queen Elizabeth bridge and down to Dover. Stopping for fuel and to adjust Ian's chain, there was a phone call to say that the other lads were safely in a Travelodge having dinner and beer. Still heading south, Jim, Bobby, Ian and Bob reached the outskirts of Dover at about 9pm, where they found a campsite five miles out of town.
Photos
Day 2: 29th April 2008
Jim, Ian, Bobby and Bob awoke in the campsite early Tuesday morning, it was dry but the rain clouds were heading in so the rain suits were donned yet again. Ian had phoned the rest of the team - who were still further north - to arrange a meet up point before Land's End, so Stonehenge seemed like a good place. Because the rest of the team had further to travel, Jim, Ian, Bobby and Bob decided to ride the south coast road. They had also arranged to meet Sean at Stonehenge.
First stop was Dover for some photos, then to Hastings, Eastbourne and Brighton.
Along the south coast road to Southampton, north to Salisbury and Stonehenge where they met Sean for a very expensive coffee and pastie. Craig's "Big Bertha" had the same fuel pipe problem again and the gear lever had come off Nick's Yamaha Thunderace so they were delayed. By this time it was pouring with rain, so the decision was made to leave as it was a 5 hour ride from there to Land's End and they could meet up with the rest of the team in Cornwall.
Heading down to Cornwall, the rain was so heavy you could hardly see and the roads were starting to flood. They stopped for fuel and everyone's wet suits were starting to leak. It was so cold that the frost warning light came on Jim's BMW. Heading over the moor into Cornwall there was even sleet and snow.
At the fuel stop, there was a missed call from the other group saying they had gone the wrong way on the M25 so didn't know how long it would be until they reached Land's End. The team was wet, cold and weary (particularly Ian), so everyone was glad that the other lads had phoned ahead to book a Travel Inn and that he would get a good night's sleep.
The rest of the team headed to the campsite, it was actually dry to put the tents up. By this time, everyone was hungry so into the village for a meal.
A phone call to Ian about 2 hours later confirmed that the rest of the guys had arrived safely, so a time was arranged to meet at Land's End the following morning. After a few drinks it was time for sleep but, as soon as they left the hotel, the heavens opened yet again. Nobody slept much in the tents on Tuesday night due to the wind and the rain.
Photos
Day 3: 30th April 2008
After packing up the tents and gear, Sean, Bobby, Jim and Bob set off down the twisty road to Land's End. The bikes were parked up and, not only did it start to chuck it down again, but everything was closed until 9.30 when the team were able to have a coffee and some breakfast.
The rest of the team had arrived by this point, Kev (aka Compo), Nick, Alistair, Craigy and Ian (Clegg, Duracell and Budgie) and Brian (Tie Strap); it was good to meet up again as the full team hadn't been together since Monday.
The "End to Enders" forms were all stamped, ready to go. Back up the M5 to Exeter and, by this time, the rain was torrential so the team took a welcome lunch stop at Burger King. At this point, Bobby and Bob decided to get home that evening as their kit on the bikes was soaked, so everyone said their goodbyes and the rest of the team exited Exeter.
Another run up a long, boring motorway to the service station just before Birmingham on the M5 where they said goodbye to Sean, and thanks to him for getting them there.
After a refuel, Jim decides to take a wrong turn; with Tie Strap in tow, they are heading into Birmingham. The rest of the team are still on the right road, and soon they are back onto the M6 to catch up with the rest of the lads. They pass Compo going by Hilton Park services, waving at them to keep going. Finally they catch up with the guys but not Craigy. They keep heading north and stop about 50 miles south of Kendal where they try to phone Craig but there's no answer, Compo arrives and hasn't heard from him either. Unbeknown to anyone, Craigy and "Big Bertha" had carried on up the road and reached Westmoreland in Cumbria, where he'd booked everyone into the Westmorland Hotel. Everyone was glad of it as they were exhausted, wet and cold, and it was still raining.
The bikes are parked and everyone descends on the plush foyer, soaked through and freezing. Craig, Nick and Jim in one room, Compo and Clegg next door, Tie Strap and Alleycat downstairs. Changed and off to the bar and, after food and plenty of beer, everyone went to their beds for a well-earned sleep.
Photos
Day 4: 1st May 2008
Next morning everyone was up for breakfast, then kitted out and ready to go. Scotland, here we come!
Raining again. The M6 turns into the M74 and soon the Scotland sign appears, the team will be off the motorways at last. Up to Hamilton services for fuel and meet up with Lizzy on the Yamaha YZF-R1.
Coffee and a bathroom break later, they were about to leave when Alleycat's Honda Blackbird decides not to start. One battery later, they were away again. Up through Glen Coe (it wasn't raining!) to Fort William and McD's for coffee and food.
From there up by Loch Ness and on to Inverness where they lose Kev, waiting on him it began to chuck it down again. 50 miles left, so away they go in the torrential rain yet again. Finally the convoy arrives in Ullapool - forget camping, it's a hotel for the night.
Check in, change, food and beer in that order. A great night was had by all, the kind that made the trip - laughs with good friends and camaraderie (and beer!) At about 1.30am, everyone decides to head back to the hotel. Late night snacks and Zzzzzzz...
Photos
Day 5: 2nd May 2008
On the Friday morning, most of the team woke with a sore head. Ullapool was stunning with the sun beating down on the harbour. Down for breakfast and then get the gear together and out to the bikes, Kev accidentally drops his ZZR but, luckily, no damage. Auld Reekie (Craig) is leading up the road to Durness and Cape Wrath as the team are stopping at Stac Polly. Craig lost his wife Irene to cancer and, as she loved it up there, he scattered her ashes around it. Everyone was very emotional that morning.
From the Stac, off up the road to Cape Wrath. The ferry that goes over to the lighthouse had left, so they decided to go into Durness for some lunch.
Along the fantastic coast road to Thurso, the weather hit again and down it came in style. Going round a bend, Kev caught some muck and the bike had a wobble, no bother to Compo though and he was fine.
Along to John O'Groats and everything was closing - it was only 4.25pm. Jim went to the store where the "End to End" forms are stamped and, even after explaining that they were a charity group and had ridden the four corners, they were refused. After speaking to Scottish locals, they went to the Post Office where they were all stamped. Leaving John O'Groats, they headed down the A99, one of the best roads in Scotland. Down to Inverness for fuel and, by now, most of the team are burnt out. Alleycat and Lizzy can't go on, so stay in Inverness.
Back on to the A9 and only 110 miles to Perth. This part of the ride felt the longest and it was getting cold again around Aviemore. Finally they reached Perth for a refuel, Tie Strap heads home on the Stirling road so it was Kev, Ian, Craig, Nick and Jim riding towards the Forth bridge. Everyone said their goodbyes at the services in Perth and carried on to their homes. Eventually, Jim arrived at about 11pm, exhausted and running on auto pilot. Bike parked safely in the garage, it was time to head for bed as he was working all weekend.
Like the rest of the team, Jim has a full-time job.
Photos
The four corners of the UK in five days - Another Way Around - raised a total of £13,700 for charity, of which £10,200 went to Cancer Research UK and £3,500 went to UNICEF.
Sponsors
"Another Way Around" is a non-profit-making group; all proceeds go to charity.
Participants in fund-raising activities pay their own expenses and some costs are covered by sponsors. We are very grateful to them.
Contact Jim Mitchell or Ian Mitchell for more information.
