Cleveland to Deridder - Day 13

Thought I would start off by running through my morning routine:
0630 Alarm
0700 Get up and start stretching and pack car
0730 Breakfast (depends on the motel, usually toast, porridge and cakes)
Medical prep: painkillers, heat roll on, suntan screen and vaseline
0800 Roll out
Well today was the last day in Texas and if honest I was quite happy to see the back of it. Texas has been more than a third of this ride and certainly has been a state of two halves, the first being dry, arid and big country the second being green, temperate and American.
It was a hot one the clouds had gone and by 10am it was 80 degrees and climbing. The route should have been quite simple but a sequence of events and communication breakdown led to the first hour being not as productive as it should have been. After a ten minute review of our procedures and contingencies the day started again.
The route was flat with a nice southerly wind from the west assisting me, being a the weekend there was a lot happening in every town we went through all family orientated which was nice to see - Yard sales, BBQs , walks and a fire station open day. We had lunch in Buna just off the highway, i find my best cycling comes after being fed. Caroline was having a bit of a nightmare with the map today but in her defence there were some dubious road markings, however no excuse for taking me over a road that was fit for mountain bikes and tracked vehicles, fortunately it was only 2 miles long. Important note is not to go off the main roads, especially in the back end of Texas.
Louisiana was on the horizon, I for one was happy to see different road signs and just that little bit nearer. As i pulled up to the State line, Caroline was talking to two cyclists who were doing East to West. Jack and Jerry were travelling unsupported and were doing it in aid of American cancer Support. Like us a cause very close to home. We traded cards, tips and had a photo and onwards into Louisiana. Meeting Jack and Jerry made our day its always good to speak to fellow cyclists on route. I wish them all a safe journey.
What's changed from Texas to Louisiana? Roads are the same, its even more humid and pretty swampy and therefore - mozzies!
Stats: Through 4 States
Miles 1867
Another Best Western and the coffee machine doesn't work, improvement on yesterday I suppose.

Lessons learnt today:
Switch radios on!
Always check the map before turning
If in doubt stay on the same route always go back to the place you last saw each other.
Locals seem nice in Louisiana

photos from along the way

Bastrop to Cleveland - Day 12

Overcast and thunderstorms due, at least the wind was from the South and should assist in proppeling me to Navasato on the US 105 East. Today was the twelth day on the road and it told, I missed a lot of the scenery as my head was down trying to get a rhythm going but the roller coaster road wouldn't allow me to. Caroline seemed to be enjoying herself taking photos and admiring the scenery and every now and then giving me an update on the days progress.
At Navasoto it was a quick drink stop and on to Montgomery for lunch in a nice park. My lunch consists of anything with protein, sugar or fat so it was sausages, bread and cheese swilled down with a Dr P:-) had a lovely chat with Jess - always highlight of the day to talk - gives you strength and motivation to get there!
After lunch the terrain had flattened out and Lake Conroe was on the horizon, passing through the town of Conroe I got the impression this area was a bit if a playground for the city folk of Austin, Dallas and Houston. There were a lot of RVs the size of a single Decker bus if they weren't big enough they towed a vehicle behind, usually an SUV.
The ride suddenly hit problems as the road I was on had just been scarified and the surface was unrideable! After getting through Conroe it was a nice flat easy run into Cleveland and the Best western. A rare day - no punctures:-)
You know when you've been looking forward to something for at last 12 hours and when you get there you feel deflated well that's how I felt when Caro booked in and told me the internet and TV wasn't working! It got worse as I was trying to relax in the bath Caro informed me that the fridge and microwave weren't working either - forgive me for not getting excited by the whirlpool.
Lessons learnt today:
Maybe look at Super 8 tomorrow?
Lower cadence less strain on my left hamstring
85% humidity is uncomfortable
Day closer to home:-)

Kerrville to Bastrop - Day 11

It was an earlier start on an overcast Thursday morning in Kerrville, TX. The mission today was to get to Austin as quick as possible. I planned that we could be there before lunch as it was only sixty odd miles. The reason was to visit Lance Armstrong's bike store - Mellow Johnnys which said quick enough sounds like Maillot Jaunne (yellow jersey).
The route took us through Fredericksburg which was very German not just in name but buildings and road names, even had a bier keller in town. They also produced their own wine and it was reffered to as Tuscany in Texas? (American)
Going was good and I had the assistance of a nice tailwind, however as we got to Austin city limits the 290 went from a 2 to 4 lane freeway at this point Caro escorted me through town to Mellow Johnny's. Situated in town the place had such a rustic feel and very laid back.
The store is more than just that it is a centre with cafe, bike fitness centre and showers and changing rooms for people like me making a pilgramige to the great mans place. I spent 30 mins dreaming of what I could have then bought a few bits and peices. Just for the record my bike was as much in dollars as i paid sterling!
After getting out of Austin it was onward to Bastrop, progress was good and a few miles were to be stolen from tomorrows stage, must be the inspiration you get from a great man as well as our own motivations.
Finally got in at 6 after a really good day, the only down side was a quick fire 2 punctures, Caro was there on the end of the radio to get my spares. The Sheriff even pulled over to check everything was OK - seriously the people are all so helpful, they maybe packing but manners maketh man:-)
Lessons learnt today:
UK is so expensive
The roads require nets along the side to stop turtles crossing

Bracketville to Kerrville - Day 10

Thunderstorms ahead, that was the forecast for the day and they weren't wrong (weather channel) the ride started easy and the towns were being ticked off Carolines list quite quickly, it was nice to have a little bit of a tail wind for once. I don't know why but I love riding in the rain, I just seem to pick the pace up. The route took us east through a town called Uvalde, we were starting to move into ranch country, lots of big gated entrances and horses.
I met up with a guy called Don who was riding from San Diego to Jacksonville, he was riding unsupported and left SD on the 02 March and is arriving on 28 April best of luck to him - if you can get the time off or retired that is the way to do it. (Hint)
Even though the pace was good I still managed 2 punctures.
Lunch was spent a place called Hondo McDees (wireless) we had a portion of chips/ fries between us. Hate the looks I get when I walk in in Lycra! Texas is so macho.........
After lunch it was a stretch on the worse stretch of road so far, I was so pissed off, slows you down and the vibration kills as well as wrecking your bike. Felt like getting onto Lance to say if you want to be Governor get the roads sorted! True to form as we crossed a county line the road was smooth:-)
We rolled into this town called Bandera -wow it could be used as a set in a cowboy film (apart from the vehicles) it was so quaint and unspoilt this was the home of the Texan cowboy, Caro did a little shop as I watched my bike and got cold. The last leg into Kerrville was very pleasant the terrain was rolling and very green, with the weather you could have been in England apart from the Bison at the side of the road. Had to keep pinching myself at what I was seeing. Rolled into Kerrville just before last light cleaned the bike down and was tempted to use the pool but not open till May.
Tea was an Angus Mac with cheese and mushrooms and my new favourite Dr Pepper:-)
A good day:-)
Lessons learnt today:
Keep fuelled for Max performance
Put your phone in a waterproof bag
Change your song playlist

Dryden to Bracketville - Day 9

Breakfast as usual but not the easterly wind I was expecting, the morning got off to a great start 20-25mph all was good, even the road surface which seems to reflect the relevant counties budget. Border Patrol are all over the place, why haven't they arrested Caroline for acting suspiciously next to the border:-) still they go about their business, I wonder if I had a better suntan and black hair would they question me? Maybe this is where the 'illegal aliens, terrorists and narcotic smugglers' are going wrong? Get a bike:-)
At least I haven't seen any reference to Apache Indians so far today they seemed to have been surpassed by Comanche Indians, apparently one in five Americans are from a Spanish origin? I would say they need to revisit those figures as there arnt many English speaking Americans round here!
Del Rio was a little bit of a dissapointment, just a strip with fast food, motels and car sales - i do ask the question do Americans cook? There seem to be more fast food joints than any other service.
At least the scenery is changing, it is getting a lot greener but also very humid. The US 90 East is fairly flat and easy going, however still not a lot to see. I didn't meet any cyclists today which surprised me as the ladies I met two days ago said I would catch them up, maybe a different route?
Just the 3 punctures today, not blow outs but slow ones. Means I didn't remove the sharp from the tyre - schoolboy error!
Bit of a boring day but really looking forward to the next few days as we get near to Austin and a ranch for Caro, also getting close to the halfway point and that means all downhill from here or should I say hot and humid:-)
Lessons learnt today:
Check tyre before inflating inner tube
Wear hi viz jacket
This area hasn't recovered from recession

Marfa to Dryden - Day 8

Woke up to gloomy looking conditions outside, the stars and stripes outside were showing me that I would be dealing with a headwind all day just as the weather channel predicted. After an incident packed breakfast where poor Jessica the receptionist had been left to cook breakfast and accidently set the fire alarm off annoying the residents even more than not having their eggs for breakfast. Not good Best Western! We had to make our way back to Marfa as we had stayed in Alpine due to no motels being available.
Cycling back through where you have just driven from usually is quite demoralising but the views and pass into Alpine took my mind off the wind. Alpine is a nice state university town and one of the first pioneer towns from the late 1800s. The terrain has changed from arid to a more temperate with a lot more green. Out of Alpine and the wind was starting to get to me I knew at this early stage that I would struggle to make my target within daylight hours!
Just to brighten my day I spotted some wild boar ahead of me with some bird of prey just above I tried to get a photo close up but scared them off probably to the advantage of the birds (they looked like eagles to me. - certainly big enough)
The cycling was ball breaking and no let up as we passed through Marathon, yet another run down outpost. More shops and garages closed than open. The weather got worse even the sun had gone in and I donned a base layer - sunglasses only required for dust and wind protection. Even the scenery had become depressing I was starting to feel groundhog - large open expanse of land and rail track, Sanderson could not come quick enough. Meanwhile Caroline was busying herself to make sure at every rest stop food and drink were ready as I was using probably twice the effort. I spoke to some locals in Sanderson who informed me that these winds are here till the end of April! my chin dropped...
To make things worse I've been burnt on the one side of my face, apparently called a farmers tan?
Spoke to Jess, cheered us both up:-)
We reached Dryden just before sunset. A long day and gets worse as we have to go back to Sanderson to our motel! at least in the morning I will be going forward to the start point.
Wish I could say more about today but can't, I just want to get out of this part of Texas!!!!!
Lessons learnt today:
Should have looked at East to West option
Texas is big
Glad I bought my rain jacket
Never doubt the weather channel

Tornillo to Marfa

Sunrise was at 8am and the temp was rising into the 70s, I was really looking forward today as it was my first full day in Texas and going through the 1000 mile marker. We met several old timers are breakfast, why do all Americans claim to be English:-) they were helpful in guidance for our route today.
I climbed onto my bike to head South East, through Van Horn and onto Marfa, right from the off I had company - a 20-30mph headwind, great!!!! The route took us along the Mexican border and Border Patrols were all over the place, well all I can say any person who can cross that border, the extreme weather and the open landscape deserves a green card, not too mention the patrols.
Through Van Horn and onto a town called Valentine, we met two young ladies doing the southern tier East to West, they were laden with panniers and had left Marfa that morning. They were making good use of the tailwind. We talked about where we had come from and what we would be coming across on route, few tips about our respective routes and the obligatory photo shoot.
Lunch was in a little place called Valentine, we stopped for some shade in a dissused gas station I needed fuel to keep me going in the unrelenting wind. Caroline was busy taking photos of anything from old shanty houses to birds of prey and not forgetting all the historic land marks.
As I cycled I could imagine Indians coming over the btow of the surrounding hills looking down on the early settlers and stage coaches that would have made this one of the oldest trails in the US. The train line ran adjacent to the route and every so often an engine pulling probably a miles worth of rolling stock from containers to cattle - big country!
I have seen a few men in cowboy hats but the majority are baseball cap wearers chewing tobbaco and probably packing a 45! Still the folk have all been very helpful, we have given up saying Chatham, Kent and have just gone for just outside London answer I find it saves at least 2 minutes of confusion.
By the way I finished on a puncture - something to do instead of trying to relax and recouperate
Wind is picking up and a 30% chance of precipitation, or should I say chance it might rain:-)
Lessons learnt today:
Put suntan lotion on before setting off
Take sunglasses off to avoid Panda look
Don't try to hang T-shirt on fence in 30mph winds

Deming to Tornillo

The day started as it finished yesterday hot and on the I-10, after a nice breakfast it was time to get away and leave New Mexico behind, I for one was looking forward to Texas as it is psychologically halfway (depends where you are in Texas) and a rest day outside Austin is on the horizon (hopefully). All the time I ride on the interstaes all I can think is when is my next puncture? Progress was good, Caro was hanging back ready on the radio if required with replacement wheel.
About 10 miles west of Las Cruces I met a retired couple from Seattle, David and Nancy who were riding on a tandem, 50 miles a day! I felt like a cheat with Caroline in support but as I explained its the only way I could achieve it within my allocated leave.
Two punctures later I got diverted off the 10 as we came within the city limits the view of the Rio Grande was spectacular. Now all I had to do was navigate through and onto El Paso, all of a sudden the wind was from the south and in my face. We had lunch by the side of the road, temperature was starting to burn so went through my top to bottom regime (literally) sun cream, heat rub etc.
I cycled along the route 20 and across into Texas, the route ran parrellel to the main train line and into the suburbs of El Paso, the US/Mexican border was quite prominent this was a case of a divided city one prosperous side and one not so. After several attempts to get across I called for the cavalry to help me out and get me through the other side. I had underestimated the size of this city it wasnt vertical but horizontal and went on for miles.
I came out the other end unscathed and puncture free. I witnessed my first twister winding its way across the open ground, it was orange dust being whipped up by the wind.
Finally got off the bike after 12 hrs - I am spent!!!!! But haven't finished there, I now have tedious chore of fixing tyres and tubes. I only have 8 new left, thus repairs are required.
Lessons learnt today:
Caroline does not like Interstates
McDees doesn't do refills, but Wi-Fi is good
My body needs a day off
Lost an hours sleep as we have moved to Central time

Safford to Deming - Day 5

Today started slow as the wind was in my face and the road surface was terrible and undulating, however still averaged about 15mph I think I've just been spoilt over the last few days with good tail winds. We went through a few one horse towns in particular a place called Duncan, quite quaint - I do get some funny looks off the locals! The landscape is changing massively as we head south into New Mexico large open plains flanked on the horizon by mountains. The one thing that will stick in my mind is what I witnessed at the side of the roads all the way to Lordsburg was the amount of beer bottles just scattered road side, whether these are just flung from vehicles or there are parties out on the plains? There were thousands!
Maybe it was a smashed bottle on the shoulder that gave me my third puncture, my backside was killing again but a new pain was taking my mind off it - white finger in my fingers from the constant vibration through the handlebars (panty pads come in handy again)
Lunch was at Lordsburg at a garage before joining the I-10 for the last stretch to Deming. I observed that the locals probably spend more on their vehicles than their homes!
Onto the I-10 for a 70 mile stretch, this is where I am most likely to have a puncture so I get Caro to give me a head start so she is always behind me as she has the spare wheels. I had a fantastic tailwind and the road was flat I had covered over half the route and a rest stop was 2 miles up the road when Caro came passed and signaled for a stop - happy days all of a sudden the Continental divide marker sign came up I needed to get a photo, so off I went put the bike against the sign and snapped away. Within a minute of getting back on the bike that dreaded sound of the flat tyre. My predicament was either to spend 10 mins at the side of the road changing the tube or walk to the rest area - I chose to walk - trying to walk a mile in cycling shoes isn't easy and you ruin the cleats which lock you into the pedals so I took them off - a mile later a nice lady in a pick up gave me a ride to the rest area (400yds) she was equivelant to highways agency and said you cant walk on the side of the Interstate. I was grateful as my feet were getting blisters. I will just add those to the injury list
With new wheels on I finished the leg in double quick time, when I met up with Caro she told me some middle aged woman had walked around our car and taken a photo of the plate? Caro asked if she could help and whether she had offended her of which the woman acknowledged but would not say why - nutter! Personally I would of asked her not to take photos of the car! This has unsettled Caro and for all the nice, helpful people we have met this just brings you back to reality and more cautious.
Lessons learnt today
Carry more inner tubes
Trust no one
New Mexico is a bit tired and it seems to be a poor relation to the neighbour States
Caro did learn a little bit of Spanish in her classes and put it to good use today (speak English but slower in a Spanish accent)

Superior to Safford

Nothing like a 4000ft climb to wake you up, I was speaking to the motel manager and he was saying that I had a 10 mile climb and there will be snow up there, he was right on both counts. Still what a wonderful experience and probably the most scenic climb I have experienced. Caro was strategically positioned with the immaculately laid out car ready with drinks, food and medical (will cover the medical aspect later!) However I'm not allowed to sit in it I case I mess it up!
I met two other coast to coast cyclists laden to the nines with panniers and the kitchen sink - how they got up that climb I don't know? Chapeau.
The scenery as we passed thru copper mining towns was breathtaking, the temperature was also breathtaking. We were well and truely in Apache country, however didn't see many wigwams:-) cactus are starting to dissapear and the ground is more open scrub as we drop down to the valley, wind is behind and the going is very good.
I was hoping for a good break at a town called Bylass, I was in need of food but more pressing was the pain in my backside similar to sitting on razor blades. The town was the proverbial one horse and very Apache Indian, what was worse was no diner!
Caro found a shop and got me a Sandwich, banana and ice cold coke, but more important some panti-pads for a bit of comfort in the nether region. 50 miles later they had passed the test, good job its a pack of 24:-)
Still on track and lodging at Safford, outside swimming pool looks inviting to tourists but the locals wouldn't entertain swimming till May at the earliest. Just met an ex Sapper left the Corps (ex 23 Amph) in 86 and has settled over here.
Lessons learnt today:
Panty pads are not just for girls
Caro has learnt to orientate a map (Google tablet)
Pointless putting suncream on my left side as it doesn't get the sun

It was such a shame to leave the Westward Motel this morning, we could have stayed another night and Caro could have got some horse riding. We are well and truelly in gold rush country, lots of abandoned mines and shanties which would have accommodated prospectors.
I set off at a blistering pace, no wind and pretty flat averaging just under 20mph all the way to the I-10 East to Pheonix. Once we got to the junction we met some highway patrol who advised which way to go to navigate around Pheonix, however it was a dirt road so the decision was to go on I-10 (equivelant to riding on the M25) and get as far as we could - as the freeway went to 6 lanes it was time to get off! Just as well as I got 2 flats as I cycled up the ramp to meet Caro! Plan B - get me safely across the city to Apache Junction.
Once at Apache Junction it was off via the route 60 to Superior, a great climb up into Tonto national park, the views were breathtaking and the fast desent into Superior where out accommodation was a quaint little motel. It wouldn't look out of place in a 50s film.
Lessons learnt:
Don't ride on city interstates
Don't mention punctures
Route selection around towns

Brawley to Salome

It was a beautiful sunrise as we drove out from our motel to the start point for today's ride of approx 140miles to Salome, Arizona. On paper it looked quite straight forward, however on the ground turned out to be very punishing. The ride started through the sand dunes with a head wind I knew then it was going to be a long day but worse was to follow the road was like a roller coaster of painful little climbs through arid desert scrub on the way to Blythe. Caroline was stopping at random points along the way and writing her journal and taking photos of the strange desert flora - I did warn her about rattlers as I had seen two roadkill!
again we came across US Border Patrol (I got worried and checked the map to make sure we weren't going the wrong way, I was right we were approx 100 miles from the border) I cycled through without being challenged, when Caro caught up with me she told me that they wanted me to stop?
Lunch was at the golden arches in Blythe, progress was good. Caro booked the motel for the evening at Salome and off we went. We crossed the Colorado river and entered Arizona, one down seven to go. As we entered all of a sudden cactus were every where. What I didn't expect was a 10 mile climb on the interstate 10 dodging rubber and debris in the hard shoulder, however every time a truck went past the force would propel you up without head wind - a welcome relief. Dare I say no punctures as yet - miracle.
Every up hill has a down hill and this didn't dissapoint all the way into Quartzsite, however followed by another climb out of the valley. I haven't mentioned by this time roadside temperature is pushing into the 80s. Energy gels and water kept me fuelled. Finally off the I-10 and onto US 60 all the way to Salome, I was feeling spent and speed was a struggle for the last 20 miles even downhill, this one horse town could not come quick enough - finally arrived at 6:30pm to a very pleasant surprise - the motel was classic western.
Lessons learnt today:
Stop at Border control points
AC/DC makes you ride faster -fact
Get a flask for hot water

It had to happen! Driving up the interstate to our start point in Pine Valley and the road is closed due to snow and ice - EPIC Fail. As there is no alternate route we can only just sit here and wait it out! The only problem is time, this could potentially put us back a day and what's worse if we had stayed at Pine Valley we would have been past the worst and had a free run into El Centro and onto Brawley. Finally the interstate was opened and we got on our way, conditions were very icey and caution was taken on the desent. Amazingly within an hour there was no sign of snow as I dropped from 2000ft to sea level and one of the best desents I have ever done average speed approx 40mph.
Within 2 hours I had gone from freezing to mid 70s. Caro was pulled up by the US Border Patrol for parking by the side of the road where accomplices would pick up Mexicans crossing the border and trying to get into the States! The good thing was the wind was behind me and the roads were flat as a pancake through El Centro on the way to Brawley.
I had an Airshow from the USAF F-15 as they buzzed above me in formation (top gun school) and practised their manouvres in the clear blue sky. The terrain made me think this was perfect for the military and perfect for troops training for Afghanistan.
On the whole a good day, Caro is getting the hang of driving the car and used to the massive trucks on the road as well as the main mean of transport being the pick up truck - law into themselves. Tough day tomorrow through the desert proper and on our way to Phoenix for Wednesday.
Lessons learnt today:
don't park by the side of the road near the border
Wear gel gloves to combat the vibration from bad road surfaces
Wear sun cream at all times

San Diego to Pine Valley

After a short sleep we were up early to pack the car, shop and assess what we were going to do today with regards to cycling -the weather was so unpredictable with snow at 2000ft and where we wanted to get to was 4000ft. We went shopping our friend Rich from San Diego. At Walmart we bought two walkie talkies which have proved to be brilliant and were essential through San Diego. We took a gamble to try and get to Alpine or Even Pine Valley (50 miles) and set off from Dog beach after dipping my bike in the Pacific Ocean, within 10 minutes I had a potential technical problem

I hadn't tightened it fully when assembling it and it had worked loose and crossed threaded, this was a potential stopper however, managed to get it on and flush - it won't be coming off in a hurry.
Caro guided me through the suberbs and finally got out to the Historic Old Highway 80 which would take us to our destination. A quick pit stop at Burger King was required - 1000 calories in seconds:-) As we set off the inclines got greater and the temperature dropped to just above freezing, we must be the only tourists that will not witness true Californian sunshine! Lots of city folk were making there way to the snow, at this time I was starting to get worried as the snow was coming down heavy and the road was Slippy, fortunately it was all uphill. Finally got to Pine Valley to find that the motel was fully booked! Epic fail we had to go back to Alpine to get a room - early start to get to the starting point ready for pretty much the same again but longer and all day to get us to Brawley or even beyond.
Lessons learnt today
With an automatic car depress brake to select gear
Book motel in advance
Wear more than one thin pair of socks in freezing conditions

THE FLIGHT

Jess & Luke dropped us off at Terminal 5 Heathrow, the start of a great adventure! The EMBO cycle ride across the USA. The usual feelings of entering any airport filled my body with anxiety I know I hadn't flown since last year but the terminal was way in advance of what I had ever experienced, there wasn't the usual hustle and bustle of Thomas Cook package holiday makers with kids in tow it was all quite civilised, however that advanced we didn't know what to do! We edged our bets and stood in 2 seperate queues! after waiting for the person I front of me to finally get checked in it was our turn - Caroline did the talking and everything was going well till the bags were weighed, bearing in mind we had weighed them before we left and all were under, unfortunately for us our scales weren't the same as British Airways and the embarresment of trying to lessen the load was undertaken I front of a less than amused crowd, finally it was settled to the tune of £80 - thanks BA for assisting with the charity bike ride. At this stage I knew an upgrade was out of the question!
Once on the plane and a little bit of seat swapping and a 10 delay we took off -finally on our way to sunny climbs, well actually the pilot announced that the weather in San Diego was similar to London great! In flight entertainment was a Tintin film and a bland chicken meal with tonic water and lime (no gin) the remainder of the flight was quite uneventful and we landed in a blustery cold San Diego at 8:30 local time (4:30am - UK)
Once off the plane the US Customs didn't let me down, Biometrics, fingerprints and nearly an hour in line, however they were very pleasant - they must have a serious immigration issue here.
we were met by our old friend Rich Patchet who picked us up and took us to collect the hire car and onto the hotel, I think we would still be driving around if it wasn't for him. It was great to see him and have our own local tour guide to see us around San Diego and out of the town safely.

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Wonderful support helped Emma cope

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Husband and wife team in top gear for cycle trip
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