Another exciting academic year is coming to an end at St Monicah's with christmas time being there main summer holiday. We are trying hard to find some new land for the school in the local area as we have to move off the current site in 2013. Land however is not in abundance. Nakuru is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa and prices for land are increasing day by day. Hopefully we will be able to find somewhere in due course.

There was a little scare at the school a few weeks ago as a couple of the older girls caught Malaria. There was an outbreak of it in the slum and unfortunately some at the school were effected. One of the girls collapsed and had to be taken to hospital which upset a lot of the younger children. Thankfully both girls have now recovered and are back at school

A new Kitchen

A few repairs

Some of the buildings at the school are getting a bit old - especially the ones that were made of mud! Again at the request of the local education authority we had to do a few repairs. The picture to the left was part of the repairs to the mud classroom.

Fundraising for 2013 - fancy a cycle ride?

After the success of this years LEJOG cycle ride we have decided to begin to plan for more cycle rides next year. One of the ideas we have is to cycle from our hometown of Bury St Edmunds to its partner town in France, Compiegne. This ride will take place from Wednesday 29th May - 1st June, returning to Bury on the 2nd.

If you would be interested in taking part in this event or any others we may be running then please get in touch.

Event being organised by Act Cycling Tours (www.actcyclingtours.co.uk), exclusively for St Monicahs.

The cycle ride from Lands End to John O'Groats completed at the beginning of July rasied around the £10,000 mark with sponsorship. This is fantastic, so thank you to all that sponsored. All the money raised is going into a separate pot that we have aptly named 'The Building Fund'. We will continue to try to build this up till we have what we need to buy and build - indeed we have to find land in Kenya which is getting quite expensive in the area around the school.

If anyone would like to donate specifically into the building fund then please let us know, we obviously have a way to go to raise all the money we need so we will be continuing to fund raise and look for friendly and generous donors :-)

Just put together a video of the trip.

Our final day !

We said goodbye to The Crask Inn with all its midges biting madly, but having had a great night. What a unique place.

So we continued our journey up the A836, a single track ‘A’ road through the wilderness north of Scotland. The sun was shining, blue sky, fantastic scenery. It was a superb ride, along the side of wass slLoch Naver, which in the still of the morning gave reflections of the mountains like glass. It was an incredible ride. So many photo opportunities that progress was slower than expected, but what a journey.

Eventually we reached Bettyhill, on the northern shores of Scotland. Upon reaching the coast though, the mist immediately started rolling in, and the next part of the journey was once again in thick mist.

The landscape had changed too, to a more barren and bare one. Eventually the sun emerged and the afternoon was spent mainly in glorious sunshine as we travelled along this most northern of coastlines. Unfortunately though, the wind had turned to an easterly, and we battled against a strong headwind all the way along to John O’Groats. This slowed us down and made us even more weary, but eventually at around 6.30, as a group, we cycled into John O’Groats together.

Met by cheering crowds (well, Kenny’s Inlaws), we gathered for the compulsory photos before loading up the van, and starting our journey home.

An epic journey of 970 miles. It has been an incredible time. Mostly good weather, lots and lots of good humour and banter, a real camaraderie built up between all who participated, but mostly a great cause (St. Monicahs), that needs our continued help. If you have not done so yet, please please contribute and sponsor us on-line.

www.stmonicahs.co.uk

We decided to get an early start today as we had over 85 miles to ride, so we left Carrbridge Youth Hostel at 7.30am, while it was dull and overcast. An early start for Davy on his birthday !

Inverness was 23 miles away, but fortunately it was a relatively easy 23. Again beautiful countryside, easy roads, shadowing the main A9 mainly. Into Inverness and over the bridge to meet up with Shaun immediately on the other side.

The first group arrived and saw Shaun looking out over the Moray Firth. He quickly pointed out the dolphins swimming just a couple of hundred yards out from us. Plus a seal bobbinng around as well. What an amazing sight.

Past Inverness we continued north eventually into Dingwall, and along the Cromarty. All the time the cloud seemed to be getting lower and lower, with the odd spot of drizzle. It was when we then started over the hills towards Bonar Bridge that the weather got worse. We went higher and higher and quickly lost ourselves in the clouds. At one point the visibility was down to about 20 yards, with rain falling and very difficult conditions, but we all made it through, dropped down on the other side and gradually the day brightened from that point on.

In fact as we went further north the weather got better and better and the sun started to shine through as we got to Lairg. The last 12 miles upto The Crask inn were just breath taking. The scenery had been lovely so far, through lots of glorious rivers and valleys, but once up on to the highland plateau it is just breath taking. Wild open space. Mountains in the back ground. A real wilderness with striking beauty. We pedalled along in silence mainly just in awe of the beauty of this place. The far north of Scotland is just in another league to the rest of the UK, because it is just so different.

Along route today we had great views of curlews, plus sight of red squirrel, Golden Eagle, weasel, grouse and lots more.

We ended our day arriving at the Crask Inn, somewhere in the middle of the highlands, on the A836. Set miles from anywhere else it is just a unique experience. A time capsule from years ago, selling wonderful ale and great traditional food. Being Davy’s birthday, a card and present was presented, happy birthday sung, and an odd pint drunk.

Being, in effect, our last night though, during our meal at the inn, we sat around the table, reminiscing, giving out awards, and just talking about what a wonderful experience it had been thus far. A great bunch of people, a wonderful cause, a terrific experience. Thank you Lord.

John O’Groats tomorrow

A SPLENDID DAY

Brodies hostel in Edinburgh is not to be recommended. While we had a bed, it was the noisiest and worst place we have stayed at so far. A water pump just above our ceiling was going all night.

So we were glad to leave Brodies behind, but sad to leave Kenny behind. Some excuse about a conference in Edinburgh meant he had cycled as far as he was going to, so after waving us goodbye, he went off to a luxury hotel, large breakfast and comfort !!!

Unfortunately the rain was falling when we woke, and continued virtually all day long. The morning especially was foul. Everyone got soaked through, cold and down. At the first break, many had to change clothes, blankets were wrapped round to keep warm, hot drinks all round. Gradually the rain slowed as we progressed but it was a very tough day, and everyone was exhausted at the end of it.

The Forth Bridge was particularly difficult. Torrential rain and high winds just as most of us crossed it.

Nevertheless it was of course an eventful day as always. Brian, another friend of Davy’s, joined us for the days cycling from Edinburgh to Pitlochry.

Even in the rain and low cloud, Scotland is beautiful. Lots of wide, fast flowing rivers, with mountainous backdrops. Often stunning views. Low cloud covering the tops. Dunkeld was beautiful. Just outside of Dunkeld a Red deer with its fawn appeared and disappeared quickly in front of us.

Today’s route often followed the main A9 up into the heart of Scotland, but we mainly cycled on b-roads shadowing the main route.

Rays front tyre today bit the dust, having been worn down to the canvas, so eventually the inner tube blew. Daz came to the rescue, cycling back nearly five miles to take Ray a new tyre that he had only bought that morning, knowing his old one was severely worn.

As this group entered the high street of Pitlochry, a bagpipe started playing welcoming them to the town. The Pitlochry Backpackers Hotel seems so much more helpful, warm, clean, reassuring, comfortable and friendly than Brodies !

After a fantastic night at Low Luckens, where everyone seemed to sleep well, and we had had the opportunity to use the washing machine, the fire, and the very soft beds, it was soon time to leave.

We woke though to pouring rain, low cloud and a very dull day. Undeterred, we donned waterproofs and set off. Being in the middle of nowhere meant we had to locate the track going in the northerly direction we needed. Unfortunately, we turned too soon, found our way up a grass track that led to nowhere. Was this really the way to John O’Groats ???

Eventually the road was found and so were the hills. More ups and downs, in rain and low cloud. For some, this was the most difficult morning so far. Cycling in waterproofs that are almost as wet inside as out is not fun. A change of clothes for many at the first stop !

Gradually though as the day unfolded, it got a little brighter, but heavy showers still seemed to appear.

It wasn’t long before the Scottish signs appeared, with much rejoicing from Kenny. Most of the rest of us missed them, but soon enough noticed the midges. Yes, we were in Scotland.

The Scottish borders were beautiful. Lots of wide, fast flowing rivers, full and brown with the soil off the hills. Today it was the turn of the Oyster Catchers to serenade us as we passed through the valleys. A few hard climbs, but compensated for by sweeping downhill runs. Even in the wet they were great.

Bob, Ray and Jon managed to change a tyre on an Audi car, whilst cycling along, and then had the opportunity to change an inner tube on their bikes. Davy too falling to the dreaded puncture. Six between the group so far. Ray, once again, managed to fall off his beast !

Most of the groups managed to stop for coffee and cakes as well. One of Davy’s friends joined us for part of the day and was a welcome addition to the ride.

As we got closer to Edinburgh the uphills all became down hills, and we all sped into the city, and through it, onto a church where we were leaving our bikes for the night, before finding our hostel in the middle of town. After a curry, Davy took most of us to his pride and joy, the Brew Dog pub. One of only about 6 in the UK, we were forced to taste their unique and delightful beer. What a way to finish a day !

After a good but short night at the Youth Hostel, we set off to get north of Carlisle.

After an exhausting day yesterday, we decided we needed a little easier day, so took the option of continuing up the A6. This though took us over Shap. A 1400 ft ascent. Fortunately the wind was blowing in the right direction, and blew us up. We stopped on top of Shap for our first break and it was wild weather up there. Blowing a gale, cold and wet. The descent down into Penrith though was great, giving Daz an opportunity to beat his top speed again.

It felt a great shame to be leaving the Lakes so quickly, but there were some glorious views as we rode up Shap, and the curlews called us higher.

Unfortunately in Penrith the van stuck in 3^rd gear, but again mechanics Brown & Byford came to the rescue, delicately hammering the linkage back together !

Ray’s bike, especially the front wheel had been disintegrating over the last few days, with spokes missing and buckles appearing, so a visit to the cycle shop in Penrith saved the day, with a new wheel. Ray may now make it to john O’Groats, despite his bike !!

Cycling now really has become part of our routine. No one thinks about how they are going to complete the day, we just get on our bikes and ride. Speeding our way up the country.

Weather was very mixed all day. A number of heavy showers with us all getting wet at some point, but again, quite a bit of sunshine in the afternoon. Bob in his unique style managed to manufacture a new style of head gear to keep him dry, thanks to a Morrisons bag !

Roger had a revelation this evening. Davy and Daz explained to him that he had 18 gears on this bike, not just the 9 he had been using so far ! Tomorrow he is going to be flying up the hills.

As we neared Low Luckens, passing Carlisle airfield, Ray, Kenny and Daz spotted a Vulcan bomber. They investigated further and were given the opportunity to look closely at it, even getting into the cockpit. It was an amazing end to the day for them.

After a day covering 74 miles, we ended it by reaching Low Luckens Organic Resource Centre. What an amazing place. Located in the middle of nowhere, up on the Cumbrian fells, north east of Carlisle. Its own wind turbine, solar panels etc. Etc, Fantastic farm buildings, and the accommodation superb. We even lit the log fire to try and dry some of the clothes we washed. Another gourmet meal cooked by Ray and Kenny, a few beers, lots of banter, hopefully setting us up for the trek across the Cheviots tomorrow and on to Edinburgh.

Click on this link for Route details for today

A long long day. This day was always going to be tricky, trying to navigate our way through Warrington, Widnes, Preston, Leigh and others. It ended up being a demanding day.

As we were trying to go the scenic route more than the main road route, Cycle paths had up until now been brilliant, but today they weren’t that helpful. We used them to try and get through Preston and Warrington, but they were difficult to follow and slow. The odd time we just rode through a town, it was much quicker.

Consequently our day stretched on and on and on ..... The first team only got to the youth hostel in Arnside at 8.45, while some were well after 10pm. This was after jumping on the A6 for the last 30 miles ! 104 miles completed by most, some a little more !!

While we did have one or two pleasant parts, most were on busy roads and in built up areas. Every where was very wet as well. The cycle paths that we used were especially wet. To the extent that both Roger and Martyn ended up falling off. Fortunately no one was hurt.

Martyn had THREE punctures before lunchtime, with the second two being loud blow outs, resident mechanic Davy Brown was on hand to change inner tubes.

The weather though was another day of sunshine and showers. Wind sometimes with us, sometimes against us, but considering the rain that seems to be around at the moment, we have been greatly blessed.

Despite a long hard day, we have settled into teams, we have settled into a rhythm, Shaun has fitted in well, and our regular stops are working well too. Such that, even after a long day like today, everyone’s bodies are gradually getting used to the stresses and strains of being on a saddle for 10 to 14 hours a day.

Having said that, it was a day that we just needed to get out of the way rather than enjoy. Arnside Youth hostel was a very welcome sight, (even in the dark).

Click the link for full route details

While sad to leave the peace of Clun youth hostel, we were looking forward to a little easier cycling but first we had to get over another few Welsh hills. Low cloud and rain greeted us first off, but gradually the sun came out and we had a glorious afternoon.

We were also sad to have Ben leave us. Thurston school needed him apparently, more than LEJOG. We found it most odd cycling without him. He is greatly missed.

Eventually though we descended into Shropshire and then Cheshire.

The hybrid bikes had had the edge in the hills, especially with their triple cranks, but today was road bike day ! Lots of good roads, gently undulating, and the road bikes came into their own. Davy and Martyn had a five mile spell where their average speed was 20.57 mph.

It really was good to see the gentler slopes of Shropshire. Everyone got along well, making good time. Lots of beautiful villages such as Bangor on Dee.

AGAIN Bob, Roger and Jon managed to fit in time to shop, although this time only for an ice cream.

Ray fell into the hedge, while Jon unfortunately managed to go over his handle bars, bruising his shoulder and wrist. He will survive though to cycle another day !

So, for the first time, we arrived at our night stop before 5pm. The Bunk House, Chester. We all seemed amazed that five days in we are upto Chester. Tomorrow evening in the Lake District. Amazing !

The major event of the day was a new cycle seat for Roger. He has suffered GREATLY over the last few days, but Shaun managed to buy a new, more comfortable seat for him. Roger says its like riding a new horse !

The evenings always seem to have someone working on their bike, or someone else's bike !

Soreness is beginning to dissipate though and a realisation that the worst is over and we may well complete this epic journey.

Lets hope its worthwhile, and we manage to collect a substantial amount of money for St Monicahs. PLEASE consider sponsoring us.

Sore thighs, sore calves, sore hands, numb fingers, sore backs, sore shoulders........ sore bums ! Four days in, another 74 miles and EVERYTHING seems to be aching, throughout the group.

But a smashing day, which started a little cloudy in Chepstow, after saying goodbye to Elizabeth, and gradually got brighter and brighter, until we were cycling in hot sun for the last few hours.

A gentle run down to Monmouth before a beautiful ride up and through the ‘Golden Valley’. As the sun came out the wide sweeping valley became even more lovely.

(Bob, Ray and Jon still managed to fit in some shopping and a visit to a museum in Monmouth !)

Unfortunately though we had to leave the Golden Valley and track north, while unfortunately the rivers were tending to run East to West. So up and down, up and down, up and down, up and down. The downs were brilliant, the ups were long and hard. One climb must have been over five miles long ! Trouble is the climbs tended to take about ten times as long as the downhills !

We kept Shaun busy by having three main stops today, as we tried to get our ‘refuelling’ right. It seemed to work better.

Finally we sped down our last descent into the village of Clun and the Youth Hostel there. Unique and old worldy. No wi-fi, no TV, but delightful and peaceful.

Just one mile from the hostel though, Ray broke his chain, but still managed to freewheel down the hill into clun. Resident mechanic, Davy Brown soon had the chain mended.

Thoughts from the guys :-

Ray – B&B bliss at Chepstow. Cloths washed and dried, and they smelt like heaven. Early morning riding down the Wye Valley – WOW, emotional. Clun Youth Hostel is how it used to be, basic but beautiful in the heart of the countryside, especially in this amazing evening sunlight.

Martyn - The sounds of Wales....... sheep bleating, buzzards screeching, birds singing, the rattle of bicycle gears changing, tractor engines roaring. Its the sounds which have stood out to me today, mainly because most of the day has been spent looking down at the road as we struggled up the hills.

Davy – Beautiful day riding through the Golden Valley and Shropshire hills. Everything aches, legs, heads, neck, back and bum. But great encouragement from everyone. A third of the way there and still going !!

Jon – Another great days cycling, the beautiful hills and valleys of the Welsh countryside stretched before us, allowing us to explore the dainty and colourful villages we never knew existed. The hottest weather and the biggest hills were as usual left until last, leaving us with patchy sunburn and thighs like Victoria Pendleton. Roll on Thursday !!

Roger – The use of a Heineken bar towel helps soothes the part of the body that other bar towels can’t reach. Bob’s 20 mins toilet stop in a local’s home – Classic !!!!

Jon – Another great days cycling, the beautiful hills and valleys of the Welsh countryside stretched before us, allowing us to explore the dainty and colourful villages we never knew existed. The hottest weather and the biggest hills were as usual left until last, leaving us with patchy sunburn and thighs like Victoria Pendleton. Roll on Thursday !!

Roger – The use of a Heineken bar towel helps soothes the part of the body that other bar towels can’t reach. Bob’s 20 mins toilet stop in a local’s home – Classic !!!!