About

For information about my forthcoming book on cycling Land's End to John o'Groats please go to the page entitled Mud, Sweat and Gears

Hello and welcome to my blog. I thought it would be nice to write about the things I like to do most of all: cycling slowly, walking aimlessly and boating when I can scrounge a trip. I used to own a narrowboat and am looking for another one so if you have one that you no longer want please go to the contact page.



I have a very old Dawes Horizon that I treat abominably and never clean. I would like to get a new bike but my bike and me, we go back a while and I am wary of having to start all over again. We got to know each other pretty well when we cycled from Lands End to John O'Groats together in 2009. I wrote a book about the journey called Mud, Sweat and Gears which will be out in March 2012.



I was born in Bristol, England, quite a long time ago. I have, along a somewhat shambolic career trajectory, somehow managed to collect a BA Hons (1st) in history/politics, a Diploma in Law and a First Aid certificate.

I currently live in Keynsham, Somerset with my daughter Anne and no pets since the hamster died and the cat moved out. (I don't think these events were connected although I cannot be sure. The cat was looking decidedly shifty, but then, cats always look like that.)

8 comments:

  1. Ellie,

    really enjoyed the book and recommending it to mates. Congratulations on a fantastic journey, particularly with all that rain!

    If you're interested in a little cycling history relating to Bristol, take a look at my brief blog: thanetsilverlight.blogspot.com.

    I don't have the time or energy to keep it up to date.

    The pub in my village, South Wraxall, does great beer, great food, has really friendly staff and even installed a bike rack in the front last year. Worth checking out if you're ever out this way.

    Best wishes.

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  2. Ellie,

    really enjoyed the book and recommending it to mates. Congratulations on a fantastic journey, particularly with all that rain!

    If you're interested in a little cycling history relating to Bristol, take a look at my brief blog: thanetsilverlight.blogspot.com.

    I don't have the time or energy to keep it up to date.

    The pub in my village, South Wraxall, does great beer, great food, has really friendly staff and even installed a bike rack in the front last year. Worth checking out if you're ever out this way.

    Best wishes.

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  3. Hi Bob,

    Glad you enjoyed my book, thanks for taking the time to let me know. I have enjoyed reading your blog - what a wonderful idea to take your bike 'home'. I was brought up in Bedminster and was fascinated by the history of your Thanet Silverlight, how brilliant. I had no idea they were made there.

    Is the pub in South Wraxall you refer to called the Long Arms? I have not tried it but will definitely put it on my must visit list. Hoping for more clement weather this summer than last!

    With all best wishes

    Ellie

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  4. Thank you Elle, I really enjoyed your story, I live in far away (for you) Tasmania, where there are a lot of hilly roads, but some very good bike tracks on the flat bits. Kathleen

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  5. Really enjoyed reading your book. You shared your travels with a lovely nice balance of fun and honesty, and I enjoyed learning about the history of the places along the way. I've gained some good ideas for my own tour next year and I look forward to breaking with my usual abstinence from alcohol whilst cycling.. I hold you responsible!! thanks Ellie, 5 stars all the way for me!. Richard.

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  6. Brilliantly written book, I can genuinely feel the emotion and exertion that you felt on this ride.
    Your sense of humour shines through even during those less enjoyable moments...
    Feeling the inspiration on this cold winters day!!!
    If you enjoy cycling, this book is a fantastic read 😊

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  7. Hi Ellie , I have just finished listening to your wonderful book .. I have listened to this book religiously every year for the past 5 years , I always try and listen to it about this time year so I get the feel of the weather you had to endure ..I never tire of your book I absolutely love it and am actually quite sad when it comes to the end ..
    I have around 70 titles on audible and I can safely say yours is my favourite..I totally identify with you and l am totally inspired by your achievement..I used to cycle but I bought a horse only because the saddle is bigger ..🙄 😉 not really , it’s because I hate head winds and I like being broke ! But still do love the idea of cycling ..you wrote a fabulous book of your adventures ..thank you .looking forward to reading it again next year .. 😂😂😊😂

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  8. Ellie, Enjoyed the ride / book. Where's a picture of Mick? More importantly, Where's the picture of you both at the finish line? �� Thank you for sharing. I've spontaneously signed myself up for London to Brighton (55miles!?) ���� ����2021 jo
    Visited Bristol last year for a mushroom �� cultivating class, alas i grew a dodgy mold (inedible)

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