Today's exciting trip news from the Coast-2-Coast USA team - a bunch of brave dads/uncles/brothers/friends of children from the UK, cycling across the southern continental United States from Oceanside, California to St. Augustine, Florida to raise donations for the Children's Hospital for Wales and the Noah's Ark Appeal . Show them your support with pledges and, if you're on their route - especially at the end in St Augustine, Florida - turn out and welcome them, put them up or feed them or just buy them a beer!

Drivers Dit - D-Day + 2 and 3

Well!!! Its been two days into the trip since we've last had a minute's peace to type something up. Yesterday, Day 2, Henry "The Kitten" Jones had to give up the Captains chair of HMS Hwyl to his co-pilot, Ian "The Exterminator" Stone, whilst he had a crack at cycling on the Virgin bike. Phil "Pork Pie " Jenkins commented on the fact that he was now being driven by the Dukes of Hazzard. All I can say is, try driving a bouncy castle around America. It got so bad, that Stoney decided to have a crack at this cycling lark himself. The boys were starting to feel a bit fatigued, so Stoney thought he should do a stint in the saddle to give them a break, whilst The Kitten returned behind the wheel.

After a 3 mile climb, it turned into a 20 mile descent!!!!! In mitigation, HE didn't know that, although the Big Bear cast aspersions on his integrity by saying that he had studied the route profiles. In fairness, that's a compliment. To think that they believe that Stoney knows how to understand the profiles!!!!!!

ay 3 was a totally different matter. Henry returned behind the wheel in glorious sunshine in Kingman, Arizona, ready for our stint towards the Grand Canyon. All went well in itially, with superb times made on each leg by our intrepid cycle team and we made 60 miles in rapid time. We even had time to do a spot of shopping at one of the Route 66 Outposts. Unfortunately, the wind kicked up and cycling became a danger to everyone involved. Henry had to steer into the raging wind to keep HMS Hwyl on an even keel. The storm clouds were rising and,although they made for great photographs, it wasn't conducive to safe cycling conditions, although this intrepid bunch do not know the meaning of CAN'T!!!. Can you believe that the weather got worse when we finally arrived at Tusycan!!!!! We turned up at one od the wonders of the world and could not see further than our noses. What a waste of $50 entrance fee for the two vehicles. All that was left was to return to the hotel (after Merve insisted that the trip to the canyon was the same as visiting Lapland in a heatwave!!!!!) and enjoy their hospitality - Andrew Porth leading the way.

Early start tomorrow. Hopefully, we will see the sunrise in the Grand Canyon - weather permitting, although I am not holding my breath!!!!

Must also mention the sterling work that Able Seaman Wilding is doing in the support car. Two full days behind the wheel, keeping spirits high (and protecting the cyclists in the high winds with his superb driving) and continuing to maintain his sense of humour. It must be because he's had a big double bed to stretch his limbs in, until Stoney's dulcet nocturnal tones reach his listeners!!!!!

The Last 48 Hours...

The last 48 hours have really put the size of this country and this challenge into perspective. After a relatively smooth day one, day two began with Andy and myself rolling through the streets of 29 palms. The minor diversion was a blessing in my eyes. The weather was cool, the views incredible and the only sound we could hear was of tyres on tarmac. Perfect.

A little later, after initial pilot training for shipmate Stoney, myself, Andy and Kanye 'Pork Pie' West climbed several hundred feet into the Mohave and made our way towards Kingman. The heat initially wasn't a factor and the sun by this point was behind us, however the dry air and altitude made conditions less than ideal. A long descent to finish made things much easier though!

Later, cycling a few miles on a long steady incline, the deathly silence forced my mind to wander. Coupled with vastness of the surroundings, the enormity of what we are trying to achieve hit me.

It is, as I write, the end of day 3 and it feels as though we have already achieved so much, it also feels like we have already experienced so much more than I anticipated and we have!

Setbacks such as Stoneys bike, horrific driving and weather conditions today as well as shredded tyres have been overcome.

The real buzz from this trip, what gets me up is that this challenge is a mental and physical test for all of us. Those last few miles on the bike when the calfs are burning, the lack of sleep due to shipmates snoring, the need to be constantly thinking on your feet and planning ahead and working as a team - whatever individual tests we have on an hourly basis, we have a common goal, a target, a need to get to the next checkpoint. But more than that to enjoy it too.

Last night I had approximately 4 hours sleep, a sore throat I believe due to altitude, a pain in my leg due to the saddle on Stoneys bike being too high and a bout of homesickness as we passed through a small town Lows and I had stayed in a few years ago. That is nothing in comparison to what some of the other guys are going through and yet I can safely say we have all had another incredible, inspiring, memorable day.

There is no denying that things are going to get tougher, much tougher and to a certain extent we have had an easy ride so far, but I know we all have the confidence and belief to do this and to enjoy every single second of it too!

Tomorrow sees us leaving the Grand Canyon at 6.15am and on to Mexican Hat 200 miles away. After blistering heat yesterday and heavy snow today I don't know what to expect. Is it going to be tough? - I imagine so. Will we encounter further setbacks? - probably. Am I finding it hard to sleep due to the excitement and anticipation of what is in store for us all tomorrow? - yes, I cannot wait!

"Until the next time......take care of yourselves, and each other."

H

SUNRISE GRAND CANYON, SUNSET MONUMENT VALLEY

An early start to try and catch the rays coming over the Grand Canyon after the whiteout of the evening before we were greeted with fabulous clear views as the sun came over the valley well worth the early start. Good day logistically and the ships company are finally being whipped into shape and the change-overs are much more slick than previous days. Once again greeted with amazing views especially as we came to the end of the day as the full compliment of cyclists rode into Monument Valley like a scene out of a John Wayne movie.

Final watering hole for the evening very ethnic built Inn next to red rock and rolling river. Meal of the night was delicious Navaho Bovril Sop. I was astonished that the Navaho ate carrots. So overwhelmed by dinner I didnt attempt any figgy duff and retired early to my luxurious accommodation.

Quotes of the Day:

You Navaho whats in your soup
Whos Ian?

Merv Cooper