I have a vague plan to try and have at least one adventure each month. This was January’s…

I struggle with fatigue. I usually sleep for about 12 out of 24 hours and feel tired for most of the time. Over the last year or so, I have learnt that I can ignore this creeping weariness for a few hours… but what would happen if I ignored it for longer? What if I continued to push for a couple of days? Would the pain and fatigue continue to accumulate until I literally crumpled in to a sorry heap, or would it plateau and not grow worse. Only one way to find out…

So with the winter Jennride* fast approaching, I decided to have a 3-day bikepacking/kit/body tester. A 240km, 4700m of assent, route was plotted. This would take me down towards Alton before heading north-east towards Carsington Water, then tacking in a generally northwards direction towards Hathersage before finally turning west and heading home. I carried full camping and cooking kit so that I could crash-out when my body cried “stop”.

Day 1. 69km, 1276m. Destination: A wild camp near the River Manifold.

Darkness had fallen as I arrived in Leek. I bought some bottled water so that I would be ready for my camp. A small amount of chocolate may have also crept into my bag. I usually try and avoid both of these items… but needs must!

It had been dark for two hours when I finally found the perfect wild camping spot: A small grassy hillock with a few trees adjacent to a seldom used bridleway. My tent was erected in short order; my airbed inflated, and hot water ready for my dehydrated meal. I snuggled into the little tent and enjoyed my evening meal as I listened to the pitter-patter of rain outside. Life felt perfect.

Day 2- 92km, 1499m. Destination: North Lees Campsite.

But things were about to become much tougher. My seldom-used bridleway became a non-existent and featureless muddy field. The incline increased and I was forced to get off the bike and walk. It took me almost 2 hours to cover the next 3km as I sweated, swore and pushed the steel bike ever upwards. It was a slog! All nightmares eventually end and I was pleased to eventually discover a ribbon of broken tarmac. Riding became possible again and the passing miles grew easier as I headed towards Ashbourne. Arriving at the cafe far too late for breakfast, I instead ordered a toastie and a much-needed coffee. And another coffee. And a cake.

I returned to the ride. Fatigue was beginning to build; my eyes and head felt heavy, my legs stiff and the pace began to drop. I had caught a glimpse of myself in the cafe; I knew that I looked a bit rough, with a reddened face and darkened eyes. I had already committed to push through this; intrigued as to what may happen as this effort continued.

The roads grew steeper after I skirted around Carssington Water. Or was this mounting fatigue? I pushed on, my head feeling hotter and my thoughts slowing. I started to cut corners from my planned route. I decided that I would head to Bakewell where coffee, food and shelter could be found, and re-assess my condition and plans.

Modestly recharged on caffiene and sugar, I remounted the ISO and headed north towards Hathersage. I had decided to bypass the remaining off-road sections in order to get to North Lees campsite with my rapidly failing energy levels. It wasn’t the most fun-filled couple of hours as I rode along the fast, busy and unlit B6001. I reckoned I’d earned the can of stout and jumbo Eccles Cakes on offer at Hathersage’s petrol station.

Within an hour I was set-up for the second night in my little one-man tent. Not such a great night tonight though as gravity conspired with the heavily sloping field: I spent most of the night slip-sliding down my airbed; my decent only arrested by crumpling knees and wet tent fabric. Ah well.

Day 3- 44km, 527m. Destination: A marshmallow bed at home.

It hadn’t been the best of nights, so I decided to reward myself with a cooked breakfast. The cafe inside Outside*** of Hathersage was the perfect place to enjoy this. Refilled yet not really recharged, I headed away from Hathersage and climbed onto the moors. Wind, rain, mud and increasing fatigue; things were getting much harder. I think this was my tipping point as |I felt my body begin to give up. My guts had begun to complain and toilet stops became frequent. I had dreaded this: Damage from radiotherapy means that my bowels can suddenly, if not unexpectedly, develop an urgency that must be attended to within minutes. Sometimes sooner!

The irony… Above Shatton Moor; I shat myself. You could not make this up. I just wasn’t quick enough to get the cycling kit off in time. This continued along Dirtlow Rake as I had an unusual meeting with a farmer. He was muck-spreading as I was… well, the same I suppose. This continued for a couple of hours. You give up worrying after a bit. Acceptance brings peace.

The rain continued as I took the most direct route home. Riding through Chinley, I spotted a cafe that was still open. A quick coffee and a final cake would give me the lift I needed to complete the final miles home. I’m so glad that cafe had beckoned. Inside I spotted a lady that I recognised… Sam Gee! One of my most favourite people from my time studying occupational therapy at Salford. It was great to catch-up with Sam, although I was slightly conscious of my wild appearance and even wilder smell. I’m surprised she recognised me, let-alone hugged me!

And then it was time to cruise back alongside the Peak canal to my home. A warm house and a hot shower had never felt so good 🙂

So, what did I learn?

I managed the first two days without any major problems. Yes, I was very tired by the second-half of the second day, but I think most 56 year olds would have been. I could still think clearly and the pain was at quite modest levels. It was on the third day that my body began to give up. I was so tired and my bowels clearly were in distress! Maybe if I’d slept better? Or eaten more healthily? I remained highly fatigued for the next few days after this adventure, but I felt fully recovered within 6 days. I think I could have shortened this recovery time if I had focussed on it. But the pub called 🙂

I already know that I have to make the most of my time. The cancer appears to be well-controlled at present, but it could start to grow at any time. I really don’t think that these endeavors increase the risk of my cancer developing. Maybe the temporarily increased levels of fatigue and supressed immune system give it a slight advantage, but then I believe that I recover to become stronger; Advantage Andy. I love planning and tackling these adventures. and have no plans to give up any time soon. After all, what is life without an adventure?

*Jennride- A 2-day bikepacking adventure in memory of the late Jenn Hill

**ISO- In Search Of. A steel adventure bicycle from the lovely folk at Mason Cycles

***Outside- An outdoorsy type of shop in Hathersage. It has a great cafe upstairs