Regrettably missing out the SW Wales coast due to time pressure, the intended 6000 mile target has been well exceeded.

Celebrations are intended at the West Arms in Llanarmon DC on Monday night (12th July).

Bike going well, taken some pictures, now heading towards home.

Special thumbs down to the boy racer last night in the Peugeot 105 with the lowered suspension and wide wheels, for overtaking a line of cars while on a direct collision course for the motorbike and failing to see it until too late. Tim had to take evasive action by swerving onto the pavement, resulting in the sidecar mudguard sustaining a dent from meeting a plastic rubbish bin. Thankyou whoever you are, we hope you pick up your Darwin Award, or at least meet someone like yourself head-on, soon.

Last night on the way back to the campsite, the rear chain came off and broke into 3 pieces, breaking the cush drive retainer plate as well though not fatally. This was due to an oversight after adjusting it yesterday lunchtime – forgot to lock the chain adjusters, amid all the consideral upheaval of the interview and waiting for doctors and prescriptions. Having replaced the chain, found the campsite was closed, so lit the lamps and found another one near Corfe Castle. As no staff were about, we hope the gift of a fiver and some fruit in a bag pinned to the door was acceptable.

Rob Thornton – the invaluable valve-renewing engineer buddy over the last few days – has now retired from BT, and has a great garden and a largely self sufficient fruit and veg plot. He also has a converted caravan for race meetings which is unobtrusively adapted for accommodating both people and bike. The nearby Fountain Inn in Ashurst, where the quiz was held the other night, is famed for the fact that Laurence Olivier was a regular there, and that Paul McCartney filmed the video for his hit song Wonderful Christmastime there as well.

[8.45pm] At Rock Inn, Roche, Cornwall. Earlier was going along the A38, stopped for a bit in Lostwithiel at Royal Oak pub, thinking Land’s End was much nearer. Surprised to learn it was much further along!

Hopefully sofa-surfing in Roche tonight if the pre-arranged person can be found, else it’s camping.

Saw an unusual engine house built into a major piece of rock today, most probably for mining operations. Photos to follow.

From previous story, Rob Thornton ended up sorting out his Yamaha electrics, while Tim looked at caliper and timing issues. The dial gauge measuring 0.5mm per turn was particularly impressive.

Aiming for Land’s End around 11am Friday, with about 70 miles yet to go. Should be running by around 6.30am if camping, or later if staying at friends.

In the studio will be Pauline and Brian Bloomfield, Tim’s Birmingham neighbours and mission controllers, while Tim joins the programme via mobile phone, so fingers crossed that his signal and battery remain perfect.

(click to enlarge…)

Pauline & Brian with Jo Malin on BBC Radio WM today (photo credit: Ray Woods)

[3.37pm] Near/at Christchurch in Dorset, just beyond Hampshire. Taking a pub break with a pint of Timothy Taylor ‘Landlord’.

Found today’s radio interview a bit of an emotional strain but mainly very positive.

Should be into Dorset by about 5pm. Aiming for Devon tonight, and Land’s End tomorrow night, thereafter being about 2½ days away from home.

[6.48pm] At Swanage on Dorset coast. Camping tonight near the Black Swan Inn, which looks like it has some good grub on the menu board. Once visited this pub some years ago with Wendy.

There was a 2 hour delay today waiting for a doctor’s prescription in Christchurch. However the bike is going like a train, although the rider is rather tired tonight and emotionally drained after today’s poignant BBC interview.

Special thanks to the Sammy Miller Museum in New Milton for providing the free entry and hosting a poster for this run today. The museum has, among other exhibits, an Austin 7 engined special from the 1930′s, which might be fun to make a replica of some time!

Also helping Rob with an electrical problem on his racing Yamaha. Ongoing thanks to him for the persevering assistance.

[7.24pm] Bike now running fine again, got spare valves too. Spent all day in the machine shop creating the new valve guide. Helping with Rob’s Yamaha tonight, and possibly going to a pub quiz later.

Special thanks to Verrall’s Ltd of Handcross for supplying the valves – you’re all very good eggs!

Aiming to get 2 valves made, so even if guide unrepairable, spare valves should last until return home.

Thanks to Rob Thornton (G4JCY) for rescue and workshop services, and Mike Worthington-Williams for putting Tim in touch with Rob so promptly.

[2.44pm] At Partridge Green near Worthing. Troublesome valve guide found to have cracked! Rob Thornton sourcing valve/s, and may have to make a new guide from phosphor bronze. Massive thanks to Rob for putting himself out at such short notice.

Changed the faulty valve cap at 6am. Done the Dartford Crossing, not too much traffic, nice drive through the Kent countryside. Saw the biggest gathering of E-type Jaguars on the entire trip so far: must be some kind of rally on. (Not seen many other old vehicles, apart from 6 Jowett Jupiters rallying in Scotland).

[11.09am] In ?Landhurst?, Kent, at Chequers Inn enjoying some Shepherd Neame ale. Bike fine, but clutch slipping a bit due to over-lubricating the gearbox. Hopefully this will soon burn off…

Good deed for the day: on arrival at pub car park, checked with someone if it was open, who in turn asked to borrow a tyre pump to help with his slow puncture. Tim went one better and gave him a spare can of tyre inflator! This fixed the tyre, and the bloke donated £20 there and then.

[12.30pm] On south coast, at Post Office tea rooms, St Leonards on Sea, with Philip. Having a quick drink before lunch, against a backdrop of seagull song. Clutch is improving with time & distance; if problems persist then it should be fixable at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, New Milton, Hants.

Will do as much of the south coast today as possible; aiming to camp in New Forest tonight.

[4pm] Tearoom was excellent; Philip has worked in advertising and promotion and was most interesting to talk to. His pictures are to follow, including one of eating cake at the shop!

Forgot the Sussex coast was so up & down – clutch slipping badly due to lubrication overspill, therefore not going to make it to New Forest tonight.

[8.12pm] (garbled message) Good lunch, Barley Mow near Selmeston. New Forest hopefully by Monday.