What’s the secret to cycling from Land’s End to John o’Groats at 90?
Peter Langford, at 90 years old, is very likely the oldest person to have cycled from Land’s End in Cornwall to John o’Groats in Scotland. In his blog, he shares his experience of this remarkable journey, his fourth charitable ride across the UK. Despite using a walking stick and suffering from arthritis in his knees, Peter finds cycling easier than walking. Since his wife passed away 15 years ago, he has been cycling the 1,189-mile LEJOG route for various charities every five years.
This year’s adventure, which makes him an unofficial record holder, marked his fourth completion of the long-distance route. This time, Peter opted for A and B roads to shorten his journey to 1,118 miles and avoid as many hills as possible. He was joined by his three children, two granddaughters and their husbands, a friend he met on the same trip 10 years earlier, and the son of his closest school friend. His companions helped carry his panniers for most of the 31-day trip.
Peter raised over £51,000 for The Salvation Army and Access Community Trust, two charities supporting homeless people. Reflecting on this journey, he said it was the slowest but the most fulfilling due to the support he received from family and friends. He cherished the time spent with his loved ones amidst beautiful scenery and expressed gratitude for the encouragement he received along the way.
Peter attributes his success to thorough training and a strong mindset, emphasizing that determination is key. Ahead of his ride, he covered nearly 3,500 miles to prepare, tackling steep hills near his home in Suffolk. His route included stops at Truro, Okehampton, Cheddar, Chepstow, Hereford, Shrewsbury, Manchester, Langholm, Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Inverness, Lairg, and Bettyhill.
Throughout his journey, Peter experienced the kindness of strangers. People often showed generosity, such as giving donations or paying for his meals and accommodations. This warmth and support from others were heartwarming and greatly appreciated.
Since returning, Peter has maintained his fitness by cycling 50 miles a week. Although he doesn’t plan on undertaking another LEJOG adventure anytime soon, he continues to cycle for transportation and enjoyment. He shared advice for others considering a similar challenge: train thoroughly, stay determined, stay hydrated, and choose a meaningful cause.
Peter’s journey, beginning just after his 90th birthday and completed in a month, has raised significant funds for charity. His story is a testament to resilience and determination, proving that age is no barrier to achieving remarkable feats.