Having completed our first challenge on 10 July 2011, Jamie and Neil have decided to continue fundraising for Help for Heroes & Starlight charities, by static cycling in various shops across Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset. Jamie is also training to cycle stage 19 of the 2011 Tour de France (Modane to Alpe d'Huez) in the future. We hope to raise £20,000

All donations no matter what the size, will be graciously received and further add to our enthusiasm to raise even more money for our chosen charities. Donations can be made securely by following the links below. Thank you for your interest in our challenge, please pop back from time to time, to see our progress.

11 July 2011

SUMMARY

Well here we all are safely back at Middle Wallop after a 16 hour return journey from John O'Groats in the van. Lands End to John O'Groats in 9 days done. All four completed all 900+ miles without a windge or moan and now have plenty of tales to tell. From an initial idea thought of back in May 2010 by Jamie and Neil, Alex coming on board in Nov 2010, the involvement of the two charities in Jan 2011, and Pete becoming involved in Mar 2011, the total amount raised has to be confirmed but expected to be about £13K. We also had a great time fulfilling a dream for Finn Cutting for Starlight. It has certainly been an experience that we will all remember for many years to come. Our only recommendation is that for those of you who are considering such an adventure, choose your team carefully, and train together beforehand. We were very lucky as that we bonded as a team from day one, and worked through any problems together. But there will be days when tiredness and bad weather or terrain are against you. Be prepared. We had a terrific team.
Many thanks go out to all those that have supported our fund raising efforts before the bike ride, and those we met and supported us during the ride itself. It could have been a simple honking of the car horn as encouragement, contributions to the charities, or the support given with accommodation on route, all were most welcome. Living and working 'behind the wire' in a military establishment, we sometimes forget the generosity and friendship of the general public. From the four cyclists our final and biggest thanks go to our support team of Mark and Chris from the MGS. They took paid leave to support our every need, and every time we needed help, they were there to help, no matter how ridiculous the request.
What now for the four of us. Jamie and Neil have completed a dream once only imagined. I suspect it will be the first of many. Pete has now found a new sport to become involved in (as cheaply as possible), and Alex can go back to his beloved girlfriend and eat all the pies.
Many thanks again for all your help and support.

10 July 2011

D+9 10 July 2011 Inverness to John O'Groats


Thanks again to the QM, LCpl Simpson, and all the Guard room staff at 3 Scots, The Black Watch, Fort George. A great night sleep after a torrid days ride at Loch Ness. The plan had been for Christove to set up his camera equipment next to the loch, get the world exclusive on Nessy, and sell the pictures to the News of the World, so they go out in a blaze of glory, and we raise lots of money for the charities. Unfortunately a no-show by the Monster in all that rain.  Fort George is an impressive building, but must have cost a fortune when it was built in the 18th Century by George II.  Apparently it was paid for by taxing the Scots. No wonder they hate the English.  Before bed The Major left his electric toothbrush on charge in the toilets of the Guardroom – at risk. What’s the betting it visited the inside of a Scottish soldiers pants before morning.  Top tip from LCpl Simpson if camping in Scotland and dealing with the Midges – they are everywhere. Light a disposable barbecue, and place sea weed over it. They hate the smell. Top tip if a cyclist. Don’t ride with your mouth open, or stop for more than two minutes.
Up at 0500hrs, and after a muesli breakfast and cup of tea from the back of the van, out of the Fort and back to our start position by 0700hrs. Driving passed the Golf course for the Scottish Open, the die hard golf fans were just showing up. Let’s hope they have better weather today. As we set off on the bikes the weather was overcast, but dry, with little wind. Starting today at Inverness we took off up the A9 to our first stop at Alness. Whilst the road surface was good, flat and straight, the scenery reminded us of middle America, dull and lacking in imagination. We did pick up our first road sign for John O’Groats – 108 miles!!
 Having caught a chill from the rain yesterday Dad started to feel ill. We call ourselves Broken Bikers because three of the bikers have medical conditions. Dad has more problems than most, and after a few more miles, aggravated by the chill, he started having problems retaining any food or drink, from both ends. Whilst the scenery started to improve at Tain, Dad’s condition didn’t. It also started to rain, and the wind picked up, straight in our faces. After one of the few steep hills on the last leg at Berridale we stopped outside the home of Jimmy and Marina Rosie. Obviously seeing Dad in some distress they very kindly gave him some Imodium tablets, which helped a little. A lovely couple, thanks very much Jimmy and Marina. We are now moving much slower, with the support van with us constantly, and the stops short but often. On one such stop Tango Man pulled up in a car, returning from John O’Groats where he had finished at 1000hrs today (Tango Man is one of the many solo riders we have met on route). As the afternoon progressed the rain eased, but the wind increased, also cooling the temperature. Now running on empty, but with guts and determination Dad continued, and the pace actually started to increase. The scenery is now best described as rugged but desolate, with plenty of run down farm houses ‘With potential to the right buyer’. You have to be hardy to live up here. However, Tonto then required an eyewash after getting grit in his eye, and just South of Wick, The Major had his third puncture. With a change of inner tube but poor tyres, he then proceeded to pump it up too quickly, nearly destroying both inner tube and tyre. Quick thinking by Kneel, AKA Mario, AKA Vanessa, saved the day, and The Major rode the rest of the day with his front tyre only half inflated.
In to Wick we are actually quite glad to see some degree of civilisation again. Houses, shops, pubs, street lights, normal stuff we take for granted, but not up here. Through Wick and with only 16 miles remaining pure adrenalin had now taken over, and the speed again increased. 7 miles to go, and Dad is still being sick. 1 mile to go, and we met the van outside the Post office, removed our wet weather clothing, and rode the last mile in our Help for Heroes/Starlight Cycling shirts, crossing the line together at 1900hrs, Christove taking pictures, Maximus following on in the van. 12 hours to complete 115 miles.

To be perfectly honest John O’Groats was a little disappointing. We did arrive late, so no reception committee, and the place quite bland, with a disgusting paint job on the building at the finish line – even the locals don’t like it. But plenty of celebration and photos amongst the team. We’ve made it; over 900 miles.  We met up again up with the 3 chaps we had met in North Devon on D+2 who also finished today 2 hours behind us (well done lads).  After a re-pack of the van and burger and chips from the local chippy we are now starting the long journey back to Middle Wallop.
Summary to follow.

9 July 2011

D+8 Sat 09 Jul 2011 Glen Coe to Inverness


Another eventful night with broken sleep.  Accommodated at the Adventure Training hut at Kinlochleven, the fire alarm went off three times, at 0120hrs, 0210hrs, and at 0530hrs.  First to be blamed the first time it happened were the three smokers in the team. Which one of them has used that fire door we were specifically told not to use for a quick smoke? Not guilty was the cry.  On questioning Spike, the resident RM the following morning, it was a malfunction with the system, the first time it has ever happened! Thanks for your help again Spike.
Out of Kinlochleven for 0715hrs, and back to the final position for yesterday in the van, Glen Coe. Bikes on the road for 0745hrs and on our way to Fort William on the A82. Another beautiful morning with stunning views as we crossed the bridge at Ballachulish. Ironically we could find no Fort in Fort William, but a lot of dodgy geezers. On arrival at our first stop in Morrisons car park, The Major was given a thorough debriefing by a local lady with dental hygiene problems on the fact that “ In Scotland slower transport normally  gives way to faster traffic”. “Thank you my dear, I’ll bear it in mind”. Two transit vans pulled up next to ours, and out climbed five men. With Dad and Christove visiting the toilets, and The Major looking at Harry Potters train, it only left three at the van. One of the men started talking to the lads, whilst the other four drifted to the other side of the van. Only quick thinking by Tonto in moving around to the other side of the vehicle averted the theft of all the attractive cameras, GPS and IT equipment. Blxxdy Pikies. Tonto saves the day! Three young University  students rather proudly announced they were to climb Ben Nevis. However they looked quickly deflated by The Major who announced five years ago that he took his 69 year old Mother-in- Law up there, and that they would see families taking their kids up there in shorts and flip-flops, it’s a footpath.  Despite all this the general public were like all Scots, generous in their donations to the charities. Thank you.
Continuing along the A82, we hit the steep hill and then the Commando Monument at Spean Bridge.  Another photo opportunity and a chance to meet some lovely people who donated heavily. Special mention must be made of the coach load of Senior Ladies and Gentlemen from Yorkshire. Ladies, the lads will be available for modelling opportunities on appointment. Donations to the two charities please.  Moving further along the A82, the scene then resembled a scene from the film ‘Wild Hogs’. Four middle aged men all caught short at the side of the road. The road then follows the coast of Loch Lochy (not a very original name Scotland). A lovely road, recommended for cycling. Stopping at at a Service Station in Invergarry for lunch we were joined by about 20 German Motor Bikers.  What is the fascination that the German bikers have with Scotland? They are everywhere. Do they know something about Scotland that the English don’t?  Should we let them have independence? Then on to the locks at Fort Augustus. Thanks to the lady who allowed us to park the van right outside her shop and restaurant next to the lock. A prime spot. Then it started to rain, and rain, and rain. Infact it rained for the entire length of our cycle up the side of Loch Ness. To make matters worse Dad and Kneel rubbed wheels at Invermoriston, and Kneel fell, breaking his pedal. With Tonto having spare pedals, Kneel and The Major sped forward to the next stopping point at Urquhart Castle, to meet with the van so as to not hold up the team any more than we had to. Tonto saves the day, again! Pedals changed, the team drove on through the rain, that became worse and worse, so much so the Scottish Open Golf competition was cancelled. Dad made the decision that instead of climbing over the Cat 3 hill on the A833, we should stay on the A82 and head for Inverness. Unfortunately nobody told the support crew, and with The Major shouting at the Gods ‘Is that the best you can do’ the weather got even worse with thunder and lighting.  We were so wet it didn’t seem to matter that Tonto relieved himself in his shorts to keep warm, twice.  Eventually we had to stop and try and contact the support crew. Ironically, having had no telephone signal since arriving at Kinlochleven last night, the only phone with a signal was The Major’s Pikey Pay as you Go Phone!  At this point Kneel produced his bright yellow waterproof cycling helmet cover. Resembling a fried egg, he looked every inch the double for ‘Super Mario’. His name for tomorrow – Mario for short.  Arranging to rendezvous in Inverness the team pressed onward in to the rain, and then crossed the A9 bridge at Inverness heading for Wick. At this point the van caught up with team. We are now sat on a very busy dual carriageway and it is still raining heavily. With tiredness and the cold starting to take effect, the decision was made to cut short the journey for today and telephone the 3 Scots, The Black Watch at Fort George.  GPS position set for tomorrows start, we set off for Fort George in the van.  As we drove past the Scottish Open Golf car park, cars were being rescued from the bog by tractors. A huge thank you to the QM, Maj Gary Tait and the boys in the Guardroom for accommodating us at such short notice. A warning to Cam Hastie back at Middle Wallop. Gary told me about your exploits in NI in 1987! A good shower, compo meal, and a bed in the guardroom easily beats a night camping in this weather.
So 85 miles, and the most testing, but oddly one of the more enjoyable days.  Southern Ponces meet and stand up to Northern weather. We have left ourselves with 115 miles to do on the last day; not as planned, but adrenalin will take us to the end. Up at 5 tomorrow.
FOOTNOTE
We may have our very own Fred West follower. Every so often today we have come across a man on his own in a remote parking spot, parked in his camper, wearing dark glasses, no matter what the weather. Does he have a fetish for men wearing Lycra?

8 July 2011

D+7 Fri 08 Jul 2011 Prestwick to Glencoe

Thanks again to HMS Gannet for their outstanding hospitality. The best nights sleep for all of us yet. Each with our own room, someone had even folded back the corner of the quilt.  All it needed was a chocolate on the pillow before bed time and we could have been in a posh hotel. Perhaps the support crew will take inspiration from it! Being Army, we are also used to a sink in each room, to be used in the middle of the night as only Squaddies know. Without one, we had to use the 'Heads' down the corridor.
Up at 0600hrs to yet another beautiful morning. Unlike England, Scotland spent most of the day bathed in sunshine.  After a muesli and boiled egg breakfast from the back of the van we left HMS Gannet at 0715hrs and proceeded to our finish point yesterday, the A77/A71 junction at Kilmarnock. By 0745hrs all four bikers are on the road, heading north on the A77 towards Glasgow. This stretch of the A77 before it turns in to the M77 is the worse we have experienced. The weather had changed direction overnight, and for the first time its coming from the North, straight at us. The drivers also had no consideration for cyclists, and all in a hurry to get to work. Just leave a few minutes earlier! Luckily we were only on this for 20 minutes before it turned into two separate roads, the M77, and the much quieter A77. At this point the A77 has a separate cycle lane, which lasted for 18 miles and took us all the way to Glasgow. Undulating, and  even against the wind, with the sun shining it was still a great ride, and recommended. Making good time at speed, we arrived at our first stop at a row of shops at 0915hrs. 10 shops - 3 hairdressers, 3 estate agents, and 4 restaurants. How do they make any money against all the competition.
Once in South Glasgow we picked up the A726 which kept us out of the city centre, and took us towards the airport and Erskine Bridge. Point to note. Glaswegians don't greet you with 'Good Morning', but 'Arite'. They are also the most generous yet, digging deep to support both charities. Many thanks. Thanks also to Pat Collins, who lives in Suffolk but originates from Edinburgh, and having one a golf competition with friends, contributed his winnings, £20 to each charity.
Once around the airport, we met Richard, a fellow biker who cycled with us for some miles. Thanks for showing us the short cut over the bridge, and good luck with your own charity, BraveheartFund, which encourages children in Scotland into cycling. Once across the bridge we picked up the A82 which was to take us all the way to Glencoe.  Stopping for a quick food stop at the edge of Lock Lomond, it proved to be a great photo opportunity, with the sun glistening on the water. Moving on, The Major suffered his second puncture, but slick pit lane skills by Dad, meant a tyre change in two minutes and back on the road.
The A82 has its own foot/cycle path that runs between the road and the Lock.  However the road is so good that we recommend you remain on the road. The cycle path also diverts in many places.
Stopping for lunch at Tarbet the rain finally caught up with us.  Thanks to the children and teachers from Lymington, Hampshire returning from a week in Mull for their support and encouragement as we left.
Having relied on Kneel and his GPS for 7 days to get us successfully on the right road, he had a blond moment (despite having no hair) and set off on the wrong road. Quickly corrected we continued North on the A82.  Despite having much resurfacing work completed, the road North of Tarbet follows the Lock, twisting and turning with the shore line, is very narrow, and the road surface poor in many places. Sharing the road with trucks and coaches, much care was required.
Once the road leaves Lock Lomond there is a long winding climb. Raining, and with the wind in our faces, conditions became testing, and the support crew were a welcome site at Crainlarich. With a lull in the weather we moved on to the Bridge of Orchy, and then on to Rannoch Moor. Again a testing ride, torrential rain against the wind, with a testing hill mid way through. Stopping at the Kings House Hotel we were approached by semi-tame deer, who fed from the hand. Another photo opportunity, then the most dramatic views yet down Glen Coe, with mountain ranges either side of the road, finally finishing today at Glen Coe village after 110 miles.  Setting the GPS point for our start position tomorrow, we loaded the bikes on to the van and proceeded to the Royal Marines Adventure Training Hut at Kinlochleven. Many thanks to Sgt Spike Woods RM for accepting us at short notice. A hot shower, and fish and chips later we are off to bed.
A long day tomorrow, 120 miles.

7 July 2011

D+6 Thu 07 Jul 2011 Carlisle to Prestwick

Carlisle Railway Station has huge posters advertising the tourist opportunities of the city.  A word of warning to the would be tourist.  After the birthday celebrations in the Travelodge for Kneel last night (Burger and chips) all were in bed for 2130hrs, less Tonto. As he could not get a signal on his Orange mobile phone he roamed the streets of Carlisle looking for a phone box. Before 2200hrs both men and women were rolling around drunk, asleep on the street.  A real shock for the youngish (31) Southern Ponce.
Up at 0600hrs for a 0700hrs breakfast. For those that have never stayed in a Travelodge, if you have booked and paid for breakfast, they issue you a cup, plates and cutlery from reception once they have confirmed payment. Dad collected our utensils and was waiting for the rest of us to arrive and have breakfast together, when an Irish chap took one of his plates.  Dad politely told him the Travelodge system, and if he has ordered breakfast he has to collect his own utensils.  The Irish chap then started a torrent of abuse at Dad.  Obviously after a free breakfast. Luckily we all stayed calm, the receptionist booked him out, and he left.
After such an emotional start, we could not wait to leave Carlisle. The weather was fine at breakfast, but as we walked out of the hotel at 0730hrs, it started to rain, and continued to rain for 3 hours. Leaving Carlisle we headed North on the A7 and were very quickly in Scotland at Gretna Green where we picked up the A75 to Dumfries. Then on to the A76 to Kilmarnock, the best road we have travelled on in the last 6 days, and thank goodness we started at Lands End, the wind behind us the whole day. Although geographically not possible, it really felt as if the wind was pushing us down hill all day.  Solar Panel Energy will never take off in Scotland, there isn't enough sun.  However wind turbines are a different matter. When they gain independence the Scottish can earn a lot of income selling water to drought ridden Gods Country. It never stops raining.
The weather forecast for the next few days does not look good.  After a quick phone call back to Mike Stanley back in Middle Wallop Motor Transport Department, Mike found us a unit to call in Prestwick, rather than the campsite. Many thanks Mike. A phone call later and we are booked in to HMS Gannet, based at Prestwick Airport, a Search and Rescue Unit.
By mid-day the weather had cleared, and with the sun out we had excellent views over the Scottish Lowlands. We stopped at Thornhill for lunch.  Thanks again to all those who placed money in the charity boxes. On again up the excellent A76, stopping once more at Sanquhar. Thanks to Sally at the Castle View Service Station who not only let us stop, but contributed to the charities.  Many pictures taken of the 12th Century castle in the village. Kilmarnock was reached by 1700hrs, and Kneel set the GPS coordinates that we start at the same place tomorrow.  A total of 93 miles today. We packed the bikes on to the van, and set off down the A77 to Prestwick and HMS Gannet.
When we arrived the personnel at Gannet could not have been more accommodating. We were all given our own room with bedding. Great showers, they even let us use their crewroom to cook our compo tea, and watch the Tour de France. Infact I'm sat here in their crewroom typing this.  A huge thank you to Lt Cdr Debdash Bhattacharya and his Staff.  At 2115hrs they were crashed out to go and save somebody from either drowning or being stranded on a mountain. 5 minutes from drinking tea and chatting with us in the crewroom to airborne. Impressive.
Up at 0600hrs tomorrow for a muesli breakfast and cup of tea, and then a long day, approx 110 miles.

6 July 2011

D+5 Wed 06 July 2011

A full evenings entertainment after yesterdays blog at the campsite. We shared the tent area with another solo Lands End - John O'Groats rider who had completed 148 yesterday - Nails, and we meet him regularly en-route.  Always seen in orange, he is now known as Tango Man.  Also in the tented area was one man and his dog in a small one man tent. Our support crew fed his dog compo, before the chap took himself to the local pub, leaving his dog in his tent. We all made it in to our sleeping bags by 2130hrs, at which time it started to rain, and didn't stop all night.  The chap returned from the pub at 0200hrs obviously the worse for drink, and woke everyone with his falling about, and initial joy at seeing his beloved dog. However the joy turned to first shock and then rage, as he discovered that the dog had covered his sleeping bag and tent with his afore mentioned evening meal. We all climbed out of the sleeping bags at 0600hrs, less Maximus who got up half an early to boil water and make breakfast - what a help they have both been. On pulling back the fly sheet we find the sun now shining, but are surrounded by ducks trying to eat the muesli and cereals. Very odd.  The Major, true to form has impeccable self administration.  With no washing facilities at the campsite, and with only one pair of Lycra shorts (which Dad has given him), he had no clean shorts to wear today.  Dad as ever, stepped up and leant him some new shorts, but these were in a 'mankini' design with straps that go over the shoulder.  Having never worn such a garment before, The Major put them on the wrong way round, and would have remained that way had Kneel not shown him the error of his ways.  All this before 0700hrs.
After a Compo breakfast from the back of the van we left camp at 0715hrs and set off up the excellent, if a little busier than expected A6 to Lancaster.  Having now left the once industrial heart of Gods Country, we are now back in rolling countryside with traditional stone walls and sheep. Lancaster is a lovely town, but no time to stop, we continued North, and at the village of Beethan came off the A6, on to a more hillier, but more direct, quieter minor road which took us directly into Kendal.  Well worth it.  Lovely countryside, great houses to admire, and no traffic. At Kendal the skies opened and we suffered a torrential downpour of rain.
Whilst sheltering under cover in a Shell Garage, various donations were made to the charities, thank you everyone.  Thanks also to blond Sharon from the garage who donated 5 bars of Kendal Mint Cake. As the rain eased a little we continued through town.  Thanks to the schoolchildren and teachers we met at the traffic lights, who gave us a terrific shout and clap of hands for encouragement.  Now out of Kendal, and back on the A6, we made our way up the side of the Lake District.  Whilst beautiful, it stayed with tradition and poured with rain the whole way through. We reached and completed the infamous 'Shap hill' without even realising it.  Having researched the route, all riders were not looking forward to the climb.  Possibly due to our pre-training in the hills of Wiltshire and Dorset, but all riders made it up without to much effort, in awful weather conditions. Cries of 'Is that the best you can do' to make things as uncomfortable as possible for us. The support van was there to meet us at the top of the hill, and Maximus even ran in the last 100 metres with Dad.  Down then in to Penrith and on to Carlisle, our final destination for tonight. Yesterday Tonto had a dizzy spell in the last 10 miles, lack of salt and fluids.  Unfortunately no-one recorded it, so today all riders kept an eye on Tonto to see if he would give a repeat performance, that we could take pictures of him falling off his bike and rolling around on the ground. Unfortunately he failed to deliver.
Finally at Carlisle after 76 miles it is Kneel's 41st birthday and as such have booked in to the Travel Lodge for  the night.  The Major was given the card for his and Tonto's room and without glasses thought it room 201.  They climbed the three flights of stairs with all their boxes and spent two minutes trying to get in to the room.  Tonto took the card.  It was room 102!
We are now out for a quick bite to eat to celebrate Kneel's birthday, and then off to enemy territory - Scotland. Best the English Major keeps his mouth shut or he will have his throat cut by Braveheart.
FOOTNOTE
Quote of the day from Kneel, as is his right on his birthday. " We have travelled the same road all day, the A6, but it feels as if we have travelled many different roads". Very deep!

5 July 2011

D+4 Tue 05 July 2011 Shawbury to Cabus

Up at 0600hrs for a 0700hrs breakfast.  However this is the RAF.  The cookhouse opened 10 minutes early and not Pay as you Dine, so we ate and ate until we could eat no more.  Out of the camp for 0715hrs and headed for first Whitchurch, and then Warrington up the A69. Having been spoilt with Devon and the Wye Valley on previous days, the countryside is hardly inspiring, but the road was good, flat, and the wind behind us. It's also still better than being in the office/guardroom.  Starting from Lands End with the wind behind us was a great decision. We have met others coming the other way, fighting the wind, and looking tired.  The weather was dull but not raining until Warrington.  However, before we reached Warrington, 660 Sqn Army Air Corps played a real blinder. As part of Staff Training they happened to have a flight that day that followed the A69, and  managed to take some pictures of us from the air.  A huge thanks to all involved.  Warrington to Wigan saw the production from the van of the wet weather tops, and after four days of hot weather, the rain was actually a welcome change. Wigan looked tired and depressed, and has certainly seen better years. Certainly much cooler up here, but then again we are all Southern Ponces.  Christove even comes from Australia. We had a competition to find the first Liverpool perm and shellsuit, and often had to quell the desire to shout 'Northern Monkey' at the locals. Very cruel.  In reality all are very friendly, and we have been met with good humour and support wherever we have been today.  From Wigan on to Preston and with the wind still pushing us along, spirits remained high, and the banter good. After Preston we hit the A6 which took us to tonight's stop, Claylands in the village of Cabus, 11 miles North of Preston.  Early indications are that the A6 is a great road.  Quiet (all traffic is on the M6), it even has a cycle lane.  Time will tell tomorrow.  Again many thanks to all those who contributed to the two charities on the way, including Mags Campbell; and thanks in anticipation to the Editor of the local Gazette who we hope will place an article on us in their paper. Tomorrow we hope to make an appearance on local TV, and have an announcement made on the radio.  We wait to see what tomorrow brings. Thanks also to those at HQ Army Air Corps who have placed us on the MOD Website.
A shorter day, 91 miles, with only 2743 feet of climb.  The campsite is good but again a little bizarre. The shower block is very good, but has Motown's greatest hits being played over speakers. Makes one want to  break out in to the Full Monty,
FOOTNOTE
In Whitchurch the support team went shopping for essentials, and the passenger door opened on its own.  Christove fell out the van.  Oh how we laughed!

4 July 2011

D+3 Mon 04 Jul 2011 Chepstow to Shawbury

Accommodation at Chepstow was good if a little bizarre!  We all had our own rooms, each with two hot taps.  Unfortunately no cold taps.  Up early for yet another beautiful day, but not before the arrival on camp of some personnel from the resident battalion, 1 Rifles, who arrived at 0600hrs to deploy on an Operation somewhere.  We wish them well, and a safe return.  After a 0700hrs breakfast in the Pay as you Dine cookhouse, we received a lovely hug from Alice, who collected the money for breakfast,  for our efforts at raising money.  I don't think she would mind if I mentioned that she could do with a bit of charity money being spent on her own dental work! On leaving camp at 0730hrs we rode up and out of Chepstow, passed the racecourse, and on to the Wye Valley.  Down a steep hill and suddenly in to the village of Tintern and the stunning Tintern Abbey.  None of us had ever heard of it before, but I thoroughly recommend a visit.  Despite no roof, Tintern Abbey knocks spots off of Salisbury Cathedral.  The Wye valley is also a lovely cycle ride, even for the novice, lovely and flat, following the river.  We arrived at Monmouth, at 0900hrs, 20 miles before most people start work.
Then on to Hereford.  Quote of the day from Neil. "Look Pete, the sign says we have arrived in Hertfordshire".  " I think your find that Hertforshire is a little closer to London than we need to be, and I think your find we should be in Herefordshire", replied Pete.  From Hereford Neil decided we should take the much quieter A4140 than the busy A49 that runs parallel.  Good call.  The quiet road with hills was an easy pain to take against the constant roar of trucks and diesel fumes.  And the scenery was also not to shabby!  However, the last 20 miles to Shrewsbury eventually ended up on the A49, but by then the roads were mainly downhill, so taken at speed.  Five miles North of Shrewsbury, and after 96 miles for the day we arrived at RAF Shawbury.  Pete visited 660 Sqn Army Air Corps who would have taken the support crew up tomorrow in a helicopter to take photo's, had they been military.  Unfortunately Chris and Mark are both MGS and considered civilians.  Not covered by insurance, they could not be flown.  Many thanks for your efforts though 660 Sqn.
Accommodation was better than all are used to, but standard for the RAF. We each have our own room, with a pillow and quilt, and both a hot and cold tap in the sink. Plenty of showers that actually work. The washing machine and tumble drier were better than any of us had ever seen.  The cookhouse was also not Pay as you Dine, and the chef could not give us enough food.
Again many thanks to all those we met today who contributed to both charities, including Rachel McGill and the lovely Maggie May Williams, 89 years young. We also consider those individuals who ride the full distance on their own, carrying everything with them, and sleeping by the side of the road hard men. Nails. We have met many.
The riders squaddie suntans are coming on well, brown arms and legs, but white bodies.

FOOTNOTE 1
For the purpose of the bike ride the following will be now known as:

Jamie - 'Dad'.  For his guidance and leadership during the ride.

Pete - 'The Major', or just 'Major' for short. His rank and title have been used and abused to procure various favours from the hosts at various camps/barracks.

Alex - 'Tonto'. For his unfailing support as sidekick to The Major.

Neil - As the grey man, IT geek, and brains of the outfit, the man with a different name every day.  Friday - Phil,  Saturday - Tarquin, Sunday - Steve, Today - Sebastion.  Who knows what tomorrow may bring.

Chris - 'Christove'.  With a French wife, she has to endure a phone call every evening where he moans about his 'Fuxxxx useless SMART phone'.

Marc -' Maximus Decimus Meridius. Commander of the Legions to the North, Loyal to the true Emperor, Marcus Aurilous, father to a murdered son, Husbund to a murdered wife, and he will have his vengeance, in this life or the next'.  For his Gladitorial support given to the crew.

FOOTNOTE 2

Dad will still not let The Major or Tonto ride with no helmets.

3 July 2011

Leg 2 Oakhampton to Chepstow

After a hearty breakfast, courtesy of the Head Chef at Okehampton Camp, we set off down the hill & rode for a good first 20 miles through the beautiful Devon Countryside.  The sun was shining, birds singing, no cars on the road being a Sunday morning; a perfect start. At the top of one hill, Phil mentioned to Pete that "there is a very sharp bend at the bottom of this hill. Unfortunately the other two had already started to descend.  Oh' how we laughed. When we all eventually reached the bottom, Alex had a dirty stain in his shorts. At the bottom of another hill we looked up to see three bikers half way up the hill.  The red mist descended on Pete who made up his mind to beat them to the top.  Imagine his disappointment to find that the three bikers were all rather older than him (and he is no spring chicken), and unsupported, with panniers on there bikes.We then stopped for a break at Fishermans Cottage near Bickley Mill where the three other bikers joined us for refreshments. Also riding end to end for the MacMillan Cancer Trust, Colin Brett, Kevin Darcy & Chris West. We wish them every success. We then rode up & over two Cat 4 & two Cat 5 hills (for those of you who don't know or understand the Cat category of hills, like Pete - blxxdy steep), traveling though Devon, Somerset & Gloucestershire. Just east of Tiverton we came across the roundabout where we were to take the A361 to Junction 27 of the M5, approximately 6 miles. Unfortunately the road was closed!  Quick thinking by Alex who asked the workmen if it was safe to ride on.  A thumbs up from them meant we had the full dual carriageway to ourselves for 6 miles; life in the fast lane! At Bristol we had our first incident with the bikes - Pete got a puncture, before riding over both Clifton and the Severn Suspension bridges, to Chepstow.  We could see the camp and home for the night from the bridge, but Phil and his GPS thought the rest of us might be interested in the sights of Chepstow.  Unfortunately it did not meet the write up in the tourist information guide. 'Shameless' springs to mind. We arrived at Beachley Barracks Cheptow in good spirits, if a little tired and with the Regt serving abroad, nothing open. Our first night on 'Compo', but the food outstanding. Once again, a huge thank you to Chris & Mark our fabulous support crew.
FOOTNOTE.
Pete finally realised that Phil's name was actually Neal, Kneel, Neil, or Niel.

2 July 2011

Leg 1 Lands End to Oakhampton

Waking up at 0530hrs we promptly slammed the same doors that woke us at 2 in the morning by our RAF friends, and after a quick bowl of muesli and a cup of tea from the back of the van (nothing open, to early),  set off from RAF St Mawgan at 0630hrs, travelling the 50 miles (Via McDonalds) See You Tube clip of `Us on a bus`. After parking directly in front of the Lands End visitors centre & being duly reprimanded, we had some photos taken by Chris, then set off from Lands End a few minutes before 8:30am. Again, we couldn't have asked for better weather.  A glorious sunny morning.  The first 20 miles were staggeringly beautiful and we were met by our incredible support crew of Chris & Mark, who were there to look after our every need.  However we then hit the A30 dual carriageway which was to take us to Okehampton.  If you are in a car it is a lovely road.  On a bike its a different story.  Cars and trucks screaming past, all in a hurry to get somewhere, and missing us by inches. We finally arrived at Okehampton, but the camp where we were to be accommodated took us off of our route and sat at the top of a 2 mile hill.  After 98 miles, of which 70 was on the dangerous A30, not a welcome site.  The decision was made to log the exact position on GPS, load the bikes on the van, and drive to the camp.  We had booked a pitch to erect a tent and expected to cook for ourselves. Through the generosity of all Permanent Staff personnel within the camp, we are writing this blog from a warm room & with some very tasty food in our bellies. We would also like to thank the lovely couple who saw us having our picture taken at Lands End & donated & also to the people who donated along route. We were also inspired & encouraged by the many people tooting, shouting, hollering & waving support as we cycled.
We were less impressed by the one fool who shouted expletives & threatened to knock us off next time. I wonder if he understands the workings of Karma.  We have cameras on our bikes and have your registration number, so if you reading this, and it was you - we will find you.

Tomorrow, we cycle from Oakhampton to Chepstow, a distance of 116 miles. We`ll blog when we have sorted out all of our admin.

1 July 2011

D Day - Fri 01 July 2011

The day has finally arrived.  And what a glorious day; we could not have asked for better weather.  We're off!  After a farewell chat with the Commanding Officer in the morning, the crew gathered at the Guardroom, Middle Wallop and left the camp at 1500hrs.  Picking up Pete on the way at Porton Down we began the slow drive down to RAF St Mawgan, Cornwall.  Very cosy.  The back of the van packed to the roof, including all four bikes, and six hot sweaty men in the front.  Jamie got a very good deal for the van - it was free, but top of the range Mercedes it was not.  At times reduced to first gear to get up hills, the drive was slow and long, avoiding holiday traffic when we could.  Still the banter was great, Squaddie humour, and all were in high spirits.  The average age of the six is well into the late 40's, so many toilet stops later, we finally arrives at St Mawgan at 2100hrs.  Typical RAF camp on a Friday.  Lots of RAF Police and MPGS, with a fleet of RAF Police cars, but no one actually in camp.  With an hour left until it got dark we quickly checked over the bikes and equipment and after a cup of tea/coffee from the back of the van (nothing open on the camp), finally made it to the accommodation for 2230hrs.  We all had our own rooms, of a good standard, but even then Phil and Jamie did not go to bed, but stayed up until midnight checking all the IT equipment and cameras.  A good nights sleep by all, less the wake about 2 in the morning by some unthoughtful RAF personnel coming in after a night in Newquay and slamming all the doors.