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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leaving in just a few days.

My excitement level is increasing on hour on hour, all that can be done has been done to make our adventure a great one.  The training we've put in, the fund raising around the region, the publicity, the wish granting all seems to have faded away into the distant past with Saturday on the horizon, bags packed bike serviced I just can't wait.

Check out these links to keep up to date with BrokenBikers.

Twitter  Youtube  Help for Heroes  Starlight Children's Foundation  Spotadventures

Thank you for your continuing support.

Recognising Endeavour

Thanks to the Tidworth Community Area Awards organisers and Tesco Tidworth for the nomination. We are all overjoyed by your recognition of our efforts.

More pictures of the evening on the gallery page.

A well overdue update

Thus far we have raised £10,584.02. We still have a few `promotional cycles` to do & are `not so secretly` hoping to surpass this figure.. We are hoping to generate more online interest, especially after we & our unit grant a wish for The Starlight Children`s Foundation on Thursday 2 June.

We now have live tracking, so from 2 July you can follow our challenge on a daily basis.

Alex, Jamie, Neil & Pete (Broken Bikers), would like to thank you all for your support.

Team BrokenBikers 100 Mile Cycle Ride

Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures

On a mission

Already this month Team BrokenBikers have raised £1215.00

TAKING OUR TOTAL RAISED TO

£8423

We would like to extend our thanks to Tesco's Tidworth & Salisbury for their continuing support, also Waitrose Salisbury for allowing us to set up outside of their premises on the 4 Apr 11.


Our LOUDEST shout of thanks goes out to all the generous shoppers of the afore mentioned stores for their support of our chosen charities.

Promotional Cycle at Tesco`s Salisbury

Today Neil & Jamie cycled 6-7 hours and raised an increadible total of £783.78. We met some very nice people, who encouraged us & applauded our efforts, which continues to inspire us, even when the legs are getting tired. This Monday 28, Pete, Neil & Jamie will be riding another 100 mile training ride, through Dorset, Wiltshire & Hampshire. We will be filming the ride & will post some photos & video clips if the footage works out. Our LEJOG start date of 2 July is rapidly approaching, we still have a very busy training schedule to fit in with our work comittments & family life. There is a definate buzz amongst the team.

Promotional Cycle at Tesco`s Salisbury Friday 18 March

Neil, Alex & Jamie cycled for 5-6 hours, raising £755.56 for our two charities. We would like to thank all of the wonderful people who donated & expressed genuine interest in our forthcoming challenge.

Fundraising event Salisbury Tesco's

Jamie

Neil

Salisbury Tesco Customers Raise £653.29

A massive thanks to all the generous customers at Salisbury Tesco, who gave a unbelievable £653.29  on Friday 11 March 2011.  Taking the Brokenbikers total raised up to £5669.21

Promotional Cycle at Tesco`s Tidworth

Neil & Jamie took part in our sixth promotional peddle today at Tesco`s Tidworth (nine more to go)! We raised £663.11 for our two charities, Help for Heroes & The Starlight Children`s Foundation. The grand total raised so far, now stands at an amazing £5015.92. Today we were fortunate enough to meet some lovely people, who wished us well with our worthy causes & encouraged our efforts. The couple who chatted about their LEJOG were inspirational. We would like to thank all of the wonderful people who kindly donated.

Promotional Cycle at Tesco`s Salisbury

On Monday 21 Feb, Alex, Neil & Jamie cycled another 100 miles on thier turbo trainers in a chilly foyer at Tesco`s Salisbury. The generosity of the public was beyond belief & we raised £822.35, bringing our grand total raised so far to £4352.81. We would like to thank Stephen Magers for his assistance & the lovely card he gave us with some inspirational words of encouragement. Tomorrow 24 Feb, all four broken bikers will be riding 100 miles through Dorset & Hampshire (including Blissford hill), building on our team riding skills. We`ll post the stats & route in the near future.

Promotional Cycle Tesco`s Salisbury

We would like to thank the shoppers at Tesco`s Salisbury who kindly donated the staggering sum of £880.94 towards our two charities. We also like to thank Stephen Magers, the Tesco`s Salisbury Community Champion for all of his valued assistance. Finally we would like to thank Spire FM for putting out several announcements over the air today, informing their listeners of our promotional event. We will be cycling at the same venue on Monday 21 February, commencing at 10am, we look forward to meeting you there.

First Team Ride

Shortly after 2pm today, Alex, Neil, Pete & Jamie set off from Blandford on our first team ride. Alex was riding his brand new Scott CR1 Pro bike. We rode one of Neil`s favourite 30 mile routes taking in some of the lovely countryside Dorset has to offer around the Tarrants. The ride was very enjoyable & towards the end we were peddling along at a reasonable pace all taking turns at the front. Minor issues had be overcome, 1 puncture, 1 chain & one uneccesary halt by one of the riders (the author) who thought he was about to have a heart attack, well his heart rate monitor displayed as much. Moral of the tale, listen to your body.

3 Musketeers in Tesco`s Tidworth

Well actually it was four, we have our very own `DArtagnan` better known as Major Pete Martin. Pete is now riding with us on LEJOG, he is a very welcome addition to the team. After a slight glitch with double booking at Salisbury, a few hasty phone calls & `U` turns later, Neil was first to start peddling at 10:15 at Tesco`s Tidworth, followed by Alex, Myself & then Pete. Toni was our helper, clad in her bright yellow Starlight T shirt, she became our secret weapon ! Yet again the wonderful people of Tidworth proved to us that they are exactly that..WONDERFUL.
People of all age groups donated, young children putting pennies in the pot, pensioners giving & expressing their gratitude to the servicemen & women who serve this country. They helped us raise an amazing £795.42.  The generosity of the public is inspirational, thank you all for your support. As a foot note, we covered a little over 100 miles in just over 4 hours 30 minutes, although we all felt a little tired on this one. Our next promotional event is at Tesco`s Salsbury Wilts SP1 2NY on Tuesday 15 Feb 11, starting at 10am. If you are in the area, please feel free to pop by & have a chat.

TESCO`s Promotional Peddle Sat 22 Jan

Yet again, we are completely astonished by the interest & generosity of the community of Tidworth & the people who shopped there today. We raised a staggering £784.45 for our charities. Once we had completed our cycle, Neil informed Ben at Andover sound and they very kindly put out our fund raising totals live on air. We would also like to thank Andover sound for airing our interview recorded earlier this week. Neil & Jamie cycled for 5 hours & covered a distance of 109 miles. Alex was abscent on baby sitting duties, but will be back with us next week.