The final entries

Well here it is at last ~ the promised final entry to our ride diary.
Sorry it’s taken a few weeks but they are busy lads with work and family so it’s taken a while to get together to finalise the figures ~ well to be honest difficult finding a free evening for us all to meet up in the "Racehorse" and we still haven’t managed that! So here it is and call me a sentimental softie but I have to confess that in respect to my blogging tradition I’ve walked with my laptop 300 metres round the corner to sit in McDonalds and do the final entry ~ would have felt unreal to have done it anywhere else!
Firstly here are my thoughts as The Driver: -
Highlights ~ extremely tricky! And when I say that it is merely because (for me anyway) there were so many. Actually as you’ll soon learn compiling the low points was all too easy. Obviously you’ll have realised from the original diary (a test to see if you actually read it) there was 1 day that stood out above all others with the ride through Glencoe. However, even though the scenery through Glencoe was magnificent for me the most awe inspiring views were those from the bridge at Ballachulish back towards Glencoe and in the other direction over Loch Linnhe. To remind you I again include photos of these. The campsites were all great (well maybe apart from that in the Royal Burgh of Dingwall) and the vast majority of people we met were friendly, helpful and very generous.
Low points ~ as mentioned all too easy for me comprising the driving that 1 afternoon through Warrington and Wigan followed by the next morning in Preston ~ a venture I never intend repeating! There were also those minor frustrations in finding "hot spots" to deal with the blog leading to a delay and severe criticism from all around the world, although I know this was merely from avid readers disappointment! Oh and next time will make sure we have more fruit cake provided!! As to Andy and Vince, their thoughts are below so please keep on reading to the(ir) bottom ~ ooohhh painful.

Overall the trip for me was great fun and I’d do something similar without any hesitation. So what’s next lads?

Ooops nearly forgot ~ latest on the charity donations/pledges! To date their estimates are of amounts that should more than meet their personal targets for each charity so once again heartfelt thanks to you all (especially the immediate families) for the support and for sharing our adventure. Would say hoping you all can join us next time ~ well if I’m spared that is and Vince and Andy are allowed out to play!

Andy says

Highs.........
At no point did I get up and ask why...
At no point did I get up and say I don't want to........
Many good Laughs and memories
A record of the event in Picture, word
Great Cycling/Scenery on many days but Glen Coe was "special"
Good company (Both Old friend and new)
Fine weather for most of the two weeks
Meeting some nice people
Great support from friends, family and supporters along the route and via the blog etc.
Tremendous satisfaction as now when I watch the TV weather report for the whole of Britain I can look at the two points furthest apart and say "I cycled that"
The handshake at the start and finish of each day.
Lows
Very, very few......
Save the odd miles along those Dual carriageways into a head wind and passing discarded half drunk bottles of Irn Bru on the roadside.
The road surface in Crediton and Exeter laid by "Cuff it Fill it and sod it Construction"
Discovering that the bottles did not contain Irn Bru after all ~ I thought it had just gone flat
Waiting for Vince to have his third Pee of the day by about 10-30 every day (Was he nervous)
Eating the last piece of Fruit cake......................
The morning after eating the first piece of Morrisons fruit cake.............
Finding out that the Swedish all girl nude Tandem end to enders took a different route to us.
Seriously......
Realising a few days later that it was all over after many years off talk and a few months of planning and two weeks of effort.
Andy

PS ~ another reminder of link to Andy's donation page ~ http://www.justgiving.com/cyclingpoliceman

Thoughts of Vince

Vince’s Highs & Lows
I would echo Andy's sentiments entirely - having talked about doing Le Jog for at least the last 4 years to have actually done it has been enormously satisfying. Best bits - well as we have all said Glencoe was just breath taking, the people we met along the way - it really restores your faith in human kind - it's incredible just how uplifting it can be just for some one to wish you good luck. Going to sleep on Thursday night having completed the ride in the knowledge that we had indeed done it followed by waking up on the Friday morning knowing that we didn't have to get kitted up and on the bikes. And of course the two Andy's - never a dull moment & never a breath of fresh air! It's been emotional.
Lows - very few - the last ten miles into Annan (bearing in mind that this was about 10 days in to the ride). My chain coming off whilst going full tilt down hill on a narrow road with traffic behind me and in front of me (and given my recent history of abandoning ship). Having to watch Tom Cruise ruin Samurai!
Sponsorship to date is £1682 which will actually mean £2152 when Gift Aid has been added - if you haven't already contributed it's not too late.
Vince.
PS - I did warn Andy not to drink the roadside Iron Bru!

PPS ~ Here's a reminder of link to Vince's donation page ~
http://www.justgiving.com/vincekearney

We've made it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 14 ~ The Final Spurt ~ Dunbeath to John O’Groats 38 miles
They’ve made it!! With minimal argument or cross word, Vince and Andy have managed to cycle 943 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats (245,180 rotations of the pedal ~ approximation as Andy claims he isn’t sad enough to have counted them all!) and I don’t think they took a wrong turning once. And believe me that must be some sort of record.
A bland day’s cycling with some fairly boring stretches into a strong wind so they were delighted to roll into our destination at 12:40 Thursday 6th September 2007 14 days after setting off from Lands End. The most remarkable feature of the whole adventure in this most dispiriting of summers was the fact waterproofs hardly featured at all. Even today when it rained on me in the van they in truth were not quick enough to get wet with the brief shower being over before they caught it up. It also has to be admitted that there can be few more depressing places in the UK than our starting and finishing points both which have clearly had their heydays long ago. However they served their purposes in enabling this (foolish) dream being achieved!
After some time for reflection I’ll put our thoughts of high and low points on these pages so don’t give up looking yet! Thanks for joining us in their adventure and for all of you have provided support in whatever fashion ~ well just thanks. (More cake would have been nice as the Morrisons Rich Fruit cake we had to purchase had unfortunate side effects!)
P.S. It has been said on many occasions that time spent on reconnaissance is very rarely wasted and this has proved to be very true. The time and effort that Andy our stoic Driver, Map reader, Paparazzi and gofer has invested on this adventure has been invaluable and allowed us to make good progress. Andy has been able to record our journey both in picture and in word and we are both deeply indebted to him. A BIG THANK YOU.
Vince and Andy

penultimate ride

Day 13 : Dingwall to Dunbeath 77 miles
After previous nights a less splendid visit to Dingwall campsite, with trains making their way to Wick passing fairly frequently in the early evening within yards of our pitch, the town redeemed itself on leaving this morning. Well at least Ross County Football Club did whose ground was a stones throw from the site by letting us pose by the pitch for the morning photo shoot and the lady receptionist passing over a donation to the causes.
The lads set off on what was to be their last long day with the idea of making the final ride into John O’Groats a doddle of 38 miles ~ lightweights!!! I set off a personal visit of my own to visit Kiltearn Burial Ground, overlooking the Cromarty Firth, to visit the grave of my sister-in-law’s brother tragically killed in a car accident at too early an age.
I then caught Vince and Andy up in order to hear their moans when they met up with 2 minor climbs of 747 and 500 feet ~ did they curse but they had to make the most of it as they’ll find it dead flat tomorrow.
Vince and Andy did say they actually found the much maligned A9 a pleasure to cycle for both scenery and road surface. One problem I did find with the van was it demonstrated an alarming desire to swerve to the right when I passed the Glenmorangie Distillery ~ could be a problem on the return drive!

In search of Nessie

Day 12 : Onich to Dingwall (84 miles)
A long long day with none of the grandeur of yesterday, although in other circumstances you might have thought it was impressive. However for Andy the day promised the highlight of his whole trip with a pilgrimage to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge. He stood in silent contemplation holding back his emotions, fully supported by his colleagues as you would expect!
Fairly overcast all day and both Andy and Vince found it hard going, or any rate a long day. Mind also cursing me, now nicknamed "The Assassin" when after 60 miles they turned into 15% climb for three quarters of a mile, though Andy is questioning the parentage of the cartographer on that distance. Then none too chuffed when I told them there was potentially another 80 mile day tomorrow, though as I explained this was their fault for wanting a gentle relaxing morning ride into John O’Groats Thursday.
Also have to say the campsite tonight is not in same league as those of Sunday or Monday. And then to top it all, the warden made my day by asking why I wasn’t getting the senior citizens discount (over 55 I hasten to add) but overall he worked a flanker on the night’s cost by treating Andy and Vince as backpackers!
And to top it all did half the length of Loch Ness but only saw green cuddly Nessies!

Apologies

Hi all.

A couple of days posts but unfortunately I discover the number of photos you can include with each posting is quite limited so here's a couple more I've sneaked in from yesterday. Keep up comments please as lads have two very hard days today and tomorrow ~ and the cakes have run out so if you could courier some up it would be appreciated!

Over the Clyde

Day 10 ~ Annbank to Ardgarten (82 miles)
Another day that started for Vince with a wheel change ~ this time a new tyre instead of just the tube. This after a night disrupted by Glaswegian trippers flying back all night from their holidays or perhaps it was another load of Iraqi doctors arriving. Also a wet windy night with 1 gust at about half six truly rocking the van ~ well it moved for me.
Then off they went for an arse numbing 40+ miles before lunch along the A77 and A78 up to Gourock to catch the ferry across to Dunoon. After a 20 minute ferry trip, during which a woman passenger seeing the sign on the back of the van came over and gave me £3 for the cause, we made landfall on the other side of the Clyde. Then the ride along Loch Eck started ~ truly magnificent with every corner producing another picture opportunity as the road hugged the waters edge. They kept asking me how many more miles to do today and I kept replying "only 21" as I was trying to play down the horror of a hill I knew was waiting round the corner. Eventually the truth dawned on them as they made their way to the top at "Rest and be thankful" only for them to be cheered by a fast downhill run for the final couple of miles to camp. And so then to the campsite sat on the banks of Loch Long ~ where also we found the curse of the day awaiting for us ~ BLOODY MIDGES!!!!!!

Day 11 Through Glencoe

Day 11 Ardgarten to Onich (Bunree camp site) ~ 65 miles
A great campsite last night (apart from the aforementioned little perishers) but the setting on the banks of Loch Long was fantastic. Again our sign came up trumps where another camper (Jim) came over for a chat and passed over £10 for the cause. Mind Andy was a little disappointed Jim didn’t offer to share his mackerel he caught fishing on the loch bank last night. This kindness (plus sustaining glasses of Laphroaig) was repeated at Bunree with a Mr David Duncan coming over with a £10 note (as well as whisky)!
As to the days cycling in totally glorious weather, it can only be summed up in the words of our cyclists who both declared that they doubted they would ever have a better day in the saddle in their lives!!! So much so that words are superfluous so just make do with a few photos, a small sample of the 112 taken today between us! I have to say it provoked much discussion choosing the ones to blog with the editor being overturned on 1!!!

Day 9 ~ to the West Coast

Day 9 Annan to Annbank (74 miles)
Day started with van all packed ready for me to drop our duo at the start point 6 miles from the site only for Vince to find he was a trifle flat in the rear. One repair later we set off and they started the ride near the quaint (?) Scottish village of Annan ~ have to say these towns make Wigan seem pleasant!
Off on back roads to Dumfries before joining the main A76 road to Kilmarnock, though fortunately we turned off before reaching that town. However they say the highlight of the day for them was cycling along the Nith River valley which ran for about 10 miles of this road. Overall a day of hard cycling in to a head wind (well that’s what they told me though the van cruised quite comfortably) with the constant threat of rain which never quite materialised.
Arrived at our campsite in the village of Annbank which is about 5 miles inland from the coast at Ayr ~ immediately discovered that we were on the flight path for Glasgow Prestwick airport, which some how didn’t feature in blurb I saw when booking the site. However the farmer who owned the site redeemed the situation by waiving the night’s fee when he heard of the lads charitable efforts.
Then another site resident came over for a chat and passed over another £5 for the cause, which is nice when complete strangers take interest. Humbling Vince said!
I must also say how much we all appreciate your comments so keep them coming ~ they do lift spirits when Vince and Andy get chance to read them.
Sending this at 10:00 at McDonalds in Ayr (tea only) as lads just set off for a long blustery ride up the coast. I must take opportunity to wish my brother Ian in Cincinnati a Happy Birthday. I trust he’s an avid reader as if not he won’t get my greeting!

Day 8 entered in a very wet Ayr

Day 8 : Selside to Annan (62 miles)
Just like Thursday a grey misty start to Friday’s venture. First a stop at a camping centre near Kendal for a replacement CampingGaz cylinder and then into Kendal to purchase some spare tyre, though not for the van this time. There at Bruce’s Bikes Andy tried to out blag the owner with tales of his Tour souvenirs (Axel Merckz drink bottle from 2007 tour) but was trumped by a piece of Paris Roubaix cobble, Paulo Bettini’s saddle and Bertolli’s cap ~ Smith threw a hissy fit and sloped off!
But the purchase of the tyre showed amazing foresight as climbing Shap (believe me a mere pimple at 1400 feet, though watching from the top it was 5 minutes before lorries did the climb to reach me) he suffered a blow out. Driver Swan was fortunately on hand to race down hill with emergency lights flashing to help affect a wheel change (editor: some poetic licence here I fancy!).
The benefits of the spare bike being carried (courtesy of Jon Bartlett) proved a time saving boost as Andy was able to swap wheels.
Then after Penrith I left the riders to go their merry way whilst I disappeared to enter yesterday’s details on the blog ~ that adventure has already been referred to but good old McDonalds rescued the day. Then I caught up with Vince and Andy again in Gretna. Unfortunately they have had a minor falling out and so the happy announcement I expected to make is not on at this time!
The day was rounded off with a visit back into England for a fish and chip supper in the town of Longtown 4 miles from Gretna. Well when I say fish and chip supper, some members of the crew did also add sausage and curry sauce but thank god the pair of them are sleeping downstairs!

Thursday's photos

If only I'd known the German for upload images!
Anyway those pictures meant to be with text for day are now here courtesy of good old Ronald Mcdonalds in Carlisle!

Thursday's photos!

You wouldn't believe it but in a T-Mobile hotspot (sevices just outside Carlisle) everything's in German so hitch with getting day 7 photos with text ~ dumkopf!

Hopefully they'll appear when I get back to civilisation!

Day 7 ~ Into the Lakes

Day 7 ~ Standish to Selside (North of Kendal) :
61 miles (all uphill)
After a wet and windy night (well downstairs anyway) we set off in depressingly damp and dreary conditions. The Driver dropped the riders at the start point and then went off to Charnock Richards services on the M6 to deal with the blog update which had frustrated so much on Wednesday. Actually I think it was that waste of space Gates who had provided a critical update the night before which had queered the machine ~ thanks Bill!!!
Anyway blog update was successful and then sadly it was another frustrating 2 hours of traffic through Preston before contact made again with our duo in Lancaster. At a stop for lunch the other side of town, a father and son were encountered who were not only cycling from John O’Groats to Lands End but combining this with the Three Peaks Challenge, which involves walking to the summits of Ben Nevis, Scaffel Pike and Snowdon! Fair play but we thought they were madder than us. They were Mike Morgan, a Matelot Artificer doing some missionary work with the RAF at present and his father, Rob and they were doing the ride for St Dunstans, a charity for blind ex-servicemen. With such an impressive feat Andy reckons Mike must have been a "Bootneck" in a previous life. If any of their friends are looking at this please don’t be shy with the sponsorship for their worthy charity.
Where the day had started so dismally it suddenly brightened to glorious sunshine and blue skies ~ just in time for the start of the Lakes. Fabulous, as the photo of the finish point for the day hopefully shows.
Then on arrival at our campsite the day was finished off by Andy demonstrating the skills learned from watching too much of that Ramsey chap (including language) in preparing "Pasta with pancetta, leek and mushrooms" ~ excellent with a cheeky Australian red from the Murray River! Thanks to Pete Tuckett and partner Jill/Gill for the loan of their cooker in our hour of need.
Only disappointment of the day then finding out we’d only made page 11 of the Gazette ~ surely bodies like ours merited page 3!

Thursday's deal ~ two days for price of 1!

Day 6 Shrewsbury to Standish ~ 77 miles
The two cyclists were quite happy with their day and in truth they covered good mileage but for the Driver it was a day of frustration sat in heavy traffic through Warrington and Wigan. Indeed, he was heard to mutter on collecting them at end of ride that if he was forced to drive in that area every day he’d consider topping himself. Basically it’s ghastly and if that offends any readers who are native of these parts then tough.
Nice campsite in the evening though which was near Burscough (between Southport and M6) and for second night running the owner declined any fee.
During a lunchtime stop in a lay-by close to Llangollen Canal outside Whitchurch, (I did walk down to watch a boat through lock whilst waiting for the lads) a passing motorist spied our sign on back of van, did a wheelie and roared up in his Mercedes. His company, Fenwicks, apparently manufactures all kinds of cleaning products (such as Caravan Cleaner, "Bobby Dazzler" and horse shampoo and conditioner ~ leaflet provided with details if anyone interested). He was called Roger Smith and our own gentleman of that surname is now convinced he’s a long lost relative. Anyway having nothing on him at the time he told the lads worth their while to call him on completion of ride. Then after telling many more stories and showing them a new soft saddle substance, which they waxed lyrical over, he sped away to his next business call. Mind, he also pooh poohed their road bikes with a story how his son had ridden 4,000 miles along the length of the Rockies.
He also left us some wonder tablets for cleaning Melamine, who ever she is?
A scary postscript ~ only 2 days away from Gretna and the cyclists are bonding so well Andy is starting to have high hopes of a happy event being announced ~ more to follow!

Day 5 ~ Monmouth to Shrewsbury

Day 5 ~ Monmouth to Shrewsbury : 67 miles
A lesser day than Monday in terms of miles but much lumpier and with the last 20 miles too much traffic. Today we experienced the first mechanical hitch when Vince had a slow one but, with a little cursing and coaxing a new tube was inserted with the old one discarded for repair tonight. After the tasting of a couple of pints of black stuff last night, we are planning a much more sober evening with a glass of red with our barbie.
Staying on another farm tonight and already we can tell that an early alarm call has been arranged ~ damn cockerel has been chirruping since we arrived at 5. However Brickyard Farm at Frodesley just south of Shrewsbury seems pleasant and when Mrs Davies, the farmer’s wife, spied my polo shirt emblazoned with the National Autistic Society emblem she refunded the site fee together with an additional donation. See yah boo to anyone mocking Vince’s idea of getting some polo shirts prepared. Talking of the evening meal it was proved that Andy’s time in the marines (sorry I’ve been corrected Royal Marines) and worship of the life and times of Ray Mears was not in vain as he rescued a reluctant fire to grill burgers to well done!
Also interesting to see how many others there are potentially doing the ride, though all at differing speeds and with varying means of support. While waiting at the top of the massive hill out of Monmouth for Vince and Andy to arrive at the pub (sorry site) last night, a lad wobbled on his bike to the top with backpack containing his possessions. He stopped to wait for his travelling companion and told me that they had left Lands End after us on Saturday. They had stopped last night at Shepton Mallet but were intending to do another 40 odd tonight. Vince and Andy then arrived and after them a lad was walking up the hill pushing his bike. The sad part was then he walked with his bike down the hill the other side ~ another 40 miles that evening ~ I think not!
Also on last night I forgot to include our thanks for the lovely chocolates to Sally Markey, wife of Paul who visited us at pub. If only I was allowed to eat just 1!

Day 4 ~ Taunton to Monmouth

Day 4 ~ Taunton to Monmouth (a massive) 87 miles
The most poignant comment of the day I noted was the comment from young Smith as they posed by the "Welcome to Wales" sign after crossing the Severn Bridge. His exclamation of "if only that read Scotland" struck a chord, certainly with his fellow cyclist.
The day had started with Orchard FM announcing details of the ride and inviting supporters to watch the departure from Creech Castle. As this was only 15 minutes before departure it was unsurprising no one waved us away! However, Jez Scarratt, a friend and work colleague of Andy’s, joined them for the first part of the ride. I think he turned up because he heard there was to be a ceremonial handing over of fruit cake at Jenny Lane’s in North Petherton and it would have been rude not to partake of a trial slice. So after coffee and cake they set off with Jez doing the extra mile to Bridgwater before he returned to Taunton ~ his support was much appreciated.
As was that of another of Andy’s work mates, Colin Salter and his wife, Wendy who adorned their vehicle with support signs in a strange language ~ "Allez Andy and Vite Vince" I recall.
After that it was basically mile crunching ~ for once landscape was as flat as my map! That is until the last 20 miles from the Severn Bridge with an exhilarating drop down through Tintern only to be followed by a truly knackering last mile uphill to our site for the night ~ "The Royal Oak". Here we joined by 3 of Andy’s friends who had driven over from Gloucester. Robin, Colette and Paul were good company and treated us to meal and drink ~ excellent beer it was too!
Finally, a mention for Sean at KwikFit in Redcliffe Street Bristol, who sorted my tyre and was extremely helpful ~ ie he did it for nowt! Bless!

Day 3 ~ 70 miles back to Taunton

What a treat for you all 2 entries for 1 day’s reading.

Actually this was a fairly quiet day with a good run across mid-Devon and, despite Vince’s best efforts in completely ignoring my advice on how to get through Exeter, they did manage to find Sainsbury's for a mid-ride coffee and cake (well to be honest a doughnut as well for some ~ and it wasn't me!). Anyway the first days are over and, by repute some of the hardest physical cycling is now done.

My only concern so far is to find a large gash in the wall of my outside front tyre which is going to require replacing. Thank goodness no motorway driving until the trip home so time to get it replaced.

Last evening at Headon Farm we were sat in bright sunshine when all of a sudden the mist came down and a right Cornish mizzle had come across the border. So sat in the van we had a night of education watching a documentary on new ways of rural policing as provided by Andy. He assured us “Hot Fuzz” was quite a true reflection of his job!

On another point we need to record our thanks (and in particular Andy’s) to Derek Cutler (DC) of DC Cycleworks for the work he has done free of charge preparing our bikes to support our charitable efforts. As Andy explained ~ “he has turned his bike from a Tired Old Cart Horse into a Thoroughbred but sadly the rider has not reached this level.”

Whatever Derek’s support and time invested is really appreciated by both cyclists as they head North on the onward Journey.

Day 2 ~ Indian Queens to Garlands Moor near Holsworthy : 58 miles

After a gentle start to the day and a refreshing shower at Treamble Valley we set forward for the second leg with a brief stop at Newquay Mcdonalds. I hasten to add that this was not in search of refreshment but a “hot spot” to update the blog and to our joy it worked. Then with a quick flit into Morrisons for Vince to buy some extremely smelly cheese we were off.

I then drove the lads to Indian Queens for the start of the day’s efforts. Later in the day Andy summed it up as just like last nights rice pudding ~ hot and lumpy!! Well having said that this did not apply to Vince who enjoyed his rice cold straight from the can.

A hard day with the heat and many hills ~ and that was just for me. The highlight was a visit to Camelford (and its not often that phrase will be uttered) but Vince had bright idea of a pasty as we were in darkest Cornwall. Excellent from “Cornish Maids” as picture shows.

Then, when we got to our campsite at Headon Farm near Holsworthy, a site we knew from our trial run, our day was made complete with the wonderful gesture of the owners, Linda, Richard, Rebecca and James Reader in waiving any fee and also making a very generous donation to the charities. The picture shows Rebecca handing the donation to Andy ~ such a gesture starts to make the whole idea seem very worthwhile.

Day 1 Lands End to Indian Queens ~ 54 miles

The Ride First Day
After a tardy start picking up the duo, and amid much excitement in Michael Paul House the second home of young Vince where members of his team were reduced to orgasmic delight by the misguided thought he might cycle passed, we enjoyed a trouble free journey to Lands End for the start of the adventure.
There after exchanging insults with a couple of lads who had just cycled the wrong way, they posed for a photo session before leaping into the saddle. The weather was remarkably kind and they cycled for an excellent 54 miles, much more than anticipated. Of course I’d like to report it was silky smooth but they whinged and moaned over a couple of mere pimples for which I was blamed ~ harsh I thought but they seemed to think it was fair!
In my defence on my map all looked flat and although a "beacon" suggested a hill ~ anyway the fire would have been visible for miles! Gave them an excuse to have several of the lovely rock cakes made for Andy by Karen from Bridgwater.
Campsite at Treamble Valley near Perranporth was great and the chilli lovingly (?) prepared by Mrs Smith was enjoyed by all. Now sat in Mcdonalds at Newquay girding our loins for the next leg of the adventure.
Well upwards and onwards.

Andy's donation page

A link to Andy's charity donation page ~ http://www.justgiving.com/cyclingpoliceman

Again please have a read.

As promised here are the details of Andy’s chosen charity – CLICSargent ~ Caring for children with Cancer. For further information please go to http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/

As some of you may be aware Vince and Andy have long cherished the dream of cycling the length of the country and now the opportunity has arrived. As this was their idea of fun (?*?), there was originally no idea of seeking any sponsorship ~ certainly Vince was conscious of being sponsored for previous efforts and didn’t feel he could ask for more. However after the comments of many friends and work colleagues they have decided to donate any monies raised to 2 charities:-

Vince’s charity ~ The National Autistic Society and more information about their work can be found at http://www.nas.org.uk

Anyone not having access to the sponsorship forms Vince has circulated can donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/vincekearney

(By way clicking on the above link for Vince’s thoughts worth a read anyway!)

Details of Andy’s charity to follow!


Meanwhile


here’s a picture of the lads in training last year on the 100+ mile ride from Bristol to London ~ hope Andy’s found his bike by time I drop them at Lands End!

Home from home

This is our home from home for just over two weeks ~ lets hope our two intrepid cyclists get on!