Check Out the Total Raised !!

Check out the toal donations to date click the link below:-

Birmingham Children's Hospital Appeal

Day 10 - Tain to John O Groats (The Finish!)

The final day!

Another sunny day a relaxed start only 85 miles to do an even captain Simon did not tell Sanj to hurry up too much! After pleading with Kev to make some effort so that we would not have to wait for him at JOG for too long the four of us set off. Omar decided to spare the blushes of the locals and not don his lycra so that he could concentrate on filming. The final day turned out to be very hilly but for the first time in 10 days we were riding along a coast road. Our pace was excellent Richard taking top speed honours with 48.7 mph Simon could only manage 48.6 but he had the wrong gears, Sanj turned in a frankly pathetic 48 mph no wonder he does not come mountain biking - Tony, well its not his discipline is it! The tortoise which overtook him claimed Kev had his brakes on and his eyes closed. 50 miles to go and two pistons Tony decided that it would be good to start ' putting the hammer down' and then several miles in complained of cramp and a painful knee. A stop for tea and cake did not solve the problem so under protest from the ever caring Simon and Richard Sanj put his foot down and insisted on a break for Tony ( obviously he himself did not need a rest!) A box of painkillers later two pistons was firing on all cylinders and the breakneck pace continued not least due to the following wind. After a quick break for lunch where we were informed that a couple who we met at Lands End had beaten us. Richard angrily rallied the troops to be beaten by a girl deserved some punishment after all. What followed was probably the fastest 20 miles we have ever done! We eventually arrived at John O' Groats what an achievement but before we could enjoy it Kev popped up from behind the sign! How did he do that! the look on Richard's face is something the rest of us will all cherish!!

GPS Track of Route

Day 9 - Fort William to Tain

We woke up to a sunny day!! had a cheery breakfast and a cheque for £100 from the owner of the hotel, The Inn at Ardour many thanks for that, it was an extremely generous donation. We were once again were joined by Omar and Kev we set off for a 108 + mile ride. Kev set off at a leisurely pace whilst one again we shot off like the Tour de France well that's what it felt like. Once again we were treated to some lovely views, guided by our sat navs up a dead end and with common sense out of the window we followed it onto a forest trail. After shocking some mountain bikers by overtaking them we continued for 9 miles down a mountain bike track skirting Loch Oich, some I know were hoping for catastrophic failure!! At over 90 miles and over 5 hours in the saddle it felt obligatory to start some sprinting !! We stopped at 100 miles to welcome Omar. Good job !! For the last 5 miles the sun gave way to torrential rain we all felt right at home with Tony and Richard following each other to complete the effect by being sprayed in the face! Omar was not impressed, but did enjoy the cool down, knowing there was a hot shower only 5 miles away

We reached the hotel to be greeted by John who had just had a siesta he must have had a hard day bless. We took our bikes into our rooms ( I for one will find it weird to check into a hotel without trying to sneak my bike past reception) for the last time and had an agreeable meal. we weren't sure when Kevin got there but he really should make some effort.

GPS Track of Route

Day 8 - Loch Lomond to Nr Fort William.

After John, Richard, Omar and Malps had a morning swim including several go on the kids waterslide and lovely breakfast we reluctantly left Cameron House. A sunny morning! After a photoshoot at the Loch the boys set off at an easy pace this time joined by Omar and Kev. The road took us for 20 miles alongside Loch Lomond in wonderful weather. This time Simon had a puncture and we called in for Support that was supposed to be provided by Malps. Alas Malps had Disaaaaaarster and had locked the keys in the van. There was much abuse and teasing down the phone Malps had now adopted a new name of ‘Muppet’ . The only way for Malps to get in was to smash the side window  We carried on not before Kev cautioning Sanj for urinating in a public place. Omar had his one strop for leaving himself and Kev on a pass in the rain. The ride then took us to the spectacular Glencoe with stunning scenery and nice long steady climbs and fine descents. 8 miles to go we stopped for a coffee, the 1st time this luxury Descending down to sea level we arrived at the Corran ferry for the short hop to the hotel. Ride over 75 miles. As we got off our bikes a sweaty Irishman appeared having done a 5 mile run – well done John, meanwhile Malps had smoked 20 B&H.

GPS Track of Route

Day 7 - Thornhill to Loch Lomond

The first 20 miles were experienced in beautiful sunshine and we had a sensational ride up through the Dalveen Pass of course stopping for one of Tony’s now routine punctures. After this we had an uneventful ride right through to Glasgow where we had lunch at a fantastic little café on an industrial estate (very glamorous) We carried right through the centre of Glasgow down Argyle Street Richard tries to imitate Tony and promptly fell of his bike at the traffic lights as he did not unclip his feet , school boy error! It rained again and we ploughed on to the lovely Cameron house hotel on Loch Lomond where the boys all had a swim, a Jacuzzi and sauna. Later we were met by Omar and John with Malps flying in half an hour later. Had a great meal another late night but a really restful sleep. Job done 84 miles !

GPS Track of Route

Day 6 - Windermere to Thornhill

Met Tony’s Carlisle crew, Stretch, Kev, Paul , David and Margaret & Gemma. The crew took us to an Italian restaurant which was superb, we ended up having a late night finishing at midnight. We decided to take a very leisurely pace, out of Windermere, However were met immediately by Kirkstone pass , the highest road pass in England. Tony has walked it before but cycling was plainly ridiculous especially as we faced sideways rain and clouds. To boot it all at 1500 ft in freezing conditions Tony announces he has a puncture! Following this the boys had a mad descent in the wet which was very hairy to say the least. The ground flattened and it was a fast ride to Carlisle. We stopped far to early and too long in Subway for Lunch with 50 miles to go. Leaving Carlisle to Dumfries avoiding the promised lunch stop, Sanj experienced the bonk at 80 miles and was ready to throw his bike into the hedge. Simon had to get emergency food rations for Sanjay, after this Sanjay recovered somewhat and we cruised into Thornhill staying at the Thornhill Inn. Had a wonderful meal of fillet steak. 93 miles covered !!

GPS Track of Route

Day 6 - Glossop to Windermere

Yet another day of rain !! After a lateish start to avoid the traffic we set of out of Glossop and down through the huge conurbation that is Manchester and Liverpool. We went through Ashton under Lyme, Oldham and Blackburn, and yes it really is grim up north!! At this point the boys were unsupported as the van could not stay with the bikes through the built up streets. Finally escaping the conurbation the boys took in the unclassified roads of Bowland forest, suddenly the geography turned very different from traffic lightes and roundabouts to wilderness, forests and moors a very welcome change. The change also brought about a further deterioration in the weather with the rain now torrential and the hills steeper. The rain completetly soaked the boys and the going was really tough but it was made up for by the scenery. Finally the guys were reunited with Kevin and the van near Ingleton. The rest of the journey to Windermere was faster as the roads were wider and flatter, the sun even made the occasional visit as the clouds dispersed. Arriving in Windermere it was concluded that this was the toughest day yet.

GPS track of Route