Where do we begin........
Day One
A massive massive Thank you to All participants that gave up their weekend not to mention all the training time to participate in the mamouth return bike ride from Birmingham to Milton Keynes. The day began well with all expected riders leaving on time, however by 10:00 the last group to leave had become lost! Following a rescue mission they were put back on the correct route. The first group to leave managed an exceptional time and arrived at 13:30 at the campsite. They all worked well as a team (helping change numerous punctures. One rider Paul Denny unfortunately could not give up his Sunday due to other commitments HOWEVER decided to take the bold step to return to Birmingham on the same day!! - Well Done Paul...
The second group also did extremely well and arrived at 14:15, given some parts of this group didn't have the chance to train - A Big Well Done to them!!
The third group to leave was the group that managed to get lost, within this group was two fifteen year olds (Thomas and Conrad) who despite their unscheduled detour still managed to complete the first leg!! - Well Done!! Lorraine, Kez, Shaun and Simone also worked well as a team helping Simone with a sprained ankle. Well done to Lorraine and Kez completing the first leg as both were too busy to train due to other work commitments - INCREDIBLE!!
And last but not least a MASSIVE well done to Dave McGuire and Phil Mann who refused to give up on the first leg and eventually arrived back at camp at 19:00 to a massive cheer from all staff waiting on the bridge over the canal! - Well done both!!!
Camping Overnight
A massive thank you to Claire, Lorraine Sarah and Tanya who organised all the food and camping arrangements for staff to ensure all were well fed and managed to get at least a few hours sleep before the return trip!! Lovely Breakfast.......
Day Two
Day two started off much hoter than day one and as certain participants had stayed up most of the night having a glass of wine or two and a sing song - It looked to be a long hard day ahead!!! Most riders had left by 09:30 with plenty of water and a few headaches. Despite numerous punctures, snapped chains and a tumble in the canal the first to arrive (Mike Redfern) was welcomed to a large applause at 12:30!!! During the next five hours all that had left made it back in one piece. To summarise 38 participants ALL achieved the gruelling challenge and they should all be extremely proud of themselves and the money they have raised for such a great cause!! We are now going to put the pressure on to boost our fundraising which im sure will exceed the target set out at £10,000!
