Day 11 - The Final Furlong

Well, I can report that we have done it. We have completed the challenge. At 3:30 yesterday afternoon we arrived at Fareham Town FC, the last (and arguably most significant) club on our tour, but this is not quite the end of the event. Today we will finish in style in the Guildhall Square, Portsmouth when we cycle in to meet the Mayor and hand over a cheque to a representative from Help for Heroes. Here then is the story of the last two days. Its a long post this, so are you sitting comfortably? (Get yourself a cuppa, I would...)

You may recall that we had reached Bournemouth on Tuesday evening and as we were staying in the Southampton TA, our first task on Wednesday was to return to the spot where we had finished the previous evening, i.e. is the ASDA store, Bournemouth. From here we set out for Dean Court, the home of 'The Cherries'. On arrival we were greeted by Manager Lee Bradbury who took us through to the pitch, signed our shirt and posed for photos. We were also joined by Bryan and Sally, friends (of Duncan) who live in Christchurch and support AFC Bournemouth. Bryan helped us out by taking some shots with my camera, Sally shot some video which I hope to post a link to at some point. We were very grateful to Lee for taking time out to come and meet us, we were not expecting to see him. (After our shoot, Sally also had the opportunity to have a photo with Lee, something which she seemed especially excited by). Having collected the signed team shirt and said our good byes, we sped off back to ASDA to deliver it and meet the store manager, before setting off for Southampton.

...with Lee Bradbury, Dean Court (photo by Bryan)

(photo by Bryan)

Home Dugout (photo by Bryan)

ASDA, Bournemouth

When we reached the outskirts of Christchurch Bryan joined us again on his bike and rode with us for a while. When this idea was first mooted, I was a little concerned as to whether Bryan would be able to ride at our pace. I had no real idea of how much cycling he does Given that we were by now cruising along a fair old rate and Bryan's bike was more of a hybrid than an out and out road bike, I wondered if could match our progress and if not, would he be deterred or feel that he was holding us back. I had decided therefore that if this proved the case I would ride at Bryan's speed, regardless of the urgency or the pace of the others. As it turned out, I needn't have worried. Once on the main Lyndhurst road he tore off like a hare with his bum on fire, whilst I slowly slipped back. I thought to myself "at last, someone who can keep up with Andy".

We soon reached Lyndhurst, where we stopped for some excellent ice cream. Here we learnt that we were to be on Radio Solent again, that very afternoon, on the Katie Martin show. The time was 1.45, we needed to be at the studio for 3.15. Having consumed the ice cream ( I had a tub after the previous fiasco), Bryan turned for home, we pressed on for the Radio Solent studio.

Lyndhurst

We made good time and arrived with plenty to spare. Just as well really, Andy picked up another puncture just round the corner. Then when he'd fixed that he broke the quick release wheel pin. At this point we decided to forget about the bikes until after the interview, then get to a bike shop.

The Interview with Katie went really well, we all felt a lot more relaxed about it this time around. She gave us quite a lengthy slot which enabled us to say a great deal about the ride and our cause, and afterwards we persuaded Katie to sit on MIke's bike for a photo shoot outside the studio.

Reception, Radio Solent

Studio, Radio Solent

...with Katie Martin

The next task was to get Andy's bike fixed. To cut a long story short, we managed to find a cyclist who would escort me to a local bike shop to buy a new pin. On my return we put it all together then off the ASDA briefly and then to St. Mary's. We were now quite some way behind schedule but as luck would have it there was a friendly match on, against West Brom. We arrived a short time before kickoff and managed to get onto the side of the pitch and get a photo opportunity with defender Ryan Dickson.

ASDA, Totton

Ryan Dickson

Finally we left St. Mary's and set off on the final stage of the day, southampton to Cosham. The light was beginning to fail by the time we reach Titchfield and Andy picked up yet another puncture. Not a happy camper.

Puncture at Titchfield

So by the time we reach Cosham it was gone 9pm. We dispersed to our own homes and arranged to reconvene at 9am for the final day of the ride..

In the morning we assembled up at Andy's place and then cycled down to Fratton Park to meet with Alan Knight and Linvoy Primus. There was also a press photographer from The News (local paper). During the shoot, and as a complete surprise to me, Alan and Linvoy presented us with trophies. I have to confess that I was pretty chuffed and went to great lengths to ensure that the trophies were included in as many pics as possible. It was great to meet Linvoy as well, like Alan he is a Pompey legend and we were very pleased that he came along to support us.

Fratton End

Duncan with Linvoy and Alan and Trophy (photo by Caitlin)

Andy taking an impromptu shower

Time was pressing and so eventually we had to move on as we were due at Havant and Waterlooville FC at 12 noon. As we cycled along side the Eastern Road we remembered the unofficial memorial that has been constructed on the shoreline, so we took a short detour. Here by chance we met Willie Goldfinch, the constructor. We had  along chat and persuaded him to sit on Mike's bike and pose for some photos with us.

Willie Goldfinch

(photo by Nicky)

Our original estimate for this event was 540 miles, as we reached the top of the Harbour we actually reached 600. We stopped and flagged down Jason, a passing cyclist who was happy to take our picture.

600 Miles (photo by Jason)

Now we really were behind. We sped of towards Havant.

At the Havant and Waterlooville ground we were greeted by Manager Shaun Gale. Once again we were made very welcome and shown lots of encouragement and support. Friend and photographer Kevin Diamond had also arrived to take some pictures for us.

Approaching Westleigh Park
(photo by Kevin Diamond)

At Havant and Waterlooville FC with Shaun Gale
(photo by Kevin Diamond)

(photo by Kevin Diamond)

Bustin' Some Moves (photo by Kevin Diamond)

On to the Havant ASDA to see Lynn and have a spot of lunch...

(photo by Kevin Diamond)

(photo by Kevin Diamond)

...then we popped in to college to show our faces before the last stage to Fareham Town FC. Here we were given a round of applause as we approach the ground. Kevin was also in attendance and took some shots as we rode in. 

(photo by Kevin Diamond)

Andy with Club Secretary Ian Tewson 

Mike with Sharon, community colleague for ASDA Fareham 

Bryan World signing one of our souvenir shirts

(photo by Kevin Diamond)

(photo by Kevin Diamond)

(photo by Kevin Diamond)

(photo by Kevin Diamond)

We took a leisurely ride home and couldn't resist stopping of at Porchester Castle for an Ice Cream. The guy in the van recognised us from our radio interview yesterday and donated the cost of our purchases (three large tubs of vanilla with flakes, nuts and chocolate sauce, mmmm...) to the cause. 

So there we have it, job done you might say. Well not quite, there is the event in the Guildhall Square this morning. We are planning to ride in at 11:30, so if you find yourself at a loose end why not pop down and say hello. We will be very pleased to see you...