Night Stages

We have been planning to take part in the Isle of Wight 'Randonnee' event this coming Sunday. This means catching a ferry over to Fishbourne, then riding anti-clockwise around the island, a distance of 63m (or 100km if you prefer). This should be quite a challenge and we suspect that it will be as tough as any single leg of our event. Unfortunately, Andy is unable to attend so it looks like being just Mike and myself (Duncan). However, undeterred Andy suggested that we should go for a ride on Thursday, after work. Mike and I were both on late, so we finally met up at North Harbour around just before 11.30 and set off in the direction of Fareham. Our route eventually took us to Titchfield, then down through Stubbington to Lee-on-the Solent, along the sea front at Stokes Bay, passed Haslar, then back up to Fareham through Gosport and back along the A27 to Cosham - just about 30 miles. (Mike and Andy in fact covered 40 miles ad they set out from Cowplain). A great ride not least because it was much cooler and there was virtually no traffic. Not sure what the weather is going to be on Sunday, there is some suggestion of rain, and possibly wind...

23:27, North Harbour

23:55, Fareham

00:28, Lee-on-the-Solent

02:09, Cosham

Out in the Sticks

Today we have been on another training mission, this time with two aims in mind. Firstly to extend the length of the ride and secondly to include some climbs. We met up at Mikes place and set off into the hills towards Droxford, working our way through Hambledon, Worlds End, Denmead and Purbrook before returning to Cowplain. The trip covered just about 30 miles and we managed an average of 12 mph, when we were moving, 9mph taking in stops for hydration (and ice lollies).

Climbing towards the Bat and Ball

Old Winchester Hill Lane

Hambledon

Purbrook

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable ride, with the exception of one or two inclines and it was getting very hot by midday.

Back at Mikes, we discussed the progress on the website, which is almost ready and should go live some time this week. You may also notice that we have devised a new and arguably improved logo.

Accrington, and other matters...

There have been a number of developments. The route has just about been finalised and the website is taking shape. We also have some potential new sponsors, we will report further in the next post.

Mike and Andy have been on a visit to Accrington Stanley and received a very warm welcome. The club are extremely enthusiastic about our event and have offered us accomodation along with a launch party to be attended by players, supporters and the press. Mike and Andy were also given complementary tickets to watch Accrington play Hereford United, another club we will be visiting en route. (Accrington won 4-0 by the way). The boys were quite overcome by the fantastic support and genuine enthusiasm they found at Accrington and would like to extend their thanks to the chairman, the staff and all those involved at the club. We are really looking forward to a great send off on the 17th.

We have been in the Portsmouth ASDA store this weekend, collecting cash from unsuspecting shoppers and promoting event. This is the third store we have attended and the generosity of the public reflects their support for our caused. We haven't finished to count from today, suffice to say we've raised a few bob. It has also been an opportunity to discuss some ideas prior to the next formal meeting which is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Training Ride No.2

We have been on another training run this weekend, well Mike and me (Duncan), accompanied once again by Julia. Mike arrived in Cosham on Saturday morning at 7am, having issues with his chainset. Soon discovered that the cable had come loose, so after re-attaching and a bit of adjustment we managed to sort it out. Set off around 7.15(ish) and completed another circuit of the island.

The Hard

Jools set the pace, Mike and I were too busy chatting about his trip with Andy last week to Accrington (post coming soon) and planning of the event in general. Jools pushed us to put in some effort and get a shift on, and she was really flying along the seafront.

Southsea Common

D-Day Museum

Milton

Back in Cosham we discussed the route and the planned stages. We think that we are just about there now and if all goes to plan we will be setting off from Accrington on Monday 18th July, arriving at our final destination, Fareham, on Thursday 28th. The next challenge is to sort out accomodation...