Day 12 - Finale

The last day of our event. Of course we had technically finished our challenge, Friday was kind of supplementary. We assembled as planned at Andy's house and we were joined by Rob who we invited to ride down with us. We left at around 10:30 for a leisurely saunter, as we thought for once we could arrive at our destination without being red faced and sweaty. We were well ahead of schedule and so we decided to go down to Spice Island and recreate a picture from our first training run all the way back in March. Rob duly obliged with  the camera.

Mike, Paddy, Andy, Rob and Duncan

Spice Island

Knowing that something of an entourage of family, friends, dignitaries and media had collected in the square, we approached from behind the Guildhall and kept out of sight whilst Rob went on ahead to let everyone know we had arrived. We waited with more that a small measure of trepidation for the signal to ride down Guildhall Walk and into the square. After a few minutes delay we got the call to set off. Somewhat nervously (a bit embarrassed) we cycled in formation and entered the square to applause and cheering. We were impressed and surprised by the size of the crowd, along with the media and of course the Mayor who greeted us enthusiastically. Andy was interviewed live on Express FM, Mike and I spoke to reporters from The News. We also learned that although BBC South were not in attendance, they had re-broadcast that morning the piece that we did just before we left for Accrington. We then assembled for photos and managed to persuade the Mayor to sit on Mike's bike. After a while things began to clam down and we retired to the Guildhall bar for refreshments. This was a great chance to catch up with friends and entertain/bore them with endless anecdotes about our adventures over the last two weeks. 

Gradually the assemblage disapated leaving a core of the team (plus one or two others) to celebrate with a drink or two, possibly more. ( I have pictures. but I'm not brave enough to post them).

Awaiting the call...

Guildhall Walk

Andy on Express FM 

A gift from the girls (chocolate champaigne bottle from Thornton's, mmm...)

What happened next...

So that's it. We have completed the event and we have raised well in excess of our £10,000 target. The final total has not been calculated (and its not too late to donate), but we are quietly hopeful of topping £15,000, which is fantastic. Over the trip we have simply had the best time, even when riding up those Accrington hills in the driving rain, or mending punctures when all we wanted to do was sleep. The whole adventure has been an amazing experience and we have met some great people along the way. Mike, Andy and I therefore wish to say a big thank you to all the football clubs that participated and welcomed us to their grounds with open arms, the ASDA stores that we visited across the country who really looked after us, South Downs College who lent us a college vehicle and supported and encouraged us throughout, the TA who provided us with accommodation and a second support vehicle, Cycleworks in Petersfield for advice and discounts on parts and servicing, TEC Promotions who supplied us with teamwear including the excellent 'event completed' shirts, all those who sponsored us individually online and on the forms, and of course the customers and staff at ASDA who's generosity has been quite simply phenominal.

We would also like to add a special heart-felt thanks to our families and to our support team, namely Phil the driver and chef, Paul from the TA who sorted out our accommodation, and Emma and Sharon (South Coast Massage) who worked tirelessly collecting cash and keeping us fighting fit and on track.  It is without an shadow of doubt that we say we would never have got home without you...

Post Script:

It may have escaped your notice that I (Duncan) managed to get home from Accrington without a single puncture or in fact any issues with my bike, apart from the Farnborough incident that is. Given the length and intesity of celebrations on Friday afternoon we wisely elected to leave our bikes in the Guildhall and make alternative arrangements to get home (still not sure how I managed to do so). Mike and I picked our bikes up yesterday morning and surpise surprise! Two falt tyres for Duncan. Like I didn't see that coming boys...

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...