Anyone want to buy a bike?

Anyone Want to Buy a Bike? - One careful owner

As if, I might not have ventured back on the bike since Sunday, but I’m blaming the weather this week.

So how do you describe over 900 miles in 10 days?

This is the card my mum sent to the team on Monday

and that innocent excitement just about sums it up. At John O’Groats there was a real high that you’ve completed something that you’ve never done before and when you set out you didn’t actually know that you could do it.  On the downside you also realise quite quickly that once it’s over it’s over – a bit like Christmas as a youngster; lots of build-up, preparation and excitement until all the presents are open and then………….

You’ll not be surprised to know that there were “moments of discomfort” and I wouldn’t take this challenge on without a good sized tub of Sudocrem. The aches and pains fade fairly quickly and the memory is really good at pushing those moments of discomfort to the back of the mind. It means that you can chose to keep all of the good memories of being part of a great team – Richard. Mike and Barry on the bikes and Mike, Barry and Bob in the minibus.

Sparks

Most importantly, however, this challenge was undertaken to raise funds and awareness for Sparks. If you’ve followed the blog then you’ll already know about the work Sparks undertakes. If you’ve not picked up on Sparks yet visit their website at www.sparks.org.uk . As a children’s medical research charity their objective is to improve the quality of life for babies, children and their families and it’s a privilege to be a supporter of Sparks and to participate in an event that helps to raise funds and awareness for such a great cause. For all of us involved this was a Sparks event more than a team and personal challenge.

It’s surprising how many people have been involved in bringing Sparks Wrexham  LEJOG together and can I add my personal thanks to everyone who has donated their time and/or money to this great cause. In particular I’d like to thank: Richard for the initial idea and asking me to take part. The support team Mike, Barry and Bob for getting us to Lands’ End; for being there every 10 to 15 miles to John O’Groats and for returning us to the day jobs. It’s not a glamorous task driving the minibus for a couple of thousand miles there and back but you’ve no idea how welcome the sight of a white minibus can be. Also on a personal note – thanks to Colin and Caroline for making a 3 hour round trip to wish us well at Pitlochry - above and beyond but great to see you guys.

Finally I can’t sign off without acknowledging the fantastic effort that Mr Potts put in. After two days Mike could barely walk and I thought his next destination was more likely to be Bristol Royal Infirmary than John O’Groats. How you cycle another 600/700 miles in such pain I don’t know but Mike did – respect. Oh, and he still made the tea every morning and evening.

Where do I plan to cycle next? – Probably to Dodleston village shop to get the paper in the morning…… Hey, it’s a start