Thankyou

Just wanted to thank everyone who has supported, donated and assisted the team in any way at all. 

I obviously cannot name all of the donors, as amazingly there are so many of you from standard sponsorship, online donations, company donations and ice bucket nominations ;) - very grateful indeed for your generous donations.

To all 900+ Facebook Group members, 400+ Twitter followers whose messages of support throughout the 2 weeks kept us going and completely lifted our spirits.

We would like to thank Toby Hemsley for the loan of his vehicle for our support van :-

Without this van, we would never have completed this challenge. Toby, your support and generosity is overwhelming.

Thankyou to Simon and the team at Elite Signs for their generous support. This trip was all about awareness - you certainly helped us out with that ;)

A huge thanks must go to Mike Thorne and Rob Street for helping sort our kit. 

We would like to thank our main shirt sponsors :-

Stephensons Group

Pencoed House Estate

Harries, Watkins, Jones

Astra Ltd

CMS Teamwear

Reybah & Manuca

A Plant

BWCL

Sanders Polyfilm

Mooneerams

The Hogfather

K2 Gym

We would like to thank co-riders who joined us on various stages of our journey:- 

Mrs Madeleine Moon MP

Chris Daniel

Chris Allen

Emma Lake & Gary 

Marc Jehu (and Mel from bringing him and taking washing home!)

Sion Evans

And of course the wonderful Ridge family Julia, Harry and Molly for their superb support throughout and time in the saddle too.

To all those who purchased a cycle top or polo t-shirt.

To all those who have donated raffle prizes.

Thanks also:

To Leanne Russell for stocking us up on the necessities - energy drinks, choc, biscuits, sweets, tea/coffee - we had everything to keep us going.

To Andrew Simmonds for sourcing much needed energy gels and for convincing Brecon Carreg to donate ;)

Chris Cadogan for the extra water donation. And to Floydy for sorting extra Lucozade too. 

Richard Parrot for sorting our journey down to Lands End.

Everyone who we met along the way and threw money into our bucket.

Everyone we met who welcomed us at the end of our day, the brilliant Bill King and his family, the superb MND Scotland reception from Marion, Maggie and Maggie. Old school friends Rhian, Sarah & Ruth who took time out to say hello. 

To Lisa who gave invaluable support up in the Highlands and her friend Diane (who's re-routing allowed for a more manageable last few days!!)

The garage owner who donated a crate of water up in Scotland, Skinners Brewery down in Cornwall for donating some beverages and the Glenmorangie Distillery for their raffle offering. 

To Matt Murray (CU PHOSCO LIGHTING) for supplying our celebratory champagne at John O Groats. 

To all our accommodation hosts for tolerating us. Some were great, some were 'interesting'.

Huge thankyou to Sarah (MNDA Merseyside) for kindly offering us her home on our travels back through Liverpool.

To the media for helping spread the awareness: Glamorgan Gazette, Telegraph Online, The Gem, WalesOnline, Radio2, BridgeFM

To the ongoing support of the MNDA National Head Office and our local

Branch committees. 

To Garmin for adding the 'element of the unknown' to our routes ;)

On a personal note I would like to thank Team Cycle4MND. 

They've given their time, and a lot of personal expense to support this cause:- 

Gary Cox (Gospel), Jon Price (Triple P), Dai Lloyd (Lloydy), Jayne Dingle (Ding), Mark Floyd (Floyd), Adrian Hooper (Ade), Kevin Ridge (Ridgy), Lance Thomas (Last Up), Ian Henry (Shifty), Lynda Mitchell (Elmo) and Stephen (Don't burn my pizza) Dingle ;)

Without these 11 crazy people, I would never have cycled the length of Great Britain. They have endured a full fortnight of me constantly moaning and groaning about getting in the saddle each morning. Their support during the ride really did get me through every single mile. Team Sky, The inbetweeners and us mighty Team Stragglers - all fuelled by Elmo's baps and Lucozade ;)

I would also class both Rachel Davies and Rebecca Villard as honoury team members - their sterling efforts trying to arrange accommodation for us took a lot of weight off my shoulders - many thanks both x

Of course, as usual, a massive thankyou to my family. They've endured months of me stressing over the organisation of the event - thanks for your support. You know why I do it. 

To say its an adventure ill never forget will be an enormous understatement. 

Great laughs, tough climbs, some brilliant memories and breathtaking scenery. 

Our mission was to raise awareness - I think we've successfully completed that mission. All our individual blogs being read by thousands, social media buzzing, over £11,100 raised (to date) ! There are certainly more people who know about it now, than there were two weeks ago ;)

It's a good time for raising the profile of MND at the moment, with the global ice water bucket challenge toppling over £4.5 million - it is hoped research can thrive from this and inroads can be made at last. 

So again, THANKYOU everyone. 

Our cycle ride is now over (thankfully) but the MNDA still needs our support ;) Please keep spreading awareness. 

www.justgiving.com/cycle4mnd 

The End !!!

After 14 days of 'pootling' across the length of Britain, at approx 3.30pm Team Cycle4MND finally reached John O Groats !!!!

We did it !

Today, our final day, was by far the most challenging ! - even for Team Sky ;) Relentless rain and strong crosswinds all day meant conditions out on the road were treacherous to say the least. No crazy fool would step onto their bike in this weather - we did. We had to.

Soaked to the bone and freezing cold, you would've thought my spirits would be low - but all I could think of was how far we had come and what it would be like to cross that line. I actually found myself smiling more on today's ride than any ride I've ever done.

I'm sat here now over 24 hours after, still taking it all in. Don't think it's dawned on me what we've just done. Legs ache naturally, backside on the mend, still very tired but very relieved. Relieved and ecstatic because that's it !! You'll not catch me doing a prolonged cycle ride anywhere near that again. My bike has shrunk anyway ;)

 

Needless to say, everyone was in buoyant mood despite the rough day just encountered, everyone had achieved their objective to finish (in one piece). 

We all enjoyed some much deserved celebratory drinks with a meal and looking around the table I saw tired yet elated faces. 

The overriding reason why 10 cyclists (of varying abilities!), most of whom had never met each other prior to this and had out themselves through the physical and mental strain for a fortnight - was to raise awareness of MND.

I am completely satisfied that we have achieved this. We've raised over £11,000 in the process, gained huge support on social media and spoken to loads of people on our travels. 

On behalf of everyone on the team, cyclists and drivers I would like to thank everyone of you who has supported is on this eventful journey. 

Also Thankyou to all of you who have bravely undertaken the Ice WaterBucket  challenge. Ours is hilarious, bear in mind we've just finished 6 hours riding in the freezing wind & rain, some of the facial expressions are priceless. I was so cold I couldn't speak properly!!

Take a look and please share :-

http://youtu.be/WeTQivOMaDI

And if you've missed Jons ;-

http://youtu.be/yRapJ9U8wxc

I now nominate everyone who is reading this blog ;)

So my short-lived cycling career has come to a end. Did I enjoy the cycling ? Most definitely not. Could I have trained more (at all??) - most definitely yes. But then it wouldn't be a challenge if I enjoyed it and was prepared now would it......................

Please keep spreading awareness x

www.justgiving.com/cycle4mnd

Day 13 - Penultimate Day

Woke up this morning in bits (standard) but reinvigorated but the fact we had two days left till JOG! 

It's been a hard slog (for me) but still, somehow it seems to have 'flown by'. 

We set off in a somewhat buoyant mood heading up a re-routed course to Helmsdale.

The most welcomed signpost of the entire 13 days so far, was our first sighting of JOG on a green background!!

#lookslikeimpregnantthere!

Onwards through the cold morning Scottish mist and we arrived at our first stop - 'Cornerstone Coffee' shop'. 

Great coffee, homemade shortbread and they kindly donated !! - only problem for Gospel Gary was - it was a Christia CoffeeShop - he was a mute for 30mins!!

Our next scheduled stop was then the Glenmorangie Whiskey Distillery:- 

I'm not a lover of Whiskey (which is a good thing when you still have 30 miles to cycle !), but it broke the day up nicely. Plus they donated a bottle of their finest for our raffle!!

The weather, again, has been very kind to us in Scotland so the run into Helmsdale was dry.

However this afternoon, cycling (plodding) up the coastline we were met by a viscous wind. And NO, I don't mean Ade ! I mean the cross wind that greeted us on our final 20 miles in! On a bust A road as well, it was a tad tricky today. 

All that aside - all I was thinking about was, get today out of the way and then tomorrow is all that's left ;) 

We ate well at our last minute-arranged digs and the mood retiring to beds (mine was double tonight too - jackpot) was an upbeat one !

#forgodsakeJustinsmile!

Well that's nearly it - I'm lying here on the night of the 13th day (no-one snoring, yet). My legs, I cannot feel no more. Whilst my head is full of varied thoughts - I'm knackered, I hate cycling (even more than I did before), my kit stinks, I'm fed up of applying butt cream, my backside is still raw and I haven't had a lie-on for weeks ! 

BUT !!! - I've somehow successfully negotiated 13 days in the saddle whilst lubed up and overdosed on Mars Bars. 

We were 10 unique personalities and offered 10 different avenues for raising awareness. We've smashed the £9k on JG site, we reached out to a shed load of people on our crazy journey and we've managed to raise the profile of MND. Wasn't that the objective !?! 

When all of us wake up tomorrow and 'clip-in' - we'll know we're a few hours away from reaching our objective - and that will be a great feeling. 

I just got one more cycle ride (ever!) to get through............

However tough the ride/weather is tomorrow - I promise you all, I'll be smiling. 

Don't forget to join the #MNDIceBucketChallenge and donate to MND !!!!!!! We're planning on doing ours at JOG tomorrow too. 

Day 12 - Dozen Days Done & Dusted

After hearing how long today was going to be, I decided to get out early and try to  wake the legs up a bit quicker. 

Again, it was a fresh but frosty morn but the views were great, with Ben Nevis lurking around the corner. Luckily though,

I didn't have to cycle up it!

Two much-needed lattes in Fort William warmed me up before rejoining the team as we pressed on to hunt down Nessie.

There was more chance of finding her in the Loch than me getting through the day without a moan ;)

The emphasis today was on getting to Inverness as quick as poss to capitalise on the B&B accommodation (Ridgy is gutted they haven't got bunk beds and a fleas nest in this one !!)

Trying to ram in 20-25 miles in the saddle  without respite took its toll on me - it's fair to say I'm getting frustrated with this cycling lark now ! However - we are now only 2 (2 !!!) days away from the end. 

Stopping off at Urquhart Castle on the Loch allowed some downtime before being reacquainted with the A82 !

Wasn't paying the £8 to go in and walk around though, so snapped this from the outside wall ;) #skinflint 

One other massive pickmeup was the free ice cream we were given at a rare-scheduled stop ;) jackpot! Although we're not allowed to mention the establishment because his boss was unaware of the generosity being dished out. 

Also stopped at a garage who donated a crate of water too - great stuff.

Oh - and another puncture. Guess who? Correct - Lance, taking his grand total to 4 in 12 days #slightlyunlucky

But we've arrived at Inverness - Civilisation at last ;) (well almost!)

A bit of jiggerypokery has meant we're now staying in Helmsdale tomorrow and not scheduled Crask Inn.

Majority of team in bed by 9.30 tonight - everyone now counting down the hours till we see that magical final signpost.

My master plan for tomorrow:- 

And I don't mean the parts or repairs !

I still can't quite believe we've cycled this far - still a couple of toughies left but I can almost allow myself to smile, knowing we're gonna nail this challenge.

We're also busy planning our Iced Water bucket challenge for J.O.G and how we're going to cross the finish line (I'm thinking red arrow formation!)

Lets hope Day 13 isn't unlucky........

Day 11 - Looping the Loch

This morning I spent my wedding anniversary waking up to these spectacular views :-

Literally on the edge of Loch Lomond - nice fresh, crisp morning.

The only omission of course was Mrs HD!! Instead, I had the pleasure of Lance applying his backside cream !!

Again with the accommodation situation we were forced to split into two splinter groups for this mornings ride. The ride was an enjoyable one though, utilising as much cycle path and non-Scottish Tarmac as possible ;) 

#secretlycralover

The depressing thing was we could see where we stayed overnight from the loch and that was 20 miles in - surely a ferry cruise over it would have been more efficient ;)

Having stopped to meet the locals and with the weather being kind, we (I !) plodded on for the next 20 miles before lunch. After somehow negotiating the infamous Green Welly, my legs were, at this point, in complete tatters. 

With roughly 10 miles remaining and my head shot, we approached the most amazing 3 or 4 mile decline I will ever cycle !! Charging down to Glencoe with the huge mountains either side was eerily spectacular. (I may even go as far as saying I enjoyed that bit !!) 

We arrived at our luxurious garden hut and after the customary scrap for the showers proceeded on down to the local inn for some refreshment ;) 

We were met today by Lisa (a friend of mine and Lances) and her friend Diane, a local (who very kindly and handily helped us plot a smoother ride for tomorrow!!)

I've started drinking the local hard stuff too !!

Early start in the morning for another long day (when have these rides never been long !!!)

Inches now from the end (miles) but only 3 days left !!! Contemplating what to do with my bike at the end - throwing it into the sea is the only option that springs to mind at the moment !!

If anyone wants to send some champagne up to Wick for our final night then please do !!!

Tomorrow we go Nessie-Spotting and cycle in the midst of Ben Nevis !!

PS - back to 8 of us sharing the same dorm tonight ! It's like a volcanic snore-off here between Floydy and Lloydy !! It'd be quieter sleeping on a Heathrow runway ! 

PPS - Kirsten, sorry I'm not there today,

Love you loads Hun x 

Day 10 - Road from hell

Who's idea was it to take in an Indian meal the night before Day 10 of a mammoth cycle ride !!! We've already broken numerous flatuence world records, this morning was 'tuneful' to say the least.

Can somebody send me the number for the Scottish Highways Agency too ?! The roads up here are absolutely shocking !

I had the equivalent of sitting on a pneumatic drill for 30 miles.

This is what my backside currently resembles :-

Once we for onto smoother terrain, the ride into Hamilton was a lot more enjoyable, all was going well again - UNTIL ! Disaster struck on Lances bike (again!) - a 2 hour delay followed and after much flapping the team found themselves split into 3 groups. 

Driving along busy A roads and through the city centre of Glasgow - only one thing could save us - Gospel Garmin !! 

Navigation instructions on back of a fag packet saw us reach destination of Balloch. 

We were greeted here by Jaynes friend Marion and a couple of MND Scotland fundraisers (Maggie & Maggie). A couple of relaxing bevvies and some food saw us good for the night. 

Our accommodation was a good 20 miles from Balloch on other side of Loch so chaos all round trying to get back.

We've done 10 days now - legs are shot, backside in bits but we can 'almost' smell the finishing line (or is that just my kit ???) 

Day 9 - Welcome to Scotland

Huge milestone today !!!! We've reached bonnie Scotland ;) 

9 days of hard graft, blood, sweat (bucket loads) and tears (of laughter) !

We left Keswick this morn only to be confronted with a 2-3 mile trek across a nightmare of a cycle path (rough terrain - puncture heaven!) - a few slight climbs then through the Cumbrian mountains saw us arrive at the iconic Gretna Green!

#kevgottalkedintoasuddenmarriage

One of our other scheduled stops was the poignant Lockerbie (scene of terrible 1988 plane disaster). 

Twas rather eerie cycling through the town. 

As the mileage ramped up and fatigue set in we looked for opportunities to make our own entertainment :-

#dontask

Roadkill was aplenty (photos too graphic for blogging)today and the majority of our route was on A-roads avoiding the traffic !!

Upon arrival at our B&B accommodation, we drew names out of hat for the single room (complete with private bathroom and toilet - but more importantly a 'snore-less' night sleep!!!)

Guess who won ??? - cue smiley faces  -  ME !!!

So I'm lying here, in complete silence, no belching, no gaseous emission, no 'seal pup-esque' snoring - BLISS!

Although we have just had a sit-down Indian meal tonight so I'm bound to start hearing the aforementioned gaseous emissions very soon!!!

A disturbance-free night is just what the doctor ordered too, as another 90 miler awaits us tomorrow. 

We're now over the hump! We done more than we have left to do. We've cycled through the guts of England (whilst skirting Wales a little!).

5 more days of me sitting on my razor blade saddle, 5 more days of kitting myself out in Lycra and applying copious amounts of 'bottom cream' ;)

We're in Scotland now, we can almost smell J.O.G !! It cannot come soon enough! My legs are no longer with me , my derrière resembles that of an African baboon and I've nibbled on enough Snickers bars to feed the British Army !

We're also now getting a few 'Wet Nominates' on our fundraising page (which by the way has now toppled £8300!) - anyone willing to chuck a bucket of H20 over their head - please do it for #MND 

www.justgiving.com/cycle4mnd

www.cycle4mnd.com

Day 8 - Climb and Chaos

This morning was always forecast to be a tough start. 6 Miles of climbing up the equivalent of a couple of Rhigos mountains totally took it out of me! 

I was then 'reliably' informed that we had  a cruise into our first stop - if that was a cruise then I'm Obama ! Every little incline is now turning into a minor battle for me. 

#teamstragglers

As we reached what seemed like the top of the world, surely the remaining 7 hours of cycling were gonna be downhill!?!?! 

Nooooooo don't be silly ! - a little 4 mile diversion up a local mountain added to the pain ;)

#inadequatelysizedbike

We stopped at a local bike repair shop only to find my gears are seriously (and I quote!) screwed. He said "they'll be alright for another week or two but you'll need to sort them after that". I reliably informed the young gentleman not to worry because come Aug 28th - I will not give a flying duck about my gears or bike in general ;)

As we entered the Lake District, the views become spectacular. Plodding through areas like Windermere,

Ambleside & Grasmere the scenary was fantastic. #wishiwasonaboatthough

A customary afternoon soaking ensued as we travelling at the foot of Scarfell and his cousins. Keswick was a welcomed sight after yet another hard slog in the saddle. 

Today's was Jon Ps last day riding with us. Jon has been an awesome co-rider and his determination to succeed has been evident throughout. It's been a rough 12 months for him and he can look back over the last week and take some pride in the fact that we've raised a shed load of awareness & funds. 

(Also - check out his wet nomination on FB ;) )

Much needed downtime was required this evening and a trip to the local public house seemed to lift spirits.

Day 7 - Halfway to Nessie

Day 7 - Runcorn to Slaidburn (approx 65 miles).

After somehow negotiating the Runcorn Bridge and rush hour traffic we set off on the route through Lancashire. This mornings route took us through the middle of golf clubs, across locks and along canals. 

That may sound appealing - but remember we were in Widnes !!! 

They say its "Grim Up North", they don't lie. The weather was atrocious, a heavy drizzle & cross wind cocktail. 

With the mileage starting to take its toll each day now and fatigue certainly playing its part, each stage is becoming a chore. 

For me, every stop can't come sooner. The mornings are forgetful - i'm fact sure I'm still asleep for the first hour! No energy and no desire to tackle any inclines at all. 

When we eventually got to our lunch stop  in Blackburn, a much welcomed potato pie was wolfed down and for some reason we paraded ourselves through the local Morrisons - god knows what the villagers thought! 

We tried selling 'Gospel Gary' too but nobody could afford him ;)

 

At our last stop. An executive decision was made to stop for coffee. This turned into a great decision! A huge lift for us stragglers before we started the arduous remaining 9 or so miles across the hills into Slaidburn.

#mugwithnohandles=soupbowl??

Then after climbing steep hills in horrendous weather conditions for the last few miles we eventually reached the YHA. After a few "leg-warming" photo shoots ;) 

Soaked, drained but buoyed with renewed optimism ;) In fact, despite the challenging terrain and abhorrent climate I found the last leg today was a huge one, psychologically. 

The locals at the "Hark to Bounty" public house were very welcoming ;)

#hugelumpoflasagne 

Another hostel but hey - wouldn't be a challenge if we stayed in the Celtic Manor every night now would it ;) 

My bed is fine but don't fancy the chances of the others surviving :-

We're halfway through LEJOG - we've cycled from the tip of Cornwall to the top of Lancashire. We've cycled over 500 miles and my legs are feeling it. 

We've over £8000 on JG site and the awareness is continuing - and that's all we want ! Thanks for your support guys. 

PS - we have a serious incident to contend with. The local constabulary have been notified. Somebody has been dipping into some of "Last Up"'s ass cream ;) 

Day 6 - Longest Day (so far)

6.30am alarm - just what you need when you've had barely 3 hours sleep and are faced with cycling 90+ miles with a red raw rear !

We were joined by Chris Allen (Clwyd MNDA  Branch) - another accomplished cyclist being dragged down to our level today ;) Chris has done numerous bike rides for MNDA in the past and it was great to have him onboard.

Personally for me, it was an horrendous first hour or so in the saddle today, no energy whatsoever and with the wind and drizzle to compound the misery, it wasn't the greatest of mornings. 

With less stops and more mileage to plough through, it was tough on the already aching legs. 

Our navigational mishaps were again plentiful and after a few more 'wrong turnings' we soon found ourselves hunting for the A roads to make up form lost time - which we did by lunchtime. 

The huge 'doh' moment of the day came when it emerged that Gospel has left his passport and plane tickets back at the hostel in Clun (a good hour away for the van to go and pick up!!) - this was made even funnier when he realised his passport was 2 years out of date anyhow ! - Legend........ary.

Slowly but surely we started to reach our destination points - buoyed on by some cracking renditions of MeatLoaf and Tom

Jones from our resident wannabe pop idol 'Last Up Lance'. 

Until we took a wrong turning again of course !!!

"Visiting Boris' English relatives ;)"

GPS - get people stranded !!

The ability to know where you actually are, at any given time, cannot be underestimated - we just don't have that ability ;) 

At one point we found ourselves walking through cow fields and scuttling across the 'Southern Expressway' (an extremely busy dual carriageway) in cleats carrying our bikes over the central reservation to get back 'on course' !!

We eventually arrived in the illustrious (said with utter sarcasm) town of Runcorn at 7pm - almost 11 hours out on the route !! 

This evening I was delighted to meet up again with Bill King (the crazy but totally inspiring guy who runs Snowdon Marathons for fun!) Bill, his lovely family and friends Carol & Tim (who kindly hosted me during my walk last summer at Abersoch) were there to greet the riders at the bar. 

So all in all, a tough tiring morning, a draining & lengthy day in the saddle followed by a pleasant evening.

Another day, another challenge and yet more adventure no doubt tomorrow. One thing you can be certain of - ill definitely be lubing up aplenty ;)

#captioncompetition 

PS - Happy 20th Wedding Anniversary to Lance (one of the LEJOGers) and his lovely wife Michelle. Michelle, we've really struggled putting up with him for 6 days - god only knows what 20 years has been like for you ;)

Day 5 - A third done.

Day 5 !! Crazy, even though its been the longest 5 days ever, it seems to have gone quickly (not quickly in the sense of pedalling of course !)

After a much needed bit of R&R last night and an opportunity to catch up with my munchkins - it was time to leave Wales again - next time I enter Wales, out challenge will be complete.

 

Some fabulous support again saw us off in style - with some added guests - new riders Emma (an old school friend), Gary (Emma's colleague), their support vehicle, young master Haz Ridge (superbly supported again by the rest of the Ridge clan) and our esteemed MP Madeleine Moon, together with family, friends and the wonderful SWW MNDA Branch committee (Jill, Sheila and Lesley).

With captain of the day (Floydy) at the helm, armed with local knowledge and plenty of research - surely nothing could go wrong ?!? An hour into the journey and we were already off course ;) but local roadworks and impromptu diversions didn't help. 

At this point, Im wishing I'd heeded the advice I saw this morning :-

But onwards and upwards we went, undeterred by inclement weather and rogue Garmin instruction. 

We got into Hereford, more opportunities for some pics and emergency bike repairs before heading off to lunch. 

#awfulposing

Another few counties knocked off the list today and its pleasing to see how far we're actually getting now. (Crazy to think this time next week we'll be in Scotland somewhere) 

Despite the now customary navigational hiccups, today has been a good day. 

It was great to have the support of Madeleine and great to catchup with old friends. We're staying in another youth hostel but even that isn't too bad (even for Mr Ridge). 

At dinner this evening we had a much needed 'lessons learnt' discussion which should stand us in good stead for tomorrow's mammoth 96 miler and the other days ahead. 

The one thing that will remain constant through all this, through all the fatigue, frustrations and mishaps is that in order to get to the end, we'll need to work together. And I have no concerns that we cannot do that, half of us didn't know each other from Adam before embarking on this journey - now we're having to gel quickly to achieve our daily objectives. 

Team Cycle4MND - now the challenge begins in earnest.