Putting the Miles in...
What an amazing weekend! Weather was the hottest for 100 years and no one fell off their bikes so no plasters or bottom cream was needed.
The bike ride came about because Bobs five- aside football team decided they wanted to do something & a bike ride around the IOW seemed a good idea.
We started planning and it became clear that more people wanted in then just the football team. The end number was 18 guys and a driver! Many nights were spent on laptops making sure numbers added up. We looked at maps of the IOW and decided on when and where we were going to stop, stay and more importantly eat!
After many nights of planning it was the day before. Hendy Ford had donated two hire vehicle, one a mini bus and the other a transit. We loaded the mini bus with all the bags and Mark took the transit.
We all meet at Red Funnel ferry terminal at 7am. Mark and Russ were the first to arrive followed by me. They are started arriving and the bikes were loaded into the transit and we were finally off. Once the ferry docked we all meet by Waitrose and after a few photos and last minute bike repairs they were gone.
I went on to Brighstone and emptied the minibus and waited for my first call. It didn’t take long and the first few had arrived at freshwater. Everyone started arriving, Big Russ ran 2.5 miles because he had a puncture and Peter Russell also suffered a puncture on route. Once all sorted lunch and a few beers were needed. They all commented on the hill that was facing them …. Knowing that they had to get up that made me chuckle…. I knew the minibus would be fine!
After lunch and some sunbathing they were back on their bikes and off to Brighstone…. Up the big hill! Once they pulled in I think they were all relieved to see the brightly coloured chalets and the swimming pool! Some of the guys went to the beach and the others went to the pool. The evening was spent in Ventnor by some and in brighstone by the others and by 11.30 nearly everyone was tucked up in bed! Lots of snoring ……
Breakfast was served in front of the rugby…. Can’t ask for better service than that! We rounded up ready for the off when Jody cycled in having caught the ferry that morning and rode straight down for another day of riding! By ten they were off and heading to Perks for a pitstop. Perks had raised some money and they guys were pleased to see cold beer waiting for them when they arrived. Off they went again… up another massive hill to Bembridge with the promise of football results and more beer… Locals donated from the pub in Bembridge and the guys all rode in and chilled for a few hours. Bikes were stored overnight and everyone was transported back to Brighstone to get ready for a meal in the village.
Few sore bottoms and another night of snoring and they were ready to do the final ride back to Cowes. We stopped and re grouped at the top of the hill and everyone rode to Waitrose together. We were 1 hour ahead of time and caught the earlier ferry back to be greeted by some friends and family.
Every single one of the guys did a fantastic job – training for it seemed to have been missed off by most people so to do those hills in exceptional heat is fantastic.
Well done, Russell Leggitt, Mark White, Paul Reeves, Steve Reeves, Mark Reeves, Andy Gadd, Bob Gadd, Peter Bath, Peter Russell, Paul Mcaleese, Mark Dear, Ronny Clarke, Tom Clarke, Jody Knight, Rich Jennings, Mike Allen, Paul Palmer & Peter Lawrence.
Special thanks to:
Russell and Sharron for all you did on the island for us
Russell Father in Law & Perks for all that was raised and the drinks!
Mark Reeves for the repairs and help
Andy Gadd (Dad!) For all the t-shirts and support
Mark White For everything, the trip wouldn’t have been as successful without all your help, support, driving, organising and credit card!
Bob Gadd - Well done – you did everyone proud
