Pedal the Ports was a 1,600-mile tandem-relay fundraiser organised by ABP to benefit motor neurone disease charities.
DONATIONS CAN BE MADE THROUGH: http://www.justgiving.com/abppedaltheports
Ridden by a shifting, relay group of ABP employees and friends of the Company, the tandem circumnavigated Britain in an anticlockwise direction, calling at each of ABP's 21 ports, before arriving back in Grimsby on Saturday, 5 July.
To see the route in detail, please download a map.
IMAGES CAN BE VIEWED HERE
MORE IMAGES 1
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THE FINALE
BLOG
MESSAGE FROM JOHN FITZGERALD, 11 JULY
One of the benefits of facing a long climb on a tandem is you have time to muse about anything other than the slog ahead.
There were a few times in Wales that my mind wandered to thinking about what we were all trying to achieve with PTP.
Having felt that we needed to do something positive to support Nick in his fight with this terrible illness and having gained his support for the idea, I suspected PTP was the right thing to do but I wasn't too sure how it might be received through out the company.
Spending the three days directly involved in the effort, and blog reading and discussing with others their thoughts, my belief has only been reinforced that the both the practice and the spirit of riding a tandem around the country encapsulates so many of values Nick Palmer held during his ABP career ; hard work, dogged determination, communication, support for your colleagues, team spirit, demonstrating enterprise, and having a clear focus on achieving your goal. It reminds us that the sum of parts is greater than the whole and team work is the successful route to consistently delivering our goals. I suspect all of us involved in this adventure over the past month will empathise with this view
It was clearly an extraordinary journey in so many different ways and it has worked well on so many different levels:
- fundamentally it has increased awareness of MND
- thanks to the generous support of donators it will raise around £175,000 to support MND sufferers and fund research into the condition - an unbelievable figure and twice what I'd secretly hoped for
- friendships both within and outside the company have been forged across a set of double handle bars
- a genuine unification of our 21 ports and HO
- levels of fitness throughout ABP which hopefully will be maintained
- huge sense of achievement for all those involved not just in pedalling but those who have supported whether driving van, making arrangements, or just being around to welcome the bikes into a port
- huge public goodwill wherever we have gone
- sense of purpose for what we’ve achieved
- reinforced the importance of and sense of teamwork throughout ABP - it says a lot for this company that we can achieve something on a scale of PTP
- importance of collaborative effort where individuals work together to support the group effort
- genuine sense of pride in our achievements
- sense of camaraderie with others whether colleagues, share holder directors, customers or suppliers - or in one case colleague's parents !
- loads of laughter
- new respect for each other
- genuine affection for Nick Palmer
Whilst there are too many people to thank individually, all those who helped organise, fundraise, support and cycle deserve a huge amount of credit for the time and effort they committed to making this amazing project the success it has become. The greatest thank-you must however go to the people who inspired it all. It was an incredibly brave decision of Nick and Julie to be prepared to go so public with his story. I have no doubt his agreement to personalise this campaign contributed in a massive way to the success of the venture both financially and as a group effort.
I started out by saying we wanted to do something positive for Nick as he retired. I have no hesitation in saying that together we all created something that was rather wonderful.
Thanks again&keep on pedalling forward together !
John Fitz
MESSAGE FROM NICK PALMER, 8 JULY
Well it's over and what a fantastic project Pedal the Ports has been. Congratulations to John Fitz for dreaming up the project and to everyone involved – your hard work delivered on all the objectives (and more!) and reading the ‘blog’ proves that a fair bit of fun has been had despite the sore limbs etc. The fact that the tandem was met with receptions at various ports and greeted back home to Grimsby with a great port open day all combined to produce a special atmosphere and team spirit.
A huge amount of money has been raised and awareness of MND has increased. The fund will be put to excellent use and the two main beneficiaries are very grateful for your efforts.
I knew ABP was a great company but it has been hard to comprehend the scale of this gesture and the commitment and enthusiasm that has been shown by so many.
Leaving the company has been a huge wrench for me but with so many friends out there I know that my heart will always remain within ABP and with you great bunch of people.
Thank you.
Nick
The Glory Stage - FINALE
Riders: Ian Skinner, Mike Sellers
Location: Covenham St Marys to Grimsby
Distance 13 Miles
The final stage of any “Grand Tour” with its run into Paris, the sight of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the dash up the Champs-Elysees to the finish with the spectators cheering is one that no professional cyclist will ever forget. Well, forget Paris and think of Grimsby, substitute one set of famous landmarks for another and the home coming of PTP with the Grimsby Dock Tower, the Ice House and the sprint up to the Fish Dock with the crowds shouting encouragement was an experience which will also live on for ever. The winning tape was replaced by a giant banner which we rode through to signify the end of this epic journey; JF’s threat of it being placed in front of a wall or over the quay edge were unfounded, but the barrage of publicity, press photographers and supporters was more then we’d ever experienced before.
The day had started as what was to be the shortest ride of the whole tour but we think it was also the wettest! Setting off from Mark Ashman’s house in torrential weather, we couldn’t decide if we were wetter from the road spray or from the rain but rode on regardless. Mike’s comments about being wet through even down to his underwear were returned by Ian that he wasn’t wearing any under his Lycra. This quickly killed the conversation for a “brief” period of time! As we approached Cleethorpes seafront, the thoughts of a quick paddle in the Humber were dismissed as we both had more water in our shoes then there was on the beach. Onward into Grimsby and the site of Grimsby Town football club was our one and only opportunity to do some additional fundraising on route. Mike quickly popped into the supporters shop, and not only did we get a picture taken on the hallowed turf (to some if not others) we also came out with an autographed ball to be sold or raffled at a later date.
On arriving at the Grimsby Dock Office, there was time to change into the PTP polo shirts and dry off slightly before the final glory ride accompanied by a flashing light safety vehicle to signify our arrival. After breaking the banner we don’t think we had ever had our photo taken so many times or done so many interviews. It really did feel like we had won the “Tour”,
A good cyclist relies on his team to shelter him to the finish, to arrive fresh with enough strength left for the final push and the glory of the win on the last stage. Well, what can we say, a whole team of PTP having gone before leaving the last few miles and the final accolade of the photo call on the winners’ podium to the “Glory Team”. That moment belongs to all those brave volunteers who over the last few weeks have sacrificed themselves for the cause to make this wonderful event happen, and help raise the money towards MND. Well done to everyone involved, the cyclists, the organisers and the supporters of such a worthy cause. Keep on fighting Nick; we’re all behind you.
KINGS LYNN TO COVENHAM ST. MARY’S, 3RD JULY 2008
TEAM MEMBERS : HELEN ‘Home Made’ MARSHALL, GORDON LUGSDIN, MARK ASHMAN, PAUL ‘THE BOY’ FANNON (ALL ABP GY & IMM) WILL MARSHALL G.B. AGENCIES
WEATHER : TO START SUNNY, HOT, CALM AND DRY (LONELY)
TO END, COLD, WET AND WINDY (LONELY)
THE DAY STARTED AT 6 O’CLOCK LOCAL TIME, KINGS LYNN,
GORDON & MARK NOT AS CHIPPER, HELS SPORTING A PERMANENT GRIN,
MET BY GRAHAM STILL BUZZING A STINT UNDER HIS BELT,
ALLEDGEDLY NOT HIDING BLISTERS, BRUISING OR A SADDLE INDUCED WELT!
TAKING WAY TOO LONG TO STOW THE VAN AS FIRST THOUGHT,
‘COS OF THE CAPE SIZE FOOD BAGS HELS HAD BROUGHT,
GORDY N HELS PRACTISED IN THE CAR PARK TIL SEVEN,
WOULD THEY MESH, EAT YOUR HEART OUT KIM, A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN!
MARK DANS VAN, WITH A CLUNK AND A WOBBLE THEY WERE GONE,
A HUGE SEND OFF, WELL TETS AND A GUY NAMED DON,
KINGS LYNN WORE ITS BEST DRY, SUNNY DAY HATS,
TO WAVE AWAY TWO HELMET AND PADDED BUTT …….
1ST PHOTO CALL UNDER KINGS LYNN FAMOUS ARCHWAY,
ALL RARING TO GO, HAPPY, BRIGHT AND EXCEPTIONALLY GAY,
HAVING TO PUMP THE TYRE UP ALREADY DIDN’T BODE WELL,
WELL OUR HELS WAS THE STOKER, A BIT OF A CHUNKY GEL!
INTO CLENCHWARTON, WHICH GORDY TOOK AS A COMMAND NOT A NOUN,
HELS PUT HER HEAD DOWN HIDING HER MIRTH WITH A FROWN,
JUST SO GLAD FOR THIS FAMILY BASED ODE,
WE DIDN’T CYCLE THROUGH WHAPLODE!!!
THE SAFETY VEHICLE DASHED OFF TO CREATE A BROADCASTING STAR,
MARK ASHMAN, THE NEW ALAN PARTRIDGE, A HA!
DISASTER STRIKES, GEARS CLUNKED AND SLIPPED NOT WHAT YOU’D WISH,
GORDY’S TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT SMOTES THE SEAT WITH A SQUISH!
BEATING HELS OFF WITH A SPANNER AFORE SHE CAN APPLY FIRST AID,
GORDY PEDALLED AWAY, HIS LEGS A LITTLE SPLAYED,
SUTTON BRIDGE, LONG SUTTON ALL SOON SPED PAST,
ARRIVING AT FLEET HARGATE FOR BREAKFAST AT LAST.
THE TEAMS 2ND STRING PACING AROUND LIKE COILED SPRINGS,
DELIVERED BY CHAUFFEUR WILLIAMS TO WAIT IN THE WINGS,
WHILST GORDY, MARK AND HELS PLOUGHED INTO A GREASY MESS,
THE BOY FANNON N WILL MOUNTED THE BIKE AND DECIDED WHICH SIDE TO DRESS!
TIME FOR A FULL TEAM PHOTO IN THE FRONT OF A JET FIGHTER,
THE BOY LOOKING VERY CAMP, COULD MARK’S WAXED LEGS BE ANY WHITER!!
ONWARDS TO BOSTON NOW THROUGH A MAZE OF SINGLE TRACK LANES,
BOTH TANDEMS BEASTING ALONG LIKE EWS EXPRESS TRAINS.
INTO BOSTON AND OUT WITH THE LAMINATED MAPS,
WILL’S SADDLE CAME OFF AND COULD HAVE CAUSED HIM A PAIR OF MISHAPS,
THE CYCLISTS NAVIGATED BOSTONS MEAN STREETS WITH CONSUMATE EASE,
NUMEROUS MAPS, 2 SAT NAVS AND IT BROUGHT GORDY TO HIS KNEES!!
BEST TO GET HIM BACK AS A STOKER WITH NO DECISIONS TO MAKE,
AS MARK DROVE AWAY, LEAVING THE REST IN HIS WAKE,
THE NEXT 10 MILES, A FINE SPECIMAN OF A BEAUTIFUL ROMAN ROAD,
ENJOYING THE GLORIOUS FENS, ON AND ON THEY RODE.
PACK UP WAS BECKONING, EVERYONE WANTED THEIR GRUB,
BUT PAUL WOULD ONLY CONSIDER A BATEMAN’S PUB,
EVENTUALLY WE CHANCED UPON ONE IN WELTON LE MARSH,
WHERE THE LANDLADY CRUELLA DE VIL SEEMED VERY HARSH.
SO IF YOU FIND YOURSELF THERE AND PASSING ‘THE WHEEL’
KEEP ON GOING UNLESS YOU ARE BRAVE WITH NERVES OF STEEL,
ONWARDS TO ALFORD AND A GREAT PICTURE WITH THE MILL,
WITH GORDY PROSTRATE ON THE FLOOR TO CREATE THE PERFECT STILL.
HEL’S APPEARS TO BE STOOD IN A HOLE SHE SEEMS SO SMALL,
BUT NOT COMPLAINING WITH FOUR STUD MUFFINS OVER 6 FOOT TALL,
DARK STORM CLOUDS STARTED ROLLING IN OVER THE WOLDS,
AS MARK BAGGSIED THE TRUCK AND BATTENED DOWN THE HOLDS.
WITH WATERPROOF’S AND SHELTER MILES DOWN THE ROAD,
THE HEAVENS OPENED AND DISCHARGED HER CONSIDERABLE LOAD,
GLASSES STEAMED UP, VESTS AND PANTS SODDEN THROUGH,
40 MILES AN HOUR, UNABLE TO BRAKE, ‘’WHERE’S THE LOO!!’’
CAREERING ROUND THE BEND OUT OF CONTROL THUNDERED GORDY N PAUL,
WHEN SUDDENLY LOOMED A WHITE VAN, LOST IN THE SQUALL,
STRAIGHT ON THE ONLY OPTION AS BOTH LET OUT GIRLY SHRIEKS,
FINGERS CROSSED, WHITE FACED AND SPORTING CLENCHED CHEEKS!!
JUST AS THE HAIL STONES EASED TO TORRENTIAL RAIN,
THE END IS NIGH A PUB IN SIGHT AT THE END OF THE LANE,
THIS REALLY WAS THE LEG OF ‘THE BILLY NO MATES’,
AN EMPTY HOSTELRY CAR PARK ALL THAT AWAITS!!
BACON BUTTIES AT IMMINGHAM, THURSDAY 3 JULY
Today saw the bacon butty breakfast at Immingham (cooked by Tracy Saunders and Karen Bullock - both of whom are vegetarians!). The morning was a great success with approximately 166 sausage and bacon butties being sold during the morning (and one egg omelette), raising a total of £275.
To help with the event, Karen Lillyman of the local Asda kindly dontated condiments, as well as a £10 gift card for Saturday's raffle. Jason Green of Tesco Grimsby also deserves a huge mention for providing most of the sundries.
LOWESTOFT TO KING'S LYNN, WEDNESDAY 1 JULY
Hottest day of the year so far (29 degrees) near King’s Lynn.
Team Members - Graham Tetley and Donald Birdseye (King’s Lynn)
Steve Smith and Richard Perry (Immingham Engineers)
Steve Pullen – welcome guest from Carlboms
Weather – UNBELIEVABLE!!! 08.00 already 22o. Dickie Perry had been sunbathing in his room since sun-up (4am).
Picked Donny up from Lowestoft station at 08.30 – sweating. Went to Lowestoft North Quay to collect tandems and support vehicle – saw KL & Lowestoft Safety Manager, had his arm in a sling as a result of falling off the tandem the previous day – oh joy!!! Thankfully the Suffolk boys had left the bikes and car in excellent condition. Much merriment followed as we practiced. We weren’t laughing it was the Suffolk boys. Following a goodbye kiss from Paula we began our adventure.
The temperature continued to rise, GT and SP headed straight for a big fan – the locals call it Goliath – we then all stood on the most easterly point in the UK and some considerate chap had left directions and distances to many parts of the world, unfortunately though we had to ask for directions to check-point 1 – Great Yarmouth, 9.30 and we began to head North East.
Scary times along the A12 and temperature now at 24o – check-point had been ignored by tandems and support vehicle, but we met up anyway, purely by chance. RP and SS were to take it from here (in a bit of a hurry as they needed the toilet and the gaffer of the pub whose car-park we were in wasn’t sympathetic) – ABP staff don’t use the Ship Inn in Yarmouth!
Check-point 2 – Potter Higham – tandem missed it again, Don, Steve and Tetters took in the ambience then the panic call. Support vehicle to the rescue (after getting lost) in all one hour wasted! Team talk about stopping at check-points!! Sun-tan cream reapplied, now 25o, Don (later to be known as dangerous Don) had his first life-threatening wobble when trying to set off on a busy road, at this stage wobble-Don seemed more appropriate.
Regular changes of pilot and stoker, sometimes simultaneously, then saw us make steady but uneventful progress towards our goal, passing through Wroxham and Coltishall where a pair of canal-side pubs almost proved too much to resist. Its 27o by now and the tarmac is melting (along with my shorts and my confidence in dangerous Don). Between here and King’s Lynn the peace was only broken when, after an attempt to get to the very top gear, resulted in the chain coming off and us having to stop halfway along the only decent downhill in Norfolk.
151/2 miles to King’s Lynn and 28o – met by a professional photographer – smiled through the excruciating pain in the bum bones. 41/2 miles to go and we went for glory – we opted to ride both tandems to the finish line, more joy as its now 29o at 3.30 in the afternoon. This great, fun effort was rounded off in the best possible way when we arrived at King’s Lynn port to a magnificent cheer and ice cold refreshments, followed by a BBQ well supported by staff, their families and a smattering of customers. Special thanks to Chalky and Martin for the BBQ and Allison & Co for the preparations.
IPSWICH TO LOWESTOFT, 30th JUNE
Pilots: Mark Peek, Pete Beckett.
Stokers:Andy Bowley, John Fiddy
Support: Siobhan Walker, Paul Barry
So the relay moves into deepest Suffolk. With our county probably being the second flattest in the world - only being beaten out of "flattest place" prize by our best friends neighbours over the border in Norfolk, the plan of riding both tandems "all the way" on a relatively short trip seemed quite reasonable.
Excellent weather - South Easterly breeze and lovely blue skies.
After a rousing send off from Old Custom House just half a mile later we approached the one and only hill on the route - the infamous Col Du Woodbridge Road…
Now - call us "soft Southerners" if you wish - but this is quite a climb - which resulted in "Team Safety" - Bowley and Peek - giving it just a bit too much welly and snapping a chain. Still never mind - the support van was just a few minutes away - into the replacement chains box where we found……two broken chains. Hmm - the day starts well - van sent off to Halfords and the engineering skills of Bowley and Peek were called upon to replace some links using a hairpin and two pieces of wood (the chain splitter had also gone missing) and after an hour the ride was resumed.
First stop 10 miles - Wilford Bridge, Melton. Beckett and Fidz had ploughed on ahead and ended up sitting on the bench outside the pub while Team Safety caught up. Peeky was already rueing the non purchase of lycra cycle shorts even at this early stage. Fidz said he had heard somewhere (or perhaps made it up) that in the "Tour de France the guys occasionally padded their shorts a bit by using sanitary towels, so he had packed some in the van for just such an emergency.
Into the back of the van again to find that he had in fact picked up a box of tampons… little use to Mr Peek at this point of the journey but could be used to stem any nosebleeds later on…..
16 miles - disaster…Team Safety hit a nasty patch of diesel at Rendlesham roundabout and went down a corker. Siobhan raced back to stick the guys back together with bandages and elastoplast. Just as well she’s a trained first aider as Fidz said if he’d had to clean them up he probably would have fainted…
The guys rather gingerly remounted the tandem and bravely carried on.
It then really became a war of attrition with Team Safety struggling through the pain barrier for mile after mile - determined to complete what at the outset seemed a fairly simple route. At Wrentham 20 miles to go - Siobhan in the van got a "bit lost". She was finally spotted somehow driving towards the oncoming tandems - despite having never overtaken them. Still to this moment she has no recollection of how this happened and blamed the Sat Nav…
So onward and into Lowestoft - 54 miles in five and a half hours - the detour down to the Marina was dropped due to the need for Team Safety to get off the tandem at the earliest opportunity so an enthusiastic reception by the workers at Lowestoft port was enjoyed.
Peeky went off straight away to A & E where he was diagnosed with a fractured elbow. What heroes those guys were to finish the route.
CAVENDISH TO IPSWICH (Sunday 29 June)Liz Whittaker and Peter Barham were the riders (which meant sitting on those saddles) with fantastic support from Peter and Linda Henry and Nick Palmer whose local knowledge helped us navigate some of the more convoluted bits of Suffolk. Needless to say when we forgot his advice, we went wrong and ended up cycling up what we are sure is the steepest hill in East Anglia, until Nick phoned to tell us to turn round.
This was the last leg of Head Office section of the ride before handing over the tandems, including the saddles, to the East Anglian team. The day was sunny with enough breeze to keep us warm but not hot. Cavendish describes itself as the prettiest village in Suffolk and set the scene for a very pleasant ride through the lovely Suffolk countryside, marred only by the expletives coming from Liz and I about the saddles which became uncomfortable after about 5 seconds.
At one point Liz commented that we had not actually collected any money en route and that therefore we may be letting the side down - it took Nick to point out that this was Suffolk and we hadn’t actually met anyone to get money from!
Highlights of the journey included tea and a very nice cake at Nick and Julie Palmer’s which also provided a welcome relief from those saddles. Who could invent anything so uncomfortable - they are made of titanium, the shape is designed to inflict as much pain as possible and Liz can confirm that not even padded cycling shorts seem to make any impact on their effects.
It was therefore a welcome sight when we reached the port to be welcomed by about 100 people who welcomed us with a pint of something cooling.
DORKING TO EPPING, SATURDAY 28 JUNEPilots: David Leighton, Christopher Willey, Tony Goldsmith
Navigator/Stokers: Peter Jones, Liz English
Ground Crew: Alex Pepper, Nasseema Crowley
Saturday. 6 am. I wake and peer through the blinds of the window of my north London bed-sit. The flashing neon sign from the kebab shop downstairs still illuminates the room but to my surprise it's already light.
I microwave the left overs of last night's takeaway and drink a cup of cold coffee. I've got a long hard day ahead of me... I know I need a good breakfast.
After a cigarette I slip into my improvised cycling action pants - a chamois leather sewn into a pair of Speedos. I'm ready to hit the road.
I arrive at Waterloo and hook up with Peter Jones for the 07.54 South West train service to Dorking. It's a BR class 455. We are joined at Clapham Junction by Liz English.
We get to Dorking at about 08.41 and a fresh-faced Alex Pepper arrives in the support vehicle. In the back she's carrying the cycling machine that will take us back into London town.
After a quick practise in the station car park we are soon confident that we've got what it takes to handle this baby.
"Let's go", I say to Peter. "Yeah... Let's see what she's got", Peter enthusiastically replies. We mount. I'm upfront. The daunting array of controls... gears, brakes, speedometer worries me slightly but I still give off an air of self-assured confidence. Peter sits aft... He's in charge of the bell.
We take off along a dual carriage way but soon we find ourselves heading at 40mph down the mother of all cycle ways... Happy days.
At such break-neck speed we soon hit the metropolis. Our average speed drops to below 30 mph as the traffic builds. This is the hard part.
As we enter the narrow Dickensian streets of south London the senses are bombarded by the sights and sounds of the world's greatest capital city. "Whelks for sale... get your whelks here!", "bananas... 10 for a pound, 10 for a pound"... Children wearing top hats and long-tailed coats scurry playfully between the market stalls lining the streets...
It's no peasouper today but as the sun beats down the rising smog stings the eye... We press on, carefully steering our way through the buses and white vans that meander from lane to lane... We battle crosswinds from the throbbing garage beats that pulsate from pimped Renault Clios...
And then all this gives way to the beauty of Clapham Common where we rendezvous with Christopher 'Bionic' Willey and the support vehicle. It's a brief stop. Peter wants to press on to the final goal, ABP Towers in the City.
Peter has now perfected his navigational skills and deploys his right arm to ensure our safe passage across 17 lanes of traffic at Vauxhall. We pass MI6 HQ and cross the mighty Thames, the iconic Battersea Power Station on our left. We bank right for our approach to the mother of Parliaments, guardian of this nation's proud tradition of civil liberties, the Palace of Westminster. After a quick photo shoot in front of Big Ben we speed along the Embankment, up past the Royal Courts of Justice, along Fleet Street, down Chancery Lane and then bank right for the final descent along Holborn. A ticker tape reception at Head Office awaits us. We arrive one hour ahead of schedule. We're alive. We made it.
Wonderful Nasseema has prepared a fine luncheon... After a glass of Bollinger La Grande annee 1997 we settle down to sea scallops with fois gras and truffled parsnip dressing, followed by fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef with perigord truffles, cocotte potatoes, pine-scented crushed cauliflower and french beans, the latter washed down with a bottle of Chateau Le oville Barton, 2eme cru class 1988. We finish with a choice of Strawberry Romanoff or Bavarois flavoured with rum. Christopher Willey has both... He's up next to pilot the bike to Epping... He needs the energy.
Chris is joined by Liz English who takes on the role of stoker in the engine room aft... Master Mariner, Tony Goldsmith joins myself and Peter in the support vehicle... As the tandem heads off into the distance we in the support vehicle decide to have a leisurely drive around Hackney. After circumnavigating Victoria Park seven times we decide it's time to catch up with the bikers. They are miles ahead and have clocked impressive progress. We rendezvous at a pub where Tony and Peter take over... Tony pilots, Peter preferring to remain the powerhouse at the back. At last I can stick on my Black Sabbath CD in the car and we all sing along happily to 'Iron Man' and 'Paranoid'...
After arriving at Epping it's time for Liz and I to head back to town. Liz has promised to do a shift at her local pub. I have promised Jon Bon Jovi I'd go and watch him play a recital at Twickenham Stadium.
Peter and Tony head off once more, pressing towards Bishop's Stortford. After performing a series of impressive handbrake turns and wheel spins in Tescos car park, Christopher disappears in a cloud of tyre smoke...
That night as I stood amongst c.50,000 revellers... wearing my boil washed jeans, cowboy boots and Stetson... I twirled my freshly permed hair, stared skywards and reflected... I had swallowed most of London's pollution that day and it could be months before I can comfortably sit down again but it had been a great day... It is truly amazing what you can achieve on a Saturday morning if you put your mind to it... My life might never been the same again... I had gained a new enthusiasm for the great outdoors and liberating joys of cycling... By 2010 I might finally achieve that rosy-cheeked Braeburn complexion I've always longed for... Rock 'n' roll.
Warning: Most of the above is the product of a vivid imagination but some elements do give a reasonably accurate account.
SOUTHAMPTON TO DORKING, FRIDAY 27 JUNE
Unusually for Southampton the weather was dull and threatening rain. Nevertheless the next team of volunteers gathered at Ocean Gate Offices in the early hours of Friday morning. Final adjustments were made, the team briefed on the route. Steve Lake (Finance Manager) offered the riders some of his magic cream, allegedly Ian Officer (Data Centre) took a little too long to apply to himself!!! Grant Frame and Brin Humphreys (Assistant Engineering Manager) were first on the Tandem, and set-off to a round of applause from the much appreciated contingent of Ocean Gate Staff who had arrived early to wish them well. The first leg included a climb over the Itchen Bridge, a weave through a poorly maintained bridal way that saw the support Cyclist, Keith Sewell fall off the support bike after hitting a fallen branch. Several small hills later and Team 1 thought the difficult section was over as they headed toward a disused railway line that would lead them to the first change over point. Flat solid ground they thought, but that was not the case, the pathway was on a gradual incline and very boggy, this caused the front mudguard to block and so several unscheduled stops had to be made to clear the obstruction. Never the less, thirty minutes ahead of schedule and they arrived at West Meon, and a well earned pat on the back. While the support team waited for the first changeover they started talking to a dog walker who was interested in the background to the Pedal the Ports and wanted to contribute to the collection but unfortunately he had no money. However he did offer his dog, but despite our best efforts he did not fit in the collection bucket!!! Simon Donegan (IT Manager) did manage to collect £3.20 from a group of ramblers who passed by. Most of the ramblers refused to contribute using excuses ranging from "I'm a pensioner" and "I come from Yorkshire"!!!!!.
Ian Officer and Simon Donegan were next to go, in a slight drizzle they chose to take the road rather than continue on the disused track. Watching from a support vehicle we jokingly commented on the lack of effort that Mr Officer seemed to be applying, or was it because of the look of sheer determination on Simon's face. The team once again ripped through the countryside managing to clock up 35 Miles Per Hour on the down part of some of the hills. They arrived in good time at the second Change-over point where some of the riders enjoyed a refreshing pint and amazing "Desperate Dan" sized Sandwiches made by Co-organiser for Southampton, Alex Pepper (Sustainable Development Officer).
Team 3. made up of Steve Lake and Paul Planken (Supplies Officer) and new support Cyclist, Grant Frame, were obviously anxious to start their leg and so before the party had finished their refreshments they set off. Soon after the support team set-off in pursuit, the only problem is that the riders could not be found. The two support cars split up and after a short delay, one of them, driven by William Heaps (Hydrographic Manager) found the Grant who had split from the tandem due to the superior road speed that is achievable, he informed them the route Team 3 were taking and so Car 2, driven by Lin, set-off in pursuit. The car found Team 3 travelling along a B road at breakneck speed, even the hills were not going to stop these two and they quickly reached their destination, Dorking Railway Station, well ahead of schedule.Whist waiting for the rest to arrive Team 3 and their support were called and given the sad news that support cyclist, Grant had had a major accident and they were taking him to the nearby Guilford Hospital. At time of writing Grant was still in hospital awaiting "parts" and would be having an operation to rebuild his elbow using titanium. Some of the team saw him in hospital and said he was been very brave despite the great pain that he was in. We all wish well and hope he is able to get home as quickly as possible.
MARK ASHMAN WAXES LEGS
To get in the cycling spirit, Mark Ashman, Finance Manager, Grimsby, opted to have his legs waxed before taking part in one of the final stretches of Pedal the Ports. The Retreat Salon at Oasis Gym, Grimsby, kindly waxed Mark free of charge and he raised some £300 for the nominated charities. You can see selection of photos here.
I'm not sure who suggested that it would be a good way to raise sponsorship and I had thought that, at my great age, I had learned the lessons that it is important to engage brain before opening mouth....but apparently not.
Once the idea was out, there was really no way of going back and I started to realise that I had probably made a mistake when half the women in the office couldn't stop laughing at the prospect of seeing a grown man cry.
The sponsorship pledges started to flow (including the usual witty, ...very witty,.... no really, very witty comments) and there was a concerted 'first floor conspiracy' offering to double the money if I went the whole S, B and C full monty. This was quickly nipped in the bud when I pointed out that I didn't have exclusivity on the waxing idea and that all were welcome to put themselves forward for the full treatment if they wanted...funny, there were no other takers.
The day came round far too quickly and , for once, I had lots visitors to my office in the morning reminding me every 5 minutes that 'today's the day', 'not long now' and 'it's going to hurt', etc. etc. all of which helped raise the anxiety levels nicely. So whilst, on the surface I'm sure I appeared my usual cool, calm professional self, underneath I was paddling furiously with the adrenaline starting to kick in.
I would like to thank The Retreat Salon at The Oasis Health Club in Grimsby for agreeing to do the job for free as a contribution to PTP, I'm not sure they realised what they were letting themselves in for, or how much leg, or foliage needed to be cleared. However, I was disappointed that the gas and air and epidural I had been counting on to numb the pain was not available.
There was no going back (the window was to high to climb out of) and before I knew it, an attractive young lady (thank you Tally) was applying hot wax to my legs then taking me through my very low pain threshold.
I would like to be able to say (I really would like to be able to say) that I was able to hold it together and not let the pain show, but chaps, I can't say I recommend this as a personal grooming option. Imagine sounds of velcro being torn apart or somebody ripping up an old carpet combined with a steady stream of cries of pain, winces and exclamations for about half an hour. Mind you, there is an upside when the same attractive young lady then rubs some soothing cream into your legs.
At the risk of this sounding like an Oscar awards speech, I must also thank my wife Christine and Stephanie, Fiona and Elaine (collectively known as the Sisters of No Mercy) who came along to offer their support... or just to have a good laugh during lunch time whilst taking pictures, etc.
I also learned (now someone tells me!) that apparently you have to follow a strict exfoliation routine as the hair grows back (I hope it does) to stop problems with in-growing hairs....but that's too much information for a family blog.
The final thank you goes to all those who generously pledged sponsorship to this and the other PTP participants, it's important to remember why everybody is doing what they are doing. I think it's fair to say to my sponsors that you got your money's worth (and I know who you are).
Post traumatic stress has set in, I had my back turned to my son Jake yesterday as he tore open the velcro on his ripper wallet,... I must have jumped three feet in the air."
FUNDRAISING UPDATEGreat news, Pedal the Ports has broken the £100,000 barrier.
Including Just Giving, Gift Aid and cheques received, the total raised so far is £104,562.07 SOUTHAMPTON, DAY 1 (DAVE HAYDEN)
Weather; Sunny,overcast,sunny,overcast,sunny.....you get the picture...oh and windy.......very windy!
Start time 08:00 Location Litton Cheyney, Dorset
Advanced party arrived Wednesday evening to move into our salubrious accommodation, we had to stop Kevin Hulme, who within minutes of arrival had built an 8 person tented patrol base from three twigs, two safety matches and a book of stamps!!!! The look of disappointment on his face when we showed him to his bunk, this soon brightened up when he realised the pub was next door!!!! Although he then disappeared again armed with his Swiss army knife!!
Needless to say that the Southampton team took full advantage of the watering hole next door, but before we could take the ten steps next door we were ushered around the back of the Youth Hostel and soon realised why Kevin had disappeared with his Swiss army knife, he had hand built two, 21 speed tandems from a pack of elastic bands, five coat hangers and an old lawn mower, the poor guy was devastated when Ian Palacio showed him the two inside the support vehicle!!
On arrival next door we set about arranging a pasta party and quaffing copious amounts of energy drinks from well known brands as Guinness and Carlsberg!
The following morning everyone was raring to go and all were invited to breakfast in the village pub by Cassie the landlady, who got up early to cook the fried fayre for free!!
First leg from Litton to Bere Regis was very eventfull, team Palacio, Bob and Ian, put forward a good cause to ride through Dorchester rather than use the by-pass, bad move!! Mr GPS was totally confused! So was Chris Heavey and a trip that should have taken a few minutes took very much longer, from this point team Palacio were re-named the Beverly Sisters!!!!! Just outside Dorchester someone shouted "Tally Ho" and the group split in every direction, and no one reemerged until Bere Regis, Dave Hayden was so happy to have taken the scenic route via the Bovington Tank Museum, his wing man managed to name everyone they saw!!!!
Leg two Bere Regis to Wimbourne was a far more organised affair, no one got geographically embarrassed, and the whole group stayed together, although we did suffer our third chain break along the way! Just outside Wimbourne we stopped for a picnic, graciously provided by Phil Holiday, the culinary efforts of his good lady wife, this was very well received, a great spread! From lunch it was a short hop to the start of the last leg.
Leg Three Wimbourne to Hythe, this was where the going got tough and the tough got going! We went off road following the disused railway line to Ringwood. At this point we said goodbye to Colin Scott who had ridden heroically all day. The tandems gobbled up the off road miles akin to Phil's Blueberry and Choc muffins!! And before we knew it we arrived in Ringwood and had clocked up 55 miles. From Ringwood we struck out through the New Forest National Park, Lisette Rimmer and Chris Jackson opened up the throttle on their tandem leaving many a local racing cyclist in their wake, at 60 miles we started taking casualties so riders were medivac'ed to the support vehicles.
We arrived in Hythe marina at 4:15 to be collected by a patrol craft provided by the HM Dept to take the riders across Southampton water, all welcomed the slight rest and the view as we passed by the Queen Mary moored at the QEII Terminal. The team assembled for the final mile of day one to Ocean Gate there we were greeted by a large crowd of spectators clapping and cheering as we rode by into the car park and the end of our epic ride, little did we know everyone was clapping Rod Stewart who was driving by at the same time on his way to the Queen Mary!
Final tally 75 miles and 376m covered and a big thanks to the team all of whom survived.... Phil Holiday, Kevin Hulme, Dave Hayden, Ian Palacio, Bob Palacio, Lisette Rimmer, Chris Heavey, Ray Drabble, Keith Sewell, Chris Jackson and Colin Scott
24 June, Teignmouth to Litton Cheney (Steve East)
Freddie Mercury once wrote a song about riding a bike. It doesn't capture the joy of pedalling up hill and down dale. Like everything Queen ever did it was, and still is, rubbish.
Pedal the Ports has already raised a huge amount of charity for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Sheffield Institute Foundation. In addition, a large number of ABP staff, who have been unable to take part in the actual tandem cycling, have also offered their support in other ways and have taken part in all manner of initiatives. Thousands of pounds, and a huge amount of awareness, have been raised by initiatives such as:
- Bacon butty breakfasts at Immingham on Thursday, 3 July (cooked by two vegetarian employees!). To help with the event, Karen Lillyman of the local Asda has dontated some condiments, as well as a £10 gift card for Saturday's raffle. Jason Green of Teso Grimsby also deserves a huge mention for providing most of the sundries.
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Bill Miller, an ABP employee at Grimsby & Immingham, has donated his winnings from colleague Phil Raper's annual football-prediction competition
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Ian Skinner and Pete Blanch completed a ride from the Port of Hull to Spurn Point and back, a distance of approximately 50 miles. Pete had special reasons for wanting to do this ride as his family has been personally affected by this disease. Money raised for MND: over £1,300
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The local MND Association branch in Southampton are to be given a guided tour around Southampton's VTS offices on the 26th
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A coffee morning planned at Queen Alexandra House by Sian Collins on Friday 4 July, with home-made james and chutneys
- An office clear-out of files and paperwork by volunteer employees at Grimsby & Immingham, with ABP donating the money it would have ordinarily paid to a private contractor straight to Pedal the Ports instead, which in itself raised over £2,000
- Raffles of football and rugby tickets, among other prizes
- Donating fee for football-referring duties
- Tandem bike training
- A sweepstake on the outcome of golf match between ABP and two of its North American shareholder directors
- Donations also made by ABP’s competitors, Felixstowe, Tilbury, Bristol and Cobelfret
- A Euro 2008 fantasy league with all proceeds going to PTP
- A barbeque for staff and guests at the Country Park Inn in Hull, raising £489 for PTP with a raffle and stand-up bingo
24 June, Plymouth to Teignmouth
After much anticipation the first day of our ride had finally arrived. The support vehicle was filled with diesel, bikes serviced (thanks to Barry Crossman's son Mike) and necessary supplies packed by Glenn (Wine gums, shrimps, Mars bars but unfortunately NO FLYING SAUCERS). Crew for the day - self + Martin Sullivan, Dave & Nick Atkin, Bob Board (Pike Ward), Mike Crossman & friend Steve. Trials in the freight compound led to the green bike being selected.
A great send off from Plymouth and after necessary poses for the Plymouth Herald outside the Port Office we headed to the Hoe for a final photo call. First team on the bike - Atkin & son. Plans for a photo with liveried support vehicle and bikes in front of Smeaton's Tower were thwarted by a council car park attendant - "More than my job's worth mate". Never mind - photographic proof sans vehicle.
Mike & Steve led the way - both keen cyclists they knew the safest route out of the city and we were soon in Plympton and clear of rush hour traffic. Martin & I getting used to the Sharan which was very full with back up bike, spares, gear bags, refreshments (no flying saucers though). Bob bringing up the rear on his mountain bike. First stop at a filling station to regroup & then my first stint on the tandem - Nick wasn't too impressed with my initial efforts but we didn't get knocked down and soon had sufficient momentum. Quickly realised that the advice from previous riders to keep talking to each other was essential and in no time I was an expert.
Plympton to Lee Mill and a change of riders on the back - Atkin senior taking over. Best bit of advice for the day followed "Tim, let's wait until this lorry passes". My excuse was that the extra weight on the back made pulling away difficult. Atkin senior was unimpressed. OK, let's wheel the bike to a safer starting place. Second attempt was ultimately successful although far from controlled. Atkin senior - "Not sure I like it at the back".
Refreshments at Wrangaton - notable for the presence of a village post office. Bucket rattling raised £1. Change of crew - Atkin & son taking over. Bikes & support vehicle parted company for a while before joining up again at Marley Head where I replaced Dave. Generally downhill now and speeds were impressive. Stopped at the Dartington Cider Press for lunch and bucket rattling raised a further £1. Onwards towards Totnes with Atkin senior steering while I powered from behind. Soon realised why Dave didn't like it at the back - neither did I. Totnes to Newton Abbot was tiring and I kept head down. Dave tells me that he conducted a PDR & salary review en route but I swear I didn't hear a word. Atkin senior made a management decision and shortly afterwards Atkin junior replaced him. Hills getting steeper. Run into Newton Abbot was good - tandem leading the way with reports of speed cameras flashing - not verified though. Cycle paths through the town and then the longest uphill pull of the day.
Last leg Newton Abbot to Teignmouth completed by team Atkin. One last photo shoot overlooking the river Teign before crossing at Shaldon into Teignmouth. A great welcome at Teignmouth Quay although most of the food was gone, the BBQ having started an hour and a half earlier.............
23 June, Moretonhampstead to Plymouth via Princetown
Riders: Simon Rowlands & Callum Couper, Catrin Ellis & Craig Christoforato, Huw Turner & Chris Green, Stephen Pritchard
0945 arrived in Morton Hampstead after a somewhat fractious night at Okehampton YHA.
Why a fractious night? 6 bunks in a room a double bed would not fit into is a challenge to restful sleep and if the neighbour above you rotates 90 degrees every 30 minutes the resultant shaking of bed frame, squeak of nocturnal micturation sheet and twang of bed spring can make one less amiable towards ones colleague.
Happily Catrin was spared this & had a room to herself
Back to Moreton Hampstead….. Both tandems out of UKD van & riders made ready only to find a deflated back wheel & an inner tube change was in progress.
Callum & Simon left the repairs to others & headed off on to the moor bound for Prince town some 18 miles distant.
Within a short time it became evident that Dartmoor offered a greater challenge to cyclists than at first thought, at kleast to these middle aged fellows.
Princetown is at 1300 feet and we were already at 800 feet or so however each 100 feet of arduous climb was followed by at least 50 feet of decent however the scenery & weather compensated & it was an enjoyable ride.
Within a short time the van arrived with a serviceable second tandem & two bikes were soon eating up the miles.
3 miles from Princetown the vans stopped for a cycle crew change however by this time Catrin and Craig were missing in action & a search found them some 4 miles back along the route in a lay-by with “another puncture”. Surely this was more than a coincidence thought the older fellows (nash, curse) and Callum sensibly replaced Catrin to accompany Craig for the remainder of the trip to Plymouth.
Once Princetown was behind us the going was easier with a decent into the city.
Finally Callum & Craig, Catrin & Steve P and Simon on his own bike came into Millbay in formation…
ABP staff at Plymouth gave us a good welcome with a marquee and buffet and showers at the the Duke of Cornwall Hotel.
Thanks Tim, Glen, Carre, Martin, Mike& the two Gary’s for your hospitality.
23 June, Moretonhampstead to Plymouth (Steve Pritchard)
Tandem Green on the road – red has a puncture in the van!
Team: Craig Christoforato, Callum Couper, Catrin Ellis, Simon Rowlands, Chris Green, Huw Turner and Steve Pritchard
Weather: Overcast but fine
Drivers: Shared
Navigation: By Tom Tom starting an hour late after a scenic journey around Devon from Okehampton. This girl needs a talking to.
Mileage: About 30
After a night in the dormitory (Catrin had a room to herself) a good cooked breakfast off we set. Took an hour to travel 12 miles by car to start, is that thunder, no a low flying jet. Red bike gets a puncture getting out of the van, it does not want to be on the road. Thank goodness for the boy scouts (Mr Green).
Tom Tom has had her plug pulled - bunny hopping along the road now – one vehicle too many.
Second puncture in the red bike. Sales and Marketing have put in the wrong size inner tube!! Catrin and Craig putting lessons to good effect. Doing well otherwise.
Bridgwater to Moretonhampstead, 22 June (Kevin Francis)
22 June, Bridgewater to Moretonhampstead
Tandem Green – red feeling a bit poorly.
Team: Simon Rowlands Paul Mitchell, Kevin Francis, Dean Stromeyer, Craig Salter, Ian Meredith (I’ve had an interesting op) and me – Steve Pritchard
Weather: Lot better than expected – strong headwind in places, can’t wait for Dartmoor!!
Drivers: Shared – all took a turn.
Navigation: By I’m having a laugh! Tom Tom.
Mileage: 56 miles – excluding detours.
Thanks boys for getting the bike so far, a good start to the day for those of us with a strong stomach, a cooked breakfast at Bridgewater Services – the full works.
First off Steve and Kev – I’ve never ridden a tandem before Francis. Quick ride to the other side of Taunton uneventful apart from strong headwinds.
Craig and Dean up next who were the first pair to hit serious hills with Craig doing well with his war wounds having fallen off in training. First real event of the day with driver Ian mistakenly parking to block off a drive to Black Bay Farm Kennels – we learned the Somerset dialect for “please move your car its slightly blocking my drive” a lot of words I didn’t understanding but apparently the police were on their way. I thought Ian was about to get some practice for his karate gradings. Simon jumped on for Craig a couple of miles later, 10 or so uneventful miles. Dean on a mission and going for gold.
Then Ian and Paul had a nice gentle ride for 5 minutes then Tom Tom stepped in and put Ian’s op through the test via the classic signpost at High Hill with directions to hele – by this time grass was appearing in the middle of the road and the hills were getting steeper, they never seem to go down do they! Steve and Kev took over and then took the bike through Exeter via a 15 minute detour around the station, Tom Tom was now starting to have some fun.
Now the test for the stretch with double chevrons, Simon and Dean, the first team took over. The last 12 miles up to Mortonhampstead up unbelievable hills but manfully tackled with a photograph from an obliging WPC to prove the stop off point.
Back to Okehampton for a bit of TLC on the bikes both now back on the road for tomorrow. Simon and I now off for a curry to talk tactics for tomorrow and how we can wind the freshers up comforted by the words “would you like fries with that”.
All in all a great morning, some good laughs all round and one or more sore bits as well!
21 June, Aust to Bridgewater
Tandem Green – all good no problems.
pm Riders: Craig Salter & Dean Stromeyer
Byron Lewis & Bob Slorach
Driver: Steve Johns
Craig & Dean blasted out of Aust services at 12.45 pm and reached North Side of Avon Bridge on M4 at a sizzling pace. Bryon and Bob then used cycle track to cross River Avon and reach Portishead.
The turn and turn about to catch J24 on M5/A38 junction 2 miles south of Bridgewater via Clevedon, Congresbury, Churchill, Start (pub looked nice but pressed on), Highbridge, Dumballs Quay (on River Parrett), arriving at J24 Service area at 5.30 pm.
All enjoyed the day, rain threatened but never more than light drizzle, mild day. Total mileage being checked – approximately 80 miles. Bob, Byron and Steve headed back (in rain!) to Cardiff, meanwhile Craig and Dean worked out best way of using a considerable thirst built up carefully during the day to best advantage and headed off for the big night out at Cheddar YHA. A memorable day – great!
Saturday 21 June, Newport to Severn View Services, Aust.Matthew Kennerley (stoker), Simon Rowlands (pilot), Phil Williams (solo).
Captain’s Log stardate 21st June 2008, summer solstice, big day for Druids and charity bike riders.
Normal Newport weather (fine drizzle) greeted the start at 0830 as the three musketeers set off towards the Gwent levels. The cloud and mist lifted and we were rolling through fine countryside just behind the industrial backdrop of Llanwern steelworks – a wonderful sight in the early morning as the steam rises! But for a few surprised farmers and the odd ruminant/quadruped there were not many folk around in this green and pleasant land. As we approached the metropolis of Chepstow one fine, young chap with a 6-pack (not his stomach) asked if we were lost at a pelican crossing. We thanked him politely for his concern and sped off into the distance.
At one point Phil’s chain came off so we left him in a hedge somewhere. Later he asked some churchgoers if a tandem had passed this way and they replied cheerily, “yes, about an hour ago”.
Craig Salter and Dean Stromeyer released the second tandem from the van for a practice run at Chepstow and there were now five of us heading across the old Severn Bridge over the rivers Wye and Severn towards England. We paused like majestic athletes half way across for a photo shoot.
Matters were slightly complicated by the bridge being closed to road traffic so the support vehicles had to go the long way round over the Second Severn Crossing which took much longer than the tandems.
The final leg of this section was a sprint finish to Burger King at the services where normal service was resumed and we again felt the flow