Stoke to Hereford

Tuesday 2nd June 2009

 

Sad news to start the day off with - Paul's knee is no better and he has had to pull out.  He has agreed to stay on until Land's End and will help with our support.  I know he is gutted after looking forward to this for such a long time and has trained really hard.  Instead of sulking or dwelling on his bad news, Paul has been his normal cheery self today - I think this speaks volumes about the man.  He is a top bloke and a valued friend.

 

We had a really busy itinerary planned for today and all met at Stableford Caravan Park at 8.00am and set off at 8.30.  We had eleven stage riders with us, including Kevin and Matt who work at the Acorns Children's Hospice in Walsall.  Kevin is the physio and Matt is the GP - both great guys and strong cyclists - really enjoyed their company.  The initial 37 mile trip to our hospice stop in Walsall, took us down the A34, through Stafford and Cannock and then to Walsall.  We arrived at Acorns at 10.45 and were met by Eleanor and Lizzie from Children's Hospices UK and Marie-Claire from Barclays Community Affairs.  After posing for some photos, we left at 11.15.

 

For Tets and myself, the next leg was a bit of a homecoming party, as we headed to Wall Heath.  for both of us, it felt a little bit surreal to think that in one week we had cycled from John O'Groats to home. As we approached Wall Heath, we pulled up to the Church of the Ascension  school gates (the school that Tets's and my children go to) - it was lunchtime and the children were in the playground.  Within no time, we had gathered quite a crowd around us as everyone was keen to come and see what was going on. 

 

Julia and Anne (with help from Tash) had been busy all morning preparing what turned out to be a bit of a banquet, which was laid out under some gazebos on the grounds of the church (thanks to David for accommodating us).  There we were met by family and friends.  Sam's parents had travelled over to meet him.  Then we went over to the school playground, where Mr Green the headmaster brought out the children to explain what we were doing and to have a photo taken with us.  We then did a 'parade' lap around the playground and turned out of the school gates onto the A449 towards Kidderminster.

 

Just past Bewdley, Sam had a problem with a loose spoke which meant he needed to change to the spare bike.  Paul and Simon took the bike to a local bike shop in Leominster to get it fixed.  We had been told that the hill at Clows Top was going to be challenging, but it turned out to be nothing compared to the climb after Tenbury Wells - 15%, but with some sections that hit 20%.

 

After that, it was the run down the A49 towards Hereford.  95 miles in total for the day.  We all then enjoyed a great night and an excellent meal at the local pub.

 

Tomorrow is the 'monster' day.  It's 105 miles and includes a hospice stop in Bristol - an early start at 7.30 is planned - if it happens, it will be the first time we've managed to leave on schedule since we started!

 

Mark

 

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Martin and Judi Kemp
Posts: 5
Comment
Hello
Reply #5 on : Wed June 03, 2009, 10:09:06
We were quite amazed how cool and relaxed you all were when you rode into the Church of Ascension. It was good to meet the faces of the names we have heard Sam talk of.
Good luck today with the 'monster' day, will be thinking of you and hope no more problems with bikes.
Bring on the bubbly at Lands End!!
Rob
Posts: 5
Comment
Bad Luck Sid
Reply #4 on : Wed June 03, 2009, 09:43:55
Hey Sid

Thats bad luck with the knee mate - just make sure that you get it treated by a qualified nurse!

I am sure the team still need you though - after all you are the designated repair man
Steve Finch
Posts: 5
Comment
Phil Rich
Reply #3 on : Wed June 03, 2009, 09:31:59
Phil,

You're doing so well - keep going.

One thing - why no wheelies ? Not seen any photos nor heard any stories about who pulled the longest wheelie - sort it out.
Revd. David Hoskin
Posts: 5
Comment
hospitality
Reply #2 on : Wed June 03, 2009, 08:16:47
It was great to be able to welcome you all to the church yesterday for the Wall Heath stop - I greatly admire the efforts of you all - and I'm glad I was able to hold my tummy in long enough for the photo!

Best wishes for the final days.
Anne-Marie Simms
Posts: 5
Comment
Keep Going!!
Reply #1 on : Wed June 03, 2009, 05:06:26
Well done everyone!!! For people like me who are sat at home logging on everyday for the latest news and photos of your progress, it is great to see that you are all doing your best and enjoying it. Keep going! We are all willing you to do well. xxxxx