What Alistair said. Brilliantly organised, brilliantly supported. God knows where I would have been without both of those elements, but I very much doubt I would have got as far even as stranding myself on the outskirts of Inverness. Wandering around a country lane somewhere near Dartmoor would have been more probable. The only other person I'd like to thank is Alistair, my imperturbable roomie.
Coming back to work today seems very, very ordinary. We crammed a lot of experience into only a few days.
I had a truly excellent time on CC Ashwell LEJOG 2012. The comprehensive preparation paid off handsomely and that made the entire trip carefree and enjoyable. A great bunch of people too; there were (virtually) no arguments or bad words spoken and everybody remained in excellent spirits throughout. Terry and Mick's support service went above and beyond anything we could have hoped for. Importantly, we started as a team and finished as a closer and stronger team. To the fixed riders, Alistair and Robbie, that was an outstanding effort. Thanks to everyone on the tour for your company and support. Congratulations to everybody!
this trip sums up for me the spirit and ethos in our club CCA........everyone doing their bit and keeping it together, good company and total support of eachother.....nearly 1000 miles....who would have thought such an event being planned,organised,run and ridden by club members of all abilities. Even more so for Terry...we should make him an honourary club member in thanks for selfless support.
It was a fantastic adventure. Thanks to everybody in the team. The excitement of the adventure carried me through but I must say I am a little tired today. I'm sad it's all over. What's next?
brilliant. its mostly been said already and as MC says so many stories...
so much laughter, so many great miles, on great roads, with fantastic scenery. thanks to all 12 for contributing to a great adventure.
but especially thanks to:
mick and terry. amazing job. agree that the support was way superior to organised rides like london/paris, etape, sporting tours etc. thanks guys,
robbie - for the idea in the first place and making it happen, and the accommodation
shaun - great pacing and excellent routes
mc - for two great climbs together in the cairngorms and the presentations
daniel, geoff and martin and all the family/friends who came and supported along the way
and huge respect to robbie and alistair for riding fixed. i felt guilty every time i passed you on descents, and distinctly inferior every time you passed me on the climbs!
Been to the doctor today about my knee. X-Ray later this week and no cycling for "up to a month"!
That does, however, give me time to properly compile the photos. If anyone has a set they could let me have (we can arrange the details later) please let me know. I'm particularly short on the Shrewsbury to Lancaster leg.
In exchange, I will be putting my full set on Flickr as well as a tarted up collection.
Adam, just spoken to MC as he picked up his bike just after you.
Shrewsbury/Lancaster is the day his mate came to take photos in the morning so he has around 80 pictures from that day - hopefully he can send over to you.
Thanks John (and Geoff). I'm sure it'll clear up before a month.
As promised, here is the first cut of my pictures - a lot of which were taken by Mick. I've tried to include some local sights as well as bike shots, but it won't be to everyone's taste.
Great pics Adam, can you email me the one in Ocado kit to keep the sponsors happy. (g.russell@ocado.com), hope the knee gets better soon, I am sure a hard man like you will shake it off in far less than a month.
For reasons that I don't fully understand, other people can't download the images on Flickr. If you do want to access them, let me know and I'll invite you to the Dropbox folder.
Belatedly, I have 'shopped the John o'Groats picture to remove the rather unsightly "Your Town" sign.
The new version is here. I've left the old version up for those who want to fondly remember the argument we had with the mercenary gentleman charging to stand in front of his sign.
just got permissions to post - hope the knee is OK now Adam - still think very differently about certain towns now when we pass through them and remembering the great 10 days - particularly Bridgewater !!!!!
Adam - can you send me your e mail address and I can then send a few piccy's I have from the ride that you can add to the thread . I'm tafirst@tiscali.co.uk
Comments
Coming back to work today seems very, very ordinary. We crammed a lot of experience into only a few days.
Shaun
(Feeling a bit sad it's all over)
so much laughter, so many great miles, on great roads, with fantastic scenery. thanks to all 12 for contributing to a great adventure.
but especially thanks to:
mick and terry. amazing job. agree that the support was way superior to organised rides like london/paris, etape, sporting tours etc. thanks guys,
robbie - for the idea in the first place and making it happen, and the accommodation
shaun - great pacing and excellent routes
mc - for two great climbs together in the cairngorms and the presentations
daniel, geoff and martin and all the family/friends who came and supported along the way
and huge respect to robbie and alistair for riding fixed. i felt guilty every time i passed you on descents, and distinctly inferior every time you passed me on the climbs!
PARIS NICE CHALLENGE 2012 : THE RIDE TO THE SUN
Friday 14th September to Sunday 23rd September
Nothing more to add other than just a typical cca event, another top trip with a top club and top people.
well done all involved.
strappy.
That does, however, give me time to properly compile the photos. If anyone has a set they could let me have (we can arrange the details later) please let me know. I'm particularly short on the Shrewsbury to Lancaster leg.
In exchange, I will be putting my full set on Flickr as well as a tarted up collection.
Shrewsbury/Lancaster is the day his mate came to take photos in the morning so he has around 80 pictures from that day - hopefully he can send over to you.
As promised, here is the first cut of my pictures - a lot of which were taken by Mick. I've tried to include some local sights as well as bike shots, but it won't be to everyone's taste.
Have a look here.
MC - yes, got the link and will add a couple to the set tonight or tomorrow. Some nice pics there.
Geoff - will do.
I'm also going to put the lot in a Dropbox folder - will post the link later.
Adam
I think this still works;
Go to, You > Your Account > Privacy & Permissions > 'Allow others to share your stuff'
http://www.flickr.com/help/photos/#2265887
That's fixed now.
The new version is here. I've left the old version up for those who want to fondly remember the argument we had with the
mercenarygentleman charging to stand in front of his sign.Here it is.