The End of the Journey ?

Put my tent up to dry, hung out all my washing and what happened? you've got it, RAIN. Never mind. The pain and stiffness has started to ease, the memories are of us climbing massive hills with ease, without breaking into a sweat, what does this mean !!!! Yes you've got it, I'm completely barking mad, also I'm loosing my memory. Before they come to take me away I have a few reflections about our journey i'd like to share, firstly thank you's. To all our families, without their love, support, understanding and encouragement we wouldn't have made it to the start line. Luke Gilliver for constructing an amazing website, and the updating of the website, many thanks Luke. M&G van hire for the loan of a van at the start and end of the journey. To Neil for forwarding the photo's. Dave Hancock for driving the van and his part in organising the Goldwing owners club escort. John Bates and all from the Yorkshire branch of the Goldwing owners club, you are all fantastic, kind and generous. To the other cyclists who joined us during the "you can be part of it" leg. To the couple who ran Forest View accommodation at Bryness for transporting Mick to a local cycle shop for spare tyres and inner tubes. The landlady of The Gun Inn at Ridsdale who allowed 3 drenched cyclists to dry their clothes in front of her coal fire while we ate her excellent lunch. To the owners of the Gallery Restaurantat Blair Atholl who donated £6 to the fund, the money saved by giving up smoking that very day. The lady at Newtonmoore who donated £20 to the fund. The couple at John-o-Groats who donated £5. To Henry, a really nice guy, who looked after us for two nights at the hostel at Helmsdale and then donated £5 to the fund. To the other end to enders we met en route, especially the group from Leeds, Wakefield and Dewsbury, a fantastic group of men raising money for the helping heroes fund. The 75 year old Scot who we first met in Tiverton on day 3 of our ride and then met again on the A9 in Scotland, what a gentleman. The group who were tavelling South who we met at Helmsdale. Thanks to all the very nice people who we met on our journey, and I'm glad to report that that was the vast majority of people who we met. As a threesome we have many happy memories, I would like to thank the other two for their amazing company, I think a special mention to Paul is warranted, he was chief mechanic, map reader and pace maker, many thanks Paul. We've seen some fantastic countryside, villages and cities. I've got some news to all of you Britain is brilliant, full of really nice people who go out of their way to help, don't allow yourself to think otherwise. Thanks to all who have donated any money, the two charities need it.

Well folks we've done it, a day early, two in fact, counting the rest day we have knocked two days off the scheduled 19 days and completed in 17 days of cycling. We cycled 957 miles in the 17 days an average of 56.3 miles a day. We are all back at our respective homes (thanks to Dave Hancocks careful and thoughtful driving) to have a well earned rest. I have a few thanks to make and a few stories to tell, but please forgive me due to tiredness I'll do that tomorrow, but an early thanks is to all of you who have helped/assisted in any way. See you all tomorrow. With loads of thanks, love and gratitude Graham

Photo gallery

The photo gallery is now up and running on the main website - check it out, tissues at the ready - its great!!

Cycle Ride Day 18

THEY HAVE DONE IT! WELL DONE TO MICK, GRAHAM AND PAUL.
They arrived at John O Groats at about 3pm today - and were cheered along by Paul's Uncle Michael and Aunty Eileen who travelled from Loch Eriboll in Scotland to be there - this was really appreciated so Thank you to them.
All are feeling dead proud and relieved its done, not to mention a little bit sore.
They will return to Wick tonight, and no doubt enjoy a beer or two, and return home tomorrow.

Cycle Ride Day 17

NEARLY THERE..... The cyclists have made brilliant progress and are on course to reach John O Groats tomorrow!!
The weather has changed for the better and has been warm and sunny today - only a few light showers.
They are ahead of schedule at Helmsdale, and have seen a sign that says 'John O Groats 55 miles'.
They are staying in a hostel tonight and have just been for fish and chips - in Scotland's best Fish and chip restaurant!!
Along the way they have met some really nice people, some of which have been mentioned in the blog or website.
They would like to say Thank You to a couple more people:-
Mairi Wright of Station Road, Newtonmore, Scotland - they met Mairi one nite and during conversation explained what they were doing, she then gave them £20 for the cause.
Also at Blair Atholl Chip shop a man had just stopped smoking the day they met him and he donated the money he would have spent on cigarettes to them.
Thanks to you both!
I think they are looking forward to finishing tomorrow.... hopefully the sun will stay shining for them. Good Luck x

Cycle Ride Day 16

The cyclists continue to make really good progress. We spoke to them at lunchtime and they were at Inverness, and planning to continue Northwards to a place called Dingwall. The weather has been good to them, with a following wind to help them on their way. They are hoping to find a B & B tonight though as it is quite cold with snow on the hills.
They have come across some more end to enders in Scotland, including a group on racing bikes with full support from campervans. They were staggered by our cyclists bikes, particularly by how heavy the bikes were with their kit on.
They are all confident that they will meet Tuesdays deadline for finishing.

Cycle Ride day 15

Sorry for the delay in writing this post.... I think mobile coverage is starting to get a bit scarce now. Mum spoke to Dad (Graham) but I haven't spoke to Paul. Friday was quite wet and windy (again!!) but they continued to make good progress... so much so that they are planning to reach John O Groats Tuesday morning and then travel back Tuesday, aiming to arrive home very late Tuesday.

Cycle Ride Day 14

The cyclists have had a good day biking today, after the mishaps of yesterday. It is quite windy today up in Scotland, at times this has been a really strong side wind, however there have been some good tail winds too. I think the wind was a bit scary over the Forth Road Bridge!!
Tonight they are in a B & B at a place called Dunkeld, north of Perth. A good plan to be in a B & B tonight as it is still cold in Scotland at night - with a sprinkling of snow last night!
They are right on their planned schedule at the moment and doing really well, and spirits remain high.

Cycle Ride Day 13

Well quite an eventful day today - they have been plagued by mechanical breakdown after mechanical breakdown throughout the day. This meant they didn't get fully into their stride until well into the afternoon. They would like to say a great big thank you to the landlady at the hostel they stayed in last night as she drove Mick to a bike shop this morning to get a new tyre; without her help they really would have been stuck.
As the day went along they continued to experience mechanical problems.... despite this they have made it to Edinburgh tonight.
Fortunately the weather stayed dry and they had a following wind to help them on their way!
All feel glad to be in Scotland despite the problems they have experienced today.

Cycle Ride Day 12

I think its been another tough day of cycling in poor, cold,wet and rainy conditions today. They were really aiming to try and get over the border and into Scotland and almost made it - just 5 miles short so will be there tomorrow. They are staying in a small hostel tonight, and the landlady had given them a few pointers for their route to Edinburgh.

Cycle Ride Day 11

The cyclists are staying in a Youth Hostel at Edmundyers nr Hexham tonight, following a cold night last night under canvas. They've had a hard day today with plenty of big hills, but had a following wind at least to help them on their way.
The weather stayed dry today, and hopefully they will dodge the showers tomorrow as they plan to make a push into Scotland.

Cycle Ride Day 10

Well Paul, Mick and Graham continued onwards again - now just 3 men and their bikes but the memory of yesterday will stay with them for the rest of the trip.
They had a disturbed night last night - Thanks to the group of drunk and loud campers along side them .
Weather remained dry but quite windy today, and unfortunately this was a head wind which made it hard going.
By lunchtime they were at Ripon and heading towards Bedale tonight.
Check out the Gold Wing website at http://www.yorkshiregoldwings.co.uk/photos.htm they have loads of photos on their site, and don't forget please email any pictures you have to our website photos@thesouthyorkshireendtoenders.org.uk Thanks

Cycle Ride Day 9 - BE PART OF IT Day

Wow!! What a day.... massive thanks to all who made it a great day especially all of you that got the bikes out and rode along with Mick, Paul and Graham, also to all of you that joined us along the way at Parkgate, Swinton and Mexborough. Special thanks to the Honda Goldwing Club who did a fantastic job of accompanying the cyclists and creating a brilliant atmosphere - you really made the day extra special - THANKS.

The South Yorkshire leg was sponsored by Paling Plumbing - Pauls very understanding boss, so Thanks Phil.

The day started well with the Radio Sheffield interview at 8.30. The female presenter apparently likes men in lyra so they were lucky to leave the studio in one piece!! The interview isn't yet available on the internet but will let you know when it is.

The bikers left Sheffield at 9.40 in the sunshine and made good progress to Parkgate by about 10.30. The Honda Goldwing riders created a great atmosphere honking their horns all the way.

There was a great welcome waiting at Parkgate, the Rotherham Cancer Care Centre central to that.

Onwards then for the long slog up Rawmarsh hill up towards Swinton. Thanks here from Becky to all the men who cycled slowly up the hill so that I wasn't left alone, especially Rob who got his screwdriver out to try to fix my gears!!

As we cycled past Pauls home it was great to see all the neighbours out to give a cheer and wave.

Another great welcome at Mexborough - the shoppers really didn't know what had hit them. This time the Aurora Centre central to the gathering.

The hard core of cyclists then continued to Doncaster and New Beginnings and the last warm welcome of the day. All glad to see refreshments waiting here too - Thanks for that.

Paul, Mick and Graham then continued to Selby accompanied by Carl, and arrived there safely at the end of the afternoon.

I know Paul, Graham and Mick were touched by all the great support they have received and I think it will really spur them on for the rest of the journey.

The main website will have photos soon and links to the Gold Wing Members Club, who also took lots of Photo's.

Rest Day - Day 8

Hi All the next time I'll be making an entry will be when we've completed. Today was a rest day, ha ha. Paul and myself spent time shopping to bring our kit upto standard, then the telephone started first from Sheffield Council then Sheffield Police, it would seem the information about the event didn't get to the people who should have known, but anyway we've been given a clean bill of health to proceed, but remember those of you taking part no more than two abreast and obey all road traffic signs and safety is more important than speed.
I would like to record a few thank you's for the kindness we have received on our journey so far. Firstly to Dave Hancock for driving us to Lands Ends last Friday, to M&G for the van, to the Staff at Colliford Lake campsite for their generosity (reduced rates) and the assistance they gave Paul when repairing his pannier holder, to Mrs Pugsley of Great Park Farm B&B Crediton who gave us reduced rates, a donation towards the event and her husband to drove us into to town to collect 3 take aways, to Wayne and Lynn Powell of the Brook House Inn touring park who opened their bar just for us then wouldn't charge us for the drinks, to members of the Caravan club on the above site who gave us tea and sausage sandwiches as we packed our tents in the pouring rain, to Radio Sheffield, Sheffield Council, Sheffield Police and John Bates (Goldwing Club). I would also like to thank Paul and Mick for the laughs, the encouragement and your excellent company.

Day 7

Hi all Graham here, as you will guess by me writing we made it to Sheffield last night a full 24 hours ahead of schedule. The bikes are currently being cared for by the wonderful Radio Sheffield at their studio's, we arrived at the studio's around 4.30pm after completing fifty one and a half miles. The aircraft noise last night wasn't to bad, I have a few tyre marks on the roof of my tent caused by low flying planes as they took off. The day started with fine weather, although the tents had to be packed wet ( a couple of brief showers in the night and heavy morning dew), however around lunch time the rain started and we had several really heavy showers, but not to be daunted we carried on. Friday is to be a rest day, to give us time to pack clean dry clothing for the rest of the journey and dry out the tents etc. Last night we clocked 399 miles for the journey so far, we all have a few aches and pains, I have a little soreness where you expect me to be sore, so a day off should help recovery. Sorry this entry is a day late but after a hot bath and an excellent evening meal tiredness took over last night. I will complete another entry for Friday later.

Cycle Ride Day 6

After another dry, warm and sunny day the cyclists have continued to make good progress. Tonight they are camping at a site in Melbourne.... at the side of East Midlands Airport - not sure how much sleep they will get tonight!
The cyclists are doing really well and apart from a few aches feeling good.

Cycle Ride Day 5

The cyclists have checked into a youth hostel tonight in Stratford Upon Avon, after their first rain free day of cycling. There continued to be plenty of hills to challenge them today, but at least they were dry!
They were pleased that the Youth Hostel had a laundry service and so were making the most of this too!
Spirits remain high but I think legs are starting to ache a bit too.
I think they're all looking forward to coming through South Yorkshire at the weekend. They have been invited into Radio Sheffield on Saturday morning at 8.30 for a studio interview!! Tune in!!

Cycle Ride Day 4

Hi all, well the cyclists have had a tough day today. The weather has been TERRIBLE.... rain, rain and more rain. I spoke to Paul at lunchtime and they were all wet through to the skin. Mick had a mechanical problem with his bike too. They completed about 50 miles today despite this.... so well done them!! They are at a place called Malmesbury, just south of Cirencester.
They are staying in a B & B tonight in the hope that they can get dried out and recharge their batteries ready for tomorrow.
Good luck!! Lets all hope for the sunshine from now on!!

Cycle Ride Day 3

Well the cyclists continue to do really well. They are staying at a place called Castle Cary near Frome in Somerset tonight... in fact only about 10 miles from tomorrows planned destination! The cycling has been tough with lots of quite steep hills, but they keep being told it gets much easier after the first 3-4 days.
They're camping tonight and were just enjoying a picnic on site when I spoke to Paul at about 7pm.

Cycle Ride Day 2

Well it was quite an eventful night for the cyclists. They camped through cold, windy and stormy conditions - not sure how much sleep was had by any of them. Paul was also feeling quite unwell during the night and thought the e-coli had made a recurrence although he is better today. Paul would like to say a special thanks to all at the Colliford Lake Campsite on Bodmin Moor where they stayed last night. They helped him fix his pannier rack on his bike which had broken, and generally were very hospitable.
The cyclists set off this morning between showers, but it wasn't long before they had their bike poncho's on and battling through the hail and rain!! Thankfully the strong wind was behind them. At the end of day 2 they are about 20 miles ahead of schedule, staying tonight in a farm house B & B at Crediton, near Tiveton in Devon.
All are feeling well and looking forward to the farmer taking them in to Crediton tonight!

Cycle Ride Day 1

The South Yorks End to Enders are on their way!!
The cyclists started their ride this morning - they had to cycle 5 miles from their Hotel to Lands End first. By lunch they had completed about 30 miles and were on track to cycle slightly further than their plan to a campsite they had selected. Spirits were high, and all glad to be on their way.

Hi, its Becky here today. Well the men set off this morning, ready for the bike ride to start friday. They were in goog spirits and just looking forward to starting. Dad was on Rother FM today - played on many of their news bulletins. He was also interviewed by Radio Sheffield but not quite sure yet when they will be broadcasting it.

Hi all Graham again, this is the last entry by me for a couple of weeks or so, Chris, Emma or Rebecca will be doing the daily blog as we cycle North from Lands End on Friday 24 April, the day after tomorrow. I was interviewed over the phone this morning by Rother FM, this is to be broadcast tomorrow morning. Radio Sheffield are to record an interview tomorrow, don't know when thats to be broadcast. Don't forget the "You Can Be Part Of It" leg on 2 May. Thanks to all who have helped, supported and encouraged us.

Fantastic news The Yorkshire Region of The Goldwing Owners Club of Great Britain, have agreed to escort the cyclists taking part in the "You Can Be Part Of It" leg between Sheffield to Doncaster via Parkgate Retail Park, Mexborough Centre and New Beginnings Balby Doncaster on Saturday 2 May 2009. Imagine the impact, all those colourful cyclists escorted by the giant Goldwing motorcycles with lights balzing, you have got to be part of this once in a lifetime event.
Training going well, Mick has recovered from his bout of flu, Paul was ill at the start of the week but is feeling better now. So a week tomorrow and we start the epic journey to John-o-Groats, we all hope to see you at some point. Thanks for all your help, thanks to all the people who have donated and are to donate. Dont forget 2 May make a diference and make an impact, join us.

Hi all Graham again- we have the grand total of £578 in the bank as of yesterday with loads more pledges thanks to everyone. Emma my youngest daughter went to the birthday bash of her friend Sharon and came away with £30's worth of pledges, thanks to all.
Further good news, Mick has been able to resume his training after 2 weeks off the road with Flu. Paul and myself have continued, I cycled to work every day last week, then Paul and myself did 35 miles of hill work Saturday, and 52 miles of mixed terain today. Feeling good.
Not long now to the start date and the "You Can Be Part Of It". Like to say thanks to Hayfiield Wheelers and a guy called Henry who will be riding the Sheffield to Doncaster leg and have offered to give the bikes the once over before we set off.

Hi all, Graham again. Paul, myself and families attended the birthday party of a good friend Julie C last Saturday, at the party Julie announced we were undertaking the ride from LE to JoG. Steph, Julie's eldest daughter rattled the bucket round all the guests and raised a fantastic £130, many thanks to Julie, Steph and all their amazing family and friends for the money, we will be banking this by the end of the week. Mick is suffering from flu like symptons so hasn't been able to train, get well soon Mick. Paul and myself were out Sat and Sun we did 35 miles each day doing hill work, on Sat this was in the teeth of a freezing gale with rain and hail. Sunday was a really nice day. We climbed the hills in Hemingfield moving to Stainborough and the hill near the college, which is a killer. Then onto Thurgoland and Grenoside before heading home. The ride starts 3 weeks next Friday so will soon be with us.
See you all again.

Hi all, Graham again. Loads of news, so get ready, where to start. Firstly big thanks to Luke for all his hard work on the website, this guy is a real talent and we are very grateful to him for making a brilliant and professional web site. Thanks to Marks and Spencer Doncaster, who have donated 6 bottles of wine which we will split between The Rotherham Cancer Care Centre and the Aurora Centre for raffle prizes. Also thanks to Parkgate Retail Park for their support on our "Be A Part Of It" leg, they are to welcome us on our way through the area. Thanks to M&G car and van hire who have donated a van to transport us and all our equipment to Lands End and back from John-o-Groats, thanks also to Dave Hancock who has agreed to be the van driver for both journeys. I think while we are thanking people, all three riders would like to thank families, friends, work colleagues and associates for their support and encouragement. Also thanks to everyone who has sponsored us so far, we have already £350 in the bank including two £100 donations. The training continues to go well, Paul and myself completed 48 miles last Saturday and a hilly and windy 28 miles Sunday, Mick has had the week away from work and promised to increase his training, although he was suffering from a heavy cold last week-end. Thats it for now see you all later.

Hi all, Graham again. Training going well, I did 23 miles last Friday, Paul and myself did 28 Saturday and 53 Sunday. Mick is out and about doing his bit. We had a bit of coverage in the local press, we are very grateful and thanks go to the South Yorkshire Times and the Rotherham Advertiser. Just a couple of things, we are inviting people to join us in the LOCAL leg not the last leg, this should be Saturday 2 May 09, the routs and timings should be on our web site this coming week. Also we may stay in hostels as well as camping (we are all joining the youth hostel association) but any money spent on food and accommodation is funded by oursleves and not from the sponsorship raised, unless some hotel chain would like to offer free B&B. Hopefully the full route should also be on the website soon, Mick, Paul and I are metting tomorrow to finalise the route. Rotherham Cancer Care Centre have negotiated with the Parkgate Shopping Park an area for a stand and for Rother FM to be present when we call in the Shopping Park on our local leg. so hope to see plenty of people there.

Hi all, Graham again, training going well, did 20 miles last Friday, 57 with Paul and Mick Saturday, this was after having our photo's taken by the South Yorkshire Times/Doncaster Free Press. Paul and myself did 19 miles Sunday and I did 30 miles today. Thanks again to all who have joined the facebook group. Keep happy spread the word and send some messages of support please. Best wishes Graham

Hi all, right this is it, we start lifting the events profile this week-end, we need more publicity. I will be contacting various TV and Radio media, Emma is to contact local newspapers. Been to the bank today and good to report we have gone over our first £100, we now have a running total of £115. Thanks to Francoise Joulbert, who is supplying all our first aid/medical kit, thanks a very kind and appreciated donation. Thanks also to Marks and Spencer Doncaster who have donated 6 bottles of wine which I intend sharing with Rotherham Cancer Care Centre and Aurora Centre for raffle prizes. I plan to approach some national companies next week for support, if you feel like supporting the event dear reader follow the link on the website. Thanks to all, Graham

Thought I'd give info re todays ride from Doncaster to York a total of 45 miles. Mick, Barry and myself coped well, the weather was good if a little windy in places. I think we all feel fit after the ride. The train journey from York was excellent, the staff at both York and Doncaster rail stations were very helpful as was the conductor on the train tahnaks to all.

Hi all, this is Graham sorry I've not been reporting recently, I will have to get into the habit of regular updates. We now have 61 members in our group on Facebook, thanks to all who have joined. Training is going well, I rode 30 miles Saturday, 18 miles today and plan to ride from Doncaster to York tomorrow with Mick (one of three end to enders) and Micks friend Barry, so if you see us give a wave. In regular contact with the Rotherham Cancer Care Centre and the Aurora Centre who are giving great support. Route planning continues and once finalised we will put the route on the website, this will include the times etc for the "Be a Part Of it" Sheffield to Doncaster via Rotherham leg. See you all soon. Graham

Hi all, things are now moving fast. Paul, Rebecca, Chris and myself attended a Jazz night in aid of Rotherham CCC where our proposed event was announced. Some sponsor forms were taken by people attending so hopefully the money should soon start to be pledged. We are still looking for that big name sponsor so if anyone out there is reading this and know a company who is willing to sponsor us that would be great. We have set up a bank account with The Halifax, I'm informed that anyone goes into any Halifax branch in the country with a cheque made payable to The South Yorkshire End to Enders, account No 00421343 sort code 11-14-01 we will receive it also if anyone has internet banking then they can donate by inputting the above details. The withdrawal book in a safe place and to make a withdrawal The Halifax need the book and two of three signatures they hold on record, so it should be secure.
Good luck to all and please spread the word we need your support.

Update 27/01/2009

Tuesday 27 January 2009
The group on the facebook link now numbers 39, which is fantastic, thanks to all who have joined I'm sorry if I havn't welcomed you in person but I seem to be loosing track who I've welcomed and who I've missed. So welcome one and all. Spread the word please, and lets use this event, especially the ride from Sheffield to Doncaster via Rotherham on May 2 2009, to show the rest of Britain, even in a time of financial trouble, we can have fun and support a good cause. The sponsor sheets are now ready, details of how to get one or other ways to donate will be released soon.

Hi all, this is Graham talking. Today is Sunday 25 January 2009, Paul and myself completed a 40 mile training ride today, didn't feel too bad although I think I know where the expression a pain in the backside comes from. The sponsorsheets should be completed this week, so the fund raising will start asap.

Meet Us

We are starting to build up our training in preparation for the bike ride from land's End To John O' Groats.

It was pretty cold on this day -3 so we lost feeling in our toes and fingers!