Link to Blog and Photos on Facebook
The ride is now under way and the team would like to sincerely thank those individuals and firms who have given donations to assist -
Versatilesports.co.uk
Trac Lighting - Thirsk (Industrial and Commercial Lighting)
Burnt Tree Vehicle Solutions
National/Europcar Rental
Denso Marston Ltd
Vernon Land Transport, Baildon
Clarity UK (Bespoke Audio Communication Systems to to Commercial Sector)
Kylix UK (Excellence in Equestrian Products - Solariums and Horse Exercisers)
Waitrose Supermarket Otley
Sainsburys Supermarket Otley
Chris Wright Transport, Baildon
Halfords Bradford
Eat Natural Health Bars
Endura Cycle Clothing
GDB Manufacturing Leisurewear - Clothing embossers and distributors, Barnes Road Bradford (Andy Gill)
Coca Cola/Powerade
Carlsberg Tetley
Edinburgh Cycles
Our challenge is to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats, a total distance of approximately 880 miles. We will be riding an average of 80 miles a day, over 11 days. Our chosen route is east of The Pennines. We will start our journey on 30th April and hope to arrive at our destination on 10th May 2010.
The ride is to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The Team, listed below, consists of 12 men, 9 keen cyclists and 3 drivers for our support vehicles (without whom the ride would not be possible!). 9 of the Team are detectives (well - 1 retired!) from the West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (or HMET for short).
The Team not only share a love of cycling, we have all in some way been touched by the terrible disease that is, Cancer. We decided that a very positive way to channel our energies, was to take on the ultimate British cycling challenge and hopefully raise lots of money along the way, to help combat this disease.
The Team are as follows:-
Riders;
Nick Wallen - Team Captain
"I am marking my 40th year and hoping to raise a sizeable sum of money for Cancer Research. I am riding for my good friend, Julie Hayes who recently lost her brave battle against pancreatic cancer. Please help us reach our total and give generously - thanks!"
Gary Baines
"I have been touched by Cancer in several ways. My grandmother died from the disease in 2003. My father battled with, initially bowel cancer and then lung cancer, since 2001.He was determined in his fight to beat the disease, which I'm sure prolonged his life. In October 2009, I asked him if he would like to assist in planning and organising the 'LEJOG' cycle ride. He was very upbeat about helping with the organisation of the ride and the fundraising.
Unfortunately, he was taken into hospital by ambulance at 3pm on Christmas Day 2009, after having had Christmas dinner with his family.
He had developed pneumonia and the cancer in his right lung had become more aggressive. Medical staff tried their best to treat the pneumonia infection, but it had taken such a hold that nothing could be done.
My father passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday 12th January 2010.
Ian Matthews
"The opportunity to do this ride does not come around that often, so I jumped at the chance, especially when I knew it was for a good cause. A short time after I told Nick he could count me in, I found out that my Dad had terminal bowel cancer.
My Dad died a few weeks ago on the 3rd February and, despite being very poorly and 90yrs old, he showed a great spirit and a will to live right up to the end. When I discussed this ride with him, a short time before he died, he told me that as a young lad, he rode from Leeds to Scarborough and back (approx 130 miles) on an old Raleigh Sport Racer, which only had 3 gears (compared to my 20!). He tried to make me feel better by saying the traffic in the 1930s was a lot lighter.
Thats all the inspiration I need. Thanks for the support and donations."
Andy Wilson
"Why put myself and my perineum (look it up!) through such an ordeal?
In a recent conversation, I was asked how Cancer had affected me.I had not really thought about it in any great detail before, but when I did, I realised that I had lost grandparents through it, my mother has had it and, very recently, on 12 January 2010, my wife and I lost a friend through it.
Laila has left behind a loving husband and two young daughters. She was lost in her prime, having led a previously healthy and happy life. I dedicate my ride to Laila Mason.”
Dave Price
"I am 34 years old and the youngest of the riders, but I will need to call upon every bit of my youthfulness to complete this mighty cycling challenge!
My motivation comes from my mum being diagnosed with stomach cancer in January 2008. Mum was a fit and healthy 57 year old, who had looked after herself all her life and was looking forward to retirement. It was an immense shock to all the family when she was diagnosed with this disease.
Her attitude from the outset was very positive and recovery from the disease was upmost in her mind. Unfortunately, despite undergoing surgery and grueling chemotherapy, the medics were unable to control the spread of the disease. She battled against the illness with outstanding courage and spirit but unfortunately lost her fight in the early hours of 18th April 2010. RIP Mum x x x.
Lloyd Batley
“ As a cyclist, the Lands End to John O' Groats ride has long been an ambition of mine and to be able to have a go at it, while raising money for Cancer Research, is a fantastic opportunity.
Most people have known someone close who has suffered from Cancer, and hopefully the money we raise will help to reduce the devastation it causes.
At 50 years, I'm one of the older riders so I'm likely to struggle a bit, but having the reason we are doing it in the back of my mind will keep me going, and get me through the pain in the old knees, back, and other obvious areas (fingers crossed!!!)."
Andy Carr
"I'm 40 years old, brother-in-law to Nick Wallen and have been a keen cyclist for the last 10 years.
Throughout my life, a number of my friends and family have been indirectly or directly affected by cancer in some way. Last year I lost my uncle and two friends to this dreadful disease. I therefore appreciate the good work and support that Cancer Research provides.
I'm looking forward to raising money for this worthwhile charity and taking part in what I'm sure will be a very grueling physical challenge."
Phil Roberts
"I am 54yrs of age - the oldest of the group and a keen cyclist. I am still able to leave the majority of young lads behind when going up hills.
I have had first hand experience of nearest and dearest being affected by Cancer.
Both my parents died from lung cancer and, it was especially harrowing, watching my mother deteriorate slowly over a six month period.
I am participating in the ride, in order to assist in raising funds for research into solutions and treament for Cancer, which may assist people in the future and, hopefully, prevent them having to suffer the same fate as my parents."
Peter Brook
"LOOKING FOR A CHALLENGE ?????"
"That was the question I asked myself 22 years ago and I answered it by taking on a 10 mile time trial - thinking that a long way!
I completed it in a time of about 35 mins (or was it 30?!).
Two years later, the next challenge was to cycle 60 miles, Manchester to Blackpool - that's a long way!! I enjoyed completing that each year, for the next three or four.
Next, 'The Candlelighters Challenge', to ride 120 miles in 10 hours around The Dales, including Fleet Moss - now that is a long way!!! You start thinking, 'will my legs last the course???', but I've been doing that ride for the last 10 years and have enjoyed raising money on the way.
So, when asked to do the 'Ultimate Challenge' - Lands End to John O'Groats, 880 miles in 11 days, on a road bike? I was more than happy to say 'yes' and raise money for a very worthwhile cause.
P.S. Please ask me how I feel when I get to John O'Groats!!"
Support;
Mark Driscoll
Richard Baines
Gary Taylor
We greatly appreciate any donation you can make towards our target figure. Thank you!
With thanks to those people who donated cheques to Cancer Research UK after the funeral of Ken Baines.
Itinerary/Route
Thursday 29 April 2010
Travel Yorkshire to St. Just in Penwith Cornwall.
Day 1 - Lands End to Camelford via Leedtown & Newquay.
70 miles.
Saturday 1 May 2010
Day 2 – Camelford to Taunton via Launcestown, Okehampton & Tiverton.
84 miles.
Day 3 – Taunton to St. Briavels via the Severn Road Bridge.
69 miles
Monday 3 May 2010
Day 4 – St. Briavels to Shrewsbury via Coleford, Ross on Wye, Leominster, Ludlow, All Stretton.
80 miles.
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Day 5 – Shrewsbury to Hutton (Lancashire Police HQ) via Wem, Tarporley, Warrington, Preston.
81 miles.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Day 6 – Preston to Penrith (finish at Cumbria Police HQ for cup of tea) via Garstang, Lancaster & Kendal.
70 miles.
Day 7 – Penrith to Abington via Carlisle, Longtown, Gretna, Lockerbie, Beattock.
76 miles
Day 8 – Abington to Loch Lomond (finish at Alexandria) via Nether Howecleuch, Happendon, Glasgow, Clydebank & Dumbarton.
56 miles.
Day 9 –Alexandria to Glencoe YHA via Arden, Crianlarich, Inverbeg, Clifton, Bridge of Orchy.
70 miles.
Sunday 9 May 2010
Day 10 – Glencoe to Inverness via Kinlochleven, Blarmachfoldach, Fort William, Banavie, Altrua, Glendoebeg, Foyers and Dores.
87 miles.
Day 11 – Inverness to Helmsdale via North Kessock, Munlochy, Culbokie, Evanton, Culcairn, Dalnavie, Balleigh, Edderton, Lonemore, Fourpenny, Cambusmore Lodge, Kirkton, Golspie, West Clyne, Lothbeg, Lothmore, Portgower & Gartymore.
72 miles.
Day 12 – Helmsdale to John O Groats via Berriedale, Newport, Latheron, Roster, Watten, Kirk, Lyth & Huna.
53 Miles.
Wednesday 12 May 2010
