Story
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Weston-super-Mare - Utah Beach, France
08/12/2008 - 11/12/2008
Well, we did it. We managed to pack in the miles over 4 days hard riding. The best way to describe it was ups and downs, going from enormous confidence when feeling as strong as iron to the absolute pits when it felt like the pedals just wouldn't turn anymore and every kilo on our backs rooted us to the spot. There was little incident during the ride itself, only a couple of unexpected dismounts with a lot of lucky escapes. The -6 degree camping in France was a little bit more of a survival mission than we hoped for and the hard riding really was hard, but when you remember why you're doing what you're doing, it's not too hard to give it that extra push. Getting to Utah Beach itself was harrowing, it's difficult to explain because it's such a personal experience, I could tell you what it felt like to me, but I reckon we've probably all got different accounts of the strange numbing moments of being there. Importantly though, we made it, and we made it back, we had to grind out every last rotation but we think we did everyone proud. It's only right, because everyone has done us proud with the encouragement, support and donations from day one. It all ran to plan and the hours upon hours we put into organising it all paid off. We're in the process of collecting the money for the handover now, and we'll shed some light on the official total and have some photos hopefully with a big novelty cheque then. Our commitment helped everything go like clockwork, however it was everyone of you that made it a success. We were staggered by the response we received and there's little else to say but thanks, real sincere thanks. It was your support that made the wheels go round.
Thank you.
"A good effort for a good cause, good luck!" - 4x Olympic Gold Medallist Chris Hoy.
Donations close March 8th 2009
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So why the RNLI? Well simply because it's a cause that we all believe in. We're all from a coastal town and have grown up hearing all the stories of bravery and seaside rescue week by week. Each of us has a different love of the sea and respect for the danger it presents, to have a team of experts watching your back is something that deserves supporting and to prove this we're looking to draw on all our past fundrasing experience and put everything into it. The job the RNLI do out in the unrelenting, darkening sea is voluntary and lifesaving so please dig deep and sponsor us! We all really appreciate your support, however this isn't about us, the RNLI and the people who benefit from their help every year will appreciate it a lot more.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. So please Gift Aid it.
Please note that all donations will go towards supporting the Weston-super-Mare Lifeboat Station.
Thanks.
Alex Nicholls
Fraser Balaam
Josh Eckett
Matt Stewart
Weston-super-Mare - Utah Beach, France
08/12/2008 - 11/12/2008
Well, we did it. We managed to pack in the miles over 4 days hard riding. The best way to describe it was ups and downs, going from enormous confidence when feeling as strong as iron to the absolute pits when it felt like the pedals just wouldn't turn anymore and every kilo on our backs rooted us to the spot. There was little incident during the ride itself, only a couple of unexpected dismounts with a lot of lucky escapes. The -6 degree camping in France was a little bit more of a survival mission than we hoped for and the hard riding really was hard, but when you remember why you're doing what you're doing, it's not too hard to give it that extra push. Getting to Utah Beach itself was harrowing, it's difficult to explain because it's such a personal experience, I could tell you what it felt like to me, but I reckon we've probably all got different accounts of the strange numbing moments of being there. Importantly though, we made it, and we made it back, we had to grind out every last rotation but we think we did everyone proud. It's only right, because everyone has done us proud with the encouragement, support and donations from day one. It all ran to plan and the hours upon hours we put into organising it all paid off. We're in the process of collecting the money for the handover now, and we'll shed some light on the official total and have some photos hopefully with a big novelty cheque then. Our commitment helped everything go like clockwork, however it was everyone of you that made it a success. We were staggered by the response we received and there's little else to say but thanks, real sincere thanks. It was your support that made the wheels go round.
Thank you.
"A good effort for a good cause, good luck!" - 4x Olympic Gold Medallist Chris Hoy.
Donations close March 8th 2009
---
So why the RNLI? Well simply because it's a cause that we all believe in. We're all from a coastal town and have grown up hearing all the stories of bravery and seaside rescue week by week. Each of us has a different love of the sea and respect for the danger it presents, to have a team of experts watching your back is something that deserves supporting and to prove this we're looking to draw on all our past fundrasing experience and put everything into it. The job the RNLI do out in the unrelenting, darkening sea is voluntary and lifesaving so please dig deep and sponsor us! We all really appreciate your support, however this isn't about us, the RNLI and the people who benefit from their help every year will appreciate it a lot more.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. So please Gift Aid it.
Please note that all donations will go towards supporting the Weston-super-Mare Lifeboat Station.
Thanks.
Alex Nicholls
Fraser Balaam
Josh Eckett
Matt Stewart