For some bizarre reason, perhaps a second mid life crisis, Nigel and Dave decided to take part this year in a charity cycle ride.

We chose The Irish Challenge which is being organised by Challenge Adventure Charities. It is a team event which requires us to cycle in relay style over 500 miles in Southern Ireland in three days.

We invited Nigel's son, Elliott and a good friend of his, Al to join us to make up the team of four.

The route takes us from Cork , heading west around the coast to complete the first days ride in Killarney. We then continue to circumnavigate the west coast for our next overnight stop in Galway . During the final day we will cycle across Ireland to complete the ride in Dublin for a well earned pint of Guinness or two.

The overall distance split between the team may not appear to some to be too onerous but bear in mind the extreme terrain and the wet and windy weather that this part of Ireland experiences.

The organising charity prides themselves on ensuring that all monies raised is distributed to the nominated charities without any deduction. To facilitate this the trustees work tirelessly for no reward and all of the teams taking part bear all of their own costs.

The charities that will benefit from this event are British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research and Naomi House Hospice for Children in Winchester . We trust you will agree that these are all very worthy charities and hope you will be minded to give generously.

Thanking you in advance of your donations and witty, amusing and encouraging comments. Nigel and I will award a bottle of something very nice to whoever we feel posts the best words. No doubt the level of donation could sway our decision somewhat!

Thank you once again.

Nigel, Dave, Elliott and Al