Help for Heroes - Gibraltar Ride 2010

After months of hard training & fund raising; the day of reckoning had finally arrived; too late to back out now. Day one started early in the morning with a couple of interviews outside the prison gates, BBC radio Kent did a live interview at 7:30, which then progressed onto a reporter from the Gibraltar Chronicle newspaper as they had been following our story for several months now.

Andy Hudson, the prison Governor, gave a sterling departure speech in front of a crowd of family, friends and fellow prison staff. We were waved off promptly at 08:00 for the relatively short stage to Dover, 42 miles down the road.

The trip was estimated at 1473 miles, but due to road closures, bridges destroyed by flash floods, road number changes & map reading errors through busy towns; the approx. distance covered was nearer to 1500 miles; which was completed as scheduled within 11 days. The actual days cycling ranged from 8 hours to a max of 14hrs which meant less recovery time at the camp sites for those late arrivals.

Our initial target was to raise £10,000 for Help for Heroes; by the time we departed on the 4th September our total had reached £12,200. This was then increased through the two weeks of the ride to a new total of £13,400 with pledge money still to be received from local schools donating the money collect for non-uniform days etc.

Through France the weather was generally wet with strong head winds; it was especially tough through the Bordeaux region heading to the foot of the Pyrenees where we encountered periods of very heavy rain, strong head winds and roads with long steady inclines which were energy sapping. Fields were filled with mainly Corn/maize, Sunflowers or miles of grape vines. In the early days through France we experienced several map reading errors, but a friendly local cyclist called Marc guided us back onto our route (we were heading the wrong way, again!) which saved us valuable time and energy.

The route then passed over the Pyrenees at a height of over 6400 feet, climbing a total of 7700 feet during the day. A cold, miserable misty day on the French side turned to sunny clear blue sky on the Spanish side. Some off us brave, (or mad) soles managed to hit over 60mph on the down hill run to Jaca, which was both exhilarating and frightening at the same time. The actual days cycling over the Pyrenees was fairly easy, which was not as expected, with loads of photo breaks to record the event stage; compared to the following day as we cycle through the Sierra Mountain range which was climb after climb on narrow twisty roads, though through some amazing scenery.

Heading South through Spain the temperature started to rapidly rise to a max of 41oC. Long straight roads, winding through vast expanses of openness with only butterflies & crickets as company. The scenery was spectacular throughout Spain, many beautiful villages with splendid churches or castles to admire and take photos off. Yet more sunflowers in the fields, slowly changing to vast Olive groves as far as the eye could see. How do they harvest so many Olives trees, was the most obvious question which came to mind? We skirted around Madrid and onto Gibraltar. Long hot, dry dusty days continued all the way to Gibraltar. 

The final couple of days before Gibraltar were extremely hilly and yet again, strong head winds reduced the overall speed, at times to a crawling pace, wind turbines dominated each and every hill crest for miles. The only good side of the hills was the down hill runs, at times through sharp twisting turning roads, where our speeds were hitting 40mph. Not so brave today as large cliff drops forced us to a safe speed, but still going faster than the support crew.

Once we reached around the last 50 kilometres, in the distance the Rock of Gibraltar came into view; which was our inspiration to continue strong to the finish line. Suitably tanned and tired; as well as nursing certain sore spots, but we made it all safe and well. Family, friends and work colleagues cheered as we all cycled over the Spanish/Gibraltar boarder which marked the official end point of the ride.

A final interview and photo’s for the Gibraltar Chronicle marked the end of the ride. Now it was our time to relax & take in the sights of Gibraltar before the journey home to dearly missed family and friends. Yes, we did get to visit the Rock and its resident monkeys, along with the many other attractions the island has to offer, especially the duty free shopping.

Throughout the journey the support team not only ensured that we all had plenty of fluids and the necessary energy drinks and bars from our sponsors. But they also utilised local supermarkets to top up on fresh produce such as bread, milk and bananas. During the day the riders were consuming approx 8,000 calories which was quickly replaced via the sports bars, gels and drink by High5. Additionally they ensured each day the tented accommodation was erected and that plenty of hot food & drink was ready for the riders on their arrival.

Throughout the ride a daily blog was published on our web page (www.gibraltarride.co.uk), numerous messages were left to encourage us along, which we read at the end of each days ride. We thank one and all for all the messages of encouragement; they certainly spurred us on.

Special thanks should go to the following: