Thanks so much to everyone that donated to my cycle ride from Scotland to Devon. It was an awesome event which I would definitely do again. I had the pleasure of cycling with 5 other AWESOME !!! lads, three of which were Falklands veterans. This, for me, was a massive privilege to cycle alongside these lads, because, it was down to stories of guys like these that made me choose my career path and become a Royal Marine Commando, thank you gents.  I can confirm they all still have that strength of mind, to this day. I have attached a diary of the event, written by Mitch Singleton, its a very interesting read. A massive thanks again.

My Diary (Mitch not mine):

I promised a diary on the road to all who sponsored me, unfortunately didn't have the time or the internet connection to update you all, so here goes.

Wednesday 23rd July 2014

We settled down at Condor for a shower and couple of hours sleep. We were later to be part of a memorial to Marine Gordon McPherson a friend of Graham's who unfortunately lost his life in the Falklands Conflict in 1982, his family were present and they were very touched by the fact someone still remembered their son and brother over 30 years later.The memorial over we settled in our accommodation in the gym for the anticipated early start in the morning, we had been issued with our kit and met the rest of the group. this consisted of riders, Graham Jones (50) Rtd, Luke Carey (32) Serving Sgt RM Poole, Billy 'Shove it' Bath (54) Rtd, Rob Swainbank (42) Rtd, Liam Boulanger (21), 

support staff, Jules Hutton(won't say) and last but not least Jay 'Jeff' Gallagher (31) Rtd Irish Gdsman, The Red Team!!

Thursday 24th July 2014 > 13:00 to 17:00 hrs

After good nights sleep, breakfast we met Bry Rosary now a WO2 at 45 Commando who I haven't seen since 1995, greta to see him, photo's on leaving RM Condor and set for the first 5km ride out all together.

Leg two: Inverkeithing, Fife to Ettrick, Selkirk, Scottish Borders 51.79 miles > actual 63.65 miles - average temp approx 28 to 30 degrees 

Started off with anticipation of what was to come, the weather was absolutely beautiful, riding over the Forth Road Bridge was amazing, unfortunately this is where the fun began, for a reason to be found out later the following day and 16 miles extra on the first leg my Garmin was not working properly, this added to the fact roads were closed and being removed from the Edinburgh ring road by the highways department (no cyclist apparently, they were sent by the Scottish fuzz) we finally got out into the countryside, absolutely gorgeous! At this time we started to make some decent progress making up time.It was then Billy 'Shove it' Bath had a puncture, he was left with the support van to fix his tyre and we carried on. This was later to be a constant joke between the group especially Luke Carey who gave it to him for the rest of the trip for missing 5 miles of the leg in the van!!! After leaving Edinburgh Airport in our wake, we hit the open roads of the Scottish lowlands or so they say, we were taking on fluids and food at a great rate and were spurred on by our great cheerleaders Jules and Jay. Unfortunately we had a man down with young Liam having to climb off about 20 miles short with an injury, leaving all the old men to finish, something to be said for 'old plodders' with the oldest Billy leading the way with Carey ringing flak in his ear. As we reached the final part of the leg we were faced with a final 7 km's uphill, Rob and myself leading the way, we rounded the last corner to the cheers and clapping of the lads in the support vehicle, with about 50 yards left Swainbank 'Nibali' got up on the pedals got a gap and shouted "Sprint finish" needless to say he got to the top first, leg finished we counted them in as we say and one by one they rolled over the finish. All done we patted each other on the back, gave each other a 'chuck up'and got on the minibuses for our next checkpoint, en-route we decided to have a swim in Ettrick Waters, what a pleasure and onward to Gretna for our tea and to meet up with the 'Easyrider Motorbike Club' who would escort us through the night. A great bunch of guys and girls who have supported returning troops from Afghanistan or escorting those fallen in conflict. Tea done we moved to our next checkpoint at St. John's Chapel.

Friday 25th July 2014 > 01:00 to 05:00 hrs

Leg five: St. John's Chapel, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham to Thirsk, North Yorkshire 58.88 miles actual 68.79 miles - average temp approx 13 to 16 degrees

On arrival at about 00:30 we tried to get some sleep, everyone knackered, the day had been long. It was at this time that Billy and his surrogate son Luke gave us their own rendition of that good old tune 'Snoring their arses off' as a duet, but I think we were all to knackered to care, Jules also joined in with the chorus at times. Sharply awoken at 02:30 was not nice! lots of messages from family and friends spurred us on. We pulled on our lycra and put cream on our bits in anticipation of the ride ahead. The Green team arrived with the Easyriders, in this quaint little village in the hills, the locals must have  thought they were being invaded. That said we climbed on our bikes to the groans of "my a*se is really sore" with a couple of more expletives we started off at a cracking rate. the weather was really kind  and the outriders were fantastic, it felt fantastic to be escorted along the route, a very special moment they were great, they paced and encouraged us up some vast hills, just a good job we could see how long they were because of the dark. Leaving us on the outskirts of Darlington with well wishes they disappeared. It was at this time we found the routes on the Garmin were closed due to roadwork's, this meant a huge detour and the ground we had made up, put us back to the outskirts of Darlington a detour of around 10 miles, we were all tired but got in around 05:30 after really putting in a great effort in on the run in, into the van to the next Checkpoint 118 miles away in Costock, Loughborough, Nottinghamshire.

Friday 25th July 2014 > 13:00 to 19:00 hrs

Leg eight: Costock, Loughborough, Nottinghamshire to Balsall Common, Coventry, West Midlands via the National Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire 59.18 miles - average temp approx 28 to 30 degrees. After a stop off for a shower and breakfast somewhere on the M1 we arrived at Costock, admin squared away and an hours kip, we set off for the National Arboretum to place a wreath on the Royal Marines memorial to the fallen. In the time between legs I had sorted out the Garmin which showed I did not have the direction finder on, which when I let slip to the boys I took no end of flak, and a few suggestions of where they would like to insert it in my body! which I have to say was quite deserved, what a dipstick!!  That rectified we made good time. Going through Loughborough was an experience, we just happened to be riding past one of the biggest mosques in Loughborough at afternoon pray time with our team strips supporting wounded Royal Marines and banners adorning the rear of the vehicle advertising exactly what we were riding for. There were many strange glances from onlookers which made for a rather uncomfortable few minutes and you could only wonder if it was thought we had done it on purpose. Loughborough behind we made for the National Arboretum. Both Graham and I had arranged to meet an old oppo Derek 'Blinks' Blinco on our arrival he was waiting and had travelled down from Cheadle nr Stoke to meet us. The meeting was great and we made our way to the memorial. if you haven't been it's a must, there are many memorials and I for one plan to go back there to see more. We had some photo's taken and Blinks, Graham and I had our picture taken alongside the memorial to the Falklands Conflict. An hour later still with 35 miles we said our good byes and arranged a 'run ashore' we set off again. The heat was very draining and by the time we reached Balsall Common we looked like we had all just got out the shower. We had tea at a local pub and Jay made it his mission to cheer everyone up with his antics, Swainbank made some remark about a nice rack of ribs to a waitress she had for him and again with all the laughing and p*ss taking, spirits were lifted for the final leg. We all got on the minibus and duly passed out on the seats, until that is Jules decided to take a detour up the curb bashing mine and Graham's head off the side of the minibus, Luke fell into the foot well and didn't sleep again, so at 02:00 hours when we got ready to set off we all looked as though we had been on a bender for a few days.There were a few suggestions about Jules passing her driving test, and women drivers which she took in good spirit.

Saturday 26th July 2014 > 03:00 to 07:00 hrs

Leg eleven: Edington, Westbury, Wiltshire to Curry Rivel, Somerset 50.43 miles - average temp approx 15 to 17 degrees. We set off at a good rate with me and Billy setting the course and pace, down through Westbury and Frome, without any hitches, now this was the time for Billy to get his revenge. Luke needed a bit of treatment to a stiff neck from Jules and had to get in the minibus, so as not to hold us up we kept on riding. It just so happened as this was just before the biggest hill on the leg and Billy let him know it when he got back on his bike, it was like ping pong in the peleton 6 blokes riding in the dark p*ssing themselves must have been a sight people would have thought we were mad. Jay got a bollocking from an old farmer on his motorbike for blinding him with the full beam, you can only imagine what the he must have thought when faced with the rhetoric of a tired scouser who had volunteered to be our roadside bouncer, probably wasn't pretty!!! We passed RNAS Yeovilton early doors and pushed on. The rest of the ride was quite uneventful with no mishaps although Graham did get the prize for eating more banana's than anyone else. We eventually arrived at Curry Rivel and the task was done, for some!!! Both Rob and I decided to ride the final leg with Louise Meeks from another group, she had only learnt to ride a few months ago and wanted to complete the ride so a further 45 miles was completed from Taunton to Lympstone Commando via Woodbury Salterton, photo's taken a lot of handshaking and back patting we rode into CTCRM Lympstone to be greeted by family and friends. the ride completed both Rob and I with a couple of other lads from the Green Team had completed just under 300 miles in two and a half days, pretty chuffed and satisfied with my effort. The Saturday night was spent with the courtesy of the Unit RSM in the SNCO's mess, the night was rounded off with numerous toasts with Jameson's whisky and port, a trip down to Dutchy's for a late supper. All said and done, I met some good people who are now friends especially Luke Carey, Billy 'Shove it' Bath, Rob Swainbank, Liam Boulanger and not forgetting my old mucker Jonesey. I had a great trip down memory lane, my rash has gone,  I know how to work my Garmin and I had a cracking laugh. Between us we raised £13,500.00 and counting for a great cause. To the lads I rode with many thanks for the laughs and good time could not wish to spend it with nicer guys, to Jules who supported us like she was our mum and is thoroughly committed to the cause without any direct association with the Corps, to my new mate Jay you are a star, unselfish in your support and a gent! To the people who supported the logistics and drove us all over the country a big thank you. 

Finally you say to yourself, thank god. To all those who sponsored me, family and friends and a special thanks to my mate in Perth Australia Martin Potter. 

Bring on the next trip count me in!!!