Dear all, we did it, for those who did not know I changed the challenge and decided to take my son Harvey (9) on the back of our Tandem. We managed to do just short of 700 miles, all the way down to Hemel across to Cambridge and back up to Yorkshire.

Just to let you you all know, it was a little tough, the weather did not help us, at times it was so wet and windy we wanted to give up, but Harvey at all times was positive and pushed us on, reminding us we were doing it for Umpa. (my father)

Physically i think this was the hardest challenge i have done, the bike was weighted down with camping equimpent, most days we were in the sadlle for over 7 hours. Every night the tent was wet and started off raining, but we managed upto 90 miles a day.

The remarkable thing for me is that Harvey was able to endure this, and in fact enjoyed it - i have lost count oif the number of times we sang 'i'm a lumber jack and i'm Ok!'

His chant as we climbed the biggest hills was "Umpa Pumpa", which seems to give your legs an extra 10% climbing power!

We met some great people along the way Rosie and the team (Mark, Rachel, Mia, Ella) Eddie and Kathy, numerous cyclists, my mother, the lovely lady at our campsite near coleford - all the people who redirected us when we were lost and then had tales to tell. Thank you for your hospitality and your contributions.

 

Thankyou also to our arrival team and in particular Judith, Emily (Moor) and Sophie - the bells drove us on!

 

I would like to thank everyone for contributing, i think with the online and off line contributions we will raise well over £2000 for Parkinsons.

 

I could not fit any further photos on, i will try to remember to upload new ones in a week or so.

Cheers Umpa - and thankyou Harvey!