We did it, well mostly.

We had some early setbacks. Sara was unfortunately too ill to ride and Tom had an urgent oven cleaning situation come up, and so we were 2 down on the start line.

We set off and all was going well. Unfortunately though, as with any story of endurance and bravery, we had a couple of problems along the way. Firstly, Eugene while accelerating (at quite a pace he says) broke his saddle clean off so that he was left with a sharp post sticking up. This left him with 2 choices. Either stand for 6 miles while we detoured to Slough to find a Halfords, or risk a nasty tearing injury. I'm pleased to say we found Halfords, and managed to not let the dreadful scenes that surrounded us in Slough get us down too much and we made a trek back tot he official route. Meanwhile the flat roads and ever so slight downward gradients had taken their toll on young Alex and so after about 14miles he got the train back to London. I'm sure you would all agree though, it was a brave brave effort and that his kind offer of a significant donation would be gratefully received.

Eugene and my detour to Slough had cost us some time, and when we caught up with the route and Gaurang he was looking tired. No matter though, we fed him a burger and chips and we got on our way. All this time Mr Holbourn senior was quietly making progress, ignoring all phone calls and like a pedalling machine made it all the way to Oxford and sounded like he was ready to cycle back when he called me from the line. I think he got the train.

Eugene, Gaurang and I pressed on and made it to the line in just over 5 hours and after covering 75 miles. 

Quite enough for one day.