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After last years billy the kid dash (in memory of David Marsh) www.billythekiddash.co.uk.

I decided that we could raise more awarness of the event if I could ride to the start line before running the "dash".

As i like cycling I thought riding from near Portsmouth to Newcastle unsupported would be a good start! A distance of over 400 miles, hopefully averaging over a hundred miles a day.

I plan on leaving on the 20th of July and finishing at St. James's park four days later!!!!!!!!!!

 

I intend to do this on my Trek 4300 (with road wheels) and I have been training for this for a couple of months. I've eventually bought and fitted all the equipment I need to my cycle, such as lights, panniers and carrying racks for all my tent and sleeping equipment ( I have an estimated weight of 40lbs to carry).

If you can support myself or the billy the kid dash, I am more than grateful. I hope to raise five thousand pounds for what I believe it truly a worthy cause, like so many others.

I intend to keep this updated as I build up to the start date and then daily as I complete my challenge, as soon as I can get some photos I shall include them (also my route).

 

 

Please take care, and stay safe. Liam.

 

Update:-1st of may 2010

 I forced my self to have a few photos taken (i,m not a photo-genic bloke) and they should be on this page soonest, so i can bin the running shoes!

As I am not computer literate, One of the lads has been kind enough to sort this out for me (im not usually allowed electrical items).

Thank you all who have donated so far, It does mean a lot. Hopefuly this is the beginning of an influx of funds and we can raise the five thousand pound target set. Take care of yourselves. Liam.

 

Update:- 7th of may 2010.

Ha, see I told you I wasn't very photogenic.

Big ride tommorow, down to Portsmouth and back (70 miles). Hope the weather forcast is wrong!

 

Update:- 9th of may.

Wow my legs hurt!

another 70 miles in the bag. Thanks to all the car driver who insist on trying to  flick their mirrors off my helmet. I hope you dont succeed.

Time for some carbs!

 

Update:- 16th of may.

Another ride cracked, It is nice to see the amount you have donated climbing toward the target. I have to thank you all for putting your hands deep into your pockets, I does mean a lot. As soon as I work out how to contact you all individually I shall. Until then, please accept my whole-hearted thanks. Please take care of yourselfs and stay safe. Rammy

 

Update:-25th May.

Had to rebuild my gear selector today, I couldnt change gear at all. Thankfuly I have fixed it as it was looking expensive.

Another 100 mile cracked last week. just hope my legs hold out.

 

Update:- 5th June.

72 miles into a 100 mile route my chain snapped!

not fun. road side repairs sound quick in the manual but it never seems to work out as simple.

onwards and upwards.

 

Update:- 13th June

112 miles yesterday. jobs a good un.

all is on track for successfull completion and on time too!

bike is booked in for a service next week. I hope it goes well I think part of me has become attached to it!

Update:- 19th June.

As expected Newcastle United is proving to be as good at admin as the outfit im with at the moment.

After all their initial promises, it has turned to nowt. I have to say Thankyou to R.M.R. Tyne for coming through and helping me achieve my goal.

I am still waiting for the Police to agree to my chosen route and then I shall publish it. If I do not hear anything in 2 weeks I shall assume all is good and they are happy.

Tidying loose ends up seems to be the order of the day.

 

Update:- 9th july

another 125 miler tommorow and an 85 miler sunday, bike in for service monday.

just over a week until start date. I just want to get on with it.

I have to admit to a little excitement.................

update:- 17th July

bike collected from service. new gears and buckled back wheel, new bearings, brake pads. all done. got all last minute things. I am ready to start. looking forward to it.

Thank you all so much for helping me, I shall forward all the info inculding photos of my route during and after the ride. 

stay safe and take good care of yourselves. Liam.

Update:- 23rd/july/2010.

All done and completed. 387 miles in 3.5 days. I set off from Bordon just after midday on the 19th, rode the first 125 miles to St. noets camp site. Nothing spectacular to write about but the Chilterns are beautiful to ride through. 

2nd day was 120 miles to a campsite near Flixborough, Scunthorpe. I have to say a special thank you to the lovely people at Acorn wood camp site and also to the management of the Sheffield Arms. Truly generous, caring folk. Thank you once again. I also have to thank the ladies of Millies cafe for their generosity. Today was a blower as I knew it would be, the heat sapped all my energy and it took me almost 10 hours to reach my goal. The views from Lincoln to Scunthorpe are very nice, If you discount the industrial side of it. I found a new hatred for fruit flys. The bane of my ride.

3rd day. Mistake on my part increased what I expected to be a quick 80 miler, turned into a 102 mile slog. I omitted the distance from Thirsk to Darlington, so I had to fight through with ever slowing pace. I never thought I would be glad to see the Darlington signpost.

I have to say thank you to the proprietor of the Drayman for his generosity, with free food and a donation, truly decent bloke.

4th day.

after a very stiff start, the wind decided to head south, straight down the A167. then the water joined in. I was soaked and freezing inside the first 10 very stiff miles. I ended riding in a hoodie and long trousers. Not very fetching. 

however as today was only 40 miles, a bit of windy moisture wasnt going to stop me.

I have to be honest and say i didnt take the slightest notice of the scenery as it was a case of head down bum up.

As I finished at RMR Tyne on the Quayside of Newcastle I was very pleased and honoured to see Mr and Mrs Marsh, the inspiration behind this whole event.

To sum up, I have been impressed by the generosity of the people the further north I traveled, A few times I was astounded by the support people shown, if not with donations then with praise and admiration. I thank you one and all.

I achieved my aim, and raised almost £1300 so far with a few more funds to collect.

I owe a thank you to the lads of East Street Cycles of Farnham.

They did a fantastic job on my bike and I only had to tweek a minor problem and nothing more, all at a very decent price.

If you fancy a challenge, I can strongly recommend something along these lines. I have seen Britain in a beautiful light and also found a new fondness for it.

I think this is the start of a new longer challenge......................

Any ideas?

I would like to take this moment to say a special thank you to all of yourselves who dug deep into your pockets and purses and made this effort worthwhile. Thank you all, please take care of yourselves and stay safe. Liam x

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