Well we did it! 105 miles in 6 hours 30 minutes! 🚵

Waking at 5 am seemed, at the time the easiest part of the day. The weather was cold but the skies clear with the sun rising. We all met at Finham Park school at 6 am after picking up a copy of the day's Coventry Telegraph which included our "ugly mugs" posing very professionally with our bikes and a very pleasing article about our cause as well as our impending charity challenge.

The support team accompanying us in the school's minibus included both our mums, Jack's dad, Shaun's mum, Aunty and niece. Mr Giles from the IT department drove the minibus and Mr Radford and Mr Bennett rode the route with us.

Upon arriving at the Ricoh Arena, we were met by a small group of supporters to wish us well as we set off including a small number of the school staff: Miss Reardon, Miss Lucas, Mr Clark & Mrs Califano. After a quick check of the bikes and a slight delay with sorting out the pedals, we were ready for the off. The party left at 7.30 am heading off into the dazzling sunshine.

Mr Radford had planned the route meticulously, calculating the miles and the length of each stop. Our first stop would be after 15 miles near to Kingsbury Water ski centre and after a short toilet break and a banana we were off again.

The excitement was already starting to kick in as we headed towards stop number 2. The minibus waited for 10 minutes before they continued their journey so they could pass us en route and to allow them to take some "action shots". Their journey to the National Memorial Arboretum only took another 15 minutes. Our arrival 10 minutes later was met by an army cadet unit from the Isle of Wight cheering and clapping us in, a very special moment.

The adrenaline was starting to pump by now and the reality of the weeks of training and planning were starting to sink in. The temperature was rising and the whole camaraderie of the group was ecstatic. We were all enjoying every moment and another banana!

The day continued the same throughout with laughter, determination and immense pride. However instead of slowing down as the challenge was reaching to a climax, we started to speed up. The signs for Manchester were more occurrent and it was not too long before we picked up the signs for Old Trafford. However a small error of a left turn, instead of right caused a slight detour but we still arrived at the ground by 5.20 pm to an emotional welcome from Shaun's and our families. A replica of the UEFA Champions League Trophy just happened to be on display and was a fitting end to applaud our victory of completion of the challenge. It had also been arranged for us all to go into the museum to collect a pennant and take photographs although we hadn't quite realised that this included going into the ground itself. We were able to stay and take as many memorable photographs as we wanted, a perfect end to a perfect emotional and exhilarating day!

We would like to thank the following, whom without, the charity bike ride would not have been possible:

Mr Radford, Art teacher at Finham Park School - when we told Sir about our fundraising idea he replied "I'm in". He spent time advising us on equipment, training us at the weekends and planning and calculating the route. His guidance, encouragement, knowledge and kindness was unmeasurable. A massive thank you.

Mr Bennett, Site Facilities Manager, Finham Park School - kindly stepped into the role of 2nd adult cyclist when the original member was unable to take part. Mr Bennett, a keen cyclist, was great fun and shared his determination and enthusiasm with every mile we travelled.

Mr Giles, IT Technician, Finham Park School - agreed to drive the minibus and did so safely both to and from Manchester. He also rode between stop 3 and 4, a 20 mile hilly section of the route swapping roles with Mr Bennett.

Decathlon - provided the bikes on loan and cycling jerseys and helmets.

Halfords - free servicing of the bikes and 50% off accessories.

Costco - provided sandwiches and chocolate bars.

Tesco, Cannon Park - provided a crate of fresh fruit including a mountain of bananas.

MACH Fitness - provided energy drinks, gels and bars.

The Styvechale Harvester - allowing all 5 cyclists to eat for free upon our return.

One Stop, Kenpas Highway - held their own Easter raffle raising £450.

Frydays Chip Shop - personal donation and customer collection.

We would also like to the following for providing raffle prizes:

AMP Scaffold - providing raffle prize of corporate hospitality for home game at Manchester United.

Jaguar Land Rover
Aston Martin
Sarah Graham

A massive thank you to all of you for reading our story, supporting and donating. 

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Ollie Groves and Jack Griffiths aged 15 years have recently lost one of their best friends Shaun Bagga:

Shaun was a happy, & fun loving lad with his whole future ahead of him.Shaun was always smiling and never had a bad word to say about anybody.He was a pupil at Finham Park School in Coventry where he was extremely popular with pupils and staff. He became ill just before Christmas 2013 and despite the wonderful Care from Birmingham Childrens Hospital there was nothing that could be done to save Shaun. He sadly lost his battle for life on 24th January 2014 just two weeks before his 16th birthday.Shaun died with his beloved family around him and leaving behind hundreds of friends.

Ollie & Jack had been friends of Shauns since their first day at Primary School together and have been absolutely devastated by Shauns sudden and unexpected death.They wanted to raise money in Shauns memory for his familys chosen charity which is Birmingham Childrens Hospital.With the wonderful support from Mr.Radford a teacher at Finham Park School & other members of staff they plan to ride from Coventry`s Ricoh Arena to Old Trafford in Manchester in a day. (Shaun was a Manchester United Supporter) The ride will take place on 15th April, 2014.

Please give generously to this wonderful cause & support Jack & Ollie who at 15 years of age are undertaking an extremely difficult challenge in memory of their beloved friend.

R.I.P. Shaun Bagga. 6th February, 1998 - 24th January, 2014.