OT - Smudge is doing a charidee ride...!

[guest18]

Hi Guys,

Apologies for the OT post, I am doing a sponsored cycle ride with seven other guys from my Regiment.
If anyone feels they would like to contribute it would be very much appreciated, the link is below. Just please put something mentioning my name in the comments so we know who you are supporting(!)
Many thanks,
Smudge

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=105_Regt_RA_Timeball_Challenge&isTeam=true

[guest18]

Two days in, 200 miles down. Sore legs (and one knee  ) but we're at Harrogate tonight and I'm about to do some serious sleeping(!)
Lincoln tomorrow, wish us luck! (and good weather!!) 
G 

[beeman]

Having been brought up in lincoln, at least you will be able to see the cathedral from a good 10-15 miles before you get there smudge. as it is on top af an escarpment.
Hope the weather holds fine for the rest of the ride. I also think the 8th may was when there was a big cycle race at lincoln.

beeman

[guest18]

Hi Beeman,
Yup weather held for most of the way though we got caught in a thunder shower with about 20 miles to go, I was gritting my teeth and ignoring the driving rain as I could see it was going to blow over quickly, however once the hailstones reached garden pea size it was too painful on bare arms and I had to make a sudden diversion under the nearest tree 
So Lincoln now, another 90 odd miles under the wheels and tomorrow we ride to Cambridge, hopefully the weather will stay fine and the winds light (and the roads flat!!), though I'll need to find some sun cream as I think I've burnt my arms... glad it'll be the last big mileage day though, I'm starting to get very weary now and the knees aren't in great condition  still, nothing some ibuprofen and rest wont cure!
Cheers all,
S 

[beeman]

yep as we get older things like legs seem to ache more and more.
Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your progress.

beeman

[themoudie]

Aye Smudge,

Keep it on a 'big 'un', that 2cube SS is coming down behind you!

Keep safe, Bill.

[guest18]

Overnighting now at Cambridge, that's the last big mileage day done, "just" 60 miles to ride tomorrow to get to the finish at Woolwich  

Sunburnt arms and knees and my freehub is making all sorts of horrible noises but if I can get it to hold together until the finish it'll do!

Definately getting weary legs and a bit saddle sore now though  

edited to add: Cheers Bill, appreciated.

[Mark]

 and my freehub is making all sorts of horrible noises

I bet you're glad you didn't pay for it!

[guest18]

Badoom-Tish 

Made it to the finish 
I suspect when I clean & strip it I'll have a whole pile of broken bits on the floor! 

Now for a pint and a sleep before some visits then the big drive back tomorrow 

[squirrelciv]

Well done matey!

[themoudie]

Aye Smudge,

Good to read you made it in one piece, even if the hub hasn't. At least you can have some more fun trying repair it. Don't forget the Coleman's mustard bath afore retiring! 

Slainte, Bill.

[andy230]

Well done mate!

You are surely due a pint or two!

a

[squirrelciv]

Well done mate!

You are surely due a pint or two!

a

You buying Andy?? Mine's a strongbow

[andy230]

You buying Andy?? Mine's a strongbow

...(quietly backing away from the bar, to climb out the toilet window).....   


a

[guest18]

Thanks chaps 
Got back in the early hours, today will be mainly catching up on washing/sleep, treating my sunburn(!) etc

It was a good challenge, riding "dahn sath" is unbelievably easy, riding the A68 is unbelievably hard work, but overall we had a good run.

See you all after some more zzzz's!