Prior to mustering the courage to set off into the rain, this photo was taken just before we left Lands End. I can still remember how much effort it took just to get out of the van that morning.

Ian, the gent in the wheelchair - who was also a Royal Mail employee, had completed the trip using arm power alone, and had kindly come along to see us off.

 Taken in North Devon on Day Two, a couple of hours before I managed to get 58.3mph out of my bike. Thinking back, that was rather silly and is not recommended.

Left To Right - Norman Muggeridge (our Lorry Driver), Claire Milne, Bill Harvey, Jim Farrer, Mark Bagguley, Paul Meddelton, Myself, Jon Luke.

Note - Weather warm enough to be wearing shorts.

 An example of the logistics concerned in keeping us on the road. This was taken in a pub car park, just outside Taunton.

In the bottom of the nearest trolley can be seen my picnic hamper, containing my ample supply of Kendal Mint Cake and isotonic drinks. Above that is my box of spares and tools. The spare set of wheels that I took along - just in case - are not visible.

 Preparing to leave Rugby on the Wednesday to Doncaster.

Jon contemplates mustering the strength to lift his bag onto the lorry, whilst I am bending over, embrocating my legs.

This turned out to be the most miserable day of the trip. Very wet and breezy, with long stretches spent on the A1, it was later reported that this was the coldest June day in the Vale Of York, that century.

 The following day, outside the hotel in Doncaster. Again started sunny, with rain later.

Behind the wall - Jon, Tim Briggs, Bill, Claire, Dave Ritchies.

In front of the wall - Mark, Jim, Myself, Gary "Trigger" Hall

Several hours and one hospital trip later, hamming it up for the camera, to show injuries following a fall.

Whilst trying to put my waterproof on, as I was riding along, something I have done a thousand times before, I caught it in the front wheel, and over the top I go.

Luckily I landed on my head, splitting my helmet, but leaving my legs unmarked. The bandage covered a large gouge in the back of my hand, which probably came from catching my hand between the rotating tyre and the frame. This made wearing gloves and changing gear very difficult for a few days and left me with a few good scars to remind me of our journey.

 The following morning, and it's back on the road at Stockton - On - Tees. Jon was about to make himself useful, by tieing my shoelaces for me.

Having destroyed the shirt that I had worn on the previous day, it was time to pick another from the bag.

Again started sunny, but soon got cold and then, surprise, surprise, it rained.

 Saturday Morning and we finally reach the Scottish border. Very cold, very foggy and very wet, hence the several layers of clothing. By now, most of us had cut up bin liners and fashioned them into an extra waterproofing layer.

Just out of view is the burger van, which was doing a roaring trade in burgers and hot tea.

 Monday Morning (after resting on the Sunday), and it stops raining briefly.

Here we see the benefits of flash photography. Some of us can be seen having just crossed a very windy Forth Road Bridge.

Left to Right - Myself, Clive "Nomad" Tavenor, Dave, Jim & Claire.

Now then, who didn't bring any lights with them ?

I can't remember where this was taken, but it was probably Scotland, and  it must have been dry enough for long enough for Jim and I to sit on a verge and take in the scenery for a little while. 

Part of a series of miserable days, that just saw a cold rain, often accompanied by a head wind. I can be seen here, doing my best Marco Pantani impression, as Jim and I pose amongst the clouds, outside the Youth Hostel at Pitlochry.

 Taken during a break in a lay-by, probably by Cheryl, our minibus driver.

The usual group, by now referred to as "Team Tortoise", due to our reluctance to race to the end and spend time in pubs - Jim, Dave, Jon, Myself & Claire (in front)

 The penultimate day, and Jon & I enjoy a sandwich (or in Jon's case, two sandwiches).

Another foot drying and shoe changing opportunity. It was here that we learned that Tim Briggs had fallen from his bike, breaking a collar bone, and would not complete the ride, with only around 60 miles to go.

"It's Cheese - again"

 A very typical Scottish scene, as we saw it. (I cannot remember which day, they were all this bad) Jim takes a sandwich at a lay-by on the A9, whilst a lorry comes towards us spraying water.

To the left were mountains, apparently, but all we saw were low clouds, mist and more rain, (when it wasn't hailing).

What it was all about. After two weeks of living almost exclusively on a diet of bananas, Mars bars, Kendal Mint Cake and Snickers bars, we were finally there.

For anyone thinking of doing the ride, my only advice is - just do it, the feeling of elation as you roll the last mile into the village is one that will last a lifetime.

Now that the easy bit was over, all that remained was the difficult bit - collecting all of that sponsorship money.

  My Bike Spec :-

(For those interested in such things)

 Frame :- Colnago, Vitus 979 Tubing, 54cm

Saddle - Selle San Marco Non Slip

Groupset :- Campagnolo Veloce, with 52/39 chainrings and a 12/26 8spd block