Charity Bike Ride
Thursday 31st April saw a fresh faced team of Falcons Staff and associated others arrive at Penzance Station for what promised to be a challenging five days in the saddle. Any complacency that may have been felt, was quickly dispelled during the short taxi ride to Land’s End YHA, as our thickly accented driver informed us that: ‘folks who come to cycle down this way leave either fitter .. or dead’. Clearly we had our work cut out! After a carbohydrate rich feast of burgers and chips the team were soon tucked up in bed and began dreaming of the miles ahead.
The following morning, we awoke early to be greeted by blue skies and glorious sunshine. After a short photo stop at Land’s End we began our first morning on the road. It soon became apparent that the rolling scenery encountered on the ‘short’ taxi ride the evening before would be considerably more challenging on two wheels. Not to be disheartened, we tackled the hills with gusto and the miles flew by. By early afternoon we had made great strides and were glad to see The Henwood entourage with their stock of lunch time goodies.
The afternoon continued with similar enthusiasm and we made steady, albeit less speedy, progress. Finally, after 10 hours in the saddle, we turned onto the road for our evening accommodation in the village of Mount. This proved a harrowing sight, as our weary legs were greeted by a tarmac wall heading skywards. After much huffing and puffing we were rewarded by amazing views and a fantastic meal at our B&B, Cornwall completed!
Day two began with weary legs but high spirits as we set out towards Dartmoor expecting yet more hills. Devon did not disappoint and we were to enjoy another day of ups, downs and a few more ups. These were however no match for the climbers in our midst, with Mrs. Shawyer claiming the ‘King of the Mountains’ title. After a hard morning in the saddle we were once again greeted by the Mini-bus gang and we fuelled up on the delicious flap-jacks which had been kindly prepared by Louise in the Falcons kitchens. Dartmoor would have been a far darker place without them!
The afternoon provided yet more climbing and we were delighted to enter the village of Longdown and see Exeter at the foot of a long descent below us. We pulled into the second evening’s stop exhausted but elated and fully ready for our evening meal. All that is for Mr. Conway (elect), who popped out for a run to ‘warm down’ his legs. Devon ticked off!
The third day proved considerably less arduous than the previous two and the team were able to enjoy the glorious weather and stunning countryside. The challenge was further eased by Mr. Bentall’s spontaneous route re-planning which took us away from mountain high towards valley low and across Somerset’s sun kissed plains. Morale was increased all the more after lunch when the group was joined by Mr. Shawyer. He had been unable to cycle after breaking his arm in an earlier training accident. His support from the mini bus was a great encouragement to the team in the latter parts of the trip. Onwards to Hampshire.
After an evening stop in Yeovil and the opportunity to sample its Saturday evening atmosphere, we pushed on for what promised to be the longest day of the trip. Un-deterred by tired legs and tender posteriors, we made trouble free progress and arrived at our final night stop comfortably ahead of schedule. Few people can have looked upon the Sutton Scotney Travelodge with the same level of lycra clad satisfaction as the Falcons team!
We awoke early for our final day and headed out onto the A30 aiming to ride the final 65 miles in time for our welcome home party at school. The distance passed with relative ease and the determination of previous mornings was replaced with a sense of jubilation as the miles fell away. At long last we rode into Richmond and were warmly welcomed at the school gates by a party of boys, parents and fellow staff. The food, cakes and drinks laid on were a welcome change from our diet of energy bars and it was a real pleasure to see so many people there. Many thanks to Mrs. Stoker and the Parents Association for organising the reception!
The trip was thoroughly enjoyed by those involved and we would all like to thank anyone who took part in, provided sponsorship or gave encouraging words during the trip. At latest count we have raised £4,580 for the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice and are hopeful of reaching our £5,000 target soon. Please take the opportunity to visit our sponsorship page at http://www.justgiving.com/The-Falcons-Boys-Preparatory-School if you would like to see further photos of the trip or provide any final sponsorship.
