300 MILE CHARITY CYCLE - We made it!

4 days of of bum searing friction discomfort all for a good cause

MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION.

Day 1

3 strapping fire fighter fitness guru's!!! from KIA set off with 3 friends (also cycling for other charities) on Friday 20th June 08 a beautiful sunny day to raise money for needy causes. The journey started from KIA terminal at 0600 to arrive at Dover 28 miles later for a 09.20 crossing to Dover. This journey involved one small collision between riders who managed to soldier on without further incident. All riders were met at Dover ferry terminal by its lady mayor, a privilege indeed.After a successful crossing the journey continued on from Calais to Gravelines and onto Dunkerque finally night stopping in De Panne Belgium. A great town to stop. The whole days events went relatively well with only 2 minor detours due to poor map reading.

Day 2

After a good continental breakfast we set off at 0900 to cycle our way along through Belgium using the scenic canal route via Ostend, Brugge and Damme into Holland to Sluis finally over nighting in Zeebrugge. We enjoyed a football fuelled night a short distance down the road in Blankenberge sitting at a table between Russian and Dutch supporters.

Day 3

Woke to a nasty head wind swept day to continue our journey onto and along the coast to Dunkerque via Ostend and De Panne. We arrived exhausted and sore made worse by the stinging sand whipped up from the beaches. Our day was made worse by our second nights experience in a cramped F1 hotel. Early night was had by all.

Day 4

The final journey home. All smiles, light winds and sunshine. Those that had done little training were feeling the strain but continue on despite the pain and rib taking. We had by now polished off our 3rd large tub of Sudacreme on affected parts. We cycled our way into France to the poorly equipped cycle routes ( Belgium & Holland were great) to arrive at Calais in plenty of time for the ferry (Both crossings kindly donated free by SEA FRANCE)
The last stretch up over Jubilee way was the last big effort before the mainly down hill stretch to our finishing point at Birchington where we were met by cheering family and friends and plenty of packs of frozen peas.

We enjoyed a small presentation by the local vicar along with a few beers and a buffet.

Thank you to all who helped us on our travels, Chris the support driver, Hayley for the buffet and Steve,Adam, Paul for organising the route and detours and also to those of you who kindly donated to our chosen charities.

Look out for our next charity adventure.........