Update..

Last Saturday evening I went to Dale's old football team St Edmund's Boys FC presentation evening, to say hello, raise awareness about seat belts and see if i could raise some pennies. There was 3 presentations, the talks went really well (albeit i nearly bottled out due to an over whelming emotional surge!) and the sum raised was £120. Thank you to all who put money in the red bucket.

Sue H continues to work her magic behind the scenes, whilst Chris Harris has put photo's and video footage onto our own intranet, hopefully we will be able to get some footage onto our web site.

Rosie and I went and saw Neil and Treez to get my bike back and have a lovely evening in their company (again Rosie / Treez downed a bottle of White!!).Neil seems keen to undertake another challenge...interesting? Stevie J is back at work and still smiling!! Owen has returned from his 3 peaks challenge ( he does look a tad tired)whilst Lance is also back on his beloved fork lift ( I wonder how his legs are!?)

I've managed to get out twice on my bike and i really do feel stronger in the legs and more comfortable in the saddle. Bizarrely I kept looking over my shoulder looking for the team behind me!!

As you can see the monies are going up and up, hopefully if all goes well we will reach our target. Keep the faith my friends. bob

Welcome home and well done!

Did we really cycle all that way? Well the photographs give a pictorial account of the 18 day journey and our limbs are slowly recovering from the amazing experience.

Outside County Hall today we had a photo shoot for the Oxford Mail (will be in the Friday edition) with guests: Council Members Judith Heathcote (Community safety) and Ian Hudspeth (Transport Implementation), Sue Hook Yr 10 head with Dale's friends and classmates from John Mason School, Road safety's Geoff Barrel and Mandy Rigault, our own Chief Fire Officer John Parry, ACO Etheridge and GM Pete Cleary and SM Green and Alexis from the CFS team. Team members Rosie, Shell, Lance (Andy) and myself were there to receive the well done's and congratulations from everyone. The bike in the photo was borrowed from someone who works in County hall (thank you). It was lovely to see everyone and see all the happy smiling faces!! Thanks Dave for the kind words in the coffee room and for saving my life all those years ago! (Please don't ask me!)

The evening was a swift journey to Hook Norton Brewery for the AGM for the brigades FSNBF. A certificate was presented to the team for our efforts in fund raising (Rosie, Shell, Neil, Steve, Chris and myself recieved the certificate). Sue Heathfield was recognised for her efforts as a non uniformed person for fund raising, I would like to add my thanks for her brilliant efforts and support throughout our campaign (I'm sorry i did not ask her to stand next to us for our certificate).

Now it is time to write letters of thanks to those people who helped us along our journey, the people who helped in the back room, the people who made a difference (the stage teams). If you owe us any sponsorship, it is time to open the wallet/purse and send it through to the team. Thank you.

Day 20 - Tidy up time!!

How great it was to be back in your own bed and, how dam difficult it was to emerge from today. The sandman had left a hefty deposit in the corner of my eyes as I dreamed of crossing the finishing line (weirdly famous people were there to greet us!!).

Tha camper had to be cleaned and returned to Elite motorhomes (thanks Shell & Rosie). The van and Honda were cleaned and hoovered and items of equipment were returned to different places (thanks Dave (aka Gerimedic aka Dr Love!) and Chris Harris).

Tomorrow is photo shoot time outside County Hall and a trip to the brigade Ben Fund AGM at Hook Norton at 7pm.

A good friend of mine John Willets passed away with cancer when I was on the ride, he leaves a lovely wife and 4 beautiful children. He is buried tomorrow and my best wishes go out to his family. Hopefully he will hook up with Dale for a kick about on the football pitch in the sky.

Day 19 : The long journey home!!

As we pulled the curtains back from our hotel rooms (excellent digs I must say) we were treated to the view of the Cairngorms, with the early morning sun treating us to a visual delight. Then reality set in as you realise that your legs are stiff and your heads are a tad thick from the previous evenings celebrations. Everyone in the team were tired and yet elated at our succesful achivement!

The breakfast was fit for a king including haggis (och i) and it was the beginning of the goodbyes and hugs & kisses before the long journey back home. Treezy peasy and Neil (cool hand luke) went with Mike Brooker. Jules, Dave and Geoff (who I forgot to say climbed Ben Nevis and cycled the rest of the route from Fort William to J O'G's raising another £250 - brilliant Geoff) sped home in the Honda, leaving the Camper and van in convoy. An uneventful journey and one where many reminicing stories were told and enjoyed. Stevie J has had an amazing trip and picked up a few bad habits but he and Owen are thinking about doing it again (crazy fools) but with no support and luggage on back. Lance (the peoples hero) returns to his 4 children and beloved Kaz, whilst Neil gets back into his building business. Shell is back in the kitchens at Blenheim on Saturday and Rosie picks up the stitches in her business. I'm off to Italy next week to sort out the details of the civil case against the driver whose actions took my son's life away, returning to sort out Dale's headstone for his grave. Dave E did text me stating that he had another project lined up for me (here's hoping it was a joke!).

As we arrived back in Abingdon, it felt a little sad as we all departed in different directions to pick up the pieces of our own lives once more.

I will keep making entries into the blog as there are many things still to report and events that are related to our campaign...keep checking my blogites and keep dropping in the occasional message.

Thank you all so much for your amazing support, I have already started making enquiries into the re-union party sometime in October, also we also have to start collecting in the sponsorship (cough up time people!!).

take care everyone. Bob

Day 18 – Helmsdale to John O’Groats

Everybody woke in the hostel in a happy mood, the sun was blistering down and everyone was ready for the final push. Round the first bend and we were in to steep hills, our lungs were bursting as we entered the cloud line. However the Scottish scenery compensated for the pain in our lungs.

We had lunch in Lybster and were joined by Steve and Caroline Cook.

As we got back on our bikes for the final time it was hard to believe that the journey was almost at an end, the team spirit from stage one to stage three has been absolutely brilliant. As we entered the last three miles we were coasting into John O’Groats, the riders covered Bob with champers as they were cycling, and when they arrived there was a reception committee cheering and clapping with more champagne corks popping (thanks to Matt Smith for the champagne). Everyone embraced everyone, hugs and kisses all round! The total journey was 1015 miles. After lots of photos by the sign post we made the 3 hour journey back to Aviemore for a celebratory party and one or two well earned drinks!

A big thank you to Kerry who sent up 4 bottles of champers for everyone over dinner. Another big thank you to Gray Davis, Merf Newport, Dave Etheridge and Winge who arranged for 2 bouquets of flowers for Rosie and Shell. Massive thank you to everyone who has supported us on the campaign, it has been a truly amazing experience and we are already arranging the re-union party!

Day 17 - Inverness to Helmsdale

Everyone woke this morning to the Inverness drizzle, however spirits were still high after a night out the day before; everyone was treated to Big Dave dancing like a queen too.
All the riders were again joined by Geoff Coleman (who is still looking for sponsorship for his part in the ride) who also looks fantastic in Lycra. After 8 miles of cycling into wind and rain the team saw a lonely bald headed man with a sweet doggie, only to discover it was Steve Cook from Witney who has flown up to see the end of the ride. Steve you will remember was also dedicated enough to be at the start at Lands End!
As always the 'Busy Lizzie Kitchen' provided a yummy lunch. However the flap jacks weren't quite as good as Chris Harris'. The afternoon journey skirted the East Scottish coast, the sea breezes wafting up our noses!
Our digs for the night are at the Helmsdale Youth Hostel, and on arrival we had two surprise visitors; Mike Brooker (stage 2) drove the 600 miles bringing with him Neil's good lady Treez, and was once again flaberghasted to see his wife again.
Jules was doing his best Keith Floyd impression as master chef in the kitchen and with his kitchen porter Dave turned out a mean Chilli on rice.
Everyone is now relaxing for the final push to John O'Groats tomorrow; Jules and David are busy corrupting Geoff and polishing off a bottle of JD. Owen and Steve are starting to look a bit glum because the ride is coming to an end but are already planning their next trip - cycling round the world! No-one has seen Lance for the last 3 hours because he is on the phone again, I'm sure he will reappear at some point when his battery runs out.

P.S. On a personnal note the team would like to thank Dave E and Pete 'the blag' C for their supporting texts and phone calls.

Day 16 Fort William to Inverness

After a wet and windy night, Andy Steve and Neil expected to wake up just to see the sky and no tent above them, but it did just manage to stay over them.
The team left Fort William with an extra rider on board ~ Geoff could not resist any longer!! He jumped on the spare bike and is now looking for his own sponsorship for the last part of the journey, still some 200 miles......
Leaving Ben Nevis the cycling conditions were rough with wind and rain, the going was tough, but the tough did get going and Geoff had energy to burn early on, but after lunch found it harder although achieved the full day cycling.......Bob who was full of energy burned up the road for fun.......The boys (along with Geoff) who climbed Ben Nevis also found it tough, on their legs..............The team biked alongside Lochness but didn't find Nessy, although I've heard there were lots of monster bikers...........there was a slight detour to their scheduled stop and they travelled on to Inverness.
Steve, Geoff Neil & Lance are in the camper van tonight where they are looking forward to another card school..............
While the others are going for a B&B. Owen and Shell have found a room with a four poster bed...............this made Jules & Dave quite jealous.
The team are bracing themselves for another wet and windy night..........2 days to go..............
Please note Big Dave has taken the No. 1 slot for being on the mobile.

Day 15 Tyndrum to Fort William

Jules, Dave & Geoff woke to a lovely trout breakfast from a sweet little guest house they had stayed in. The team had a late and lazy start to the day.
Lance & Neil (Chuckle Brothers) bought theirselves a tammyshanta (their new cycle helmets!) The team sang Happy Birthday to Geoff who did not realise it was his birthday until the message reminder, thank you Rachel...........
A couple of cyclists that the team had been passing along the way finally met up yesterday, so would like to say good luck to Glen & Sue for your trip.
Cycling through Rannoch Moore and Glencoe, the team had photos in front of "The Three Sisters" they enjoyed sunshine where as back home was down pours! Big Dave went on ahead looking for a B&B for the support drivers & took all day to do it.............. the team arrived at the campsite after 48 miles of riding. Camping at the base of Ben Nevis Steve, Jules Owen & Geoff decided to climb it. Impressively Geoff & Steve got to the top in 2 hours!!

The rest of the crew went clubbing in a Karoke bar and Little Lance sang like a canary!

THINGS YOU THOUGHT YOU WOULD NEVER HEAR PEOPLE SAY..............

Jules "I don't like drinking"

Steve " I'm prepared to ride at the back"

Lance " I've got a clean pair of undies on"

Dave " I'm happy to sleep in a tent"

Onward and upward on Day 16................... 3 days to go.......................

Day 14 Part two

Everyone scattered into small groups and did their own thing (free time!). Jules, Dave and Geoff found a sweet guest house and then went for a walk in the wilderness finally finishing up at Tyndrum Fire station where they met Chief Brodie (who also runs the local shop). He heard about our campaign and donated a scottish tenner. Owen, Shell, Rosie and Bob went for a spin to Glen Coe checking out the route for day 15, they found a mobile chippy ' The flying scotmans chippy van' (two portions of chup's!). The chuckle brothers (Lance and Neil) played cards with Stevie J and it got ill-tempered as Lance cheated. It appears that the three of them are having a great laugh, especially at night time as they share their inner most secrets!!

The evening saw everyone round the dining table in Tyndrum lodge hotel for a cavery dinner, there we met Kenny and Michael who are cycling from JOG to LE on a tandem in 9 days. They looked shattered as they are doing over 100 miles a day with one car as back up. Good luck lads, we wish you all the luck in the world.

We see on the weather map that England is getting a soaking, well we in Scotland are enjoying cloudy but dry days. Hopefully the sun will shine on us as we head into the Highlands through the mountains. The camp spirit is high and in relative good health. Fort William is our destination tomorrow and everyone is looking forward to the Highland views. Och hi the noo for now!

Erskine to Tyndrum

Everyone had a good night's sleep, however Stevie J had a bad start: firstly he bumped his head in the camper and the red claret from the head doth flowed, secondly he spilt his cup of tea (oops!) and thirdly he had a puncture ( we all sat back and had a good laugh because he was still so sleepy). Having got ourselves back to the hotel that we should have stayed at (bless them they had a whip round and raised £25..nay bad!) we got on our bikes and headed off across the impressive Erskine Bridge. We found out that Neil does not like heights, especially when the bridge was slightly swaying in the wind.

We put our heads down and cycled into the wind and headed for Loch Lomond. Wow the scenry was stunning and the smell of the Loch was so refreshing. Lots of photo stops before we had lunch, not before Lance had his first puncture (that's 3 for the trip thus far). Lunch as ever was yummy prepared by the lovely ladies. Onwards we went skirting the Loch, the wind trying to deter our advances. The clouds scarfed the mountain tops...oh this is getting good now.

We arrived in Tyndrum around 3.30 pm. I found a Tourist shop and logged on (who are now nagging me to get of the computer..'come on sunny jim!!'. Will get Treezy Peazie to do Day 14 part two. Och I the noo!!!!

Day 13 Thornhill to Erskine (Bridge)

As day broke over Thornhill Fire Station the rain was still falling with a vengeance, water proofs and leggings were the order of the day. As it was the last campaign event at Asda in Kilmarnock, Andy was sent on ahead in the car because of his excellent ability communicating with the public and their subsequent donations. (A proper little Del Boy)
A 45 mile ride to Kilmarnock was one of the toughest rides so far, wind, rain, spray from vehicles, long hills and the winding roads challenged every rider. The scenery was still beautiful and enjoyable to look at despite the conditions.
The Kilmarnock Fire Crew turned up at Asda, to Bobs suprise offering support and best wishes including good advice about the midges that await them up north.
The Asda staff and customers were very supportive and raised £350.
Andy rejoined the team as they continued the 28 mile journey to Erskine, the hotel that had been booked was full and the team were transferred to another hotel, (they obviously didn't know how important our team were!) Everyone was tired after a hard couple of days and many had an early night, however Neil, Andy, Geoff and Steve went to the cinema and within 5 minutes were all asleep. Steve inparticular managing to get a big snore on.....
Tomorrow is a short ride of 47 miles along the banks of Lochlomond to Tyndrum. All the team sends best wishes back to everyone in Oxfordshire and appreciate all the support they are getting..............Thank you

Day 12 Penrith to Thornhill

Dave woke earlier than expected due to setting his alarm for 4.30 instead of 6.30, as he chauffered Bob up to the local radio station for an interview, BBC Radio Cumbria who has over 30,000 listeners. Dave also wanted to show everyone over the airways what a cool character he can be by sharing the interview..
The team headed to Carlisle ready for their big screen debut, for local Border TV, then were escorted to Asda........Thank you Asda for your support especially Jane and Cynthia where we raised over £300.
Owen was still recovering from his birthday celebrations as he was trying to work out why there were no urinals in the toilets, then discovered he was in the ladies!
Passports in hand the team reached SCOTLAND photos were taken at the 1st house in Scotland.........a special moment for Bob.
Finally reaching Thornhill the intended campsite was not good, so the local Fire Service came to the rescue allowing the team to use their station, many thanks to Area Manager Clark.
The are team ready for a rest having biked 73 miles today................

Day 11 Penrith - Rest Day !!

The day began with Bruce Wilson & Pete Kavanagh from Cumbria Fire & Rescue taking Bob & Pete "gadget" to Yanwaph Primary School to give a presentation. The children were brilliant asking lots of questions and it was amazing that 2 children in the room had experienced death in their family from road crashes. 3 children & the Headteacher confessed to improperly wearing their seatbelt & promised Bob they would not do it again.
After quick refreshments at Penrith Fire Station, Bob & Pete were joined at Morrisons (in Penrith) by Winge, Mike Neil Andy & Steve.
Neil was gobsmacked when I (Treez) surprised him by turning up for the day. We raised £300, it was fantastic to actually be there!!
Stage 2 drivers (Mike Winge & Gadget, who were brilliant) exchanged with the new Stage 3 drivers (Big Dave, Jules & Geoff)
Everyone enjoyed fantastic hospitality at Jubilee House, the setting is perfect we sat and watched a Heron getting its dinner from the waterfall.
It was Owens birthday we celebrated with cake & candles, and embarrassed him with a loud rendition of Happy Birthday. Bazaarly as he blew out the candles the clouds came over and there was a thunderstorm.
Big Dave Ridley pulled a cord to operate the shower only to hear voices in the background asking him if he was alright, the big man had pulled the emergency cord......................tee hee!
Steve & Andy "Lance" went to Keswick & had a row on a boat in their leisure time!
Bob rec'd a call from SM Bruce Wilson from Carlisle telling him that he will be on the TV, the radio and in the newspapers on Day 12 and also arranged a Fire Engine escort to Asda store Carlisle. (Bruce you're a star.............)
THEY NOW HEAD OFF TO SCOTLAND..................

Day 10 Cabus to Penrith

The morning after the night before (the halfway party last night was a fantastic laugh!) saw bleary eyes and tired limbs emerge from the tents and from the gruelling ride the day before. It wasn't until 10:15 that we got away on the bikes. Hand shakes and genuine hugs all round with Dave and Pete the blag (superb guests) and entertainers!!

We only had to ride 10 miles to Lancaster to set up the road show and begin handing out leaflets and collecting loose change. The sun was already high in the sky and beating down some serious heat which I must say has created some interesting tan lines. Thank you ASDA for the food and assistance.

We had to meet our first serious hills since Somerset. Everyone faced their own challenges climbing Shap (14,000ft). Steve J powered up like a man on steriods..awesome stuff (now we know why he eats like a dustbin!). Lance was inspirational as he battled the 4 mile climb. Owen weighed down with radio's, phones, MP3, nuts etc relished the ascent. Bob was workman like and Neil was in his own little world (as usual as he listened to his music..Graig David for the 53rd time!). Mike and Winge were eagerly trying to get that excellent piece of video footage. Pete 'Gadget' Savage was gutted that Owen did not pull out the 50 mph down a slope...maybe stage 3? The ladies were of course ladies!

The views were stunning admist the heat, water consumption was paramount, although Neil seems to have a camel hump as he took little on board. Thirsty work this hill climbing lark! 57 miles was the total today.

Jubilee House is lovely and set in beautiful country side. Hospitality is excellent. I'm now off to give the day's debrief and say a massive thank you to Pete, Mike and Ian who have been brilliant, we will miss them big time (sad times admist great high's). Tommorrow is a rest day as we await stage 3 drivers, although Bob is talking to a primary school in Penrith followed by a little campaigning outside Morrisons in town. Oh and Owen is having a birthday..cake in the face time I do believe is the tradition (isn't it?)

This is an awesome experience and one that will not be forgotten by anyone who has been involved. From all of us.........keep on sending in those messages....please!!

Day 9 Crewe to Preston

On the way to Preston the team stopped off at Asda Wigan, Pete Cleary was finding the going rather warm as he only had jeans, so politely asked if Asda sold shorts, he was given a nice free pair, now newly named "Pete The Blagg Cleary"
Moving on a few miles, the team stopped for a stretch, Pete S was keen to take some photo's but the team found it strange he was talking to himself, this was his bluetooth in action, it didn't seem to phase him as he continued with his photography, newly named "Pete the gadget Savage"
Bob was on a high after lunch as he managed to take the lead from Steve for 5mins 23 secs, also Neil managed to lead 4 mins 58 secs ~ a personal best!
Pacing theirselves to the campsite, the lovely Rosie & Shell prepared the BBQ whilst the campsite erectors Mike & Ian were in action, an evenings entertainment awaits the team. Pete C & Dave were looking forward to sharing a bed together for the 2nd night, although not sure if Daves that keen!................A good night was enjoyed by all, hence the blog this morning, so no one available last night!
Thank you for the generosity of everyone in the campsite clubhouse, their kind donations raised £117.
Thoughts for the evening were:-
THINGS YOU THOUGHT YOU WOULD NEVER HEAR PEOPLE SAY
Steve Jordan "No thanks I have had enough to eat"
Dave & Pete C " No thanks we have had enough to drink"
On to Penrith today.........Please keep the messages coming on the messageboard.

Day 8 Bromsgrove to Crewe

Thanks to the great lads at Redditch Fire station who provided great hospitality we were off to Bromsgrove to collect our bikes (get well Simon Hawkins who is recovering from Meningitus). To our big surprise Chris Harris (the red head young fella from the first leg, who incidently doesn't like being called Chris Harris) arrived with a mercy dash of red buckets for the collections. He was mobbed and hugged, he so wanted to join the rest of the trip (serious bonding going on!!). Owen had suggested a steady pace and instantly rattled through the gears at a hell of a pace! Lance on the good advice of Jonny Laight (our massage person!) stayed in the car and provided great company for Pete Savage, who said he has not laughed as much for some time (my little bro is a joker!). Mike Brooker and Winge (Ian Winnan who managed to wash the paper plates at tea time) were providing great van support from the eager cars who wanted to cut us up on the A roads. Lunch was just above Telford (43 miles of crap road surface) and brilliantly provided by Shell and Rosie (as always!). We met a couple who pulled into the lay by on their bikes, who were cycling from John O'Groats to Lands End, their names are Kate and PJ, they gave some money we gave them flap jacks! Good luck to them. The afternoon saw the speedy return of Lance, who showed us that he was back with a venganace as he peddled like a mad man, as his little sparrow legs pumped like a machine. The total miles for the day was 75. Asda at Crewe was a little hard to locate but as we arrived there was a welcome party. Asda at Crewe were absolutely brilliant. Heather, Claire, Sam and birthday girl Pauline (proudly supporting a helium balloon with 60 today) made us so welcome and they announced our safety message umpteen times, people were very interested in our cause. We collected £370!!!!!!!! Thank you Crewe. The lads and lass on Green watch at Crewe fire station were brilliant and were perfect hosts (nice one Dave!). ACO Dave Etheridge has joined us for Day 9 where we will pass the half way mark as we head for a camp site 13 miles north of Preston. (Pete Cleary is also along side in the car, a good decision Pete!).

Day 7 Kidlington to Bromsgrove

Stage 2 saw the introduction of the new driving team 'Pete Savage, Mike Brooker and Ian Winnan' they were briefed by Owen on their roles and responsibilities. Bob returned from Exeter Hall to find the team getting organised and in a flash was on the road to Deddington.

After a successful visit at Deddington the riders slightly tender in certain regions were soon cutting a fast pace through Banbury. Pete was soon at the roadside recording their grimaces and polite hand signals. Keeping an average speed of 18mph Owen leading the team decided to take the ring road around Stratford Upon Avon forgeting to tell Pete who was waiting for them for an hour!

Another campaign at Asda Bromsgrove with John Dakin Road Safety Officer for Hereford and Worcester and the Bromsgrove Fire Crew raised a further £200.

A big Thank you to lovely Liz at Asda where they enjoyed their 'Roasts'

Big Jon Laight (Owens sweetheart) directed us to Redditch Fire Station who have been excellent hosts for their overnight stay.

Andy (Lance) has picked up a leg strain (the little lightweight) and has been advised to rest tomorrow from cycling.

Deddington Primary School 7/06/07

Bob said:-
It was a pleasure to be able to talk to the children at Deddington Primary School about seatbelt safety. Wearing their bright red jumpers, sitting crossed legged, they listened attentively to my story, at the end, they all promised me they would all wear their seatbelt forever.
A little boy called Callum told me that his Dad did not wear his seatbelt, I told him to tell his Dad off..............nag him.......... and if necessary Fireman Bob would come and talk to him (Callum smiled).
Judith (Headteacher) tea and cakes yum yum (yum yum) before we headed off to Bromsgrove.

Exeter Hall Kidlington

Bob was involved in a roadside operation that involved TVP, CC Road Safety Team, and the Crew from A6 Kidlington with their Station Manager.
The operation was to pull in people not wearing a seatbelt, to issue them a ticket.........if they decided to come into Exeter Hall the ticket was ripped up and it was up to the crew to educate them in their choices and possible tragic consequences in not wearing their seatbelt, Bob was astonished that 33 people were caught in the first hour. Unbelievable!!

Cumnor Primary School - 6th June.

It was an honour for me to visit my local village school in Cumnor to talk to the children. They listened attentively and they all promised me that they would wear their seatbelts when they get into a car. I also talked about the importance of wearing a cycling helmet and a reflective stripe on their clothing when they go on their push bikes. The headteacher (Cara) did say to me at the end that the kids were unsure what I meant by the term 'push bike', it showed up my age......oops!

One child said what should he do about his dog in the car, his friend said that his dog had it's own seatbelt (I did not know that they existed!). Every day is a school day!! Thank you Cumnor primary school. Bob

Campaign Day in Westgate, Oxford

What a brilliant day!! The image of a dummy smashed through a windscreen with a few sachets of tomato sauce on it's head was a graphic image and it certainly captured the imagination of many shoppers. Yes it was shocking to look at but the message is clear, wear your seatbelt or you could possibly smash your head into a windscreen. Over 1,000 leaflets were handed out today and many people are telling us that they are aware of our campaign (fantastic!). To all of you who turned up to help, thank you so much, especially the CFS team who were excellent (nice to see the lads from my watch there, also Kirsty, Lauren and Jodie from control, oh and not forgetting the retained crew at B1). The city collection raised £1,359.33p.

In Didcot, the lads were at Sainsburys and they (including the money from the car wash last Saturday) raised £624. What a brilliant effort. Cheers Didcot (especially you Merf!!).

In Wheatley, Steve Jordan and his fellow crew mates, in partnership with the Road Safety Team (Julie, Sarah, Liam) carried out a sitting tight operation and also raised £104. Therefore in total today the campaign total was: £2,087.33p

I would like to thank Mrs Roper (hope that's right), whose son Jake was involved in the Oxford Eastern by-pass accident where 3 children were killed 2 years ago (including 1 adult), told me how well Jake is doing and how he would love to do something positive to make people aware of seatbelts because on that tragic afternoon on the by-pass his seatbelt saved his life!

Swindon To Kidlington via Abingdon - 38 miles

We had the great pleasure of ACO Dave Etheridge cycling with us today, he was chomping at the bit to get going and, after we ditched his mountain bike for my reserve road bike, one picky for the album we were away. The sun was shining, the mood was bouyant, a day for cycling. Then as we passed the Oxfordshire county sign and hit the hill at Coleshill...our smiles turned to panting and puffing (except Steve Jordan who didn't break into a sweat!!). In tight formation we sped along the road to hell (A420) before passing the Abingdon boys at Frilford (their happy smiling faces so sweet) and onto John Mason School.

The afternoon session included a good friend of mine Gareth Evans who was happy to be part of the slick formation (alright I'm jesting!) through Radley, Kennington, Oxford and onto Kidlington. We had a quick picture in front of the Ashmolean (passer by who took it missed out our legs!!). Dave blagged us 6 ice creams (which was nice)before we rolled onto CHQ forecourt which was bedecked with a fantastic welcoming party. I had a tear in my eye and we were all totally blown away by the warm smiles and supportive applause and the Chief right out at the front offering a friendly hand shake (how good is that?). Stage one complete!!

Thank you so much Merf, Grahame and Chris Harris you are all great guys and you truely helped to make the first part of our journey memorable for many many reasons. Thanks Rosie and Shell for the brilliant food and keeping the camper straight!

School visits Tuesday.

Today I had the pleasure of talking to the children at Ruskin Primary School who were so attentive and asked me loads of questions. It was brilliant to see the Hydrualic Platform from Swindon Central turning up as well for the kids to look round afterwards. (thanks lads). It was nice to meet Margaret Tester the Wiltshire Road Safety Officer who took 10 of the DVD's made by the students at John Mason School

We then cycled to John Mason (26 miles) and arrived promptly (like the Red Arrows) at 12:30, a reception party awaited us including the headteacher Paul Corry, Dale's friends and the local lads from Abingdon Fire station (enthusiastic as ever - love you guys!). We had a delicious lunch (apple crumble for pudding)sitting with the kids. Then we had a quite moment at the memorial garden for Dale and looked after by Dale's friends. I presented Sue Hook (year 10 head) with a lovely bouquet of flowers from Dale. Then I gave an update chat to year 10, answered a few questions, then Ruth gave me a cheque for £254 for the Ben Fund. Daniel kindly gave me a bottle of Radox and said, 'you will need this when you have finished becuase I will need a wash!! Also he added that I can make myself a foam beard in the bath!!! (Bless him)

Poem from Celia (Neils Aunt)

Ode to the five cyclateers

Cycle4seatbelts, such a worthy cause,
So people, to listen we hope you will pause.

Please watch the film and hear what they have to say,
Cos' the Firemen are the ones who see the carnage every day.

Our children carry knowledge and are our hope for the future years,
So make sure they are belted in safely before you drive through those gears.

Just a little clunk click is not much for you to do,
To save a hospital visit, or much worse is up to you!

Educating all in safety is so vital today,
Life goes by so fast now and is so precious in every way.

If just one life you can save on your safety crusade.
For a parent somewhere their day you will have made.

So to Bob, Neil, Steve Owen and Andy.
We all wish you a safe journey in where you are goin'

Thank you to Celia.

DAY 4 Batcombe to Swindon

Following a cozy night in the camper van Steve, Chris, Andy(Lance) Merf and Graham woke slowly blaming each others snoring for lack of sleep. They left Batcombe camp site early morning, pushing their bikes up the 60 degree gradient access road.
Steve set the steady pace as he didn't want anymore beads of sweat on his forehead, while route planner Owen made sure they didn't make too many wrong turns AGAIN............MORE MILES!
Bob was feeling good after his health reassurances while Andy & Neil newly named the "Chuckle Brothers" were still giggling following a night of good humour.
With Swindon in site the bikers were joined by CFO John Parry who a keen cyclist himself made the team upto 6, and they all arrived at Stratton Fire Station mid afternoon.
Many thanks to ASDA at Swindon Orbital for their hospitality in allowing us to campaign at the store late afternoon.
Now everyone is looking forward to a good nights sleep........with no snoring.

DAY 3 Chudleigh to Batcombe

After a healthy breakfast at Harcombe House the team were ready for another long day in the saddle. Merf and Graham went skinny dipping (almost)
After a restless night Bob decided to get some advice on his racing heart rate, on the advice of Denise from Torbay District Hospital he was given the "All Clear" to continue with the journey.
Owen, Steve and Neil started biking and after a few steep hills in the morning session it became apparent that Steve was human as it was noted that a bead of sweat was on his forehead! After 35 miles the team then met at Chard. (Graham noted that Chard was a famous shoe making town)
Lance and Bob joined the afternoon session of 38 miles to Batcombe camp site, where they enjoyed a BBQ and a relaxing evening with Chris and Victor Lewis from Fakenham, Norfolk....

Day 2 - Bodmin to Chudleigh

After being kept awake all night with Andy talking to the sheep on the mobile phone Merf and Graham got up at 3am to bang the door on the camper van 50 times and then go to make breakfast. The day started at a slightly slower pace as it was to be a long day in the saddle. Owen and the boys allowed Neil to overshoot the slip road so he could practice his 'off road riding'. Lance (Andy) joined the riders after a hilly start after he couldn't resist the calls from the sheep to get onto the bike again. The crew (minus Chris) arrived at ASDA in Newton Abbot; Chris with the aid of a SatNav managed to get there 10 minutes after everyone else having seen an extra 50 miles of Devon taking the 'scenic route'! Thanks to the Newton Abbot Crew for helping with the collection and the ASDA staff for feeding the riders and helping us out. The riders pushed onto Chudleigh (the Fire Service national benevolent fund recuperation facility) where they were spoilt with a 3 course evening meal and a proper bed for the night (Neil of course knows what this is like every night as he brought his double divan with headboard and massage function with him). Bob planted a tree in Dale's memory and said a few words that really put the ride into perspective for everyone.

DAY 1 Lands End to Bodmin

Great support at the start with an audience of Cooky, Mitch, Dave, Mandy with their families and several others. After photos, they were on their way, an extra 200 Metres around the first R/about not knowing which way to go!!
With the Bodmin Fire Crew waiting with display boards ready for the campaign, the team arrived, Bob was feeling rather "fragile" after his collision with the tarmac at Bodmin, while Owen in front tested his new brakes on his bike, Bob was not so quick.
Maxine at Asda Bodmin came to their rescue and looked after the team. Thank you
They are now relaxing and being well looked after by the crew at Bodmin Fire Station after
64 miles of biking.

There are more photos available on our Gallery. Keep checking back as we will be posting new ones all the time!