Day 12 – Monday – June 14th

The day we came home to leave again

Monday the 14th and we leave the comfort of Redditch, to make our way to our own beds for 12 hours, via Banbury and Kidlington

Last night saw lots of repairs going on, and more tyre changes than at a formula one race. Rumour has it that Julian got a lot of funny looks when he asked for so many tyres in the shop, so thanks to Jules for standing aimlessly in the shop on our behalf……….

To pass away the evening, Danny & Simon felt that the number of misdemeanours that had occurred warranted another court session, and this was duly held. Unfortunately the worst offender was absent (brief return home), so his cases will be heard in due course when he returns.

A big thanks yet again to the watch at Redditch who made us so welcome, although rumour has it they had our leftovers of Princess’s cooking so it wasn’t all one way………

The usual routine followed in the morning, with another monster breakfast to set us up for the day, and then the daily pack of the van, and sorting of the bikes (again)

We set off after another (yes another) photo shoot - another one for the collection Will! Back up to the roundabout and then the run for Banbury back on to our home patch.

The plan was to make it to Banbury for 12’ish, and then onto Kidlington for 2pm – This went a little awry but not by much.

A quick stop in Stratford ensued, for a little bit of culture, although it would appear that nothing opens in Stratford before midday….. strange.
We did however get to see the memorial stone, set in the walled area by the river in Stratford, to our four colleagues killed at Atherton upon Stour. Having cycled past Alcester and Stratford, it brought it home to several how close to us it all was………..

Leaving Stratford, with time pressing against us, we kept up the pace on the long road to Banbury (the A422), (except Josie and Toby who tried to knock on her grandma’s door in Stratford to use the loo – (but she wasn’t inJ)

Eventually we all got to the pleasure that is Sunrising Hill (near Tysoe). Most managed to make it up it in one piece and stay on the bikes but as Laonie pointed out – it was actually faster to walk than cycle.... ! To compound the shame of those that got off and walked, Sim and Andy were there at the top of the hill, capturing the pain on our faces – (photos will be on flickr later)

After that – nothing could beat us however as we saw the signs for places we had actually hear of, we all managed to eventually to roll in to Banbury. The Tillson brothers led the way, followed some time later by the last stragglers who enjoyed Sunrising Hill so much we contemplated doing it again! The piece de resistance was the final three of Pete, Owen & Laonie who followed Owens cries of ‘I know where I’m going’ and brought us in from the complete opposite direction to which everyone was looking us for us J

It was fantastic to see everyone there, friends, family and colleagues along with the watch from Banbury, Major Brown & colleagues from the Army, & the risk reduction team, and the welcome was fantastic. A few photo’s later, and a chat with everyone ensued, before we suddenly realised we needed to be on our way to get to Kidlington.

The final 17 miles were fairly enjoyable, and we were spurred on by the sight of Josie’s dad who had left work and had a cracking ‘good luck’ sign at the sign on the road which brought a smile to all our faces – Thanks Josie’s Dad!

We met up at the side of the road by the Jolly Boatman to ensure that we actually had everyone – formed a crocodile and held hands so that Bob could count us……., and then cycled the last 2 miles into Kidlington together so that it looked like he was still in control.

A fantastic sight to see everyone as we arrived on the forecourt – thankfully no-one was injured as we all tried to stop and dismount gracefully without falling over. Thanks to everyone for coming to see us – it was a fantastic welcome.

Once the lorry had gone back to pick up Gareth (Bob’s mate who had come to ride from Banbury to Kidlington with us, had a breakdown and not one of us had seen him as we rode past – Oops – Sorry Gareth but we all appreciate the effort!), we were able to unload our bags, or in Laonie’s case form a human chain to get them all off, and finally make a quick dash for home for a few hours rest.

Lots of people asked us about the actual ride and how it was going – it’s fair to say that no-one of us (well except Super Bob!) knew quite what to expect and everyone has some ache, pain or actual moment. As we have progressed down the country, we have all picked up something or other –except in Toby’s case – where he has had everything!

A few brave souls carried on cycling (cant get enough now) and carried on to Witney & Carterton, to pick up the ride in the morning, but for most of us home and a bath beckoned!