Al's thoughts

Hello every one. My name is Alan Harrop and I was one of the support team along with Martin.
What can I say about this wondrous adventure the ten of us have finally completed.
The team spirit was exceptional, the friendships grew with every minute that passed. Humour was always there, even in the most difficult of circumstances. The support team started out as a bit of a joke, but very quickly became a major part of the journey. For myself it was a journey I initially was dreading but from the first stop in Chester it was obvious to me that I was a full part of the team and not just a hanger on.
|The boys treated me with total respect, made fun of me, let me help them emotional, a quick cuddle even with a 35 year old can make them feel good again, but most of all made me part of the team.
This was a journey of self discovery, team building, physical torture, but most of all a journey to show how much they love and miss Nick. Everyone should come out of this with lung busting pride, enormous self belief and with an attitude of I CAN DO ANYTHING IF I WANT TO.

Thanks again for including me in this extraordinary quest, a quest that has found more than money but has made friends for life.

Let do something easier next time eh

Well done!

Well done everyone! This blog has been great for keeping up with the trials, tribulations and adventures of the bike ride. Well done to the main writers: Martin and Sarah. Nick would have enjoyed it - though he probably would have added something really technical and exciting. We miss you Nick and are proud to have achieved something so substantial. Also it gave the team time to talk about you and, frankly, time to grieve. The year has passed so quickly and yet so slowly. Your death was such a shock and it is hard to come to terms with losing you. Sadly we have your table at home, and it was sad to sit round it in January without you (the first time we had sat down since March, having a baby, and moving house). We wanted to have that beer together - or at least around a different table and you were still using this one. I want to say how much Ben misses you. He was so ill before and during the ride. I think you may have kicked his butt for trying to complete it (which he did) but then you probably would have appreciated how he felt. You were always pushing through the pain. Anyway, Ben survived (despite an intravenous drip episode in Cork hospital) and it was because he needed to do this to remember his brother. So well done Ben. Sorry for your pain - and love to Nick.

Final thoughts on the bike ride

Looking back on this whole experience the start on Good Friday seems light years away. Every day has had its own character, its own challenges, and every day the Team has met those challenges, and, make no mistake, they were a team, constantly helping each other out, no one was ever left behind, whatever his struggles, and technical breakdowns were often collectively resolved.

It seemed entirely appropriate that an event which began with the Team paying their respects at Nick's grave in Southern Cemetery, ended with respects being paid to him by his former Professor at the University of Cork. It was the memory of Nick and his achievements which informed the whole thing, and which kept people moving forward, determined to make it to the end.

There have been many lighter and good humoured moments. A special mention should go to Col (The Map), who will be remembered for leading his men up one of the steepest hills in the Wicklow Mountains; the award for best dressed and equipped rider goes to Asif, this title now being in some doubt since he left so many possessions scattered about the Irish countryside. Nick Bulmer was often to be found leading from the front, and indeed gave the support van drivers a nasty turn when he overtook them. Ste has to be described as The Man with the Worst Bike; his gears in a constant state of confusion. Ben distinguished himself by being always last man in the saddle. Jonathan proved himself to be the only man who could acquire a suntan whilst riding through a rain storm. Dan used several forms of transport, but was eventually obliged to get on his bike. Rob Carlin must be voted as the fastest tent erector with his pop up advantage. Al and Martin, by contrast, must go down as the slowest tent erectors ever seen on a camp site,

The reunion on return to Manchester with wives and loved ones was a reminder of the sacrifices and support made at this end which allowed the Team to do their thing. It is also marvellous to see how the Team had inspired a whole range of friends to lend their sponsorship. The extent to which this venture captured everyone's imagination and admiration is underlined by the astonishing level of funding in excess of £11,000 which will now go to Mind.

We will have other events in the future and we will also want to let people know how we dispose of the various funds in Nick's memory, so please keep in touch with this, which we hope will be a live and active one, and please do feel able to contribute or add comments.

Arrival in Cork

Team Minogue arrived in Cork at 3:32 pm this afternoon, having left Manchester at 8:32 am on Friday last week.

There were no misadventures en route other than the fact that Martin and Al got lost, and lost contact with the blokes, however, they all managed to get together for a terrific arrival at Cork University, being greeted by John Sodeau. There was champagne and sandwiches, and the team of post graduate students were there with the Cork University flag, and clapped them as they pedalled in. It was very touching as everyone hugged and embraced to celebrate their arrival.

There was a tour of the laboratory where Nick had worked, and John Sodeau spoke of Nick's work, and how what he had been doing was deeply unfashionable when Nick did it, but was now state-of-the-art and what everyone wants to do. How typical of Nick, somehow!

Now the cycling team are sitting outside in brilliant sunshine getting ready to hit the town. I hope Cork is ready for this!

In the accommodation (a sort of house for us all to stay) Asif has bagged the biggest bed! It is very comfortable, and tea and cakes were also provided to make us all feel very, very welcome and appreciated.

On their last leg(s)

A fair day for the last 30 mile leg to Cork. Did Nick specially organise this weather as a reward for all the hard work and effort that has gone into making this trip? The lads are in tremendous spirits, and here is a team photographs of them all wearing the sponsors outfits. I hope Mind think this has been well worth the investment; the amount raised so far has exceeded the target by so much, and we haven't stopped collecting yet!

Yesterday they cycled 85 miles, so although there are some very stiff legs this morning, they must be encouraged to know that todays stint is just a fraction of that. There are no sore heads either, despite the quantities of Guiness consumed - oh, wait a moment, there's a correction to that information - Al has a sore head, apparently.

Youghal

Once again, Al used his beguiling ways to charm the hostelry where he and Martin had reservations into offering the lads accommodation as well, and negotiated the price down considerably from the figure that was first suggested. The wringing wet conditions underfoot meant that the camp site conditions were atrocious.

It was not until 7:30 in the evening that the first of the cycling crew straggled in. One by one the exhausted party arrived and were delighted to find that they all had rooms with a sea view. Not only this, but they were also able to catch the Champions League match between Arsenal and Barcelona.

It is difficult for me to express the admiration that I feel for their efforts. The team have made it through some of the most difficult conditons and terrains, at least two people have felt quite unwell throughout the trip, but they have all fought together and held together, and broken the back of the enterprise. The total cycling mileage to date is 366 miles; more than 70 miles a day on average over the 5 days, and these are amateur cyclists.

By comparison tomorrow should be relatively easy.

We understand that the Just Giving fund has broken through the £8,000 barrier today, so Asif must fulfil his pledge when he gets back to Didsbury on Friday evening.

Lunch at Bunmahoney

Bunmahoney turned out to be a sort of ghost town, with almost everything closed apart from a village shop. Resourcefully, and with great panache, Jonathan, heading up ther team, putrchased bread, ham and cheese at this establishment, and had impromptu doorstep sandwiches awaiting his team mates as they rolled up.

Miraculously, the weather changed to soothing sunshne, and the wind fell away altogether. At this point the team mates had to confer and make the decision about whether to stick with the original plan to push on to Youghal, or if they should stop at an earlier point. The decision was reached to press ahead to the planned destination, and leave themselves the relatively short run to Cork for the final day. However, the Drum Hills, and some unexpected bursts of heavy rainfall caught them out in their optimism; meanwhile Al and Martin had forged ahead to see if they could arrange bed and breakfast in place of the rain sodden campsite.

Asif's misfortunes

From Wellington Bridge, the tale is largely comprised of mishaps that befell Asif: a) he lost his very expensive (£50!) water bottle, that simply blew away b) his rear brakes failed (they were later mended by the technical support elements of the group) c) his bike had a puncture in the same incident d) At one point, Al and Martin waited anxiously for ages, and began to think that they must have taken a wrong turning, as no bikes appeared ... but it transpired that Asif had put on one of his gloves inside out, and it took an age to peel it off, correct it, and put it back on.

After cycling down the coast they did a river crossing by ferry across Waterford Harbour, and all agreed to meet for lunch at the romantic sounding Bunmahoneyt village on the Copper Coast, site of old copper mines.

Goodbye to Wexford

Off again in wet and windy weather - a 40 mile per hour gale blowing this morning - leaving behind our posh hotel in Wexford, and heading for a breakfast stop at Wellington at 10:00 (pictured).

Day 5 by some distance must be the most challenging to face the cyclists; if yesterday was the day of wind, today's enemy was the wet as well.

Overnight there were horrendous conditions, with the force of the wind evidenced by the howling around the roof tops as the Team slept. Thank goodness they had not attempted to make camp.

The scope of what had been paid for at the posh hotel did not include breakfast, so with empty tummies the team assembled themselves, already exhausted from the previous days effort, but rejuvenated to some extent by a nights sleep in a proper bed.

The heavy wind was to some extent behind them, so they made good speed as far as Wellington Bridge, where all fell ravenously upon enormous Irish breakfasts in the local cafe.

Wexford. Made it this far...

A difficult day for the cyclists again, the villain of the piece being the strong wind blowing directly into their faces as they cycled along the coast road. Nevertheless, their stop at Court Town Harbour for lunch (photo) allowed them a bit of fun as they placed a couple of bets on the Irish Grand National. There was an unanimous vote to bet on a horse called 'Saddle Sore', which, despite being the favourite, failed to be placed. Another bet on the horse that came in fourth means that the team has some small winnings to collect from Paddy Power.

As they carried on towards Wexford the wind gained in strength (unlike the cyclists). They explained to Martin that if at any point they stopped pedalling, even going downhill, the force of the gale brought them to a dead stop. The last 6 miles were desperate, and they arrived at the Talbot Hotel, where Al and Martin had previous reservations, in a state of practical collapse.

In the meantime Al had charmed (the only word for it) the receptionist, and enough bed space had been procured at a very reasonable rate for all the chaps. The camp site was a no-go; the fierce storms forecast would probably have done for the tents. And, in any case, Asif has declared that he will never again sleep in a tent, EVER! The hotel is much grander than anywhere yet, with facilities such as a swimming pool and jacuzzi, but sadly, the team are too tired to take advantage. Ben and Asif didn't even appear for dinner, just having something to eat in their rooms and crashing out. Even Col, the most experienced and fittest cyclist of the group, is about whacked.

So what next? The Irish weather forecaster is anticipating something he described as a "tornadic storm" to hit tomorrow, and there has been much debate about what tactics should be followed. Day 5 was originally planned to be one of the longest and toughest rides, some 70 miles, but if conditions are really so daunting, it might be more sensible to alter the scheme and stop earlier than planned tomorrow, and make a longer leg for the last stretch to Cork, which should have been shorter and easier. However, the forecasts so far have been poor at predicting what actually happens; maybe the storm will blow out overnight and they could have a fine gentle day; it's all on the hoof.

There was a lot of reminiscing about holidays with Nick this evening over dinner; some of the chaps were recalling visiting Nick when he was in Austin, Texas, at the university there.

The support team feels that their contribution has been useful. The packing and unpacking has been hilarious; as everything has got wetter and more dishevelled, the cargo has got even bulkier and harder to cram in. The steering is making a new screeching noise, but the van appears to be pulling the weight okay.

Arklow - coffee stop

Coffee stop at Arklow. Al and Martin managed to find an internet cafe here and had their first chance to view the blog in person, as all recent entries of their escapades have been made by the surrogate blogger back in Blighty. And Al found a Manchester City fan! They get everywhere don't they? The chap running the establishment identified himself easily by wearing a City shirt, and he and Al immediately fell into profound discussions of tactics and managers. He subsequently refused to take a penny for the coffees or the internet access; another example of the kindness and charitable nature of so many of the people the team has come accross in their venture.

Speaking again of generosity, the Just Giving fund is nearly at £8,000, and Asif has promised to perform a sort of forfeit back at the Woodstock Inn in Didsbury if that target is reached.

Catch-up photos - team at 2000 feet

These have just come in - Robbo, Rob and Ben at 2000 feet in the Wicklow Mountains. Don't they look fine and fit?

Leaving Rathdrum

Jacob's Well at Rathdrum - what a terrific place this was; a great welcome, comfortable rooms, generous hosts, fabulous home cooking for dinner, and gigantic breakfasts.

The marvellous support van set off, heavier by the weight of two of the aforementioned breakfasts in addition to Al and Martin, and the intention of meeting up with the team for coffee at Arklow.

In tents

So you get the idea... is this someone's idea of fun?

Day Four

The cycling team are really suffering now. They had a wet cold night, and there are at least 3 requests for B&B accommodation in Wexford tonight, if that can be arranged, though some are determined to slog on and finish the tour as intended. [why does the word macho so insistently come to mind?] Asif woke up at 4:00am lying in a puddle of cold water; Dan, who seemed to be a bit under the weather with a cold yesterday was feeling better this morning. This could be good evidence for the restorative powers of the black stuff. However, most of the tents are leaking, and are increasingly difficult to re-pack and stow in the van. The chap's clothes are all damp too, but their teeth are gritted and their spirits remain good.

The little camping stove did heroic service this morning, pushed well into the back of the van because of the wind which kept threatening to snuff the burners. Two large pans of porridge were consumed as seconds were required, and coffee made. The teapot had mysteriously vanished en route (always hated that green teapot anyway) and the two packs of matches that were definitely packed at the outset had similarly absented themselves, but Al's lighter worked, though some scorched finger ends resulted. It was a cold, dismal start to the day for the cyclists, but by the time they meet up with Al and Martin at Arklow they will probably have warmed up.

John Sodeau has been in touch to confirm that arrangements are in hand to greet the team at the University in Cork. He was able to tell us that the accommodation is opposite the University, so there will be little further cycling for the exhausted team once they arrive.

Pictures will be posted when received. For those who have been following the blog, please be aware that it has been neccessary to go back and edit some earlier posts, making corections, additions and uploading photos.

Wicklow Mountains

They had been dreading this bit...
The cycling team met a man in Enniskerry who directed them to a short and scenic route accross the mountains, "...but, boys, it's phorkin steep," he warned them. And it was; a really, really steep hill, where some of the lads had to get off and push their bikes up the road through spectacular snow-capped scenery. Indeed, at the top (where the photo was taken at a place called Sally Gap) the road had been closed to vehicles only the previous day, and the bikes had to make their way along tracks cut through the snow by car tyres. This lasted for only a short while, and everydone did so well to make it up there and through the conditions.

Al and Martin then went ahead to Rathdrum, to the raffish, friendly camp site where, by now expert (Al, at any rate) they proceeded to begin erecting the tents as the rain started to set in. Before they expcted it, the team arrived, complaining loudly about the supprt team's inability to get things ready in time. How did they get there so fast? Well, by doing speeds of up to 42 miles an hour down the other side of the mountain, of course. Seriously scary stuff.

Al and Martin's overnight stay is at a hostelry called Jacob's Well, a real contrast to the previous evenings accommodation. This was well appointed, clean, comfortable and friendly, so everyone had their dinner there. The food was excellent, all home-cooked and the portions so vast that it was felt neccessary to take a photograph of the enormity of Ben's steak. This will be published in due course. The Jacob's Well hosts have also donated 10 Euros to the fund.

The chaps are stiff and sore; there is much wincing as they get up or down or move around. However, no doubt the healing properties of the first pints of Irish Guiness will work through their systems overnight.

This marks the half way mark of the venture. Tomorrow they'll be heading for Wexford; Col thinks this will be a moderately tough day. Then it's Youghal (another tough one), then an easier final day (it is planned) that will see them arrive in Cork.

Well done Team Minogue. We are so proud of you.

More generosity

On board the ferry, Stena LIne generously donated free water to all the cyclists when they realised what Team Minogue was doing. Asif also fell into conversation with a woman, Breda Mannion, Director of Highway, who gave a donation of £20, and took details of the fund, saying that she might be able to obtain additional sponsorship.

The weather is also being generous - full sunshine, a most beautiful day in Ireland. The cycling team are now safely off the boat, having eaten almost all the food the ferry was carrying. They appear refreshed after the ardurous day yesterday, and although the route includes some hills, they may be able to take the low road when that offers. Al and Martin await for them to catch them up at a pretty village called Enniskelly, where they are enjoying coffee and cakes. (Martin says he lost POUNDS yesterday struggling with the tent, and was very happy to drive away in the van to fetch in the peleton, leaving Al crawling around a waterlogged field on his hands and knees.)

The campsite tonight has confirmed that they are open, so there shoud not be a repeat of the difficulties of Day One, and tonight they expect to make camp before nightfall.

What happened next:

Customes officer (CO) (very formal) : "would you mind opening the rear door, sir"
Martin (M) : "You'd better stand back." (opens door. Fortunately, nothing actually falls out. Tarpaulin appears to be holding everything in - chaos behind. The bike wheels that are visible appear to lend credence to M's story of their purpose and intention.
CO and M regard interior of van.
CO and M regard each other.
CO : "I have to ask you sir, if you are carrying any firearms...?"
M : "No,"
CO : "Or explosives...?"
M: No,"
CO: "Or gas canisters?"
M: (reluctant but honest) "Well, there is a little gas canister attached to the camping stove."
CO: (almost winking) : "I expect it is a very small one?"
M: "Oh, yes, very, very small."
CO: "Well, off you go then."

The second day

After the euphoria of Day One, this was a very difficult day. The Team was in the saddle for 12 hours, and were dogged by technical breakdowns. Colin’s chain snapped, which meant a visit to a bike shop in Bangor. However, the afternoon was sunny, and eventually everyone assembled across the Menai Bridge in Anglesey.
Al and Martin went to Holyhead, and spent the rest of the day desperately trying to re-establish communications with the rest of the Team. They were engaged in following a long, twisting route that seemed to take them all over Anglesey. The mileage for the day was 90 miles, making a total since leaving Manchester of 170. Rob and Col separated from the rest of the Team to try to make camp before nightfall, with the rest of the Team following on behind, up hill and down dale. Meanwhile, Al and Martin were enacting a cartoon version of ‘How to Erect A Tent’. After much struggle and a long time, they had the biggest tent up – only to find that it was inside out, and they had to start again. Col and Jonathan arrived just as it was getting dark, and Martin went out in the van to meet the peloton. It transpired that Asif had fallen off his bike and hit his knee, but fortunately was not seriously damaged.
It was 8:30pm before they all arrived, exhausted, but glad to get into the camp site showers and share a giant pizza. There were only three tents erected, and there was much competition to get into the biggest one, but nobody was left outside – and nobody slept! Martin and Al didn’t fare much better in a grubby room with tins of paint in the wardrobe, no water glasses in the bathroom, and miniscule pillows.
Some more unexpected donations have been received: £1.00 from the newsagent in Llandudno, and £5 from the bar tender at the camp in Holyhead.
However, the whole Team is now relaxing on the ferry having had breakfast, enjoying the sunny morning, and looking forward to what awaits them in the Wicklow Mountains. There was a nasty moment at Customs in Holyhead, where the van was pulled over, and Martin was asked to open the back door... [and at this point, the mobile phone signal was lost over the Irish Sea, and until Martin is able to re-establish contact with his surrogate blogger, we can only wait in suspense to know whose luggage was impounded or whatever transpired]

Mia says....

When you all get back we can play chocolate games... with chocolate carrots and rabbits.... and go yum yum yum yum yum... and you must come home in a hundred hours! Go faster than a super rocket... Go faster than a giants tummy rumbling....have you eaten your chocolate rabbit? is it delicious? now can I have cbeebies on?

Cleo says.... hmmmmm yum hmmmmmm

Sally says.... keep up the good work boys!

xxxx

Addendum from Chester

When parking the van in Chester, the car park attendant was interested in the logo and information we had stuck to the sides of the van, and wanted to know about Nick's story. When we returned, he gave us a pound for Nick's fund; the smallest contribution, but in its way, as touching as any.

1st day

See the suffering! The photos show the lads in the bar at the end of the first day (some sensible photos will be added later, we hope). Read on... We didn't strap Dan to the roof rack - the Lone Rider made his way by train to Prestatyn, and amazingly bumped into the rest of Team Minogue, who arrived on the sea front at about the same time. Serendipity has played an auspicious part so far. Al and Martin were dismayed to discover that the campsite that has originally been booked was waterlogged and unavailable (the address Marsh Lane should have been prophetic). Al tore off to intercept the Team on Prestatyn seafront, while Martin sought alternative B& B. Happily, the hotel he and Al were booked in to for the night - the Halcyon Quest Hotel in Prestatyn - had enough spare double rooms to put everyone up for the night. We narrowly averted a mass stay in Pontins. The name of the Halcyon Quest had always seemed a good omen, and so it turned out: the staff were all kind and helpful, many customers were curious to hear our story, and an old Irishman advised that on all accounts we must not attempt St Patrick's Hill in Cork, which during the professional Tour of Ireland had reduced grown professional cyclists to tears. Team Minogue had already experienced the Hill from Hell just before Prestatyn, which nearly took Ste (struggling with a recalcitrant gear) out. Ste will no doubt give his own account in time, but as he just about managed to slog his way to his waiting companions, they said words to the effect 'oh good here he is' and, suitably rested, all charged off again, leaving him to continue his trial by ordeal without so much as a breather. In the end, a deeply satisfying day, with Team, support van, and Dan all coming together harmoniously at the end of a gruelling ride. After unexpectedly luxurious accommodation and a good meal inside them, refreshed by sleep in proper beds, they are now riding towards Anglesey.

They're off!

08:32 am saw the start of the challenge. There were scenes of near chaos at 8 Bamford Road this morning as Team Minogue assembled with a very impressive array of expensive-looking bicycles and padded bottoms. Eyes had to be averted as members of the team familiarised themselves with their apparel.
Packing the van proved to be a thing of art - see photo of Ben trying to hold it all in (much like the padded shorts).
As they lined up to turn the first pedal, Ste immediately suffered a technical breakdown, which was rapidly repaired by Col, the team professional.
They rolled off into what was, thankfully, a sunrise, and as at 1:00pm we have not heard from them again, as Al and myself sit in a Holiday Inn outside Chester, sipping our coffees and bantering with the wise-cracking waitress.
Mwanwhile there have been several desperate phone calls from Dan, who awaits rescue from somewhere near Chester. Not sure how this will be carried out; there's no room in the van for him, so maybe we will have to strap him to the roof rack.
After the first three-quarters of an hour on the road Al spotted a quartet of stranded Scouse girls, and despite communication difficulties, rescued them by mending their rear tyre. So the support team is proving useful to somebody.
LATE BREAKING NEWS: Cyclists arriving in Chester city centre in time for lunch! Ben sounded exhilarated.
EVEN LATER BREAKING NEWS: Dan was re-united with the rest of the gang at lunch time.
Martin