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.