Geordie HOG LeJOG - June 2005

Who's idea was this then? 1,730 in three days; why?  I suppose because we can or can we?  Chris Malkin first suggested to me that it would be a jolly wheeze if we were to ride Lands End to John O'Groats, would it not  it?  I being an exponent of 'Riding Your Bike' obviously thought so and decided it would be my little project contribution to Geordie Chapter HOG for 2005.  I had relinquished all control of the Chapter in  January 2004 and stepped well aside from all organisational duties to focus on my riding and having fun but it was time to come out of my self imposed sabbatical and organise an event.  Chris had mentioned it a few times but no substansive decisions had been made so that is where I come in.

First decision is When?  Following Peter Reid's advice "you can't please all the people all the time, so you may as well please yourself" adage, I decided the best time for me was 24/25/26th June 2005 (it was a lull in my busy holiday schedule).

The route, well what can you do?

The plan is to leave Washington Services at 09:00 on Friday 24th June 2005 and have a group ride to Lands End.  This 400 mile warm up would have a lunch and coffee stops scheduled and if possible we would ride as a group but at least have scheduled stops together offering each other support and assistance when needed.

Day 2 of 840 miles would start with a photo call at 3am and then rider versus the 840 miles; not quite every man for himself but along those lines.  To complete a day in the saddle of this substance a focused single minded attitude of you and machine v's the miles is the way to go.

Day 3 would have a leisurely 10am photo call at the destination then an organised group ride back to Tyneside, of a mere 484 miles.

So would anybody be up for this adventure - Chris and I were committed (in more ways than one!) but would anybody else take the challenge.  I thought the first year it should not be a completly open event, a few experienced riders should check out the logistics prior to offering it as a full Chapter event, so who was daft enough to pick up the challenge?

Badcock Dave,Collis Nigel. Cook Dave, Holmes Greg,Ince Jon, Ingledew Mick, Malkin Chris
McCrindle Mike, Muizelaar Bev, Nicol Graham, Oxberry Bryan, Simnett Paul
Smith Nigel, Vardy Dave, Skipper Bill

So there you have it, the die is set; watch this space for developments!

Just back in the house from a very successful trip, here is the picture from John O'Groats at 10am this morning Sunday June 26th.  Full report to follow.

Later

Brilliant news we raised $10,000 all but $200!