Monday 28 July 2008

Day 52 Manchester to Portsmouth.

Well it has finally arrived, as inevitably it would, the last day. Soon it would all be over but we still had a ride to do and I was trying to banish all thoughts of bottom bracket failure, dicky knee or falling off, to the far reaches of my mind (which is actually very close to the near reaches). At breakfast everyone was in their America by Bicycle tops, even Alan, and we all looked splendid. This was a time of heightened chatter and the taking of photos that would not normally be taken. I collected a remaining American icon when I indulged in a waffle, Alan taking the photographic evidence.
After checking our huge room and loading I gave our group of Gary, LA John, Steve, Al and Bill a pin each with the Welsh flag crossed with the flag of their respective country. We then set off as a group for the last time and I led us out. Fittingly we were just about last to leave, though Danny caught us up after a few miles and then rode with us. We all had to be at Rye Junior High School for 11.30am, so we had plenty of time to amble along. It was cool, grey and the roads were initially damp, but it did not look as though it would rain. We climbed some minor hills, but thought little of them as the morning showed signs of brightening up. We passed other groups and noticed that there was an increased police presence to ensure we kept in single file, and Audrey was pulled over for using a tree to answer the call of nature.
The only SAG of the day, and the last one of all, was after 31 miles and we were still well ahead of the schedule. Loads of photos were taken at the stop and there was the usual banter. Alan and Fred joined our group after the resumption and later, with Gary, left us in Exeter to see some top prep school that feeds Harvard. As we dropped into Exeter town centre, looking out for a coffee shop for Bill, I spotted an opportunity to get a present for Diane, (I hate leaving these things to the last minute). The groups seamlessly joined up again by pure chance as we set off from various coffee shops and we arrived in Rye with 3 minutes to spare, perfect timing. Everyone gathered here for the final run to the ocean which was due to be under police escort. There was a group photo by Gerrard, and others took photos of everything that moved.
When the police were ready and we were formed up, with Sarge, Seattle John, Steve Foley and Jose at the front, noon on the clock had arrived and we set off on the last 3 miles. Our group were at the back with those that had not gone all the way across behind us. This was possibly the safest place to be in such a large group of over excited cyclists (I hadn't been so excited since I was about 6 and had found a really good stick). By now it was a glorious day, perfect for the photos, and the route was lined (in several places) with locals who knew what was going on and came out to wave and shout their congratulations. We waved back and could be forgiven for likening ourselves to the Tour de France, well almost.
As we progressed slowly it became possible to smell the sea and then those at the front started to cheer as they had rounded a bend that gave them the first view of the Atlantic Ocean. It was quite a moment and there was lump in my throat at the thought that I had made it all the way. We rode alongside the sea for a way and finally got to the car park at Wallis Sands, where there were loads of relatives and friends of riders, most with flags, balloons and banners, all cheering and clapping. A colourful finale. We then dismounted and there was a steady stream of non-medicated, euphoric cyclists carrying their machines down to the sea to dip the front wheel in the Atlantic Ocean. Some then left their bike with a loved one and threw themselves into the sea, still attired in helmet, shoes and gloves!! Normal people on the beach looked on in amazement and a glazed expression that said, 'Phone 911 and let's hope this lot are recaptured soon!'
After a good deal of posing for photos, handshakes and hugs all round most of us started to make ouy way off the sand as most oily bits on bikes don't like it. At this point Steve, his wife Della and their two lovely children were just walking down to the sea, so I managed to get a good photo of them. We then all went for lunch and a celebratory beer, followed by a slow meander to the Portsmouth sign for more photos and then to the hotel. Having got there most people were now making arrangements for their bike, either to get them shipped home or packing them up. Meanwhile I decided to set off and go to Maine which was only a few miles away. This done and with a photo of the sign to my 14th and last state (for now), I returned to the hotel to pack The Mule away and get ready for our group's celebration dinner in town.
It was a lovely meal and afterwards we went to a local bar having said goodbye to Steve's wife and children. Later in the evening we had to say goodbye to Steve as he was not staying at our hotel, but with his family. This was the start of the break-up of our riding group and a poignant moment after so many miles together.
When we finally came out of the bar we were unable to get a taxi (or a cab) immediately, so I suggested we walk as we could be back in the time that we would have to wait for a taxi. This was greeted with derision by a group of people 'slightly' the worse for drink and with absolutely no idea where they were or with any local knowledge. Fortunately I could remember the cue sheet instructions and in less than half an hour we were in our hotel, with Fred swearing that if he ever got lost anywhere he was going to ring me up for directions.
So that was it, done and dusted. My extra miles into Maine were not enough to ring up the 4K total, so I would just have to be content with 3,976.19 miles, (roughly). I'm now off to take my medication and try not to get recaptured.
Today's distance was 70.37 miles.

2 comments:

Polts13 said...

An absolutely AWESOME achievement and an equally brilliant blog to match.

We're sad it's over as we're going to miss the entertainment but glad to have you home safe and sound.

I'm sure it's not the last adventure for "Wayne-O and The Mule"

Well done Dad, we're so proud of you.

Lots of love
Huw and E-J
xx

Wayne-O said...

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my family and friends for their support over the length of the trip. The comments and jokes were great and it was so good to have messages of support from home. To all that have donated to the BHF, thank you very much, and as they say in ASDA, 'every little helps.'