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Day one

Follow Hayden and Lewis’ journey to Lands End.

The start of any journey is said to be the first step and the first step for us was towards an excellent plentiful row of bacon and sausage rolls and freshly brewed tea and coffee. Charlene and Charlotte from the Herts MS Therapy Centre worked themselves hard to keep up with demand for the breakfast offerings, we should have warned them exactly how hungry our entourage could get! While on the subject of entourages we were delighted that so many had pulled themselves from the duvet on a crisp Sunday October morning to give us an amazing send off, thank you so much everyone!

The departure

Before saddling up, Mark (Manager of HMSTC) kindly said a few words about, the ‘crazy’ feat we were undertaking and the generosity from everyone who has sponsored/donated so far to raise over £5,000, even in the current economic climate. We then proceeded to saddle up under a shower of hugs and kisses (some tears) from close friends and family.  Upon leaving the entrance of the therapy centre we turned left (the wrong way); this had been a carefully hatched plan, that was crafted on a previous practice ride. This was greeted with jeers of ‘you’re going the wrong way’… Plan executed perfectly!

The Game

In order to pass the time on the road in between taking in some of the stunning British countryside we dreamt up a game, might seem mad, but as Mark said, we have to be a bit    ‘crazy’ to be undertaking this ride. Basically it’s the battle of the cars, Hayden spots an Audi A2 one point to him, Lewis spots an Alfa 147 one point to him, simple. The loser at the end of the day buys the first thirst quencher at the end of the day.

The ride

Well after the fantastic send off, the amazing breakfast and warm words we were both full of energy and enthusiasm and looking forward to the day ahead. We meandered our way through the country lanes out towards Barton le Clay, Toddington and then onto Bierton where we were met by Rob Harrison. He had made us meatballs and pasta for lunch, his balls were small, but perfectly formed, very tasty, thanks muchacho. He even went to the trouble of providing fold up chairs for us in the lay-by! A great idea from his wife, Rachel.

At the halfway point we were fuelled up and ready for the second part. On to Aylesbury and through the other side, at which point Lewis is nearly taken off his bike by an OAP in a Corsa getting too close. We then hit Thame and at this point the legs were feeling the miles and the bum was definitely feeling the saddle. The last 20 miles were tough, so it was head down and concentrate fighting through the pain and chafing. The last 6 miles provided us with a winner for the game: two Alfa 147′s in the space of a few miles left the score 6- 4 to Lewis, day 1 to Sagey!

Once we arrived at the B&B it was a quick turn around and out for a bite to eat, replacing the lost fuel, we think that around 4,000 calories went on the road today. First day finished, tiger balm for the muscles then off to bed for both of us. Sadistically we are both looking forward to day 2, Bath here we come……

Day 2 – Monday 18^th October

The Statistics

Please support Hayden and Lewis by entering a bid, by contacting Charlotte on 01462 684 214