Day 9

Day 9
Bridestowe to Lands End
99 miles

The last day, only 99miles to go and the lads were done.

All four woke up with great excitement, within a few hours the challenge would be complete and they would not have to mount a bike ever again.

Chants of “Easy, Easy, Easy” could be heard as the lads set off from the Hunters Moon guesthouse, the final stretch was going to be anything but.

Cornwall is renowned for big hills and undulating terrain and by the time the lads made it to the first checkpoint they were well aware of how difficult this last day would be.

A quick top up of gels, drinks and bacon sandwiches the lads were about to get on their way once again, when we all started laughing at what Jay had said the previous night, “I don’t mind taking them up the hill”, well he was up the hill plenty of times after.

Checkpoint two, 51miles done and time for lunch in St. Stephen. None of the lads fancied a full Sunday roast, so meal deals from the Co-op sufficed.

The morning session had taken considerably longer than previous days; a tough route and tired legs were kicking in to slow the group down.

Also causing minor delays on the route were horses in the middle of the road as we passed through the village of Minions. Plus sheep started running at Scott on his bike, not ideal when trying to build up a bit of speed downhill.

The third and final checkpoint, the last time the lads would need to stock up on jelly babies, fizzy cola bottles, biscuits and the life-saving gooch cream.

On to the home leg, 22 miles left to go.

Finish line was in sight, the picturesque coastline of Lands End, the end of the journey.

James, Lewis, Scott and Wes celebrated as the crossed the line, full of smiles, ecstatic to be done, another challenge complete.

They were all greeted with champagne and a few cans of lager, much needed and well deserved. After posing for pictures as proof and sharing a team hug the lads could now relax and look back on an incredible achievement.

I cannot applaud these guys enough; to complete such a journey when none were really experienced cyclists (some only started training in January) is tremendous. As mates they kept each other going, sticking together for every mile and pushing themselves further all in aid of the fantastic charity Mencap.

Well done Lads

Hellish achievement