And so the ride has been completed and thankfully both the bike and body survived! There were no mishaps on the way apart from setting off in the wrong direction at the very start quickly rectified after about 100 metres.
Getting out of London was a bit of a scare what with the traffic and me being something of a novice riding on the roads but again thankfully I made it although I still have the smell and taste of diesel from huge lorries roaring past me somewhat too closely at times.
A few thank-yous. To my support team during the course of the ride being my good friend David Garrett who not only drove the van with some essentials such as first-aid and bike repair kits but who also provided great company. To Kevin Brandrick of Otis Vehicle Hire and the Premier Inns who sponsored the van and accommodation respectively. To Geoff Snape who played a huge role in making this bike ride possible and to the Chairman and Board of West Bromwich Albion FC for kindly allowing the bucket collection prior to the start of the game against Birmingham City. To the former players of West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City along with the volunteers from Birmingham St. Mary’s Hospice who gave their time to act as bucket collectors at the game. The reception I received from both sets of supporters during my ride around the pitch was very warm and will stay with me forever.
Finally to each and every one of you who have given so generously in your donations for the benefit of the Birmingham St. Mary’s Hospice and Cancer Research UK on their behalf I thank you all most sincerely.
Brendon with Birmingham manager Alex McLeish and Chris Kamara
Micky Fudge Ally Robertson and Joe mayo, with a volunteer before the collection
Getting out of London was a bit of a scare what with the traffic and me being something of a novice riding on the roads but again thankfully I made it although I still have the smell and taste of diesel from huge lorries roaring past me somewhat too closely at times.
A few thank-yous. To my support team during the course of the ride being my good friend David Garrett who not only drove the van with some essentials such as first-aid and bike repair kits but who also provided great company. To Kevin Brandrick of Otis Vehicle Hire and the Premier Inns who sponsored the van and accommodation respectively. To Geoff Snape who played a huge role in making this bike ride possible and to the Chairman and Board of West Bromwich Albion FC for kindly allowing the bucket collection prior to the start of the game against Birmingham City. To the former players of West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City along with the volunteers from Birmingham St. Mary’s Hospice who gave their time to act as bucket collectors at the game. The reception I received from both sets of supporters during my ride around the pitch was very warm and will stay with me forever.
Finally to each and every one of you who have given so generously in your donations for the benefit of the Birmingham St. Mary’s Hospice and Cancer Research UK on their behalf I thank you all most sincerely.
Brendon with Birmingham manager Alex McLeish and Chris Kamara
Micky Fudge Ally Robertson and Joe mayo, with a volunteer before the collection
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