The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 15 – Inchnadamph to Tongue

Some of us stayed at the Inchnadamph Hotel, and some in the hostel across the field. The owner of the hotel recognised us from two years ago, bought us a round of drinks, and although our deal was continental breakfast he was up cooking full breakfasts at 06:30, so we set off well fed. I …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 13 – Spean Bridge to Strathpeffer

I started with the best breakfast of this trip today at the Spean Bridge Lodge B&B, beautifully served by Glen. Moreover, having pretty well finished Day 12s blog last night, I had time to actually eat it, rather than just cram. The only problem was I had left Marion to order for me last night …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 12 – Cairndow to Spean Bridge

Two further milestones were passed today: the riders have now cycled further than Life Cycle 1 (1,037 miles) and Life Cycle 2 (1,087 miles). That puts the current challenge in perspective. Well done to all. Today we were riding for Boyan Wei. I had the pleasure of meeting Boyan and his Mother at a recent …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 11 – Cumnock to Cairndow

We passed 1,000 miles today. I have done it three times before, but it was still a big thrill, especially because the Support Team had laid out a 1,000 mile finishing line across the road (using some of our protein powder!). Today we were riding in honour of Eloise Mills, and Steve W was our …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 10 – Carlisle to Cumnock

Today we were riding for Jessica Hope and David W was the designated rider. I unexpectedly met Jessica’s Dad the Saturday before we left, when I went to Guantleys to buy a bottle of Tomatin. As I was giving personal details for their mailing list, John Gauntley came from the back of the shop, introduced …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 9 – Garstang to Carlisle

Today Chris J rode in honour of Alfi Mjeshtri. Alfi lost his battle with the disease at age four. Chris J commented: ‘I am tremendously proud to be cycling in honour of Alfi. I am truly amazed at the courage and resilience of the children and families affected by this disease. This inspires us all …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 8 – Market Drayton to Garstang

We have reached the halfway point in terms of days, but with 762 miles completed, passed the halfway point in miles. Today we were riding in honour of Katy Holmes, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at age 10, and died within three months. Karen was the nominated rider and said: ‘Katy’s parents set …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 7 – Chipping Campden to Market Drayton

At 82 miles, today was shorter, and I was in by 1800. But more of that later, let’s begin with the most important aspect of today. It was Joseph Foote’s day, and Andy was riding in his honour. Andy and Jude lost Joe age 9 and their determination to transform tragedy into hope for others …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 6 – Guildford to Chipping Campden

Last night we stayed in the Travelodge at Guildford. Tonight we are staying at The Kings Hotel in Chipping Campden. The latter is unambiguously superior in every respect bar one: to write a blog you need a table and chair, this (otherwise very nice room) has neither. So I am writing perched on the thing …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 5 – Hythe to Guildford

Today was a tough one: 95 miles, 5,000 feet of climbing, and all into a constant head wind. More of that later. Keira Lee was the child being honoured today, with Steve Wright as the nominated rider. Keira sadly passed away last December, age two. One of our stops was at Keira’s home in Smallfield …