September 4, 2011, by Andrew Burden
The VC’s blog: JoGLE Day 9: Retford to Sutton Bonington
What a special day. We knew in advance large numbers has signed up for the Retford leg and Community Ride from University Park and many more for the BBQ. But we were not prepared for the welcome we received at Sutton Bonington. To see so many family members, friends, colleagues and University supporters cheering us in was emotional and uplifting.
We rode in to the Campus at 15:00 once we were confident all leg and Community Riders had arrived. In fact we applauded through quite a number in Kingston village where we were waiting, including Kate’s two children Luke and Noah. We stayed until everything was wrapped up at around 1730. The interest in where we had been, how we felt, where we were going was tremendous. Support like this makes all the effort worthwhile.
We did of course complete a leg ahead of this wonderful welcome. It began in the car park of Retford Leisure Centre, which was where the 20+ leg riders were leaving from. I enjoyed the fact that there were so many people I knew well from across the University, including some I had worked closely with for many years.
Three of our team set off early – not the Flying Squad, but Kate, Karen and Chris J, to ensure they were in Sutton Bonington on time. (They obviously thought an hour and a half start was not enough since they were spotted going through a red light at a temporary traffic control).
The rest of us set off just before the leg riders at around 10:00. It did not take long for the leaders of that group to catch and overtake us however. There were some impressive looking cyclists among them.
In the meantime, we were beginning to break up in to smaller groups, in my case with Andy and Nick. It was not too long before the last of the leg riders overtook us, because Nick had puncture number eight. Andy sorted it. (He does it so quickly you expect a F1 pit stop timer to be running). Whilst we were doing our repairs a man approached us and asked lots of questions. He seemed very well informed. It turned out he was a retired technician from our Vet School (John Crosland) who lived locally, asked if he could ride with us and did so until Southwell.
It was an odd ride in some respects, familiar terrain in unfamiliar circumstances, as we wound our way through Wellow (where the support team were told off for playing football around the Maypole) and Eakring to Southwell. At Southwell we were joined by Neville and went to the Minster café for lunch.
After lunch we just ploughed on to ensure we were all at Sutton Bonington in good time, past familiar road signs and landmarks (including taking in Trent Embankment) until we regrouped in Kingston.
And back to that welcome. Everyone was bowled over by it and buoyed by the enthusiasm and support expressed; everyone was also pleased to see their family and friends. For Karen it was extra special, her daughter Emma was celebrating her 13th birthday at the BBQ.
So tomorrow we need to remind ourselves we have not finished! It will be time to move on and start the final five days after a night’s accommodation at one of the new Halls at Sutton Bonington.
Today’s leg added 50 miles, making a total of 662. Tomorrow is a long day, 88 miles to Bourton-on-the Water. But, I have been re-supplied with bags of Very Berry Jellies (which have been running out more quickly that I expected because so many others are fed up of Jelly Babies) so they will help keep us going.
David Greenaway
September 3rd 2011
Joined the group for a very pleasant ride to Southwell. I only have great admiration for all concerned undertaking such an event. However I was very impressed how fresh they looked after some 600 miles, especially as some have non cycling backgrounds. I’m sure all will complete with no problem.Good luck for the rest of the journey, ride safely and just keep those wheels turning.Thank you for the mention in your diary but the name is Corbett not Crosland.( no worries)
A very good day – we all enjoyed the Retford to SB leg. I get lost and put on in an extra five or so miles with someone from the Theology department!
Hats off to you all – especially Neville who conquered the first part of the ride with jet leg.
Wishing the team all the best.
Such an impressive effort from the JOGLE-ers. They were all looking good for the mileage they’ve done in a short amount of time. One of the best 50 milers I’ve done on a well organized route (well done Pennine Events). At the BBQ some of us Retford-SB cyclists even discussed setting up our own 40/50-something University cycling club so that we can do this kind of thing more often.
Good luck to the team for the rest of the ride (and keep something in reserve for Cornwall!)
Sorry I missed the riders pass through SB David. I have just returned from a meeting in the USA. I hope things are going well and the your refuelling strategies are working and helping you. Best wishes,
Paul
I had a really good time at the BBQ! It was a great way to celebrate my 13th birthday! Good luck to you all and just keep at it!
David, can senses the atmosphere when you got to home ground. Filled with pride; the finish line get ever closer. Fx
Hi David, it was great to see you and the others. So proud as you led the team onto SB campus. There was great anticipation ahead of your arrival with a fantastic atmosphere building as we all waited eagerly. We were all so impressed by everyone’s apparent freshness and continuing enthusiasm though I did detect a few ‘creaks’ as we sat down to dinner. Keep up the good work – am looking forward to joining up with you on Monday…. albeit in the car !!!!
The reception, support and send off at SB must have been such a boost to the team. My sister posted a snap shot video of your arrival on to the SB campus and it was great to see you all looking so good. All the very best for the next 4 days. Julie
great to see you all and to see looking so well. It was a wonderful day. And just cycling from Up to SB puts things in perspective. i had to remind myself that you were doing 4 times that journey on a short day and 6 times that journey on a long day (and with hills into the bargain!). keep going, not long now!
Yes, great day & valiant effort to all involved, esp. those doing LEJOG. I enjoyed the ride too as well as meeting colleagues on the way and at the reception. 115 Mi round trip for us on Saturday, but they were great miles & for good causes. I concur with Andrew here above; we should have a staff cycling club activity, e.g. to enter a corporate team in community events such as the Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride!
Glad to hear the SB day went so well. Sounds like a great turn out. Messrs Jagger and Greenaway were missed at the annual staff vs UNSSC bowls match on Sunday, where I am afraid to say the University Team, was beaten 3-1.
I hope you are managing to avoid the slight turn in weather.
Interesting Fact 3 : It would take a common garden snail 3 years and 4 months to do Jogle!
Dan