100 Miles - and the reason we're doing it.

Today was all about those who we are doing this for.

We cycled a full 100 miles today, incorporating a visit to Headley Court to see Royal Marines currently being rehabilitated therein. It was truly humbling to see the bravery from these individuals. We met amputees, those with cages fixed in to their limbs, those permanently bound to wheel chairs....each one of them showing true grit and determination to get back. It certainly put in to perspective the sore muscles, twitchy knees and blisters in personal places (Dan!) that we have been experiencing.

The journey started on Whale Island and proceeded out through Havant, paralleling the A3 up to Billingshurst where we stopped for breakfast at the 40 mile mark. A couple of rounds of bacon/sausage butties later and we were off for part 2, the 25 further miles to Headley Court intself. We stopped there for lunch to have a chat to those that the money directly supports before taking a quick snapshot at the entrance and heading for Haslemere, another 35 miles away. Here we were collected by the dedicated support staff, lead ably by Mark Betley, who force-fed us Krispy Kreme doughnuts while driving us back down the A3 to Whale Island again.

Overall, it was a very good opportunity for us to test ourselves over 100 miles. Everyone managed it without too much difficulty, setting us up for a great start on June 1st!

Isle of Wight Cycle

The longest training ride so far, the majority of the team took Wednesday 6th May out of work and cycled the full circumference of the Isle Of Wight. First with the wind, then very much in to it, then with it again, this ride was also the longest so far at a full 70 miles! The only stop was for a massive plate of sausage and mash at lunch. There were some sore knees making their way up the stairs in to the office on Thursday but it certainly showed just how hard this challenge is going to be. That was just 70 miles and the next day was a rest day! It just gets harder....

Col Pete Taylor does Soccer AM

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Col Pete Taylor, the senior ranking member of the team, gave his all on national television on Saturday 2nd May, taking a team of JOGLErs with him. In front of millions of regular Sky viewers, Col Pete underwent their Ironman Challenge, shifting progressively heavy bags from one end of a lane and into a landrover. At the same time he endeavoured to promote the cause and website as much as he could. Doing the team and the Corps proud, he got the message out there - let's see if we get anything back! The total increases.......

50 miles this time!

A lovely day out today, led by Si Gair, through the rolling countryside of Hampshire and West Sussex. A few navigational challenges lead to a few non-tarmac'd country lanes lead to two punctures; all good experience though, of course! We did have a stop at a lovely little pub in Finchdean, however; The George Inn. Highly recommended for a quiet Sunday retreat.

A total of 50-odd miles, as seen on the route pic, really put the knees and quads to the test but actually we're all doing pretty well today, a good sign for things to come.

Next week, 6th may, we're heading across to the Isle of Wight for a 68-mile excursion while the following Wed, 13th May, will be a cycle to Hedley Court. We've decided to not stop at Sellyoak now as the money that we are raising actually goes to Hedley Court. It also gives us another 60-mile cycle opportunity for training!

Thanks for all the continued support.

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MikeVaughan.co.uk

In a moment of sheer madness, colour coordinated Rob Thorpe (with new 1950s haircut!) walked in to Mike Vaughan's bike shop in Kenilworth with a fist full of cash and walked out 30 minutes later with the Ferrari of road bikes.  Shown in these photos is Rob collecting his Trek Madone 5.2 with Mike Vaughan Jr.  Thanks very much to Mike and his staff in Kenilworth to supporting this event and sponsoring the team.  Check out his shop and latest deals at www.mikevaughan.co.uk

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Training in the UK

No, we've not been sat on our backsides....well, we kind of have, I guess.
It didn't take long for the pelleton to form and we've been out in to rural Hampshire to put in the miles. It was only half way round that I remembered we didn't have a camera but rest assured there will be photos galore shortly. There's even some professional gear being adourned too; make no mistake, Rob certainly knows how to colour-coordinate the bike, shoes, shorts, top, glasses and helmet.

Anyway, keep reading, we'll soon be on our way, thanks for the continuing support!

Oh, this is our recent training route (click to zoom in):

Back in the UK

No, we've not given up, we are just taking a well-earned rest after the Iraq tour. We are all back safe and sound and will be back to work on 20th April. Obviously, noone has given up the training and I know all members are out still drumming up sponsorship and enthusiasm for it.

We look forward to getting out on the open roads as a group shortly and finding out if the Spinning training was of any use at all!

Keep checking this page for further updates.

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