Monday 29th September 2014 – Hythe, Hampshire

Apparently the ride this morning started with “some interesting (!!!) off-road cycling around Blandford Camp” - I'm looking forward to hearing the details of that tomorrow! Still they obviously weren't arrested by the military police as they met up with two of their cycling friends from Butleigh at Three Legged Cross.

John and Alan had brought their wives Peg and Inga along and they went off to look at the sights whilst the boys cycled. Luncheon was taken at Brockenhurst, almost literally taken as Les nearly lost his lunch to a hungry New Forest pony! After a diversion to Bucklers Hard, they met up with the ladies at Beaulieu for afternoon tea. I am beginning to think that this blog is being dominated by talk of food and drink!

After fond farewells, Les and Ian set off for the last leg to Hythe where they met up with Ian's brother and sister-in-law, Douglas and Sue, for a meal. That's more eating and drinking! I can't wait to join them tomorrow evening!

86km we cycled today in approx. 4 hrs 45 mins.

Totals so far: 147 km in 8 hrs 30 mins.

To donate to Les and Ian's charities, please visit www.justgiving.com/teams/lesian

Photos: Meeting up with John, Peg, Alan & Inga; The hungry horse; At Bucklers Hard; Afternoon tea at Beaulieu.

Sunday 28th September 2014 - The Adventure Begins

A beautiful English Autumn day saw relatives and friends gathering in Butleigh to wish a 'bon voyage' to the two intrepid cyclists. Les' grandchildren had produced a lovely banner wishing Grampy and Ian good luck and, as the clock struck 11:00, it was time to wave them off as they ascended the hill out of the village. The first of many hills, no doubt.
I have just received an email from Ian who has told me that they had excellent weather and light traffic on the three and three quarter hour journey. They even managed a visit to Shillingstone Railway Project (http://www.shillingstone-railway-project.org.uk/) in North Dorset, a restored railway station and an excellent place for lunch.
They have now arrived in Pimperne, Dorset where they are staying for the night. As I write this, they are enjoying a meal and a well deserved pint of beer (possibly more than one!) in the pub across the road. Talking of which, I think that it is time to drink their health.
61 km completed, just 1,139 km to go!
To donate to Les and Ian's charities, please visit www.justgiving.com/teams/lesian
Photos: The banner made by Les' grandchildren - I should point out that it reads 'Grampy' not 'Grumpy'; Ian and Les posing in their fetching BIBIC teashirts; Gathering in front of the banner; And they're off!

A New Adventure - Charity Cycle Ride from Butleigh, Somerset to Vale de Lobo in Portugal

Now I need to make it clear that Jane and I have not suddenly become fit and keen to put ourselves through hell by cycling to Portugal. We are going to leave that to our good friends Les Stringer and Ian Cooper. We will be in the lap of luxury, purring along in Henrietta and acting as support for the athletes.
The cycle ride is raising money for two very worthwhile charities - BIBIC (helping brain-injured children) and Prostate Cancer UK.
Les and Ian leave Butleigh on Sunday 28th September, cycling down to Portsmouth with friends from the village. We meet them there and take the ferry to Santander where the hard work starts. The planned route will take them down through central Spain to the coast at Huelva and then West along the coast into Portugal and the resort of Vale de Lobo. Here they will be joined by their wives and Ian's daughter, Sophia, for a well deserved break.
Les and Ian have form, some years ago they did the LeJog (Lands End to John O'Groats) and have been thinking about another adventure ever since. After months of planning and training, it all starts tomorrow!
Good luck to them both, may the sun shine gently and the wind be on your backs.
If you would like to help Les and Ian to raise money for the charities, please visit www.justgiving.com/teams/lesian
Photo: Les and Ian on a gentle cycle ride through the Somerset villages.