Monday 24th May – Day One
Portsmouth - Caen
Cycle – 2 miles

Wow – what an amazing start. The cyclists gathered outside HMS Victory in Portsmouth from 3pm to register. The atmosphere was fantastic and, after rousing introductory speeches from Bryn Parry and Jonathan Bryan of Discover Adventure, everyone congregated to watch a fantastically moving performance by The Band of Royal Marines of Collingwood. Following this, the 2nd Sea Lord Admiral Alan Massey gave an inspirational speech, sending the cyclists on their way.

The first to set off for the ferry were the wounded team with two hand bikes leading the way. The rest then poured out in a stream of red, blue and navy while their loved ones cheered them on. The departure wasn't without incident however, with one fall and one puncture, but in true H4H spirit the two cyclists involved cracked on and soon joined the rest of the team. At Portsmouth ferry terminal, 'Welcome H4H' signs greeted the cyclists and the staff had arranged a band of bagpipers and drummers to see everyone off.

Now on the ferry, spirits are high, new friends are being made and one or two celebratory drinks are being consumed. Goodbye for now and more tomorrow!

Rosie and Kitty xxx

Tuesday 25th May - Day 2
Le Havre - Dieppe
Cycle - approx 50 miles

After an early wake up call on the ferry, team H4H disembarked and took buses to the start point - Senneville-sur-Fecamp - a quintessential French village, where the villagers ensured that Team H4H were sent on their way in the most wonderful fashion.

First, children from the local primary school led the riders into the churchyard. Clutching home-made French flags and union jacks, they laid flowers on the graves of the Common Wealth War Graves of six British Servicemen who were buried in the town's graveyard. The graves were adorned with simple, elegant white headstones, which were as moving as they were understated.

After this touching gesture, the children then sang our national anthem with a sweetly French lilt. It was a lovely moment and even the toughest of bikers couldn't help but smile at the joy on the children's faces as Emma and Bryn gave each one a Hero bear.

The lycra-clad masses were then ushered into the church, where our pedalling Padre, Father Roger Dawson SJ, Assistant Catholic Chaplin at Oxford University, led us in prayers. Some French veterans also attended the service, as did the Mayor.

After the moving and uplifting service (but also brief - everyone was keen to get cycling) the Mayor led us to the town hall where the support crew and Discover Adventure (DA) met the team. Bikes were collected and the team enjoyed cups of tea with bacon butties.

And then they were off! It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining but it was joined by a gentle breeze, which stopped anyone overheating. The cyclists rode through villages where friendly locals cheered as the two wheeled adventurers sped past, cows watching on as they shot through great expanses of lush countryside.

Unfortunately, these great expanses were rather lacking in shelter and more than a few members of the team started to feel the pressure of head winds and the relentless sun. But it wasn't enough to stop even the most windswept or overheated of riders.

DA said that there were some ‘undulations’ along the route. After today, all riders know that this is code for ‘lots of long hills'! No one was put off though and several long climbs were conquered, up many zigzagging roads.

It was all part of the challenge and everyone really worked up an appetite for lunch. The location for the next stop appeared at first to be in the middle of nowhere, but at the end of the track there was a field with (on the higher points) breathtaking views of the sea. A fantastic feast for hungry people was provided by Extreme Catering, including lots of (essential) carbs and some rather yummy muffins!

The first wreath-laying ceremony was held at the highest point of this field above the harbour of St Valery-en-craux, where the Memorial to the 51st Highland Division stands. In a silence broken only by the distant sound of the sea and the circling cries of the gulls, the Padre once again led team H4H in remembering the fallen while they cycled to improve the lives of those still living.

Spurred on by this (and of course the fabulous lunch), the cyclists were soon on their way again, winding their way along the coastline - which meant lots of ups but also some great downs. DA and all the support crew were fantastic, keeping up morale as they drove up and down the long line of cyclists, honking horns and waving flags.

The head winds continued but it was the first day and it seemed that everyone was running on adrenaline and general excitement. The camaraderie was wonderful and, when someone seemed to be struggling, the shouts of ‘are you ok?’ or ‘do you need help?’ were numerous. Wounded Hero Matt Kingston - part of Team Marine - was a fine example of this, shouting encouragement to H4H's Rosie and Lizzy as they struggled up one monster of a hill, ensuring the girls finished day one without once having to dismount and push.

Finally the team snaked into Dieppe where they met near the beach for a final ceremony. The haunting sounds of the bugle then sent the weary riders to their hotels where much needed showers were enjoyed, before team drinks and supper.

Tomorrow looks like another hard but rewarding day and everyone is in high spirits. After a good night's sleep the team will be ready to tackle any ‘undulations’ the French countryside throws at them.

Goodnight.

Kitty and Rosie

Wednesday 26th May - Day 3
Dieppe - Amiens
Cycle - approx 75 miles

At 4am this morning the ominous rumble of thunder and crash of lightening woke 275 weary riders. It didn't bode well but team H4H were un-deterred and set off at 8am, ignoring the grey skies and spitting rain.

It was to be a hilly day, even before the first drinks stop there was an upward slope so monstrous that it quelled the hearts of even the toughest of cyclists. However help was at hand in the form of team H4H musicians – our bugle player, trumpeter and bagpipe player - standing half way to play rousing music to spur those tired legs on.

The first drinks stop was very welcome and riders fell upon Dorset Cereal Bars, kindly donated by the company for the trip. The rain began to fall steadily but morale remained high, despite soggy feet and wet clothing.

Other than the rain, the massive challenge today was punctures: with the bad weather creating debris and loosening stones. Many of the road bikes' thin tires were unable to cope - General Andrew Gregory quipped; ‘today is the day of the puncture’ while his wife Sally (an H4H volunteer) noted cheerily that they had had six punctures between them.

A few people ended up waiting on the side of the road while the support team struggled to cope with the number of punctures, (there were literally hundreds) however no one was stood alone for long, as fellow riders waited with them and many people loaned out their spare inner tube to help. Discover Adventure also worked their socks off to make sure that riders were back on the road as soon as possible.

The lunch at Ramburelles was fantastic – a spread that even Jamie Oliver would be proud of: French cheeses, sausage rolls, lasagne and other delicacies waited for the weary peddlers, while hot coffee and chocolate spurred them on their way.

In the local graveyard at Ramburelles stood the solitary Common Wealth Grave of young man whom had served with the 10th Royal Hussars. Many riders visited to pay their respects but five in particular were pleased to honour this gravestone: the ‘Five Fat Cavalry Officers’ are all Ex Royal Hussars and they were moved to be able to pay tribute to one of their regimental family.

And so the riders continued – the weather not only making cycling hard but slowing up team media as well – with water drops preventing too many photographs. But morale was high despite dripping faces and fogged up camera lenses!

The final stop, before heading into Amiens, was the Crouy British Cemetery Crouy-sur-Somme. Here the wind and rain-swept landscape played host to some soggy, but still proud, riders who paid their respects to the 739 Commonwealth members of the Armed Forces laid to rest.

From there it was down hill all the way (almost) and despite a few missing directional arrows (no fault of our team – just some playful locals), traffic and team media getting hopelessly lost, everyone one was soon settling into one of five hotels before enjoying a slap up meal locally.

Another wonderful day. The attitude by everyone to the less than perfect weather was summed up by one rider, Martin, who said (pint in hand) “every bit of today has been a best bit – and as for the weather – well skin is waterproof isn't it?”

Until tomorrow,

Kitty and Rosie xxx

Ps. Rosie is far too modest but Kitty can proudly report than she was in one of the front 50 riders for most of today! A fine achievement for team PR – well done Rosie!

Thursday 27th May – Day 4
Amiends - Arras
Cycle – 70 miles

An amazing and emotional day – many people were feeling the 'day three burn' but the terrain was the kindest that the team had encountered so far and the historical monuments along the way were well worth cycling for. The weather was also improved and according to most riders it was 'ideal' as cloud kept it from being too hot, yet the rain stayed away.

Within twelve miles of leaving Amiens, cyclists stopped at the Australian War Memorial. Here, everyone paid their respects to the endless row of white pristine graves and learnt about the Australian sacrifices in the First World War. It was a fitting tribute to the loss of one nation and cyclists could not help but be moved.

And not for the last time today. A relatively gentle ride followed but with emotional stops at many Commonwealth Cemeteries, set in lush French countryside punctuated by picturesque villages.

Everyone had lunch at Thiepval, home to the renowned Thiepval memorial – an awesome monument that lists over 70,000 names of soldiers whose bodies were not recovered from the battle of the Somme.

A moving ceremony was held which began with the bagpipe player leading the riders to the front of the memorial. Three wreaths were laid and General Trousdell (one of the riders) and the Peddling Padre gave heartfelt and thoughtful addresses – many were moved to tears.

The cyclists then spent time in private contemplation at the incomprehensible numbers of names listed of the white walls – making the sacrifice of a generation of young men clearer than ever before.

A more sombre group of cyclists continued, stopping at the Canadian National Memorial site at Beautmont-Hamel, the largest Battalion memorial on the Western Front and the largest area of the Somme Battlefield that has been preserved. To see, and walk, in the trenches was a heartfelt reminder of the suffering of the young men who fought for our freedoms in WW1.

Despite the seriousness of the day, spirits were still high with riders enjoying themselves as they cruised through the mostly flat countryside. In the next bit of the ride (only twenty miles!) many of the riders stopped for a cheeky pint – causing much hilarity and they posed outside a few bars amusing other, better-behaved, riders!

In Arras the team visited the Wellington Quarry, a catacomb of tunnels that were originally mined in the 17th Century and then utilized in the First World War by allied troops. These tunnels were used to hide 24,000 troops and provided an element of surprise to the enemy in the battle of Arras in April 1917. The tour of the tunnels was a sobering experience and hugely educational.

It has been an amazing day – perhaps the most poignant so far. Remembering the dead, honouring them, while riding alongside so many serving members of the Armed Forces and some of our wounded heroes was a humbling experience. Seeing the lists of names in so many settings, set in marble, which show so clearly the sacrifices of a generation, reminded everyone of the reality of our modern-day Armed Forces. Rider George, a serving Soldier in the Coldstream Guards who has just returned from a tour of Afghanistan, summed it up – 'We lost six men this tour, and here, seeing the names of the men who served in my regiment and gave their lives for our freedom just brings home what is happening today to our Armed Forces in Afghanistan.'

Until tomorrow – goodnight,

Love Kitty and a saddle-sore Rosie xxx

Friday 28th May – Day 5
Arras - Ypres
Cycle – 70 miles

The team woke to blue skies, sore thighs and a relatively relaxed day ahead.

First stop was to be Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge; it was gentle ten mile cycle out of town before the roads turned into sun dappled, tree lined avenues.

The approach to the memorial was simply breathtaking - the sun was rising behind it and the light bounced off the white stone. It was an awesome sight, dominating the landscape by sheer size and, more important, by what it represents.

Here three wreaths were laid to honour those who died in WW1, but also those lives lost in more recent troubles. In a poignant moment Adrian Hume laid one in remembrance of his son Daniel, who died in Afghanistan last year.

Back on the road the cyclists followed the Western Front Line, stopping at Loos to learn about the battle there.

Lunch was at Fromelles – once again Extreme Catering excelled themselves and the riders (and support team) fell upon the feast which had been prepared for them.

Fromelles is home to a new cemetery site where, although it is not open to the public yet, the Rifles team took the chance to pay their respects and leave a wreath on behalf of the group.

After lunch it was full steam ahead to Ypres with the occasional stop at the commonwealth cemeteries dotted along the route.

After an early supper team H4H headed to the Menin Gate in the town centre. We were to be honoured guests for the daily Last Post Association wreath laying ceremony.  The entire team gathered under this awesome moment and were collectively proud as the H4H bugler and bagpipe player performed an essential part of this remembrance service, awing the gathered crowd.

Six wreaths in total were laid with H4H rider Chris laying the final one. Dressed in his H4H cycling shirt he did the team proud at this important ceremony.

Despite a five am start many riders headed to the beautiful square in the heart of Ypres for a few beers and much laughter as they shared cycling stories and enjoyed a well-earned hour or two off.

Tomorrow is the last day of cycling and despite sore bottoms and weary legs many riders have said how sad they are that the trip is coming to an end. A few hardy souls are already talking about signing up for the A Bridge Too Far Bike Ride in September. But – we still have two full days of the BBBR to go, and two more blogs to send your way.

Until then, goodnight,

Love Kitty and Rosie xxx

Saturday 29th May – Day 6
Ypres - Dunkirk
Cycle – 70 miles

The five am alarm call was a painful one – even for the most hardy of cyclists. For those whom had stayed longer than intended in the bars of Ypres, it was more than a little emotional.

But our valiant peddlers – knowing this was the penultimate day and the last day of cycling – were all up and on the road by 6am. The sun was shining and everyone was in high spirits.

The only stop for this day was about twenty miles from Dunkirk, where cyclist were detoured to cycle up the hill made famous by the (as the song goes) Grand Old Duke of York, who marched his men to the top of the hill and marched them down again.

Bouncing over cobbles on what can only be described a very steep incline every single rider empathised with the Duke's men, but at the summit the view across Northern France, our route mapped out beneath us, made it (almost) worth it. A quick banana, Dorset Cereal Bar and glug of water later and the H4H riders were off again – waving sympathetically at fellow cyclists still struggling up the hill.

We were now on the home stretch with around twenty miles to go before we reached Dunkirk - following the route taken by many soldiers on foot seventy years ago.

Arriving in Dunkirk riders congregated by the beach in town. Waiting for everyone to arrive, groups of new friends had their picture taken, and there was a sense of excitement, pride at the fantastic achievement of each and every cyclists, as well as emotion at the thought of what had come to pass here 70 years ago.

Cyclist Peter Morris told how his father, a Padre, had been one of the last men evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940. While he was reported 'missing presumed dead' to his mother he gave spiritual comfort to the healthily and wounded men waiting to be taken home.

Finally, once all the cyclists had arrived they gathered together to cycle on mass down the promenade running alongside Dunkirk Beach. It was an awesome spectacle and very emotional. With most wearing their H4H cycling tops a mass of navy, red and sky blue had pedestrians stopping to stare, and even the support team were filled with a huge sense of pride over what had been achieved.

At the beach memorial, to those soldiers who lost their lives so close to being free, we joined a special ceremony to remember those who fought here.  Representatives from the different European Countries involved in the evacuations were present, including many British veterans and Prince Michael of Kent – himself a former soldier.

A few of the Cyclists – including Bryn Parry and some of the wounded were honoured to meet the veterans present before the ceremony began.

The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, with the 50 small ships which took so many of our men to safely 70 years ago, were harbored just off the shore. In front of them a helicopter was used to lay a wreath in the sea – the pilot expertly lowering down as close as possible to pay this act of remembrance.

The Ceremony followed with wreaths being laid, national anthems sung, a twelve-gun salute and a minute's silence. One moving part was when French children – from a local dramatic arts school – read an account of a soldier's days in Dunkirk, waiting to be evacuated. Expertly performed, the reading made the experience of those men more vivid than anything else possibly could.

But the moment we will remember forever was when our national anthem was played: In the front row our veterans, many to frail too stand alone, all rose to their feet and sang along in quavering – yet still strong voices. To see these men, remembering the men they served alongside was humbling indeed.

After another wonderful lunch produced by Extreme Catering the cyclists had a bit of time to themselves before the Memorial Parade.  But here, dear reader, team PR, Rosie and Kitty were forced to separate: Rosie to continue on with the ride for a further ten miles before spending the night, courtesy of the Navy, on HMS Largs Bay off the shore from Dunkirk.  And Kitty to get the ferry to Dover to be ready to welcome the weary travelers home tomorrow.

So, until tomorrow,

Goodnight.

Love Kitty and Rosie.

Sunday 30th May – Day 7
Dunkirk - Dover
Cycle – 40 miles

After lunch and the moving Dunkirk ceremony, the cyclists headed off for their last cycle of the week. Though told it was only about 12 miles, it turned out to be a pretty tricky 17, cycling straight into the headwind making cycling hard - typical Discover Adventure keeping us on our toes up until the last few moments!

Arriving triumphantly, if slightly wind swept, at the ferry terminal, the H4H team gathered in a hanger for a warming meal and the opportunity to change into normal clothes. In groups they set off to board one of two Landing Craft that were waiting in the port to take them to their accommodation for the night, the Royal Fleet Artillery's ‘Largs Bay’.

The Landing Craft was a fantastic experience - especially seeing the Royal Marines in action as they steered it towards the ship in the 30 minute journey. Once aboard Largs Bay, we found our dorms of 24 with bunk beds stacked 3 high. Everyone was feeling tired so it wasn't a late one but a few beers were enjoyed during the evening as we waited to greet those arriving in half hourly slots from the shore.

An early morning alarm call woke the dormitories at 0615, alerting us to the need to be ready in half an hour for the final wreath laying service. A quick cup of tea boosted the troops as they gathered and the pedaling Padre led them in the final act of remembrance.

The ship's cooks laid on a huge fry-up which went down a treat. There was some free time in which people could explore the ship or gather their belongings. We then gathered on the main deck and made a giant human ‘H4H’ sign whilst photographer Peter climbed up a long fleet of stairs to stand outside the Captain's quarters to take pictures from above.

Then we had a real treat - whilst admiring the view of Dover from the deck - a Spitfire flew over head. It was an awesome sight and it whizzed passed the ship and over our heads. The pilot must have been having a great time!

At 1300 the cyclists collected in the hull of the boat to board onto the landing craft in preparation for our Dover beach landing. The journey to shore was quick, only 10 minutes and the sight that greeted us made all the lows of the trip worthwhile: Family, friends and Dover residences lined the beach to cheer the cyclists as they ran off the landing craft. It was a moment to be truly proud of - knowing that so many people had turned up to see us.

The Red Devils put on a sky diving display that had everyone on the beach straining their necks as they looked up into the sky,  ooohhing and arrhhhing in with delight was they watching them jump from 3000 feet. Their red parachutes stood out against the blue sky and they trailed red smoke which spiraled around them as they moved through the air, landing gracefully in the sea in front of a wowed crowd.

The atmosphere on the beach really was incredible and spirits from the exhausted, but elated, cyclists was the highest it's been as the sense of achievement of the passed few week truly hit home.

The celebrations really begin tonight, with a meal at the Duke of York Military School in Dover but you'll have to join next year's BBBR to find out what happens at the after party!

Until next year - Rosie (and Kitty in spirit)

PS. We would just like to say a huge well done to all of the cyclists, you've all been amazing. It's been a privilege to cycle  (and drive along side) with you at various points along the way and the camaraderie and high spirits, no matter how tough the hills or wind, has been so wonderful so thank you! We have both decided to join the ride next year and this time Kitty will be leaving the camera behind and donning some Lycra! See you then, Love Kitty and Rosie.  xx