Parp!

Well, what an experience of a lifetime that was.

The long and winding roads of this sun-kissed and gale-free isle have provided the super heroes with many, many hours to discuss and debate the finer aspects of a wide variety of topics and in particular this rider is now much better versed in such issues as advanced road works (and in particular the laying of underground communications), the finer logistics of swimming lessons and what constitutes an acceptable structural framework for a restaurant calibre pie.

To say the experience has been enjoyable would be a trifle over-enthusiastic; at times the route has been vicious and the level of cursing has reached the sort of heights that would even have bought a rosie glow to Bernard Manning's boat-race. But we have had some truly wonderful times, some quality banter (imagine it, 10 thirty and forty somethings acting like -immature - teenagers once again.....) and although the variety of our daily routine has been exceptionally limited (eat,ride,eat,sleep,eat,ride.....etc) we've all had a bloody good laugh. Indeed, the level of carbohydrate and protein induced flatulanece has been absolutely astounding and at times many of us have been close to tears with the banter regularly on offer. Thanks boys for so many laughs.

One example in particular was when, whilst riding drenched and sodden through picturesque Preston in the usual monsoon conditions - and boy was it raining that dark and miserable afternoon - three "youths" slowed down in their go-faster Corsa, wound down the windows and gave us all the middle finger. Priceless.

This rider is still amazed that we made it to Lands Ends and we couldn't have done it without the "Blue Oasis" Honda pit-stops manned so fantastically by Ian and Immy; our fellow hero Mr Incredible is a keen advocate of the term 'Legend' but let me tell you, never has the term been more richly deserved than by those two. Both of you - thank you so much from the bottom of my stomach.

The festivities at Lands End brought us to the end of the road in many different respects and for this rider, the three cheers for our No. 1 hero Ali and the vision of those balloons drifting calmly into the picture-perfect clear blue sky caused some SERIOUS eye-welling action to my manly, stiff upper lip resolve but I managed to keep it in check with a crafty kryptonite gel pack...

A truly amazing experience, this rider feels sincerely privileged and honoured to have been involved in such a fitting, fun packed tribute to a wonderful little boy.

Thanks Kate and Jeff, thanks SWAGS and thanks to each and every one of our sponsors - "good work".

High five Ali x

Cooperman